Upcoming Virtual Course in Dollmaking

I am pleased to announce my first online course in a looooonnnng time!
I'll be teaching the art of cloth dollmaking, with a focus on some complex but not-hard-to-master techniques that you will want to practice and use again in many of your upcoming projects.

To learn more, please follow this link

Class begins this Monday, June 3.
I hope you can make it!

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Cassie

Please meet Cassie, a sweet 20" doll that I created several years ago in Seattle, WA.

Cassie has been lovingly stored in a box for a while, and I recently started to really miss her.  She definitely does not belong in a box.

Cassie is what I like to call my "pivot doll."  Deanna Hogan came up to WA State to teach a course using her pattern, "Verity."  It was during this class that I was first introduced to the gel medium/modeling paste overlay technique that I'm so partial to.  In fact, each time I create a new art piece, I can't stop myself from using it again.  This doll was truly the turning point in my doll making endeavors.  I really admire Deanna Hogan.  She's a wonderful artist and a great teacher.

If you are interested in reading more about Deanna Hogan, visit her website at http://www.blueherondolls.com/

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Avigayil

Please meet Avigayil, sweet 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, maybe slightly "steampunk" but more "Rivkah inspired" if you know what I mean.  I just started playing with fabric and ideas, and this is how she evolved.  She's a modge podge of stuff I like, and I'm pleased with the way she turned out.

Here she is in all her glory:

One of my favorite parts of Avigayil's outfit is her boots.

 The "buttons" are made of Swarovski crystal beads and pins.

This doll is the culmination of five years in waiting.   She was sewn up in 2008 and remained unfinished until now.   As my mother always says,  "good things come to those who wait!"   I'm sorry I neglected this beautiful girl for so long,  but I'm so glad she's finally complete.

I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Thank you for looking, and happy dolling!

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Wooly!

Just purchased some yummy yarn to be used for hair. I'm totally excited.

 

To be honest, I've never really used yarn on any of my dolls before. I've used different types of exotic "fibers"....and I've seen them change in popularity over the years!

When I first started making dolls, I was really into loose mohair locks.  I loved that stuff- it was so much fun to needle felt it right into the head. The tutti-frutti look was the best! You could buy pre-dyed wool, which at the time was abundantly available... made by an Australian company called Yadeno.  Or maybe the mohair was from Australia?  I don't know.  But Yadeno mohair was all the rage.  Nowadays it's scarce, but you can easily get plain white, and dye it using Kool Aid.  (Press here for a tutorial on how to dye mohair!)

Then came Tibetan lambskin. What luxury.  You could use it to make a wig for your doll that looks unsurpassed.

But you know what? This time I just want to try plain old yarn. Well, not SO plain. The  yarn I chose is wool roving, and seems to be a pretty good quality. I plan to make big "Mozart curls" on her head! I think the yarn will give her just the right amount of whimsy she needs to compliment her character. I can't wait to get started.

More to come!

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Steampunk inspired boots

No, I'm not trying to make a porcupine...

But this is the spark in my imagination that made it easy to make really cute vintage-inspired boots.

Sandpaper sponge with pins and swarovski crystals

Here's what they looks like when finished!

Intrigued? Great! I'm going to show you my idea. I hope you will try it! 

Here is what I started with.

These boots are basically a continuation of my earlier posts... they're essentially feet with heels- sewn and stuffed- and then painted.  Incorporating boots into a sewing pattern is a challenge but I don't particularly like the way they came out.   Sometimes it's fun to get creative and compensate.  That's the goal!
The ribbon was done with a long dollmaker's needle.  Nothing terribly creative.   The "stockings" are from an old pair of my own stockings that had "the runs."

The stockings can stay- they could be recycled.  But these boots have to go!

 

To start, I began with a simple sketch.  These are Edwardian- inspired boots.  Fun!

