2013 Hoffman Doll

I usually don't post pics of my challenge dolls before the deadline, but here she is. I'll live with  her for a week or so before sending her off and fix any flaws or things I am not happy with. I have named her "Bliss on a Summer Breeze" even though I made her during the 5 days of rain we had!  She is all cloth with beading.  Lots of fussy cut elements from the challenge fabric, seed bead leaves and crystal star flowers.  All of the Tulle was dyed or highlighted with color.  Which I could have found Olivine feathers!  I tried to dye some with alcohol inks but they came out too pale - pretty but not right.  She is just under the "20" limit by 1/2"!  I guess I got carried away with her long legs!  The wreath is fused and stiffened fabric cut out with a die cut.  Also used this under the beading.

Quite a stretch from the sketches and inspiration!  The Base is covered with fussy cut flowers from one of the coordinates, glued on then covered with clear gesso, crackle paint and highlighted with metallic rubs - Gilders Paste and Inca Gold.  The armature is 16g double hard stainless steel wire with additional 1/4" dowels in her legs.  Try stuffing around that! LOL  I have seen some of the competition, and I will be happy if she travels!

Hoffman Challenge Inspiration

I have been working on my Hoffman Challenge Doll and she is for all intents and purposes done.  Just a few little tweaks here and there and she can be mailed.  I had wanted NOT to make a pretty doll this year but that didn't happen.  I wasn't that inspired by the fabric and didn't use it in any unique ways but she does reflect how I felt while I was making her.  You can see the challenge fabric on the Hoffman Challenge home page   I liked the ballet dress because it had many flowers and leaves trimming the front and sleeves and skirt top tier - there are many depicted in the challenge fabric.  I also had pictures from a 2011 Sunday New York Times Magazine that I just loved and thought they were good inspiration for her face and hair (though not as much as I thought!).  I then sketched a bit on my iPad with a new free app I found called Finger Sketch (my 3 yr old grandson LOVES it!).  So here are the preliminaries. I think the real challenge of the fabric is the color ways-gold, turquoise, green.  I would have liked to pull out the green more, but it was hard finding the embellishments I wanted in the right colors and I could not dye them although I tried.  Will post a pic of her tomorrow after I get a good shot.

 
The NYT issue NYT Style Issue Summer Fashion and BeautyApril 17, 2011, pages 68, 69, 72,73
Photographs by Richard Burbridge styled by Robbie Spencer and they are showcasing the jewels.
 
 

Metal Cover book Class Saturday, June 22

Still seats left!  Hope to see you there!

More Examples

Cleaning off my work space...

When I found this face.  It was a big oops - I sewed the back of the head on upside down.  I stuffed it any way and got this odd shape with a very wide forehead and pointed chin.  But, I do like to practice so drew- and colored the features.  Didn't look too bad but when I found it today I decided to "Gothicize" it.  I think she needs a mermaid body but it will have to wait until I finish a set of drapes, cornice, and my Hoffman challenge doll not necessarily in that order!  Now back to cleaning.

Guess What I'm doing tomorrow!!!!

Think I will create another one dedicated to ?????? Still a seat or two left!  Drop in if you are in the area.  59 N. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ 609 549-6350

Classes Classes and more Classes!

Interested in creating a book from scratch or altering one?  Join me at the Artsy Soul.  Seats still available in all three classes.  And YES  That is the Metal Book Class again!  This may be the last time it is offered!!!!