Paper Doll Garlands & More {A Tutorial}

Don't you just love paper doll garlands?  I simply adore them.  They are so much fun to make and so easy.  They are one of those super fulfilling projects because you get a handful of joy, from one cutting...

 

The only thing is, they are one of those projects you probably learned in grade school, and then completely forgot how to make (ie: keeping the paper doll chain in one piece).  At least, that is what happened to me a few years ago.

Several years ago my sister reminded me about the crucial factor in making these.  And now, I teach everyone I know, especially the kids in my family.  We all sit around cutting like crazy, although it usually ends up just being me and my Grandma obsessing on it all day.

 

I keep all my paper cuts I make with my Grandma.  These are from the last 2 or 3 years...

Anyhow, I thought we should make some fun garlandy stuff today, what do you think?

You see, I save a lot (and re-use a lot) of the packaging paper that comes with things I order.  For instance, sometimes I order 6 cartridges of ink on-line, which gets shipped to me in a HUGE box, with tons of crumpled brown kraft paper surrounding it (silly).  So of course, I have to recycle it by using it in craft projects...

Keep in mind that, you can use any paper you want.  Even printer paper works for practice.  But for today, I am going to use a long rectangular piece of brown kraft paper...

After you choose your paper, fold it like an accordion, also known as folding it like a fan.  One fold towards you, one fold away from you.  Fold back and forth until your paper looks like this  ...

Now, here is the most important thing to remember about a paper doll garland, or any garland you would like to make using this technique. 

You must make sure that, four corners do not get cut through, to the edge.

For example, I am drawing a very simple girl, and I am extending her arms and her legs to the edges of the paper. 

 

And here is the crucial point, as I alluded to, you must make sure that no matter what you draw, there are four sides that do not get cut.  In this case, I will not cut out the hands, or the feet, through to the edge.

I have circled the four places on the drawing below, where you must not cut to the edges of.  In this case, it is the hands and the feet that you will not cut through. 

To make this even clearer, I have marked the exact places you will not cut through, in neon green.

 

Those points (hand and feet) will hold your garland together...

 

And voila, paper doll garland happiness!!

 

What fun, and so crazy easy.

 

Trust me, it can get addictive.  You might find yourself trying to make all sorts of things.  But remember, four corners can't be cut through to the edges, no matter what you are making.

 

One of my other favorite things to keep around, is that cardboard packaging used for things like popcorn, popsicles and crackers...

 

First of all, it is really sturdy, but thin enough that you can make garlands, and cut through lots of layers without that much difficulty.  Also, you can paint it and glitter it, and it stays sturdy...

 

Really good stuff.  Just cut it open and use the uncoated side...

Fold it up, draw, keep four corners in tact, and who knows what wonderful stuff you might make...

 

I drew a wonky little star, making sure to extend four corners, that I will not cut through, to the edges.  After I cut it, a little devilish grin came over me.

Why you ask?  Well, because all I could think of was some Princess of Power character, and how I just know, we all need a little Princess Power in our lives.  Don't you think?

So, I punched holes in the edges, and tied a piece of ribbon to each side...

 

Then I coated it with craft glue. 

 

 And, covered it in sparkles.

I did this with the ribbons on because I am impatient, and also, so I could hang it to dry from one ribboned side.

I think that is pretty nifty, don't you??  A little space age style ;)

 

Slap it on your head, and call yourself a Princess of Power.  Don't be shy, come on, try it, you might like it ;)

 

You can make any sort of garland crown.  The sky is the limit!

Make sure you practice not cutting those four crucial corners...

 

 

Don't worry if you mess up from time to time, and end up with all sorts of interesting creations...

Now, go over to your printer, pull out a piece of paper, and cut away.  Practicing on printer paper is the best...

Yippeee Yay, to easy fun!

I am in such a crafty mood.  I best be careful what I decide to paper cut.  I am eyeballing my rug right now.  But don't worry, I will show control ;)

 

♥,V

 

See You Super Soon!

ps:  To achieve the color on the Paper Doll Garland in the first image, I simply spray painted a light coat of hot pink onto the garland.  After it was almost dry, I sprayed on a thin coat of spray paint, below the heads, in Robin's Egg Blue.  The purple gradient happened on its own, Hooray ;)

Comments

[Laura]

Oh YAY!!! I'm commented Number One---HOT DANG!

These are super coolio cool. I am going nuts inside thinking of all the crap I can make.
CROWNS for all the dogs in Texas!!!!!

Glitter makes everything better, doesn't it?

[Miss Linda]

I love these too. Something so much Thank you so much. It's something fun to do on a dull afternoon. They make me smile.

[dena miller]

As always,
you are amazingly creative!!!!!

[Chris]

how BRILLIANT! don't cut through the corners!!

Well, after making your paper flowers, I must do this now, because I want to paint different clothes on each one, and different colors and different glitter. So, there.

[Marilyn]

Thanks for the inspiration to do paper cut outs. I haven't done them in a very long time. It looks so fun!

[Monica Davis]

Total love this tutorial--I have always been a paper and paper doll girl

[A Forest Frolic]

Those are darling Vanessa, I had forgotten all about them. So glad you refreshed my memory because they girls will love doing them as a summer activity!!

