More Art Journaling Explorations HERE
Monday, September 26, 2022
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Marketing and Making Dolls
As the countdown to retirement begins, I look forward to spending my time sharing the tricks of the trade, freebies, offering virtual and in-person dollmaking classes.
I've invested in an online course to learn what I need to do to make these things happen. I'll be using an email service provider (ConvertKit) to build my email subscriber list, and I've just sent my first freebie to enable people to join my list.
Please drop by my opt in and receive a free PDF on the how-tos and advantages of using freezer paper while sewing dolls.
https://blue-heron-dolls.ck.page/90590b59a4
This tutorial available here on my blog, but I thought it might be a good test to if this list-thing actually works.
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Trapunto face
I'm excited to be teaching a doll class in the Spring. In addition to a regular face, the students have requested a trapunto-style face. So I'm modifying my new body design to accommodate this new face. Here's my first draft. I inadvertently had the stretch direction of this cotton fabric positioned horizontally, so had to do the same with the face. I'm interested to see how it turns out with the correct vertical stretch direction, or with a knit fabric like craft velour.
Update:
Here are five dolls of varying fabrics and stretch direction. The center three have trapunto faces. After sewing and stuffing the round-faced cotton doll (left of the center doll), I modified the trapunto face shape to be more egg-like. The darkest doll in the center is made from Windsor Ponte. I haven't used this fabric before, and there were pros and cons. this fabric is quite thick and a little difficult to paint, but I like how she turned out. the greatest stretch direction of the fabric is horizontal. The one to the right of the center doll is made from doll velour, which is much thinner. Stretch direction is vertical. The dolls on the far right and left have regular sculpted faces.
Monday, July 25, 2022
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Cloth-over-Clay
It's been awhile since I've added a tutorial, so I thought I'd post some photos of my cloth-over-clay technique:
Super Sculpey:
Pressmold dusted with cornstarch first for easier clay removal (or can spritz the mold with water)
Removed from mold
Face refined
Tacky glue
Apply knit fabric, pouncing into face with stiff, dry paintbrush
Don't stretch fabric, start at the center of the face and work outward
Use tool or fingernail to press cloth into face details to further define
Wrap fabric around to back, trim when glue has dried
Paint with gesso, buff with piece of brown paper grocery bag
Paint with skin tone acrylic paint
Stitch to head
Monday, July 4, 2022
Anne of Green Gables
Sunday, July 3, 2022
ODACA Helper Doll 2022
I've been working on my Anne of Green Gables doll, but have put her on hold while I make a doll for ODACA Day. I won't be attending this year, but will send the doll on for the raffle held at the ODACA Luncheon.
This is a new design I've been working on, with the intention of making a formal pattern. This doll is one of four prototypes.
I've named her Elora:
Progress photos:
Waiting for glue to dry before styling:
Previous prototypes can be seen here:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
