AIA Challenge: Paper Doll Chronicles #1

Interested in next-level Paper Doll making? Love a mixed-media challenge? Do you delight in delving into your life journey? Intrigued about exploring the intersection of creativity and personal growth? This terrific swap will follow the YouTube “Paper Doll Chronicles" led by Minette Riordan. Minette will guide us gently through self-exploration while making paper dolls. The themes are around navigating midlife transitions, including e.g., exploring core values, taming your inner critic, and more. Note that while the clips started in 2025, we’ll take a step at a time starting now and continue along in subsequent swaps if you wish. Here are the clips for Challenge 1:

The Paper Doll Chronicles: Begin Your 2025 Midlife Transformation with a Mixed Media Paper Doll

The Paper Doll Chronicles: Episode 2 Your Word of the Year Outfit?

DIY Painted Paper Dolls to Explore Your Core Values: Episode 3 of The Paper Doll Chronicles

Overall the aim is to follow along the YouTube clips and make 2 paper dolls, one for you and one for your partner. To start here’s the paper doll template: PaperDollTemplateJan2025.pdf

It’s your choice if the dolls are identical or if the one for your partner is not as personally revealing - it’s up to you. Send off your partner’s doll with luscious elements - maybe pockets, textures, lace, cloth, etc. Avoid excessive bulk given that it might go into an art journal. In keeping with the AIA group aims, “the emphasis is on sharing unique, high-quality creations that reflect individual artistic inspiration.”

As this is an effortful swap you could start right away and send as soon as partners are assigned. Incorporating your partner’s likes is a thoughtful touch but not a requirement. That said, please respect their dislikes.

Do include your username on the back of your dolls. Please rate your partner promptly when you receive. Rate a 5 for meeting criteria, not whether it aligns with your preferences. Hearts for extra creativity. Be kind.

To join this swap, you must have a 4.98 minimum rating. No recent unexplained 1's or 3's and have been positively rated for a minimum of 35 Type 3 swaps. Don't sign up if you can't commit to these effortful stipulations.

Feel free to comment or message me with questions. Have fun!