SFM Cloth Dolls With Attitude!

2012-02-07T02:21:00.000-08:00

Started the year with a mini workshop, making faces! Two new students, Joanne getting help from Adrianne who is an old hand now, and Jodie, who is doing everything all at once! Not one, but two Trolls on the go, as well as the head she's making for the workshop! Raelene is in the background sewing. Luckily Joanne is sewing machine savvy and got the old machine to work properly tonight! In the background are some completed dolls.

Aqua Blue 2012

2012-01-09T00:34:00.000-08:00

Aqua Blue!

Here's a little mermaid I've been playing with the last few days. I've called her 'Aqua Blue'!Think she'd make a wee pattern? She looks good on a shelf, but equally soft & cuddly for a wee tot! Her arms move and I could make her top removable as children like dressing & undressing. She has no armature and is about ten inches from head to tail. One arm is bent and the other a tad straighter and she has a belly button and the beginnings of little buttocks drawn in. I think she'd cope ok if she happenbed to fall in the bath! Her hair is made from one of those interesting yarns with something shiney in it that lends itself well to a mermaid!

2012-01-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

The Innkeeper 2012

I am delighted to present my newly finished Doll - the first for the year! This is 'The Innkeeper' inspired by Les Miserables, to go with 'Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife' that I made in 2010, so he's been a long time in the making!

The Innkeeper will be a new class on Cloth Doll Artistry starting in February, so will not be available as a pattern for a while. I counted the hours and it has taken me over 45 hours to design and make the doll and put the pattern together at the same time! It is filled with drawings & photo's, so plenty to learn! I am really keen to encourage people to upskill their talents with this art form, which is so gratifying!

Another Class I will have on CDA will be about cobbling shoes for cloth dolls, so anyone who takes these classes should find them an interesting challenge! I hope you will look out for them!

Now all I have to do is find a buyer for this chap!

2012-01-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a prototype of the doll I intend to make as a pattern this year! I call it travelling light! The pattern doll will be different of course, as I made this in muslin, but I just loved the movement and attitude she presents. I hope you will make some cvomments on it and klet me know what you think, or if i should make any changes? Always interested to hear!

New Year 2012 - New Pattern!

2011-12-31T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's been wonderful to have time to design a doll and make a new pattern, which I have spent 25.85 hours doing so far and it's not finished yet! I've been counting up my hours of progress this time, as it's a question I am often asked.
It's taken me 10.55 hours of that to write up 10 pages! I have to make the doll as I write, draw and scan - and often redraw, then photoshop, take photo's,download and insert, so it does take a little concentration. Putting the doll together is like doing a puzzle. Checking that all the parts are correctly scaled to the overall figure.

Of course the dog distracts me often, which reminds me I need to get some exercise, so it all takes longer and then, for some reason, we all have to eat!

The new pattern is the long awaited Thenardier, The Innkeeper inspired by the theatrical show Les Misrables. He will go with his wife Jeanne, one of my other patterns. They should make a good pair! Currently Jeanne is a class with CDA. Thenardier is such a cocky character and I am depicting him in a pose that shows this attitude.

All I have to do now is make his jacket apron pad & pencil, then sew on his arms, hair & Phyrgian Cap and that's the doll done. For the pattern, I have to write up the construction notes for all the clothes, shoes cap etc and photoshop all the pattern pieces, then insert them. Lastly - take a great picture and design the cover. So still a bit of work, but it helps to tick them off! I really wanted to have it all done by last night, but I'm an old lady now - I must remember this! LOL!

2011-12-18T02:57:00.000-08:00

I have given this porcelain doll a modern makeover! She was one of those dolls that flooded the market and then gathered dust and was neglected!

This one has been completely dismantled, unstuffed, rewired, had eyes replaced, face painted, hair cut & restyled. Her body has been relpaced with new cloth, restuffed and embellished.

Now she looks lovely and is just waiting to be collected and enjoyed!

2011-12-07T01:42:00.000-08:00

Finally Olive's finished her lovely fairy! We've had great fun playing with it tonight. These jointed dolls are so posable!

Little Bit 2011 Free Pattern

2011-11-21T01:55:00.000-08:00

2011-11-21T01:08:00.000-08:00

A Little Bit!

By Sharon Mitchell 2011

Little Bit is easy to put together in the usual way.

The whole body is calico, but I used a strip of two way stretch to make the tail and it worked really well for turning and for a gentle curve.

Only the hands and feet have Chenille stems in them to stand and pose. Make a template and draw on doubled fabric. Stitch around leaving an opening for stuffing. Clip all curves and turn. Place a small amount of Chenille Stem into the toes and legs/arms, to support pose

Colour the insides of the ears, toes and paws with light strokes of red Prismacolour pencil; before you sew them on to make it easier to get at.

Tuck the edges of the ears in and run a gathering stitch over the edge and gather to a pleasing curve, then stitch them on the head.

Mark the eyes with Prismacolour pencil red before sculpting in two black beads just tight enough to give a nice little indent.

Pink up the nose with Prismacolour pencil red and outline with tan pigma pen, or copper gel pen (if using the gel pen, spray with a fixer first to seal), making tiny nostrils.

Sculpt in a little mouth from the eyes, to pull up the cheeks a little and give a cheerful face!

Make a little scarf from a small scrap of gauze, soaked in blue & red cochineal and dry with hair dryer so it’s nice & wrinkly. (Wear gloves so you will not stain your hands!)

Find a sheaf of lavender or other fine stalk flowers and cut to size – hold with string and pose arms around them for effect!

And there you have your own... Little Bit! Hahaha! Enjoy!

2011-11-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

At last we had the Victorian Fete today and here is our stall all set up with three of us selling things. Olive & Jean's dolls were on display and very popular! No one bought any, but it was more an advertising exercise for our group and we managed to give away a few flyers, so here's hoping! Raelene's table in the front was a good drawcard and there were plenty of people she knew. The rain held off until about 2pm - similar to last year! We had plenty of street entertainment and between us all we made enough to make it worthwhile.

