Let's hear it for the boy!

In the doll making world, the guys are under appreciated. First off, there are fewer male doll artists. Those who do create dolls are excellent. Then there are fewer male characters produced. I can tell you from experience and comparing notes with my peers, that the male dolls don't sell as well. Even when part of a pair. I can't explain it really. Less glamour than their female counter parts?

Here's a new cloth doll pattern by Linda Walsh. Linda's patterns always come with a complete story for each doll. Peter here is no exception. Dressed in Colonial style with those big brown eyes, who could resist this guy? You can read his full story on Doll Street Dreamers.

Pas de deux online class

I am excited about this online class from Barbara Schoenoff. Barbara is a master cloth doll maker and shows it with this lovely couple. The class will lead you step-by-step through the making and costuming of each doll. So it's kind of a two-for-one deal, since the class creates both dolls.

The dolls are dressed in 18th century costumes and the couple both are wearing powdered wigs and make up.

Class starts February 7 on Doll Street Dreamers. Follow the link to register.

Best in Show

It's so rewarding when you get feedback on one your cloth doll patterns. This time was even more exciting, because it was from family. My sister-in-law, Marie, is part of the Women's Institute in Wales (UK). Every year they have a competition at local, regional and national levels to showcase all aspects of member's skills.

The Milford Haven chapter chose a Japanese them and created floral, food, crafts and a doll with the Japanese theme. The group won First Place at the County level and Second place at the National level! They only came second place because someone made a mistake and cut the cake!

Here's a closer look at Marie's geisha. Isn't she lovely? I'm so proud of her!

Doll costuming at its best!

Barbara Schoenoff brings us this  costuming class with a difference. Not only will you make Paulina, the cloth doll, but her clothing is removable! It's being hosted by Doll Street Dreamers.

Paulina is a 20” cloth doll inspired by the soft edged, dreamlike, lovely women painted by Renoir. Paulina’s body is darted and intricate giving her the curves and contours of her time. Her 1880’s walking suit and underwear are fully removable allowing for more clothing to come.
An intermediate skill level in sewing would be helpful but not absolutely necessary. Most important is bringing a desire to make a doll and explore.
Techniques include pattern piecing, articulating fingers, face sculpting and painting, wire armature, bustle gown making and embellishment. .


The class will flow as follows:
Lesson One

Supply list and selection of materials

Discussion of sewing terms

Basic techniques

Making the body

Lesson two

Armature

Legs and Feet

Stuffing

Attaching limbs

Lesson Three

Head

Sculpting the Face

Coloring the Face

Attaching the Head to Body

Lesson Four
Underwear; pantalets, camisole, petticoat and stockings

Lesson Five

Skirt

Jacket

Lesson Six

Shoes

Spats

Hat

Finishing

There are lots of photos of the construction and easily followed step-by-step instructions – and of course, a classroom where you can discuss and share your progress. So join in and have some fun and let Barbara guide you through this enjoyable journey.

Class begins November 15, 2013 Won't you join us? Click to Register

Cloth doll class now a pattern!

Colleen Babcock has taken one of her live classes and made it into a cloth doll pattern for us. This is Ascending. The cloth doll has amazing posture and reaches up for joy.

 Now available on Doll Street. Click the image to order your downloadable pattern. That means you get  it today, folks! A whole class in a pattern - $15! What value!

What's your favourite color?

Mine is green. This guy began life a long time ago.  He was gong to be Oberon and I had him dressed all in woodland green. I loved his boots and his pants, but somehow, his costume didn't get much further than a shirt. So he sat. 

I also realized his head was too small. 

Then along came my interest in steampunk and he came to light again. You might say he stepped forward!  I could cure his too small head with a big hat! So I made a big hat. Nice!  Lots of hair and facial hair, enlarged his face and head. Success! I love it when a loose plan comes together. 

I had this green velvet and made him a frock coat. My friend Wendy had made a doll with a telescope, so I was inspired to add one to this guy. I call him Dr Scopic. I think ,keeping with my green theme made him successful. 

Does the green work for you?

New classes

It's been a busy week for me. I've had no time to create for myself, I've been so busy with the creative people at Doll street! I've been adding new things to the pattern shop and new classes.

I won't be going to AFICC this year. These doll gatherings are a blast. I am sad to miss out on the fun. Still, Dawn Schiller is teaching there and debuting her Egg-Static class on Doll Street! Hooray! I'm honoured she chose to debut it on Doll Street. I will open the class to registration on Monday.

You know I love dragons. well, Judith prior sent me pictures of Ambrose and I had to have this class! This cloth dragon is needle sculpted and painted in unusual ways. Very hot! (Dragons can't be Cool, because they are so Hot!)

Are you taking any classes or attending any conference this spring?

Beat the Heat

It's a hot Friday here in Ottawa. I am playing hooky and getting some work done at home. Mostly watering the garden, which is not really hard work. Then the bookkeeping, which is!

I am aiming to get back to this figure I began some weeks ago. It's a Paverpol figure, which perfectly reflects life as it was the day I sculpted him. I designed it to be a companion piece to this one:

They will each sit on their own shelf, but face away from each other. The sentiments being of "Go Away" and "Stay."

Have I got it right?

Meanwhile, I'm hoping to see the Van Gogh show that is in town this summer. Plus, my online classes are starting to teach Yvette ( at A for Artistic) and Dance With the Stars (at Doll Street). Won't you join me? Click the images to register.

Yvette online class. Click here.

Dance With The Stars online class. Click here.