paintncloth

The Winner is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

The winner for the Alice In Wonderland dolls is Lori from Dollsrcalling me,congrats Lori,I hope that you will enjoy these little guys,please send your home addy to stnemo61@yahoo.com.au and Ill get them off to you asap.

Ive been playing around with lots of clay lately,making jewelery,pottery etc,Ive also been fooling around with paper clay and making strange little creatures which will be up for future give aways.

I will drawing the next give away on the 8th of September,so I hope lots of you will join in for that one.

I look forward to seeing you all then,cheers for now dolls makers xoxoxox

Give aways!!

2010-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

It will soon be time for the August 8th give away,so stay tuned everyone.

I have decided that I will be doing a give away on the 8th of every month.

All you have to do for these give aways is to send me a message letting me know that you want to be in the giveaway.

Next month I will be giving away a doll called Mr B, you will find two of his friends for sale in my Etsy store,they are Lou Lou and LaLa the bunny tarts.

I look forward to the give aways and hope that you will all join in.

I have uploaded a pic of Mr B and as he progresses I will show more pics of him.

Alice In Wonderland a give away

2010-07-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

I managed to get something together for the Alice Event,it wasn't what I hoped for and I am a tad disappointed but at least I participated.I did enjoy myself immensely and had a lot of fun doing the wooden doll shapes,I know that they wont be nearly as wonderful and glam as all the other dolls but they are kinda cute in their own way and I love them..

I could have sewn something but Hubby is on night shift so the noisy machine is out until next week,so I just had to make do with what I had on hand.

Next time I have a challenge I will order in my materials well in advance of the end date,I did for my part get some mold maker and foam shapes but I just couldn't get the clay,bumma,oh well I got to be a part of everything and next year will be better.

I am looking forward to seeing all the other dolls and seeing how you all put it together,wish I was part of the original group and had more challenges to do.

I have added a photo of what I used for this challenge so that you could all see what I was about.

I want to thank Artdolls for setting this up for us all to be a part of,its been fun.
Love to every one in this challenge xoxo

Oh I almost forgot,I will be having a give away On August the 8th,all four of the Alice dolls will be sent to the winner,so here's what you do,just state in the comment box for this post that you want to be in the draw for the dolls and on August the 8th we will do the out of the hat thing,I will announce the winner on my Blog the day of the draw!

No Clay!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

I cant get any clay to do my tweedle dolls,oh my goodness what a disaster but I am going to come up with something even though I have only two days to go,I am determined to be part of this,its so cool.

I have done a quick design and will work from that,my dolls will be so simple and every one else will have all such special dolls but at least Ill still be in it!

I cant wait to see what all the girls come up with!!!!!!

His head!!

2010-06-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

I have been unwell so I haven't been able to devote much time to the Alice in Wonderland challenge but I have done the original model for the head and will cast a mold from it this week,I so hope I can get this done,starting to worry that my health will hold me back but I'm going to try so very hard to do it!!!!!

I have been visiting the other blogs in this event and wow there is so much talent out their,cant wait to see their dolls.

I have decided to have a go at Tweedledee and Tweedledum,its like I like to make my life hard,I had to pick two dolls,I just couldn't make it easy and do one could I,Im thinking that I have a malfunction in my brain.

I thought that I would sculpt a head and do a mold so I can get the identical thing happening,then I would cast the new faces onto a foam block and paper mache the body and legs and make separate arms that move,I also think I will do most of the clothing in mache,not sure about that yet...
What ever I do it will take longer because I have to do twins,they are so cute though!

Well I think I better get off and do some work on the twins,see you all soon xox.

Im Back and ready to go!

2010-06-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while,I recently broke my back and have been taking it very easy but I'm back and ready to roll.

I have signed up for the ADO Alice In Wonderland event and look forward to the new challenge,I will spend the next few days deciding what I will do and then go for it,oh this will be fun,very exciting.

As I said Ive been out of action but I have managed to do a few dolly things,I made up some more wooden peeps and some rather cute pin cushions but other than that its been a ho humish.

I have been looking at some nice blogs and some good doll info sites as well as reading Suzanna Oroyan books.

If you want to get inspired and see some cool doll things pop over to Paula's blog you wont be dissappionted. http://www.paulanerhus.blogspot.com/

Also pop over to SpiritMamas blog she always has something fun and quirky going on... http://spiritmama-art.blogspot.com/...

