Apple Dolls Instruction

1. Pick a firm, unbruised, well rounded apple. (Yellow or red delicious apples are recommended) Use apples before they turn soft and mushy.

2. Thinly pare apple thoroughly. Be sure to remove all peel at both ends.

3. Use a paring knife or other carving instrument to gently carve out facial features and shape head.

4. Hollow out the eye sockets then make about 1/4" slits into center of each eye. This will allow you to place beads or googly eyes when apple has dried.

5. Be sure head has been carved into a smooth and rounded head shape with no sharp angles. Contour rounded cheeks, nose, mouth and ears properly spaced. Shape a neck at the base of the apple.

6. Fill a zip lock bag with a solution of salt (good amount) and water. Be sure the entire apple is covered. This will prevent the apple from discoloring with time. Leave apples in solution for approximately 36 hours.

7. Remove apple from bag and blot dry with paper towels until all surface moisture has been absorbed.

8. Push a small stick, straw or wooden skewer into the center base of the apple and stick the other end into a styrofoam block. Set apple aside in a dry, well ventilated place and allow to dry for approximately 2 weeks.

9. When the apple is leathery, you can better shape the features but carefully. Repeat this process several times during the drying period until you are happy with the shape of the features. Apple will shrink during drying process to about half it's original size. Each apple will dry with it's own unique features. It is virtually impossible to create two the same.

10. When apple is dried, push two beads of desired colors into eye slit with a pin for each. Use rouge to highlight cheeks and paint lips red. Felt or yarn may be used for eyebrows, glue on.

11. Use crafting glue to apply hair made of yarn, Fiberfil, batting or cotton. You may also purchase hair from a craft supply store.

12. Use store bought doll figure or parts for body or create your own with sticks, wire and glue. Be sure to dress doll as desired before securing head on top of body neck with a good amount of glue.

These dolls are adorable and the idea was brought over from the old world long ago.