I am a Dollmaker.

Happy Day of the Dead!

2011-11-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Little Red-Head Waldorf Doll

2011-10-29T18:13:00.001-07:00

A one-of-a-kind Waldorf doll by Coppermouse Dolls. She features red hair made from Tibetan lambskin and is twelve inches tall. This doll will be for my daughter because her first Waldorf doll is getting pretty ragged. I can't tell you how many times I've cleaned that doll.

I Made Something Today

2011-10-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my absence, but I am back! I made this cute little seven inch Waldorf doll for my daughter as a stocking stuffer. She has a wire skeleton, stuffed with wool and real mohair braids. Thanks for looking!!!

Grandpa Harvey and the Twins now on Etsy

2011-05-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce to you Grandpa Harvey and the Twins. What a proud Grandpa he is too! This little family is available on Etsy.

Ugly Little Doodle: Vampire Child

2011-05-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

Big Bad Wolf Doll

2011-04-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is one of those dolls which sat around for nearly two years. Two years! After I finished Agatha Muntz, I got the bug to work on my wolf. Since, the wolf is a new doll, I had to draft his wardrobe. So after a couple of malfunctions, I finished him. That's all I can think to write for now. I'll be back with more information.

Just Finished Agatha Muntz

2011-04-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ugly Little Doodle: Cthulu Child

2011-04-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ugly Little Doodle

2011-04-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

2011-03-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am finally at work on another doll. Hooray!

Hoffman Fabric Challenge Doodle 2011

2011-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Just playing around with the idea of entering this year. Between you and me, I need the challenge. :)

Bendy Tutorial PDF

2011-01-05T08:01:00.001-08:00

I am currently hard at work on the costume section of the bendy tutorial. I hope to have it posted either today or tomorrow.

Yeah! I have finished the tutorial. If you should have any problems with it, please let me know in the comment section.

Click here for the PDF.

6 1/2" Bendy Doll Tutorial

2011-01-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

I love those bendy dolls that are used in Waldorf schools and toys. I am making a small doll of the Virgin Mary for Epiphany for our nature table. So instead of spending six or seven dollars on just one bendy doll, I spent the money instead on supplies to make my own. Please enjoy this tutorial. I hope it helps you in your Waldorf journey!

Download the PDF!

Supply List:
Drill
Drill Bits
Wood Glue
Bonsai Tree Training Wire 5/32”
Wire Cutters
(2) Wood Split Egg 7/8 x 1.26”
(2) Wood Round Beads ½”; 1/8” Hole
(1) Wood Ball Knob 1 ¼”; 3/16” Hole
(1) Piece of Wood 1” x 3” x ½”

Body:
Take the 1” x 3” x ½” piece of wood and mark where you will drill the holes.

Next, using a drill with a 5/32” drill bit, drill the holes for the neck, arms, and legs. Drill all the way through the wood for the arms and legs (two holes on each side). For the neck hole on top, trill until you reach the arm holes.

Arms, Legs and Neck Wire:
Measure the bonsai wire and cut with the wire cutters. One wire will serve as both arms and one wire will serve as both legs.
Neck - 2”
Arms - 7.5”
Legs - 8”

Feet:
Take the split egg and drill 3/8” from the heel on top of egg.

Assembly:
First put some glue into the drilled holes of the head, body, hands, and feet. Next, insert wire for the arms in the body. Continue for the legs. Insert neck into body. Now attach head bead, hand beads and lastly, the split eggs for the feet. Bend the legs down into a standing position. Find the doll’s balance. Leave the arms straight so the hand beads will not slip off as the glue dries. Allow the glue to dry overnight or use an oven on the lowest setting and stand the doll on a metal pan and cook for a couple of hours. You are now finished.

Supply Resources:
Wood Pieces are available at Hobby Lobby, or you may order from www.craftsetc.com.

Bonsai tree training wire was purchased off of eBay a long time ago. You may find it at better home and garden centers. A personal note about this wire and why I like it so much is because it is capable of taking a lot of abuse. It can be bent over and over again will not break. So one may pose it over and over again and not worry about it breaking at an elbow or knee. Great for doll house dolls in my opinion.

2010-12-31T22:21:00.001-08:00

Deepest Gratitude

2010-12-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to my dear customers. All my ugly children and trolls now have new homes thanks to you!

Happy Holidays!

Melisa

Krampus Completed

2010-11-16T03:02:00.000-08:00

At last, my Krampus doll is complete. He is twelve inches tall. He is made out of paper-clay and cloth. He is wearing a red velveteen dalmatic trimmed with gold ribbon and white lace. His shock of black hair is faux fur. If you are not already a member of my mailing list, please consider joining. Add your email address to the Yahoo group located on the right hand side of my blog. Thanks!

SOLD

Krampus Sketch

2010-11-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a little sketch of my Krampus doll.

Next Project

2010-10-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation (procrastination), I've finally decided what my next project will be. Drum roll, please. KRAMPUS! Stay tuned for more updates. If you'd like to be notified when I have a doll ready to sell, please consider joining my mailing list located on the right-hand side of my blog. Thanks!

Ugly Little Witch Now Available on Ebay

2010-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

My ugly little witch is now on Ebay. Be sure to bid before she's gone.

Ugly Little Witch

2010-09-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

One of a kind and all handmade ugly little witch by Coppermouse Dolls. She is made out of cloth and paperclay and finished with acylic paints. She stands at twelve inches and with the hat she is fourteen inches. I'll post more about her later. I plan on selling her on Ebay this week. If you are interesting in joining my mailing list, enter your email address and click the Yahoo button to the right side of my blog. Thanks!

Moving Right Along...

2010-09-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

digga, dum, digga, dum.

Fall and Old Habits...

2010-09-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

The slight chill in the air is suggesting that Fall is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter. Stores are now displaying Autumn motifs and some even have Halloween costumes and candy out on the shelves. It's making the little kid in me...giddy.

I've loved Fall ever since I can remember. The leaves on the trees changing color from green to yellow, red and brown is just about the most beautiful thing I can think of. It makes my summer-suffering dormant imagination turn on. Maybe it's because I was born late in the year or something. I don't know.

The latest poem from Calender of the Soul seems to hit the nail on the head for me:

There dims in damp autumnal air
The senses' luring magic;
The light's revealing radiance
Is dulled by hazy veils of mist.
In distances around me I can see
The autumn's winter sleep;
The summer's life has yielded
Itself into my keeping.

So old habits die hard. I must make some foul and ugly little children. All they are going to do is run around in my head until I release them through cloth and clay. I still adore my Waldorf dolls, but there is something about my nasty little ones which satisfies me in only the special way that they are capable of.

Without further ado, here is what I,m working on.

Little Toddler Doll on Etsy

2010-07-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

I have finished a doll I started last year. There are about three more left which I hope, over time, to finish. So here is your chance to buy one of my primitive dolls. She is listed on Etsy. You may click here to visit her.

New Blog

2010-06-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

It seems that since the birth of my baby girl, I have undergone a transformation. My spirit is more inclined towards soft and squishy things. Hugs and cuddles appear at the top of my list more often than not. It has been difficult lately to make my unattractive and mentally unsound children. I know someday they might reappear, but for now, I am more interested in making Waldorf dolls and other little fantasy creatures.

This is not an end to Coppermouse Dolls, just a conclusion to this particular chapter of dollmaking. Please feel free to visit my new blog at:

http://cmwaldorfdolls.blogspot.com/

Best wishes,
Melisa

Maddy's Cow

2010-04-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Maddy's cow (nicknamed Vivaldi due to the fact I listened to nothing but Vivaldi while I worked on it) is complete. I'd like to hang her up over the moon lamp tomorrow. I sure enjoyed making this piece for Maddy. Next I'd like to make a tiger because that is Maddy's favorite animal at the moment.

Waldorf Dolls on Sale

2010-04-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Waldorf Dolls on Sale!

