How to Make a Paper Doll Card

How to Make a Paper Doll card - Use up paper and fabric scraps to make your own paper doll card. Such a sweet idea! via littlegirldesigns.com

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A few weeks ago, I was clicking around Pinterest when I came across a picture of a sweet little illustration that was made with a black pen and a scrap of fabric. It was such a simple concept and of course, being a card-lover I had to give it a try.

I made a few in my sketchbook and then turned one of these girls into a card. You could easily whip up several of these to make as a card pack for a sweet gift. And you don’t have to draw little girls if that’s not your thing–houses, ornaments, animals, etc. would all work great here. The key is to find a part of the illustration that you can sub fabric or scrapbook paper for.

How to Make a Paper Doll Card

You will need:

Plain piece of paper (I used a sheet out of a journal.)
One blank card
Scrapbook or gift wrap paper
Scissors
Pencil
Watercolor pencils (These are the ones I love; they last forever!)
White glue
Water and paintbrush
Pen
You could also use regular colored pencils if you don’t want a watercolor effect.

How to Make a Paper Doll card - Use up paper and fabric scraps to make your own paper doll card. Such a sweet idea! via jenniemoraitis.com

Begin by lightly sketching your design onto a piece of paper. In the example above I also drew where the dress would go so I could get a rough idea as to how to cut the scrapbook paper.

Take a piece of scrapbook paper and cut it to size to make the dress. This is where a light box comes in handy–you can place the card on the light box and trace the scrapbook paper (or fabric) for an exact measurement. Honestly, you don’t have to make a very intricate outfit. Dresses can be little triangles too.

Tip: When you’re cutting, cut the paper slightly larger than you think it should be since you can always trim off the excess later.

How to Make a Paper Doll card - Use up paper and fabric scraps to make your own paper doll card. Such a sweet idea! via jenniemoraitis.com

Apply glue to the back (use it sparingly so the paper won’t curl) and affix the paper to the card.

How to Make a Paper Doll card - Use up paper and fabric scraps to make your own paper doll card. Such a sweet idea! via jenniemoraitis.com

If you would like, you can add detail to the piece of scrapbook paper at this point. You could also leave it plain. I added a little bit of color to my little girl’s cheeks with the watercolor pencil. You could also color your paper doll completely. When using watercolor pencils, first color in, then add a little bit of water to a paintbrush and lightly paint. A little bit of water goes a long way.

Cut the paper down to size and attach it with glue or double-stick tape to your card.

How to Make a Paper Doll card - Use up paper and fabric scraps to make your own paper doll card. Such a sweet idea! via jenniemoraitis.com

This paper doll card idea can be used for gift bags, cards, gift tags, and even simple art for your home. Add a sweet hand-lettered message and you’re done!

Hope you have a lovely {and creative} day!

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