MAYIM- Fish Boi Work in Progress
Mayim is an experiment using Paperclay to sculpt a whimsical doll.
Though cloth soft sculpture is my first love in the art of dollmaking, I'm practicing hand at something I'd love to improve on. Sculpting in clay does not come naturally to me, but I do find it a lot of fun. Though I work slowly, I'm not concerned. I'm happy with the way Mayim is evolving!
Artful Relaxation
I've been reading about art blogs lately - what makes them interesting and successful, and of course, why some go south.
One excellent bit of advice I came across several times is not to be a perfectionist. People want to read about what you create, but they also want to read about YOU. It's important to share what makes you create what you do, what you feel, and so on. So instead of apologizing for not having incredibly interesting techniques to share all the time, or "disappearing," it's better to just share some of the little things. So, here I am and here I go.
Transgender Doll
Just in case you found this post accidentally, or opened it because the title seemed a little shocking - wait. Don't go.
I want you to meet someone. Please meet Dianne Nicole Joy. She is a transgender boy-to-girl doll with a very pensive expression and a [true] story to tell.
Something Fishy Going On
I've gone fishing!
This little fish goes with a new clay doll I'm planning. The doll is inspired by one of my favorite artists, Marlaine Verhelst of the Netherlands. She has an online class called "the Elf and his Fish," which I am following. I haven't felt creative lately but I think Marlaine's whimsical fish boy is just what I needed.
Anaïs
Today is Monday -- Memorial Day -- and a perfect day to finish up a doll. Here she is! Her name is Anaïs (ah-nah-eese), and she's made entirely of fabric.
She's definitely eccentric. With oversized 3D fabric eyes, petite delicate hands, wild fabric hair, an enormous collar and fancy royal outfit, this doll is some sort of eclectic mix between Persian Princess and Quilted Cartoon Queen. Anaïs loves orchids, plump plumes, the color magenta, and banana sandwiches. What's not to love?
Drafting Doll Garments the Easy Way
For custom-fitting clothes for your doll, bring her into the kitchen.
Grab some paper towels, and get drafting!
Hear’s a Great Way To Attach Ears To a Cloth Doll
Listen Up!
What's the easiest way to attach ears to a cloth doll? Use a paper clip! It's so easy, and you won't see any stitches. Let me show you how.
Smitten With Mittens
If you've tried your "hand" at cloth doll making, I'm sure you've seen different ways of making hands.
Let's talk about the kind of hands that have all the fingers sewn together like mittens. They're not just for beginners!
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!