2018 Topic 10: Paper Dolls {Topic Introduction and Challenge}

 2018 Topic 10: Paper Dolls

Kaz Hall

Well hello and bonjour everyone, Darcy here. I have just returned from France to bring you  our latest challenge. This one is fun and will take you back to your childhood play days. Do you remember cutting out paper dolls from magazines, or even creating your own? I definitely did, I went through a phase of drawing and colouring paper dolls, each with a different outfit. I had a box full and they went everywhere with me. 

Before we start, let's see who won the Topic 9: Colour: Vintage Neutrals Colour Challenge...

The winner is: Hazel Parr  from Create a smile cards

Email Darcy to claim your prize. Darcydotneedles@gmail.com

There are many versions of paper dolls available now, you can find an abundance of downloadable dolls online but if you don't fancy the cutting out then the Tim Holtz die cuts are for you. They come in packets with over 100 pieces, enough to play for ages. 

These vintage images slot nicely into so many layouts, themes and colour schemes. These examples will show mostly this type of 'doll' but you can use any paper dolls that you have, or even create your own from stamped parts. The Lynne Perrella Collection has lots of heads to start you off. 

This example is very much a vintage collage of ephemera, beautiful neutrals combined with a little texture. 

Emma Williams

More vintage dolls/people, this time on tags. The theme remains layered and distressed but it set off by the strong blue of the pieces of denim fabric. 

Katje Mezzanotte

I love the use of the embroidery hoop framing this project, it really adds tot he traditional feel. 

Emma Williams

Here the colour scheme is simple and elegant with a splash of vivid colour on the butterfly wings. 

Bobbi Smith

As you can see the vintage dolls work equally well on a colourful background, these tags are stunning. Beautiful blending and inky edges pulls all the elements together. 

Barbarayaya

More colour here, not just in the background but also on the figure which has had subtle colour added.

Bexta

A fun keepsake in a tiny tin, this little girls with her blushed cheeks fits perfectly inside this tin with her butterflies. 

Nichola Battilana

Now for a piece that is full on 3d, there is so much to look at here, it is such an inspirational project. From the wheels, the bottles and the flowers tot he boy and the butterflies. I especially like that he stands out for not being coloured so brightly. The carefully placed words lead your eye around all the elements. 

Barbarayaya

More 3d pieces, this time small houses, subtle tints combined with splashes of colour is the key. 

Annie

Such a beautiful colour in this background, with lots of well thought out and placed elements of interest. 

Tracy Evans

I had to include this piece as it is so sweet, all dolls need clothes and somebody has to wash them. This line of dresses has so many lovely little details, peer between the layers to pick them out. 

Nederhoff913

If you love the clothes of paper dolls then how about adding textured clothes to them, a little scarp of lace looks fabulous. 

Maygreen Fairies

You could also collect petals and leaves and create some stunning fairy outfits. 

Artful Adventures

These little origami dolls are wonderful check out the link under this photo to find a tutorial. 

Omiyage blogs

Another way to join in is to use vintage photos of your own, such as old family photos. Here they are attached to cubes. 

Barbarayaya

This next one could be so much fun, make these for family and friends, work colleagues or teachers. the templates are on Claudine Hellmuth's blog, find then HERE. 

Mendy

You can also make your own dolls from blank templates, there are several templates on Kimberly Crick's site, once you have the body shape you can use rubber stamps and patterned papers to add character. The templates are free to download, check them out. 

Kimberley Crick 

So , how will you play with dolls for this topic, will you draw and paint, or stamp and collage or use bought die cuts? whatever you decide to do be sure to link up as we really want to see your creations. 

Don't forget to follow Darcy and Leandra's Pinterest boards if this topic pushes your buttons, you will see plenty more examples to whet your appetite there! I am really looking forward to seeing what you create over the next 2 weeks!

~ Darcy

To join our challenge and win a new Zinski apron:
Simply make something arty relevant to the topic, and link your creation from any social URL (eg. Instagram, Pinterest, Blog Post etc) sharing your original make to this challenge page.

The current topic link Topic 10: Paper Dolls will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, June 17th 2018, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

NB you have 3 weeks for this challenge due to New Products being announced

All links go in the draw to win a PaperArtsy creative apron. Please make sure we can contact you as a prize winner - it helps if you share your contact info from the platform you opt to use.

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!