Hi everyone, it's Autumn Clark from SewPaperPaint with you today, and I'm here to share with you my latest paper dolls I made with matchboxes. I wanted to create matchbox dolls because I'm really drawn to the idea that our core being houses so much and all of those things put together is what makes us individuals: our personalities, our hard-wiring, our memories, our connections, and these days especially, our internal conflicts. Somehow these little dollies comfort my mind and remind me that we are all the same, all filled to the brim with the stuff of life.
One thing I absolutely LOVE to do is dissect my stamps and try to come up with new ways to use the individual components. This doll making technique is perfect for anyone who feels the same, as you can layer the stamped elements in so many ways within the matchbox.
The humble matchbox. It's a great place to start for many creative projects. They are also super cool to collect. Lots of collectors share the artwork, which can be used in collages. Inside a tiny box are limitless opportunities for creative expression.
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I decided to make a custom sized matchbox to fit one of my chosen stamps, the butterfly from PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella stamp set 45 (LPC045). The box is a simple construction. I measured my stamp then added one inch to each side and cut a panel this size. I scored at 1/2" and 1" all around then cut away the excess as shown.
Next, I added some color to the front and back of my cutout boxes. I added really small dots of PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints in Caramel, Waterfall and Surf's Up to my gel plate.
I blended with my smallest brayer, starting with the blues then rubbing over the Caramel, taking care not to over mix the colors.
I went ahead and gel printed the back of my sheet of watercolor paper, following the same process, so the back of my doll would have some interest. Then I stamped the other side with images from PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella stamp sets 29 and 4 (LPC029) and (LPC042). I had a fun time watercoloring the images and picking out the elements to rearrange as my dolls.
I was happy with the painted kraft boxes, but wanted to add some stamped detail. I used PaperArtsy mini stamp 76 (MN76) on one box.
Then I stamped a portion of PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella stamp set 45 (LPC045) onto tissue for the second box. I painted the backs of the butterflies with more Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic in Caramel, then used matte Mod Podge to adhere it inside my box.
Those bees made a great backdrop for the other layered elements. I used a circle punch to add one of the girl faces atop of the other face for this doll.
This was one of those projects where I questioned where I was headed mid-process, but I stayed the course and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
I hope they've made you smile and hope they will make you take a second look at your Lynne Perrella stamps today to see how they can be rearranged into dolls of your own.
Of course, making these matchboxes has me thinking of my next matchbox project, maybe with a mini book inside or a tiny shrine. Meanwhile, I hope these dolls will blend in well with my last batch of dolls I shared HERE. I also want to try upcycling a jewelry box in the same way. What ideas do you have? I'd love to hear about them in the comments. xx, Autumn
4 comments:
they look so cool!
Wow! Wonderful dolls. I love the color scheme you used and all the great details.
As always, you've made me add to my PA wish list. :D
Fabulous!
Autumn, your imagination is limitless. These are so wonderfully whimsical. I didn't think I would need these stamps and now . . .!
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