More Than Just Cute: 7 Ways to use Julie Nutting Paper Doll Stamps

As you know by now, I have a crush on the Julie Nutting Paper Doll stamps.  Lots of people will comment on how cute they are, but they follow it up with the words, “but I don’t know how I’d use them”.   I can understand that, for months and months I thought the same thing.  Until I bought my first one.  Once I had one, I quickly realized the possibilities were huge.

First a few things you should know about the stamps.

• They are BIG! The full sized doll stamps measure right around 8” tall or so and some of them (with those long gowns) can measure around 4” or so wide.
• There is a wide variety. Julie has designed lots of these ‘girls’ and ‘boys’ each with their own name and style.  From the fashion couture-esque dolls like Lorenna, to the little boys like Toby and the whimsical like Sea Sallie the mermaid.  There is even a baby stamp with additional outfits like girl’s clothes, boy’s clothes and unisex snow suits!
• They are unmounted cling stamps. This is good because I can’t imagine trying to store these large stamps if they were wood mounted!  But it does mean you’ll need a really large acrylic block to work with them, especially the larger/wider dolls.  You can purchase large blocks specifically for them from Prima, or you can get creative like I did.  I’ve used one of the cutting pads from my Big Shot as well as an 8 ½ “ x 11 “ piece of acrylic that came with an old tracing tool I had ages ago.  I’ve also heard of some people using the Dylusions journaling block as well.
• Julie has also designed several special sets with mini-dolls in them. I just recently purchased my first mini-doll set and I love it.  I’m sure these sets were designed with the card-maker in mind, since they come with sentiments and accent stamps.
• To go with the dolls there are also sets with clothing, hats, shoes, toys and ….even a dog!
• They are addictive! Just ask the folks in the Julie Nutting Paper Dolls Facebook Group.  Once you’ve played around with the first one, you’ll find yourself wanting more.

To be honest, I bought my first doll on a whim. I’d thought they were adorable and finally gave in to the impulse to buy one.  Just one.  Within a week I was online ordering more. So if you are like I was, be prepared.

Now let’s talk about those 7 ways to use them:

1. Decorative tags. This is one of the most common things I see people making with these marvelous dolls.  But what can you do with a decorative tag?  Plenty.  I make super-sized tags out of chipboard on my Cricut Explore and put them on display.  Others create them and give them as greeting cards/gifts.  And of course, there are tag swaps that are so much fun. 
2. Scrapbook pages. Imagine doing a wedding layout accented with a bride in a matching wedding gown. These dolls make wonderful accents to special photos on a scrapbook page.
3. Greeting cards. Like I said, the mini sets are perfect for making greeting cards and some of the smaller, child-like dolls will fit perfectly on a card. You can also do a partial stamp of a portion of one of the larger dolls to create really cool cards as well. 
4. Wall art. Create a scene with one of the dolls and frame it. Better yet, personalize it and frame it.   I’ve done things like creating a doll based on the meaning of a name, made to frame and display.  These are great for hanging in a child’s room (even teenagers would love one if the doll was dressed ‘cool’), gifts for brides and bridesmaids dressed in gowns the same color as the bridal party or even for parents who love having something in their offices to remind them of their children, etc.
5. Bookmarks. A bookmark is such a nice little gift to give someone just because. Using one of the dolls, whether a mini-doll or part of a larger one, is totally unique and adorable.   And although some folks may read their books electronically now, these bookmarks are also great for using in your planner.
6. Planner art. Speaking of planners, using a JN paper doll stamp in your planner is fun. I especially love using the hats and shoe stamps on their own.

7. Art Journaling.  These doll stamps lend themselves so well to art journaling, whether as a cool addition to a background or a full, fledged paper-pieced focus piece.  It’s an easy way to add a character to your page if you’re shy about trying to draw your own too.

See?  There are plenty of things you can create with one of these totally adorable stamps.  So what are you waiting for?