I havent much else for tonight so I will wander off and dream up something for the ADO event,good night xox

2010-02-10T04:38:00.000-08:00

one of my newest Nuggs.

2010-02-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

these are some of the fabrics that i have been aging and staining,they are so yummy.

2010-02-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

My friend xoxi has a great little craft blog and Etsy store check her out!

Dolls and fabrics!!!!

2010-02-10T04:02:00.000-08:00

Lindi Ivimey an awesome Aussie Artist...

Ive been working like a crazy woman lately, mucking about with different dolls designs,putting togther some new fabrics and staining them ready to make some new dolls.

I ve been putting together some old lace,jewelery,buttons and trims,Im looking forward to playing with a new style of doll,but it will be a couple of weeks before I begin as Im off to deep Water on Friday but hope fully I will find inspiration there.

Blogger Friend and fellow Etsy seller xoxi.....http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/thecraftmobb ...she has some cute tutorials on her craft blog so pop in for a visit..

I have discovered a brilliant Australian artist who art is based on figures of all kinds, she is amazing,you just have to see her work,I saw her in the process of creating and it was so inspiring,if you cant find the link below,please look her up,she is sooo cool!

http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/a-bona-fide-approach-to-art/2006/09/01/1156817043254.html

Also check out Mimi Kirchner,she is adorable and she is too is inspiring,below is a clip of her..

Nuggies In Progress

2010-01-23T02:14:00.000-08:00

More Nugs keep coming...

2010-01-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ive been making more Nuggies,some bigger, some smaller but all so cute,they will be appearing here next weekend!

I have also been working on display boxes for them,making them from torn paper and painting them with acrylic paints,so now I'm working on the little painted scenes inside them,its time consuming but oh so worth it.

Ive been coffee staining some little dolls for embellishing in antique style,so they are progressing well,kinda blending the old with the new and whimsical.

I have also designed some awesome paper dolls,they too will be making their first appearances here,I just have to get them printed off at the printers so they can go up for sale in my Etsy store!

For a bit of fun visit the following blog,its well worth a look!

http://thelaughingdoll.blogspot.com/

I have added a great tutorial for you on making dollie things,this wonderful lady has oodles of tutorials on this sort of thing so check her out when you get time!

Just click.

2010-01-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

I have added a quick tutorial,just double click on the pic for a large size image,I hope you get some benefit from it,cheers guys.

Quickie tutorial

2010-01-06T05:50:00.001-08:00

2010-01-04T06:08:00.001-08:00

Dolls for Etsy

2010-01-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

I want to feature a wonderful and fun doll artist today,you can visit her at Crow Haven Farm and see her wonderful dolls and read through her fun and entertaining blog and by the way Michelle often has give a ways so give a her a visit,she is a tone of fun.
http://www.thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/

Ive added some of my wooden dolls to Etsy and will add more soon,also I have added some of my Nuggies to etsy as well.

Im working on some little display rooms for the dolls and will be adding them to Etsy when they are done..

Ok well now onto some inspiration for you all...needle felting is a great skill to learn and comes in handy a lot of the time so check it out..

2009-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

What Ive been doing lately...making dolls of course,the latest being more Nuggies and some wooden play doll.

Ive been photographing them for Etsy and Flickr and realize that I need a separate space for this part of my doll making,so Ive decided to dedicate a part of my studio just to photographing art works and dolls,I get so sick of setting up and packing up,I also need a space just for props etc,so next weekend will be dedicated to that.

I will be uploading my latest dolls to Etsy by next week end!

The latest blog Ive been visiting for dolls things is...Dolls and things,this is a very very cool doll artist so please pay her a visit,I love her work soooo much!

http://mirianata.blogspot.com/

Latest vid Ive been into is The Doll Makers Waltz,its so neat,if you love dolls and animation you will love it!

Nizzy and Ploo

2009-12-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

My latest doll is little Nizzy,she is in this pic with Ploo her good pal,they are chilling during a photo shoot and gossiping about the cranky photographer who happens to be me.
I have designed a whole range of little dolls similar to Nizzy and will soon be promoting them on my Etsy store.

For some doll sculpting tips check out the following video,there are more on you tube.

2009-11-07T09:15:00.001-08:00

2009-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Melvin has arrived...

2009-10-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

New dolls and monsters....

2009-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Whats been happening....I've been making monsters lately,I made one called Melvin out of mohair and he is so cute and dopey,I don't think I will offer him up for adoption,he will live with me but more will follow and go to Etsy for a new home.

