Maiden by the Lake Model

Maiden by the Lake Model
The original Maiden by the Lake

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Anatomy of a doll

Well, I thought it might be fun if you could watch me create a doll from scratch.  So, meet the birth of Gert the baby witch.

First of all, the trip down cellar was successful.  Jake led me down the stairs with my crutches to make sure I didn't fall.  I can be pretty klutzy so he gave me strict orders not to go down alone.  While down there, I saw a large doll body I had previously made and thought "why not revamp that".  Jake carried up paints, vintage curtains, valances, fabric, buttons, a vintage flat head nail and some vintage lace and trimmings.


 First, I took the body and reshaped it by cutting down the arms and legs.  Then I mixed up a batch of grunge which is instant coffee, water and vanilla.  I painted this goo onto the doll a couple of times till it got to the proper hue.  During this time, the name Gert came to me.  I let Gert dry in the sun so that the stain really took and dried nicely.

Yesterday, Jake was pooped as he'd gotten called out to work at 2:00 am so when he was laying out on the front deck nestled nicely in the chaise, I began sewing Gert's face.  I sewed the nail on as a nose, and used embroidery thread for the eyes.  I sewed a mixed array of buttons onto the prepainted boots (the feet were previously painted green...I think from a snowman I was creating). 

Since I wanted Gert to look like a little kid, I thought Id make bloomers and a slip.  I cut up a sheet valance that had gathers, turned the two pieces upside down to make her bloomers, sewed the legs on the machine then stitched them onto her body.  For a slip...I stewed a bit on this then I just folder over the matching cafe curtain sheer (very vintage), staggered the hem lines and stitched them onto her at about the empire waist level.  

I am currently contemplating what her dress will look like.....



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About Me

Crown Point, New York, United States
Hey there! I took the jump to start a blog while I was recuperating from hip surgery. Although created, I wasn't quite happy with the site. Now, I have a new direction and my blog will develop in content and creativity as I learn. Those of you who know me know that I love to create all sorts of fabric art using vintage materials. Nothing better than using something over again and again and making it better.

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Welcome to my blog. I'm still working on layout and design so comments are welcomed!

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