Cut Ups

Break out the water colors, markers and scissors and unleash the aspiring pint-sized fashion designer in your life.

by Jennifer Cooper, posted on January 29th, 2010 in The Music Issue

Let’s face it. Not everyone sews. And frankly, for a child it’s just not practical. What to do when your little one wants to unleash his or her inner designer? Our idea? Let your child be a life-sized paper doll. Perfect for a rainy day or simply just to keep them occupied—the reward is a wardrobe of their very own making.

What you need:
–Textured Paper (we used Strathmore Textured Sheets in White)
–Scissors
–Ribbon
–Hole Punch
–Pencil
–Markers
–Watercolor paint set
–Brushes
–Foam Board*
–Spray Mount or glue stick*

Ask your child what type of garment they’d like to design. Depending on their age/skill level you can either trace out the garment for them or have them do it independently. Encourage him or her to draw decorations and then paint or color them in.

Once the paint dries, cut out the garment and punch two holes to fish the ribbon through. Tie around back or shoulders to suspend.

*Optional step for durability:
Once you cut out the paper garment use a spray adhesive (we found one by 3M worked best) to spray a fine mist on the back of the paper. Mount to poster or foam board. Use scissors to cut poster board or a utility knife to cut foam board around the garment. Drill holes through foam board for ribbon. Tie around back or shoulders to suspend.

Photographs by Dave K. Cooper

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