$60

This precious little water-baby is ready to swim her way into your heart.

From the tip of her tail fin to the top of her head, she measures 13 inches (33 cm).

She is made with cotton knit interlock fabric, hand-dyed batik, clean carded wool, ric-rac, muslin and yarn.

Her little hand-quilted clam shell top is permanently sewn onto her body.

Her arms are jointed for posing.

The lower half of her body is filled with millet in order to give her a little weight.

Click to buy Mermaid Waldorf Doll!

$40

This little doll is ready to go home to you and help create a magical world for your little one.

She is made from muslin and cotton jersey, 100% carded wool, cotton and the soles of her shoes are man made materials.

Her arms and legs are jointed. She measures 10 inches tall. Her clothes are removable with Velcro closures. She is wearing a 100% cotton dress with bloomers.

Click here to buy this Waldorf Doll!

While the Monkey is Sleeping...

2010-04-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

My little one is taking a snooze which is the perfect time to get a little work done. I am about to finish sculpting a cow. Yes, that's right, a cow. It's going to hang in the bedroom and jump over the moon. My hubby found the perfect moon lamp to go with the cow. Here is the sketch I made of the cow. You will notice the monkey's contributions to my idea.

As I finish this post, the cow is cooking in the oven. When it's finished, I'll post some pictures.

New work on the distant horizon.

2010-03-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

Some time has passed now and despite my love for waldorf dolls, I feel that my ugly, nasty little girls are my true passion. Today I was actually able to work on of them. This doll is inspired by a horrible little wretch at the library. Would you believe she had two black eyes and severe chapped lips. She went around the library bullying children much smaller than her, which included my daughter, my seventeen month old daughter who is unable to walk. A sort of yapping sound pierced the hush of the library. "Sheee-LAH STOP THAT! It was Shelah's mother I suppose diciplining Shelah while talking on her iphone. Shelah went on to push my child off a toy. The look I gave her did so much more than miss iphone. Shelah found some other toy of interest and my daughter got to finish her turn with the toy. I look forward to finishing sculpting the hair, painting and sewing her costume.

Waldorf Doll #7 WIP

2010-01-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Now granted this is only my seventh attempt at making a Waldorf doll, but I find myself very challenged by this style of dollmaking. Mind you, it is a frustrating but welcome challenge. The aspect I find most difficult is maintaining the integrity of the Waldorf tradition while at the same time attempting some sort of originality. The diamond standard for this type of doll is simplicity. Less is more. A blank slate for the child to imprint their personality and spirit is crucial, but as an artist I am torn. How much of a blank slate does one need?

Well...back the grindstone.

Mermaid Waldorf Doll

2009-12-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at my latest Waldorf doll. She is the fourth one I've made and I am completely hooked. In fact, I can hardly wait to get started on the next doll.

10 inch Jointed Waldorf Doll on Etsy

2009-12-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

Now available on Etsy.

Biten by the Waldorf Bug

2009-12-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am truly enamored with this style of dollmaking.

Eight Inch Waldorf-style Root Child

2009-11-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

In between doll projects, I wanted to make my daughter a small root child. It is made from recycled materials. An old stained onsie was used for the hands and head, and a thrift find was used for the body and hat. Her body is weighted with millet. I've never made a doll like this before. The experience was quite enjoyable.

Little Tiny Hand

2009-10-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show the scale of this doll hand.

New WIPs

2009-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

This doll is greatly inspired by my love of German paper mache dolls from the 19th century, in particular the work of Andreas Voit. Ah, someday when the debts are paid off, I will own my very own Voit doll. In the meantime, I just have to drool over pictures and sculpt my own little versions of them. Lastly, I used my daughter's hair as reference for this doll. Stay tuned for more pictures.

Now on Ebay

2009-09-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Lil' Pouty Pumpkin Girl
My latest work is now available on Ebay.

Lil' Pouty Pumpkin

2009-09-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

Lil' Pouty Pumpkin WIP 4

2009-09-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Bloomers are fixed. She is wearing a simple muslin petticoat. Her dress is near completion. All it is lacking is the collar. I hope to finish her today.

Lil' Pouty Pumpkin WIP Part 3

2009-09-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Her bloomers are too long. Gotta fix'em! :)

Lil' Pouty Pumpkin WIPs Part 2

2009-09-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

Lil' Pumpkin is now painted and assembled. Now I need to make her costume.

Lil' Pouty Punkin WIPs

2009-09-07T23:45:00.001-07:00

Ah it is so good to finally get the chance to work on a doll. Come back and check on her progress. If you're interested in this doll when she's finished, why not join my mailing list. Use the form on the right hand side of this blog.

2009-07-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've Been Missing My Dollies

2009-04-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

My blog is on quite the hiatus, and that is due in part to two things. First, raising my sweet little one which is something I don't want to miss one second of. Second, my husband is starting a new job and as a result, we are in the process of moving which is something I don't mind missing out on. So with being a Mommy and packing up the house, there just isn't any time to make things.

At some point in the near future, I look forward to making dolls again. I know it won't be too long. So please, bookmark my blog and stop by again.

Lastly, I am discontinuing my Polymer Clay Eye tutorial until I am moved in to our new house and we have an internet connection. Look for it sometime in the month of June.

WIP

2009-02-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

The temporary photography studio has at last been set up. So I am pleased to present a sneak-peek of my latest work-in-progress. It is going to be a little girl with a golden yellow dress. At least, that is what I am thinking she will wear. You know how fickle these little ones can be.

More Doodles and Updates

2009-02-05T06:44:00.001-08:00

Believe it or not, I've actually been working on a doll. In between surgery (which went quite well and thanks for all of the kind comments), feedings, diapers and playtime with the little tot, I've managed to do some more doodles and work on a doll.

I'll need to find a new place to set up my photography set, so in the meantime, doodles will have to do.

The drawing, or rather caricature, up above is based off of a little girl from 1906. She looks so sad, but that is the magic of her face. There is so much character present on someone so young. Of course, I just had to add a gigantic hair bow.

It has been an interesting time of artistic introspection. By which I mean to say, my work has taken a slightly new direction. To begin with, I have designed a new hand pattern, added a little more realism (not too much) and worked on the concept of free-standing dolls. The doll I am currently working on is slightly larger than what I normally would do.

Lastly, it has been almost a year since I have sold a doll on eBay. So depending on how the auction goes with this doll, I may change where I sell my dolls. Consequently, if you are interested in when I list a doll for sale, please join my Yahoo mailing list located on the right side of this blog.

Well, it's almost time to feed the little one, thanks for stopping by.

Speaking of the little one, here she is in her silk baptism gown I made for her.

Got Some Ideas Rolling Around

2008-12-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Early Christmas morning, I had a few minutes to myself. I had just finished wrapping some presents and was bitten by the drawing bug. It also led to some ideas for a new doll pattern. The drawing above is a caricature of my daughter Maddy. The drawing was scanned and finished in Photoshop. Hopefully within the next few months, I can get back to making some dolls. In the meantime, I am having surgery on Monday December 29th. I'll need a few weeks to recover and then I'll be as good as new. :)

Introducing Our Daughter Madeline Grace

2008-11-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

On November 8th, I gave birth to my darling little girl Madeline Grace. She was born at 5:43 am and weighed 9 pounds 1 1/2 ounces. We are extremely happy and are finally settling into the new and exciting territory of parenthood.

Fashion Doll and Edgar Allen Poe Doll WIPs

2008-08-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here are two dolls in progress for your viewing pleasure. The top will be a fashion doll based off of a German fashion doll from 1850. The bottom doll is my interpretation of Edgar Allen Poe. I am unable to decide which one to complete first. We'll just have to see where they want to go.

I am officially six months pregnant now with our first child, Madeline. Things are going so much better now with the pregnancy. My husband and I are very excited and can't wait to see and hold her.