Thanks for your sweet words on my blog, dear friend ;) We are emotionally exhausted from the traveling and the viewing and funeral and just looking or thinking about grandpa being alone, after 60 years of marriage, just makes me burst into tears :( My Me-maw was where I got a lot of my knitting, crocheting, sewing, and crafty skills from! She was great!

And I'm physically exhausted from all the packing...but getting excited that our move is only a couple days away :)

So...I've missed stopping in (you know I don't like to miss a post ;) ;) And oh my goodness, that tea party of yours is creeping up on us (I've got LOTS to do to prepare, yay)!

Big hugs V,
Jamie :)

[Teresa in California]

Oooooo! I love this post!
How about dragon paper 'dolls' or Mad Tea Party paper dolls???!!!That would be lots, and lots of fun!
Thank you for sharing your loveliness!
=^..^=
The Cheshire Cat is ready to party!!!!

[julie]

Thank you for such a great post, It brought back such lovely memories, who'd have thought that you could do so much with paper and scissors.... I must remember to return to this post nearer Christmas... I feel some new decorations coming on... My grandson will love making them for his play room.

Thank you once again.

~ Julie

[SueAnn]

Ooooo! I love the paper garlands! I am eying all sorts of
things...curtains...canvases...so many interesting textures and colors. Wow! This could drive me right over the edge!! HA!
Love your tri-toned girls...lovely!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

[Vickie]

Very, very cute! I haven't cut paper chains for alittle while now. I think I'll have to start, only maybe rabbits?

[somepinkflowers]

oooohhhh......

Deep Play
going on over here

{{ just my style, missy }}

:-)

not only are you recycling!
{{ yippeeee! }}
but
you help us
one and all
recapture out youth
with
Summer Art Camp...

what
could
B
better?

my head is spinning,too,
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♥

[Kristal]

I have ALWAYS had problems doing this, I would cut the edges. But now, with your great instructions and with two kids at home for the summer...I guess I know what we will be doing! Thanks Vanessa!

~♥~
Kristal

[Kylee]

V~

What a FABULOUS idea!! I'm definately gonna try making these :)

[tina]

I had forgotten all about these...I was the kid who would forget to NOT cut the four corners....Think today I may make some of these amd christen my new little studio...must start somewhere, right?
Have a lovely day...I hear you are having some rather warm weather!

[laura]

Hi V! Thanks so much for the reminder and tutorial on this fun fun activity! Now I have something fun, playful and creative to do on my lunch hour today! :)
blessings
~*~

[Theresa]

Oh what fun!!! :) Glitter and paper-cutting - what's not to like!!!! :) Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today, Miss Vanessa! Theresa

[Little Lovables]

what fun ideas! the crown turned out so cute

[noodle and lou]

hi sweet friend!!!
i've missed you bunches...where does the time go!? i am so DELIGHTED that you shared this with us. we were trying to make paper doll garlands the other night and i was failing miserably! hooray for you!

sending you big xoxoxo...jenn

[Rachel]

Oh how fun! I haven't done this in forever! I love the dolls. I need to decorate mine like friends and family. =) Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

[Deborah]

Oh my Beloved Magical Muse, please never NEVER never ever grow up. ♥♥♥ **blows kisses** Deb

[Kaerie Faerie]

really fun, took a little break from doll making and used that roll of paper I had
thanks for the share I'll e-mail you a pic
your so fun!!!!
Karey

[asnipofgoodness]

I can't wait to try this, and teach my girls how in the morning! Thanks so much for the tute. I think I used to make these, but I had forgotten, thank you for the reminder.

[Gillian]

Oh I love these V!!!!
The stars are adorable.

but what really made me swoon, was the evergreens

such a sweet idea
xoxo

[Laraine Atherton]

I must make the crown for my grandchild.....I always find something fun on your blog.

[wende]

So adorable. Just like YOU!

[Mary Lou]

My mother used to cut them all the time but every time I've tried for my grands it doesn't work. Now I know the trick.I'm going to try it asap!!
thanks for showing me how.

[Sara]

Oooooh! I love making paper doll chains. I used ot make them with my grandma. Now I make them with my kids. What fun yours are!

[Lavender Dreamer]

Paper dolls...oh I love them! Thanks for sharing your fun! ♥

[Lucinda Keller]

Thank you! I am soooo inspired! And I love your recent garden post but I am a bit green with envy .. and not green thumbed. No garden. Apartment. sigh. Someday, but thank you for the inspiration!

[waterrose]

What a fun tutorial. I use to love making snowflakes. I love to come and visit...wish I wouldn't wait so long...lol

[jordan sneakers]

How about dragon paper 'dolls' or Mad Tea Party paper dolls???!!!That would be lots, and lots of fun!

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My mother used to cut them all the time but every time I've tried for my grands it doesn't work.

[Shure Microphones]

I use to love making snowflakes. I love to come and visit...

[Nokia Vertu]

Thank you! I am soooo inspired! And I love your recent garden post but I am a bit green with envy ..

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thanks for showing me how.

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My mother used to cut them all the time but every time I've tried for my grands it doesn't work. Now I know the trick.I'm going to try it asap!!
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