To attain this look, all I needed to do was to create some sort of extra layer that could just lay flat over the boot.  It would  be the foundation for the "buttons." I used interfacing but you can probably use plain quilter's cotton fabric scraps.  I'm sure it would work just as well. I chose interfacing because it's light and I thought it would be easier to work with.

Cool, huh?

To create this piece, you will need a quilter's rule, a mechanical pencil, and a button.
The button is not going to be sewn on, it's used to make the rounded edges.

I can't provide you with exact measurements... you have to do this freelance based on the size of your doll's boot.  My doll is rather large, she is a bed doll so her foot is on the large size.  I hope you can understand what to do from the photo below .... It's pretty straightforward :-)

Next you will want to cover this creation with modeling paste / gel medium mix.  It will make the interfacing (or fabric if you use that) pliable and paintable.

Allow it to dry somewhere and then repeat on the other side.

When it dries, Paint it the color of your boots.  (Don't forget to paint your boots, too!)

The next and final step is being demonstrated on my boots after the fishnet stockings have been set in place.  I painted fabric glue along the edge of the boot, and pressed the stockings down in place.  When it was dry I trimmed them.  Then I brushed some more fabric glue on, and used that old ribbon to create a nice finishing edge.  

Let's continue:

Brush some glue on the back and lay it down on the boot.
Using the pins/beads, pierce each edge to create the "buttons."  If you like real buttons, you can use them.  Use whatever your heart desires!  It's a good idea to paint the heads of the pins beforehand so that they blend in better (unless you are using silver beads!)

Viola!

Last but not least, I decided to use the laces after all.

 I love the way these boots turned out. I hope you will this technique it on your dolls!

 I'm almost done with my doll. She needs hair and bloomies, and a name! I hope to have her done soon. Thanks for looking!

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Old hose, new hose

This is probably completely uninspiring BUT....

I have these great fishnet stockings with mini holes - great until they got runs and became unwearable.   Well... unwearable for me, that is.  I think they will be just the perfect touch for a doll, don't you?  

These hose been in my drawer since last summer because I just like them and can't get rid of them.  You know how it is.

Here's a closeup showing how the hose looks in action.  Oooh la la!

I'll fiddle with it a little, and add some details to these boots.   Stay posted and I'll show you how it turns out.   Her hair will be next!

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Repurposed and Rejuvinated!

I wanted to share the progress of my new "done-over doll" :

After- painted face

Before - cloth face with colored pencils

I'm completely amazed at the results so far.  I can barely believe that this is the same doll!  It's amazing what a little TLC can do.

I still haven't decided what to do with her hair, but I don't' think she wants be a black-haired girl again.    I haven't given her eyebrows or lashes yet because I'm still thinking... No false eyelashes this time! And, she might lose the hat.  I don't know.  I'm a slow thinker and that is okay. 

This is what I am using (not these colors, just showing you the brand and type of paint):

I like it because it's got unsurpassed pigment and quality, and it's not too expensive.

My list of paints are as follows:

• titanium white
• titan buff
• quinacridone violet
• quinacridone red
• carbon black
• burnt umber light
• yellow ochre
• primary cyan
• green gold

I always tend to gravitate toward these colors.

These paints are not too hard to come by.  If you need to get them online, you can find them here, among other places.  

The skin color is a paint that is sold on The Clay Alley website.

I really like it and I just keep a nice sized bottle around, so I don't have to keep mixing colors to get a good skin tone.  It lasts a long time and doesn't dry up over time.

One last thing that I have to say about acrylic paint is that it dries pretty quickly.  It's nice to be able to work relatively fast and not have to wait long for your layers to dry.  That is a definite advantage.  I think for the next doll, I would love to try oil paint.  I used to be kind of impatient, if you  know what I mean- waiting for the layers to dry and all - but I think my tastes have changed.  I like the idea of taking my time.  :-)

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Diamonds are a girl's best friend

Please allow me to introduce you
to one of my favorite and
best-kept-secret doll making tools:

The diamond file.