Blog Make-over

2008-07-22T11:38:00.001-07:00

Normally, I wait until the end of the year to give my blog a face lift. But this time, I just couldn't wait. I may tinker around with it some more at a later time.

Whew! Hoffman Doll Completed

2008-07-17T01:20:00.001-07:00

"Eleanor"
by
Coppermouse Dolls
14.5" in height
Cloth, paperclay, wood and brass.
Original pattern by Coppermouse Dolls.

Oh my gosh! I didn't think I'd ever finish this doll. I had no idea how much being pregnant can take the steam out of you. At any rate, she's completed. She's now on her way to Colorado for the Hoffman 2008 Fabric Challenge.

You may notice the jacket is a different fabric or rather the correct fabric for the challenge. You see, I had this hinky feeling that something wasn't right. So I asked my husband to re-read the rules for me. Sure enough, I had used the wrong fabric. Technically, it has the right name, but the wrong number. It was a tad confusing. Luckily, I was able to order some replacement fabric in the nick of time.

For me, the biggest challenge with this doll was the issue of not using a doll stand. I totally love those tacky things. I suppose one could say it is laziness on my part, but I can't help myself. My plan was to use brass rods inserted through the feet and up to the shoulders. Then I would drill holes in a wooden base and insert the rods into the stand. Oh brother, I was so scared I was going to ruin my doll. Then, amazingly, it worked. And I thought to myself, that was so easy. I was just being a big baby about it. That is the wonderful thing about entering challenges; it forces you to work outside of your comfort zone. Neat, huh?

Now for something totally cool. Deanna Hogan is kind enough to host pictures of Hoffman entries on her website. You may see them here. I am so blown away by all of the entries. I wish everyone the best.

Latest Hoffman Challenge WIP

2008-06-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

Around Friday, I finished attaching the collar by hand. There's still a long way to go. Lots of little finishing touches and so forth. Sorry for the crummy presentation. When I dress a doll, I use my large doll stand. So the wrong doll stand is in this picture and her clothes are all crooked. That's because nothing is permanently attached yet. I'll post more pictures as I progress. Thanks for stopping by.

Thinking Outside the Box

2008-06-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Above is the picture I am using as inspiration for my doll's costume for the Hoffman Fabric challenge. My attempt at this dress has created opportunities for new styles of sewing which I have never attempted before in the past. Mainly, the pleated skirt is a brand new experience. Thankfully some clever person invented a pleating board and therefore makes it a lot easier to created tiny doll-sized pleated skirts. I purchased my pleater from Adele Sciortino's site at http://www.costumesandtrim.com/supplies/misc.html. Pleating boards come in handy when making tiny French costumes. Okay, enough about pleating boards.

The rest of the costume is falling into place. I've finished her bloomers, petticoat and skirt. Now, I need to work on her jacket, cuffs and collar. I don't know about you, but I detest collars. My tiny brain cannot wrap itself around the concept of attaching it to the bodice. Heck, I even watched videos with dressmakers attaching collars and I still don't get it. I suppose that is where just biting the bullet and just doing it comes into play. In the past, I have made a couple of shawl collars, but for some reason my brain just blocks out the experience as if I were traumatized. I suppose it's repressed collar syndrome or something. It seems there is always some stumbling block with which every artist goes through. Collars just happen to be mine.

The next big challenge for me is how in the heck am I going to display this doll. One of the rules of the Hoffman challenge is the use of purchased doll stands are prohibited unless they are integrated with the doll. Every single doll I've made in the past, with the exception of my Queen Anne doll, requires the use of a doll stand. The costume on my doll looks better when she is standing. I thought perhaps I could just have her sit on a block, but I don't like the way the skirt flares out. And to be honest, it wasn't until the 20th century that fashion actually was made to be comfortable. So when I look at a child in a picture wearing a French dress from the 19th century, I can only imagine how happy they were to take it off and put on comfy clothes and just be a kid.

What I mean to say is my doll looks better standing. So I've got to think outside the box and figure out a way to display her standing up. But in the meantime, I'll finish her jacket and go from there. I'll keep you updated.

On a side note, I am officially 18 weeks pregnant today. Getting close to being halfway there. Two days ago, I felt my little girl kick for the first time. It was such a pleasant surprise too. We are very excited to be parents. :)

What's Up?

2008-06-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dear hubby is away this week. I've been working on cleaning up the house for our new baby due in November, but now it's time to work on some dolls. As I mentioned DH is away and he took the camera with him too. Man, I am going through serious digital camera withdrawals right now. I gots to have my camera! So just imagine my doll with a muslin 1890's style dress. C'mon now you can do it!

At any rate, I've made a muslin prototype of the dress for my Hoffman fabric challenge doll. Tonight, I am ready to cut into the actual fabric itself and start costuming my doll. She still needs a name. The thought of enjoying myself on this project is something I'm really looking forward to.

Lastly, I've got a hankering to make a couple of historically inspired dollys to sell in a few weeks. I just may get those started tonight too. We'll see.

More WIP's of My Hoffman Doll

2008-06-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

My doll is now painted with acrylics.

Here is a view from behind.

Here she is from head to toe.

This is a comparison in size. I enlarged my pattern by 25%. Dreadful Pauline, wearing the green dress, stands roughly ten inches tall while my Hoffman doll is approximately thirteen inches tall. It was an enjoyable experience experimenting with scale. Also my Hoffman doll is weighted with BB pellets, another first for me, so she'll sit nicely. The next step is to make a prototype costume out of muslin. I've already chosen a picture from 1879 as inspiration for her dress. The final step is to make a base for her to sit on. Still undecided on that one.

More WIP's of My Hoffman Doll

2008-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Andreas Voit's wax model is a source of inspiration for this doll. The hair, in particular, is my favorite part of Voit's model. This model is from the early 19th century. I want my little doll to have a smiling face with wild short curly hair. More pictures are to come.

I'm Back!

2008-05-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have two announcements to make. The first and most important announcement is my husband and I are expecting our first baby in November. Here is a sneak peek of the little critter at ten weeks. For the time being, I call the baby Ziggy which is short for zygote. So that is why I took a break from dollmaking. Sewing and painting just don't mix with nausea and fatigue. But now that I am in my second trimester, I am feeling much better now and can confidently talk about my pregnancy.

Our Baby at Ten Weeks

My second announcement is I am now currently working on a new doll for the 2008 Hoffman Fabric challenge. I've always wanted to enter, but this year I felt particularly compelled to do so. The fabric is very beautiful. Here is a picture of the doll in progress.

2008 Hoffman Fabric Challenge Doll WIP

Needless to say, I am very happy right now. Now I just need to get back in the swing of making some more dolls to sell.

Hugs,
Melisa

Taking a break.

2008-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Whew! I am pooped. The time has come to take a little break from art and dolls. I'll be back in a little while.

Hugs,
Melisa

MRSBO Orphan Trading Card ACEO: Delia the Dog Girl

2008-04-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Buy Delia the Dog Girl

Delia the Dog Girl MRSBO Orphan Trading Card, is now available in my Etsy store. This is the second orphan trading card by me, Coppermouse Dolls. It measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches. It is an original graphite illustration on card stock of a really ugly little orphan up for adoption at Mrs. Blathersby's Orphanage for the Unattractive and Mentally Unsound (MRSBO).

Card will be signed by me, Coppermouse Dolls and will come in a protective sleeve.

MRSBO Video

2008-04-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

I finally made a video about my group MRSBO. I am so proud of all the artists who participate in MRSBO. Please enjoy!

The First MRSBO Orphan Trading Card on Etsy

2008-04-09T04:27:00.000-07:00

The time has come to take a few weeks off from dollmaking. The old gray battery needs to recharge, but in the meantime, I am making some orphan trading cards. The first one I made is a little sea critter named Gil.

It measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches. It is an original graphite illustration on card stock of a really ugly little orphan up for adoption at Mrs. Blathersby's Orphanage for the Unattractive and Mentally Unsound (MRSBO).

Gil's story:

"He's an abomination belched up from the darkest depths of the ocean!" is how the sailor described the poor little chap as he ran screaming away from the orphanage.

Gil has been with us now for roughly three years. He enjoys sitting in the sink and eating pretzels. The sisters just adore him and love taking him for walks on dreary days outside the orphanage.

Purchase Gil here.

Dreary Dandelion by Coppermouse Dolls

2008-04-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Auction Link

Up for auction on Ebay is "Dreary Dandelion." She is a gray tabby cat and loves to read dreary poetry.

Photography 101 courtesy of Deanna Hogan

2008-04-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Oh am I ever so thankful that Deanna Hogan (Blue Heron Dolls) posted some photo tips on her blog. Her pictures are very professional looking and have always been my favorite. Perhaps the biggest problem I've had with my pictures is the background. In the past, I have used a sheet of white muslin. The dilemma I had with it was the wrinkles. Countless passes with a hot iron and even the use of vinegar just couldn't get rid of all of the wrinkles. So to hide them I opened up the iris on my camera just a little, and it worked...sort of. Back in January I was experimenting with different backgrounds and nothing worked for me and I would have to resort to the old sheet of muslin. Then a few days ago I visited Deanna's blog only to discover her blog entry about photo tips and there was the answer my heart ached for-- vinyl varitone graduated background. I immediately googled it and found an online store, Adorama, that accepted Paypal and the rest is history as they say. Four days later I received my brand spanking new vinyl varitone graduated background. I chose one that faded black to white..."gray thunder" they called it.

Here are a couple of pictures of my latest doll, Dreary Dandelion, with the new background. Thank you so much Deanna for posting your miraculous photo tips.

MRSBO Doll Challenge: Heinrich Hoffman's Tales of Morality. Dreadful Pauline

2008-03-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Auction Link

THE DREADFUL STORY OF PAULINE AND THE MATCHES
by
Heinrich Hoffman

Mamma and Nurse went out one day,
And left Pauline alone at play;
Around the room she gayly sprang,
Clapp'd her hands, and danced, and sang.
Now, on the table close at hand,
A box of matches chanced to stand,
And kind Mamma and Nurse had told her,
That if she touched them they would scold her.
But Pauline said, “Oh, what a pity!
For when they burn it is so pretty;
They crackle so, and spit, and flame;
And Mamma often burns the same.
I'll only light a match or two
As I have often seen my mother do.”

When Minz and Maunz, the cats, heard this,
They said, “Oh, naughty, naughty Miss.
Me-ow!” they cried, “Me-ow, me-o,
You'll burn to death, if you do so.
Mamma forbids it, don't you know?”
But Pauline would not take advice,
She lit a match, it was so nice!
It crackled so, it burned so clear,—
Exactly like the picture here.
She jumped for joy and ran about,
And was too pleased to put it out.

When Minz and Maunz, the cats, saw this,
They said, “Oh, naughty, naughty Miss!”
And rais'd their paws
And stretch'd their claws;
“'Tis very, very wrong, you know;
Me-ow, me-o, me-ow, me-o!
You will be burnt if you do so.
Mamma forbids it, don't you know?”
Now see! oh, see! a dreadful thing!
The fire has caught her apron string:
Her apron burns, her arms, her hair;
She burns all over, everywhere.

Then how the kitty cats did mew,
What else, poor kitties, could they do?
They screamed for help, 'twas all in vain,
So then they said, “We'll scream again.
Make haste, make haste! Me-ow! me-o!
She'll burn to death—we told her so.”
Pauline was burnt with all her clothes,
And arms and hands, and eyes and nose;
Till she had nothing more to lose
Except her little scarlet shoes;
And nothing else but these was found
Among her ashes on the ground.
And when the good cats sat beside
The smoking ashes, how they cried,
“Me-ow, me-o! Me-ow, me-oo!
What will Mamma and Nursey do?”
Their tears ran down their cheeks so fast
They made a little pond at last.

My doll group MRSBO is having a Heinrich Hoffman Tales of Morality doll challenge. This is my entry.

Chicken Girl On Ebay...Again.

2008-03-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

Auction Link

Well this has been a very busy week for me. So I kinda ran out of time to make a doll. This week I am offering my Chicken Girl doll once more on Ebay.

May I introduce Honor Bumblydour, the chicken-girl. She is holding her grammar book and is ready for today's lesson. Honor is very attentive, but is easily distracted by very small rocks.

We hope you can bring Honor home with you because our cook, Mrs. Milleford Skimpole, has tried twice already to roast poor little Honor and stuff her with bread and all the fixings. "Imagine how succulent she'd be!" cried Mrs. Skimpole as the sisters dragged her away. Honestly, can you imagine cooking Honor on a bed of carrots and onions with lots of yummy gravy and...excuse me.

But I digress. Honor is very good little chicken-girl and would go quite well with green beans.

Honor is made out of needle-sculpted cloth and paperclay. She is made from my own patterns. I hand-painted her with acrylics and sealed her with a coat of varnish. Her red grammar book is made out of polymer clay and is also sealed with acrylic varnish. Honor's dress is made from a lovely scrolling floral cotton. Honor is wearing bloomers trimmed with ivory lace, a petticoat and an apron.

Doll stand and chair are not included in this auction.

This doll will be signed by me, Melisa of Coppermouse Dolls.

Thanks for supporting my dollmaking and strange little dolls.

Ramona Grace

2008-03-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Auction Link

May I introduce Ramona Grace. Now don't let the name fool you, because this little hellion is anything but grace. This tiny terror drives even the most patient nun to her wit's end. The chief complaint from the sisters is that Ramona will stand a short distance and just stare at them. It wouldn't be so bad, but a few sisters have woken up in the middle of the night to find Ramona just standing in the corner, watching them. It must be added that Ramona never sleeps. That is why she has those dark circles under her beady eyes. Ramona has a penchant for contrariness and foot-stamping. Lastly, it will take a mother's instinct to get over the natural gag reflex most have when looking at this little wretch.

Ramona Grace is made out of needle-sculpted cloth and paperclay. She is made from my own patterns. I hand-painted her with acrylics and sealed her with a coat of varnish. Ramona's dress is made from black cotton and is trimmed rows of tiny pintucks and ivory lace. Ramona is wearing bloomers trimmed with ivory lace and a petticoat.

The tiny wooden blocks spelling "bad" are included in the auction. The "r" block has the letter "b" on the back.

Doll stand is not included in this auction.

This doll will be signed by me, Melisa of Coppermouse Dolls.

Nina a 19th Century German Papier Mache Inspired Doll

2008-03-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

Below is the reference photo I used while sculpting this doll.

Auction Link

The Pug is Pulsing...I Repeat, the Pug is Pulsing!

2008-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

Teeny my Pug doll is currently on Ebay Pulse in the Antique => Primitive category. Just had to toot my own horn and say thank you to all of my watchers. Toot Toot! Thanks guys!

The Beauty and Charm of Teeny the Pug.

2008-02-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

You all know the old saying, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Well, it's true. Most things I find to be pretty, others are quick to say "that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen." I shrug my shoulders and hope someday they will see the light.

For those of you who have visited my blog may already be aware that my tastes are a bit eccentric. I love big noses, fuzzy men and over-bred goldfish.

My God! Just look at that gorgeous little water baby!

Over time, I have come to realize that I am not the only person to feel this way. I think my dolls can be a little ornery and some people like ornery. And, it goes without saying, that I am extremely grateful for it.

Now when I was growing up, my grandmother was given a blond Pekingese puppy. As the puppy grew, this beautiful face emerged. Oh she was a delightful little dog. I loved hearing her snort and watching her curled little tongue bounce up and down when she would pant. So I feel that now it is only natural that I love Pugs. I think I like their faces better than Pekingese only because of the shorter hair and more box-like shape to their heads.

