Frida Paper Plate Doll
Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light.
-Frida Kahlo
grab the complete FRIDA PAPER PLATE DOLL project PDF + Printable pack here:
Next Friday (3/8) is International Women’s Day. In honor of this glorious occasion I am going to be sharing some projects that are inspired by some kick-ass creative woman. This year I would like to celebrate a few legends we all know and a few of my own personal SHEroes. When I was playing with concepts for a Frida project I kept thinking of my friend Shannon and her paper plate dancers.
Shannon is that rare breed of human that beams sunshine—like a cool, well-read, insightful, fuchsia loving’, pattern wearing, heart on her sleeve, real talk, funny as ____ sun beam. She is a passionate educator, a literacy warrior, a wickedly-talented writer and maker, as well as a mom to three littles under the age of 5. In addition to being an all-around gem, she can whip up a themed birthday cake like nobody’s business, she's the queen of painted tissue paper collage, and beautiful, accessible, crafts. If you are not following her, RUN to catch up. Your eyes will radiate hearts, your brain will be nourished with teacher tips and book recommendations, your mama cup will be filled with camaraderie, and you will get your daily dose of vitamin D. On a personal aside, this warrior friend has slid into my DM over the past 6 months and created a never ending virtual ‘mixed tape’ for my grieving heart. I share this because it really speaks to the core of who she is. Oh! Saving the best for last: If you are in Sydney, you are a golden ticket holder because Shannon is taking her love of little people, storybooks, and creativity offline at in-person workshops! You can find out more about her READ + CREATE pop-ups and register for classes on her site.
Frida Kahlo was born July 6th, just south of Mexico City, in Coyoacán, Mexico. She grew up in big blue house called La Casa Azul with her parents and 6 sisters. Frida was born three years before the beginning of the Mexican revolution. In her writing, Frida described being ushered into the house by her mother as gunfire rang through the streets of her hometown. As a young girl Frida preferred spending time drawing by herself versus playing with her sisters. At age 6, Frida contracted polio, which damaged her right leg making it smaller than the left. Frida hid this deformity under long skirts. When she was 18 she was in a terrible bus accident that broke her spinal cord, collarbone, ribs, pelvic bone, leg, foot, and shoulder. The injuries from this accident were so severe and pervasive that they impacted her for the rest of her life and left her unable to bear children. Suffering, isolation, longing, and loss are re-occuring themes in her portraits but they are accompanied by an unshakable strength. When you look at the intimacy and detail in these portraits you don’t feel pity you are left in awe of the survivor. Frida created her own style of painting blending the mystical qualities of surrealism with the rooted strength of Mexican folk art. Despite being a prolific and talented artist, Frida spent most of her life known as “Diego Rivera’s wife”. It wasn’t really until the late 70s that Frida’s work was recognized by art historians and political activists. In the 90s Frida reached Icon status as an artist, feminist, and indigenous rights activist.
Materials:
water cup
paint pens or gel pens for details. These markers will write on dark surfaces too!
*optional: hole punch, pinking shears and/or fringe scissors
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You can find the full tutorial for Shannon’s paper plate dancers including a video here. We followed her step by step but made it our own Frida doll with a couple swaps and some added details that I have shown you in the pictures below:
Layer on some detailed pattern work with a paint pen, chalk pen or gel pen!
Add some pretty eyelets to one of your skirt layers with a hole punch!
How about some fringe?!
We included some of the paper plate scalloping because it added a fancy trim
Paint or color your Frida Doll Printable and then cut it out and glue it onto the front of your pipe cleaner.
Click the video below (sound on) to watch Frida dance!
