How to Make Traditional Japanese Kimono Paper Dolls
Paper dolls are a popular form of entertainment for children in Japan. They play an important part in the "Hinamatsuri," or Girl's Festival, on March 3 every year; it's a celebration that focuses primarily on dolls, including paper dolls (called "washi ningyo" in Japan). Making a traditionally dressed paper doll doesn't take a lot of time, and you can make it as simple or as ornate as you'd like with paper that ranges from single-colored construction paper to the more colorful and elaborate chiyogami patterns.
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Things You'll Need
- Poster board
- Chiyogami or construction paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Marker or pen
Instructions
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1
Cut out the simple outline of a doll's body from the posterboard. Since you'll be making a traditional kimono where the arms and legs aren't usually shown, you don't have to worry about including them on the doll's form. The doll can be any size, but for the purposes of instruction, you can cut it to approximately 7 inches.
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2
Cut a square about 6 inches long from the material you're going to use for the kimono. If it's construction paper, all you have to do is make sure the lines of the square are straight; if it's a busy-patterned sheet of Japanese chiyogami paper, trace the outline of the square before you make any cuts to ensure the lines are even.
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3
Cut a strip of black paper to form the doll's hair. The length will depend on the size of your doll's head, but a 3/8-inch thickness should work. Make a small slit directly in the center of the hair wide enough so the doll's head will fit easily inside it.
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4
Draw a face on the doll's head with your choice of pen, pencil or marker. There is no "traditional" face for a washi ningyo, so feel free to draw whatever you'd like. When you're finished, center the doll's body on the square of chiyogami or construction paper.
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5
Fold one edge of the square down over the doll, about 3/8 inch in. This will become the doll's collar. You can either color in the collar or leave it be. If you're using chiyogami, this should be the first time you see part of the patterned side.
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6
Turn the paper kimono square in a way that the collar you just folded is facing the table. Attach the hair to the doll's head. When you're finished, center the doll's body on the square sheet, then fold the uppermost corner of the sheet over the doll. Fold the square over to fully stretch across the body.
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7
Repeat this process on the other side of the square sheet until the doll is fully clothed. Wrap a strip of paper across the waist to form a sash, and join the ends together with tape.
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