We didn’t have Barbies when I was a kid (something about them being “too grown up”), but my Grandma had all my aunt’s old 60s Barbies, so we’d play up a storm with the Barbies (and Midge!) when we visited. Along with the readymade clothes and accessories, making little goodies for Barbie made our play even more fun. We would always use the staircase for a makeshift Dream House. Ooh, I just forgot I was writing a craft blog for a second! During the last couple days, a couple handmade goodies for Barbie have popped up in my feed reader, so I figured I should pass them along to you!
Upcycle Craft: Doll Headbands
This cute headband (photo at the top) was made by Jessica and her daughter, over at Zakka Life. Can you guess what the headband base was made of? [how to make Barbie headbands]
Recycled Plastic Pillow Packaging into Barbie Pool Loungers
Yes, there is a use for those plastic pillow cushion things you get in packages besides popping them and tossing them! Make ’em into a pool lounger for Barbie and pals. Thanks to Whimsy Love for the great idea! [how to make recycled pool toys for Barbie]
Barbie Clothes Pillow
I love the use of the vintage Barbie shirt on this understated linen pillow, by Jessica at Zakka Life. [Barbie clothes pillow]
Barbie Shoe Bracelet
Kristine McKay’s daughter Kelsey made this bracelet out of her old Barbie shoes. Cute idea from a crafty girl! [Barbie shoe bracelet]
Barbie Clothes & Accessories Keepsake Shadow Boxes
Very pretty way to display keepsake Barbie clothes and accessories (or any other little item you love). From Style at Home Magazine, found at Poppytalk. [keepsake shadow boxes via]
Recycled Barbie Clothes Cards
Use old Barbie (or doll) clothes to create sweet love notes, at Other People’s Chicken. [recycled Barbie clothes valentines via]
Ruffly Barbie Apron
These pretty aprons for Barbie look quick and fun to make, thanks to Brassy Apple for the great idea. [make Barbie aprons via]
Additional Resources:
- I-Spy Bag, Photos, and Book (use old Barbie accessories, among other things) at Obsessively Stitching
- Use a Barbie Dress to Make a Birthday Card at Chica & Jo
- What would Crafter Barbie look like? at Zakka Life
- Margaux Lange’s Amazing Barbie Parts Jewelry
10 Comments
Sophia
My niece has Barbies, but none of the more “adult” activity themes (for the same reason you weren’t allowed to have any). :) I can’t wait to make some Barbie headbands and aprons to send to her. Everyone is going to think she’s my favorite niece soon!
Vanessa
My only question is why are Barbie and Ken fully dressed in the pool? :P I don’t have daughters but I always love creative uses for what seems like trash!
Laura @ PARING DOWN
I loved all of my own Barbie time. We had the Town House and the Fashion Plaza as well as the blow-up furniture. I actually had more fun setting up house than actually play-acting.
:) Laura
Mich L.
I saw those headbands on Zakka Life – the coolest!!!! Love the other ideas, too – esp. the shoe bracelet. Really fun collection, thanks, Heather!
KJ
These are all great ideas, very thrifty, resourceful and stylish.
Zakka Life
Heather,
Thanks for sharing not one but two of my tutorials, I appreciate it :)
I really like the barbie shoe bracelet. I love those little Barbie shoes. Confession: Once I bought a pair of shoes for myself because they reminded me of my Barbie flats.
Jessica
Maggi
I really love a lot of these ideas! The shoe bracelet and shadow box are my faves I think!
keaton
cool