So, how do you make a flattie?

[wdwscout]

I'm hoping you guys can help me...
I absolutely LOVE all the photos of people with their flatties for friends who could not make the trip. We have friends who were going to come with us on PCC2.0 but won't be able to come along.
I'd love to make flatties of them and surprise them with pictures from all the places we went and fun we had (while thinking of them, of course! )
And I might even want to make some of our kids too, since they can't join us either.

But how do I start? Is there a pattern for a flattie? How do you do the clothes (or do they wear the same outfits for the whole trip- I can't remember what I have seen?)

If I have a pattern and some general guidance, I think I can do this- I just don't even know where to start.

 

[winotracy]

I almost forgot I need this info too. I need a flattie in three weeks

 

[Madi100]

Some people search for paper dolls. But, most recently, Tonya made hers using a Cricut. There is a paperdoll cartridge. Works perfect.

 

[wdwscout]

I don't have a cricut. And as fun as they look- I won't be getting one anytime soon.
I just did a search for paper dolls and was amazed to find so many options!!
familycrafts.about.com has a body template AND the clothes!

I can't wait to get started. Thanks Nicole!

But my next question is about the clothes- does everyone make multiple flatties with different outfits for each person? Or do you make the clothes separate and somehow attach them for each day's activities? How do they stick on? It looks like most of them appear laminated from the photos- so I am trying to figure out how to do the clothes.

 

[Dodie]

I've done flatties using a paperdoll pattern without a change of clothes and, once you find yourself on vacation, depending on how it goes, you may find that this is the easiest, as managing the whole clothes thing takes extra time. Since it's your first time, you might want to stick to simple rather than complicated.

I've also used Tonya's Cricut flatties with entire wardrobes which is a BLAST!

Whatever you choose, you need to laminate the flatties (and the clothes).

For the Cricut ones, Tonya made flatties in their undies and then used double stick tape on the backs of the clothes and accessories to be able to change them.

 

[wdwscout]

Double stick tape That's easy to do!

 

[rtobe]

I've used file folders for the flattie. Found a photo and cut out the face and glued. If you google "flat stanley" you can find a template but it is a bit big. I think about 6 inches high works best for carrying around. You can laminate them at Kinkos or buy sheets that do not require laminating machine. I think it was actually cheaper at Kinkos.

If anyone can post a link to finding a good template for those of us without Cricuts most appreciated. I do not have a crafty bone among the 206 in my body, but, it's the thought that counts

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Or you can free-hand a paper doll. Not that difficult. You can even design sparkly shoes.

 

[kab407]

Or you can free-hand a paper doll. Not that difficult. You can even design sparkly shoes.

 

[wdwscout]

I've used file folders for the flattie. Found a photo and cut out the face and glued. If you google "flat stanley" you can find a template but it is a bit big. I think about 6 inches high works best for carrying around.

File folders are a great idea Ros- nice and sturdy. I do have the DIY laminating sheets (no machine here)
And the smaller size makes sense too- I saw your most recent pics.
Flat Stanley- great suggestion. I will search later tonight.

Or you can free-hand a paper doll. Not that difficult. You can even design sparkly shoes.

Free-hand? no, not me. I don't think it would resemble a human if I free-hand!

Sparkly shoes though- I think I can handle that!! I do like glitter

 

[corky441]

Just a quick idea that just came to my mind.
I'm going to find a gingerbread man cookie cutter and trace it!!!!