Friday, January 13, 2012

Inspiration Avenue: Paper dolls

I can't believe today is Friday the 13th. I'm sure that is good luck, at least in my world. This week at Inspiration Avenue, Maggie (Magpie) asked us to create paper dolls. Now my belief (and mantra) is anything that can be made with paper can be made with fabric.



To emphasize this, I pulled out a fabric covered journal I made a year or so ago using paper doll fabric.


Here's one I backed with felt. This fabric beauty even has her own wardrobe.


Back in 2007 or 2008, I was in a "free" tip-in swap. All the materials had to be free, such as from the junk mail pile, the dumpster, or ads from newspapers. I made a bunch of these tip-ins using the paper art doll pattern that I scaled down to fit the page size. Yep, that me: Dr. E., Queen of Free.


Of course, Maggie wanted something new!


Made from mostly fabric (and bits of fiber for the hair), but paper backed, this is my interpretation of this challenge. Take your pick, Maggie. It's the same doll, she's just got more attitude in the scan than in the photo I took off my camera. I actually love moving her limbs.

Thanks for this challenge, Maggie. I so loved the dragon, but knew I would never be able to make one!

23 thoughtful remarks:

Monica said...

i am going to use paper dolls in a swap soon and plan to use fabric. i made a template a few months ago when i designed Kate's wedding dress. SO much fun

Healing Woman said...

Monica is wonderful. I remember when you created that paper doll book last year. I still think it's fabulous as is the little doll you featured with it. I can never get enough of paper dolls! Thanks for posting.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Wonderful job, Elizabeth! The past ones you showed were awesome, too! Have a great weekend!

Margaret said...

Your paper doll book is fab, wonderful material you've got there. I love your moveable gal, I've got a stamp for one of those... somewhere... makes me want to go and look for it! Mx

Unknown said...

Oh she is wonDERful- you've got me wanting to make one now!

PeggyR said...

I love what you created!

Anonymous said...

She is fantastic and are all the other dolls in your collection paper and fabric. xox Corrine

Lins Artyblobs said...

Well I love paper dolls, but ones with moving parts are even better. She's super!

Unknown said...

She is great - I love that you used fabric and I love her hair! So wild.

Steph said...

I've been missing out on some lovely posts here....ooooh I go jelly with dolls....love them....

Halle said...

I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th! I'm not superstitious but it may explain hubby's bad day. :) The paper dolls are sweet...I wonder what ever happened to mine. I likely decided I was too old and pitched them.

Lynn Cohen said...

I loved paper dolls as a child, made my own clothes for them too. I guess I've been creative forever.

voodoo vixen said...

I love your little paper dolls... it takes me back to my childhood!! Used to cut up pages from my Mum's catalogues to dress them!!

Maggie said...

I love every one of the pictures you posted...but my very favorites are the newest ones! Amazing hair and bright clothes!

Linda Manning Findley said...

Paper dolls are great ... love what you are doing ...

Gaby Bee said...

Your paper dolls are fantastic, Elizabeth! Love especially the hair from your last doll:)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Gaby

Hettienne Grobler said...

wow wow wow! this is so beautiful!!

Priti Lisa said...

How divine Dr. E!
I love everyone of these dolls and the book.
I feel like making one now.
♥♥♥

Kim Collister Studio said...

I love that she moves and I love her colorful natural dyed hair! She definitely has some attitude! Love it!

Janine said...

I love maggie she is beautiful and so is her new dress

PetraB said...

Oh, she is so beautiful and stylish!

Terrie said...

Absolutely LOVE your doll! So creative and fashion forward! I couldn't come up with an idea so skipped this week but am loving seeing all the IA genius.

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

I love your fabric dolls - all of them. I agree, your latest creation has more attitude in the scanned version than in the photograph. Love that hair!