Description
As the title suggests, these dolls are made entirely out of newspaper! They are easy to make, eco-friendly, and require very few materials. Despite being made of paper, they are quite sturdy and usable. Plus, they make a unique and thoughtful gift!
Material
- Newspaper
- Masking Tape
- Glue
- String
- Scissors
- Pencil
Backstory
I watched several videos where creators made dolls entirely out of newspaper, including their clothes. However, these were not conventional dolls. I wanted to create a traditional-looking doll, with a conventional face, clothes, and hair made completely from newspaper.
Later, I came across a doll on a website that closely matched how I envisioned my own newspaper doll. I used that idea as inspiration, built upon it, and added my own creative spin. That is how this newspaper doll was born.
I have also shared photos of other newspaper dolls I have created.
Video Tutorial
Written Instructions
To make the doll armature, crumple a double newspaper page and then reopen it. Crumple it again into a rope-like shape and fold it in half as shown. This will form the torso of the doll.
2. Crumble and form rope like shapeusing two single sheets and a half sheet of newspaper and fold it in half. This way thigh portion of leg becomes slightly bulky.
3. Crumple two single sheets in a rope and fold them in half for arms.
4. Insert ‘legs’ in to torso piece and fix it in place by tying a string as shown.
5. next insert arms in the uppur portion of the torso and tie a string above and below the arms to fix the arms in place.
6. Next, wrap masking tape around the newspaper arms and legs, tightening it slightly to gather the paper and give them an arm- and leg-like shape.
7. Since the legs were too far apart, bring them closer together by wrapping masking tape around them, as shown
8. Wrap newspaper strips around the legs and arms.
9. Next, make the neck. Roll a piece of soft cardboard (such as a cracker box) into a tube and secure it with masking tape to keep it intact.
10. Cut the newspaper hanging on the top of the arms and shoulder. Stick the cadboard tube in the middle of the paper using glue gun. Then stick masking tape over the newspaper forming the neck for the doll.
11. Roll newspaper in a ball. Cover it with masking tape. Then paper Mache three layers of newspaper pieces on it.
12. When the newspaper ball dries, ut it right in the middle as shown and take out the newspaper inside it, making it hollow and light weight.
13. Marked the centers of the halves as shown. This way when stuck to the cardboard tube they will get stuck right on the center and not lobsided.
14. Close the gap in between the halves with masking tape and then cut off extra tube above the head. Then Stick newspaper strip over the masking tape using white or School Glue.
15. Next, wrap newspaper around the doll’s torso over both the shoulders to give the body a 3D shape.
15. Next, make the doll’s skirt.
Take two newspaper rectangles, one narrower than the other. Fold one long edge of each rectangle to form the waist. Using decorative edge scissors, cut the opposite long edge to create a serrated border. Place the narrower rectangle over the broader one, aligning the folded edges. Make a running stitch running accross the length of both the rectangles along the folded edge using needle and thread. Wrap the skirt around the doll’s waist and pull the thread to gather it. Adjust and tighten so it fits the doll’s waist securely.
16. To make the doll’s blouse, hold a folded newspaper rectangle against the doll’s body as shown. Measure the neck and shoulders, then draw the blouse shape and cut it out to get two pieces.
17. Join the two pieces at one shoulder using masking tape. Fold the lower edge and tape it with masking tape. Next Put the blouse on the doll, then secure the other shoulder and both sides of the blouse with masking tape.
18. Finally, tuck in and adjust the back so the blouse fits perfectly on the doll’s body.
19.Next to add bangs stick a broad strip of newspaper on top of the doll’s head. Then cut the bangs as shown.
20.Next, add padding of newspaper on the back of the head to shape it.
21. To make the doll’s hair, crumple newspaper and roll it into rope-like strands. Stick these strands onto the back of the doll’s head as shown. And then braid the hair and tie rubberband at the end of the braid.
21. Next, stick a tiny newspaper ball on the doll’s face for a nose and paint eyes and lips.
Tips And Tricks
- Instead of newspaper clothes, you can dress the doll in real fabric clothes.
- You can paint a skin tone on the doll to give it a more realistic look.
- Paint shoes directly onto the doll’s feet, or create separate ones.
- Make the doll’s hair using yarn or real hair instead of newspaper.
- Decorate her hair by sticking small flowers in it.
- Add jewellery to enhance the doll’s appearance.
- You can also make some of these items such as, shoes, jewellery, and flowers using paper or newspaper
Inspiration For you
Final Word
I hope you enjoyed this doll made entirely from newspaper. It doesn’t cost any money, and you can make as many dolls as you like. Your kids and grandkids can have a new doll every week, and your imagination can truly run wild, definitely a win-win situation! For inspiration, I’ve included a photo of the dolls I made.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check out my other DIY eco-friendly craft posts.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
99Bon – I wouldn’t hype it up too much, but it’s reliable enough. Worth a shot if you’re bored. Just my 2 cents: 99bon.
I hope you are bored enough to make one! happy crafting!