Folk Art Madonna and Child

Below,is a pic of the final construction. I covered all the batting by hand-stitching in place a knit meant for bathing suit, and active-wear lining...As I've said before, this is the first doll of this type I ever made, And had it not been for the generosity of other doll makers, I don't think I would have the gumption to undertake the process...A special thank You to my talented friend Flora, of Bonehead Studios and also the very talented "A little Bit Wired", whose visuals were invaluable to my progress...Thank YOU to all of you out there who share the "mysterious" in Figurative Arts!

Getting so close!!

I'm Nearly done with my Nativity figure of Mary, and now here she is holding Baby Jesus...Every decision in the process has been a new experience for me. I just applied the hair today, using hair I've held onto for many years, from my daughter's first, big haircut!..I used the technique and tutorial Antonette Cely describes on her website.

What I've Been Up To....

During these days of record low temperatures, I wanted to do something cheeky,
just for fun to keep myself entertained, and Rivkah Mizrahi's Betty Boop Doll challenge filled the bill!
We are using the vintage Betty Boop pattern that is circulated all over..Rivkah
made the astute observation that the pattern is so readily available, but has yet to ever see one made up! Given the popularity of the character, Why is that???
So that being said, my task was laid out. This doll pattern really is a hoot, and a lot of fun. I have already finished the head and body construction, and will soon bring her to life..If you would like to do the Boop, hop over to Rivkah's blog for details. (link in my side bar under Art Doll Blog) I will be posting progress
pics later on today when I return from work!!...Catch you later!!


OK!..I'm Back!!..Now more on Betty Boop's Progress!



This pattern called for knit, but I didn't have enough on hand, so I used a pale, flesh-toned cotton. The construction is also a little unusual from most dolls I've made. The arms and torso are one piece, and I had wired her fingers,arms and legs. I also trimmed down the very large hands. Thinking now,I should have done as Rivkah, and just redrawn them. I have also added darts at every bending joint to tighten up her saggy skin, which may have been the result of using cotton rather than a more elastic knit???...hoping someone else in the challenge will provide the answer! lol..The head is also very unique!..You will just have to get the pattern to see what I mean! ;-)...Even with all these little thought-provoking twists and turns,
I have found this vintage pattern very much worth doing! She was after-all, designed as a rag doll but I have added my own spin to it!..stay tuned!!..My Betty will be making her debut very soon! ;-)

Happy 2010!!

Here is my first finish of the Year!!..His egg-timer didn't go off,
so he's a little late arriving!..lol..He is a challenge doll for
the yahoo International hand-stitchers group,..but oops..maybe he doesn't quite
fit the scheme of fantasy?? regardless, I feel like a winner already since he's not a swap, I get to keep him! ;-)
His egg was one of my left-over paper mache snow-globes, so glad it didn't go to waste, and it's bubbling over with celebratory champagne made simply with glittered bubble wrap...The doll was a pattern adapted from the freebie Mannequin pattern by Judi Ward. I altered it by doing some strategic stuffing and sculpting.
Oh Yes!, and his clock which forever strikes Midnight, is made from a small,grungied jar lid.
The last pic of the rear view has my parting shot to 2009!..Here's hoping for better
days to come..ok!..I go to my corner now!! ;-D LOL