Looking for a fun way to add a little culture and charm to your cardmaking?
Kokeshi doll designs might be your new favorite thing! Join me as I share two charming card ideas made using die cuts… let’s create simple, elegant cards, which are packed with personality!
Would you like to see them?
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What are Kokeshi Dolls?
These traditional Japanese wooden dolls originated in Northern Japan and were originally made as toys. Handcrafted with love and care, they’re known for their rounded heads, cylindrical bodies, and delicate, hand-painted features. Each one has its own unique character… just like the cards you’ll be making!
Why Not Make Your Own?
These beautiful dies give you the power to create your very own Kokeshi-inspired dolls, no woodworking skills required! Whether you keep things traditional or give your doll a creative twist, there’s so much room to personalize and play. Let’s take a look at two different ideas:
Card #1 – Change It Up?
Yes, the traditional Kokeshi has a cylindrical shape (with no arms and legs)… but who says we have to stick to tradition? Thanks to this clever die design, I was able to swap the doll’s arms so they extend outward instead. It gives the card a whole new feel – more expressive and just a bit whimsical.
BONUS IDEA: Try giving her just one arm out and keep the other folded in as designed. It adds a fun, unexpected twist and shows off the flexibility of the dies!
And I did promise you these dolls would be unique, and here’s where the magic really happens!
You can dress them up however you like using your favourite colours, florals, and design elements to create a completely bespoke Kokeshi doll. Keep things traditional… or dial up the drama with a bold, modern twist if you’re feeling a little daring!
Card #2 – Let’s Get Interactive!
Want to add a little extra charm? Try making your die-cut doll interactive!
For this version, I carefully 😉 separated the head from the body and added a Mini Action Wobble – so now her head does a cute little shake when the card moves! It’s a simple thing that adds loads of personality.
Prefer to keep things together? You can attach the entire doll to a single Action Wobble for a fun, bouncy effect without separating the pieces. Either way, it’s sure to make someone smile!
BONUS TIP: This time, I went for a tone-on-tone look by creating a black dress layered with tiny black die-cut flowers. From a distance, it keeps things clean and simple, but up close, it’s all about the details. Those subtle textures are what make this card feel truly unique and extra special.
Who knew Kokeshi dolls could be so much fun to craft with? With just a little imagination, you can create cards that are full of character and charm – traditional, modern, or somewhere in between! I hope these ideas spark your creativity and inspire you to experiment with your own unique designs.
Happy crafting! And if you try a Kokeshi card, I’d love to see what you create!
Sending crafty hugs your way,
SHOP Spellbinders – USA HERE | UK HERE
Other Supplies:
Cardstock: Jet Black | Nectar | Pink Lemonade | Poppy | Aqua Sky.
Copics: E000 | R04.
Altenew Ink: Pink Diamond.
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time.
 Kokeshi Dolls SSS | ASD | SB UK | SB US |  Parasols SSS | ASD | SB UK | SB US |  Wonderful Script Sentiments SSS | SB US |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS |  Copic Markers SSS |
 Peachy Keen ALT | SSS |  Cherry Blossom ALT | SSS |  Ink Blending Tool ALT | SSS |  Tea Party Enamel Dots ALT | SSS |
Mini Action Wobble AMZ | SSS |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS | Scissors AMZ | SSS |
 Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB US |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |
 Satin Masking Tape ALT |
How adorable are these two Therese! Lovely cards
So glad you like them, thank you Dawn!
You have great timing! My order for the kokeshi dolls, cherry blossoms, and parasol press plate was placed a couple days ago and I cannot wait to use these products.
I am going to use origami paper for the kimono and maybe some thin ribbon for the obi. I have seen crepe paper used for the hair for added texture, so maybe?
As you can tell, you have inspired me. Thank you for the terrific ideas!
Aren’t they the most wonderful set of inspriation, I’ve also ordered the BetterPress Kokeshi dolls and the cherry blossoms so can’t wait til I get home to play too!
I just ordered these and am super happy to see such fantastic inspiration. I love the pink parasols, and the doll is so cute, but striking. Can’t wait to get my little mits on this set.
Ooh forgot to say love the new site
Marie
Thanks so much Marie, I have also ordered the press plates and can’t wait to get home from Holiday and play too lol.