A range of simple stand designs are available for artists who want to display their doll in an upright position, as well as doll owners proud of their purchases or creations. Modeled after traditional designs and incorporating make-do materials, these doll supports are easy for even novice crafters to create.
Make one from antique materials; or transform a wooden block and wire into a near-invisible doll stand. Whatever the chosen design, it offers support and versatility for the doll's individual style and size.
Spool Stands
The most traditional doll stand consists of a wooden rod inserted in a wooden base. The model has been the basis in the mainstream plastic industry for Barbie and other popular display dolls; but the wooden design remains a staple for several primitive and folk art crafters.
One of the simplest and most attractive is the spool stand. An old-fashioned wooden spool serves as the base for the stand, in place of a drilled-through dowel or a flat wooden base; a wooden dowel is fitted through the spool's center hole and glued in place. The doll is slipped over the wooden pole, which slides between the back of the doll's garments and the body.
Wood and Wire Stands
Inspired by lightweight stand designs, a wood and wire stand is one of the least-obtrusive styles for displaying primitive dolls. The gauge of the wire is particularly important in this case, to ensure enough strength and support is provided for holding the doll upright (soft, extremely flexible wires are not recommended).
Drill a small hole in flat wooden base, one at least a half-inch thick; cut a length of hardware wire and insert one end in the base after dipping it in glue. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, curl the other end into a flat and narrow spiral which can slip easily between the doll's body and garments. This type of stand is particularly useful for displaying sculpted dolls with unusual poses.
The Hanging Hook Stand
Similar to the wood and wire stand, the hanging hook requires the same materials, but offers a unique display opportunity for small or unusually-posed dolls. Perfect for displaying butterflies, fairies, and other objects requiring suspension or the sense of animation, the hook can vary in size and style according to the tastes of its artist.
The wire is inserted in the base, as before; but the top is arched in a question mark curve, the opposite end curved into a hook that allows the doll to be hung in place by a thread or ribbon loop. The stand should be tailored and adjusted to keep the corresponding piece suspended off the base.
The more lightweight the stand, the easier its shipment for dolls available for sale. Properly-sized holes for the stands may allow disassembly for non-glued pieces, adding to shipping and storage convenience. For crafters and collectors seeking a convenience means of display, a hand-made stand of simple materials is the perfect solution for a primitive doll.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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