In Progress..... working like mad on my book characters and have made some progress,I'm so undisciplined,dang it!
Right now I'm trying to figure out the scale and if I go all cloth or cloth and recycled stuff or maybe clay,its so hard....
Ive added a pic of one of the main characters in progress,She still needs clothing and hair and I still need to make about four perhaps five more for the different expressions etc,she looks kind of startled,mmm dont know if I like that..

Coming soon...... a lovely little series of box cuties happening at the moment,they are called Nuggies and they are just so sweet,I will post them here when they go up for sale on Etsy.

Bloggers and Dolly girls.....I been visiting all the usual haunts of doll people and this week I've been caught up enjoying the work of two delightfull doll people,Cathy Cullis who makes the most beautiful paper dolls,they are a wonder to behold,they are so light and beautiful,they remind me of soft summer mornings,they have such a airy frail look about them,they are well worth viewing as is her art work,you will find Cathy's blog in my blog list.
Also I have been enjoying the work of Micheal over at Crow Haven Farm,I will have more on Micheal in the next couple of weeks and her blog link is in my blog list,her dolls have a personality all their very own,they are fun and naughty,I just love them.

Its time for bed...night night all,more to add next week! xox

2009-09-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Some of my little stars...

Molly is up for adoption

Talula is also up for adoption..

Etsy dolls......

2009-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well I have just added Megins to my Etsy shop,a hard thing to do as I adore her but I am a doll maker and I must sell in order to grow so Megins is now up for adoption as well as Molly and Talula.

Next week will be Itchy and Bunny Blue and that will be hard to do,I love these two so much,I find it so hard not to hoard my dolls,I wonder does anyone else have that problem?

The dolls for my book are finally coming to life,I think I have about 13 kitties now just another thirty to go,and also have drawn up the proto type for their owner,my little lady will soon come to life as well as her house,its getting exciting,its only taken 18 months to get this far,from the first words to the first real life characters in cloth....whoohooo!

Ive been drooling over elzelsworlds dolls you have to check out these dolls and art, http://elzesworld.blogspot.com/ ..I love the clean simlicity of this artists work,Im a fan.

Little dolls

2009-09-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

2009-09-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Its been so long since I last blogged,I cant believe how fast time has gone !
I have been working like crazy on dolls and paintings for my Etsy shop and hope to get serious about it by the end of the year all going well.

I haven't finished the tutorials yet as I just haven't been able to find the time but hope to have them up by the end of October when the kids sports season is over,I will finally have some free weekends,,,yay!

The dolls Ive been working on are little minis and some itties for the dolls that will be up on Etsy,I have quite a few things in the works for my store and I should have it revamped and ready by late November,cant wait to get it up and running in a serious way.

I have reorganised my studio so it will function in a more productive way,it now has four work areas,one for the kiln,dremel and soldering iron,one for sewing,one for painting and one for designing,yay my studio is working well at long last!

2009-09-02T07:50:00.002-07:00

Coming soon...Pretty dollie bag tutorial!!!!!

2009-06-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Well I have my doll finished for the traveling art doll at Nancys Art Dolls Group!
After near disaster I managed to make and complete a new doll in a very short time,I am amazed at how quickly she came together.
My first doll was attacked by a dog,my dog so she has been put into intensive care for now along with a teddy,another swap doll and some other poor little beings,I actually had two attacks in a matter of days.
my cat Cecil has become a terrible menace and keeps stealing my things,dolls included,he doesn't hurt them but leaves them where my dog Gemma can find and destroy then.
My cat also steals hair brushes,thongs,hair bands,torches and spectackles,I dont know why he is doing this now,we have had him for 5 years and now he starts this,go figure!

I am almost finished my UnderThe Sea Swap doll,who was another casualty,so a new one was done,darn that dog and cat!

I will be posting another tutorial soon abot presenting dolls on the web,but that will be a while in coming as I will be off line for about 8 days or so!

I will also be doing a small tutorial on making a bag for your dollie,its too cute and I cant wait to share it with you all!

Well its getting late and I have much to do,I hear my dollies calling so untill im back online be happy and creative...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Print and fabric doll tutorial..

2009-05-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

What you will need..Computer...computer paper...printer...image...sewing machine...calico...sewing needle...cotton and thread...organza ribbon...beads...sequins...fabric flowers..color pencils... hot glue gun and glue.

