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Crepe Paper Dolls

Beginning in about 1880 the use of crepe paper for the decorating of dolls (and making dolls) became apparent.

Dennison added crepe paper to it’s line in the

1880s and shortly after, small bisque dolls dressed in crepe paper appeared on the market, although most crepe paper dolls appear to be from the 1920s and later.

Crepe paper then and now,was and is, popular for use in craft projects. Many crepe paper dolls seem to be home made as projects for wedding and party favors and companies like Dennison wrote articles and produced patterns for home makers and crafters.

Other crepe paper dolls were commercially made by companies such as Dennison, Reed, Bainbridge, Sylklyk, Zellerback, American Tissue Mills, Perkins, Hazel, and Hallmark. Dolls were made in the USA, Germany. Denmark, England, and Japan. Examples of these dolls can often be found in today’s market at very reasonable prices.

Heads on crepe paper dolls were made using everything including bisque, composition, celluloid, paper, wood, and crepe paper.

Crepe paper was a popular medium for doll artists including the well known Bernard Ravca.

Bernard Ravca made these children from crepe paper.

This bride is also by Ravca.

Simple holiday decorations such as these Pilgrims have defied all odds by surviving the decades.

There are a wide variety of finished dolls available within the spectrum of crepe paper doll collecting.