
Where did paper dolls come from?
First paper dolls in Europe were made in France in 18th century. They were made of jointed paper and were called “pantins”. They were made in human form and had assorted clothes in accordance with the fashion of the time. They were hand painted and some of them can still be found in museums today.
Are paper dolls good for kids?
3 — Playing with paper dolls gives a boost to creativity and art skills. All of our printable paper dolls come with optional sets of clothes that can be colours. Once that’s done, it’s impossible for kids to not engage in making their own paper dolls. And once made, paper dolls provide endless opportunity for creative play.
Who makes the best antique paper dolls?
Beginning in 1866, Raphael Tuck is perhaps the best known manufacturer of antique paper dolls. The company began "by appointment to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Fine Art Publishers, London," and soon opened branch offices in New York and Paris. Their first paper doll was a baby with a nursing bottle, patented in 1893.
Are there any comics with paper dolls in them?
There were several short-run comic series with paper dolls. Misty (Star Comics, 1985 to 1986) was a four-issue series of comics featuring paper dolls and the art of Trina Robbins. Following in 1987 was another four-issue Renegade Press series -- Trina Robbins' California Girls.

When did they stop making paper dolls?
These sets remain popular today among collectors both for their beautiful designs and the nostalgia. Paper dolls declined in popularity in the 1960s and 70s, and some blame Mattel's Barbie. With her fashionable wardrobe, Barbie fulfilled much of the same fantasy play role as paper dolls.
Can you still get paper dolls?
Paper dolls remain popular today; they're mess-free, imaginative, and portable. One can choose among retro dolls reminiscent of those from the 30s and 40s, fashion-focused dolls with expansive wardrobes, and anthropomorphized animals with better accessories than many humans.
Do children still play with paper dolls?
PAPER DOLLS CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS--AND ADULT COLLECTORS. Almost any woman over the age of 50 can remember playing with paper dolls as a child.
What age are paper dolls for?
Some are appropriate for a little older, and some are too young for 10 years old, but that is a general age guide. Paper Dolls – My girls are 6 and under, but they love playing with the paper dolls I had as a child!
What was the most popular 1950s doll?
Raggedy Ann & Andy Raggedy Ann was first produced in 1915, but her popularity lasted decades. She remained a best-selling doll in the 1950s and 1960s.
How do you cut paper dolls?
1:383:23How to Make a Paper Doll Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPaper start off with the head. Move onto the arms make sure your arms reach the very edges of theMorePaper start off with the head. Move onto the arms make sure your arms reach the very edges of the paper this is what joins your dolls. Together next draw the body and then the.
What happened to paper dolls?
Paper dolls are still produced today and Whitman and Golden Co. still publish paper dolls. Besides movie stars, women of leisure tended to be the women featured in paper doll form.
What do paper dolls symbolize?
Paper Dolls are used in one of our Egyptians traditional spiritual ceremonies and practices, related to ancient beliefs. It's more like white magic. The paper doll purpose was to prevent the envy eyes.
What's the meaning of paper doll?
Definition of paper doll : a paper or cardboard representation of a person usually in two dimensions for children to play with.
What were paper dolls in 1940s?
Paper dolls of this time are both reprints of genuine vintage books and/or newly created '40s subjects including military uniforms, romantic brides, teen-agers and children. These years reflect the peak popularity of movies and glamorous stars. No wonder the '40s are considered "Golden Age of Paper Dolls."
How do you make a paper doll stand up?
Fold back the tab and then glue it to the back of the doll. Double sided tape would also work fine, I think, but I always used glue. And now the paper doll can stand on her own.
How much do paper dolls cost?
These are now very popular with collectors. Paper dolls became collectable and some of them can reach prices from $100 to $500 for very sought dolls. Uncut ones always have better price than cut, no matter how good condition cut are in. Early paper dolls had printed on clothes.
What is a paper doll?
History of Paper Dolls. Paper doll is a two-dimensional doll made out of paper or light card and cut out. It can have separate clothes made also from paper and holding onto a doll with tabs. They can be in shape of a person, animal or an object. Before they were made in the shape that we know them today there were some or other forms ...
Why are paper dolls important to history?
Today paper dolls and their costumes are important to historians because they provide a broad look at cultures around the world and the fashion of the times.
When was the first paper doll made?
First manufactured paper doll was Little Fanny and produced by S&J Fuller in London in 1810. First American manufactured paper doll was made in 1812 and called “The History and Adventures of Little Henry”. It was published by J. Belcher of Boston.
Where were dolls made?
First paper dolls in Europe were made in France in 18th century. They were made of jointed paper and were called “pantins”. They were made in human form and had assorted clothes in accordance with the fashion of the time. They were hand painted and some of them can still be found in museums today.
What was the golden age of paper dolls?
Age between 1930s and 1950s can be called "Golden Age of Paper Dolls". During the Depression paper dolls were still affordable by all and after the World War 2, paper was not affected by rationing and shortages so paper dolls were still manufactured.
When were paper dolls invented?
These were designed for wealthy adults, possibly by a dressmaker to showcase her work. Manufactured paper dolls didn’t hit the scene until 1810, when S&J Fuller in London printed Little Fanny. American company J. Belcher, of Boston, quickly followed with its "The History and Adventures of Little Henry" in 1812.
