Here is a sneak peek at a new doll pattern that's almost at the finish line.
These dollies are from a private "FUNdamentals of Cloth Dollmaking" class, and are a first try for two of the ladies who participated in the group. They are not quite done yet... but they are definitely ready to be shown off, don't you think? Bravo!
You may have noticed that I have a new twitter page with a customized background. I am as pleased as punch. If you tweet, you know that custom backgrounds can be for the birds if you don't know how.
To my great fortune, I found a delightful shop on Etsy created by a delightful and talented graphic designer named Dana. Her shop is Lily Bean Designs.
Dana created a perfect background with my logo on it (something absolutely mysterious to me) and her price was so reasonable even a doll artist could afford it ;-) She also created my new Etsy Doll Shop Banner. It was such a treat, I tell ya.
If you need graphic design help, contact my new friend Dana. You'll be glad you did!
Here's a great tip to take your cloth dolls to the next level: Make it into a true sculpture by filling in the seams.
SIDE VIEW
MATERIALS NEEDED
1) Assembled Cloth Body
2) Paperclay
3) Water
4) A stiff brush
5) Fabric Glue
6) Gesso
7) Paint (skin color)
8) fine sandpaper
TECHNIQUE
1) apply glue to area that you want to fill with paperclay.
For example, where the arms / legs are attached to the torso, or any needle sculpted areas where you want to hide puckering and stitches. The glue makes the paperclay stick. Otherwise, it can fall off.
2) Shape the paperclay between your fingers and put it into the area you are filling. You'll want to add paperclay wherever you have an asymmetrical imperfection or where something doesn't look quite right. For me, this is particularly helpful on the feet.
3) Dip your brush into the water and go over the paperclay until it is nice and smooth. Allow to dry.
4) Paint the doll with at least 2 layers of gesso, sanding in between.
5) Paint the doll with acrylic paint.
Hint: You can try this technique on the doll's head. If your needle sculpting is wanting, or you want to define the nose or raise the cheekbones, go for it. You'll be glad you did!
Suprise! Just found out that my favorite fabric (PIMATEX PARFAIT by ROBERT KAUFMAN) is permanently discontinued. This fabric is fabulous for cloth doll bodies. Love the color, love the weave, love it love it love it. Time to start stocking up! If you love this fabric as much as I do, better get it while it lasts.
This morning a friend from Israel shared a photo of a sunset from last night. It looks like a hand coming down from Heaven. The photo was taken in the city of Tzfat, where I used to live.
I think this is so beautiful, I just had to share it. It calms me, and it's so warm and fuzzy, you know... I needed that hand today. It gave me the inspiration to move forward on a doll project that I just kept blocking myself from even starting. I'll get right to work!
Each year, doll makers and quilters enter the wonderful Hoffman Challenge. The rules are pretty simple: Use the designated fabric and have fun!
Here is the fabric for 2010:
Here are this year's winners (click on the photos to enlarge):
I deviated a little. I made a charm bracelet for my sweetheart daughter Khassy. It was an experiment of sorts, and great fun. Click on the images to enlarge.
Check out this "ball" hosted by one of the wonderful doll groups I belong to- Art Dolls Only.
There was a quarterly challenge calling for Halloween - inspired dolls. I didn't make one, but I was thoroughly impressed with what this group did with all the pictures of the dolls.
Check it out here. Isn't it awesome?
Just look at what fun a bit of teamwork can do!
I definitely hope to participate in the next challenge.
