Miniature stitching

One of my new friends creates the most amazingly detailed, tiny, tiny embroideries, cross stitch and needlepoint for doll's houses. I also love that she will use pennies for scale. Counted cross stitch is hard enough full size, but these are like micro-stitching.

However that is not all. Marlene also decorates doll houses with gorgeous detail, and makes other miniature and micro dioramas.

Dolls cover contest

DOLLS magazine has announced a Facebook contest to get your doll artistry on the cover!

Submit a photo and a few other pieces of information on the DOLLS Facebook wall. I'd be as proud as punch if one of my followers here won!

Note the dates: between July 3 and July 31, 2012.

From the e-mail:

Give your one-of-a-kind doll the exposure it deserves by having it featured on the cover ofDOLLS magazine! Starting July 3, submit a photo of your best one-of-a-kind doll to our Facebook wall for a chance to get featured on the cover and in an article of a 2013 issue of DOLLS magazine. 
Contest Rules - Photo submissions will be accepted between July 3 and July 31, 2012. Contestants are only allowed one submission each. To be eligible for the contest, your submission to our Facebook wall must include the following:
*    the verbiage "Entry for Discover a Dollmaker Cover Contest" 
*    artist name
*    name of doll
*    material used 
*    photo credit identifying the photographer

Pocket Zombies

... miniature figures from American Science and Surplus. $15.95 for 10 assorted zombies. That is all.

Upcoming Doll Auction

The estate collection of long time doll collector and restorer, Kathy L. Hipp, is being auctioned without reserves on July 14th by Auctioneers John McInnis in Amesbury, MA. You can set up absentee phone bidding. 

On the website is a lovely slideshow of just a few of the over 700 items that will be available. The doll manufacturers included is a who's who of fine doll making. Her eclectic collection spans French and German antique dolls, Madame Alexander right through to Barbies, G.I. Joes and Star Wars figures. Also included are miniatures and accessories. I should think just visiting the previews would be like attending a doll museum.

New Classes from Ankie Daanen and friends

Received from Ankie Daanen - lots of new classes both online and IRL. 

New on-line class: How to make and costume a Heartbreaker.

Host: Adele Sciortino: adele@adelesciortino.com

. Four day class in Rye Brook, NY.

Class: How to make a ´Ballwalker´.

Dates: Sept. 22, 23, 24 and 25.

Host: Barbi Kantor Goldenberg: dollart29@aol.com

. Two day class during the NIADA Conference in Stamford, CT.

Class: How to make a ´Jack out of the box´.

Dates: Oct. 1 and 2.

Info: www.niada.org

.Two day class during the ARTIS...YOU conference in Stamford,CT.

Class: How to make a ´theatre´.

Dates: Oct. 4 and 5.

Info: www.art-is-you.com

.Dutch Touch Class in Sanford, FL.

Dates: 2013: Febr. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Host: Annie Hesse: anniedolls@cfl.rr.com

.Four day class in Chapel Hill, NC.

Class: How to make a ´Cute Girl´.

Dates: 2013: Febr. 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Host: Lynda Baddour: lyndabaddour@gmail.com

.One day class during IDEX, FL.

Class: How to make an ´Innocent Dollface´.

Dates: April 11.

Info: www.idexshows.com

.Four day class in April 2013 in Fort Lauderdale,FL.

. Four day class in April 2013 in Mount Vernon,NY.

.Four day class in May in Rye Brook, NY.

Info: ankiedaanen@hotmail.com

Cat Copter

There is a creepy liveliness to the face, that I suppose is the mark of a good taxidermist. I have nothing more to add really. Just go see.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2012/jun/04/orvillecopter-flying-helicopter-dead-cat

Cool Article in Dolls

Just in passing here is a terrific article  by Stephanie Finnegan in the current Dolls digimag about the use of mini figures and altered dolls in stop motion animations. Very cool - lots of nice links.