Here I am in my silly hat I threw together, with lots of clothes on to keep warm! I look like a pitiful little flower seller! Like the sign? Applique using florals on black! We drew a bit of attention from a wide range of the public, so it was good! Going to bed now though!

2011-11-11T03:01:00.000-08:00

Before restoration

This is my accidental buy on Trademe! I didn;t intend to win it because I was sure someone else would place a higher bid, but I was wrong! I had a problenm then - how to restore a plastic 1950's Pedigree Walkie Talkie Doll! I started with the head - Used my expensive hair shampoo & conditioner! Then drilled a hole in the iron stem to attach it to the mechanism it had broken off from. Restrung the arms and tackled the broken foot with Selleys Knead it putty to seal the hollow so I could make a clay foot.That was surprisingly successful, so I painted it with acrylic and matt Mod Podge to hold it in place and it looks reasonable enough!

After restoration

I'm feeling Rather pleased with my efforts to restore this doll that's close to may age! wish I could do as well for myself! LOL! I was delighted to find she has real hair, so could do something with it. My friend Kris made the machine embroidered shoes which fit beautifully! Some leftover dress fabric made the dress, embellished with dupion silk collar and silk ribbon roses with satin leaves.

2011-11-10T01:17:00.000-08:00

I've been trying my hand at restoring a couple of dolls. This one is 36 years old and has had a rough life. Many children have played with her and a dog chewed off one foot! For years she has been discarded in various toy boxes and I retrieved it a while ago - don't ask me why! Anyway, I've made another foot with clay and painted it with acrylic paint and a matt Mod Podge, so hopefully it will stay in place! I recoloured the lips and Mod podged them. I replaced the blinking eyes with plastic ones backed up with clay, and to take the staring look off them, the glasses did the trick! I made her a gymfrock so she could look like a little student! She's waiting for new shoes and I'm about to make her a little suitcase for her schoolbooks! My daughter, who was the original owner, named her Lesley, and now she wants her back!

2011-10-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Little Bit!

Here is a little bit of a mouse I put together to see what it would look like. It didn't look too bad, so I carried on and now I am very happy with it! My friend Jeanne liked it and named it 'Little Bit'!

2011-09-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

Look at this colourful doll in the making! The exquisite wings are a delight to behold and Olive is very proud of them! this doll will be a real cracker when she's made! Olive is fone of beadwork and many hours have gone into sewing one lots of tiny beads.

Now there's a real resemblance here - we all agree!

2011-09-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

Here I am - home for a week with a virus! Have to recuperate with something, so thought I'd make a start on the Innkeeper Pattern. This is the easy part - the fun part! The hard part is transcribing what I've just done to paper, describing all the sculpting steps and how to colour it! Hmmmm! Might have to make another one and watch what I'm actually doing!

On the good side, I have actually begun to write the pattern up and have done quite a few drawings already too!

What a profile! Hard to get a high forehead, but he will have a most interesting hat on and some of my favourite whispy hair! I think he'll be an interesting character to go with his wife. No his face isn't dirty - that's his five o'clock shadow of course!

2011-09-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

OCDC
Raelene studiously working on sculpting her second doll - a Jill Maas.

Olive making hair for her new doll. She's quite pleased with this one!

All very industrious tonight! Jean with her nose down working on another doll. She's starting to crank them out now! I've missed a few photo opportunities the last few weeks, but some lovely dolls being made here!

2011-09-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

"Ragtime Rats!"

This is my latest pattern called "RAGTIME RATS!" I don't know if they will be very popular, but someone might like to make them for something fun! They didn't take long to make and easy to do in front of the telly - if you don't have a pup who thinks everything on a low lying table is fair game! I've been watching Swing Dancing on U tube! LOL!

2011-09-04T02:30:00.000-07:00

Tred & Bee

This is my interpretation of Ute Vasina's Wee Folk! She needs jandals! Her teeth are made from shell. He ended up being cute! I think I will re-dress her!

2011-09-04T02:26:00.000-07:00

These are my swinging Rats! Not sure what to call them, but I have just finished making the pattern for them! It's interesting that it doesn't matter how big or small a doll is, it all takes just as long to put together! Same for the pattern! Now I just need to get a decent pic to make a cover - and a name! Anyone got any good ideas?

2011-08-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

My entry for the Steam Punk Exhibition October 2011

Maximillion Masterfell, fresh from adventurous explorations in the stony Isles of Mauritias, with his guide and erstwhile companion, Professor Theodosia Thrumm, are escorting fierce diminutive ‘Con’, a wee-mannie conservationist Eco Warrior from ‘way back’! Con is determined to save the Dodo from extinction by introducing them to NZ shores. He hopes to re-categorise them as the forerunner of the pigeon, and thus afford them the sanctuary they deserve! Masterfell & Thrum are in talks with local Iwi and Doc on the subject and the South Island of NZ will be a natural choice as a suitable location to begin the breeding program!

Sharon Mitchell ~Designer,Maker, & Writer of silly stories! 2011

2011-08-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Professor Theodosia Thrumm!

Close up of Theodosia Thrumm.

2011-08-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Theodosia gets her knickers on!

Notice how I've put the legs on a bit crooked? That's to give her a more relaxed stance - not that it's noticed when she's dressed! This body piece is from my new pattern Miss Kate, though I did modify the botoms of the legs with this one.

2011-08-10T04:32:00.000-07:00

Dodo Eco Warrior!

If it seems I've been quiet lately, I've actually been very busy! It's middle of winter here and there's been lots for me to do in preparation for the Steam Punk Exhibition in October. I'm doing a three piece work this year - just for fun! The Dodo Warrior here is part of it and he will go with Maximillian Masterfell and his companion, who you will see soon, so I'm not saying her name yet! I have aslo made up a quirky story to go with them, which I will share when I get a pic of them all together! She's almost done! Loved making the Dodo! This pattern is Suzette Glastonbury Rugulo's, but I chose different fabric to make it and a few additions of my own of course. I made the wee warrior's shield from the lid of a jam tin stretched with wet leather. (He reminds me of Billy Connelly!) Sorry the pictures aren't all that clear. My camera is on it's last legs! Or maybe it's the winter light - can't be my bad photography!

