How To Make a Beautiful Doll Hatbox for Under $4
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| The finished hatbox. |
Most fashion doll collectors adore doll accessories. Of course, purchasing antique fashion doll accessories can set you back several hundred dollars. Even purchasing accessories for your Gene or Barbie can add up--some Gene accessory paks sell for $30 to $40. So, many doll collectors turn to crafting their own accessories for their dolls. This project gives full instructions for making an 'antique" hatbox or gift box . The project is perfect for new doll crafters because of its simplicity (and low cost!) and it should also be fun for experienced doll crafters who can improvise with this technique to create a variety of lovely items. Don't miss the additional ideas below for using this basic technique to make a more modern-looking box for your Barbie or Gene.
WHAT YOU NEED
1. Scissors: small, sharp ones are best.
2. Modge Podge Decoupage finish (gloss).
3. A cardboard hatbox (purchased from Michaels craft stores in small
sets as shown below, for $1.69 for a group of 3. These hatboxes are sold
in graduated sizes all smaller than 2 1/2" in each set. The box used
for the sample is oval and at its longest measurement only 2" across.
Larger boxes are also available.
4. Print-outs of the FREE doll clip art
available on this site (see
below for the technique for these print-outs!).
5. A Brush.
6. Computer and color printer.
HOW TO MAKE THE HATBOX.
1. Print out several pages of the THUMBNAILS of the free dolls clip art available on this site (see below for instructions on HOW to do this).
2. Cut out the clip art thumbnails individually. Cut some along the lines, and cut others on the contours of the images in each piece. Take care NOT to leave any white borders around the artwork when you cut.
3. Apply Mod Podge or white glue to the backs of the clip art thumbnails one at a time, and apply the images to the cardboard hatbox. Make sure each piece is securely glued down. Continue to apply the clip art, overlapping as you go, until the entire hatbox and lid is covered. Be sure to cover the rim of the lid, the bottom of the box, and the rim of the box to give the project a finished look. Also make sure that you do NOT make the rims of the lid and the box too thick so that the box will not close when you are finished.
4. While applying the clip art, put some pieces upside
down, others sideways. Save smaller pieces and cut-outs to go on top of
larger pieces that you have applied first. Make sure to use some bright colors
such as reds, which show up nicely in the finished project.
5. When your entire hatbox is covered (you do NOT have to cover the interior of the box) Apply 2 or 3 light coats of Mod Podge (or, white glue that dries clear) to the box to give it a hard, glossy finish. The Mod Podge is best when it is dabbed on as opposed to brushed on with large brush strokes (which will show in the final project). Let the box dry completely between each application; if you get the box too wet it will warp. You might prefer matt finish Mod Podge--the sample was done with glossy. Whatever finish you use, the colors will "pop out" when the finish dries.
6. You are finished! If you like, you can take 400 or 500 grit sandpaper and lightly sand the finish for a smoother and more antique look.
How to Print Out The Clip Art For Use In This Project
1. Go to the main Dolls Clip Art page at to choose the pages of thumbnails that you want to print out. I used the Vintage Advertising thumbnails and the Dolls thumbnails for the sample, but other good selections are the Children and the Victoriana thumbnails.
2. When you are on a page of thumbnails you like, highlight JUST the thumbnails. Then, click on PRINT. Make sure you select "Print this SELECTION" only, or you will also print out the advertisements and other information on the page.
3. Your printer should be set for "best" quality print for the clearest prints of these little pieces of art.
4. The colors on the print-out will appear a bit muted, but the colors will "pop out" once the decoupage finish is applied.
5. Print out 2 or 3 pages of thumbnails, so you will have a variety of little art to use for your decoupage.
6. If you have a larger project you want to decoupage (like a doll trunk) you can click on the individual thumbnails and print out the large versions of the clip art (each piece of clip art has its own page).
For More Modern Looking Boxes, and Other Variations Using This Technique
For a more modern-looking box, you can search the internet for other appropriate images. Perhaps you want "mod" images for a box for your mod Barbie. Or, perhaps you want a box from the 40s for Gene, with black and white photos of movie stars. The possibilities are endless once you know the technique. For a REAL "heirloom" look, you can cut up small, ripped pieces of actual Victorian ephemera for the decoupage. You can also decoupage doll luggage, doll trunks, and other similar small items in this manner.
Permissions for Use of This Project
Permission is granted to all About.com users to make these hatboxes for personal use or for gifts. These hatboxes may NOT be made and sold, and this project may NOT be taught for a fee (permission, however, for teaching this project as a doll club project is hereby granted to all UFDC clubs). Thank you!
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©Denise Van Patten 2000
All Rights Reserved.
All photos ©Denise Van Patten 2000