Beautiful blond lion!

Such a stoic face.

So this week, I decided to roll around in my weirdness and make a doll which is very close to my heart. My subject is the Pug. My doll, Teeny represents my affection for wall-eyes and wrinkled noses.

After I published this post, I quickly realized that I forgot to mention my affection for Persian cats. So here is a shout out to those beautiful felines!

What a doll!

Let's not forget the cranky and power-hungry villain, Mr. Tinkles from "Cats & Dogs."

Tagged...yet again.

2008-02-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Nina Mason of Nina Mason Dolls. Who, by the way, has a fantastic Little Red Riding Hood doll on Ebay right now.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

Here are my six things:
1. I am currently trying to make a figaro jacket for my pug doll.
2. I am reading "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Milan.
3. My favorite movie at the moment is "There Will Be Blood."
4. I like orange flavored Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pops.
5. Edward Gorey is one of most favorite cartoonists.
6. I want to learn how to carve wood.

Here are six random artists:
1. Dolls of Yore
2. North Dixie Designs
3. The Treadler
4. Oddfae
5. The Whimsical Goblin
6. Cart Before the Horse

Honor Bumblydour the chicken-girl

2008-02-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this week's adoption. May I introduce Honor Bumblydour, the chicken-girl. She is holding her grammar book and is ready for today's lesson. Honor is very attentive, but is easily distracted by very small rocks.

We hope you can bring Honor home with you because our cook, Mrs. Milleford Skimpole, has tried twice already to roast poor little Honor and stuff her with bread and all the fixings. "Imagine how succulent she'd be!" cried Mrs. Skimpole as the sisters dragged her away. Honestly, can you imagine cooking Honor on a bed of carrots and onions with lots of yummy gravy and...excuse me.

But I digress. Honor is very good little chicken-girl and would go quite well with green beans.

Honor is made out of needle-sculpted cloth and paperclay. She is made from my own patterns. I hand-painted her with acrylics and sealed her with a coat of varnish. Her red grammar book is made out of polymer clay and is also sealed with acrylic varnish. Honor's dress is made from a lovely scrolling floral cotton. Honor is wearing bloomers trimmed with ivory lace, a petticoat and an apron.

On a different note:

Last December I made my mind up to have more discipline and focus by creating a doll from scratch every week. It takes about four days to make one doll. That's tracing the pattern, sewing, cutting, stuffing, sculpting, painting, costuming,photographing it for the auction and writing a new story and finally writing the html for the auction.

Doing this certainly has it's ups and downs. Sometimes it can be very discouraging and at others the most rewarding experience. I don't care what one does, it feels great to complete a task. It only gets discouraging when I feel very crunched for time and feel as though I were neglecting my true passion, dollmaking.

My goal is no matter what, have a doll ready to go each and every week (except the last two weeks in December for obvious reasons). No matter what life has going on, there will be a Coppermouse Doll up for auction on Ebay on Wednesday.

There will be an auction this week. It is for my chicken-girl. However, there is a boycott going on this week at Ebay. You see Ebay is instituting some changes this May and there are those who are very unhappy with it. So those unhappy sellers are boycotting Ebay from Feb. 18th to the 25th.

I am not one of the unhappy sellers boycotting Ebay. I am happy with Ebay and have decided to roll with the waves. However, if things get unsatisfactory, then I shall sell on Etsy and OLA.com. That's a big "if." I am not too worried about it.

If you are interested in joining my mailing list to see where I am selling my dolls, now is the time to join. Just enter your email address in the Yahoo group at the upper right hand corner of this blog. Links are always provided for my auctions. The mailing list is strictly to notify members of the mailing list when I have a doll for sale.

In the meantime, for this auction only, I have a reserve set at one-hundred dollars (ten dollars will go to my chosen charity, Operation Kindness). If the doll does not sell on Ebay for one-hundred dollars, then I shall list the doll in my Etsy store for one-hundred and fifty dollars (fifteen of which shall go to Operation Kindness).

Uneasy feelings about the Ebay marketplace has caused me to do this unusual auction. My next auction will be as before with a starting bid of twenty-four dollars and no reserve.

I appreciate your understanding about all of this. I am sure everything will go back to normal over at Ebay, but I feel I must be ready to change.

Black Primitive Doll: Polly and Wogg

2008-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

It's been about two years since I've made a black doll. So without further ado, here is Polly and her pet frog, Wogg. Little Polly has raised Wogg since he was a tiny slimy tadpole. Just look at the size of that thing now. It's huge. Polly plans on entering Wogg into the frog jumping competition at the annual fair. Odds are Wogg will win by a landslide.

Greta Gatlin up for adoption on Ebay.

2008-02-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

Up for adoption this week is a somewhat homely little girl and her ugly little doll. Her name is Greta Gatlin and she is about six years old. Not too much is known about her. Some say she smells a little like old cheese and is prone to cracking her knuckles. If you can put with that, then I am sure you'll just love her.

Nasty Nellie Blaylock and Lula Geisel on Ebay

2008-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

May I introduce Nasty Nellie Blaylock. She is eight years old and as you can plainly see is quite the little devil. It must be said that MRSBO not only has orphans from this corporal kingdom, but other dimensions and realms as well. In this world, Nellie Blaylock was a complete bane to the Sisters of the Holy Wretched. One could say Nellie was too wretched, even for the nuns. Sister Orlick was often overheard saying that "one day that child will rule in Hell!"
Despite the fact that Sister Orlick's prediction was correct, we at MRSBO do not give up on our little ones. Nasty Nellie Blaylock still deserves a loving home. Are you that person? Can you find it in your heart to help Nasty Nellie discover adoring virtues and solid loving discipline. She will need discipline...quite a lot of it actually. Maybe even some chains and a locked room...but I digress.
Nasty Nellie Blaylock is holding her beloved doll George. We are not quite sure what George is, but all that matters is Nellie cannot function without him. It's true that there are many mysteries about Nasty Nellie Blaylock.

Auction Link

Mr. Pringle's Society of Feeble Prestidigitators (MRPSFP) has graciously donated their time and skills to raise some money for Mrs. Blathersby's Orphanage (MRSBO). Charity for the greater good of life's most unfortunate creatures. It was decided that each magician would make a doll to sell for the charity.

The doll for this auction was created by Commander Tootsopht (Ret.). Commander Tootsopht often regales the society about seeing strange sea creatures while serving in the Barbary Wars of 1816. Wild yarns peppered with sitings of giant squids and deadly sea serpents are often met with subtle disbelief and disguised eye rolls. He even claims to have seen old Bloody Bones in the flesh. Poor old Tootsopht!

Commander Tootsopht was delighted to participate in the charity auction for MRSBO. He proudly named his doll Lula Geisel.Lula Greisel was created by Commander Tootsopht, as you already know. He was supposed to conjure a little rag doll for the orphanage, but somehow he created ...well how would one put it delicately? He made a squid girl. I suppose one can never predict the strange results of the Society of Feeble Prestidigitators. Half little girl and half cephalopod, Lula is very frightened of the orphans and inks all over the place.

Lula is holding a little mermaid doll created by one of the ladies of Lady Pickwort's Society of Exemplary Hygiene. It is our sincere wish here at MRSBO, that you will take pity on poor Lula and bring her home with you.

Please bid early and often for the little children of our orphanage.

Squid Girl WIP 2

2008-01-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

Whee! I finished her dress this morning. All it needs is a black satin sash and she'll be officially done. I tell you what, I've been working on this dress pattern for quite some time and finally got it to fit. It's a variation on a historical pattern published in Evelyn Ackerman's "My Favorite Patterns for Dressing Antique Dolls 1865-1925." It is only two pieces, the bodice and the sleeves. I have to sew the sleeves by hand, but it's worth it. I like this pattern because it accentuates her squidiness. :P

I think I'll make another dress just like it for my little red devil doll.

