I have been working hard on my craft since 2004, and I think I have a skill level that shows in my work. I am the do over queen and there are many heads without bodies to suggest that these mistakes drive me to the perfect end. The finished doll always seems to lead to the next doll, one is born out of another. This is why I love making dolls. It is the air I breathe and pretty much defines me. I am a doll maker.

This may sound strange but these bodiless heads and headless bodies speak to me. I have control over the parts and pieces individually, but the position involved in the connection is revealed at the moment the pieces touch one another for the first time. The head moves me to sew it in a certain pose, same with the hands and arms. The whole doll forms itself to be expressive according to its idea of itself.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hair. . . . . . . .

Here we have the first growth of hair. Love it!This is a good angle to explain my skull cap concept. With a stiffened head it is impossible to sew in to. Too hard. I make a skull cap out of a double layer of t-shirt fabric, sew it in an oval shape, turn it and stuff it with polyfill. I then glue it to the head. Now I can sew all the hair on. The pile of lavender fabric strips were sewn in to tubes. The tubes were turned and a pipe cleaner is inserted. I gather the fabric along the tube and do a little twisting and bending in half to create my hair pieces.

I love what I get to do. . . . . .I am driven to challenge myself. To constantly differ my style with every doll. Maybe just a little tweek that nobody else might see. Maybe this is not a smart idea. You guys tell me. Can you see something consistent and distinct about my work that identifies it as mine?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved to see how you attached the hair Nat... I do think she looked kinda cute with it looking like a cap with the hair falling out.
Pattee

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful. Love the lavender hair.

The Lazy Gastronome said...

I love your techniques! Thanks for sharing them.

Helen

Unknown said...

I know they are by you for the reason of the love you put in shows. The expressions are wonderful. I like the little tid bits you choose to show and illustrate.

All your dolls have this certain quality thats says NAT.

Love the hair on her, pip cleaners who would a thunk.

Smiles,
Sonia ;)

Chicken Lips said...

Very unique.

julie said...

It's the eyes, body posture and expression that make you stand apart...I think I would recognize your figures anywhere. They are open and inviting...there is humor and poignancy about them...the darker ones still have that 'human' quality that we, the viewer, can connect with...as well as a bit of humor.

Mette said...

Your dolls are so cute, I love their little faces :)

Abi said...

fantastic. Love your style.