How to Make a Newspaper Doll – African Doll Making
This isn’t just a craft; it’s a beautiful way to celebrate cultural artistry and sustainability. I learned a version of this from a Ghanaian artisan, and it stuck with me as one of the most meaningful projects. We’ll be inspired by the elongated forms and traditional patterns of African dolls.
You’ll need: Newspapers, masking tape, flour & water (for paste), acrylic paint, and fabric scraps.
The Process:
Create the Armature: Crumple newspapers tightly to form the doll’s core—a long cylinder for the body and a ball for the head. Use masking tape to securely attach the head to the body and to form slender arms.
Papier-Mâché the Form: Tear newspaper into strips. Dip them in a simple flour-and-water paste (it’s non-toxic and perfect for this), and layer them over your taped armature. Cover the entire form with 2-3 layers for strength. Let it dry completely for 24-48 hours.
Paint & Adorn: This is where the magic happens! Paint the doll’s base in a rich, earthy tone. Then, using smaller brushes, decorate it with traditional geometric patterns and symbols inspired by Ndebele or Yoruba art. Use bold colors like red, yellow, green, and black.
Dress Your Doll: Finally, wrap a small piece of vibrant African print fabric (Ankara) around the doll as a skirt or dress. Add a tiny headwrap for an extra touch of authenticity.
You’re not just making a doll; you’re creating a piece of art with a story.
In this video, you will find how to make very easy and beautiful newspaper doll with step by step procedure.
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