I use photshop cs to design my dolls,but if you don't have photshop or are not to familar with it,you can do it by saving images from the net,there are lots of free vintage image sites on the net for you to down load from,just type in free vintage images into your search engine and see where it takes you.

You could scan an image into your pc to use if you wanted to do it that way.

Be sure to wash and iron your calico to remove the glue sizing!

2009-05-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

Print out your design onto paper first,so that you will have a guide line for taping your calico.
Make sure that you leave definite caps to the top,bottom and sides of your image to allow for placement of the sticky tape,remember if you dont do this the tape will take the ink and not your fabric!

2009-05-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

Sticky tape the calico to your printed paper,make sure there is a good gap between your sticky tape and the image area,you don't want the tape to overlap your image and leave a straight blank line on the image.
Also make sure you sticky tape all sides of the calico as it may pull free in the printer and that is no fun!

Print out the image onto your calico!

2009-05-25T04:13:00.001-07:00

Draw a sewing line and a trimming line around your doll on the back side of the image ,if your have trouble seeing your image to draw lines,hold it against a window or your computer screen,you should get a good image of her to draw around by doing this.

Once you have drawn your lines around the back of the image put the image face down against your other piece of calico and sew around the sewing line and dont forget to leave an opening of about one inch for turning,next trim the edges of your doll using the trimming line.

Turn your your doll, stuff her with fiber fill and sew the opening up using ladder stitch.

2009-05-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

I like to take some color pencils and color in her cheeks,lips and eyelids to make her look even prettier,I use Faber Castelle color pencils but Im sure other people use any brand of pencils.
You could try using pastels,watercolor pencils,ink,acrylic or even real make up,its all worth trying!

2009-05-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Now your doll is ready to embellish,I sewed organza ribbon to her base to make her look floaty and whimsical,I sewed sequins and beads to add sparkle and hot glued fabric flowers to make her kind of romantic.
I recommend that you first pin embellishments on to get a feel for what you want to do,just take the pins out when you are ready to glue.
I left the pins in until I was ready to glue and then took only the one out that I wanted to glue then move to the next one,so unpin one at a time!

2009-05-25T03:49:00.000-07:00

Your doll is now finished and looking just wonderful,sit her on your bed or shelf to show her off!
You can make her a few friends to display and keep her company,its fun and rewarding,so give it a go!

How to photograph and edit your doll for the web.

2009-05-14T05:38:00.001-07:00

Hi you all,I have added this little tutorial to help my fellow doll makers show their dolls off in the best possible way,so here we go...

What you will need...Computer..photoshop...digital camera...doll...props such as flowers,pretty scrap book papers and what ever suits you or takes your fancy.

First...set up your doll and pretty things,I put some pretty paper for the back ground,white computer paper for the bottom,flowers for under the Tadmer,string to hang her from so she seems to be floating,then I start to take photos from different angles,I only used a couple but its best to take a few,you can always delete what you don't need.

Second...once you are happy with the shots,take them to your computer and down load then to the pc,pick the one you want to work with and head over to the photoshop to play!

Third...open photoshop,open your photo file and pick the image that you want to tweek....
When you have your image there crop it to get rid of parts that dont need to be there.

Forth..I used some vine brushes to add a nice whimsical feel to the pic,I also blured the edges of the photo by using two layers.
I went to Layers...duplicate layer..named it tadmer...and then disabled the original layer so I could work on the duplicate..I then went to the erraser tool and picked some long edgey brushes and softened the outer edges of the photo,then I went to Layers..flatten image.

Next I went to Filters..Distort..disfuse glow and tweeked it until I was happy with the softness of the image.

I then added some text to give a brief hint as to who and what Tadmer was, your will see some photos under this post showing the stages of the doll photo set up and edit.

If you need brushes to down load onto you pc in photoshop just browse the net for free brushes or pop in and join Deviant art and you will find a heap there but ask the makers if you can use then,though are heaps to use for free any way in the resources section at DA,in fact you will find a great many resourses for your on line art over at DA and lots of tutorials to use!

Well I hope this has helped or at least inspired you to make pretty pics of your dolls,I will be starting tutorial blog in the next week or so so pop in for the link.

Hugs to you all!

2009-05-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Set up your doll with some props and click away until you have the shot you want.

2009-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Take the image to photoshop and crop to the size you like.

2009-05-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

Add brushes and diffuse glow.

2009-05-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

add text.