When did paper dolls become popular?
The popularity of paper dolls surged in the 1930s, as they sold for mere pennies and were often some of the only toys families could afford. In the 1940s, the materials used to make dolls and other toys were rationed thanks to World War II, so paper dolls kept proliferating—albeit on lower-quality paper.
What are 3D dolls called?
Also, 3-D dolls and costumes may be called paper dolls, if they are entirely made of folded paper. Paper doll collectors are often drawn to any toys that are printed on paper, such as airplanes, cars and trains, animals, towns, houses, and furniture.
What were the dolls in the 1940s?
Comic books, too, particularly those directed toward girls, featured paper dolls in the 1940s and 1950s; these include Patsy Walker, Hedy DeVine, Millie the Model, My Girl Pearl, A Date With Judy, Dennis the Menace, and Betty and Veronica of the Archie series.
What is a paper doll book?
A paper doll is simply a flat drawing or print of a human or animal figure, designed to be cut out and decorated.
How tall are paper dolls?
Most paper dolls are less than 12 inches in height, ranging from 6 to 10 inches tall. Around the turn of the century, paper dolls were published in “penny size,” or about 3 inches tall. These hand-colored “penny size” dolls are particularly hard to find—and therefore valuable—as they were often destroyed in play.
What is a vintage paper doll?
Vintage Paper Dolls. A paper doll is simply a flat drawing or print of a human or animal figure, designed to be cut out and decorated . The doll’s costumes and clothing are also drawn on a two-dimensional surface and often have cut-out tabs to fold around the.
When were paper dolls invented?
Paper dolls have been made by hand for centuries. They were used to illustrate and promote new fashions as early as the mid-1700s.
What is a paper doll?
Paper dolls are figures of people or animals, drawn or printed on paper or cardstock. They may be used as playthings for children or collectibles for adults. The most common paper dolls have separate clothing pieces attached to the dolls using folding tabs. In addition, some paper dolls have printed backdrops and accessory items.
What dolls were copied in paper form?
Barbie and family paper dolls appeal to collectors of the vinyl Barbies. Many other three-dimensional dolls were copied in paper doll form, including the Sunshine Family and Tammy.
What is an advertising paper doll?
Advertising paper dolls appeal to advertising collectors as well as paper doll collectors. They were widely used by companies from the 1890s onward. Many of these dolls have clothing that slips over the doll’s head. Lion Coffee published several series of dolls.
What are Dennison dolls?
Dennison dolls are rivet-jointed at the shoulders and hips. They came with crèpe paper costumes.
What were the first paper dolls?
Early magazine paper dolls to look for are Lettie Lane and Dolly Dingle. Betsy McCall paper dolls were published in McCall's magazine from the 1950s to the 1990s. Peck-Gandré (later Peck Aubry) was a major producer of paper dolls in the 1980s and ‘90s.
When did paper dolls become popular?
The Boston Herald offered a fashionable lady paper doll in the 1890s, and other newspapers soon followed. In the 20th century , comic strips and comic book paper dolls became popular. In the 1910s, magazines targeted to women and children regularly began including paper dolls.
How long have paper dolls been around?
Paper dolls have existed as long as there have been paper and creative people to apply images to it. Paper figures have been used in ritual ceremonies in Asian cultures for many centuries. An ancient Japanese purification ceremony dating back to at least A.D. 900 included a paper figure and a folded paper object resembling a kimono which were put to sea in a boat. The Balinese have made shadow puppets of leather and of paper since before Christ, although we are aware of no evidence that they made separate costumes for these figures. Many dolls have been made of paper in the Orient, whether folded or otherwise constructed, but these are three-dimensional and not flat.
When were paper dolls invented?
Saalfield Publishing of Akron, Ohio, began making children's books, dictionaries and bibles in 1900. Their first paper dolls, done in 1918, were Dollies to Cut and Paint, combining full-color pages with black-and-white, creating further play for youngsters. Magazine Paper Dolls.
What is crepe paper?
Crepe paper added dimension to the costumes of paper dolls and provided countless hours of fun for children at home and in schools. In the 1890s, Frederick A. Stokes and Company published several sets of paper dolls including likenesses of European royalty and America's own Martha Washington. Imported Paper Dolls.
What are paper dolls? What are their uses?
It's just a flat paper object, but it has such enormous appeal that it will provide a lifetime of pleasure! For historians, paper dolls and their costumes provide a broad look at cultures around the world. Film and theater buffs will enjoy the popular figures from opera, stage, screen and even television that have appeared as paper dolls-and many have. Paper doll royalty and political figures provide opportunities for sleuths who love digging in odd places to unearth their treasures. Those who love babies, children, pretty ladies, animals or fantasy figures will find their favorite subject in paper doll form. And what woman (or man) over thirty does not remember paper dolls as the cheapest, yet most fascinating toy of childhood? It's memories like this that bring many adults back to the subject as collectors seeking the sets they played with as children.
Why did comics include paper dolls?
