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skin wigs
Here is a  detailed description of how I use the Tibetan and angora hides to make wigs . ( this is just one way )
below I  have  pictures to show the wig as it is being  made and ways to cut the cap
 you will not need a separate wig cap the skin is the cap

Remember hot water will harden and wrinkle the skin,I only use luke warm water.

common questions are
 How do I make a skin wig?
 Should I make a pattern ?

You can use a pattern to figure where to cut the darts. You can make a pattern using heavy aluminum foil or fabric I prefer medium heavy fabric it is easier to trace to make the actual wig , Form it over the dolls head and cut around the hairline .
The foil will hold its shape  (if you use fabric as I do dampen first, but first cover the dolls head with plastic as you will have to glue down the darts and you do not want glue on your doll ) ,
remove the foil (
if you use fabric you have to wait for the glue to dry )
and then cut 6-8 darts to make the foil lay flat  . use the flattened foil to trace onto your lambskin for the wig
pay attention to the hair direction so it goes the way you want on the doll
, then sew the darts up . the last photo showes the type patterns I make
darts all around for a center part doll wig or cut the patern as on the bottom or righ if you want no seams around the face
you can also cut into 3 seperate pieces and add a seam allowance if you want to sew on the sewing machine

I do not always use a pattern as I am always doing a different size.

This is what I do with out a pattern  
the wig iused for example I did not use a pattern

1 - I soak the skin in Luke Warm water for about 20 minutes this makes it very flexible.
2 - Then I squeeze out the excess water, and roll the skin tightly in a towel and squeeze to get rid of more moisture.
3 - I use a vent brush or a wig and brush out any tangles. Now the skin should just be damp but not dripping wet.
4 - Cover the dolls head with saran wrap and the clothes with plastic or heavy cotton cloth to keep from messing up the dolls clothes.
5 - I place the skin on the dolls head skin side up hair side in. making sure the lay of the hair is toward the face this prevents cow licks around the face later on.
6- When the skin is centered where you want it use an elastic to keep it in place leave it a few cm larger than the hair line , so you can trim the hair line as you want when you are finished
7 - Starting at either side of the face form small darts using a silk pin the first 2 darts should fall close to the temples slightly in front of the ears. 8 - Repeat this just behind the ears for darts 3 and 4. 9 - I then place the last 2 darts on either side of the neck at the nape. 10 - With the 6 darts in place remove the wig and put it back, now if it seems too loose adjust the 6 darts till it fits well. if you need to pin a couple smaller ones where needed. The reason for doing this inside out is it makes it easier to see if it is fitting well. 11 - Now you have 2 choices you can allow it to dry then cut out and sew the darts sewing cut edge to cut edge. OR as I now do you can cut while wet and stitch the darts from the skin side then turn it right side out and place on the dolls plastic wrapped head to dry (I like to place a piece of Kleenex between the doll and wig to absorb moisture quicker so the skin will not mold.) the advantage of doing the sewing with the skin wet is it shrinks a bit as it dries and fits wonderfully and the needle goes through very easily.
Notice: This wig was made from angora goat hide  it is a bit thicker and stiffer than the Tibetan skins . the wig took me about 2 hours as I did it while watching a movie and kept having to stop and take pictures. the type patterns I make
darts all around for a center part doll wig or cut the patern as on the bottom or righ if you want no seams around the face
you can also cut into 3 separate pieces and add a seam allowance if you want to sew on the sewing machine

I do not always use a pattern as I am always doing a different size.
Album by Susan Doyon. Photos by Susan Doyon. 1 - 19 of 19 Total.
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