paper elf advent calendar

I can see why it's a good idea to keep advent calendars simple - making 24 or 25 of something is a lot of making! These little elves got wonkier and wonkier as the hour got later and later.
 
I used pre-cut paper dolls for this and paper and paint to decorate. Stickers for the number.And cut many hats, faces, tunics and collars. Call me lazy, but I gave up when it came to making 48 little shoes.

The presents are wish stars from recycled sheet music (my piano playing days are on hold...as there is no piano...) There is a clear tutorial for making these on Creative Chaos Art. They can be made in many sizes. Inside each star  is a message with a Christmas activity or idea.

Next year I'll be keeping it simple. And I'm working on an elf paper doll template...I'll share it when it's ready...

Magnetic Paper Dolls

One Pearl Button's Magnetic Paper Dolls

I found the idea for making magnetic paper doll sets over here at one pearl button (A great blog for ideas and links!)and published in this great DIY Christmas guide here...
But of course these do not have to be magnetic. Just printing the dolls on good strong paper would make an excellent gift. Especially for older children - then they get the fun of the cutting out as well.

And when I went looking for paper dolls I found there are many amazing ones out there ready for printing out - everything from anime cartoon characters to Jane Austen characters! And even Sonia Delaunay inspired paper dolls!

Here are some links:
Teri's Paper Doll scans.
That Girl
Friends around the World
Sonia Delaunay
The Ginghams
Ziegfeld Girl
Historical Costumes

I chose "That Girl" because we used to love the show and I wanted to make these for one of my sisters.
I also made the Ginghams and Betty McCall's fifties dolls (Although I enlarged these ones before printing)

Here are my tips so you can learn from my mistakes!

1. Make sure you have printed the right costumes for your doll - there were several "That Girls" to choose from and only some outfits fit the one I chose. Oops!

2.Cut your paper shape out first not quite to the line. This way you have an easier time sticking it down on the self adhesive magnetic sheet - because once it is stuck...well...it's stuck! Trim it after you stick.