Spirit Dolls
My Beaded Spirit Doll
Spirit dolls are used in various forms throughout the world. They go by many names: spirit dolls, worry dolls, healing dolls etc. I made this one while I was recovering from hip replacement surgery. I had been an independent, self reliant person for so many years that I found needing to be waited on demoralizing and depressing in spite of the loving care provided by my grown children. The bright primary colors are not what I'm usually drawn to, but I needed them to lift my spirits.
I found as I worked that just the touch of beads of various finishes and sizes was soothing and calming. The swirling design of this beadwork produced a tactile sense of well being as the reflex points at the fingertips were gently massaged and stimulated, producing mental and physical healing. The quartz crystal crown and fringe tips as well as the black beads were used to dispel negative energy.
Spirit Dolls of Different Shapes
The doll in the introduction is a fairy doll. See the wings? This one is a goddess doll. She is the first one I ever made. One of my friends was going through a very trying time and I made this one for her. I didn't try to draw a design before I started adding the beads, I just let the beads lead me. I kept my friend and all her various troubles in my mind as I stitched. I didn't even lay out a color scheme. I let the beads lead there too.
Make Your Own Spirit Doll
Your spirit doll can be used for decoration, inspiration, or as an aid to healing and calming. Make a small doll, about 4 inches tall to carry with you.
Patterns and Ideas for Your Spirit Doll
Making your Spirit Doll
Unfortunately, none of the websites I used for inspiration while making my beaded spirit dolls are available now, so I will share what I know with you.
You'll need
Close woven fabric - If you want to make a solid bead pattern on the doll, use a solid color. You can use a print and just embellish the design in the print with beads if you prefer.
A paper pattern for your doll - the one I used is no longer available, but you can try this one or draw one of your own.
Pencil
Fiber fill
Beads
Beading thread
Scissors
Cut out a paper pattern for the doll
Place 2 pieces of fabric right sides facing and draw the doll pattern onto the fabric.
Pin the pieces of fabric securely and stitch around the outline of the doll, leaving a 1 inch opening to stuff the doll.
Cut the doll out 1/4 inch from the stitching. Clip corners and notch outward curves. Turn the doll right side out. Note: When making a 4 inch doll it is much easier to sew the doll first, then cut it out.
Stuff the doll as you wish. You can stuff it lightly for a flatter doll, or stuff it tightly for a more rounded doll.
Turn the edges of the opening under and blind stitch or whip stitch it together.
You're now ready to embellish the doll as you wish.
Tips: You can glue on a polymer clay face, paint on a face, or use a large flat bead or button for a face if you wish. Do this before you start beading.
Stuff the head and arms then make a row of tiny stitches between them and the body for a more sculptured effect. If you're making a solid beaded pattern over the doll, this might alter a design you may have drawn.
Gina Hopkins has a wonderful video tutorial for bead embroidery on YouTube. You can also go to youtube.com and type bead embroidery into the search bar for many more tutorials