How to make paper doll chain
Welcome to our guide on how to make a paper doll chain! This classic craft is a fun and creative way to spend your time, whether you’re a child or an adult. Paper doll chains have been loved for generations and are a perfect activity for both crafting beginners and experienced enthusiasts. All you need is some paper, scissors, and a little bit of imagination.
Creating a paper doll chain allows you to unleash your creativity, and you can customize your dolls any way you like. From simple designs to intricate outfits, the possibilities are endless. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with different colors, patterns, and accessories to make your doll chain truly unique.
Not only is making a paper doll chain a great way to express your artistic side, but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for personalization. You can make a doll chain that represents your family, friends, or even fictional characters from books or movies. Get ready to let your imagination soar as you dive into the wonderful world of paper doll chains!
Materials: what you will need to make a paper doll chain
To make a paper doll chain, you will need the following materials:
Paper:
You will need several sheets of colored or patterned paper. Construction paper or scrapbook paper works well for this craft.
Scissors:
A pair of sharp scissors will be necessary to cut out the paper dolls. Make sure your scissors are suitable for cutting paper and safely handle them during the crafting process.
Pencil or pen:
You will need a pencil or pen to trace the template of the paper dolls onto the colored or patterned paper. This will help you create consistent and symmetrical dolls.
Template:
You can either create your own paper doll template or find printable templates online. These templates usually feature an outline of a paper doll with tabs on each side to connect them. Find a template that suits the size and style of the paper dolls you want to make.
Decorative items:
If desired, you can use various decorative items to enhance your paper doll chain. These can include markers, colored pencils, glitter, stickers, ribbons, or any other embellishments that you like. Feel free to get creative and personalize your paper dolls to make them unique!
Once you have gathered all of these materials, you are ready to start making your own paper doll chain. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating a colorful and playful decoration!
Step 1: Folding the Paper
Before you begin making a paper doll chain, you need to start by folding a piece of paper correctly. Follow these steps to ensure you fold the paper in the right way:
|
Step |
Description |
| 1 | Take a rectangular sheet of paper and place it horizontally on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. |
| 2 | Bring the bottom edge of the paper up to meet the top edge, folding it in half lengthwise. Make sure to align the edges accurately and crease firmly along the fold. |
| 3 | Next, fold the paper in half widthwise by bringing the right edge over to meet the left edge. Again, align the edges precisely and crease firmly along the fold. |
| 4 | You now have a smaller rectangle that is the size of a quarter of the original sheet of paper. |
Folding the paper correctly is essential as it provides the starting point for creating the paper doll chain. Once you’ve completed this step, you can move on to the next step in making your paper doll chain.
Step 2: Cutting out the doll chain
After printing out the doll chain template, it’s now time to start cutting out the dolls! Grab a pair of scissors and carefully cut along the black lines that outline each doll.
Make sure not to cut off the fold at the bottom of each doll, as this will be what holds the chain together.
If you’re creating a longer doll chain, you may want to use a ruler to help you cut straight lines and keep the dolls consistent in size.
Once you’ve finished cutting out all the dolls, gather up the individual dolls and arrange them in the order you want them to appear in the chain.
That’s it for step 2! You’re now ready to move on to the next step where we’ll be folding the dolls to create the chain.
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Note: If you want to make the doll chain more colorful and personal, you can use different colored paper or use markers and colored pencils to decorate the dolls after they’ve been cut out. Get creative and have fun! |
Step 3: Unfolding the Paper
After you have cut out your paper doll chain, it’s time to unfold the paper and reveal your finished dolls. Carefully and gently unfold the chain by pulling each doll away from its neighboring doll. Be sure to go slow and be extra cautious so the paper doesn’t tear.
As you unfold the chain, you will see that each doll is interconnected by small tabs. These tabs were created when you cut along the folded lines, leaving portions of the paper dolls joined together. Now it’s time to separate each individual doll and bring them to life!
To separate the dolls from one another, simply cut through the small tabs connecting them. You can use a pair of scissors or a craft knife for a more precise cut. Make sure to follow the trace lines that were drawn earlier to ensure the dolls maintain their shape and symmetry.
Once you have cut through all the tabs, gently pull each doll apart and straighten them. You will now have a chain of separate, stand-alone paper dolls that are ready to be played with or displayed.
Keep in mind that the dolls may still have some creases from the folds, especially along the center where they were folded. To make the dolls look neater and more presentable, you can use a straight edge or ruler to smooth out any remaining creases.
Next Steps
Now that your paper doll chain is unfolded and separated, you can continue with the next steps to personalize and decorate them. Whether you want to draw faces, add clothing, or color them in, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and have fun bringing these paper dolls to life!
Tips
Be gentle: Take your time when unfolding the paper doll chain and separating the dolls to avoid tearing the paper.
Use a craft knife: If you’re comfortable using one, a craft knife can help you make precise cuts when separating the dolls.
Smooth out creases: Use a straight edge or ruler to smooth out any remaining creases from the folds before displaying or playing with the paper dolls.
Get creative: After you have unfolded the paper doll chain, let your imagination run wild! Personalize the dolls, give them outfits, and make them unique in any way that you’d like. Have fun with the process!
Decoration: Adding colors and patterns to your paper doll chain
Creating a paper doll chain is a fun and creative activity, but why not take it a step further by adding colors and patterns to make your doll chain truly unique and eye-catching? Here are some ideas to inspire your decoration:
- Colorful markers or crayons: Use bright colors to give your dolls a vibrant and lively look. You can color each doll in a different shade or create patterns by alternating colors.
- Patterned paper: Instead of using plain white paper, try using patterned scrapbooking paper to add a decorative touch to your doll chain. Choose patterns that match the theme or color scheme you have in mind.
- Stickers and cut-outs: Enhance your dolls by adding stickers or cut-outs of accessories such as hats, bows, or shoes. These small details can make your doll chain look more personalized and complete.
- Glitters and sequins: Add some sparkle to your dolls by using glitter pens or gluing sequins onto their clothes. This can give them a glamorous and festive appearance.
- Ribbons and yarn: Attach ribbons or yarn to your dolls as hair, clothing, or decorations. Experiment with different colors and textures to create different effects.
- Paint: If you’re feeling adventurous, try painting your doll chain instead of using markers or crayons. Acrylic paints work best on paper, and you can mix colors to create unique shades.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to decorating your paper doll chain. Let your imagination run wild and have fun experimenting with different colors, patterns, and materials. The more unique and personalized your doll chain is, the more you’ll enjoy displaying it or giving it as a handmade gift!
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