2011-07-10T01:16:00.000-07:00

Double click on the picture to enlarge. Right click to print.

........... This is the Trunk I made from a tissue box and here are the construction notes that you can copy and paste to your computer and make them big enough to read, if you want to make one for yourself. It's all illusion ......the trunk does not open, purely decorative! Copy some images online of hunges and a clasp, and soem travel labels. BAck the hinges and clasp with leather or thick card to make it stand out and look like a real one. Paint the whole things with Mod Podge for a good effect. I guess if you want it to look really old you could use some of that crackle paint!

Most of all - have fun!

2011-07-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

This is Biscuit! He is a free pattern for you to use, but please give me the credit for designing him.

Requirements for making "Biscuit"!

Knitted short nap fur fabric - a must for this look!

Prismacolour pencil - black

Three black beads 5mm for eyes and 6mm for nose

Scrap of fabric or ribbed ribbon for collar & leash. Small buckle for collar.

This is the pattern. Double click to enlarge. Right click to print. In Properties, set to landscape. I made it so it was seven inches tall standing.

Because I am a novice at soft toy making fabrics, this dog was a happy accident! If I’d tried to make it like this, it wouldn’t have turned out so well. This is how I made it!

Construction notes.

v Place the pattern pieces on the fabric. Because it’s knitted, and depending what size stitch you use, the nap is liable to move. Pin it as much as possible, but little stretches in the fabric will give the fabric a twist, causing the pieces to be an un-uniform fit. This is what gives the curl in the tail, or the turn of the dogs head and the limbs to look like they are moving.

v Stuff the pieces and put together in whatever pose you wish – or can!

v Using Prismacolour pencil black, mark in the eyes, creating shadows. Also the nose and mouth. If the marks need darkening, wet the pencil and rub into the fabric. Do the same on the back and the tips of the ears and possibly tail.

v Using the smaller beads, stitch back and forth to create the indent for the eyes and bridge of the nose.

v The larger bead in the nose – or you can be more creative than I about that!

v I stitched the ears on, and then bent them forward, anchoring them with thread.

v Make a collar.

v All done – make a pair! There are two different forelegs for this one!
Save this to your computer and enlarge to your requirements.

2011-07-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

Haven't managed to get a good enough picture for the cover yet - still working on that. Got to get the angle and the light right.

The trunk is just a tissue box which I boxed up in Balsa wood, with pieces over the top to hold the shape. Wrapped in brown paper, painted it with Gesso to firm it up. Top coated it with acrylic paint, using black, yellow and a hint of red. Had some green leather, cut it in strips, wet and stretched it over the edges and pinned it in place. Squeezed the corners and snipped them. They just stayed there and set in place as they dried out! Marked a lid in felt pen, found some travel labels online and stuck them on. Found some hinges and a fastener and stuck them on leather, cut out and stuck them in place. Mod podge'd it all and it was done! It could probably do with some straps and buckles around it, which I have here. Needless to say, it doesn't open - and still has some tissues inside! LOL! Actually, it would make a novel tissue box cover!

The other round thing is a very unrealistic looking hatbox, which will have to be replaces with something better.

The dog I designed ages ago, but it looks ok in this setting - gives her something to be doing!

2011-06-21T04:22:00.000-07:00

Olive treated us to the sight of her lovely Embroidered quilt she is making for her mother - lovely!

Raylene decided to make a really difficult face for her first attempt at doll making! It's the Black and white one - Patty culea pattern and Arley Berryhills rendition of it. Talk about complicated! I had to take the pattern home and learn how to make it myself before I could teach her! It's been interesting - they laughed at the tutor having homework! LOL!

Here's Jean hiding behind her doll in the pink bathers. My new doll is in the green on the table. Not far from completion now and it will be a bnew pattern, so watch this space!

Olive coming to grips with a new doll, while her other doll looks on! Jean meantime has turned her doll around so we can glimps her face! She's going to be a cracker! Jean has great plans for this doll.

Raelene keeping an eye on the quilt, with Olive's doll making a clean sweep of things! Olive wants to reffle her doll at the Trillium Club she belongs to. She's a keen gardener too!
We had fun tonight!

2011-06-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

This is Olive's doll Edith. She's just come from church and is sweeping the leaves form the path in the garden before she goes inside to finish cooking the Sunday roast!

She's listening to the fantails twittering in the apple tree!

Now she's heading back inside and thinking about puttting the spuds in the roasting dish!

This pattern is Jill Maas' "Maid Aggie" pattern. Isn't she sweet? She's so practical! The outfit and story was Olive's idea.

2011-06-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

At last I have actually made a new pattern! I have so many unfinished patterns on my computer, but I have followed through with this one - perhaps because it's so uncomplicated, and the more I made of them, the better they got, so I didn't have to think too hard about the process!

So here it is - the Baby Buntings!

The good thing about these babies is that they are five inches tall and fit in the palm of your hand! They don't take long to make and no-one can resist them!

They'd make a great gift for a new mum, put wings on them and they are baby angels, make a wee bed and blanket and they are a toy for a tot, a comfort for an elderly person or just for yourself! They are a pleasure to make and you can almost hear them gurgling! Make boys and girls, twins or one offs.

What do you think?

2011-05-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Timaru today - having a day off from work to help my friend Mary Horn set up her painting Exhibition. I'm quite excitied about it. I can learn a lot from this exercise, as I want tp have an exhibition myself one day - it's on my list! Who else has got a list? Mary's Blog is down the dside of my page here, so check out her paintings!

2011-05-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

I just had to make this little bookworm too! Terrible photo, but the dog.......you know? The tassle on the camera was too much for her and the temptation of the bookworm had her squirming on the floor beside me while I was holding her down and taking a photo at the same time! Then I had to take her for a walk so this is what I've got! At least I feel like I've made something this weekend!

2011-05-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

I've been making babies! I call them 'Baby Buntings' of course! Sometimes I just have to make something small when big things seem too hard. I was drawn by some fluffy fabric I had, so had to experiment. It was successful so I went and bought more!

