Hello creative souls, it’s Ramona and I am back with a paper doll traveling project from the craft book Magical Theatre by Rita Barakat.  This little book will you keep busy and feeling nostalgic as you create sweet paper dolls ready for you to craft and play with. All of the projects are great for sharing with that special girl (or just for the girl in you!). Let’s take a look at this sweet little ballerina in her own little travelers notebook style portfolio.

Let’s get Started!
First, make sure to print your pages on a nice heavy cardstock.  This will allow the details of the art to print up clearly and give your doll a little more sturdiness. You can do this project with any of the backgrounds and dolls in the book, but I wanted to start with the ballerina, as I will be pulling this out for playtime with my niece, and she loves ballerinas and dancing on stage.

Carefully cut and assemble the paper doll and her accessories, using brads at the body joints. I have had these fun jeweled brads in my collection for a while, and I like the bling they add to my whimsical little lady.

Next, You want to add color to any of the black and white images you may have printed. One wonderful option Rita gives you is to print in color or choosing the images in black and white.  I decided I wanted the trees to have a feel of the horizon at sunset, so I printed the colored versions of the doll and clothes, and the black and white version of the stage backdrop so I could color it myself. Don’t forget to refer to the tips in the book for printing and assembling secrets, and remember to size your dolls down so you can fit two to a page.

I love the whimsical and loose feel of watercolors, so I used some cheap paints from my collection to add color to the background. Keep it simple and loose for a whimsical feel.

I used a marker for the stars just for a little tighter fill line. You will also see I kept my doll close so I could use her as a color guide as I filled in the world around here. This is one of the areas where you can definitely play with the color and feel to create the desired mood you like for the project. Have fun with it!

 

Next, I wanted to add sturdiness to the stage so I could fold it and go. Using craft double sided adhesive I attached the entire background to a 12×12 printed page and trimmed around the edges to frame the page. After folding the edge around the background, I did a quick messy stitch with my sewing machine to give the edge a finished feel. Folded down the middle, this stitched stage is ready to go.

TIP * Don’t be afraid to use your sewing machine as you work with paper projects. I find it always adds a textured feel that accents any project I am working on in a unique way.

I love how this looks around my little dolls stage! It also secures the content for traveling. For the next step, I wanted to create a pocket on the front of the portfolio. Stash a few costumes in there.

I used a vellum paper bag, attaching it with craft adhesive and edging it with washi tape. Trim the bag down just a little to slide my pieces in and out a little easier. What is great about vellum is how the costumes seem to peek through. You could use a regular envelope for the pocket for even more strength and easier access to the contents, or even sew the pocket on also. There are so many ways to personalize this and make it your own! Traveling will be made easier with these pockets for storage.

Look how fun the portfolio is with the doll in and ready to go. She has a few of her favorite outfits tucked in safely with her, adding to the charm.

The added layer of paper backing the Magical Theatre traveling stage allows it to stand well on its own.
Our tiny dancer is right at home in the traveling theater.

The Magical Theatre book is full of ideas that are fun and playful. With the ebook you have the luxury of printing again and again. You can create more than one look as the mood strikes. I hope this little traveling stage sparks your creative muse as you plan your next mini magical theatrical event!

Product Used Magical Theatre by BC Publishing, Rita Barakat

Keep creating and keep playing!
XOXO
Ramona

Ramona is a mother to 3 boys (well, men at this point!) who craves creative time to express herself and make pretty things. You can stop by her blog for a peek in her life, or check out her artistic journey on Instagram.

Don't forget to join us for Mixed Media Monday! Each Monday a new live episode of artsy tips, project, and products! Blessings! Rita