I’ve been getting super annoyed at how much packaging we end up throwing away, just from food and necessities, so this week, I decided to take part of a box to make a couple little paper dolls.
First was this orange cat.
I just freehanded the body parts in weird abstract shapes, painted them in with some gesso, and then colored with gouache and drew on some details with a dip pen and India ink. (Sorry I didn’t get many in-progress photos)
I had some teeny tiny brads I got many YEARS ago, which seemed perfect for his joints.
(Also wondering if I need to attempt to add a tail, or if he’s fine as is. I think a tail could end up going horribly wrong at this point
)
Then, I tried a frog, and I like how he turned out! Basically the same process, except this one has acrylic paint instead of gouache.
21 Likes
AIMR
December 31, 2025, 10:50pm
3
Good use of those throwaways! The frog is cleverly done…all the moves of a real frog!
3 Likes
I love articulated paper dolls! those are so cute
3 Likes
kayrun
January 1, 2026, 1:58am
5
These are darling!
2 Likes
Tapestry
January 1, 2026, 5:16am
7
Super cute and fun! I love their expressions.
2 Likes
Lol I actually didn’t look at who made it before I looked at all the pictures and once I saw the frog I knew it was you.
2 Likes
Magpie
January 1, 2026, 6:30pm
10
LOVE! Oh, goodness, I adore this project! I hope you’ll make more, I can’t wait to see if you do
1 Like
Thanks, everyone!
@RagingSloth Hahaha that’s so funny! I guess I end up drawing a lot of these frogs.
@Magpie I’m hoping to make a lot more! (And I set a goal in the Nerd Games to make at least three more before the month is over!)
2 Likes
I love that frog! The kitty is adorable too of course. Upcycling crafts are so fun.
2 Likes
Love these so much. You gave them such personality!
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Tanath
January 4, 2026, 10:58am
15
Super fun!
1 Like
Smmarrt
January 6, 2026, 3:24am
16
I still love making and admiring paper dolls. Love the frog especially.
1 Like
amazing! As a woman of a certain age - I was a paper doll enthusiast and often made my own (one of my first crafty endeavors!)
I think I will use your project the next time I sit with my 3 grand nieces!
2 Likes
These are way too cute!
But I’m all about the frog.
)
I love them! Really cute! I love the frog especially.
