Frugal Friday & DIY: Paper Doll Art

What do you do when you need artwork for your child's room and you have a budget of $30?  You get crafty and creative.  I had decided when we moved in June that I was going to make original artwork for my daughter's room with vintage paper dolls.  I found a site that sells reproduction paper doll books and they have just about very series every published.  Papergoodies.com is stocked full of paperdoll assortments from celebrities and fashion, to vintage children's books.

I chose Natalie Wood (one of my favorite Hollywood actresses) and the entire project was very easy and took about an hour to complete.  Check it out, I am so pleased with the results.

Here's how to make your own.  I started with 4 empty picture frames and removed the wood back and matting.  I then glued down burlap fabric directly to the frame board using regular spray mount glue.  I used burplap because I had the scrap fabric left over from a previous project and I wanted the art to have a vintage look.  Plus the burlap makes me think of an old dressmakers form.

While I let those dry thoroughly I cut out the paper outfits and doll I wanted to use for the series of four.  This was the most time consuming party because I was very maticulous about my cuts.

I then did a dry fit of cutouts to ensure proper symmetry within the matted area before gluing. 

 

I also made labels that I printed off regular printing paper and used tiny fabic pins to enhance the overall look. 

When I was ready to glue everything down I used a regular old glue stick to secure everything.  Then I popped each board back into the frames and there you have it.  Chic on the cheap art for your child's room.