↑

Crafts by Amanda

crafts for adults and kid's crafts

Craft Tutorials | Adult Crafts | Crafts for Seniors | Country Dammit Doll
Crafts for Seniors

Country Dammit Doll

Author by on Updated on

5 from 18 votes
Jump to Project

This little country dammit doll is a great comfort gift for someone you care about, or an adorable addition to any room in your home. You may remember dammit dolls from your grandmother’s time period and they are still around today.

How to make a Dammit Doll, complete with dammit doll poem!

How to Make a Dammit Doll

Several years ago, I made this for a friend who was living in Germany. Her husband was in the military and away quite a lot. She missed him dearly and seemed so sad. She loved the gift and still cherishes it today.

Download the doll pattern here

Some people are offended by the word dammit. You can substitute “dang it” or “darn it” if you like.

NOTE: many people have asked me about the tall cylindrical paper mache box. I made this doll in probably 1998 or 1999. At the time, I found the cylinder at Michaels. While it’s a cool box, if you can’t find one, you can just as easily use a regular paper mache box or even a Pringles container, or no box at all. Just print out the poem on card stock and tie it to the doll. :)

If you prefer to buy a dammit doll, you can find one here.

Below is the poem:

DAMMIT DOLL

When you want to climb the wall,
And stand right up and shout.
There’s a little Dammit doll
You cannot do without.

Just grasp it firmly by the legs,
And find a place to slam it.
And as you whack the stuffing out
Yell Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!

If Dammit’s not a word you say
Then twist its little neck
And grumble out repeatedly
Oh Heck, Oh Heck, Oh Heck!

And once your done abusing it
Just sit it on the shelf.
But hug it first, as I’d hug you
If I were there myself.

Print Project
5 from 18 votes

Country Dammit Doll

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

FOR THE DOLL

  • country floral fabric half of a yard should do it!
  • doll pattern
  • white yarn
  • darning needle
  • Fiberfil
  • curled jute
  • sewing needle
  • thread to match fabric
  • 6 buttons to coordinate with the fabric
  • 2 flat backed black eyes
  • fabric glue
  • large unpainted wood button
  • scrap of blue gingham fabric for neck bow

FOR THE CONTAINER

  • 12 ″ cylindrical papier mache container
  • acrylic paint in antique white light brown, and country blue
  • crackle medium
  • paintbrush
  • household sponge or sponge scrap
  • curled jute
  • rusty tin button
  • blue gingham fabric scrap
  • white tacky glue
  • black fine tip craft pen
  • ruler
  • scrap piece of paper
  • pen or pencil

Instructions

THE DOLL

    Bodice

    • To begin, print out the doll pattern and cut two pieces from country floral fabric, RIGHT side of fabric facing out. This doll is sewn on the outside, rather than sewn and turned inside out. This gives it a more primitive country look. Using a darning needle and white yarn, begin at the top/center of the head and sew downward, all the way around the doll until you get to the other side of the neck. Pause here to stuff the doll with Fiberfil, using the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the stuffing into the arms and legs. Complete the stuffing of the doll’s head and sew shut, knot off.

    Embellishments

    • Using a length of curled jute (can be purchased in the craft store where doll hair is sold), cut into 1 1/2″ pieces. For each piece, fray the ends halfway, leaving the other half curled. Use a sewing needle and thread to sew the curled end of the jute pieces to the top of the head, frayed end should be pointing upward for the hair. You will need around 6 or 7 pieces of jute to complete the hair. Sew 3 buttons to the front of the hair, in the center, and 3 to the back, running thread through two buttons at once (one in back, one in front). Cut a strip of blue gingham fabric and fray the ends. Tie around doll’s neck and secure with a couple of threads. Use fabric glue to adhere eyes to the doll’s face. Sew wood button to the front of the doll’s body.

