Fancy Nancy - Paper Doll Chains

Fancy Nancy written by Jane O’Connor and Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser is a book about precocious little Nancy who loves everything “fancy.” It’s become a phenomenon, endearing little girls across the nation. I thought the classic paper doll chain would be a perfect accompaniment for Fancy Nancy.

Materials:
Large piece of construction paper cut in half vertically (4.5″ X 12″)
Scissors
Crayons or markers

Directions:
Cut a large sheet of construction paper in half, vertically (4.5″ X 12″). Fold it into 4 parts, accordion style.

Paper Doll Chain - The Accordion Fold

Next draw the pattern. The pattern must extend to each side of the folds.

Fancy Nancy -Paper Doll Pattern

Then cut the pattern out.

Fancy Nancy - Cutting the Paper Doll Chain

Finally, color the dolls. We used the illustrations in Fancy Nancy for inspiration.

Fancy Nancy - Eliana Coloring the Paper Doll Chain

This simple craft is so much fun. Get crazy and creative!

Fancy Nancy - Beautiful Paper Doll Chain!

Look how cute the dolls are on Eliana’s bulletin board.

Fancy Nancy - Paper Doll Chain on Eliana's Bulletin Board

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Leaf Man - Gather leaves

Friends:

Leaf Man is a fantastic book by Lois Ehlert where the leaves transform into people, birds, fish, vegetables, trees, and more. It’s a great book for the Fall but works year round because trees are everywhere!

Materials:
Lots of different leaves in varying colors
Sheet of white paper
Pictures of animals (if you wish)

Directions:
First, gather leaves. Gather a variety in different colors. We try to pick leaves that have already fallen to the ground. Next, decide what type of animal you want to make and begin assembling the leaves on a white sheet of paper. This may take some experimentation. Try not to alter the shapes of the leaves – work with what you have. Creating leaf illustrations is like assembling a puzzle. Disassemble the puzzle and start again! Here are some examples. This is a mouse by Eliana.

Leaf Mouse by Eliana

This is a peacock created by moi!

Leaf Peacock by Dianne

This next one was a mother-daughter effort. Can you guess what it is?

Leaf Gator Snapping a Fish

Use your imagination to create something whimsical, something wonderful!

Leaf Man Book & Leaf Peacock

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne