Art dolls (picture heavy)

[catchnrelease]

Last edited Mon Mar 30, 2015, 05:33 PM - Edit history (1)

Pippi_k had asked if I'd post some pictures of the dolls I make, so here is a sampling of the kind of things I've done. As I said to her, the subject matter is all over the place...folksy dolls, animal themed, fantasy etc. They are all mainly made from fabric with some clay and other embellishments. All are made using patterns or combinations of patterns I've purchased. Usually I use the basic pattern as a foundation and then turn it into the idea I have in my head. I don't sell them, just make them for fun or in a couple of cases have made them for friends/family.

These three were made for friends that I used to work with, a greenman, one representing a flamingo (made for former flamingo keeper), one representing an okapi (for an okapi keeper). Vlad the cat is wondering what is going on now?
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Representing a White Throated Capuchin (for a former primate keeper)
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Chinese dragon
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Ruby Radish
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Tia Dalma--this one was part of a challenge from the doll group I belong to. It started as a simple, plain gingerbread man shaped 'blank' and we were supposed to make something out of that. This is what I came up with.
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Frida--she's one of the very first ones I made.
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These are usually really fun, as I get to use all kinds of fabric, beads, ribbon, yarn or wool for hair etc, and figure out how to get them to turn out the way I want. The problem solving is actually a big part of why I enjoy doing them. I've just almost finished with turning a smallish teddy bear into a Krampus (a German folk figure) which was also a club challenge. Then on to a Medusa and then a mermaid.......... If I didn't spend so much time reading DU I would get a lot more sewing done!!

[KarenS]

1. Wonderful!!

These make me smile.

They look like lots of fun to make.

Thank you for sharing

[csziggy]

2. Those are amazing and wonderful!

I've never heard of art dolls before - what a lovely art form. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work.

[catchnrelease]

3. A fancy name

Basically 'Art dolls' is just a name for dolls that aren't meant to be played with, although something like Ruby Radish could take some easy use.

There are some really incredible doll artists out there--Leslie Molen, Arley Berryhill and Lisa Lichtenfels are three that specialize in cloth/fabric dolls. Then there are those that work in clays like Marlaine Verhelst, Virginie Ropars and Scott Smith who are all masters. The work of these people is mind boggling and gives me lots of inspiration.

Glad you enjoyed looking.

[2banon]

4. These are FABULOUS!

[catchnrelease]

5. Thanks!

[onyourleft]

6. These are...

...wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing. I really like Ruby and Frida is delightful.

[secondwind]

7. these are wonderful! K&R

[frogmarch]

8. They are all

exquisite! You do gorgeous work!

[catchnrelease]

9. Thanks everyone!

I appreciate your kind comments. I don't normally show my work outside of a couple of friends, but I figured I'd put it out there for once. I know there are many talented people here, so the complements mean a lot.

[dem in texas]

10. You are very talented!

Love your dolls, they are unique and have lots of character. Keep up the wonder work. Do you enter them in craft shows or Fairs? You should.