I love this tool because it allows me to get into the tightest of spaces and file down the tiny bumps wherever they may be.

I have two files. One is square and the other is round. The round one is great on curves and the square is great when I need a tiny tool on a tiny flat surface. The. Best of all is the tip on both tools.

Diamond files are meant for glass. Once upon a time, I wanted to try my hand at making jewelry.  That's when I got these tools.  I tried it once and decided I'd had enough jewelry making!  LOL!
I gave the jewelry to my daughter and repurposed the files for my dolls.

Much better!

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Transformation

I'm starting a new doll!  

Well, not exactly...  

Rather than starting a brand new doll, I decided to work on an old girl that I never really finished.  

It's been quite a very long time since I've created a doll, so I wanted to work on this one since I've been thinking about her for years and I know I'll be thrilled when she's finally done.  Have you ever made a doll and felt it was taking too long, so you just wanted to hurry up and finish it already? We'll I think that's what happened with this doll. She's pretty but I always felt she could be beautiful. Really beautiful.  Somehow I just love her more than most of the other dolls I've made, and I felt the time was right to give this doll a chance to reach her full potential. She has waited patiently for almost 4 years.  I am so excited to begin this project and I can't wait to see how she comes out (this time I'm not rushing!)  

This Monday afternoon, I got on the subway and went straight into Manhattan - to Pearl Paint, the biggest and oldest and best art store in NYC. I've never been there before, but I felt it was the best thing I could possibly do!  I bought paint, brushes and art stuff I'm missing, so I can get straight to work.   I gave away a lot of art supplies when I moved to NYC from Seattle so "the cupboard was bare." I almost "went shopping" online, but I decided not to.  I'm so glad I took the trouble to get on the train and go.  It was absolutely invigorating and it felt so good to just be there, in the midst of so many art supplies and materials.   I felt like I was sitting on a giant palette that was flying like a magic carpet.  

Pearl Paint, Canal Street, NYC

This is going to be a big project with a complete transformation.  She is a fabric doll, but that's about to change :-)  When we are through, she will look like porcelain.  It will  get a little tricky since she's already got clothing, and I can't remove it.  I can take her legs off but her arms are not removable, either. Sorry honey, but off with your hair!  

Here she is, sleeves rolled up and sporting her beautiful body bag.  What a good sport she is!    

First, I'll start with the legs.  Those were easy to remove.  I'm laying down the first of three coats of a mixed media mixture that will prevent the paint from cracking on the soft fabric over time.  

 Here is the recipe:

Mix 1 part of gel medium and 1 part modeling paste.

Brush the mixture on 3 times, allowing it to dry for a few hours in between coats.

Sand each coat with fine sandpaper.  

When done, paint with skin colored paint and then apply glossy glaze.

The technique was developed by Helen Pringle and taught to me by Deanna Hogan. 

I love this technique.  It allows us fabric doll lovers to achieve a certain look for our artwork that is usually found in porcelain dolls.  I also love painting, and now I'm not afraid that the soft fabric will cause the paint to crack or peel over time.

Helen Pringle and her dolls

Back to my project!  :-)

Before laying down the protective undercoating, I actually added a some paperclay to improve her needle sculpted nose.  I also built up the area where her lips will be, and a little on the brow above her eyes. In addition, I "smeared" paperclay over the seams so they would disappear under the paint.  I let the paperclay dry before brushing on the undercoating mixture.

By the way, here is a little tip when using this method:  Dab a bit of fabric glue onto the fabric before putting the paperclay down.  This really works.  If you don't use the glue, the clay could just fall off when it dries.  It also makes it easier to get it on there in the first place.

 I think I can see her smiling underneath the undercoating.  Can you?

    

I want to work on her hands.  I think I can improve them. 

This is the original hand with seams running down to create the fingers.  I love the unusual shape of the [sewn] hand, but I don't really like the way the fingers are all one length.  Here is my chance to change that. 

