I have a wonderfully creative friend named Deniece Halford. She made these awesome garden maidens and they were just way too beautiful not to share with everyone. I have wanted to make these every since I first saw them, but wouldn't you know it, I can't find the darn doll heads anywhere! :( boo hiss! lol.
She started out with three doll heads that she found at the thrift shop.
Then she cut their hair very short.
once that was done, Deniece cut the tops of the heads off. She said this was the toughest part as the heads were very stiff and sturdy. Perhaps using tin snips after making the first initial incision would work much easier than using scissors.
Once this process was complete, she sprayed them with gray paint,
While the paint was still wet she sprinkled them with sand which gives the doll a faux concrete/hypertufa look. The doll was then sprayed with clear varnish as a sealant.
Once they were thoroughly dried, she planted the plants of her choice and the result is this beautiful set of garden maidens. You can find Deniece on Facebook.
By the way, the total cost of Deniece's Garden Maidens was as follows:
Total Cost = $14.00
$4 at thrift store for doll heads. $6 for plants, $4 for paint and varnish. versus the $108.00 ones that she viewed at her local garden center. Now that is an amazing bargain!
Wow, what a great way to recycle. This is one of the things I love about crafting. When you consider the different elements the possibilities are endless.
ReplyDeleteMe too Annette. I love upcycling!
DeleteLove this idea for my front garden but just wondering how they've faired over time
ReplyDeletevery well, due to the fact that the paint was covered in sand and then varnished. So it is very much like a normal planter. The plants and the texture of the sand and varnish help to keep the surface well protected.
ReplyDeletethe best one I've seen so far.. I'm going to try it...
ReplyDelete:) would love to see your project when finished :)
Deletei want to make one for my deck.. maybe add some fairy lights into the "hair"
ReplyDeleteI think that would be delightful! I would love to see a picture of your finished product! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this tutorial; I'm making one now & it is fun and easy! I drilled a hole in the top and my small serrated blade cut through quite easy once started. I'm not quite finished yet, but I can tell it's going to look amazing, cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome! One of the things I really love about crafting is that each piece is so unique! Enjoy and as always, I would love to see the finished product! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, so Im making them, but... Im going to see about using the heads as MOLDS, so I can re-use them.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, so Im making them, but... Im going to see about using the heads as MOLDS, so I can re-use them.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Vickie!
DeleteI love this idea, but am wondering what do you add as a base for the head so the soul doesn't fall out?
DeleteYou can actually buy a spray paint that has a concrete finish. I am going to try this.
ReplyDeleteYour altered doll heads are just AMAZING . I LOVE them. They look so decorative. Thank you so much for the tutorial. Great idea to add sand to the surface. I need to make some for my garden .
ReplyDeleteThanks again. I’m so happy to have found this tutorial.
Hugs from Monica
Spain
That was very smart and beautiful I think ill try this but I will use the rustoleum concrete looking paint this will cut out the sand step and still give it the same look wish me luck and thank you for the wonderful idea
ReplyDelete