![Face](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs2W9NkN3Ivwdev4FkjECvysAZF7DSTQTXVvEY8p1KU8G4cEs_dgP-gakguJ3J_7tYPMXE0JZRucqhLGjhwSlmZKJ2-t1HhBBW9MHktqrhfGz47fe0XQ90jdwvVAbTjBmR0kyMyR3tPk/s320/papier-mache-lady-01.jpg)
Inspired by amazing papier-mache dolls by Tatyana Dubinsky and her papier-mache tutorials, we made this doll. The fact that even my son enjoys playing with it speaks for itself :). For those who'd like to learn more — a detailed story with illustrations.
We used an adhesive bottle as a mould, it widens towards the bottom and seems ideal for making a dress. We poured some grit (or sand) into the bottle to make it more stable.
![Bottle](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F-T_QjOTd6t01Bjyj5fwY9ubZZvI2HiD4P5qcXuwFqxDnjh1zb90987HcYaUKQy-Daw-J1U2h6doKE_XZoCkNk1MzVIi1y9r1MF3CThhY85cE1U5KDTCcChBoMWF3bptcMnMYtIdZ9s/s320/papier-mache-lady-02.jpg)
Twisted a wire for arms. We took advantage of the nozzle at the top end of the bottle to attach the wire.
![Bottle and wire](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviKoyseXPItawzVpKq9vOUGkpdlLuOMz8yQ52vKcbjwkyJSr12prK7EFiSWKObG_SGPkDGaW-dQzItzAmtUCwoHc4zt2ESbEmJ9DfduehUsUN9-yDBjt9WrWIZGYZSEU3weVIW2gdYow/s320/papier-mache-lady-03.jpg)
Put the cap back, it presses down the wire. The cap itself will be used as a base for a neck and head.
![Bottle with a cap](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NBVQ3FvD8i3TeBeejWRdKuZCaxb0SJsi8ctmwKJ2T2hjDclwzjvUp2XKOfMRci8QzD7BgBLlcAQ-N_RxNPmDnXIDD-JX3d5hk8ZL6aK2iYf1e1bwBBNDpijzuy_oYzaP96jRVf5eaN8/s320/papier-mache-lady-04.jpg)
Crumpled three paper balls: one for the head and two smaller ones for the chest. Attached the balls to the body using masking-tape. Wrapped the body and arms in masking-tape, too. Masking-tape makes coating the mould with papier-mache layers easier.
![Head etc.](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAUJmSwj3XxtoBIrA9d3K6loA4Cj_BygmxDHIJPet346Y0T43urEk9vq_n8B37Oi1G6gGWQ2DKjlEWUB2Xbioms7HGXRkiNe0qPjdlpquTb9WI6XpwFsdt_pqtnH8MmD1T63rJ3EvV1U/s320/papier-mache-lady-05.jpg)
The first layer of papier-mache: pieces of a newspeper, dipped into a craft glue solution in water (approximately 1:3). Newspaper is excellent for paier-mache, since it absorbs glue and takes the shape of a mould very well. This stage is kids' favourite, they have fun tearing the paper and "bathing" in the glue. Let dry for one or two days.
![First layer](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp_5HK4vEUdntTn2EsqgEOt4b4DvLzZFuKdvIbNHV_79g6AxnsmPJ7lHmWMFExY6ezeCzJfeNs2I3cLs9F_S62NhWCfbo4lCZhlMICsoyI9ClJ44_wdOu7Y0QyqWyqhpy6UMexZ-D4kY/s320/papier-mache-lady-06.jpg)
Tatyana Dubinsky recommends making layers of different colours, that makes easier to find uncoated areas.
![New layer](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4N96-tzdT5CeKJn7_DAC0GavIKSYJa7o-7T6QfLuXIU6OyAmH7ZuwvlVbD0EJPywvU7w_RdiIDWyYVsjKelBr3NTi9-hIEGbKcu9lbLi1aB3rhByE9V6m8qP4U4I7YMFl5S0lyhSaMY/s320/papier-mache-lady-07.jpg)
Layer by layer we built up 6 layers of papier-mache. Don't forget to dry up the design after every 2-3 layers — 1-2 days (or half a day in the sun). We used white newspaper margins for the last layer as the background for paint. You can skip it if you're going to use a putty.
![Top layer](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIaJAsqiNzK7kcj7oEIwd99uINWbd820pYqwKJhNcsQACIx7FfvUovhQrro2GvwLOJQNH_ZGQxvOMpycFB5VRnqMm8LhpbVCxfepe6wWXWeZg3k5c-dOGegdaOtY3npIA18JFM6cILv4/s320/papier-mache-lady-08.jpg)
When the doll was almost ready, we decided to make her a high hairstyle. To do this we crumpled a paper ball, attached it to the head and applied two layers of papier-mache over it.
![Hairdress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJBgKPRI-fyiesbrijhyphenhyphencuM9HMQukm4wnZ2xIDGGgsTcccPxQ333PCEeAcPf8NcrfgFd73L5Qj6ui5xVDRIpVbDYyq6yCcF4N9RkAd8ICpi0f4L-W0S82MEHUBZ-PWpviVQDzgxXB4Pg/s320/papier-mache-lady-09.jpg)
The kids decided on the colours and style of the dress, and I painted with watercolours and glitter glue, then coated with varnish.
![Finished](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjLs_0qegNJvBXXt8EHMq3PaWbqPSgI61r6qjgiTGa_zwkFI7U02AOm_ShdUvhhfszUnjPnGMz09bPEsfRf1IEdB9E62KvPvkoBA9MkYnGRsii4u0Dox3kMcCgTk8bAh0mqMCohxx2yQ/s320/papier-mache-lady-10.jpg)
5 comments:
Dear Inna, your site is of very much use to me. It is helping me a lot to make my 5 year old engaged during holidays.. thanks a lot for ur wonderful ideas..
You're welcome! I'm really happy to know other parents find it useful :)
so..............cute..............
http://meghanaunleashed.blogspot.com/
Thanks :)
You make it seem so easy!
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