These little cuties don't take long to make and would be nice as a a gift for a mum of a newborn! I happened to have two little baskets and made them very comfortable, so they have been cooing and sleeping all afternoon! Even my dog Pips liked them, but I had to whisk them away from her in a hurry!

I am making a pattern for them. Their little faces are slightly sculpted to make them interesting.

2011-05-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

These are collages of Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife made by some of my students and others who have used my pattern. Aren't they amazingly all different! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

I've put the bodies in because it shows the results you get from using different fabrics. Some with two way stretch, some with ine way stretch and some with very little stretch. It's good to have such an example to compare what results you want ot have. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with all the dollmakers who have contacted me and shown me their creative works of art! Thank you all!

For those who haven't yet tried my class, I hope you will consider doing so!

2011-05-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

It gives me great pleasure to present Jeanne Kalcevic's interpretation of my pattern Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife! Jeanne worked hard on this doll and persevered by makeing several heads to get it to a satisfying likeness. she said she really enjoyed making it and now is waiting for me to make her counterpart - The Innkeeper! Jeanne was the instigator for me making this pattern at all, so I dedicated the pattern to her for keeping me motivated! I am so lucky to have such an online friend! Thanks a million Jeanne!

2011-05-09T02:55:00.000-07:00

Sprite for May 2011

Inspired by the fabric - given by a friend, and made for another friend who will finish her with beading. This is a fun doll to make - Patti Culea pattern of course. The hair was a scrunchie! Lends itself well to something a little wild!

2011-05-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

Belle & Rita

Snail Races

In a far away time in the Dingly Dell,

Lived a magical fairy by the name of Belle.

With sparkling eyes and hair all afire,

winning a race was her fervent desire!

Her favourite mount was a snail named Rita,

the fastest in fairyland, no snail could beat her!

When race day came round, wee Belle was ready,

saddled up nicely, snail polished and steady!

The starter yelled GO! They set off for the race,

and Rita soon slithered at her fastest snail’s pace!

The time flew by, it seemed like hours,

As they slimed over rocks and slid past flowers.

Belle gurgled and laughed the whole day long,

And the Dingley Dell rang out with bird song!

The flowers in joy, gave their pollen and scent

as the bees bumbled throughout this happy event!

At the end of the day the fairies all cheered

as Belle and Rita, the home stretch they neared!

They passed the tall Iris beside the flat stone

and Belle giggled out loud as they snailed towards home!

Just another two inches, Blue Ribbon in sight,
Belle urged her mount Rita to show all her might....
They crossed it, they won it, the fairies went crazy,
they accepted the prize standing on a white daisy!

Belle bowed to the crowd and the cheering went up,
They won the Blue Ribbon and a dewed butter cup!
As dusk settles down the party will start
And Rita will munch on a whole lettuce heart!
Shan & Tree 2011

This is a fairy doll pattern by Sherry Goshon that I actually made in 2008. Just found a doll challenge by her and didn't read it properly. Composed the poem, then read it was for 2007! So I'm a wee bit out of date! Not to worry, it was a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon!

2011-05-04T02:32:00.000-07:00

Olive is making great progress with her doll. There is more, but we have to preserve modesty just now! Olive can get on with making her clothes now, so hopefully in the next few weeks......... Meantime Jean's breaking from tradition and working on more than one doll at a time! That's progress! So nothing much to show this week, though I have been working on other things in the background.

2011-04-29T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is a better photo of Ruby! I'm happier with her hair now.

2011-04-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've been modifying my Jessie & Jack pattern to make the sculpting sequence more easy to follow. When I first made it, I thought people who bought it would be experienced in sculpting - how naive I was! Now I know that anyone who is attracted to a pattern will buy it on looks alone! Luckily, someone asked me for help and I really looked at it and found I could do it better, so now I have! This little face is the result and I have made several sculpting secuence drawings to enable even a novice to make it - easier I hope! My big trouble is - I never follow the same sequence twice! I guess I just intuitively do it. This little face doesn't know what it will end up being yet! LOL!

Saloon Girl!

2011-04-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well balanced back view!

Here is my second Saloon Girl, modelled on Bette Midler! She's a real dame, bolche and larger than life! An old tart with just a little glitz and glam!

This is actually Jill Mass's Dancing Doris with a few little modifications! I love how her dolls can be exagerated and so quirky! This one stands balanced on three points, though I don;t know how she'd do in an earthquake! She shows to best advantage if she's lower down, with her head thrust up so high - showing off!

Here they all are for want of storage space!

Cute lacy knickers!

2011-04-13T03:25:00.000-07:00

You won't recognise this next time you see her! Well for a start she'll have clothes on!

She looks a lot different now with her face drawn in. Olive has great plans for the rest of her. I love this doll pattern by Jill Maas. I think she has such great potential! So quirky!

2011-04-11T03:56:00.000-07:00

This is my latest doll 'Saucy Sue' , showing off her garter! She's looking forward to travelling to Benson - near Tombstone, to entertain shoppers in a new shop due to open soon! She'll have two other friends to join her - whenI get some free time! She's a fun doll to make with a very narrow waist and an embellishers dream!

2011-04-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Hands can be quite lovely! They look a little odd here, but when they are posed on the doll I'm making they'll look great!. I find that dollmaking is about about illusion, suggestion. If you put in too much detail the overall effect can get lost.

2011-04-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

This is what Jackie made! You'd never guess she's a teacher! Isn't it a creative piece of work with interesting cloth!

2011-04-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Maximillian the Masterful! He's a new doll I've just completed for the Steam Punk Exhibition in October.

I will add a few more gadgets and get better pics of him, but he's turned out ok I think. Maximillian is the concept of my Grandson Ben who is doing the digital version for his design course, but got interrupted in the Christchurch earthquake.

He's an upright lad!He will have a female counterpart when I am done!

2011-04-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud! Olive sculpted for the first time on her own with some direction and found she really enjoyed doing it! She had been to nervous to try on her own just following written instructions, but once she got the hang of it - she's away! It's so exciting!

