Craft Spaghetti and Meatballs for Your Dolls

Top, stir and paste twine into noodles.
Center, glue on the meatballs.
Bottom, Paint on the red sauce.

       Don't all dolls love Italian spaghetti with meatballs? Even if your doll doesn't like red meat, she could pretend to have vegan meatballs with her pasta instead!

       This classic dish is so easy to make, most of your time will be spent watching the glue dry.

     We often serve pretend doll meals at our home family style. However, you could turn your spaghetti into individual servings if you prefer by using the same methods and letting the glued menu harden on doll plates instead.

Supply List:

• white school glue
• Mod Podge
• white or cream colored twine
• Sculpey or some sort of oven bake clay for the meatballs (You could use beads if this is a more available option.)
• red puffy paint
• red, white and brown acrylic paints
• small paper serving dish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill a small container for your spaghetti dish with approximately 1/3 of white school glue.
2. Cut long strands of twine to swirl around inside this same container. Make the spaghetti look bountiful. Cover all the surfaces of the twine with the glue and let it dry until it hardens the faux noodles. 
3. Roll little meatballs using oven bake clay. Bake these as directed on the package. Remove and cool.
4. Now paint the meatballs brown and glue them on top of the faux twine spaghetti.
5. Add a bit of white paint to the pretend noodles if you desire. 
6. Pour red acrylic paint onto the dish to look like sauce.
7. I also squeezed red puffy paint on parts of my spaghetti and meatball dish to give it even more dimension. 
8. Now you can display your doll's Italian cuisine on a buffet or at their dinner table.

More Speghetti Doll Dishes: 

• Joanne's doll sized spaghetti dish 
• Froggy makes pasta for her dolls 
• DIY AG doll set of interchangeable food - mac and cheese, cereal and spaghetti

Crafting the T.V. dinner for American Girl doll lovers...

Two examples of how the card-
board walls may be shaped into
compartments for dinner trays.
Make similar craft, a school 
lunch tray for cafeterias.

       American's love of television in the 1950's was paired with a quick and easy pre-cooked dinner on a tray. All you needed to do was to pop these meals into the oven for warming and within 30 minutes your dinner would be ready without any dirty dishes to wash afterwards! Mom and Dad could finally relax at the end of a long work day and spend more time with the tube and less time preparing meals for the family. (huh?) Well, that's post-war America for you.

Supply List for The T.V. Dinner Tray:

1. scrap cardboard
2. white school glue
3. aluminum foil and tape (the tape is optional)
4. masking tape
5. ruler

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut out the bottoms of your T.V. trays from heavy cardboard. 
2. Then cut narrow strips of cardboard that will be glued around the outside of the tray to hold food in it and also to the inside the tray to divide different foods apart from others. The way you divide the trays is entirely up to you.
3. Use white school glue and masking tape to hold these shallow compartment walls in place while they dry.
4. Mask the  entire tray when dry and then cover it with aluminum foil and a bit of glue.
5. Now comes to fun part of this craft. Use Sculpey, foam balls, paper mache and cotton to shape the doll dinners according to taste. See six detailed examples of T.V. dinner ideas below.
6. After you have painted the dinners, Mod Podge these to keep the foods in place and protected. Let dry.
7. Add a aluminum foil cover and store the meals away in your doll's freezer.

Left, are the cut cardboard bottoms of the trays. Right, are the narrow cut cardboard walls.

Left, the walls have been glued to the outside of a T.V. dinner tray. 
Right, here you can see that masking tape holds everything in place until it's dry.

1. This TV doll dinner includes: roasted carrots, a brownie for desert, applesauce and veal parmesan for the entree.

2. This TV doll dinner includes: green beans, dinner roles, sweet potato mash with a marshmallow topping, and sliced roast beef for the meat-lovers entree.

3.This TV doll dinner includes: mashed potatoes, farm fresh green peas and sliced turkey with gravy for the entree. See how we sculpted a whole holiday turkey here.

4.This TV doll dinner includes: Southern black-eyed peas, scalloped potatoes, and sausages in sauerkraut for the entree.

5.This TV doll dinner includes: corn cut from the cob, mashed potatoes, baked apple slices, deep-fried onion rings and fried chicken legs for the entree.

6.This TV doll dinner includes: a blue berry cobbler with a biscuit for desert, sauté mushrooms and spaghetti and meat balls served in an Italian tomato sauce for the entree. See how I sculpted a family size serving dish of spaghetti and meatballs here.

More About Dolls and T.V. Dining:

• DIY T.V. Dinners by Totally Rudy
• DIY - How to make doll T.V. tray and dinner by MyFroggyStuff
• T.V. dinners in the American Girl Doll's refrigerator set
• Here's what real nuclear families ate in the postwar era...