New dolls and fabric's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-07T19:29:00.001-07:00

Well its been a wonderful couple of weeks,Ive joined Art Dolls Only and Nancyes Art Doll,and the encouragement and warmth of the doll makers has been awesome,I encourage any doll maker to join them,you wont look back,these women are so inspiring!

I have been working on Bunny Blue,I decided to go back to the way I made dolls when I made my first ever dolls,I just sew up a doll in calico and paint it with acrylic paint,when its done I will put coat or two of matt varnish for its protection and viola a new doll!

I also found some great fabrics at the local craft store,they will be great for clothing on the dolls and for back ground props,love the glittery type of fabrics for the back grounds.

Thought I would share a tips here about presenting your dolls,I take a few pics of my doll with back ground props of contrasting fabrics and glittery flower and odds and ends and then I click away until I'm happy,them I take it to Photoshop and tweak it with distort-disfuse glow untill it is soft,then I crop it,use some brushes to soften the edges,then its ready to be veiwed.

I keep a large number of phot props handy and make a good deal of them,I purchase bonches of fake flowers,pull them apart,glitter the edges,join them back to gether with button,paper clips, whatever is handy,alo9s make boxes of different styles,jewelery,boahs,feathers,paintings,lace,anything pretty,funky and fun!

Tool of the week is my stylus,its great for dotting patterns on my dolls.

2009-05-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

2009-05-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

2009-05-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

On the shelves and everywhere!

2009-04-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Its about 1am my time,Im sitting in my in house studio office and looking around and all I can see is dolls and art and paper work,but the dolls are on the shelves and everywhere,and I love it,I find it so hard to part with them but they overrun my home and life so they must leave and start their own lives with new mums to care for them.

My nieces adore them and I find that they become rather mad at me if they don't get first pick,but hey family don't pay the bills,its nice to know that the girls are so fond of my little darlings,at least I know that they treasure them.

Anyway on with it the blog thing,life has been nothing but hectic lately,my illness has been a major hindrance,my arms are so painful its hard to even put a jacket on without nearly passing out but hey I manage, but its hard to feel inspired when I'm having a pain peak,I just hope it ebbs soon,still Ive managed to get creative and do some cute little dollies and I have reached the half way mark with one that has been in the process of evolving for more than six months,it now has paint on its face and now I'm thinking how to find the next stage with it,I don't even know its gender yet,I have posted it in this entry,any suggestions?

The bandits are coming along as is my purple fairy,I have a least 12 dolls in different stages of creation,probably more actually,I know that the big studio has quite a few in it as well as the inside studio and here I am planning to make about 20 more dolls,what the heck the more the merrier!

I have some paper clay heads waiting for bodies and some paint,I also am inspired to make some more paper clay heads and some sculpy heads and bodies as well,I just love to make these dolls,to explore and develop as a doll maker.

I also joined two great group this week,Art Dolls Only and Nancys Art Dolls,they are fantastic groups that encourage,inspire and welcome every who comes to play,i recommend that you look them up,they belong to ning,so go and see them!

I also purchased the book Creative Cloth Doll Couture by Patti Medaris Culea,its brilliant for those that want to advance into this area of doll making,I recommend it highly!

Well of to catch up on my other blog so until next time..Happy Doll making!

Oh Bunny Girl!

2009-04-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Ive been working on the bunny girlz,they are done and look fabo,sexy and flirty,their man isnt quite finished as yet,Im at a stand still with him but he will arrive soon enough.

I love the girlz though,I used some patterned cotton,painted over it,the eyes are acrylic eyes and their faces are painted with acrylic paint,I stuffed the bodies with part fiber and part pellets,I wanted pellets in their bottoms and bellies to make them sort of softer and kind of squishy,it works for me.

I have moved on to some small character dolls,also using fiber and pellets,I just like the feel of that mix,although it isnt good for every doll,I think I like dolls to move and flop but I also like some dolls stiff and rigid,I guess its what ever you have in mind when creating them,most of the time I just sort of let it all happen.

Blog update...check out two cool doll makers Odd Dolls and Mealy Monster you will find their links at the side of this blog,you wont regret the visit.

A fun thing to do!

2009-04-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

I have just spotted a fun art doll swap over at http://wildatheartart.blogspot.com/2009/04/under-sea-swap.html blog,sounds like something fun to be involved in,pop over and check out all the details for the swap that is coming up.

An exhibit of dolls.