2011-04-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here at last is Jeans' Red Hat Lady "Olivia".

Aint she sweet!

Love that hat!

Olivias' Red shoes are in her bag - with the champagne!

2011-03-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

Here Olive & Jean ponder about how to proceed with this Red Hat Lady! Jean has made great progress with her.

Perched on the tool tote! Nearly finished now! Can't wait to see how she turns out in the end!

Chocolate definitly helps you think! Meantime Olive is making Aggie the Maid (Jill Maas of course) like you've never seen Aggie before! She has such cool ideas! Love that body shape!

2011-03-14T01:52:00.000-07:00

"There's a crack in everything - that's how the light gets in"!
-Leonard Cohen

2011-03-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

Just to prove I am actually working on things here in the depths of my studio, I have an Innkeeper 'up and coming' and a Steam Punk man that looks a little like Mad Max at present! They're coming along nicely but they do make an awful mess while they're being created! The weak looking bent arm will have a mechanical contrivance on it in the end - a prosthesis! At this stage they're al least standing alone! I'm quite pleased with them so far. Mad Max now has hair on and he looks "DANGEROUS" ladies! I modeled him on someone called Nathan Drake. Of course when he is made he'll have a 'Steam Punk' name. I'm making him for the Steam Punk Exhibition towards the end of the year. My Grandson Ben gave me the idea as he's doing a digital equivilent for his digital art course. I've got strict directions on his clothing! In this picture I've just sculpted his face, but I have actually finished his face and hair now and just made his pants. You will be surprised to see him finished! He may yet become a pattern if anyone is interested!

2011-03-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

This is a classy Red Hat Lady in the making! Jean has plans for her! Her dress is a fabulous design by Jean and the doll is a mixture of patterns she's put together to make this fun doll. I had other photo's, but they didn't turn out! Next time!

On another note, I'm happy to say that someone from my first online class has completed her Innkeepers Wife! I'm so delighted and she's made a great job of it!

2011-03-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit quiet on the blog. The Canterbury Earthquake is disruptive still with family on our minds. Two of our daughters and children had to come home for respite. They felt like refugees from a war zone and quite understood what it was like to be displaced persons! So great to have them here, though they have now returned to face the clean-up and the rebuild!

Not that I haven't been busy, but mostly fiddling with dolls and ideas. I can feel a creative surge coming on! I'm advertising my group and also making plans for the next Steam Punk Exhibition. My grandson Ben is doing a computer design for a course he's doing, so I thought I might make it up to see how it will look. This one will be a challenge for me! I've also got Thenardier the Innkeeper on the go, as well as a Gnome pattern - amongst other more secret things. If I didn't have to go to work............

I am enjoying taking the Online Class with CDA. It's great to get questions and it gives me ideas of what might not be included in my pattern that would be useful. People can go at their own pace and we can show each other pictures of progress to check hopw things are going. Quite interactive!

My First Online Class is on now!

2011-02-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to announce the Cloth Doll Artistry is hosting my first Online Class, Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife! This is great because I had trouble myself finding something that would extend my skills, so now I can offer it to anyone who wants to go a bit further with face sculpting and expression. I actually didn;t know what I knew till I did it myself, which is ironical! Now, others have the opportunity to try it out themselves and see what they are capable of too.

Jeanne- The Innkeepers Wife!

Meantime, back to my old favourite Jill Maas patterns, and this is my interpretation of High Octave Hester again, renamed - "Great Aunt Harley! I started by just making the bodice, and it all evolved from there - like they do!

I think I spent more time making the fan than the rest of the doll! LOL! I'm not the worlds best embellisher I have to say, but sometimes I like to do something a bit finnicky!

Great Aunt Harley!

2011-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

"Make the best of the least - and the most of the worst"!

2011-01-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd change Jill Maas pattern a bit and do some embellishing - seeing I hardly ever do! Sometimes you just need to play and see what happens!

2011-01-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

My version of Jill Maas pattern High Octave Hester. I modelled her on my favourite opera singer "Monserrat Caballe", who sang with Freddie Murcury - Barcelona! Just love her voice, and she presents as such a cheerful character who loves what she does so well. Spent the time making her while listening to Monserrat singing on utube! Very inspiring to make dolls to music!

Pattern Wisdom

2011-01-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

A pattern is someone’s expressed idea and although it is able to be replicated, it does not need to be an end in itself, but is able to be expressed and expanded on by someone else.

To expect to replicate a pattern exactly is not always realistic and certainly does not mean failure. It simply means something new and different will have been made with the stamp of someone else.

I often make something I am not satisfied with and put it away. Later on I might have another idea I can use it for - the basis of a doll that is different.

A perfect example is the Steam Punk Doll I made for the Steam Punk Exhibition. It started life as a body form for a pincushion. For a few years it was headless. Then I found a head I had disgarded beacuse I wanted to try some fur fabric on it to see how it would look. I attached it to the pincushion. I liked it and it continued as a pincushion for another year - very handy too! I tried it with different hats and it became a manniquin for dresses and hats.

Then Steam Punk came along. I had already made the Top Hat, so embellished it with Victoriana. I pinned all sorts of elements to the body to play with the ideas associated with Steam Punk, i.e. nothing plastic.

Then decided it need more tradition attached to it, so found a piece of varnished wood from an old staircase to use as a base, wrapped leather and velvet around it to attach it to the body. I photocopied an ornate keyhole, resized it, cut it out and glued it over black velvet. I painted it with several coats of Mod Podge which stiffened it and gave the appearance of real metal.

I used an actual cotton padded shoulderpad cut in half, lined with wire and fur for the shoulder piece and stuck pins up-right in it. Added arms with shirt sleeeves attached and it was done.

It was not particularly pretty, but it caught attention and the original unsatisfactory body and head was well disguised by the overall effectiveness of the look. The naming of it and the story that went with it added to it's attraction.

