How to Make Papier Mache Dolls

You can learn How to Make Papier Mache Dolls

Learning how to make papier mache dolls is not difficult.  You just need a good step-by-step guide and basic materials.  By the end of this article,  you should have all you need to know how to make papier mache dolls quickly and easily.

Here is a list of the components you will need before you focus on how to make papier mache dolls:

• Two Styrofoam balls:  one 3” ball and one 1½” ball, which will make up the head and shoes
• One Styrofoam tube:  2” diameter; cut it 3-3½” long, which will be used for the doll’s body
• Two pieces of 20-gauge metal wire, each cut approximately 6” long, for the doll’s arms
• Two pieces of 18-gauge metal wire or thin wooden dowels, each cut 5” long, for the doll’s legs
• One thin wooden dowel, cut about 2” long and sharpened to a dull point at either end, for the doll’s neck
• One 2’ X 2’ sheet of rice paper (or any other kind of thin, flexible paper), for the doll’s facial features, hair, and clothing
• One container of white glue
• One small round plastic or metal bead, for the doll’s nose

The next step in how to make papier mache dolls is to take the larger Styrofoam ball (3”) and form the doll’s head by making an indentation against the edge of a table at the equator of the ball.  Next, cut strips of blank rice paper and use the glue to cover the head completely.  Then, draw eyes and mouth on the rice paper and cut out.  Next, glue the facial features in place on the head, including the small bead for the nose.

This tutorial on how to make papier mache dolls continues with the body.  Cut the Styrofoam tube so that the top tapers in a bit.  Then, insert the 2” wooden dowel to connect the head to the body.  Use rice paper cut into strips to wrap around the neck until it is as thick as you prefer.

The next step in how to make papier mache dolls is to wrap the wire for the arms and legs with paper to achieve the desired thickness.  Then, flatten opposite ends of the smaller Styrofoam ball and cut it in half.  You now have feet (or shoes) for your doll.  Insert the legs into the top of each shoe, or glue to the back.  Insert the wire arms at the appropriate positions on either side of the body.  Use glue to secure both arms and legs.

The next step in how to make papier mache dolls is to cut thin strips of paper to fashion the doll’s hair.  Glue to the head in the ‘hairstyle’ you prefer.  Finally, you may want to use the remaining paper to create clothing.  Be creative and paint the doll’s face, arms, legs, and shoes for the final effect.