ProSculpt Winners Announced

Jack Johnston Originals has announced the winners of their most recent ProSculpt one of a kind art doll contest. All the entries and the winning group may be viewed at the website.

There are three categories, Beginners, Advanced and Professional. I'm not going to list all the awardees here, but I do encourage you to look, and to pin them. I'm in awe of the level of skill and work, not just in the sculpting but also the costuming. Some are all clay, others have fabric costumes. Even the so called "Beginners" are amazing. Pictured is "Mad Hatress" by second place Beginner, Jen Lewis.

I wouldn't have wanted to judge the pieces (and I might have put the placegetters in different orders).
What do you all think?

The next contest will begin in June and run until December.

Art Doll - Sample of type - The White Maiden OOAK Polymer clay, wire and cloth - $275.00

If you are looking for a completely unique gift, perhaps for a wedding or for an artist, a one of a kind commissioned art doll would be a beautiful and different gift. Always a talking point, perhaps a spiritual focus or inspiring archetype, I will consult with you on the character of the doll you wish made. You can give a figurative sculpture.

Perhaps she can be made from a loved one's clothing or other meaningful fabric.


Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

PBS Idea Channel

Thanks to Heath Fradkoff at Goodman Media for the heads up about the PBS online video series about pop culture, Idea Channel. This week the feature is about Hello Kitty, and there are also thought provoking episodes about Mario and an anime musician, among others. Who knew there were Hello Kitty coffins?

BTW, they are asking for ideas for future fortnightly videos. What can we come up with about dolls? The prevalence of elves amongst BJD afficianados? Something about upcycling as an aesthetic for fine art figurative sculpture? Toys or totems?

"Hello Kitty is one of the most recognizable characters in the world and has sold billions of dollars worth of merchandise since her debut in 1974. Host Mike Rugnetta wonders if  Hello Kitty’s popularity may be tied to minimalist design, while some equate her looks with the Superflat postmodern art movement, founded by Takashi Murakami, or modern Anime. In either case, it’s fun to look at this completely commercial character in the light of high art."


Remember, if you like it, Pin it.

Mini green and red Wish Doll with musk fragrant sachet - $12.00

This poseable mini Wish Doll wears a green and red geometric print dress and comes with a musk oil fragrant sachet pillow. Her sash is red and pink, her hands pale yellow beads, and her feet are amber colored glass beads.



I was inspired by Guatemalan Worry Dolls to make these flexible wire and bead dolls. This one is a miniature 1.5 inches tall, but very cute. I wrap the wire body with fabric remnants ...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Purple and orange Wish Doll with lavender scented sachet - $15.00

This poseable Wish Doll wears an orange and purple printed dress and comes with a lavender scented sachet pillow.



I was inspired by Guatemalan Worry Dolls to make these 3 inch tall flexible wire and bead dolls. I wrap the wire body with fabric remnants or ribbon, and use more to make the dress, sash and braid. I sew seed beads to the braid and sash. Each is slightly different, with different combinati...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Hummingbird Miniatures

Oh my gosh, these are so delightful and I love, love, love the use of the hand in the photos to actually give proper scale. These are magically detailed.

I've been reading and watching a lot of marketing tutorials and how-to videos recently. The Hummingbird Miniatures blog seems like a case study, with the lovely, consistent aesthetic, and a very simple and clean visual.

I love the items in the Etsy shop which include miniature foods, miniature food jewelry, and tutorials! Also visit the sister shop Pixie Dust Miniatures.

If you like it, Pin It!

Orange and purple Wish Doll with musk oil sachet - $15.00

This poseable Wish Doll wears an orange and purple dress and comes with a musk oil fragrant sachet pillow.



I was inspired by Guatemalan Worry Dolls to make these 3 inch tall flexible wire and bead dolls. I wrap the wire body with fabric remnants or ribbon, and use more to make the dress, sash and braid. I sew seed beads to the braid and sash. Each is slightly different, with different combinations of f...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Blue and pink starry Wish Doll with lavender sachet - $15.00

This poseable Wish Doll wears a blue and pink starry print dress and comes with a lavender scented sachet pillow.



