How to Make Paper Dolls

How to Make Paper Dolls

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Kids these days are missing out on a “real” childhood. Though I am only twenty-two years old, I remember the good old days when my cousins and I played outdoors or indoors without technology. Bizarre right? We used to play tag, red-light green-light, hide and seek, house, or some arts and crafts project. Kids now- a-days are so absorbed with possessing the latest technology and rather catch up with friends on Facetime than meet face to face. What catches their eyes are the “We have free Wifi” at restaurants and you can barely grasp their attention in attempts to have a family dinner. There is little appreciation for homemade gifts or board games anymore. Everything is an app and available in the palm of your hands. How can we shift kids’ interests into the simpler things instead of grandiosity of owning every single electronic device? Try something less traveled and creative.

Make your own paper dolls

                                                                                  pencil paper doll cutouts avatar and outfits Teaching your children how to make paper dolls is a fun project! Whether you’re spending quality time or are having a play date or sleepover, it is a great activity to partake in. Encourage them to make several dolls and give them an identity and background stories. It is inexpensive since you can use paper around the house. You no longer have to spend hundreds on Barbie and friends, Barbie dream house, and Barbie Glam convertibles.  Playing with paper dolls challenges your children to bring out their imaginative side and progresses their motor skills. Studies have shown that making kindergartners and special needs children cut out paper dolls poses as an effective occupational therapy practice.

Barbie vs. Paper dolls

[caption id="attachment_6418" align="aligncenter" width="635"]barbie toy proportion comparison to real woman doll Barbie's proportions on a real woman[/caption] Sure you can buy a paper doll from Barbie, but where is the excitement in that? Paper dolls give kids the ability to create a true representation of what people look like. As parents you can help them see what realistic standards of beauty are instead of being misled by Barbie dolls and the media. Over the years, people have grown angry at Barbie for not creating a doll with practical proportions. Unfortunately, young girls who play with Barbies are inspired by her beauty and try to emulate her as they grow older. A solution to these misconceptions is by encouraging your children to make their own dolls and by making replicas of themselves. Hence, they won’t be spending hours playing with a doll that they have no relation to or idolizing features they may never have.

Convinced yet? Great! Let’s make our own.

What you’ll need: Paper Pencil Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers Card Stock Scissors Glue

Step 1:

hands on white paper with male and female paper doll templates

Get a blank piece of paper to draw a person. Or find a sufficient sized figure to trace from a magazine, coloring book, or comic book

Step 2:

hands gluing female template to white cardstock

Paste the doll onto card stock to make it last longer

Step 3:

hands cutting out female doll with scissors

Cut out the shape.

Step 4:

paper woman surrounded by colored pencils

Color the doll and fill in facial features and hair color.

Step 5:

pencil tracing of female paper doll dress on white paper

Retrace on new paper to make clothes.

Step 6:

color in paper clothes with red pen on white paper

Draw the different clothing items: shirts, sweaters, pants, skirts, dresses.

Step 7:

colored drawing of female outfit with paper doll tabs

Draw tabs around the edge of the clothes.

Step 8:       

hands cutting out outfit with scissors

Cut out the clothing pieces.

Step 9:

 completed female paper doll with outfits laying on desk

Decide on an outfit to dress your doll in.

Step 10:

Play pretend!

Creating Your Own Paper Dolls


Learning how to make paper dolls can be a fun and creative activity for both children and adults. It's a simple and inexpensive way to entertain yourself or your kids, and it allows for endless customization and personalization. Making paper dolls can also be a great way to improve fine motor skills and encourage imaginative play. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, making paper dolls is a delightful and rewarding pastime that anyone can enjoy.


The Benefits of Making Paper Dolls


Aside from being a fun and creative activity, making paper dolls offers a range of benefits. It can help improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate creativity, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, making paper dolls can be a relaxing and meditative experience, allowing you to unwind and de-stress. It's also a great way to bond with your children or grandchildren, as it encourages collaboration and shared creativity.


Use Cases for Paper Dolls


Paper dolls can be used in a variety of ways, from simple playtime activities to educational tools. They can be used to act out stories, create themed scenes, or even as decorations for greeting cards and scrapbooks. Paper dolls can also be used as teaching aids for history lessons, cultural studies, and language learning. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.


Alternatives to Traditional Paper Dolls


If you're looking for a twist on the traditional paper doll, consider using different materials such as fabric, felt, or even recycled materials. You can also explore digital options, such as creating virtual paper dolls using design software or apps. These alternatives can add a new dimension to the classic paper doll experience and provide fresh opportunities for creativity.


Tips for Making Paper Dolls


When making paper dolls, it's important to use quality materials and tools to ensure the best results. Consider using sturdy paper or cardstock for durability, and invest in good quality scissors for precise cutting. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with different designs, outfits, and accessories to create unique and personalized paper dolls. Finally, have fun with the process and let your creativity flow!


Exploring Paper Doll Communities


If you're passionate about making paper dolls, consider joining online communities or forums dedicated to paper doll crafting. These communities can provide inspiration, tips, and resources, as well as opportunities to connect with fellow paper doll enthusiasts. Sharing your creations and engaging with others can enhance your paper doll experience and expand your creative horizons.


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