2009-03-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

I often exhibit my painting throughout the year and have recently began to exhibit my dolls as well,so I thought I would recommend that if you are a painter,sculpter or photographer who also makes dolls,that you exhibit them as well,they deserve the spot light,they are your babies,your creations after all.

When you do exhibit them try to do so in a lockable case,if you a handy man in the family have them make a box that has a glass lid that will allow people to see but not touch your dolls,tag the dolls with prices so that people don't have to round you up for a price during and opening,and remember that dolls are often small enough to slip into a pocket or bag and can be gone forever before you now it.

If you dont have a handy man around you can purchase jewelery display cases on line for a reasonable price and they always come in handy for exhibits,shows and just keeping you dolls on display at home,so think about it if you are condsidering exhbiting or shows or even markets.

So condider exhibiting your beloved little dolls,they do deserve some attention and its always nice to show off your little wonders to the world.

The dolls in the picture are shown in a lockable,glass top display box..

Dolls are being born!!!!!

2009-03-01T03:51:00.000-08:00

I have designed a new lot of dolls and hope to get cracking on them next week,I'm really excited to get going on them,lots od cloth and paint,wonderful...

I am working on a quite a few dolls at the moment and hope to coplete them this week coming so that I can begin work on the new dolls.

I have a few paper clay and cloth dolls in the process at the moment and some super cute weird little one piece dolls growing nicely,I have a little family happening and some cute dotees haning aroung,so much to do,I will have to be disciplined and finish first things first.

I am working on a blue doll at the moment that is fast turning into a favey,it have ears and dangley arms and legs,this one Im enjoying,he just needs his face [painted and a few loving touches and vola he will be comlpete,I have displayed his original design in this post to share him with you all.

I do so love my little cloth buddies but I have hardened upa nd started to put them up for sale on Etsy,I need to share them and keep growing as a doll maker.

Playing with dolls makes me happy!

2009-02-08T02:12:00.000-08:00

I have been working like a mad woman in the studio,I have been having so much fun painting,sewing,embellishing,drawing and much more,its been a hoot,and I have a lot more time to play for the moment,I am of until two weeks after my op so its exciting that I will be able to create more than I thought that I would.

I have been concentrating on my latest batch of dolls,I tend to have to many on the go at once so I had put them into lots and am determined to do it that way but sometimes I just fancy working on one that catches my eye,anyway hopefully I will be more disciplined and get them all finished before I make a new lot.

I made a fairy doll about six months ago but have felt uninspired to finish her but now I cant get her out of my head,I keep thinking of different ways to bring her to life and how to develop her personality,I have given her some antaners,big eyes and funny wings,she is about three quarters done and I hope to have her on here for show next Sunday.

I am also finishing off my one piece dolls,they are turning out nicely and the cats are looking pretty cool as well,bad bunny is getting some clothing and almost ready to join his girl friends.

I have a few dotee dolls in the wings waiting to be finished,they just need to be embellished so that will happen over the next couple of weeks,also I have some paper clay ornies happening and then when all these are done I can work on some larger dolls that need completing.

Well thats the weeks summery for now,I will be back next Sunday with some pics I hope of completed dolls......................................

Its time for some fun in the studio

2009-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have three glorious weeks ahead of me to just create dolls and art work,so that is exactly what i will be doing,how awesome!

I plan to sew about thirty dolls tomorrow or Tuesday and have them painted and finished to sell,I also want to give some of them their own special little boxes surrounded by the things they love,it will be fun.

I have been mixing different media to create dolls lately,cloth and clay,beads,layered fabric etc,its been interesting but Ive enjoyed most creating a one piece pattern and painting the little characters in acrylic,the just seem to come to life.

Well i hope to add more before the week end since I have time off and tell of my dollie adventures.

New Dolls ...

2009-01-26T01:16:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some new dolls made of cloth and paper clay and have completed two so far and hopefully they will be a hit on Etsy.

I have also been working on single piece pattered dolls and using paint to bring life to them,they have worked quite well and I am enjoying the process,I think though I will perhaps explore further with more texture and fibers and see what is born of it all.

Also I have been working on some paper clay figures in a whimsical theme,they are getting there and I'm looking forward to the end result,I want to make some box toppers as I love boxes and dolls,so why not mix them.

Well back to the doll makers studio to see what little beings I can bring to life.....

More dolls and bad bunnies!

