https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/libra-the-scales • Posted by Andrews McMeel
September 23–October 22 Ruled by: Venus Element: Air Colors: pink, blue, & green Gemstone: Opal Tough charm characterizes these little scales: Libra demands balance and elegance (in the most delightful yet ironfisted way). So be extra careful that yours presents a symmetrical face to the world.
September 23–October 22 Ruled by: Venus Element: Air Colors: pink, blue, & green Gemstone: Opal Tough charm characterizes these little scales: Libra demands balance and elegance (in the most delightful yet ironfisted way). So be extra careful that yours presents a symmetrical face to the world.
—From Zodiac Felties: 16 Compelling Astrological Characters to Craft by Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Cut out all the felt pieces as marked, either photocopying or scanning the templates, or using tracing paper to make templates, as described on page 4. Lay the inner body template over the piece of plastic and draw around it with the permanent marker. Use the awl to indent the dots through the pattern into the plastic, then cut the plastic piece out.
Push the awl through each dent in the plastic to make small holes.
Use the pliers to make a small loop in the middle of the length of craft wire, as shown.
Thread first a light green seed bead and then an amber droplet bead onto each end of the wire, then bend the ends of the wire into curves, using the pliers and following the shape shown\ on the template.
Thread an embroidery needle with two strands of green floss and sew the wire onto the plastic inner body piece, using the holes made with the awl. When the scales/earrings are held firmly in place on the plastic, knot and then trim the floss.
Place a tiny dab of superglue on the wire on the body side of one of the amber droplet beads and slide the light green seed bead close to the droplet bead to glue it in place. Repeat on the other side. Use dabs of superglue to attach the dark green seed beads on the curled ends of the wire.
Spread a thin layer of rubber cement on one side of the face piece and on the head area of one of the body pieces. Wait for a few moments, then press the face in place on the body.
Spread a thin layer of rubber cement on one side of the hair piece, and another on the area of the face where it will be glued. Wait for a few moments, then press the hair in place at the top of the face.
Thread an embroidery needle with one strand of white floss and sew around the white felt of the face with a small overhand stitch. Rethread with a single strand of pink floss and sew around the hair in the same way.
Thread a beading needle with two strands of pink floss and sew the green star bead in the middle of the forehead, at the parting of the hair. Thread an embroidery needle with two strands of black floss and create the closed eyes with gently curved lines of up to four backstitches each, adding little angled stitches to suggest eyelashes.
Make the nose with two separate straight vertical stitches. Thread an embroidery needle with two strands of dark red floss and make the pouting mouth—first sew a V shape, then a longer single stitch across the top of it. Finish off each of the top points of the V with a French knot to give the mouth extra emphasis.
Sandwich the plastic inner body between the two body pieces, letting the scales protrude from each side of the head and the little plastic base stick out at the bottom.
Thread an embroidery needle with one strand of green thread. Start to sew around the body at the bottom, sewing through the punched holes in the plastic and continuing around the body’s edge, using a small overhand stitch.
When you have sewn around half the body and most of the head, stuff Libra with wisps of the stuffing, using a matchstick or tweezers to help you to push the stuffing evenly around the plastic inner piece. When the doll is evenly padded, sew the gap closed.
Thread a beading needle with one strand of green floss to sew on the bead and sequin head ornaments. First thread on a clear flower sequin, then a lilac sequin, and finally a green seed bead. Sew in place using the method for securing a sequin with a bead described on page 9, and following the photograph of the finished libra to place the ornaments correctly.
Glue the arms in place by spreading a thin layer of rubber cement on the back of the arms and another layer where they will be positioned on the body, waiting for a few moments, and then pressing in place to secure.