I was inspired by Guatemalan Worry Dolls to make these 3 inch tall flexible wire and bead dolls. I wrap the wire body with fabric remnants or ribbon, and use more to make the dress, sash and braid. I sew seed beads to the braid and sash. Each is slightly different, with different combinatio...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Best Cleaner Ever coupon

This is a great cleaner for inks and glues on your hands, your rubber stamps, your cutting tools - and your makeup brushes. Go to the site to see videos of it in action. It will wipe off your hands with a damp cloth.

Perhaps of more interest to doll makers, it will clean polymer clay off your pasta roller nicely, and is not drying to your skin like alcohol can be. It also takes stains and marks like ink, out of fabric. It is non-toxic, vegetable oil based, and fragrance free. It works to lift sticky residue like Tea Tree oil, only it's not so volatile and it won't hurt your skin.

Celebrate Earth Day 2012 with a coupon. 

Get $2.12 off the Best Cleaner Ever!

It’s safe for the environment  AND safe for you.

This solvent is safe for skin and has NO harmful fumes and cleans almost anything from and spray paint off your hands and permanent marker off your table, to solvent ink off stampsadhesive off scissors. It seriously works like magic (without the hocus-pocus).

 

Use coupon Code:  BestCleanerEver4EarthDay2012 

Go here!

Native American Traditional Dolls

From the Smithsonian Museum comes the Smithonian in the Classroom series of educational posters. I've just found one about Native American Dolls which features profiles of several doll artists making traditional dolls from their tribal nations. Perhaps skipping the classroom exercises, the profiles are definitely worth reading start to finish.

Here's more about one of the featured artists, Clara Begay, whose doll is pictured.

Little Miss Matched contest

Go here to Dolls Magazine to enter a drawing to win all four of Tonner's Little Miss Matched play line collection of dolls. Very poseable, many reversible outfits, cute.

Doll Project tutorials

Very excited to see that Jessica Acosta Hamilton of Doll Project is now offering a selection of beautiful tutorials in her Etsy store. Some of the more unusual lessons include Tiny Shoes and Collage Dolls, as well as a tutorial for her signature item with the following eyes - Pin Dolls. 

If you like it, Pin it. 

Kerijoy Wall Dancers and More

It's been some time since I featured Keri Joy Colestock's wall dancer dolls. In the interim her Etsy shop has exploded in a riot of color and new sculptures.

The Wall Dancers are still delightful and have that signature Kerijoy "joyful whimsy" look. But there is also an intriguing collection of found object, mixed media, figurative and surrealist sculptures. I've been Pinning like crazy.

Oh and my new motto is going to be "If you like it, PIN it!" Pinterest boards really do seem to be the simplest way to bring new eyes to all of our work. I'm constantly getting notified of repins from people I don't know - and that is awesome! Every pin becomes a link back. Every repin becomes a new strand in the enormous web of appreciation. Please Pin - Etsy makes it super easy.

Some of what I've been up to lately

Another pretty, fresh Dream Star doll made from vintage Indian printed cotton - brought over by my mother-in-law in her travels in the '60's and '70's. This time I've decorated her 8.5 inch form with an assortment of vintage and new buttons in coordinating earth tones. Some are wood, bamboo, plastic and mother of pearl. I just love old buttons. She's also embellished with many glass beads, and...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

I love discovering a new store on Etsy. L Delaney, maker of gorgeous realistic vintage style miniature doll house accessories, is having a BIG miniature raffle for the month of April. For every $20 you spend at the store, you will be entered into the raffle to win a miniature item. For every 10 entries into the raffle, L will add another prize.
Here's a page about the raffle that you can tweet and link to help spread the word.