"Bite To Eat Diner" verses "Seaside Diner"

        The My Generation Diner itself includes: a checkered black and hot pink faux linoleum floor, a pink pay phone, a chalkboard for the menu, a juke box (plays music) at the table for two, a shuttered window that moves, a large counter-top with faux marble look, a spinning cake and desert display unit, the counter lights-up with neon lights, a wall that attaches to the back of the counter that looks like stainless steal.

• The most detailed description at YouTube is by DeenaandBeena

The Food Accessories In "Bite To Eat" Diner: Again, I will link into crafts that I have posted to replace those pieces you do not have for either Diner set in the near future...

• two pink and orange stools
• one cake/cake stand with domed lid: strawberry cake with white icing and chocolate covered strawberry topping, drip styled strawberry icing too (one slice may be removed)
• one banana split in a transparent plastic dish
• silverware, two of each: fork, knife and spoon
• two blue bowls
• two plastic cups
• a plastic pitcher
• two dinner plates and two dessert plates matched set
• a faux metal napkin dispenser with one napkin
• large sugar shaker for table
• salt and pepper shakers with colored glitters inside the pepper
• one vinegar bottle (empty)
• vintage, plastic ketchup and mustard bottles 
• one hamburger that comes in pieces: lettuce, buns, beef patty, pickles
• a grilled cheese sandwich
• a hot dog with a bun that comes apart for play
• 4 Entrees attached to dinner plates: smoked meat sandwich with pickle, spaghetti and meatballs, fish sticks with lemon slice and red dipping sauce, and pancake stack with butter slices, maple syrup and three blue berries on the side
• 1 dessert attached to desert plate: brownie, whipped cream and cheery on top
• Loose single serve foods that may be stacked separately on the empty plates: eggs sunny-side-up, two slices of bacon, loose stack of sausages (3)
• One bowl of tomato soup with saltine crackers
• 1 plate of french fries and red/white checkered napkin
• 9 doughnuts iced: lime, strawberry and chocolate
• 6 heart-shaped cookies with jelly filling and glaze icing
• cupcakes 3 of each: red velvet with cream cheese icing, chocolate with pink strawberry icing, vanilla with fluffy white icing + each has a cherry on top
• A lattice work blueberry pie that can be removed from a faux tin pie plate: it comes with one slice of pie that can be removed and served separately
• 1 dish of pink ice cream and red syrup, the dish has a pedestal base
• one blue cup of coffee with saucer
• One coffee pot filled
• 2 sodas: grape and coke come with straws
• 2 juice drinks: grape and cherry with straws
• 1 strawberry milkshake with whipped cream and cherry and straw
• paper money, plastic coins
• chalk for writing on the menu board
• order forms for the diner treats and meals

       The American Girl, Maryellen's "Seaside Diner" itself includes: an attached vintage milkshake machine, a black pay phone, a white counter top with stainless steal edging, faux glass blocks at one end, a neon "Seaside Diner" sign that lights up, clips for orders, two stainless steel stools with vinyl-like blue cushions, tiled counter sides and floor. This unit is very authentic 1950s retro design with accurate colors: pastel pink, blue and white. The primary unit also plays conversations and music.

       The seating unit includes a coral colored top with stainless steel edge and grey metal table leg. Two bench seating covered in authentic glossy vinyl upholstery.

• dollidays reviews this set in detail at YouTube here.

The Food Accessories In "Seaside" Diner:

• a vintage paper hat with "Seaside Diner" logo
• 8 paper trays for fast food
• paper money and plastic coin for pay phone
• Seaside diner advertising cards
• 2 paper menus
• one sheet of many advertising stickers, daily menu and clock
• paper order forms 
• 2 orange bowls with fruits
• a jar of maple syrup with a metal-look spout/lid
• bacon 3 attached pieces
• two sandwiches with olive on top, very detailed
• salt and pepper shakers
• four ceramic plates 50s designs
• 2 Milkshake cup
• Mac and cheese separates
• grey serving tray
• stainless steel condiment tray, round with handle, attach menu
• spinning diner sign, stainless steel detailing
• extra paddies for the grill
• milkshakes: chocolate and strawberry
• a working bell for the counter
• four stainless steel forks
• Loose breakfast foods: two eggs over easy, 2 toasts, one waffle, one stack of pancakes
  
• 2 hot dogs with mustard
• vintage, plastic ketchup and mustard bottles 
• two stacks of crinkly fries
• a special apron with "Seaside Diner" logo

How To Cook for A Doll

 

       Are you interested in crafting and collecting doll foods for your dolls? Well, a doll's got to eat doesn't she? Here you will find all kinds of posts about "cooking" that special breakfast, lunch or dinner for your dolls. This index is reserved for everyday cooking for the most part. Visit our holiday listings to find more dishes and doll foods for festive occasions. 

Prepared, Displayed Foods for Dolls: See groceries here. and Food, Plants and You! - articles about food for kids

1. Mini Breakfast Skillet for Dolls 10 - 12 inches - Made with a bottle cap and wooden tongue depressor.
2. Sew a Stack of Felt Pancakes - and attach them to a paper plate...
3. Craft Doll Sized Cookie Sheets and Sugar Cookies  - Every doll sized kitchen needs cookie sheets.
4. DIY Miniature Vegetable Salads - Easy to make using craft foam.
5. Make Miniature S'mores - For your doll's family fun night or a sleepover or camp...
6. DIY Movie Theater Popcorn for Dolls - Take your dolls to a movie and make them these cute little accessories to play with.
7. Doll Gingerbread Hornbook Craft  - A true Colonial craft made with faux gingerbread!
8. Craft a Foam Pumpkin Pie - made with craft foam
9. Scrap Fabric Pumpkin Pie - The whipped cream is made using old lace, the pie from layered fancy orange fabrics!
10. Oven Bake Clay Pumpkin Pie - This doll sized pie, plus individual wedges looks too good to eat!
11. DIY a Clay Pecan Pie for American Girl Dolls - For a sophisticated doll palette, eat this Southern, nutty treat any day of the week.
12. DIY Doll Sized Jiffy Pop - Looks just like real Jiffy Pop! AG size
13. Craft Spaghetti and Meatballs for Your Dolls - made with twine, beads and acrylic paints
14. Veggie, Chips and Cheese Trays for Doll Parties - two part craft for trays and appetizers
15. Craft oysters on the half-shell for a doll's party - make these raw and serve with lemon wedges or cooked with a colorful "Oysters Rockefeller Sauce" your dolls will love it!
16. Leafy Green Salads for AG Doll Dinners - Greek and Spinach varies made using oven bake clay
17. The doll's Full English breakfast... - Clay doll sized breakfast from England for American Girls dolls
18. Craft doll sized deviled eggs - serve up this unique food craft at a doll's party anytime! 
19. Dolls can grab a bagel to go - sculpt these whole or in halves, top them with avocado or cream cheese...
    
20. Sculpt French toast for a dolly's breakfast! - Just the right size for American Girl dolls, this French toast craft is topped with strawberry syrup and a served with a bowl of puff cereal on the side.
21. Our Top 10 Mini Pizzas for Dolls - Made using a variety of mixed media, these delectable pizzas look good enough to really eat!
22. English muffins for a delicious doll breakfast - Avocados, smoked salmon and one runny egg served in a stack along with a small dish of grape jelly and English muffins.
23. Craft an easy melon ball salad for your dolls... - cute watermelon bowl and mixed fruit salad from Styrofoam art materials
24. How to make Dutch Crunch Doll Bread - Learn to craft this unique bread loaf using papier-mâché and cork.
25. Make a lemon flavored Bunt cake - simply delectable looking!
26. How to make single servings of doll foods... - these servings may be individually plated
27. Sculpt Shish kebab for your doll's grill... - pineapple, lemon, tomato, jumbo shrimp
    
28. Paint a bur acorn to look like a blue Hubbard squash! - again, more to craft with bur acorns...

Prepared Beverages for Dolls:

1. Assemble Italian Spumone Sodas - using Communion cups and pom-poms
2. Coconut Milk Drinks for A Hawaiian Luau Party - You'll need walnut husks for this unique looking little doll accessory.
3. Craft Cups of Hot Cocoa - This version uses actual doll porcelain cups and saucers.
4. How to fill doll goblets with a permanent resin 'beverage...' - adult craft only
5. DIY 8 Malted Milkshakes for Dolls - printable malted milkshake display too!
6. How to craft a coffee maker, pot and grinder for your doll's kitchen

DIY Doll's Food Displays: 

1. Craft a Cupcake Stand Using Wooden Spools - A lovely way to display all those festive cupcakes your doll dreams of eating.
   
2. Transform a Curio Cabinet for Barbie - Feature your Barbie doll's favorite china in a curio display.
   
3. Distressing a Sideboard or Buffet for Barbie & Family - Furnish a Barbie dollhouse with a place for her to show off all her cooking skills!
   