Never give up! It's all worth it in the end - and if it's not worth it, it's not the end!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

Ah it's good to be back with my friends at Oamaru Cloth Doll Crafters! Got a good ring to it? OCDC! We were missing a few members, but this is what everyone bought for show and tell! I'm delighted at the creativity and great work of these dollmakers!

Aren't they wonderful! They've been very busy. Jean has made The Muffin Man for a local Coffee shop. He comes with a surprise when he's turned around!

Jean would be soooo embarrased if I presented the whole back view, suffice to say - he has all his bits and pieces! He should be a good talking point at the Coffee Shop! He is actually very well made and Jean always makes a very good job of what she undertakes to do.

This delightful young thing(called Jezza-Belle I think) has just got great legs and her beautiful shoes are painted on - but you'd never know!

She's sporting lucious sparkling eyelashes to flash too, so it's murder on the dance floor! Adrianne is really getting in the swing of dollmaking now and is refining the details. It's so exciting!

2011-01-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

My first project for 2011 - A nosey Gnome who hasn't got a Gnome to go to! It a laughing Gnome - belongs to the Gnome Association of course! From Gnome-man's land! Ha!

2010-12-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

This is a Boudoir Doll I've just finished from Antonette Cely's pattern. A very interesting pattern with some good construction techniques. I designed the dress, which has a rectangular skirt to make a lovely flare. It hangs beautifully and was inspired by my original 1920's Boudoir Doll. I made the dress from silk lining fabric over 20 years vintage. Same with the hat - recylcled. The red ribbon is at least 30 years old, so fitting for a doll of this romantic era.

Back view shows how beautifully the skirt drapes.

So Gracious, with such shapely legs and her bloomers just showing!

This Doll is 25 inches tall and sits well with her hands to prop her up for balance.

2010-12-11T02:28:00.000-08:00

Fitzy - by Adrianne 2010

Adrianne is really getting into the swing of dollmaking now! She made ths Ute Vasina Shortie to imitate someone she works with. Great work Adrianne - right down to the logo! I think Adrianne's having lots of fun now!

2010-12-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

Angel Mandy 2010

This is a prim Angel I made for my sister Mandy for Xmas. She wanted something simple. I had fun making it for her and she loves it - so that's good!

2010-12-11T02:10:00.000-08:00

Here's Jackie getting down to business wth her owl. Can't wait to see the finished work! We have two new people just started to make dolls with us, who are already making great progress. Hope to get some pics this week. Then we'll stop for Xmas and start up again about mid January.

2010-12-11T02:04:00.000-08:00

Olive is making a little tutu for her lovely little Jill Maas Maggie doll. It looks so cute in that shade of blue and she's done such a good job on her! Well done Olive!

2010-12-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Cliff - by Jean 2010

Isn't he a real 'Kiwi bloke'! Jean has made such a good job of him! Right down to his cigarette, jandals and a greenstone pendant round his neck. ! She's going to put a miniature lighter in his pocket for a finishing touch. Love those nobbly knees! LOL! He's so Cool!

2010-12-11T01:50:00.000-08:00

Wee One

This doll is only five inches tall. Doesn't matter how small they are, they still seeem to take the same amount of time to make! Funny that! Guess it's because it's a bit fiddly.

2010-11-27T01:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Kris had a stall at the Victorian Fete this month and she allowed me to showcase some of my dolls so I could encourage people to come and make dolls with me! Kris made all the other dolls and altogether we did well enough. I'm pleased to say we attracted at least two people to come and make dolls, so that was very worth while for me!

2010-11-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

Meet 'Owlish'! He came together quite quickly from an idea I saw, and is sculpted from an old jersey. He's very distinguished as befits his Wisdom status and his heart is worn out - as you can see, though he has feet of clay!

2010-11-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

I played around with this doll for ages before I found something that would make it work. Then trying to remain multicultural and not offend any cultures, I named it 'Ciceroni' meaning guide - as in 'tourist guide'!LOL! I have since added some gold dangling beading to her hipline and now she really looks like she could show us a thing or two! In her hand she holds a numbered wish list!

2010-11-06T03:20:00.000-07:00

Winnie & Winston

I had a play with a Prim doll just for fun!

Steam Punk Exhibition

2010-10-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here are three of our dolls as shown in the Steam Punk Exhibition

An here's Jackies

Flambe Evereddy- guarding the entrance!

Can you see the brooch I made? I have to brag ands say that the Jeweller, Ian Clark, One of the Steam Punk Imagineers, noticed it and spoke to me about it! The circular piece is an old doorknob surround, a bit of velvet, an old earring, a bit of old brass chain, a button ring that belonged to my grandmother's hospital laundry uniform days and a fancy key - from the Warehouse! Not to mention a piece of organza from a curtain! Easy! LOL!

2010-10-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've begun to make The Innkeeper. He'll be a different body design from Jeanne- the Innkeepers Wife. Hopefully about the same size though - so far so good! I'm making and writing as I go, so could take a while. I'm making it in Quilters Muslin because his body is more covered than his wifes'. Quilters Muslin is not that different from velour in stretch, so it could be made in either. For longevity velour would be best I think. At this stage I will do a lycra overlay on his head, to get a really good sculpted character. We'll see!

Our First Display

2010-10-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well it's finally happened!

OAMARU CLOTH DOLL GROUP dolls are kindly displayed by 'Enhance' this week!

Don't they all look fabulous! I've been told people want to buy them!

I delivered the last of our dolls to the Art Gallery today too and they tell me they are creating quite a stir amongst the Steam Punk Team! The Steam Punk Exhibition begins on Saturday 23, but as it's Labour Weekend and all the dignatories will be away, they will defer all the Hoo Ha till the following week. (I think that's what they said) It's exciting to know that we have a wide variety of talent in this dedicated group of Cloth Dollmakers, I'm so proud to say! Well done all of you!

2010-10-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

About the work: With the ‘key thing’ firmly attached ‘Flambe Evereddy’ clutches her newly invented Spraygun as she scouts the interior of the gallery – seeking ‘Who-Knows-What’, that may be lurking amongst these strange structures, models and sculptures!

Flambé’ is not about to give ‘the key thing’ up – for anything!

