I’m Seeing a Pattern Here…
While we are all at home during this COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are exploring our hobbies. We're finding positive, creative ways to keep ourselves busy and fulfilled as we cope and wait for the virus situation to get under control. If you're reading this, then chances are you find comfort in art and dollmaking, like me.
In light of that, I have started a new challenge project together with a wonderful group of cyber-doll artists. We're all using a similar doll pattern, and interpreting it our own way. You're invited to join if you like, or you can just watch my progress.
A Feather Under My Cap
This doll is definitely one of my more unusual works. I started him some time ago, and one of the things that kept him unfinished was the hair. I just couldn't figure out what fit. Today I was looking at him and it came to me: A feather!"It is true I am rather taken up with dress; but as to feathers, every one wears them, and it would seem extraordinary if I did not."
~Marie Antoinette
Have Your Cake and Heat It Too
Air-dry clay is a perfect medium for dollmaking. The results are beautiful, there is no need for baking or firing, and let's admit - sculpting is relaxing and fun. There's one problem: it takes many hours to dry the clay.
You'll have to wait overnight at a minimum. If you're busy the following day, then your dolls will go on the "back burner" until you'll have time to continue. But there's a sweet solution: A food dehydrator and a cake topper!
Pin Up Boots
These Victorian boots got a nice finishing touch, thanks to a few pins and some black paint.
Avigayil
Please meet Avigayil, a sweet steampunk-inspired doll with timeless charm. Avigayil is a 25"cloth doll, lovingly and carefully "done up" with a variety of mediums, paints, and varnishes to achieve a mock porcelain look.
Her dress is Victorian / Edwardian-ish, slightly "steampunk" but more "Rivkah inspired." She's a whimsical Steam Queen, if you know what I mean. Her outfit is made from organza, lace, silk, beads, sequins, and a modge-podge of stuff I like, and she's the Bee's Knees.
Transforming a Cloth Doll to “Porcelain”
I'm starting a new doll.
Well, not exactly... I've decided to work on an old doll that I never felt was quite finished. She'll be getting a complete makeover!
Betty Boop
This is my rendition of Betty Boop, a classy cartoon made into a doll. She is made with fabric and intricately painted in acrylic paint. You will notice that Betty still needs some shoes. That's okay. We like each other because we both like to go around the house with bare feet once in a while. Betty will get new shoes later. I think she is as adorable as could be, with or without the shoes! The Doll Makers Muse version of a vintage Betty Boop pattern is
Shirring Fabric for Dolls
Shirring is a great technique to spruce up any old fabric while adding some serious visual interest without a lot of effort.
Think of it as "cheating surface embellishment." It can be a relaxing pause when you're in dollmaking mode, but not quite sure where your doll is going. Shirring is a great way to create "something from nothing" without thinking or planning too far ahead.
Beaded Betty