4. Elegant Bird Printed China for Dolls - This set of bone china by K & A Krautheim Selb Bavaria Germany
5. Doll Sized Fruity Porcelain Plates - and hand sculpted porcelain bowl of fruit thus far...
6. Blue and White Chinaware for Dolls - plus printable Blue Willow Plates, including the legend about the printed transferware...
   
7. Crafting a Herb & Spice Collection for AG or other 18" Dolls - This includes a spice label printable for tiny jars.

Craft & Collect Your Doll's Dishes, Bakeware:

1. DIY Decoupage Dish Craft - Transform child size dishes using a decoupage technique.
2. Shape and Decoupage Coffee Mugs for Your Dolls - Made from cardboard tubes and fancy scrapbook papers.
3. Craft Jams & Jellies for A Pretend Kitchen - Save up tiny baby food jars to make these adorable, child size pantry goods.
4. DIY Cardboard Plates for 18" Dolls - Paper plates may be fashioned into any theme for doll holidays and special occasions.
5. Make Doll School Cafeteria Lunch Trays - It's back-to-school again with hot lunch trays for dolls.
6. Floral Printables for Dollhouse Dishes - Use this printable to decorate with decoupage or to make cardboard dishes from scratch!
7. Decoupage a Spool Canister Set - This version made from wooden spools for Our Generation Diner.
8. Cut, shape and paint doll sized silverware... - A cardboard version, for older children to craft, pattern included
9. Make a few trivets for a doll's kitchen - trivets to protect tables and counters from hot dishes in your doll's kitchen
10. Decoupage recycled coasters into dinner plates... - upcycled plastic coasters into 18" doll dinnerware
    
11. Learn to craft cooking pots, pans and skillets - for the doll's stove top
12. Pottery and cookware for pioneer doll kitchens
13. 3 Printable Doll Dish Patterns - Old European, Persian Rose, or Spinning Star Pattern
14. How to sculpt a doll piping bag for cake decorating...
15. DIY an AG doll outdoor grill... - made using a salt box and cute plastic compass
16. How to Craft 18" Doll Casserole Dishes - samples corn bread and brownies 
17. Craft a cake stand for a doll using a plastic wine glass... - adult supervision and/or help
18. Craft a vintage toaster to stand on your doll's kitchen counter or island - two style examples are shown
    
19. How to Make Utensils for Your Doll's Kitchen - includes: potato masher, whisk, types of spatulas, kitchen knives and tongs
20. Make a loaf pan for your doll's kitchen - She will need one to make lovely, shaped bread loaves for the dollhouse kitchen pantry and table...
    
21. Blue Rose China Pattern Printables - both large and small sizes for dinner plates and desert or salad plates
22. Paper mirrored serving trays for doll parties...

Interesting Video About Crafting Sampuru:

• Fake Food, Real Art: Crafting Display Delicacies
• Sampuru: The art of Japanese Food Replicas
• Japan's Fake Food by CNA Insider
• Japanese fake food samples!

How to make pasta boxes for a doll pantry...

       I'm always looking for new ideas to make more doll groceries... Below you can see that I cut the tiny logos from a pasta box that came out of our family's real pantry. Then I decided to make tiny windows for sculpted, 18" sized doll pasta to be seen through, just like real pasta boxes from our local market!

 Supply List:

• Sculpey oven bake clay
• white school glue
• light weight cardboard (recycled cereal box)
• yellow acrylic paint
• scrap foam (substitute tissue paper)
• blue paper
• pasta brand labels (clipped from a pasta box)

Step-by-Step Directions with Photos

 

The windows are cut and the logos
snipped from real pasta box.

       Cut the box front side windows from cardboard. Wrap or paint this side in a bright bold color; I chose to make my doll pasta boxes blue but you may choose any color you like. Then I pasted the clipped logos onto the box fronts.

 

The plastic, transparent sheets are
glued and taped in place.

       I then glued and taped a plastic covering to the backside of these box fronts. I then cut long, narrow strips of cardboard and carefully glued side panels to the outside edges of my box fronts using white school glue. Let dry.

The foam keeps the pasta in front of the
 window after everything is sealed.

       I filled the spaces around the windows with foam and glued these into place. Next I sculpted tiny shapes of pasta using oven-bake clay, baked these and then painted the pastas yellow. Each window only required a few pasta pieces each to fill the windows. I glued on a prepared backside of each box, let these dry and then brushed on Mod Podge to each side to keep the finished surfaces clean for play and display.

The finished, doll sized pasta boxes
look like the real thing!

See More Doll Pasta Crafts:

• Craft Spaghetti and Meatballs for Your Dolls - made with twine, beads and acrylic paints