To create your own "Wild and Fun" Paper Doll project, follow these steps to move from a simple sketch to a meditative, expressive piece of art.

Step 1: Gather Your Simple ToolsYou don’t need anything fancy to begin. All you need is: A fine-liner like a Graphic 0.5 is great for details, but any pen you enjoy will work. Any paper or journal pad like a mixed media smooth texture paper. Recommended: a dedicated "idea book" if you want to keep your practice doodles in one place.

Step 2: Draw Your Base FigureUsing the paper doll formula, sketch a simple, faceless character. This removes the pressure of "perfection" and focuses on the "quick win" of making a person appear on the page.• Draw a large "U" for the head.• Add two straight lines for the neck and two lines out for the shoulders.• Draw arms coming down with simple mitten hands.• Pro Tip: If you want a background, draw a simple box around your figure to define the space where you will embellish.

Step 3: "This is the "Wild and Fun" part! Instead of a realistic hairstyle, think of the hair as a container for your imagination.• Draw exaggerated, "swoopy" lines that go up to the edge of the paper or off to the side.• Create open sections within the hair strands to give yourself room to fill in later.• Don't plan ahead—just ask yourself, "What is the next line?" and let the pen wander.

Step 4: Fill and Embellish Choose how you want to add personality to your doll. You can use botanical doodles, Zen-angle patterns, or even words:• Botanicals: Add repetitive leaf shapes, vines, berries, or "abstract heart" shapes.• Text & Intentions: Use the hair sections to write out a favorite quote, daily gratitude, personal goals, or even a list of books you've read.• Repetition: Focus on repeating one shape (like little circles or dots) to experience the meditative, calming power of the process.

Step 5: Embrace the "Ugly Art"If your lines don’t hit perfectly or the character looks a bit "strange," keep going! "Ugly art" is an essential part of the creative process where you experiment and learn. Shifting the focus from being productive to being restorative allows you to enjoy the process without judgment.

Step 6: Share Your ProjectOnce you’ve finished (or even if you’re just happy with a practice sketch), please upload your work to the project section. Sharing our work helps inspire the community and allows us to learn together. Don't be shy about sharing your experimental "ugly art"—it shows your growth and encourages others to try new things too.

Sue Ritchie

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