How to Decorate Christmas Nesting Dolls

* Wooden Nesting Dolls

* Acrylic Paint - Red, White, Black, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Dark Green, Light Green

* Thin Posca Pens - Black, Green, Yellow, White, Red, Pale Blue, Pale Pink

* A4 Felt Sheets - Red, White, Beige, Green, Yellow, Brown, Orange

* Tacky Glue

* White Gesso

* Paintbrushes

* Pencil

* Scissors

* Eraser

Note: Posca Pens make the decorating process simpler, however all details can be added using acrylic paint and a very thin paint brush.

Download the PDF templates here

Before you begin, print and cut out these templates ready to use.

Before you begin decorating, first separate all the wooden dolls pieces and then cover them with a thin coat of white gesso. Leave to dry.

Next, use a pencil and lightly draw the character design on onto each doll as shown on the template.

Tip: If the pencil lines are too dark, use an eraser to gently lighten them before painting.

Paint all the base colours onto the dolls, using the image as a guide. When the first layer of paint is dry, add a second coat to any colours that have not covered completely. Keep all parts separated until completely dry.

Tip: To prevent the wooden dolls sticking together, avoid using thick layers of paint near the edge where they attach.

Draw around the templates onto the relevant colours of felt, using the image as a guide. Carefully cut them all out. Add any extra details you wish using paint or posca pens. 

Then lay out the felt pieces in groups for each of the characters. Using tacky glue, attach each of the felt pieces to the dolls. Make sure you firmly hold the felt pieces in place until the glue bonds and then leave until completely dry before gluing on the next piece.

Tip: Keep the details as simple as possible and use gentle motions on the felt to avoid distressing the fabric.

Use Posca paint pens (or acrylic paint and a fine paintbrush) to add final details such as the eyes, arms, leg stripes and buttons, using the image as a guide.

Your Christmas nesting dolls are now complete!