Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Children have been making paper dolls from scraps of paper and magazines for years. A market developed for these toys and magazines and other manufacturers eventually did start to create products parents and children could cut out and have dolls with special fashions or specific character ties associated with them. Many stars have had paper dolls associated with them. Shirley Temple was an early model and Myley Cyrus currently has dolls with her character brand.
Parents and children can still make dolls in very simple manners creating a pattern, cutting out the doll, and then designing clothes. Free Internet patterns are available to help teach your child how to make simple dolls. More complicated patterns are available to print as well. I've included some free resources as well as those you can purchase.
Do use sturdy paper to print your paper dolls on. Printing those items you download on cardstock or cutting and gluing them to heavier paper is a good idea. I would suggest laminating or using contact paper to preserve them. Even with the heavier paper the pieces will rip. Protecting them will add to their play life.
Storage is another issue that can be addressed simply. Large manila envelopes will generally hold the dolls and their outfits without creating damage. Boxes can also work if the dolls and the outfits can be flat when stored. If you end up with a few envelopes, storing them in a paper box or other storage unit can keep them accessible, but neat and orderly.