Homemade trading card for kids; tiny spirit dolls

A few years ago I was trading Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) enthusiastically with folks all over the world. It was wonderful. (See an earlier post on this subject.) I like to create ATCs using collage, drawing materials, and/or paint. I did several cards focused on personality traits and behaviors. In looking back on these cards, I see that they could be great gifts or projects for children. Young children could be given the cards as a reward. Older children could be encouraged to create their own "encouragement" or "friendly qualities" card. Or cards for "hopes and dreams," "goals," "favorite quotes," or even "special relatives." Religious families might encourage cards to teach verses such as the Beatitudes. Others might create cards based on principles important to their culture or family. I simply like to make cards that feature the traits I want to see in myself and in my children.

A few years ago I also made many small figures I called "Spirit Dolls." Some where eight or ten inches in length; others were quite small. I came across two of them the other day and thought these would be great little dolls for girls to make and collect. The heads are made of Cernit (a brand of polymer clay that bakes in the oven), and formed using rubber face forms sold in craft stores such as Hobby Lobby. The bodies are made from popsicle sticks wrapped with yarn. They can be decorated with beads and specialty yarn, even feathers. They are my version of "worry dolls," as they would carry one's worries, like tiny angelic icons.