Joy of Paper Dolls
By Kristiina Weber

I believe I was 10 or perhaps 12 when I started reading historic books. They were either romantic or adventure stories. I loved old places, houses and people along with their magnificent clothing. I used to dream myself into those stories and imagined all the dresses, coats and hats I would wear the houses I would live in and places I would visit. I love dreaming in grand scale today as much as I did back then.

From one book I drafted a character I loved the most. I designed the doll onto a thicker paper and made her look so beautiful with all those neat accessories (a necklace, earrings and a bracelet) and make up which suited for special occasions. I also designed another doll, which was actually the same doll only for everyday clothes and activities (meaning less make up and fewer accessories). I guess you could say that I made her look the way I wished everybody to see me. She was me.

Since my "thing" was history, I designed numerous dresses, coats, sleep wear, hats and hairstyles for her. I liked coming out with new designs, new colors, new patterns, matching colors and designs. I simply had so much fun!

When I was young my parents could not afford a Barbie or something similar so I had to come up with something else on my own. Paper dolls are the thing I came up with and I believe that since they are so special and unique (remember, they can be designed by you), they are much more fun. They are easier to dress and you can have more variety of clothes and settings. You have so many opportunities and they are not expensive. All you need is paper, some coloring equipment and imagination.

Paper doll also gives you and your friends an opportunity to play together even when one of you cannot afford an expensive doll. Or even if you both have Barbie's or something similar, paper dolls can still give so many new opportunities, for an example drawing together, making up stories and switching clothes. On paper you can live your wildest dreams and almost make them happen.

Another exiting thing when it comes to paper dolls is the fact that you can practice your designer skills. Just think where this can lead you in the future.

I continued to read the books and now I could play the most fun or beautiful parts with my own doll. From the books I got more ideas on how my new dresses should look alike and which hats would best go with them. I even improved my older drawings. Even though I did not have a Barbie I felt I was luckier because I had the opportunity to live in and design my own imaginary world.

I dream that every little girl would have her own paper doll collection. You and your friends are just a step away from your own dolls and clothes of your own choosing. You can either be neat, evil or the mix. You can choose your style and live out your wildest dreams! You can even take your friends with you and take this journey together.