2009-01-17T02:20:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day working on the dolls in my studio,I managed to achieve quite a bit but still I want more to happen!
The bad bunnies are coming along nicely and look suitably naughty,I think I will make some more perhaps in my holidays.

The cloth and paper clay dolls are nearing completion, just need to attach the hair,decorate the wings and add a few final blingy touches and they will be done and ready to sell,Im quite pleased with them and look forward to creating some more soon.

I think I have a round thirty dolls in the making at the moment and Im still thinking up more to create and finish,I have to choose which ones will go into the book yet and which ones to sell,mmm some thought is needed for this.

I have been using calico for most of my dolls,I cant seem to break away from it,it is so versatile,still I must experiment more with other types of cloth,perhaps I will try satin next.

More dolls being born!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-13T02:29:00.000-08:00

Ive been inspired and am fired up,I have new designs and lots to do,my studio is now kitted out to work on the dolls as well,so I hope to produce lots of dolls this year and sell them as well as add them to my new book.
I have been working in paper clay and cloth,using glass eyes in ways that i would not normally use them and doing a lot of free sewing on the dolls.
I plan to get much more intricate in my work and add more and more colour,Im very hyped up about it all!!!!!!!!!

dolls eyes.

2008-11-04T01:33:00.000-08:00

Ive been working out ways to put acrylic dolls eyes on cloth dolls,mmm not as easy as one would think,well anyway the good ol PVA wood glue has as always come to the rescue for this task.
I'm making some creepy rabbits and the doll eyes are just perfect for these creepy little guys,they just make them so much creepier.
The dolls have been on the back burner a bit lately as Ive been painting a bit more than usual,Ive been approached for an exhibit in the new year so Ive been focusing a bit more on that but the dolls will be 0platyed with this week ands some new little characters shall be born.
I have been thinking about the cloth that I use for my dolls and find that calico is my fave,I love to dye it and paint it,it takes a bashing quite well and I love it hardiness,it is tough and flexible for artists like my self who are rather abusive when working on dolls and other textile works.
SDo tips for the week is,if you want to really experiment and work textile dolls and othe rworks,calico will stand up to a lot of punishment.

from paper to cloth..

2008-10-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have been designing dolls the past couple of days for the book,I love this side of doll making,it is the beginning and conception of each little character that comes into my world.
I find that a few doodles will get me started and then from there I progress to character forming,then on to what I will use as materials & then the process of putting it all together until completion,very fun and very rewarding....

I use this method for most of my art work from boxes,assemblages,photos,books and paintings.

I recommend that every one keep lots of sketch books and reference books to use for this side of designing,I have around twenty to thirty books that I refer to all with my own designs and references in them.
Also keep mood board books and design board books to keep scraps of cloth,trim,colours,photos and other inspiration handy for the design process.

I photograph each project and keep it journaled for future reference,this way I can build from what I have already done and move forward with designs and characters.

Tip for the week,I find that because of my arthritic condition that stuffing can be a bit of a nightmare so if your have problems in this area you might like to try an old worn down bristle paint brush,use the hairy end to stuff with,it grips the fiber fill nicely and gets it in in half the time,make sure that the bristles are worn down to about half their original size and are stiff and and hard.

Dotee dolls

2008-09-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to much done this week in the doll department,but I have managed to get the dotee dolls a bit closer to being finished and the Tadmers with painted faces are a step closer as well,so not all was wasted.

I experimented with the Tadmers hair using different fibers,I still have quite a bit of embellishing to do on them before they are done,I have around five to eight different versions of the Tadmers made,I keep thinking that I haven't found the right look for them as yet,am I obsessive,perhaps.

I dragged out two dolls that I purchased from the two dollar store that I have been working on for some time,I am just following my instincts with them,just working it out as I go,which is fun and very unrestrictive,I think one will join the Tadmers,well its looking that way.

I find some awesome trims at the local craft store this week,I now visit once a week even if it is to buy only 5 dollars of something,at least I am keeping my stocks up to date,I find if I do it this way then I don't get frustrated when stocks get low.

I found some brilliant stretchy lacey trim that makes for great little tutu's on the smaller dolls and some wonderful batik cotton that will make some great mermaid style dolls,I love the craft store.

A days work.

2008-09-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

I spent the day finishing off the mary fairies and other dolls,The painted face Tadmers now have hair and tails they just need their little faces painted,I will finish off all the existing dolls and then work on the new designs,kinda excited about that....
Sadly I'm back to work tomorrow so I wont be doing much until Thursday but I will do a great deal of work on the dolls and the book once Thursday arrives,lots of sewing,painting and photography to come.
Until then have wonderful few days....

