Kudos to our daycare for sharing this fun DIY paper doll project that was completely doable on a weeknight. I know all the DIY gurus will create pin worthy paper dolls, probably a whole family of them in no time. I was happy this project required items I had around the house and ended up being a fun bonding time with my daughter.
As parents we draw from our children, we experience things through their eyes and sometimes we even discover a new passion. My daughter glows in her happy place with blank canvas awaiting her touch. I happily sit with my daughter in awe of her creative spark but today I’m proud to have unlocked a tiny artist in myself. You probably won’t see me stocking up on art supplies and sporting a paint smock but you will find me joining in the creative process with a bigger smile.
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- Paper dolls line the daycare hallways...a beautiful sight.
My Simple Paper Doll Project Plan
- Create a doll outline or copy from a book - daycare provided our paper doll saving me the additional step.
- Gather ribbons, buttons, felt balls or any glitzy, sassy add-on items you'd like to use to embellish.
- The most important project step - let your child take control of the paper doll project and become an artist. My daughter picked out her items and of course went with pink.
- I used origami paper for the dress and pulled out my old scrapbook goodies, finally found a use for everything. I went through a must have collection phase for scrapbooking but must admit they fill a large box that rarely gets opened. Our daycare asked for a photograph as the face but I think it would be more fun to use buttons and little items to create the face.
The daycare search for any parent is a challenge and usually a compromise in an urban area but when you find that stellar fit for your family it’s true bliss. I’m one of the lucky working mamas who found a place that has become an extension of my home for my daughter. The people love my daughter and nourish her well beyond her basic needs as she discovers new passions and talents.
My takeaway from this project - it's possible to transform something simple into an arts and crafts project without a lot of fuss and mess. Our kids need mini projects outside of their daily routines and now I see myself creating our family of paper dolls - cat and dog included!
Liz, Urban Beach Baby