Happy Dollmaking,
Melisa

Little Bunny Girl Doll on Ebay

2008-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

Little Bunny Girl is now up for auction on Ebay. Please stop by and bid!

Squid Girl WIP

2008-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Last night, I painted my Squid Girl. I knew I wanted her to have red hair, but I also wanted her to have a fantastical color scheme. Attaching the legs was quite a chore especially when it got down to the last two legs. There was hardly any room for the needle. Somehow I got them on there.

By the way, this is my doll for the MRSBO Raggedy Anne Doll Challenge that will be held on January 31. I have a skeletal outline for her story. No name yet, but I'm sure I'll find a good one.

Now I need to make her dress. Stay tuned for more pictures.

Little Bunny Girl Doll

2008-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Today I finished my bunny doll. She is wearing a little pink calico smock style dress with the tiniest yellow buttons. Originally, she was going to have a green apron, but I really fancy the pink dress by itself. She is 11.5" tall. She is made out of cloth and paperclay and then hand-painted with acrylics.

Bunny will go up for auction on Ebay tomorrow night at 7:30 pm Pacific. I'll post the link then.

MRSBO Adoption: Cordelia Thunderfiz and Felix Thump

2008-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

The Curious Story of Felix Thump.
by Melisa Matkin

Cordelia Thunderfiz's father was once a great explorer of lands unknown.
He would drag his family to parts of the world with great trees and plants overgrown.
Sir Thunderfiz's achievements were recognized by the royal majesty.
Doubtless, it was whispered, he would meet with some horrid tragedy.

As soon as he would return home, he'd be off once more
To darkest lands and strange continents to explore.

Was it great riches or fame that drove him north?
Life's too short to stand in one place, sally forth!
He would cry in great tones of glorious mirth.
And off he go with family in tow to the bizarre ends of the earth.

Then one day while exploring fantastic fauna and flora,
His precious wife and co-explorer, a lovely woman named Dora
Passed away quietly after the long travail of childbirth.
A baby named Cordelia drew her first breath on this strange patch of earth.

And now dear readers, our tale grows most sad
Don't say I didn't warn you that things grew very bad.
So now's your chance to run and dissappear
Before the dread words of this poem you hear.

In Sir Thunderfiz's library there is an ancient tome,
Within it's dusty pages there's a story written in shakey hand by Sir Jerome.
His stark descriptions and strange ramblings of giant savage bugs
Were simply much too much for his curiousity to simply shrug.

And so it was Sir Thunderfiz went off once more
To darkest lands and strange continents to explore.

By this time, Cordelia,only five, craved her father's attention.
"Not now, Cordelia," her father would distractedly mention.
Softly she'd turn away and leave the room
To play with her toys alone in the murky gloom.

"I'm so lonely" Cordelia would cry to her teddy.
"I try to talk to Father but he says, 'that's enough already!'"
Poor motherless Cordelia, abandoned and forsaken
Never gave up hope on finding a friend, courage unshaken.

After several months at sea, Sir Thuderfiz's ship came upon an unknown isle
"Could this be the place of Sir Jerome's story?" he wondered with a smile.
Thunderfiz and his team went to find the tribe of savage giant bugs
Little Cordelia, left alone, went on her own exploration scarecly afraid of insect thugs.

As her father searched in vain, Cordelia discovered something within a foilage clump,
It was to her great delight a little insect boy named Felix Thump.
"Will you be my friend?" she exclaimed with joy.
"Of course, of course!" buzzed the little insect boy.

Happily the two children played together all day long and until it was night.
Cordelia went home with Felix Thump, ate a great feast and slept tight.
Not once was Cordelia bothered by the savage bug's language and dress.
In fact, one just might say, Cordelia could care less.

No longer was she lonely, she had found a new family
Giant insects who loved her, at least to a tolerable degree.

But what happened to Cordelia's Dad?
What about the warning and what happened that was so bad?
Remember from a few lines ago the great feast?
It was her father, truely a great beast.

© 2008 All rights reserved. Melisa Matkin of Coppermouse Dolls

I am very pleased to present my first MRSBO adoption for 2008. Also, it marks the first time I have used poetry to tell a story. Truly, I will be sad to Felix and Cordelia go, but they need a new home. In the future, I plan to explore more of the mysterious giant bugs.

This doll stands 11 inches tall. She is made from my original patterns. Her head is needle-sculpted cloth with paperclay. She is painted with artist acrylics and sealed with acrylic varnish. Her dress, petticoat and bloomers are also made from my original patterns. Lastly, this Cordelia Thunderfiz comes with her little friend Felix Thump. Felix is made from muslin which is then hand-painted with artist's acrylics. His eyes are glazed with iridescent glitter to give them life. Felix is around 6" tall.

She may stand with the assistance of a doll stand (not included) or sit nicely on a shelf.

This doll is signed and dated by me, Melisa of Coppermouse Dolls.

Squid Girl and Bunny Doll WIP

2008-01-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have posted some "work in progress" (WIP) pictures. What you see now is two dolls. On the left is my Squid Girl doll for the MRSBO Raggedy Anne Challenge. The doll on the right is going to be a simple little bunny doll. Perhaps my bunny will be an albino? I have not decided yet. There are so many beautiful breeds of bunnies to chose from it's like trying to pick one color from a big box of 100 crayons.

As you can plainly see, the faces are needle-sculpted cloth. But what you can't see, or feel rather, is that both dolls have been dipped in Paverpol. Now the heads are nice and hard. They're ready for the paperclay application. Paverpol creates the perfect surface for the rough process of sculpting refined features.

If you have any questions about how I make my dolls, feel free to leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer.

Happy Dollmaking,
Melisa

My Latest Izannah Walker Style Doll Up for Auction on Ebay

2008-01-10T02:03:00.000-08:00

Here is my second Izannah Walker style doll up for auction on Ebay.

Auction Link

Upcoming auctions will include more orphans from Mrs. Blathersby's Orphanage, a very odd Raggedy Anne doll, some unusual rabbits and per chance a take on Little Red Riding Hood. Oh and do be on the lookout for MRSBO's Heinrich Hoffman's Dreadful Morality Tales coming this March. It shall be most delightful!

Little Izannah on Ebay

2008-01-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hello, here is my latest doll up for auction on Ebay. She is inspired by the lovely dolls of Izannah Walker. This doll stands 18 inches tall. She is made from my original patterns. Her head is needle-sculpted cloth with paperclay. She is painted with artist acrylics and sealed with acrylic varnish. Her dress, petticoat which features three tiny rows of pintucks and bloomers are also made from my original patterns. Lastly, she wears a tiny necklace and matching bracelets made from blue glass beads.

She may stand with the assistance of a doll stand (not included) or sit nicely on a shelf.

Auction Link

Krampus Doll

2007-12-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

" Krampus Visits "

The truth will out come Christmas Eve,
When many a child shall be deceived!
As stockings still hung and filled... quite meagerly,
Are opened by the naughty child, so eagerly!
No toys, nor trinkets, not even a sweet,
Just chunks of coal tumbling to their feet!
With a naughty list and switch in hand,
The laughing Krampus shouts " How grand! "
No Saintly Nick with his bag of toys,
Just old Krampus, visiting naughty girls and boys!
by F. Thompson

Why on earth do I have a red devil on my blog...and at Christmas time! It all began because I am a member of a Halloween Ebay group called HA31. They held a Krampus challenge for December 5th. Unfortunately for me, I was too late to list my doll in time (I had joined the group after the deadline). Nevertheless, I just had to make my own Krampus doll.

My dapper little devil stands at 18 inches and wears a hounds-tooth flannel suit. He is made out of cloth and paperclay and is painted bright red. The naughty little boy is a simple rag doll painted with acrylics. Krampus' switch is made from my broom and tied to a chopstick. I will sell him in September 2008.

