Fine Motor Skills and Paper Dolls

Fine motor skills could be defined as doing any task that requires small precise hand and finger movements. We want our children to build these skills and or muscles for writing and anything that requires use of the hands and fingers. These skills are important to develop in childhood because they will remain with them throughout their entire education and life.

As parents we want to find activities that our children can and like to do that promote these skills. Activities that are fun might include play dough, silly putty, kids scissors, beads, markers, crayons, paints and other crafts. For example, the skills used form being able to repeatedly print and cut out the clothes, dress the doll and work with tabs from mypaperdolz.com fashion collections will help promote your child's fine motor skills.

Practice makes perfect!

"Dot's great!"

Now that you are in school you have had a chance to reconnect with old classmates or meet new ones. Have a friend over for crafts and coordinate together one of Susie's outfits and place on a card. This is my favorite outfit and here are the instructions. Which outfit are you going to choose? I am sure it will be great!

Instructions:
1) You will need a 5 3/4" by 4 1/2" cream envelope.
2) You will also need a 8 1/4" by 5 1/2" piece of cream cardstock folded horizontally.
3) Cut a piece of peach colored cardstock slightly smaller than the card and affix the cardstock to the card with a glue stick or dimensional tape.
4) Closely trim Susie's outfit and dress her for fit and proportion in the poplin shirt, green tube sweater anad the panel skirt from the Domino's fall collection.
5) Carefully remove the outfit from the doll and tape the three pieces together.
6) Affix the assembled outfit to the card with a glue stick or dimensional tape.

Have fun!

Thank you!

I am sending out a big "Thank You" to all 36 new Facebook friends who joined my page this week and are following mypaperdolz.com.

Card of the month

Ever wonder what else you can do with your paper dolls?

How about making your own cards? Send a friend a thoughtful card or attach a more personalized card to your present.

I will continue to give you more ideas for creative uses with your doll and collections.

Each month I will post a new card. I will include instruction with each card and you may take all or part as your inspiration.

Invite a friend over and make some cards for future use. It is always great to have a card ready for any occasion.

Have fun!

"Back to School" Card

Instructions:

1) You will need a legal size envelope.

2) Trim a letter size sheet of paper or card stock to 9 1/4 x 8 inches.

3) Fold the card stock in half vertically.

4) Trim the first layer of paper or card stock slightly smaller than the card. A corner rounder was used to round the corners.

5) Trim the second layer of paper or card stock slightly smaller than the first layer, round the corners and glue to the first layer.

6) Dress your Susie doll for proper fit in an outfit of your choice.

7) Carefully remove your outfit from the doll and tape the pieces together.

8) Glue your assembled outfit to the two layers of paper or card stock.

9) Affix all three layers to the card with pop dots.

10) Use your creativity to choose embellishments for your card. This sample card attaches three fancy hair pins underneath all three layers at the upper left side of your card.

"Getting Started" with mypaperdolz.com

Craft Idea

Craft ideas for the "Night Hues Collection"

Originally when I designed this collection I envisioned the stars to be embroidered with metallic thread. Since you are looking at paper and not fabric you can add your own finishing touches. Here are some ideas for glitzier stars on Susie's outfits.

- Try using a gel pen.
They come in a variety of brights, pastels, and even metallic colors. There are several brands out there available at local craft stores and large retailers. Simply retrace or draw over the existing stars with your own gel pen. Your stars will appear brighter and sparkle in the light.

- Have fun experimenting with glitter glue.
Not only do they offer a sparkle, depending on the brand they can leave a raised surface where the glue was applied. Your stars will not only sparkle but pop out slightly from the paper. This will add dimension and color.

- For the more experienced crafter you can always adhere glitter the old fashioned way. Apply the liquid glue to desired stars. Shake the loose glitter over the glue, the excess glitter is then shaken off the paper and let dry.

I am always one for a bargain. Don't forget to hunt the newspapers and websites for your valuable coupons when purchasing your craft supplies. I have even seen packs of glitter glue tubes at the dollar store. Mothers, when I find a good deal I like to stock up on these items. They are great for stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, children's rewards, Birthday presents, or any special occasion. It saves me the time and trouble for the last minute trips to hunt for items in the stores.