But the miniature items are beautiful. Many are made from recycled and upcycled elements, then aged and worn. Truly wonderful additions to your doll house - or miniature stop motion movie set.

Froud classes in France

Wendy and Brian Froud will be teaching master classes in sculpting and drawing at medieval Chateau De Belcastel in Aveyron, France. There are three sessions over August as well as other activities around the historic castle and local village.

At last a chance to answer the age old question - does being somewhere amazing and beautiful make creativity blossom? Feel free to take up a collection for me to go and advance this valuable research. Sigh.

Easter Bunny Etsy Round Up

There are some cute Easter themed dolls on Etsy, just in time.

There are some sweet prims around including:

Georgia Road Prims Mama and Baby

Stitchin Sew Prim also has an aged seeming Easter Rabbit Doll clutching a chick and a quilted egg.

This wide eyed bunny from Annaboo Creations is a brighter folk art style.

The Bagg Lady 76 has a primitive Rag Doll Bunny with really fun big feet.


Not to be outdone, there are also some weird and wonderful odd characters.

Pinky Toast has some big eyed painted cloth dolls that are cool.

Loopy Boopy has a miniature Art Doll Worry Bunny.

I like Art Work by Lori's painted cloth Spring Bunnies with their big sleepy eyes (pictured).

Citsch Coo has a couple of different painted cloth bunnies that appeal to me.

T Dozier Art has a humorous paper clay full sculpt called "After Easter Bunny" that is ready for a vacation after setting out all those eggs.

Not bunnies, but Odd Princess Dolls is having an Easter Sale - 10% off some truly gorgeous ribbon jointed paper clay dolls.

Doll emporium Angelic Dreamz is hosting a doll convention. The JAMIEshow Premiere Convention, "Prohibition", will be held in Canandigua, NY September 28-30th, 2012. The plans include plenty socializing, three workshops, and a trip to the Strong Museum, as well a day of VIP shopping at the Angelic Dreamz store. Also included, a conference exclusive doll.

Fascinating article in Dolls

There is a very interesting article in the latest Dolls Magazine newsletter about Chinese artist and dissident, Liu Xia. Writer Stephanie Finnegan presents a compelling look at Liu Xia's photographs of dolls. As an artist living under a repressive regime, for her own safety, Liu Xia intentionally stays "in the dark" about international exhibits of her photography.
Currently showing is "The Silent Strength of Liu Xia" at The Italian Academy, part of Columbia University, in New York, extended until April 20, 2012.
Sobering, isn't it, to think that in China I might be arrested for the simple act of posting about an art exhibit.

Not dolls, but a request

I'm trying something - hoping to learn how this survey system works and get some insight on the topic. I have a Survey Monkey survey about Hand Made Greeting Cards. Please help me out  - there are only 6 questions. Since I can't seem to get the blog link to work (sigh), please visit my Facebook page and scroll to the direct link to the survey.
Thank you!

Michaels New Online Bookstore

Michaels now has arts and crafts books for sale online. The search engine and expansive catalog seem very clear and easy to use, but it looks like there is no "look inside" preview feature, at least not yet. The two most relevant categories to us here are Miniatures and Stuffed Animals & Toys. The titles include some familiar ones from past features and ones that are new to me like: "Making and Manipulating Marionettes" by David Currell.
There are also a lot of amigurumi and doll house books, including several by prolific Jean Nisbett.

My Little Altered Pony

by love-my-twins

Here we go - this is just wonderful fun.

My Little Pony Mods. 50 of them.

I think we still have some un-modded floating around here just waiting.

Rose Percy - a charitable doll does lunch.

Received from Jean Radke:

Doll Scholars of Southeast Wisconsin, a UFDC Member Club, will host the Remarkable Rose Percy Luncheon on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 9A – 3P, at the Pfister Hotel Imperial Ballroom, to benefit the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Center.