Here is a brief description on Krampus day from Wikipedia:

The word Krampus originates from the Old High German word for claw (Krampen). In the Alpine region the Krampus is represented by an incubus in company of St Nicholas. Traditionally, young men dress up as the Krampus in the first two weeks of December and particularly in the evening of December 5 and roam the streets frightening children (and adults) with rusty chains and bells. In some rural areas also slight birching especially of young females by the Krampus is part of tradition.

Below is a cute Krampus commercial from G4.

As a dollmaker and storyteller, I loved the chance to make a Krampus doll. Furthermore, and on a more fundamental level, I find the concept interesting and rather amusing. While Krampus is a pre-Christian celebration of Christmas, it reminds us there are consequences for bad behavior. It is the old and compelling principle of good and evil. Also, it is meant to scare children straight. I mean come on. What's better than scaring the daylights out of little bratty kids! So have you been good? Or have you been naughty? Remember that old Christmas carol, Santa Claus is Coming to Town? [Santa's] gonna find out who's been naughty or nice. And then he's gonna sic Krampus on the naughty ones.

Merry Christmas!
Melisa

Heading Towards a New Year

2007-12-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

It is still amazing to me that this year is almost over. Next year, I am looking forward to expanding and learning more and more about dollmaking.

I want to learn more about digital photography and take better and more interesting pictures of my work. Also, I am very excited about my Ebay group MRSBO. We will have some wonderful challenges and stories to tell. On January 31, we are having our first official doll challenge. It's called the Raggedy Anne Doll Challenge sponsored by Mr. Pringle's Society of Feeble Prestidigitators.

The premise is: Mr. Pringle's Society of Feeble Prestidigitators is sponsoring a fund-raiser for the children. All members have attempted to conjure up a doll to be sold for charity, but there is something very odd about every one of them!

I can't wait to see what my fellow dollmakers at MRSBO come up with. If you are interested in joining my group send a request here.

In January I will sell on Ebay again. Got to take a break and work on some ideas too. So look for me and my Little Izannahs on or around January 7. Don't forget I do have a mailing list so you may be notified of my dolls go up for auction. Join my Yahoo group by entering your email address in the space provided to the left.

MRSBO Adoption: Agnes Futtleplum and Petey

2007-12-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

Welcome to this week's MRSBO adoption. May I introduce Agnes Futtleplum and her pet pug, Petey. They are having a little wintertime party. These two are absolutely inseparable. Petey is Agnes' best friend. One can hear his tiny toenails tapping along the floorboards as he follows Agnes from room to room. We believe Agnes is about three years old and Petey is about two. They just appeared one day at the orphanage. We will be sad when they go, but we know they will be be happy at home with you.

Agnes Futtleplum stands 10 inches tall but is about 12 inches with her party hat. Agnes is made from my original patterns. Her head is needle-sculpted cloth with paperclay. She is painted with artist acrylics and sealed with acrylic varnish. Her dress is also and crocheted trimmed bloomers are also made from my original patterns. Petey the pug is sculpted out of polymer clay and painted with acrylics. He wears a cream colored satin bow and his little party hat. Both party hats are trimmed with black ric-rac, pom-poms, and glitter. The hats are removable.

This is my last auction for Ebay this year. I'm gonna work on getting dolls made in advance to sell for January.

Have a Merry Christmas,
Melisa

Dora and Cinnamon

2007-12-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Auction Link

Tonight Dora, the snow girl, and Cinnamon, her pet fawn, go up for auction on Ebay.

Dora is a one-of-a-kind doll and made right from my own patterns. She is made out of cloth and paperclay and hand-painted with artist's acrylics and with just a hint of glitter. Her dress is made out of mint green velvet, cotton and embellished with pink ribbon and lots of lace. She is wearing a pagoda style dress with lacy bloomers and a petticoat. She has pink and white striped painted stockings under her bloomers. Her pink mittens and black boots are also hand-painted. Her bonnet is from ivory satin brocade lined with lutrador and trimmed with pink grosgrain, lace and ribbon flowers. It is removable, too.

Cinnamon, Dora's pet fawn, is made out of paperclay and hand-painted with artist's acrylic. Cinnamon loves to sit in Dora's lap, but is just as content to sit by her side.

Both pieces are signed and dated by me, Melisa of Coppermouse Dolls.

I will try to make one more orphan before the year is over, but Dora is my last doll for the year. There will be some small paintings and perhaps an ornament or two on Ebay, what doesn't sell I'll list them in my Etsy store. I just can't believe this year is almost over. It's been an amazing year to say the least.

Happy Holidays,
Melisa

Doll Crafter February 2008 Sugar & Spice Gallery

2007-12-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am very happy. Why? Well it's because my naughty little munchkins Bella and Donna were published in the February 2008 issue of Doll Crafter & Costuming. The theme for February's gallery is Sugar and Spice : That's What Little Girls Are Made Of! Bella and Donna are without a doubt spice. In case you are not famaliar with Bella and Donna here is there story.

May I introduce to you the twins, Bella & Donna. They currently reside at Mrs. Blathersby's Orphanage (MRSBO) and cannot wait to come home with you. A little history about Bella & Donna. They have only been with MRSBO now a few months. They are very quiet and take excellent care of their plant "Lulu" (we think they are calling it "Lulu" but it comes out "roo-roo"), You know, now that I think about it, ever since they arrived with that plant, I swear we no longer have any problems with vermin (not that MRSBO is plagued with pestilence) or stray cats either. Weird, huh? But I digress, the twins are very neat. One would never know they were just in a room. They make their beds, wash their dishes and do all of their chores without ever having be told to do so. Bella & Donna are only four years old and require very little in life. All they need is a loving home (preferably one without pets or younger children). Besides, just look at those darling faces. How can you resist?On a side note, it is not that big of a deal really; however, it is worth mentioning. I strongly recommend that you do not try to take away their plant. Sister Mary Mole from the Order of the Holy Wretched tried to throw away their plant "Lulu" one day and, thankfully, now has recovered the use of her right hand. So whatever you do, leave Lulu alone. It really is not anything to worry yourself about.

Thank you Doll Crafter for publishing my little girls. It's quite an honor.

If you are interested in owning one of my orphans, please join my mailing list to the right.

Izannah Walker Style Painting

2007-11-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

Currently, I have an Izannah Walker style painting up for auction on Ebay. Check it out here.

MRSBO Adoption: Minerva Heap

2007-11-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to this week's adoption. May I introduce to you Minerva Heap. Orphaned at the age of six, she is the sole survivor of her family. Her parents were members of a local acting troupe. Apparently, as the story goes, they came to untimely demise during a performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Rumor has it that one of the local critics was so offended by the Heap's maudlin portrayal of the love-struck couple he added some "foreign" ingredient to the prop vial of poison to enhance their performance. How sad! The local newspaper quoted the murderous critic as he was dragged away in shackles as saying, "Here's to my love! O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss they died." Can you believe the fiend had the gall not only to misquote Shakespeare, but to confess in iambic pentameter!

It can be said that Minerva is destined to be quite an actress herself. Already she is prone to overly dramatic interpretations of the mundane and occasionally will faint is she does not get her way.

Minerva Heap is a one-of-a-kind doll and made right from my own patterns. She is made out of cloth and paperclay. Her dress is made out of cotton and embellished with black galloon and tiny glass black beads. Two black grosgrain ribbons adorn her curly blond locks. She holds a tiny handcrafted polymer clay book entitled, "Complete Works of Shakespeare." The book is pinned into place. Minerva may sit on her own or stand with the assistance of a doll stand.

Potential Parents click here.

Minerva Heap WIP

2007-11-18T12:11:00.001-08:00

Now that I am finished with my Queen Anne doll, I am happily back to my little orphans. My latest little monstrosity is Minerva Heap. Stay tuned for more pictures and information about her.

