I loved the story of Peter Pan as a child. I wasn’t a very adventurous child, and I think I was drawn the the idea of Wendy – who, clearly, was also a fairly unadventurous child typically – flying away on a grand adventure. I also quite agreed with Peter that children have all the fun, which is a big part of the reason I make the most of raising my own children now that I am an adult.
I have also always loved doll making. I sewed one of those print-to-sew doll pillows when I was maybe five years old, and made many more dolls over the years. Owie dolls, felt fairies, and crocheted dolls (free pattern!) have made it onto this blog.
When I learned that Salley Mavor was putting out a new Felt Wee Folk book (while searching for books on fairy making for a somewhat related project), I ordered a copy. I love the way her dolls look, and as soon as the book arrived my kids were making long lists of the dolls they wanted. This is the only doll I have made so far, but I am sure we will be making many more. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Emma was able to follow the instructions in the book, and she is working on a small doll that I will post when it is finished. I am afraid that my children inherited my love of working on way too many projects at once.
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DIY Peter Pan Doll
Peter Pan is not one of the official dolls in the book, but Johnny had requested a Peter Pan doll and I made his first because he is super helpful around the house and frees up more of my time for crafting. I used the pattern for Hansel’s hat on page 113 and the pattern for the prince’s clothing on page 89 with very minor adjustments (skipped the tunic belt and added a jagged edge to the trousers). I bought 100% wool felt from FeltOnTheFly for this doll, and it was worth the price! Really lovely thick felt that cuts neatly. His hair is made out of wool roving. I was worried about painting the faces because I don’t paint much, but it worked out pretty well.
Doesn’t he look ready to step onto the window sill and fly away? He has already been on many adventures around our home!
What crafts are you working on right now?
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I am a big fan of Salley Mavor! I bet Annabelle would love this new fairy book.
This is adorable! You should sell Peter Pan (and maybe Wendy and the dog) in an Etsy store!!!
He has turned out so well MaryAnne, I would have loved to play with him when I was a girl.
MaryAnne, seriously, this is so cute! I think this is the best craft I’ve seen here so far! But yeah maybe it’s also my bias towards anything Peter Pan ;)
That turned out amazing! My 5 year old is obsessed with Disney’s Peter Pan. I don’t know when I’m going to have time to learn how to do this, but I bought the book and hopefully I can make time soon. I know my kids would love it.
My current craft project is knitting an old-fashioned Christmas stocking for my second child. I was originally planning to knit one for my 3rd child as well, but I just might be the world’s slowest knitter and he’s only 1, so I figure I have another year before he’ll notice.
It looks amazing! A will be in a Peter Pan musical next year – she already got music for it, and she is slowly warming up to the story. She still didn’t agree to see the movie or read a book :D
We listened to the audiobook on our recent road trip :) Emma, Johnny, and Lily were in a Peter Pan play earlier this summer, and they really enjoyed it.
I love the Peter Pan doll! The details are just marvelous! I wonder if my kids will like making dolls like these again – they did, when they were a couple years younger. But these days it’s all about making skins in Minecraft :(
I should let them see your post. And read them Enid Blyton, so they’ll get excited again about little dolls and little friends (that do not have square heads and pickaxes).
Thanks for the shoutout, MaryAnne!
Your kits are fantastic! I am in no rush for my kids to learn to love Minecraft, educational though it is… Your Minecraft-themed party was pretty amazing though!
How wonderful!! I think the face you painted is wonderfully expressive, and even captures some of the essence of your handsome and helpful son!!
As for me, does cutting my kids’ hair count as a craft?? It’s about as close as I get, and I do enjoy it. :)
I think hair cuts count! Your most recent one was very cute!
I find that the toys I make often end up looking at least a bit like the child they are intended for. It’s interesting and kind of fun :)
Yes i have seen those kits, and I’ve ordered some for my kids. They’re going to LOVE it!
I’ve check her first book out from the library so many times. I love how the dolls look.
I haven’t seen her first book (beyond the cover), but when I saw this I knew I wanted it. Such neat dolls!
That really turned out nice – you did a great job capturing the character!
Thank you!