Apple head dolls don’t get the recognition they deserve. Each one is unique, they’re cheap to make, and no craft better represents the ravages of time. They’re just like people. Before you know it, the moisture has been sucked out of their faces and they turn into shriveled, toothless, leathery balls.

To make your apple head doll, simply carve a face into a peeled apple. Don’t get hung up on the features. Y’aren’t making Mount Rushmore here, friends. Let the apple soak for 15 minutes in a mixture of 1 cup of lemon juice or white vinegar and 1 tsp of salt. Then hang it somewhere and let time work its cruel magic. Here’s a time-lapse video I made.

When the apples have dried completely (about 2 to 3 weeks), insert a stick into the bottom (I used a chopstick), wrap wires around the stick for arms and legs, and then pad the body with cotton batten.

Dress and accessorize your doll using everyday materials. Here are some of the items I used:

Popcorn kernels (for teeth)
Twig found in my garage (for a broomstick)
Gym shirt (at least my gym clothes are being used for something)
Felt, ribbon, and moss from the Dollar Store
Yarn moustache from a Santa Claus pantyhose head (don’t ask)
Cotton batten from said pantyhose head
Cardboard
Fabric and wire left over from making Covid masks

If you’re like me and your sewing skills haven’t evolved since Grade 8 Home Ec., keep a glue gun handy in case of emergency or extreme thumb pricking.

For my project, I dried three apples, thinking I’d pick the best one to turn into a doll. But each head ended up with its own unique charms and I decided to make all three. Clearly, I have too much time on my hands. But I look at it this way: I have three new best friends. Now if only strangers wouldn’t stare when the four of us are out for dinner…

Arriving just ahead of Halloween, here are my witchy creations. I took the photos at my neighbourhood park. I can only imagine the conversations I sparked for the passersby. “Helen, I’ve seen a lot of weird people in that park. But you’re never going to believe what I saw today!”

Agnes Honeycrisp

An apple head witch doll wearing a bloody apron and holding a knife.

Agnes loves spending time in the kitchen. Looks like she just whipped something up! Although whatever’s in the oven smells a bit funny. By the way, has anyone seen Hansel or Gretel?

Eunice MacIntosh

The eldest of the trio, Eunice turned 457 last week! She is looking for companionship and veneers in this next stage of life. She enjoys bloody Marys made with the blood of virgins and long broomstick rides around the moon.

Bertha Gala

Bertha is a bookworm. She even uses real worms as bookmarks! When she’s not diving into a murder mystery (she considers them romance books), Bertha likes digging up fun times at the cemetery. Random fact: Bertha was Piper Laurie’s stunt double in the film, Carrie.

I hope you consider making an apple head doll. You don’t need to be a Michael Angelo. They don’t have to be witches, either. Turn your dolls into real elderly people. Put them in sweater sets, and stage them in a mall food court or relaxing poolside in Florida. The possibilities are endless!

P.S. If you need specific instructions, I referenced “How To Make An Apple Doll,” by G.E. Mewes. She provides step-by-step directions and patterns for clothing, although the dress pattern seemed a bit wonky. Let’s just say there’s a reason I’m not showing the backside of my gals.