    THE CONTAINER

    • Paint the papier mache cylinder and lid with a coat of antique white acrylic paint and allow to dry completely. Following the directions on the crackle medium, apply a coat of crackle medium over the antique white, and allow to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions (usually 15-45 minutes, or until tacky but not completely dry). Finish with a coat of light brown, again, follow the directions on the crackle medium! Use single brush strokes, DO NOT brush over and over, you will lose the crackle effect. Allow to dry completely.
    • For the lid, cut a piece of blue gingham fabric long enough to fit around the lid, fray and tie. Trim and fray the ends. Use tacky glue to secure the fabric to the lid. Tie a piece of curled jute around the lid over the fabric, tie in place, secure with tacky glue. Gently thread a rusty tin button with the jute, and tie, ends should hang downward.
    • When the light brown coat is dry, use the household sponge to apply an oval shape to the front of your cylinder using antique white. The oval should cover most of the length of the container, leaving about an inch at the bottom and the top (below the lid). Sponge a light border of country blue around the outer edge of your oval.
    • Using a piece of scrap paper and a pen or pencil, sketch out the poem listed below to ensure that you can fit it all on your oval. You can use a ruler to approximate how much area you have to work with. Use a craft pen to write on the poem when you are comfortable with it.

    Expert Tips & FAQs

    Carefully stuff container with some light tissue paper before placing doll inside. You may need to tuck your doll’s arms in a bit to fit her in. Cover her with a bit more tissue paper and cover with the lid.

    Originally published on: Mar 4, 2010

    Latest posts by Amanda Formaro (see all)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara Sommons says

      So cute and thanks for sharing. I was wondering what size flat back eyes you used. Are they about 11-12mm?

      Reply

    2. Marci Tilley says

      I work with teens that are dealing with trauma so I am going to make these with them. I am changing it to the Dang it dolls but I think that it will be a fun project and therapeutic for them. Thanks for the great idea!!!!

      Reply

    3. Joy Loewner says

      I am now 81 years of age and somewhere among the years I have made many

      I am now 81 years of age and had my very own doll so LONG ago. In my spare time I would love to make these so cut dolls. Would you be kind as to email me the “How to make>. I look forward to your reply on “HOW TO DO” Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for reading. JOY

      ‘

      Reply

    4. Julie Todd says

      My mom was making Dammit Dolls back in the 80s. I actually just found one she made, along with the typewriter note attached. ❤

      Reply

    5. Maddie White says

      Hi Amanda,
      I had my own “Dammit Doll” in the 80’s when I had breast cancer. However, about 20 years ago I let someone use it and whoever it was never returned it. I no longer have a sewing machine nor do I hand sew, but I would love to get one like yours. The ones’ they sell in stores and on-line are pretty ugly. The reason I want one is because my niece has pancreatic cancer and they don’t expect her to live through the year.

      Any ideas on how I can get one?

      Thanks in advance,
      Maddie

      Reply

      • connie burns says

        Hi everyone. I’ve used empty Crystal Containers. They are clear plastic, with lids. I print out the poem and print it on brown paper, used for scrapbook. I add a boarder around the print, cut it out, then pin it to the doll’s bow on the Neck. A cute rag strip is added around the lid. Works out well. Recycling the container is a good idea.

        Reply

    7. Amanda says

      An empty container of Quaker Oats could be a cylinder tube big enough……and just cover with paper :) Cute idea.

      Reply

    8. Lorri says

      Thank you for this tutorial…I’ve seen other Dammit Dolls….but your doll is just so lovely. I’ve made 10 dolls at this point with my only problem being that I am having a hard time parting with any of them…

      Thank you for the inspiration.

      Reply

    9. Karen says

      I have seen these before and I have some made for an upcoming sale. coincidence that i saw this tonight. I hope they sell for Mother’s Day!!

      Reply

    11. Mary Kissel says

      Dear Amanda, I’ve been making these for about 7 years, but mine are crocheted. I get to express my self when I crochet the clothes and do the hair. I can “express” myself when doing the face expression as well. I had lost the poem though. Thank you for reprinting it. Have a wonderful New Year.

