Big Nose Fae Update & Name

Hooray! I have finally chosen a name for my big nose fae. It is Avarona Milkweed. Her first name is Celtic in origin, sadly I do not know it's meaning. Her last name reveals a bit of her nature. She will be a little mischievous faery.

This past Friday, my husband and I went to our most favorite place on the planet, the Golden D'or. Golden D'or is a huge fabric outlet in the Dallas fabric district. They have every kind of fabric you could ever imagine and the best prices to boot. I found a nice light green stretch velvet to make Avarona's dress out of, and some lovely iridescent organza for her wings. I can't wait to get started on her costume.

Today, I just finished drying out her feet and calves. Now that they are dry, I can sand and refine them as needed. Her arms are finished. Her face still needs some work. Also, I have added more detail to her chest. She now has shoulder blades and collar bones.

Be sure to check back for more details. Lastly, I have included a sneak peek at my next creation.

Happy Dollmaking!

Big Nose Fae Update

Today, I have been working on my Big Nose Fae. Yesterday was spent trying to make the right cloth body for her. After my third attempt and a few cuss words later, I finally got the cloth body the way I wanted it. Hooray! After I stuffed the torso, I made a simple paperclay chest. I glued the wooden dowel for the neck in place. Then I baked it for two hours at 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The approach is to create an inner structure or support system first, then add details. Then I attached the head by slipping it onto the wooden dowel and built up the neck. Next, I created some daring cleavage for her. Now, all that needs to dry. I think I might let it dry naturally for now.

Her hands and feet are in the works as well.

I look forward to completing this fairy. My goal is to sell her on Ebay next Tuesday May 1 or by Sunday May 6.

In the meantime, please check out my auction for Orangeblossom Danderfluff on Ebay. She ends at 7:30 pm Pacific on Tuesday May 1.

Orangeblossom Danderfluff OOAK Troll Doll on Sale at Ebay

It is official. My troll now has a name and is on sale at Ebay. Orangeblossom Danderfluff is a young troll. She enjoys collecting rare mushrooms and tender roots during her walks through the woods. Orangeblossom is very shy and tends to be a bookworm. She loves to cook and hopes to specialize in medicine just like her grandmother.

This auction will start on Tuesday April 24 at 7:30 pm Pacific. It will end on Tuesday May 1 at 7:30 pm Pacific. Be sure to bid before she is gone forever. Thanks!

Troll in Progress...costume and hair

Here is my troll with wearing her new clothes. Her blouse is made from a vintage green silk blouse. Her skirt is simple burgandy broadcloth that has been tea-stained and distressed. Her apron is unbleached muslin. Lastly, her leggings are made from a bright green knit. I used the last of my strawberry blonde mohair for her hair. Now I need to add some details, but I don't know just what at this point. Click on the pictures for a better view.

Happy Dollmaking!

Troll in Progress

Mama wants an airbrush. So I need to sell some dolls on Ebay. I do love Etsy, but I get more instant gratification with Ebay. I am currently working on a troll. My big-nosed fae is still drying. She is to date the largest doll I have sculpted. So while she dries, I figured I'd make a troll to sell.

Here is a sneak peek. She doesn't have any hair yet or a costume, but I intend to take care of that on Sunday. She is made out of cloth and paperclay. Believe it or not this is the same pattern I used to make Queen Vasina. I have since changed the body and shortened the fingers. Her body is filled with plastic pellets so she can sit. I worked on making the doll more interesting with a tilted head and eyes looking to the side. Also, she will be holding an egg.

I am sure I will have to sell quite a few trolls and faeries before I can get that airbrush.

Happy Dollmaking!

Doll Artist Links

I have updated my doll links recently. Just added is Julien Martinez, Forest Rogers, Michelle Bradshaw, Jill Willich, and Teresa Baker. These artists use all kinds of media. So you will find all types of inspiration. I know I certainly do.

New Obnoxious Banner

I just made a new banner advertising my blog. It is really gaudy and obnoxious, but man do I love it. I made it for ooakdollart.com, a nice community for one-of-a-kind doll artists. You should go and see all the great artists there.

Feast your eyes!

From Thumbnail to Sculpt or Campaign for Real Faeries

Last night, I did a lot of sewing. So as a break, I decided to draw some big-nosed creatures. The sketch above is the one I was most satisfied with. Then I went to bed, but I couldn't stop thinking about my drawing. Sometimes when you create something, they have a tendency to run around and shout, attracting attention to themselves. So I got up and pulled out the paperclay and started to sculpt. Here are some pictures of the rough sculpt. I look forward to working on her some more. She needs to set up and dry out before I can continue.

Lastly, I have to decided to start my own campaign for real faeries. More on that at another time. Until then, happy dollmaking.

Paperclay Sculpt Update: Arms and Legs

I just finished sewing her legs on. Her legs and feet are pretty rough, but I still need to practice quite a bit before I am any good at it. But, nevertheless, my doll is ready to measure and start drafting clothing patterns. Green is my favorite color and I have an abundance of green fabric. So her dress will be green. First I need to make her some underclothing. I'll start with some bloomers, a smock-style shift, then maybe a petticoat. I love to layer clothes. Please check back to see her progress. Also, please click on her picture for a better view.

Happy Dollmaking!

Paperclay Sculpt with hair

Now I have glued a hand-sewn Tibetan lambskin wig onto her head. Since this doll is an exploration, I didn't want to use my good supplies. In case I mess up, it's not that big a loss. I used Nicola Allison's wigmaking techniques from her how-to video. It's really a good dvd and I highly recommend it. That's all for now. Be sure to check back often for more updates of this doll.

Paperclay Sculpt Update

Here are some photos of the latest progress on this head. I went and fixed a few things such as her right upper eyelid and worked the upper lip. Then I sanded and sanded and sanded some more. I think it is okay for a first attempt at this sort of thing. I have some other pieces in paperclay, but they are about two inches in size. I am more comfortable working on a smaller scale. The head pictured above is about four to five inches. At any rate, I painted three coats of acrylic paint and lightly sanded in between each coat. Next I used watercolor pencils to enhance her eyes, eyebrows and lips. I had the most difficulty with the lips. Originally I wanted to use acrylic paint for the lips, but opted to go with the watercolor pencil. Eh, I don't really like it that much, but have decided to stick with it for now.

I have made her some paperclay hands and a soft-sculpted body. When I have finished sculpting her feet, I will take some more pictures. All in all she will be a twenty-four inch doll and will remain in my personal collection. Stay tuned for more.