Make Your Own Worry Dolls
We love this activity from Nanny Anita, perfect to keep little fingers busy and little minds worry-free.
Worry Dolls come from Guatemala and were created as a remedy for worrying. According to Mayan legends, when someone is kept awake worrying, they tell their worry to as many dolls as they need to. The dolls are then placed under the pillow and are meant to then take over worrying, which leaves the person able to get a good night sleep.
This craft can be a little tricky for smaller ones (although it is a great activity for fine motor skills). We have included an easier version for younger children at the bottom.
You Will Need:
- Craft clips
- Embroidery thread
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pens
STEP 1: Choose three different colours for your worry doll.
STEP 2: Starting at the top of the clip, add a little glue and press the end of one thread into it. Then begin to wind the thread around the top third of the clip. When you have wound it enough then add a little bit of glue to the end of the thread and press down to secure it.
STEP 3: Repeat this for the next two colours. When you get to the ‘legs’ you can wrap them individually, or not. We went down one leg, then back up and then did the other one.
STEP 4: Next add a little bit of glue to the top and bottom, where the thread is right at the end of the clip. This is to stop if coming off.
STEP 5: Finally, add a face using pen.
TIP: For little ones, instead of using thread, let them colour the clips in with pens.