Cutting paper hair on cardboard dolls

I’ve spotted this idea floating around Pinterest and pinned it many times as something to try with Boo (aged 4 years). Finally got to it and this cutting paper hair on cardboard dolls activity didn’t disappoint.

When I was young I used to love playing hair salons with my neighbours. This reminded me of that.

This activity is brilliant because the dolls are fun to make, look adorable and they have hair that’s just asking to be cut.

Recommended age: 3 years +
(Strict and active supervision required at all times)

Cutting paper hair on cardboard dolls

To create these adorable little friends, you’ll need :

• Coloured paper
• Cardboard rolls
• Sticky tape
• Scissors
• Marker
• Goggly eyes and glue (optional)

Simply begin by cutting strips almost through each piece of paper. It will create a fringe because it isn’t cut all the way through.

Double back some sticky tape and use it to hold the coloured paper to the cardboard roll.

Soon you’ll have a collection of gorgeous cardboard rolls that look to have hair. Now for the faces. You and your child can be as create as you like!

We added bouncy goggly eyes to add to each of the characters and drew a simple nose and mouth.

Let the air cutting begin!

Teaching your child to use scissors

You’ve no doubt seen the wide variety of fine motor and scissor activities shared on Laughing Kids Learn.

It’s important children strengthen their fine motor skills prior to even attempting to cut with scissors. They’ll have a lot more control and ability.

My basic approach to teaching my girls to use scissors, when they finally are ready, is slow and steady.

What I love about this scissor cutting activity is that the paper is relatively easy to cut and it has a purpose (of cutting the characters air) behind it.

It’s also wonderful as an extra fine motor exercise for children.

Is this an activity your child would enjoy?