How to Make Papier Mache Dolls

Make homemade dolls with papier mache.

By learning how to make papier mache dolls you can express your creativity while designing interesting playthings for a child. You can make papier mache dolls using supplies you're likely to already have around your home. The process is fairly simple and you can customize your doll to look like the recipient or a favorite character from a children's book, movie or television show.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam ball
• Styrofoam tube
• 5 wooden dowels
• Newspaper, cut into strips approximately 1 inch in width
• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Mixing bowl
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrush
• Yarn
• Fabric scraps

Instructions

1. Create a form for your doll by attaching the Styrofoam ball to a wooden dowel and poking the dowel through the Styrofoam tube. Add wooden dowels to the tube to make arms and legs for your doll.

2. Make a papier mache paste by combining one part flour and one part water. If you're concerned about the potential for mold growth, add a few tablespoons of salt into the paste.

3. Coat the strips of newspaper with a thin layer of papier mache paste, then cover the homemade doll form with the strips. Overlap the newspaper strips slightly and smooth them out as you work in order to prevent bubbling when the paste dries.

4. Allow your papier mache doll to dry completely, which should take several hours.

5. Coat the doll form with two or three more layers of papier mache, letting the project dry between layers.

6. Paint your papier mache doll with acyclic craft paint. Depending upon the brand of paint you're using and the color choice, you may need to apply several coats to completely cover up the newsprint on your homemade doll form.

7. Add hair for your doll by gluing small strips of yarn to her head. Consider giving her a ponytail or braids to add extra interest to the project.

8. Use fabric scraps to fashion clothes for your papier mache doll. Any type of fabric you have available will work, but fleece and felt are ideal because they won't fray.

References

• DLTK Kids: How to Paper Mache
• Papier Mache: Dolls