Linda July 17th, 2008
Yes, I know, these are not the best pictures–it is sooooo hard to take a photo of something that is “white”. No matter what I do there is no contrast. Anyway, I wanted to post pictures of what I have been working on. These are the hands for my “gypsy challenge” doll that is due in Oct. Below in my blog, are pictures of two heads that I have made for it. Scott decided on which head to use (he is doing the challenge with me–well actually he talked me into it). The other head is going to me a frog prince ala oriental style. Sadly enough I want to be done with the gypsy doll and move onto the frog doll because I have some great costuming ideas that I want to use. Sigh….I am pleased with the hands. I did them ala Dutch Touch Class, it is Marliene’s technique. And I used an air drying stone clay to give them extra strength versus using an inner armature and using a reg paper clay. I think hands are my weakest spots in doll making and now that I am working on the feet/shoes I think they are too….ARGH!!!!!
Linda June 16th, 2008
This is my latest project (I was getting too tense from sculpting these heads–I needed something “fun”.) I found a pattern at the craft store I clean–I am on the look out for the “perfect” little shift dress…I will post pictures when is it done. So far it looks easy, I figure if I can sew clothing for 18 inch dolls I can sew for me!!!
This head is one of two that I am working on for the “Treasure of the Gypsy” challenge. I have changed my method of sculpting and will see if it is any different or turns out any better. I used a Styrofoam egg for the inside versus a aluminum foil ball. The clay instead of Das paper clay is Dawrii air dry clay (both are easy to use and to sand–see my page on various clays). The eyes are porcelain doll eyes. I think around the nose and eyes are better but I am still frustrated by the lips–mine always come out too “poochy”, like someone punched my dolls recently. It will be a large doll–close to 24 inches. Scott and I are working on the challenge together, it is due Oct.
This is the second head..I work on 2 at a time. Scott and I will pick the one we like the best (and the other head may end up in another project.) The eyes protrude but I think of think it looks interesting. Also you can see that I penciled in the ear placement. This is also new for me, I drew roughly where certain features went and them added them. I am struggling with my artistic voice/style. Do I want to do realistic or fantasy/extreme dolls. I long to do scultps that are life like but don’t feel I have the knowledge yet. Ahhh, the pitfalls of teaching one’s self.
