STEP ONE: GATHER MATERIALS
One of the first things to consider for this activity is what type of Voodoo doll you want to make. There are countless types of spirits and purposes to inspire the creative process. Here, I will present instructions for making an all-purpose Voodoo doll.
HOW TO MAKE AN ALL-PURPOSE VOODOO DOLL
As in most creative projects, you must first gather your materials. The basic idea is to take a walk outside and look around you. What do you see that looks like potential materials? Really, anything goes when making a Voodoo doll, but here are some suggestions. You'll want to find 2 rather sturdy sticks. I recommend using sticks that are 8 to 12 inches long for the body. The other stick will serve as arms and should measure half the size of the body. Next, you'll want to find something to stuff the doll with. Although Spanish moss or pine needles are commonly used in New Orleans for this style of doll, anything that speaks to you that is a natural element will work.
These two things form the foundation of the Voodoo doll.
Next, find some scrap material and cut into one or two inch strips. Two inch strips are best for bigger dolls. Don't worry if the material frays or is not cut straight or imperfect. These are the kinds of things that will give your Voodoo doll character when all is said and done.
For the purpose of this article, I have made a list of suggested materials to use as you follow along.
Materials
2 strong sticks
Spanish moss
scrap fabric cut in 2 inch strips, 2 to 3 feet long (color of your choice)
yarn that complements or contrasts fabric
string, hemp cord, or waxed thread
2 black-eyed peas or beads to use as eyes
needle and thread in a color to match or contrast your fabric
tacky glue
7 pins with heads in the following colors: red, blue, green, purple, yellow, black, white
Symbolism of the 7 pin colors:
yellow - success
white - positive
red - power
purple - spirituality
green - money
blue - love
black - repelling negative energy
STEP 2: MAKE A CROSS
Make a cross shape with your two sticks.
STEP 3: TIE CROSS WITH SPANISH MOSS
Take the Spanish moss and wrap it around the sticks, starting at the middle for reinforcement. If possible, use moss that is connected together in a piece long enough to cover the sticks without breaking the moss apart. The idea is to wrap the doll in one continuous motion.
STEP 4: WRAP THE BODY
Continue wrapping the moss up around the head, down to one arm, back across to the other arm, back to the middle, and down to the bottom. If you break the moss apart and have to use more than one continuous piece, that is okay. However, you may have to wrap string around the moss to keep it from falling off. If you wrap tight enough, you shouldn't have to use string over the moss.
STEP 5: WRAP DOLL WITH FABRIC STRIPS
Take your fabric strips and wrap around the moss. Make sure to leave some of the moss showing, such as on the head (for hair), at the ends of the arms, and at the bottom. Secure with tacky glue. You may want to reinforce with a couple of stitches with your needle and thread.
STEP 6: MAKE FACE
Take your beads and attach them with the needle and thread for eyes, or glue 2 black eyed peas to the face for eyes. Add a button or bead for the mouth. I used a small plastic flower for the mouth of this doll.
Congratulations! Add youR seven pins and you have made an all purpose Voodoo doll!
