Japan Doll

One holiday that Japanese girls look forward to is Hina Matsuri (March 3rd), a day dedicated entirely to dolls. Create your own collection of kimono-wrapped ladies in five easy steps.


CRAFT MATERIALS:

Poster board
Construction paper
Colored markers or pencils
Tape

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. From a piece of poster board, cut out a simple doll's body that measures about 7 inches tall (it should resemble a large, roundheaded clothespin). Trim below the head to create sloping shoulders.

2. For the kimono, cut out a 6-inch square from colored construction paper. From a sheet of black paper, cut out a 6- by 3/8-inch sash and a wig. In the center of the wig, cut a horizontal opening that's wide enough to accommodate the doll's head.

3. With colored markers or pencils, draw on a face. Next, fold down the top of the kimono 3/8 inch from the edge to form a collar. Now, color the collar.

4. Lay the kimono flat so that the folded collar is facedown. Fit the wig onto the doll's head and then center the body on top of the kimono. Fold a top corner of the kimono down over the doll's shoulder.

5. Working on the same side of the kimono, fold the paper vertically to cover the doll's body. Use the same method to fold the opposite side of the kimono. Finally, wrap the sash around the doll from front to back and tape together the ends.