What Are Worry Dolls?
Worry dolls, also known as ‘Trouble Dolls’, are a traditional Mayan handicraft that has been used for centuries for healing and finding inner peace. The worry dolls are tiny figures made of fabric, string or wire, dressed with colorful fabric and yarn. They have been used by people to help them deal with difficult emotions, such as fear, worry, stress, and anxiety. They are believed to take away people’s worries and troubles, and help them find inner peace.
How to Make a Worry Doll
Making a worry doll is a great way to relax and practice mindfulness. It is also a great activity to do with children, as it encourages them to think about their worries and express themselves in a creative way. Here are the steps on how to make a worry doll:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To make a worry doll, you will need the following materials: scissors, fabric scraps, thread, colored yarn, and stuffing (like cotton, wool, or polyester). If you want to give your worry doll a face, you will also need buttons, beads, or pieces of felt.
Step 2: Cut Out the Doll’s Body
The first step is to cut out the body of your doll. You can use any fabric of your choice, but it is best to use fabric that is lightweight and easy to work with. You can use a template or make your own design. Cut out two pieces of fabric in the shape of the doll and make sure that they are the same size.
Step 3: Sew the Doll’s Body Together
Once you have cut out the body of the doll, put the two pieces together and sew them together with a needle and thread. Make sure that the fabric is facing the right way, with the right side of the fabric facing outwards. Once you have sewn the two pieces together, you can turn the fabric inside out so that the right side is now facing outwards.
Step 4: Stuff the Doll with Filling
Once you have sewn the two pieces of fabric together, it’s time to stuff the doll with the filling of your choice. You can use cotton, wool, or polyester stuffing. You can also use scraps of fabric or pieces of felt. When you have filled the doll with enough stuffing, sew the opening shut.
Step 5: Give Your Doll a Face
If you want to give your doll a face, you can use buttons, beads, or pieces of felt. You can also use fabric markers or paint to draw a face onto the doll. Be creative and have fun with this step!
Step 6: Dress Your Doll
The final step is to dress your worry doll. You can use colorful fabric scraps, ribbons, or yarn to make clothes for your doll. You can also make a hat, a scarf, or a pair of shoes. Have fun with this step and be creative!
How to Use Your Worry Dolls to Heal Your Troubles
Once you have finished making your worry dolls, you can use them to help you heal your troubles. Before you go to bed, hold your worry doll in your hand and tell it your worries and troubles. As you talk to your doll, imagine that it is absorbing your worries and troubles. In the morning, you will feel better and more relaxed.
You can also practice mindfulness with your worry dolls. Hold your doll in your hands and focus on your breathing. Notice the feeling of the doll in your hands and the weight of it. Feel the fabric, the stuffing, and the face of the doll. Notice the colors and the details. This can help you to relax and to be in the present moment.
Conclusion
Making worry dolls is a great way to relax and practice mindfulness. It is also a great activity to do with children, as it encourages them to think about their worries and express themselves in a creative way. Worry dolls are a traditional Mayan handicraft that has been used for centuries for healing and finding inner peace. They can be used to help people deal with difficult emotions, such as fear, worry, stress, and anxiety. By making your own worry dolls and using them to heal your troubles, you can find inner peace and relaxation.