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delia creates

crafting, girls, kids, kids create, tutorial · January 11, 2018

Chalkboard Russian Nesting Dolls DIY

I’ve always had a love for Russian nesting dolls, so when I saw a raw, unfinished wooden set at Michaels, I snatched it right up.

But then I couldn’t figure out how I wanted to paint it. Should I do a fairy tale theme, a traditional theme, or something more modern? And do I trust myself to pull off what I’m envisioning? I was feeling major craft paralysis when it dawned on me…why not paint it with chalkboard paint!?

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

It takes all the pressure off to get the design just right, because I can erase it and try again anytime the mood strikes me. Or my daughter can…because these dolls are for her. Ahem. 😉 😉

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

MATERIALS

  • Wooden Russian nesting dolls*
  • Sand paper
  • Chalkboard paint**
  • Paint brush
  • Chalkboard marker or chalk***

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

Material Notes:

*These wooden nesting dolls are Creatology brand from Michaels. I found them with the other unfinished wood items in the children’s section, next to the blank wooden puzzles and trucks. With a coupon, they come to just a few dollars! 🙂

**I used Martha Stewart acrylic chalkboard paint in black because it gives a nice lasting, quality finish, and I like black with wood tones. You could use other colors or use chalkboard Mod Podge over any paint/finish. 

***I prefer chalkboard markers because they are easier to use and you can just wipe your designs away with a damp rag. 

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

TUTORIAL

1. Sand it.

Pull apart your nesting doll set and sand it to smooth any rough edges. My pieces fit together a little too snugly, so I also sanded down the inner ring where the halves connect. I only sanded it down just enough so the pieces still need a little tug to come apart.

Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and let your dolls dry.

2. Paint with chalkboard paint.

I wanted to keep it simple but still doll like, so I left the face open and painted swooping bangs at the top. For the smaller two dolls I just painted them completely. I almost added eyes, but because I used black chalkboard paint I was afraid they would end up looking more like nesting ninja dolls. Ha!

Let the paint dry according to label instructions.

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

3. Cure it.

If you plan on using regular chalk for drawing, scribble on a scrap piece of paper with chalk and then use a rag to wipe up the dust to rub over the chalkboard surface. This prevents your first chalk designs from “staining” the surface when you want to erase it.

If using a chalkboard marker you can skip this step.

That’s it! You’re ready to doodle and nest away!

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.comChalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

Painting the two smaller ones faceless, gave me the freedom to make them into a kitty and a flower. 🙂

Chalkboard Nesting Dolls DIY // www.deliacreates.com

Previous Post: « Lace Geranium Holiday Dress
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Charity says

    January 15, 2018 at 9:43 PM

    Those are really cute, and clever!! Chalkboard paint is such fun!

    Reply
    • Delia says

      January 15, 2018 at 11:57 PM

      Thanks! Isn’t it? I should branch out into other colors, but I love that classic black chalkboard finish!

      Reply
  2. Audrey says

    February 26, 2018 at 12:43 PM

    Delia these are so cute!!! I’m in love! And the photos on this post are stunning as always.

    Reply
    • Delia says

      March 6, 2018 at 10:31 AM

      Thank you Audrey! You are so kind!

      Reply

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