Well.......! Maybe for a good-looking someone...........maybe. Maybe.....Who-Knows-What! She treads carefully, alert and waiting for the next move, her daring unmatched in this cavernous place full of mysterious objects, and ‘Who-Knows-What is waiting around the next corner!

It's getting exciting now! The Steam Punk Exhibition organisers are so positive about the work we are submitting! This is Jackie's "Flambe Evereddy"! I'll post more pics when the exhibition is on!

2010-10-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is a Velvetbrooch I made for my beloved sister "Tree"

Adrianne's creation - looking very stylish indeed, and as if she has something on her mind.........I wonder what? Well done Adrianne! I love your work - so great with details!

Some more of Adrianne's beautiful work that she does very well! She's all prepared for Christmas!

2010-10-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

This is Jean's entry for the Steam Punk Exhibition! She's called "Inertia'!

About the work: Disconcerted by the passage of time and all that she had yet to do, “Inertia” – ‘the go getter’ – felt frozen to the spot, as she felt domesticity dragging at the hem of her skirt! Her heart’s desire is a longing for the freedom of a more adventurous life – one unhampered by the constraints she so often wears! These thoughts are zinging through her brain while she stands transfixed by ‘this time, this place, this work’, and how she will see herself through it all into a much more interesting future!

2010-09-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

'Alabaster'
With a Steam Punk Attitude!
After standing for some time, surveying all the 'trappings' of her life, the light and the dark, Alabaster - the pure of heart- decides to take what was good from her past into her future, and to let go of what she no longer needs to hang on to. She will stand firm on her traditional foundation, but always looking forward, strengthened and fortified by her inner attitude, a freedom of spirit that she can pin her hopes on!

This is my interpretation of a Steam Punk Doll that I have put forward as an exhibit in the up-coming Steam Punk Exhibition to be held during the Victorian Celebrations held in Oamaru in November. She is actually a pincushion!

Interesting process making this, keeping to the elements I was restricted to, but creating some artistic licence with ideas that just popped into my head. I liked making up the 'play on words' that described what she was symbolising - tomorrow as it used to be!

2010-09-03T03:57:00.000-07:00

This is Jackie's delightful interpretation of Jill Maas pattern for Maggie! We have fun with Angels and other little beings in the making, in our group!

What's this?

Who are you gonna be?

2010-09-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

This is Jeans' wonderful interpretation of a Herero woman and child. So graceful, colourful and tender!

Jean put so much time and effort into this beautiful work of art she created and we are all very impressed with her results!

2010-08-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

I needed to make a bench seat for Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife!

So here is my badly made - but authentic looking - bench seat! It's made from Balsa Wood with a scrap of boxwood top that looks worn. Badfly painted, but I figured it would look more authentic that way and no-one will see it with her sitting on it! LOL!

It's a very simple design. Because of the flimsy nature of the wood - and my craftmanship - I Gesso'd it, then painted it with Acrylic, then a topcoat of Mod Podge.

Seems to do the trick! It's large enough and the right height for Jeanne to sit leaning forward on her left foot, so her chest is better displayed and her eyes in the right position for best effect. I have taken the measurements and later, I will post it on my free patterns if anyone else wants to make one that might look better than mine!

2010-08-28T02:43:00.001-07:00

The difference between 'scared' and 'sacred' is often the way we 'c' things!

2010-08-28T02:42:00.000-07:00

Talent hits a target no one else can hit.
Genius hits a target no one else can see.

2010-08-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

I cleaned up my room! Well kind of! I did throw a bit of stuff out, rearranged some stuff, relocated some stuff and cleaned things, so it does look much better. Well I had to make some room for my new laser printer and USB cables are so short! What a mission!

2010-08-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

Jean and I had an opportunity to show off our dolls at a Multicultural afternoon recently. Naturally - Jean took the photo's! I talked about the culture of dolls and and a little history. People bought their own dolls for display and there were some lovely old dolls there.

Believe it or not - this is a doll! Some of the women and children had a hard time putting it down! One little girl nursed it throughout the afternoon! Some couldn't handle it at all - eh Jean!

I got to show off my 1920's French Boudoir Doll!

Here my Horrible Toad comes under examination from a very discerning woman, fascinated by the sculpting of the legs!

The afternoon flew, we talked to everyone and ate too much! Our first exhibition!

2010-08-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

Look who Jackie bought tonight! He's a Jill Maas old fella from Frumpy Grump pattern!

Isn't he just wonderful! Jackie's talent is really developing and her eye for detail is excellent! She is critiquing her own work now! That's a good sign!Look at that face! And those braces! Love the antique books! Great finishing touch.

You have done so well Jackie! He's delightful!Jean is making some African Dolls which are taking shape nicely! Adrianne is carrying on with her Jill Maas doll which is going to be a very classy dame! Adrianne is really getting into embellishing in a big way now!

Olive is improving out of sight with her dollmaking skills - not to mention her embroidery skills! She is making Jill Maas's Winnie Mae! Olive loves her dolls so much she finds it hard to give them away - no wonder! so much goes into them! Well done Olive!

2010-07-25T03:34:00.000-07:00

This is Jeanne - the Innkeepers Wife inspired by Les Miserable's. Just finished this pattern today, 26 July 2010! Quite pleased with this one. My online friend Jeanne has been encouraging me to make it and it has turned out better than the original one I made last year. The pattern is now available for sale.

2010-07-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Boots or shoes or slippers? Make a Last!

I went the extra mile and made a Shoe Last for this task. This is useful, because I can make shoes to fit most 18 – 20 – 22 inch dolls using this last. I made the Last in the shape of a foot with a slightly raised heel, to take away the flatness and to allow a heel to go on the sole. I made the foot generic so it could be ‘left’ or ‘right’.

Boots, shoes, slippers, scuffs etc, can be made on this. I made the Last from polymer clay, as it seemed less likely to crumble because it is handled a lot – and sometimes dropped!

