Title – Artful Paper Dolls: New Ways to Play with a Traditional Form
Author – Terry Taylor
Publisher – Lark Books
ISBN – 978-1-60059-480-9
Like many children, I enjoyed playing with paper dolls. Whether they were cut from a magazine, bought in a book or totally home-made, I loved them.
And many adult artists are still happily playing with paper dolls!
This beautifully illustrated book starts with a history of paper dolls and their publishers. There then follows lots of projects using paper dolls for the reader to try, customize or simply be inspired by. No longer are paper dolls just things to cut out and slip clothes on. Here they become parts of many different art forms. From pictures and collages to altered art collages, ATCs and much more.
Unusual = unique
This is a book aimed at those who like altered art. Many of the projects are quite surreal and may not appeal to everyone’s taste. Having said that, even the more unusual ideas can be adapted and adjusted to suit more traditional art forms.
I am not aware of any similar book available, and if you like paper dolls then this is a must for your bookshelf. Terry suggests so many different ways to make dolls and their clothes. There is a big emphasis on reusing and recycling household items, meaning the projects are economical. He also explains various techniques for finishing, jointing, packaging and adapting your creations.
Illustrations galore
The book is full of colour images of the finished creations. There are no “how to” illustrations, but it doesn’t really need them. This is a book to inspire rather than hold your hand as you create. The beginning artist will appreciate the pictures for ideas and the more experienced artist will spot little features and techniques to use in their own creations.
One thing I particularly like about this book is that you do not need a shed load of materials and equipment to join in with the creating. Many craft books will make a lot of assumptions that you have particular specialist tools, or require your purchasing expensive materials to get similar effects. Here the requirements are very few, and many of the materials are everyday items you would normally throw away.
Summary of Artful Paper Dolls
Although very much in the altered art / mixed media camp, this book has a lot to offer even the most casual paper doll fan. Some of the projects may not appeal to all tastes, but there are a LOT of projects and ideas so plenty of others to choose from.
The book is 144 pages with multiple colour pictures on each page. There are also little snippety quotes from artists throughout the book.
A fun book on an unusual subject, bursting with inspiration and ideas for the adventurous artist.
This link – Artful Paper Dolls: New Ways to Play with a Traditional Form
leads to the item on Amazon.co.uk. If you purchase it from this link then I would get a small commission from Amazon for sending custom their way.
Here are links to illustrated tutorials, here on the Tin Teddy Blog, for craft projects using the Tin Teddy Paper Doll range.
1950s Style Paper Doll Folding Card – Tutorial
Paper Doll Card Tutorial featuring Brusho Powder Background
