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.
I have always had something for redheads. LOVE em.
This doll's hair is made of dyed fabric that has been cut into 20" to 24" strips that are 1-3/4" wide. The strips are sewed into tubes and turned. I then sew a thread through to make the accordion folds. I really like this look. It makes a full head of hair with a little less fabric.
I have got lots of work to do on the blow up pool, paper mache is a little lumpy, so I have to work at smoothing to get a finished look.
So far this doll is full of challenges. I am not that great at painting eyes and I am not sure if she will keep the blue eyes or I will change them to green. I am totally happy with the overall look. The blow up pool and sea monster floatie still makes me laugh.
Everyone needs a flotation device when swimming.
My girl's little sea monster reminds me of the one I had as a child. I think mine might have been a seal, but he kept me floating without effort for a couple of summers. Then of course by 16 we should all let go and learn how to swim on our own.
Trying to get a little more shapely leg. I have been adding layers of cotton batting that has the fabric stiffener brushed over it. Once this dries and I get the shape I want I will cover with paperclay. Her arms and hands are drying now, so I will probably finish the sea monster and make more orange hair.So far not too many do overs . . . . . .
It is hot and summer is here in Alabama. Time to get the swimwear and pool ready! In honor of this I have challenged myself to try some new ways to make this next doll. She will be a bathing beauty. All my other dolls have been fully clothed, but since I might be the only one who would go swimming in a long sleeve shirt and long pants, I have to figure out a way to show some flesh.
I am trying to work with paper clay to achieve the bare skin. I am not sure if I can pull this off, but I am willing to let you all watch my success or well . . . . . . .
I will either have lots of fun with her or she will drive me crazy. . . . . . .
I belong to ADO which is an ever growing group of very talented and wonderfully creative artisans who share in the love of making Art Dolls. Here are three such artist:
Here she is, all finished and taking a dip in the pool.
So I am happy she is done. I spent so much time on this doll and I honestly was beginning to lose interest. But she came out great. This might be my the only doll I ever cover with paper clay. I think the whole process was a great success, but it isn't the way I love making dolls. Here is to all you doll artists who use clay and such. I return your medium back to you.
She is a pretty redhead. . . . . . .So back to making dolls my way. I already started with a top hat and we shall see what kind of doll will wear it. . . . . Maybe a man.
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