How to make simple Japanese paper dolls

[wiseheart]

Since spikesgirl58 and mirasaui asked for it, I tried to draw a very simple "How to..." to my Japanese paper dolls. I'm horrible at this thing, so ladies, if it isn't clear (or you can't read my handwriting) just yell and I'll try to explain what I meant.






I draw it free hand and then scanned in, I hope it will work for you nonetheless. Click on the picture to enlarge. If it doesn't work, here's the link to a much more professional tutorial, although these dolls might be a bit more complex than mine:

http://www.omiyageblogs.ca/2010/08/dozen-dollies.html

I'm working on the next batch right now, using Japanese-style patterned origami paper - I hope they'll turn out okay.

Comments

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

That is so cool!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

Now if only I was crafty...

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

I'm not that good! Every single piece of mine ends up lopsided or otherwise faulty. But I enjoy making them and enjoy the results anyway.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

This is fabulous! thank you so much. I will have to give it a whirl! :D

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

You're most welcome. :) I hope the instructions aren't totally confusing; but there's the very useful link to a more professional tutorial, so I'm sure you'll manage fabulously. I expect pictures, though.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I think I can cobble it together between your illustrations and the link. Now to actually find the time to do it.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

It has been my experience that if I have a lot of the same thing to do, either paperwork or sewing, the easiest is to make it step by step. I mean, with these dolls, I fold all the kimonos first. Then I cut out the faces. Then I cut out the pieces for the obis and the hair. Then I fix the heads to the necks, put on the hair, draw the eyes and mouths, and do the decoration - the obi bows and the flower motifs and stuff - at the very end.

I don't know why, but it seems quicker than making one entire doll a time. I worked on these one hour at a time, putting everything in a flat cardboard box and even doing small things during the commercials on telly. *g*

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

First I will have to track down some paper. I don't have any of the necessary stock on hand. It's a shame that we are going to Japantown after the fact...

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

You don't need any particular paper. None of the ones I used is actually Japanese. I just went through my stock, decided which ones would look good and used it. The first batch had actually Moroccan motifs; I happened to get the paper very cheaply at the craft shop. *g*

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Fabric I have, but I have nothing that looks every remotely close to what I am imagining... I will have to stop by Hobby Lobby tomorrow.

[mirasaui.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the directions! I am definitely going to try and make one or two. Miss Craft, I am not but they look fun.