            The event will feature VIP Miss Rose Percy, “Duty’s Most Faithful Child,” a Civil War era doll, whose mission has been to assist charitable causes throughout her life. Miss Rose Percy began her mission at the 1864 Metropolitan Sanitary Fair in New York City where she was auctioned to raise funds for the aid of Civil War soldiers.  She continued her mission at the Red Cross National headquarters in Washington DC for several decades and was eventually sold to benefit victims of natural disasters.  Once again she is serving US veterans of all wars through her appearances.

  Special guests include Michael Canadas and David Robinson, directors of the Rose Percy Foundation; Louise Hedrick, Elm Grove, WI, author of “A French Fashion Doll’s Wardrobe”, National Antique Doll Dealers Association (NADDA) representatives from across the US, and Miss Rose Percy herself.

            Registered guests will be treated to a full day of festivities including a wonderful luncheon, a special presentation, a display of Rose Percy with her extensive wardrobe and accessories, and the opportunity to purchase fine quality antiques.  A limited edition illustrated book about Rose’s life story and other surprise souvenirs will go home with each guest. 

            The Doll Scholars will host auctions including antique dolls and clothing to raise funds to honor veterans and benefit the Milwaukee VA Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Center and The Historic National Soldiers Home, established in 1865.  Funds will be used primarily for veterans’ medical care and restoration of the national historic site.  The gift to the “Old Soldiers Home” pays homage to Milwaukee’s West Side Soldiers Aid Society who organized a 10-day Sanitary Fair in June 1865 to raise money for a permanent Wisconsin Soldiers Home, and continues Miss Rose Percy’s legacy.

********************************************************

The Doll Scholars are also seeking donations for the Soldiers Home:

Contributions can be sent to:

            UFDC - Doll Scholars of Southeast Wisconsin

            6707 Maple Terrace

            Wauwatosa, WI 53213

I'm quite fascinated with this Rose Percy doll. One thing it shows me is just how long people have been creating personas and stories for the dolls they design. It's not just the child with a doll making up wonderful imaginative play stories for her, which is no small thing. It's that dolls are art and people love storytelling through art. 

Blog Giveaway at Iggy Jingles

I'm having a blog giveaway at my other blog for National Craft Month. Tell me what crafty things you will be doing to be entered for a Wish Doll with your choice of Lavender or Indian Musk fragrant sachet. Details at Iggy Jingles Crafts.

DOTY Awards Announced

Heidi Plusczok - Lilli Frog Princess

Collectible Vinyl/Plastic doll over $150

Dolls magazine, hot on it's merge with Doll Reader magazine, has announced the industry choice Dolls of the Year Awards. The winners are noted on the website. The Public's Choice ballot for DOTY will be in the June issue, along with pictures of the industry winners.

As part of the merge, Dolls will no longer be awarding the Dolls Awards of Excellence as a separate awards.

Folks, Dolls Magazine will be presenting special issues of Haute Dolls quarterly, that is part of the regular subscription. I encourage all doll lovers to subscribe if at all possible.

Carl Turner

Ceramicist and sculptor Carl Turner creates "Seussian" Taxidermy and other unique whimsical creatures from clay. On his blog he includes WIP pictures, including plasticine marquettes. Meanwhile more of his work is shown at his online gallery, through Saatchi Online.

OMG

http://briandettmer.com/

Only from cutting away - no moving the images or adding.
Also sculptures from upcycled cassette tapes.
Watch the videos too. They are cool.

Sean E Avery Sculptures

Here is the website of Australian figurative sculptor and illustrator, Sean Avery. He uses recycled materials like old cd's and circuit boards for his cool animals and creatures. You may have to convert the metric measurements. This Giraffe is a little under 20 inches tall.

Thanks Failblog. (His work was categorized as a "Win".)

