How to Make Cartoon Paper People Dolls

Make paper dolls to look like your favorite cartoon people in a few easy steps. Re-create your favorite cartoon scenes or make up new story lines for your paper characters. Give a show using several of your cartoon character dolls to entertain friends and family. Build something with quality construction methods that will make your paper doll last for years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Printer
• Thick paper
• Razor blade
• Doll accessories

1. Go online to find a cutout diagram for your favorite cartoon character. New diagrams are submitted all the time covering all genres of cartoons for young and old.
   
   See link in Resources for CubeeCraft's free cartoon people cutout designs.

2. Print your selected design in full color on the thickest paper or card stock your printer can handle. Designs are formatted for standard 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheets and can be printed in black and white and hand colored later if your do not own a color-capable printer.

3. Place your diagram on a surface that won't be damaged by the razor blade and carefully cut the cartoon design out of the paper. Plan your cut strategy to start from the outside of the page and move in. Make long straight cuts in one fluid motion to avoid jagged edges and hanging pieces.

4. Cut out any slots marked on the inside of your character and remove the sliver of paper left behind. These properly sized slot and tab systems will hold your doll together without the use of glue or tape.

5. Closely follow the individual directions on your cartoon person to fold and tuck tabs into slots to form the final paper doll character. Crease every fold with your thumbnail for neat creases that stay straight. You may need to slightly trim any tabs that are too long or wide with the razor blade to get them to fit into their slots.

6. Finish your paper person with small, three-dimensional accessories that stay true to the original look. Tiny earrings, mini sunglasses or fuzzy cotton-ball hair will add another level of authenticity to your paper doll.

Tips & Warnings

• Try visiting your local print shop for top-quality color printing on heavy-gauge paper. Bring a copy of your designs with you and ask them to use glossy card stock to give your dolls a professional look that lasts. Make advanced versions of characters with pins holding the arms and heads on so you are able to pose and move them.
• Supervise children when they are working with razor blades. Safety scissors could be used instead of razor blades for all the cuts except opening slots. Cutting thick paper with a razor blade will create sharp edges that are capable of causing deep paper cuts. Work slowly so you don't make a mistake and injure yourself.

References

• CubeeCraft: FAQ

Resources

• CubeeCraft Free Papercraft Toys