I actually had the time to finish two more dolls this week! Who would have thunk it?!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
New Dolls
I know I haven't added any posts or dolls lately; but I have started training for a new home business. I have encountered so many problems that I had to put my dolls aside (temporarily).
I am back to creating my dolls. Some have been posted to my Etsy shop and my website.
I was inspired by a doll that my mom bought me in the Bahamas several years ago. The doll from the Bamahas is very basic. It has no legs, instead it is round because there is a small bag of sand inside of the fabric. The face is made of cloth and it has very basic facial features i.e. painted dots for nose, eyes and mouth. The arms are made out of some sort of foam.
I changed the the concept and added stuffing and added scented pellets to mine. My faces, hands and feet (some have them, some don't), of course, are made of polymer clay. So not only are they cute but they aslo have a nice aroma!
This one stands about 4 1/2" tall.
I also made larger versions. This one stands about 7 1/2" tall.
More dolls will be added by the end of this week.
I am back to creating my dolls. Some have been posted to my Etsy shop and my website.
I was inspired by a doll that my mom bought me in the Bahamas several years ago. The doll from the Bamahas is very basic. It has no legs, instead it is round because there is a small bag of sand inside of the fabric. The face is made of cloth and it has very basic facial features i.e. painted dots for nose, eyes and mouth. The arms are made out of some sort of foam.
I changed the the concept and added stuffing and added scented pellets to mine. My faces, hands and feet (some have them, some don't), of course, are made of polymer clay. So not only are they cute but they aslo have a nice aroma!
This one stands about 4 1/2" tall.
I also made larger versions. This one stands about 7 1/2" tall.
More dolls will be added by the end of this week.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Polymer Clay Techniques
There are several different ways to create an art doll using polymer clay. The great thing about arts and crafts is there is not a "wrong" way to do anything. If you want to learn how to sculpt using polymer clay, I would suggest exploring different techniques, to see what suits you.
I use a combination of techniques.I used two books as a reference when I first began sculpting. Jack Johnston's "Art Dolls: Basic Sculpting and Beyond" and Maureen Carlson's "Family and Friends in Polymer Clay." Both of the books were extremely helpful.
Mr. Johnston's book is very informative. He takes you through each step to create an art doll. He teaches you how to sculpt the doll, apply hair, create an armature and dress your doll. The pictures in the book are beautiful. He is truly a great doll artist. The only downside that I encountered was that he recommended using a body stocking. This is placed over the armature and stuffed to create the doll's body. You cannot find this body stocking anywhere except on his website. Of course, you could sew your own.
I am more partial to Maureen Carlson's book because her technique seems to be for creating a whimsical character. She also teaches each step to create a doll. How to sculpt, apply hair, make an armature and dress the doll. She shows different techniques for making the amarture and dressing the doll.
I just learned about Cheryl Riello's book "Sculpting Dolls in Super Sculpey." I may pick this up because I am a huge fan of Super Sculpey. Plus, I like to have a variety of references.
I use a combination of techniques.I used two books as a reference when I first began sculpting. Jack Johnston's "Art Dolls: Basic Sculpting and Beyond" and Maureen Carlson's "Family and Friends in Polymer Clay." Both of the books were extremely helpful.
Mr. Johnston's book is very informative. He takes you through each step to create an art doll. He teaches you how to sculpt the doll, apply hair, create an armature and dress your doll. The pictures in the book are beautiful. He is truly a great doll artist. The only downside that I encountered was that he recommended using a body stocking. This is placed over the armature and stuffed to create the doll's body. You cannot find this body stocking anywhere except on his website. Of course, you could sew your own.
I am more partial to Maureen Carlson's book because her technique seems to be for creating a whimsical character. She also teaches each step to create a doll. How to sculpt, apply hair, make an armature and dress the doll. She shows different techniques for making the amarture and dressing the doll.
I just learned about Cheryl Riello's book "Sculpting Dolls in Super Sculpey." I may pick this up because I am a huge fan of Super Sculpey. Plus, I like to have a variety of references.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
One Week Sale
I am having a one week sale at my Etsy shop. Sale ends June 29, 2008. http://www.teejaysdollhouse.etsy.com/e.etsy.com/ $5.00 off of select dolls. Stop by and have a look.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Super Sculpey
My medium of choice, as I have mentioned, is polymer clay. The brand that I prefer is Super Sculpey. I like it because it is easy to condition. I don't have to "play" with it for a long period of time. Super Sculpey is easy to sculpt and smooth.
However, now that summer is here, I have noticed that the clay is becoming too soft. I have central air but I live on the east coast and it tends to be humid here. I may have to buy a humidifier or find a harder clay to mix with my Super Sculpey.
However, now that summer is here, I have noticed that the clay is becoming too soft. I have central air but I live on the east coast and it tends to be humid here. I may have to buy a humidifier or find a harder clay to mix with my Super Sculpey.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Waiting Patiently
My shop on Etsy has been up and running for two weeks now. I haven't had a sale yet but I am trying to be patient. I am a person who wants to see instant results but I am old enough to know that life doesn't work that way. I remain hopeful though. I noticed that people are looking at my dolls. At least, they are looking and not bypassing them.
I am working on more that are full bodied. I should have at least one posted by the end of the weekend.
There is so much involved with having an online business; blogging, MySpace, watching Google Analytics for traffic information. I still need to have business cards made, at least get some announcements out to my family and friends.
Gotta keep moving and remember Rome wasn't built in a day!
I am working on more that are full bodied. I should have at least one posted by the end of the weekend.
There is so much involved with having an online business; blogging, MySpace, watching Google Analytics for traffic information. I still need to have business cards made, at least get some announcements out to my family and friends.
Gotta keep moving and remember Rome wasn't built in a day!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Olivia Has Gone Cartoon
During my efforts to start my own business selling my OOAK dolls, I was inspired to also try selling products on Cafe Press. As I said before, I love to create. So, I figure why not. It would give me an opportunity to learn how to utilize the Bamboo computer tablet and Adobe Photoshop software, that my husband gave me for Christmas.
Olivia can be found on Cafe Press promoting diabetes awareness. You can also meet her grumpy friend Grumpus (original huh?). Grumpus really doesn't promote anything. He just hangs out and criticizes and complains.
I am having so much fun!
I really haven't used the tablet for any products yet. Discovering new things on Photoshop has kept me from doing so.
My latest encounter was discovering that I could use photos of my polymer clay dolls and change them into cartoon characters. I am loving this! I also changed one of my paintings of roses and changed that into rose patterned butterflies. Now I know, some of you (especially the techies) may think I am being silly, but this is a big deal to me. I thought Photoshop was just for editing your photos. Who would have "thunk" it!
Olivia can be found on Cafe Press promoting diabetes awareness. You can also meet her grumpy friend Grumpus (original huh?). Grumpus really doesn't promote anything. He just hangs out and criticizes and complains.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
