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.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Summer Fun in the Pool . . . . . . . .

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.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

She is Topless. . . . . Oh My. . . . . . .

Sorry for the peek, but I wanted to show the layer of paper clay that has been added. I first made a t-shirt of sorts to make a fabric layer and then I have put 2 layers of paper clay on.
I will then sand and paint. Then her bathing suit can be sewn together at the shoulders.I changed her blue eyes to green. One can do that these days with contacts. They are a beautiful "Sea Serpent Green".She is coming along slowly because of my J.O.B., won't say anymore, because I am blessed to have a job. . . . . . . . .

Friday, June 19, 2009

Another Redhead

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.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Bad Tan

I added some batting to smooth out the curves of her hips. One layer of the synthetic stuff and a covering of the cotton batting. I find the fake stuff is best at filling in and the cotton is the best at covering and making a smooth rounded shape.

Now the doll is getting her personality. The swimsuit took a couple of mistakes to get the right fit, but I think it is perfect. My girl is a bit modest and maybe old fashion, but FUN and relaxing in the pool is her thing. Yep, that is going to be a blow up pool. My plan is to do this out of a tin can and cover this with paper mache to get the shape. Should be very messy. . . . . The real time consuming work is about to start with the paper clay. I have to fill in all the gaps and try to achieve the body that she deserves. Oh yeah, and that tan. I painted her face too soon. I have to have all my flesh surfaces ready to paint, all at one time, if I want my color the same all over. So this is just a bad tan from the bottle.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Sea Monsters

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 . . . . . .

Friday, June 5, 2009

Swimsuit Time

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. . . . . . .

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sharing Art Dolls Only

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: