Modern Voodoo Dolls: How They Differ From The Traditional Dolls

Voodoo dolls have significant places in the cultural imagination of our ancestors, as well as ours. In the past, practitioners used the old technique, which is actually still familiar with us and some still follow their traditions in Voodoo doll-making. However, as time passed, people changed, and their imaginations became wider. They have incorporated a touch of modernism to the old tradition of making Voodoo dolls. These dolls are not necessarily involved in black magic, or any negative energy; in fact some are mostly made for fun and camaraderie with friends.

If you are interested in learning a sample modern voodoo doll, then I am here to help. The first thing you should do is to gather your materials. You will need a full body-shot of the intended recipient, a printer transfer paper, white fabric, thread and needle, and your symbol pins with heads in the following colors: red, blue, green, purple, yellow, black, white, pink. In one of my lessons, I have discussed the meanings of these colors, but for those who are reading this the first time, let me explain what is the significance of each color.

It is important to know that Voodoo practitioners use dolls mainly for negative things like hurting people or forcing romance. If you harm your boss out of malevolence, karma dictates that the consequences for you will be worse. There are nine pins, as I have mentioned, each one with a different symbol: Red stands for death or bad health, blue for love, green for money or tranquility, purple for spirituality, yellow for success, black for repelling negative energy, white for healing, and pink for love and affection.

Now let's go on to the steps. First of all, you have to clearly print the photo of your subject as large as possible on a photo transfer paper. There will be instructions coming with the photo transfer paper for transferring the image into ironed white fabric. Follow that. From that fabric, cut out your recipient's body shape for the front and back. Do not forget to leave a seam. Once you are done cutting, it is time to sew. Leave a hole near the center to give way for stuffing. Cut also small holes at armpits, fingers and crotch to serve the same purpose. For stuffing, you may use yarn, cotton or any stuffing material you desire. Once your doll is stuffed, you may now turn the doll inside out but do it in a careful manner. If you are having a hard time pushing it with your fingers, then you may use any stick or pencil. If you are already satisfied with how your doll looks, you may now sew the stuffing hole closed.

Remember also that if there's any text or graphics on the picture (such as on the person's shirt), you have to reverse the image horizontally before you print. As a result, it shows up normally later when it's on the doll. An another option would be to cut out a heart from red fabric to cover that section

People will have different tastes in their Voodoo doll styles. Most modern dolls are immensely decorated with buttons, and some are greatly dressed up. Whatever your style is, the only reminder is that you know what these dolls' significance are, and most importantly, you should make them with a clear conscience. Karma, as they say, is just around the corner. It is thus better to make a Voodoo doll when you are motivated by good-will rather than revenge.

If you want to learn more on how to make voodoo dolls I advice you to visit the voodoo dolls site.

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Russian Dolls and Their Popularity in Russian Culture

People who are interested in art and in collecting varieties of artistic things will undoubtedly be attracted to Russian art, culture, history and Russian craftsmanship. Russian culture includes within itself Russian literature, Russian philosophy, Russian folklore, and Russian art. Russian art includes architecture and making of handicrafts. Among Russian handicraft, Russian nesting dolls rank first. Also known as "Matryoshka", these nesting dolls have a common feature of following a particular theme. The theme may range from the peasant girl (in her traditional dress) to any modern day character.

Vasily Zvyozdochkin, a doll maker and a craftsman, was the first to introduce these handmade dolls. The concept of nesting dolls is to place one doll inside the other in a nested fashion, until there is a tiny little doll inside. Since these are placed one inside the other, every doll can be separated and the separated doll contains a similar doll but in a smaller size.

Although these dolls are synonymous of Russian culture, there are several other handicrafts that are presented as popular Russian souvenirs. Prominent among them include Baltic Amber, Lacquer Boxes, Christmas decorative and even Khokhlomas.

As we all know, Amber is a popular material used in making highly sought after jewelry. The specialty of Amber is that each piece of amber is truly unique and when you rub the amber, it emanates light. There's hardly a Russian woman whose collection does not contain amber jewelry. Everything right from earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces are made from Baltic Amber.

But if you are not a fan of amber jewelry, there's a wide variety of things to choose from. For example, you could choose from Faberge eggs, lacquer boxes, ceramic figurines, Cheburashka dolls or many other unique Russian collectibles. Thanks to the internet, there are hundreds of online retail shops in the United States that sell Russian souvenirs. Choosing from a US company has its own advantages. These online stores with their base in the United States are often established by Russian artisans and hence assure of quality. In addition, if you would like to gift these to friends and family member, these companies also provide gift-wrapping service.

Therefore, the next time, you are looking for a gift for a wedding or a birthday; do not look further than an online shop that sells Russian handicrafts. Due to the late entry of Russians to the globalization process, there's very little information about Russia, that's known to the world. But it's the Russian dolls that continued to the beacon for popular Russian culture.

Due to the late entry of Russian to the Globalization process, Russian culture was not known to foreigners. However, Russian dolls have now become a familiar one to foreigners. The author is an art lover and has written many articles on Russian nesting dolls and on Russian gifts.

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