I love creating my own decorative papers using Paste Paper techniques, monoprinting, etc. I can't seem to throw away even the skinniest strips of my left over papers. The solution? Make something new with them! How about a little doll that can be an ornament or a gift tag?
I began with the head. By using Paper Clay and a Faces Mold, the process is very easy. Just remember to dust the mold with powder or cornstarch before pressing the clay into the mold. After the faces are shaped, let them thoroughly dry. After drying, I painted each face with pearlescent or metallic Lumiere paint. I enhanced the faces a little more with a smidgeon of Inka Gold Metallic Rub.
Next, she needed a DressBody and legs. Feel free to enjoy the little patterns I drew to share.
Once I knew how much woven paper I needed, I began weaving all the little strips in a simple over-under pattern. When I ran out of strips, I used a Rotary Cutter and Self-healing mat to cut more.
To strengthen the woven paper, I added a piece of black card stock which I attached with Wonder Under paper-backed fusible web. Any paper-backed fusible will work fine for this. Just follow the package directions and use a craft-dedicated iron.
My little doll's wings start with one of Dyan Reavley's stamps. I chose a set of stamps that had both wings to make things easy. After stamping them on a scrap of velum to use as a pattern, I cut them out and then decided I needed to make some lacy looking paper. I used a Lace Stencil by Viva Decor and my Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. It was so easy and created such beautiful paper! To strengthen the wings, I backed them with black card stock.
The little legs are made from a scrap of Paste Paper which I backed with black card stock.
Lastly, she needed some arms. I wound fibers and yarns around a chenille stem. Each chenille stem made 2 sets of arms.
Put all the pieces together, add a hanger, sign her and she's all ready to decorate a holiday tree, your creative space or a special gift.
Have YOU used woven paper strips to create something special? If so, leave a comment below and tell me about it. You can always tweet a photo @BarbOwenDesigns and I'll share it with my followers, too.
Remember to join me each Friday at 2pm Eastern for our HowToGetCreative.com show known as Drama-free Friday! I love to chat with you as I create something fun.
Until next time ~
Remember to Get Creative today! It's Easy!
Barb
