How To Make Paper Doll Chains - Aunt Annie's Crafts

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Simple crafts for family, classroom and group craft time

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Paper Doll Chains

Fold, cut, and create—classic paper fun!

What you will make:

Create a chain of paper dolls by cutting multi-folded paper strips. Learn this basic paper cutting technique with paper dolls, then let your imagination run wild! Cut paper chains with themes for every season and every special event. They make wonderful decorations for parties, classrooms, and your home.

This craft project is great for family, classroom or group craft time. With a little preparation by the adult or teen leader, this project is both quick and easy for groups of kids.

This craft features bilateral symmetry—two halves that are mirror images of each other.

Learn more about symmetry and explore paper cutting in these related crafts: Paper Flowers - Fold paper squares in fourths, then cut out flowers. Symmetry in Snowflakes - Fold and cut squares of paper to make snowflakes.

Here's what you need:

• Lightweight computer or craft paper
• Pencil

• Scissors
• Optional: Colored paper, cardstock and tape

This project is rated VERY EASY to do.

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Before you start

• Make a place to work.
• Read all of the directions.
• Gather everything you need to do the project.
• Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.

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How to Make Paper Doll Chains

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Project Preparation

Read through the project and gather the materials needed for creating chains of paper dolls. If you are doing this craft with a group, precutting the strips of paper will make the craft go faster.

You may also want to prepare doll templates to trace. Create your own or download and print Aunt Annie's patterns on cardstock. The templates come in two sizes; choose the one that best fits your folded paper strip, and adjust as needed.

Step 2: Cut Paper Strips

Cut strips of lightweight paper that are about 4½" by 12". If you are using standard computer paper, cut each sheet in half lengthwise to make two strips about 4¼" by 11" strips.

Tip: Construction paper is bulkier and folds and cuts better in shorter strips. Try strips about 4½" by 6", fold them in four equal sections, and cut a chain of two dolls. These shorter chains can then be taped together.

Step 3: Fold Paper Strips

Fold the paper strip into eight equal sections of accordion pleats. Accuracy and sharp creases are essential. Use your usual folding method, or follow these steps for accurate and even folds:

1) Fold in half: Match the short ends carefully and crease sharply. 2) Make quarters: Fold one end back to meet the center fold and crease. Turn the strip over and fold the other end back to the center. You now have four equal sections. 3) Begin eighths: Take only the top layer on one end and fold it back to meet the center fold. Turn the strip over and repeat on the other side. 4) Open the center fold, leaving the other folds in place. 5) Fold one folded side in to meet the center fold. Repeat with the other side. 6) Fold the center fold back into place to complete the accordion pleats.

Step 4: Draw Doll

Place the folded strip with the cut edge to the right and the folded edges on the left. Draw half of a doll along the folded edge, making sure the arms extend all the way to the cut edge.

Step 5: Cut Dolls

Hold the folded strip firmly and cut carefully around your doll outline. Do not cut along the folds, or the dolls will not stay connected.

Unfold the strip to reveal your chain of dolls holding hands.

Step 6: Explore More Shapes

What other shapes or objects have bilateral symmetry and could be made into paper chains? Try butterflies, hearts, teddy bears, cupcakes, or invent your own designs.

That's it you are done! Use your imagination to create more paper doll chains!

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Before you start

• Make a place to work.
• Read all of the directions.
• Gather everything you need to do the project.
• Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.

Are you ready? Okay, get started!!!

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Tip: Cut paper chains with themes for every season and every special event! See how to cut chains for Valentine's Day in the Paper Heart Chains craft project.

Tip: How about cutting some Paper Angel Chains for Christmas decorating!

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Tip: When using construction paper or other heavier paper, start with shorter strips and fold them in fourths to create a two-doll chain.

Tip: Join two chains of paper dolls together with tape. Be sure to cut the arms for both chains at the same height.

Tip: Create the dolls in paper doll chains with your own ideas. Make boy or girl dolls, cut a fun hair style and neat clothing, have arms up or arms down. Use your imagination!

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