After setting it, I wrapped the Last in masking tape for (my) security! Remember if you make a Last, to have a base to stand it on, which helps when working on footwear. I just used a round piece with a dowel-sized hole and a shortened piece of dowel that the Last sits on, but footwear can be constructed on a Last without a stand. It would just be more fiddly.
• The base is approximately 10cms round, but any wood can be used to put the dowel in.
• The foot length of the last is roughly 8cms.
• From the base of the heel to the shin is 7cms.
• From the widest part of the ankle around the top of the foot is 9cms
• Around the widest part of the foot is 7.5cms.
• If making clay heels, measure the distance between the heel and the sole. On my Last the measurement is 1cm.

Making a Last for shoes or boots is not difficult and makes shoemaking so much more satisfying!

2010-07-21T04:08:00.000-07:00

What character! Vlad Dracula no less! Pattern by Jane Coughlan. This rather impressive piece of doll art has been a work in progress for Jean, who has finally finished him - and in such great style! She even made the coffin and crackled it for authenticity!

And what do you think of this old darling? Completed by Jackie, whos work is just taking off now as she gains confidence in her own abilities as a dollmaker! The pattern is by Jill Maas of course, and Jackie has used her own alpaca's hair to give that endearing look! Well done Jackie!

2010-07-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

Here she is - all done! Having a rest from her work while I slog on with the pattern! She's way ahead of me! She offered to wash that floor, but I though she should just rest up and keep me company till I get doen with the pattern, which could take till next weekend, depending how much I have on this week. Then I'll probably have to make 'er 'usband! Sigh..........! A designers work is never done!This is my original Innkeepers Wife made last year. While it's exactly the same, it's totally different! Just so you can see the difference, the one I've just completed is made from Lycra and the original one was made from Velour and didn't have a pattern because I made it up as I went. They both have the same hair, but sculpted differently. The new one has more structure, but here are parts of both that I like. Comments please?

2010-07-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

The boots! Not very elegantly made, but she has to make do, after all, she's not all that well off and the Master of the 'Ouse probably stole them anyway! They're hardly seen on the doll.

2010-07-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

Sculpting sequence of Jeanne, The Innkeepers Wife face. I've just finished writing up the sequence - what a mission! had to break it up into two parts so people wouldn't be put off ! This isn't all of it either!

Here the face begins to take on a bit of life with colour and already the cocky attitude is beginning to show!

Now this looks a little scary! Mod Podge on the eyes and lips. always be careful when using pen and Mod Podge. the Mod Podge makes the ink run, so it should be dolloped on rather than brushed on, or you may find you have to re-draw the whole thing!

All done! Look at that character! Reminds me of my Aunty Mabel! Actually, her face turned out a lot sweeter than I intended it to, but however! It shows that this doll can be whoever she wants to be! A flower seller, a granny, a wise woman, a mum!

Before and after makeover!

If you double click on any of these pictures they will enlarge for a better view!

2010-07-15T03:20:00.001-07:00

Shes just larking about in her undies now - trying on hairdo's!

2010-07-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

Well here is Jeanne with arms and legs. Just needs a hand to put her head on now! She doesn't look unhappy! I gave her clay kneecaps, but not necessary as the dress will cover her knees. I need to adjust her neck with a bit of nip and tuck before I put her head on. Yes I like to play with my dolls! You'll notice I have coloured between the breasts. I used prisma pencil to give that shadow that enhances the contours of the breast. I will use it between the fingers too.

2010-07-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Shery' D'Ath from the North of NZ made most of these dolls from my patterns of Krista, Dance Like no one is Watching and Jessie.

I love the way she interprets them.Sheryl has comes from a bear making tradition and has applied some of those techniques to doll making with great and unique results!

This little girl doll with her teddy and cats is also Sheryl's interpretation of "Jessie."

This really "with it' young chick was made by Patricia Young of Westport! She's from my "Dance like no one is watching!" pattern. So Cool!

This is an alternative face Sheryl made for the Dance pattern, which shows some pattern versatility! Not to mention Sheryl's artistic expression! Divine! Love it Sheryl!

I was delighted with this rendition of my pattern "Jack" Look at Sheryl's bears! Arent they fantastic! She's so clever! There is a link to Sheryl's site on this blog. Check it out!

2010-07-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Only Jean and I braved the cold this week, so Jean got more done to her amazingly dramatic figure of Dracula, who has a good dollop of Mod Podge on his eyes! She got the ears done too, but said she will put them on for next week. Looking great Jean! Love those eyebrows!

2010-07-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

The beginning phase. Most sculpting has been completed and you get an idea of how it could look.Here is the velour face to compare with the Lycra face. I thought this was alright till I made the Lycra face. Mind you - I've learned a lot since then too!

The Second phase. Most of the colour has been applied and the eyes and mouth have had their first coat of Mod Podge. Scary eh?That's more like it! The character is starting to show! The three phase journey to facial sculpting and colouring! This is the head of my new doll and pattern "Jeanne - The Innkeepers Wife" coming together nicely. The sculpting sequence as written down might look scary when you first see it, but one must remember to take it all slowly and remember these pics are here for reference!

2010-06-30T03:52:00.001-07:00

"Whichever path you take, you exclude others... but if you don't choose a path, you don't go anywhere!"

2010-06-26T04:16:00.001-07:00

A good quote: let it out, let it go, let it all unravel, let it out and it could be a path on which to travel!

2010-06-22T03:27:00.000-07:00

Ngaire has joined us and is making Jill Maas doll Eddie. What a laugh - even Mad Madam Mim thinks it's hilarious! Eddie exposed to the naked eye.

Only four of us tonight, but we had a good time and got some work done. Olive's making and excellent job of her Frumpy Grump and Carol's baby dolkl looks beautiful in the artistically created knitwear she has on. When she gets the hair on it will be lovely. Pics next week!

2010-06-10T02:19:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a new pattern "Jeanne - the Innkeeper's Wife!" This doll has real attitude! what you might call a bit of a " hard case!" I'm calling her Jeanne, because Jeanne inspired me to make the pattern. This pattern is made using a body stocking, made from lycra, and a wire armature. So far - so good! Here she is in all her glory!