Clothespin dolls, by Sharon
I wish I remembered clothespin dolls. I'm surprised I don't. They are exactly the sort of craft that I began learning about the time I was weaned and potty-trained and enjoyed ever after. Maybe it's because spring clothespins had come into widespread use by the time I was born. Had I known about them when I was around ten years old, I would have spent weeks making them, creating shoebox homes for them.
It's not too late. I have discovered clothespin dolls now, and found a new purpose for them. I made six to be shared among the tiny granddaughters who are about to arrive for a visit and a couple of local friends. What fun I've had making them. If it weren't for the press of time, I'd make another dozen. What fun I've had, raiding my dwindling scrap bags of yarn and fabric, devising ways to make hair, crafting wee dresses. I feel like a kid again!
Not only have I made up for the memory I don't have, I hope I'm creating memories for future generations. Realizing the importance of memories better than I did even when my own children were young, I'm determined to create wonderful Grandmama memories with my grandchildren. Considering they all live at least five hours away by air, that takes some doing.
Isn't that just the greatest thing about life writing? It can make us aware of the future and our ability to create the future as well as helping us explore the past.
Write now: make a list of memories you wish you'd had. Turn that list into a second list of wishes. Take one wish and write about how you can make it come true.
9 comments :
Oh, Sharon, I LOVE these dolls! I made them as a Blue Bird, the precursor to a Camp Fire Girl, I think. Where did you get the clothes pins? And are you now going to let the grandchildren make more with you?
Sharon, you touched upon a memory I do have, but had forgotten! What fun it must be to create these little dolls now for your grandchildren. And in doing it, finding that part of your childhood again, new, like living in layers of time all at once. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I don't remember clothespin dolls either. Must have been a deficiency in our area. I think I will try some! Those are so cute!
Oh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who doesn't have this memory. The girls love them! Instructions are easy to find on the Internet if you feel inspired.
Sharon,
I got the clothespins at a dollar store. Right now the girls are too young (2 and 4) to make more, but maybe later.
Linda Joy,
Indeed, this is like several layers of time laminated together, and fun indeed.
My Grandmother or one of her sisters made some of those for me and I remember making them one Christmas when I visited. I had forgotten all about them!! Loved reading several of your posts; I'm so glad you stopped by my site. My kids would have fun playing with those and I have a ton of scrap material - I think I have a new project for Christmas break!
Hi ComfortWriter,
These clothespin dolls are so much fun to make. I found several website with instructions, though most offer kits. I did invent a new way of making hair. Anyone who wants to know can e-mail me. It's too much to put in a comment. You'll find an e-mail link just below my profile on the main page.
those dolls are cute. :)
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