Baroque Chain Paper Dolls with Guest Artist Sandra Evertson

Today we welcome Sandra Evertson to Somerset Place as she shares with us a fun paper-cutting technique to create paper people that are all dolled up!

As spring approaches, I like to dress up my studio with lovely garlands of beautiful paper dolls dancing in doorways and window panes. A simple pleasure from a distant childhood memory–just fancied up a bit! No matter how many years have passed, however, it is still an exciting and satisfying moment when you unfurl a little piece of paper you have snipped here and there and unveil a delicate chain of paper people!

Materials
Standard copy paper 8 ½” x 11” (be sure to use heavier weight, bright white copy paper)
Pencil
Small sharp scissors
Exacto knife
Acrylic paints
Toothpick
Dressmaker’s pin
Cotton cloth

Instructions

  1. Fold a single sheet of copy paper in half, width-wise (that would be hamburger-style for you young’ns). Make crisp creases along the center and gently tear the sheet into two halves. Fold the new piece in half, and then in half again one last time.
  2. I used a metal finding shaped like an 18th century court dancer as the inspiration for my ladies. You can either create a pattern or freestyle your design with a pencil onto the folded edge of the paper. Remember to leave at least two spots on your design that will remain attached to create your chain.
  3. Use a pair of very sharp scissors or an exacto knife to cut out any interior spaces.
  4. Unfold to reveal your pretty ladies, all in a row!
  5. Embellish your paper dolls with a tiny wooden toothpick as a “paint brush” dipped in acrylic paints, creating a faux-dotted Swiss design.

Variations on a theme: Create pretty little pinholes by resting your paper dolls on a folded piece of cotton cloth, then pricking out each hole with a long dressmaker’s pin. Add a set of men to accompany your ladies! For an unusual twist, create these paper chain dolls using black paper for a whimsical silhouette effect. Have fun creating, and now let the ball begin!

A big “Thank you!” to Sandra for sharing this fun technique! More of Sandra Evertson’s artwork can be found in Artful Blogging, Handcrafted, Somerset Apprentice, Somerset Home, Somerset Life, and Somerset Studio. To view more of Sandra’s work, please visit her blog http://www.sandraevertson.blogspot.com

Consider yourself a wiz with a pair of sheers? Show us your spectacular paper chain creations by submitting them to blog@stampington.com.


Posted: Thursday, May 10th, 2012 @ 9:12 am
Categories: How-To Project Tutorials.
Tags: , , , .
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6 Responses to “Baroque Chain Paper Dolls with Guest Artist Sandra Evertson”

  1. Maureen says:

    What a sweet idea foe a decoration! Thanks for reminding us of a childhood pleasure.

  2. Doreen says:

    I agree with Maureen in the above comment. One of my first crafts was cutting out paper dolls from my Uncle’s “recycled” x-ray paper.

  3. Lisa M says:

    This is a fun technique to make butterflies, too. You can get really intricate with shaped paper punches. I’m inspired to make a few of those; it’s been years!

  4. This is the most elaborate doll chain I’ve ever seen! Just enchanting. Not surprised that it’s the work of Ms Evertson at all – her work is always a delight!

  5. Ella says:

    I love how you have enhanced this timeless childhood craft. Your chain of beauties is stunning! Thank you so much for sharing~

  6. This will be a fun craft to get into with my granddaughter when I visit this summer. I think she will love it. Thanks for bringing this delightful craft to my attention…design possibilities are endless.

Jordan How-To Project Tutorials ,,,

Today we welcome Sandra Evertson to Somerset Place as she shares with us a fun paper-cutting technique to create paper people that are all dolled up!

As spring approaches, I like to dress up my studio with lovely garlands of beautiful paper dolls dancing in doorways and window panes. A simple pleasure from a distant childhood memory–just fancied up a bit! No matter how many years have passed, however, it is still an exciting and satisfying moment when you unfurl a little piece of paper you have snipped here and there and unveil a delicate chain of paper people!

Materials
Standard copy paper 8 ½” x 11” (be sure to use heavier weight, bright white copy paper)
Pencil
Small sharp scissors
Exacto knife
Acrylic paints
Toothpick
Dressmaker’s pin
Cotton cloth

Instructions

  1. Fold a single sheet of copy paper in half, width-wise (that would be hamburger-style for you young’ns). Make crisp creases along the center and gently tear the sheet into two halves. Fold the new piece in half, and then in half again one last time.
  2. I used a metal finding shaped like an 18th century court dancer as the inspiration for my ladies. You can either create a pattern or freestyle your design with a pencil onto the folded edge of the paper. Remember to leave at least two spots on your design that will remain attached to create your chain.
  3. Use a pair of very sharp scissors or an exacto knife to cut out any interior spaces.
  4. Unfold to reveal your pretty ladies, all in a row!
  5. Embellish your paper dolls with a tiny wooden toothpick as a “paint brush” dipped in acrylic paints, creating a faux-dotted Swiss design.

Variations on a theme: Create pretty little pinholes by resting your paper dolls on a folded piece of cotton cloth, then pricking out each hole with a long dressmaker’s pin. Add a set of men to accompany your ladies! For an unusual twist, create these paper chain dolls using black paper for a whimsical silhouette effect. Have fun creating, and now let the ball begin!

A big “Thank you!” to Sandra for sharing this fun technique! More of Sandra Evertson’s artwork can be found in Artful Blogging, Handcrafted, Somerset Apprentice, Somerset Home, Somerset Life, and Somerset Studio. To view more of Sandra’s work, please visit her blog http://www.sandraevertson.blogspot.com

Consider yourself a wiz with a pair of sheers? Show us your spectacular paper chain creations by submitting them to blog@stampington.com.