No more ADO

Art Dolls Only, home to some wonderful doll artists, is closing as a club. The sad news was announced by the co-founders a few days ago. The club was an invitation only group, and one's work was scrutinized before acceptance. I have to admit to being a bit dazed, as the club appeared to be thriving with monthly and quarterly challenges, a traveling doll project, an e-zine, and a seemingly vibrant web presence - website, Facebook and Ning. However it seems that the heavy workload of promotion and treasuries and posting reminders was falling on a small minority of members.

There will still be a new ADO Etsy Team for former members, and folks are working out some kind of Facebook page so that we may keep in touch. The tag ADO Team will still mean something - a reminder of glories past.

Out of the Box(es)

Pablo Curutchet's giant man sculpture is made of recycled boxes. He has also made humongous puppies. Why do I think oddly of Minecraft? In any event rather cool.

Barbie Ma Muse

Vermeer inspired.

French artist Jocelyn Grivaud has created a website for Barbie's 50th Anniversary that is a loving tribute to the beauty and artistry that inspired her childhood joys, and apparently her own mother's knitting. Barbie is treated as the subject of famous artworks (including antiquities), with thoughtful commentary. I think it's clever and fun. Plus it is highly educational because there are also links to info about each fine artist.

My only problem is that I had planned a series of altered Barbies as statues, starting with my Winged Victory, and I see she already has a Venus de Milo. Well mine will be different.

My version of Winged Victory.

Thanks, Sandra, for the link.

IFDC Rocks!

The theme of this year's International Fashion Doll Convention is "Shock, Rattle and Roll". Convention events are themed around 20th Century iconic musical eras - and it's the 10th Anniversary.

Attendance is limited to 250, so don't wait to register. Workshops and seminars are listed in the Convention Packet PDF and includes JAMIE Show.

July 25-28, 2012
The Orleans Resort and Casino
Las Vegas, NV

Sheri

Sheri de Bow makes beautiful polymer clay and mixed media dolls, busts, head ornaments, and other fine art - all with distinctive large wide-open eyes. Her dolls engender a tension between whimsical, fragile beauty and danger. Her blog, Ostrich Girl, tells all about her recent exhibitions.

Claudia's Adventures

For your viewing pleasure, something to make you smile - The Adventures of Claudia blog.

From the same creative visionary who brings us Gerbils in Hats.

Life is good.

Kickstarter Obos

Here is another Kickstarter project that is close to funding and looks like fun - Obos by Really Brothers. I like the look of these - nice clear graphics and recycled cardstock. I like the limited packaging too - very slick. Good luck! I hope your get reach your target.

Oh, and here is Planet Obo.

CHA De Witte Engel

I've been loving participating in the CHA Expo in Anaheim. I visited Pollika and saw the sweet line of De Witte Engel doll kits and supplies. In addition to the charming lines of tiny doll kits - fairies and pixies - from felt and cotton cloth, they also sell wood-and-rope doll bases, felting tools and felts, and an all cotton skin tone jersey in every possible complexion. Very soft and stretchy.

How cute are these?

Knitted critters

Here's a new book for knitters - the very clearly titled "Knitted Dinosaurs". There's some info about yarns and different pictures of the finished paleo-fauna on the publisher's blog.

You know, I don't knit, but these are cute. For knitters, they could make a nice alternative to socks and beanies for your kid gifts this year.

More Paper work

Somehow or other I'm just finding a lot of paper sculpture today. Today I learnt that in Japan the art of paper cutting is called "Kirigami".

Here is a person who makes cute figurative sculptures from your business cards. The Petrina Case Etsy store is sweet too.

The other site I found today markets patterns for 3D Kirigami including birds and dinosaur skeletons. Easy Cut Pop Ups has links to video tutorials, and at least one free pattern.

Print-and-Fold-A-Day

How did I miss this blog for so long?

Toy-A-Day is a blog with a daily download of a printable full color template for a folding doll figure. They are cute and nice graphic design. The characters vary wildly from celebrity portraits like The Beatles to The Little Prince to characters from contemporary storybooks and classic pop culture. They are up in the two hundreds now, so plan to spend a few minutes browsing.