My Queen Anne is finished at last.

2007-11-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

At long last, my Queen Anne is finished. I went back and re-did her skirt. The original was to boring. I won't go into any details, but nonetheless, I am happy with her. She will go up for auction on Sunday, November 25th. If you would like to be notified by email when I have a new doll up for auction, please sign up for my Yahoo mailing list to the right.

Queen Anne...almost there.

2007-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am so close to finishing my Queen Anne. I've been doing a lot of hand sewing and just had to take a break. Here she is wearing her shift.

I have since made her stay with hand beaded trim, underskirt, jacket and over-skirt. My goal is have her ready for auction on Sunday November 25.

So in the meantime, search "Queen Anne" on Ebay to see what my contemporaries are up to.

Here is the official banner for Coffee with Tea's (CWT06) Queen Anne launch.

And lastly, here is a fantastic montage of old wooden dolls.

Queen Anne WIP

2007-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest endeavor. It is a Queen Anne reproduction doll. Well, perhaps reproduction is not quite the right word because I am not carving it out of wood nor am I using glass eyes. I think interpretation would suit it better. So here is my interpretation of a Queen Anne doll. This doll also marks the first time I am using wooden dowels to make a free standing doll. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. For her dress I am going to use my fabric I received for the Treasures of the Gypsies challenge this year. They sent me some lovely purple and green silks and damasks. Purple has a history of favor amongst the regal. I have just finished painting her top coat and I'm about to paint her face. Stay tuned for more pictures of her.

Adorable Otters Holding Hands

2007-11-06T18:49:00.001-08:00

How adorable is this? It goes off the cuteness scale...big time. Be sure to watch until the very end.

Mrs. Cluttersbuck

2007-11-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here is Mrs. Cluttersbuck. She is finished. This is a big doll measuring 27 inches. Sometimes you make a doll that is very dear to your heart, and there is no doubt in my mind Mrs. Cluttersbuck is one of those dolls. I have decided to keep her. She is just too special for me.

Mrs. Cluttersbuck's Joel Ellis Style Apron

2007-11-03T01:40:00.001-07:00

Someone in my one of my Ebay groups did an apron for her own Izannah Walker doll. I loved it. In fact, I told myself the next doll I make should have an apron. So I pulled out one of my favorite books, The Ultimate Doll Book by Caroline Goodfellow and studied the picture above of an original Joel Ellis doll with it's starched apron. The book says the apron is "stiffened cotton with printed "embroidery."" So my goal was to make my own version of this apron.

I drafted a pattern. Next, the pattern was transferred to red broadcloth and "stiffened" it with a light interface. After I sewed the pattern and turned it inside-out, I began recreating the original Ellis design with pencil. There was some debate over whether I would actually embroider it with white floss or paint the design. Painting the design won out in the end. I used a white gel pen and used a pin to create the dots.

Here are the pictures I took just after I finished painting the apron. The final step is sew a buttonhole and attach a button.

Coppermouse Dolls Ebay Auction: Primitive Annie

2007-10-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's auction for my primitive Annie doll. She is approximately 12 inches tall. Annie is entirely handmade from my own patterns. She is sculpted out of cloth and paperclay. Her blue cotton dress and bloomers are permanently attached.

What can I say about this doll? She is a curious feisty little red-head, full of life.

It is my opinion that every dollmaker needs to make their own version of Raggedy Anne.

Here is the link for Annie (it will not work until 9 p.m. central tonight).

MRSBO Adoption: Matilda the Tiny Angel

2007-10-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's adoption. May I introduce to you Matilda. She is three years old and has quite the sweet tooth. Better hide your candy canes and Christmas puddings or else it will disappear before anyone else gets to have bite...not even the fruitcake is safe. We've taken to locking up the sugar, brown sugar (both light and dark), and chocolate in Mrs. Blathersby's office safe, which really annoys our cook. You might think those bells on her dress are pure ornamentation, but they actually serve a purpose. If she is sneaking around in the kitchen, we can hear those tiny little bells. At the moment, Matilda is working on a tasty gingerbread man.

Matilda is made out of sculpted cloth and paperclay and is hand-painted with the finest acrylic paints and sealed with acrylic varnish. From the top of her head to the tips of her brown boots, she measures 10 inches tall. Her red dress is made from 100% cotton and is trimmed with tiny light green ric-rac. She wears tiny muslin bloomers with a matching petticoat. Her green and cream stripped stockings and boots are hand-painted and sealed with acrylic varnish.

Her little wings are made from unbleached muslin and are hand quilted with shiny red thread.

Matilda has hand sculpted little spit curls and is crowned with a gigantic red bow.

Matilda's gingerbread man is made out of polymer clay and is the idea of a very talented friend of mine,Teresa Clayton (ebay id: thetreadler). The gingerbread man is glued to Matilda's hand.

You will need a doll stand or chair to display her. She can sit on her own. Be careful with her though, she is still somewhat fragile.

Potential Parents please click here.

WIP: Little Angel

2007-10-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Just a few touches left to go and my latest orphan for MRSBO will be ready. Here is a sneak peek. If you'd like to be notified by email when I have a new doll for sale, please join my Yahoo mailing list at the right.

WIP: Mrs. Cluttersbuck the Christmas Gossip

2007-10-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! Christmas is right around the corner. Yikes! Where does the time go? Time to think of good cheer and of course the true meaning of Christmas... presents. But there are those, we all know one, who love to gossip about what Mr. Soandso bought for Mrs. Soandso, and it must of cost an arm and a leg, and oh my goodness, did you see the size of it! Whew!

Mrs. Cluttersbuck will be sure to take notice of what everyone is getting and who gave what and "I'm positive that I gave them that a as a gift two years ago."

This is a doll I started on about four months ago. She's been sitting and staring at me while I've been working on my orphans. "How long shall I languish on this shelf!" she'd exclaim every single time I walked past her to pick out some new fabric for yet another doll. "I do declare you shan't ignore me!" At long last, I gave in and decided it was time to take her off the shelf and finish her. So stay tuned for more pictures of Mrs. Cluttersbuck, the Christmas Gossip.

"Gossip! Me? Well I never!"

MRSBO Adoption: Pamela Pumpkinhead

2007-10-09T13:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome to this week's adoption. May I introduce to you Pamela Pumpkinhead. She is five years old. The story goes that five years ago, a magician from Mr. Pringle's Society of Feeble Prestidigitators was challenged to enchant a pumpkin into a hammer. Somehow, he changed the pumpkin into some sort of little baby girl. The magician was greatly disappointed (he really wanted that hammer) and brought the wee baby gourd to our orphanage.

So why on earth is that child holding an axe, you say? That is easy to explain. Pamela does not want the other children at MRSBO to chop off her head and carve a jack o' lantern out of it. We cannot blame the little tykes their mischief. It is getting close to Halloween after all. However, we are not barbaric here at MRSBO. We decided to give Pamela a fighting chance and allow her to carry an axe for her own protection. Perhaps the best protection for Pamela is if you can bring her home with you.

Pamela Pumpkinhead is made out of sculpted cloth and paperclay and is hand-painted with the finest acrylic paints. From the top of her pumpkinhead to the tips of her black boots, she measures 10 inches tall. Pamela comes with a tiny axe made out of paper and a wooden dowel. It gently fits in her hand. Her dress is made from 100% cotton and is my own original design. She wears tiny muslin bloomers with a matching petticoat. Her black and white stripped stockings and boots are hand-painted and sealed with acrylic varnish. You will need a doll stand or chair to display her. She can sit on her own. Be careful with her though, she is still somewhat fragile.

I certainly enjoyed making Pamela Pumpkinhead. She is inspired greatly by my adoration of Edward Gorey (and a somewhat strange predilection for evil children). And since Halloween is right around the corner, why not include Pamela Pumpkinhead with your decorations.

Potential Parents please click here.