Pearlized Paper fit for Royalty in Papyrus

Sources indicated today that Pearlized Filagree, a light weight, decorative paper, might have been used as doll skin in the paper doll city of Papyrus. Chosen for its pearlescent design and light, creamy color, it is believed that this paper was used in the creation of royalty or the more elite dolls. Archedollogist Kitty Kellie had this to say.

It would appear that this paper is somewhat rare as evidenced by the $4.95 price tag for one sheet so it would make sense that Papyrus would reserve this skin for its most elite dolls such as princesses, queens or even their treasured fairy folk.

Now that I had an accurate pattern for cutting my doll parts and the paper that would serve as the foundation for doll assembly, it was time to begin looking for a decorative paper with which to cover my pieces.



The idea was to find a paper that was not only light weight but light enough in color that it would look like a flesh tone. The paper design had to be subtle enough that it would not compete with the collage and rubber stamping techniques I planned to add.


I found something called Pearlized Filagree on the very bottom rung of one of the columns of paper. It was hidden underneath a stack of other paper as if it was waiting for the perfect project before allowing its discovery. Did I choose the paper or did the paper choose me?



Learn more about the Papyrus Project.

What in the World is Archedollogy?

A map of some sort was discovered today deep in a Paris archive. It appeared to be a schematic for a paper doll body believed to have origins dating to the time of the legendary lost temple of Papyrus. Leading archedollologist, Kitty Kellie comments:

What an exciting find for us. This map is physical evidence that the paper doll city of Papyrus actually did exist and we are closer than ever to discovering the lost temple where the artifacts of Papyrus are thought to have been stored. There's just one small problem with the map.

Setting up a template for a life sized paper doll required enlarging one of my existing patterns to nearly 400% of its original size. The entire schematic would span 21 letter sized pages and print beautifully with my printer set for borderless printing. . . . or so I thought. The first snag in the project would require a little more ingenuity to get the pattern to print correctly and was overcome with the discovery of a tool called Tiler, a free program that allows printing of large graphics over multiple pages.




Read more about the The Papyrus Project, an ongoing project dedicated to bringing you paper doll artifacts and evidence that a living paper doll culture actually existed in history. Here you will discover new terms like archedollogy that are guaranteed to spark your imagination. Check back often to find out how you can participate and become involved in the Papyrus Project.

The Papyrus Project and my Wild Imaginings

My mother once gave me the secret to being an artist. It was actually a poem of sorts with short, whimsical statements about how to be an artist. The one that most comes to mind reads: Have wild imaginings, transformative dreams and perfect calm.


While sitting in traffic yesterday, I began focusing my thoughts toward the one thing in life that never fails to give me pleasure, my art. Visions of paper dolls danced in my head while new ways of making dolls that would give my buyers a personal connection to my work just came one after the other. All were exciting to think about but the still small voice within whispered. "Think bigger."


Okay, how about a life sized, dimensional paper doll, I thought and I don't mean that in a celebrity-card-board-cut-out-you-see-in-the-movie-theatre kind of way either. It was perfect but the still small voice offered counsel yet again. "Yes, she whispered, "keep going." Not only will this doll be life sized but she has a story to tell.


Oooh! On that note, I could hardly contain my excitement! I had to get started right away but what do you do when you work full time? You go shopping on your lunch break of course. Bellevue Art and Frame would be my first stop. Paper is the foundation of the work and only the finest quality would do. I spared no expense in using the buyer rewards certificate I'd been carrying around for months. My first purchase would be French Aquarelle Arches paper.


I love water color paper, especially cold pressed. There is something just fresh and crisp about this textured, deckled edge paper that speaks directly to the very core of my artist being. So it begins and I've decided to take you with me on a journey of discovery to the lost temple of Papyrus where you are sure to find whimsy, intrigue, adventure and perhaps even reconnect with your inner child.



There are ways that you can participate in the project which I will present as we go along. Get ready to soar with the goddesses. Who knows, magic could strike! Be sure to check back often for updates and opportunities.

The Secret Slippers of Marie Antoinette

If Marie Antoinette had little slippers made especially for her by her garden fairies, where might she hide them from the prying eyes of the non-believers? (tee hee :) I'm obsessed with Marie or perhaps I am just obsessed with her obsession for pretty things. Happily, I know I am not alone.



Below is a video demonstration on how to assemble an altered match box in Marie Antoinette style. I have not yet decorated the inside as this secret will be revealed in part 2 of this charming tale of elegance meets magic.



Download the template here and get ready to create some Marie magic of your own.
Marie Antoinette Style Match Box

Free Standing Audrey Hepburn Paper Doll Speaks

She strikes a pose as if to say "I told you so." These dolls of mine speak to me in the most celestial ways. They use not words but blocks of thought that come in the form of creative ideas.


What makes me pick up that particular bit of scrap and hold it up to a waist or bust? How is it that I came to add gathered tule to a butterfly wing? It was not part of my original plan and yet that scrap has brightened up this doll like no other could, like it was, quite simply, meant to be.


Resisted desires to make her more elaborate in some way came in the form of whispered kisses, an acronym for "keep it simple, stupid." Over and over again I heard them. Audrey is classic simplicity, in her case less is more. Everything about this piece works so beautifully and yet I can claim little responsibility for her outcome. I am simply the tool that gave her life.


My creative muse is with me always, a special gift to me sent directly from the divine. I know not always what her messages will be but she always has a way of revealing them to me in exactly the moment they are needed. Her messages to me are simply the answers I was asking for in those moments of utter grace and complete surrender to the process.


I give you Audrey. Striking, stunning and with a "kiss" I leave you to your own conclusions.