To Golly or Not To Golly...

Golliwoggs

While looking on the web for doll patterns for one of my personal favorites, the Golliwog, I came across really ignorant dismissals of such an adorable character. In fact, some went so far as to call fans of this character racists. What a shame! It is perplexing and fascinating the range of emotions Golliwogs ellicite. It made me think of Spike Lee's film, Bamboozled in which the main character played by Damon Wayans is an executive at a major t.v. network. When his ideas for a serious black show (because it is not black enough) are turned down, he retaliates with creating an all-black minstrel show called Mantan--The New Millennium Minstrel Show. In effect, Spike Lee's powerful and engaging film examines black culture as seen by non-blacks. You either love the film or hate it.
On the same note, Ralph Bakshi made a parody of Disney's Song of the South called Streetfight a.k.a Coonskin a.k.a Bustin' Out. I think it has somewhat the same flavor as Bamboozled. An interesting bit of trivia is in researching his film, Bakshi interviewed black people in Harlem what it feels like to be black in America. My favorite part is the woman telling the story about this cockroach who shares her apartment. I do hope that there will be a nice dvd edition someday, perhaps they can even out the soundtrack too.
I can only say this much, these images will have whatever power you give them. As for the golliwoggs, I will continue to enjoy and make them.
If you are interested in reading The Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg' by Bertha Upton , click here.

Harpy: Nibblefest Entry for May 20

My entry for this month's Nibblefest is an art doll named Harpy. According to Wikipedia a Harpy is the following:
In Greek mythology, the Harpies (snatchers) were beautiful winged women best known for constantly stealing all food from Phineas before he could eat any of it, enforcing a punishment declared by Zeus, although at least one mythological tradition has the Harpies defiling the food instead of stealing it. This led them into conflict with the Argonauts. In later traditions they were transformed into winged hags with sharp bird-talons, which is how they are popularly known.

A medieval depiction of a Harpy.

What the heck is Nibblefest?

Nibblefest Art Contest (NFAC) is a themed art contest beginning on the 20th of each month on Ebay. The person with the most unique bids wins an award they can display on their "me" page. All auctions last for seven days. Some may choose to do a five or three day auction, but it still has to end on the same date as the seven day auction. To make it fair, the auctions must start at 99 cents. So go check it out by searching NFAC on Ebay or if you are interested in joining the group, please click here.

I made my Harpy in one day. That's right, I was busy working on other dolls and just didn't have time to focus. I already knew what I wanted to make. So it was easy to design a pattern and go from there. I am proud of my doll. It's neat what you can do when you have a deadline.

Antique Children's Fashions 1880-1900

Don't let the title of this little gem fool you. There is so much information packed into this book it isn't even funny.
The topics range from a short illustrated history of costume from 1880 to 1900, how to make your own pleater and a nice pull-out pattern section. I am so glad I grabbed this book from Amazon. If you are interested in making doll clothes, I highly recommend this book.

Good Book

Sewing & Sculpting Dolls by Eloise
Piper

This is one of the first books I got on dollmaking. I grab it off of the shelves every now and then when I get stuck on a problem. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in making dolls. The author has a nice way of teaching this subject that isn't intimidating. My favorite thing about this book is how Eloise Piper encourages you to experiment. So go out and buy this book and make a good investment in yourself.

Memoirs of a Doll

"If we look close, yes, very close, the doll is the pivot of humanity; such as are the little girls of one period with their dolls, such will be the woman of a few years later." from Memoirs of a Doll (1853).

Wicked Twins Rock!, March 6, 2006
A Kid's Review (Amazon.com): I am 11 years old and I have 23 Bratz Dolls. I can't wait to buy the new Wicked Twin Bratz Dolls. I hate MY Scenes and Barbie Dolls. Bratz's Rule!!!!

Dear Prudence,

Here is Prudence, the finished doll (see previous post). My inspiration is the 1850's. Her dress is from a pattern from 1855. It is a Yoke Bodice dress. She will be up for auction on Ebay today at 7 pm central. Please take a look and I thank you for your bids.

A work in progress

My doll in a zen pose.

Here is my doll in the beggining stages. Her head is needle-sculpted. Hair is attached next. For my big dolls, I concentrate more on the head and costume. This doll is made from a simple rag doll pattern. There is no need to fuss about the body because it is covered up by the dress. This doll is 30 inches tall.

I have returned.

Well, since it has been over a year since I last blogged, I thought I should update. Yes my website is finished, and when I can, I update it.

There now, I feel better about this.