I added some paperclay to the tips of the fingers.  What do you think?  I found it a bit difficult to control the clay because the area is so small, but I think I can get it to work.  The index finger is a little on the fat side. (the picture above shows it better).  I'll just have to deal with it... nobody's perfect.

To suggest fingernails, I cut a straw on an angle.  I'm pressing down into the clay to make indentations.  When it's dry, I'll paint them.  Should I use magenta like I'm wearing?

I feel I'm off to a good start.  I hope you enjoy reading about this transformation as much as I an enjoying the process.  I will post more photos as she progresses..  Come back and visit again!  

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My new WEBSITE!

I am excited to announce that I [finally] got a website up and running. 
Here is the address:
dollmakersmuse.com

I have been working on it for quite a long time.  I still want to add more stuff and make it better, but for now, it's working and I'm happy with it.

Please take a look and tell me what you think.
I plan to add a gallery at some point, and a really nice resources page.... and of course, more patterns and some doll making supplies.  But for now, I'm glad to have managed to create the site as it is up until this point. 

I am working part time and studying for the CPA exam, so I still don't have a lot of time for dolls

(<sigh, grumble, snicker, snort, double sigh>) 

But it feels SOOOOO good to have this little website up and running.  Definitely lots more to come in the future when time permits me to do what I REALLY want... but for now, I am pleased.

Please tell me what you think!

:-)  Rivkah

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Manhattan Doll Club

This afternoon, I had the treat of all treats.  I finally went to the Manhattan Doll Club at The City Quilter shop in NYC, and met the most wonderful people I'd ever want to meet here in NY.  It's been so long since I have been to any doll club- the last time was more than 2 years ago when I lived in Seattle, WA, and I've really missed it.  I've been so busy adjusting to my move to NY that I have not gotten "into it" all year, and prior to that, I went back to school full time and studied so hard I couldn't think straight!  I'm glad I did all that, and even happier that it's finally behind me.  March 25 will be the one-year mark, and last week I finally found the accounting job I have been waiting for.  I guess today's visit means that I'm finally getting adjusted, and getting back to myself.   I'm as pleased as punch!


About The City Quilter
The City Quilter is located in the heart of Chelsea, NYC.  I loved being in the shop.  In the Seattle area, there were plenty of quilt shops, but in NYC this is a rarity.  Rather than hopping into my red car, I jumped on the subway to get there.  The whole thing was really quite an experience.  Once I got to the shop, I felt so at home, like I had found my personal oasis.  My senses were bursting so much I could have sworn I smelled candy and sweetness all around me.  I was definitely in my element.  Fabric has a very powerful effect over me!

Visiting the shop and becoming part of a doll group was an important step for me.  I really feel it.  I'm not quite ready to make a doll yet, because I'm getting ready for Passover which starts in 3 weeks, and I just started a new job and have to get used to not being able to get up and drink coffee whenever I'm actually ready.  But sometime in May, I think I will be ready to start playing dolls again.  It feels good to know that once a dollmaker, always a dollmaker!

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Sewing Shop in NYC

The other day, my husband was walking around in the fashion district in NYC.  He works a few blocks from that area, and apparently, he made a detour.

He was cute enough to shap this photo and share it with me.  Now I want to go and see this shop for myself, of course !  

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You get better with age

This is an old doll that I made almost 10 years ago (wow has it really been that long?)

She doesn't have a name... she is called "you get better with age."

This is one of my first attempts at doll making so she is definitely nostalgic!

I forgot about this doll. I found a picture of her stashed away in the recesses of my computer somewhere.... and I was so pleased, I thought it would be fun to share.

This doll was a gift to my mother.  I dressed her in very wild eclectic colors, because it reminds me of my mom.  She would always wear  red shoes and glasses and carried a red purse, and she had all kinds of "stuff" all around the house with no specific theme, and no rhyme or reason.  She's just fun.

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