Paper dolls arrived in comic books when comics went beyond the subjects of adventure and heroes to appeal to the female market. Big and little girls then loved comics too, and in the 1940s and 1950s, paper doll pages included with the comics made them even more appealing. Modeling was a popular theme and a career many girls fancied themselves attaining "someday." This theme also offered a great excuse for dolls to wear lots of costumes. Publishers encouraged interest in their comics and increased sales by inviting readers to send in fashion designs.
What is a paper doll?
A paper doll is a two-dimensional figure drawn or printed on paper for which accompanying clothing has also been made. It may be a figure of a person, animal or inanimate object. The term may be extended to include similar items made of materials other than paper, such as plastic, cloth or wood.
When did paper dolls start being printed?
The Boston Herald began printing paper dolls in the 1890s. Two lady fashion dolls –one blonde, one brunette- were issued in the paper, and others could be ordered. Costumes in subsequent issues fit the dolls first shown. The Boston Globe soon followed with their own unusual paper dolls to put together.
Who owns the paper dolls?
Is your child obsessed with Disney-themed characters? Paper Dolls by Cory Jensen is a Facebook group owned by Jensen himself who has been illustrating paper dolls for over 15 years.
Why do kids make paper dolls?
For your child, designing and cutting out paper dolls can be both an entertaining and educating pastime to stimulate their creativity —all the while, possibly saving you money from buying actual toys!
What stock do you print dolls on?
Card stock is recommended to print the paper dolls on. There are also colored designs and black and white designs for your child to color in. Go crazy with the printing!
How many dolls are there in the book Cinderella?
With 18 dolls from 9 classic children tales, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and much more, she can color inside the book, cut out the heavy-duty paper, and dress them up with 46 outfits. Even for children new to using scissors, the creative kit can allow them to practice more.
Who says you have to print doll clothes for only paper dolls?
Who says you have to print doll clothes for only paper dolls? Printable Doll Clothes is a personal blog by Elizabeth who expresses her love for doll collection.
Can a child print out only colored dolls?
From male to female characters, different artwork styles, and even templates that include the doll with his or her own home furniture cutouts, your child can choose whether to color in or print out only colored ones.
Can you print princess paper dolls?
With their free princess paper doll cutouts to print, you can download a (PDF) template of the paper doll and a template of her wardrobe designs (comes in an assortment of colors).
What was the first episode of Paper Dolls?
The series attempted to ride the wave of popular glossy nighttime soaps, such as Dallas and Dynasty. When Paper Dolls premiered in September 1984, the first episode achieved an 18.4 rating. It featured the requisite stock pleasures such as big business, glamour, intrigue, catfights, and verbal spats (particularly between Racine and most of the other characters). In one scene, Mark entered Racine's office while she was getting a massage. He asked, "Do you want me to wait outside until you're decent?" Racine responded, "How much time do you have?" In another scene, an irate Julia, brandishing a Barbie-style fashion doll of her daughter, stormed into Racine's office. "This will not be the new Taryn Blake doll!" she barked. "The eyes are brown!" Coolly, Racine quipped, "I guess they couldn't quite match that bloodshot tone."
Who were the actors in the 1984 movie Paper Doll?
The television film was based more around modeling than the fashion industry, and featured Joan Collins, Daryl Hannah, and Alexandra Paul in the roles that were taken by Fairchild, Sheridan, and Farrell in the series (Jennifer Warren and Jeffrey Richman were the only two actors to appear in both the television film and the 1984 series). The film's theme song was "Paper Doll", written by Mark Snow and performed by Brock Walsh.
How to make a paper doll?
1 — Combine cutting practice with operating tabs on clothes, and paper dolls provide a sufficient workout to fine motor skills. The challenge can prove to be too great for younger children, and in that case, you can tone it down by turning paper dolls into magnetic dolls, as shown below. 2 — Cheap to make and easy to store.
Why are paper dolls good?
These paper dolls are good prompts for creative storytelling and loyal companions to books.
What do paper dolls teach?
We often use them when studying history, geography, sociology – sometimes even science, like with these anatomy paper dolls! Paper dolls have great potential for teaching all kinds of topics to children. The paper doll templates can include costumes from different historical periods or different cultures, as well as little tools and accessories.
What is a Canadian dress up doll?
One of the first printable paper dolls I made, Canadian dress-up doll set was designed as a supplement for studying Canadian history and culture with children. It includes four costumes — Anne of Green Gables, a RCMP officer, a hockey player and an Inuk.
Why do kids play with paper dolls?
3 — Playing with paper dolls gives a boost to creativity and art skills. All of our printable paper dolls come with optional sets of clothes that can be colours. Once that’s done, it’s impossible for kids to not engage in making their own paper dolls. And once made, paper dolls provide endless opportunity for creative play.
What are the famous women paper dolls?
Historical Paper Dolls. Famous women paper doll set features costumes of twenty inspiring women who have changed the world. They are scientists, explorers, artists, activists, and more. They come from different social classes and from different parts of the world.
How many poses does the emotion paper doll have?
The emotion paper doll comes with fourteen expressions and five poses. Instead of dresses, she changes faces and exhibits a wide range of emotions! Here is the girl set.