      Reply

    13. Kelly says

      I made a few of these for gifts! Thank you!! Can you to me where you found the tubes. I am having a hard time finding them. Thank you!!

      Reply

      • Amanda Formaro says

        Hi Kelly. I made this project a long time ago. I had actually found the tube at Ben Franklin. I’m afraid i haven’t seen them at craft stores in a while. However, you could do a search for cardboard wine bottle boxes and that might work!

        Reply

    14. Charlene Kennett says

      A friend made me a Dammit Doll for my birthday recently….we had so much fun reading the poem & acting out the “slamming” at a club meeting. I told my daughter about it….she came this weekend & we cut out 50 dolls….this is what her relatives are getting for Christmas…..guess I’ll have to make some for gift giving too….I think men need them too. Thanks for the ideas.

      Reply

    15. ♥Suzanne♥@AbbyShabbyB says

      These are so AdoRAbLe!!! I will be featuring you at AbbyShabbyB… I have never heard of this,, but my grandma who is 95 years old has,,, guess what she is getting!,,lol Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply

    16. Amanda says

      How cool Minny! I sometimes get slack for this doll from more "proper" moms, but I think they are fun and sweet :)

      Reply

    17. Minny says

      I love these little dolls.. Mom used to make them out of brown material & cut them out like a gingerbread man. Sometimes she made dresses for them & some she didn't.
      I haven't made any for a long time. Thanks for posting this. Guess what I'll be doing next week? LOL

      Reply

    19. Andy Porter says

      I love Dammit Dolls. I haven't seen them in such a long time. They always make me laugh! Great job! I'm so glad you linked to Creative Cats this week!

      Reply

    24. Lori says

      This is so cute. I need to make one and take it to work…

      Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thurs. Please come by next week for another great party.
      Lori

      Reply

    27. Enchanted Rose Studio says

      I've never heard of this! I loveeee it! How absolutely charming! Wonderful idea! So clever! Darling poem!

      Cheers!
      Tina

      Reply

    28. Embellished Bayou says

      Like some others, I've never heard of these, but what a cute idea! That little poem is great.

      Reply

    31. concretenprimroses says

      I've never heard of these. Neat gift for the right person. I've been wondering what to do with my oatmeal tubes…
      Kathy

      Reply

    32. Lanie Ree says

      I have never heard of this! But it is a really good idea. I'd be afraid to hurt it's feelings, it's so cute (I know, I know. but still.)

      Thank you for linking up to A Little Craft Therapy with Life in the Pitts.

      Reply

    33. Jennifer, A Self-Confessed Foodie says

      This is such a fun idea! There are definitely days when I could use one of these!

      Reply

    34. Amanda says

      Thanks ladies!!

      Amanda – Umm that's weird, I guess because your name is Amanda my blog thought you were me and made your comment pink!

      Reply

    37. Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

      I might have been living under a rock but this is the first time I have heard of this…it is too cute!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    38. Lis Garrett says

      Oh, I wish I were crafty enough to make this! I’ve never seen one of these dolls, but how hilarious. *Love* it!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate This Project




    All Time Favorites

    Meet the Family

    Amanda

    Founder and Designer

    Kristen

    Editorial Manager

    Lindsay

    Virtual Assistant

    You can find tutorials on this site by using the navigation bar above, by selecting a category or archive month from the drop down menu, or by using the search box.

    FEATURED PROJECTS

    Below are some featured categories, such as current holidays, as well as a category I've chosen to highlight. You'll find projects for kids as well as adults crafts. I hope you enjoy browsing and are able to find something you'll have fun making!

    Most Recent

    Kid’s Crafts

    Luminary Crafts

    Halloween Crafts

    Wall Art Ideas

    Thanksgiving Crafts

    As seen on:

    BEFORE YOU GO!

    GET YOUR FREE CRAFT BOOK

    All new subscribers will receive my craft book "5 Christmas Ornaments to Make" absolutely free! Enter your name and email address below for instant access. And each week we'll send you free crafts and recipes!