2008-09-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

The dolls are resting today,I haven't been able to work on them buts that ok,more will be born in the next few days,the tarty fairies will soon be finished and the painted face Tadmers as well.

The little round chubby fairy is almost put together and ready for painting and embellishing,she is going to be so cute,the womb dolls also are half way there as are the cone heads,yep Ive been busy with my little cloth companions.

My little teddy is about to get his eyes tonight so will soon be able to see and join his fellow swan st bears,I felted this little guys nose,now thats a first for me,a break away from tradition,he is too cute.

I went hunting for new buttons and lace today and found some beautiful bits and bobs,I also found some nice bottles at the super market that begged to be altered so Im thrilled with them and going to buy more this shopping day,though the juice in them was so bitter that even the teenagers said one was enough,now thats a first.

I wanted to buy some beaded trim but the cost is ridiculous so Ill make my own I think,its just getting around to it I guess,I did buy lots of nice ribbon and will be heading back next week to get some more material,I want to make some nice aprons for christmas gifts and saw some beautiful shabby chic sort of cloth that will be nice when made up,I also scored some lovely patterned felt for some plushies to make when I have time to fiddle around,maybe after the exhibit.

I think I will pop off and make a roast,chow.

2008-09-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't had much of a chance to work this last few days,Ive been in a bit too much pain but I did get to muck around a bit and finish a couple of dolls and take others to a near complete state.

I had my camera out for a play around as well so I haven't been totally fruitless though I would have liked to do more.

Oh well hopefully Ill get more done mid week and I'm feeling better by then,I would like to get some more of the books done and more dolls completed but I wont count on it because I might be shuffling doctors etc, blahblahblah...I want to create not sit in dull old waiting rooms watching the wall clock and flicking through old magazines,its all so hoohum.

I have almost finished dark dollie,I needle felted her hair today,I just have to dress her and she is done,she tried to get me to paint today,I found her playing around my paint powders but I was to lazy and sorry for myself to mix up any nice new watercolors,I do so love mixing my own colors though,there is something magical about creating my own colors with the different pigments and binder,mmm perhaps tomorrow.

I have an exhibition coming up in a few weeks so I might have to get cracking on the paintings for a while but I do miss my dollies when its exhibit time.

I'm selling off my kick wheel since my ankle is messed up so I will convert that space into a work area in the bigger studio to make ceramic doll heads and jewelery,I'm looking forward to that when ever it happens,still it will be nice to get out there when it warms up a bit,Ill fire up the kilns and get cooking.

Ok I think that about does it for now,Ill pop over to my other blog and fill in on the painting side of things,so untill next time keep creative.

I need sleep...

2008-09-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Im so sleepy but wanted to give a quick blog tonight,I will be doing more doll work tomorrow so will post any pics I have on their progress in the next three days or so.
I think I am finally getting the hang of the lay outs ect on this blog site,at long last.
O k well Ill be back tomorrow with an update on the creative process of my dolls and what ever else happens.

A very dollie weekend...

2008-08-30T04:32:00.001-07:00

Ive been working like mad on dolls for three days,my desk is overloaded with cutsie little beings and bright colors.
Ive been painting,sewing,photographing like mad,my book is now two more pages further than it was last week,hooray!
Ive been experimenting with mohair and sculpy,cloth,acrylic,coffee,boxes,lace,bits and bobs,my studio is in chaos and my hubby has left,nah not really but he has hinted at a tidy up but hey when I'm on a roll I'm best left alone to continue with the creative flow,Ill be back to the real world tomorrow and wont be free to create until next Thursday,so Ill be up late tonight.
I have also been working on some watercolors to keep the flow going,I find that I work better if I break things up.
Ive also done more on my little inspiration books ,I love doing them ,they keep me focused,Im working on dreamy bedrooms and sweet treats,the are such eye candy and fun.
Well enough talking to myself and onto more paint and play,so until next time keep creative.

2008-08-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm trying my hand at setting up better blog,Im not game to retouch my other one incase I lose it so here goes on a new one,I will be adding mostly my doll and crafting work here and my painting and photographing on the other.

I am working on some new doll designs at the moment,Im trying a whole lot of looks with a single pattern and seeing what I can come up with,it will be fun to see some little characters be born.