Gypsy Challenge Doll Progress

I have been starting on my entry into the Gypsy Challenge and have decided to post my progress as I go-here is the initial form-I used a wire armature,foam, cotton balls and some bubble wrap to build the form and then covered everything with heavy paper and masking tape. I tried something new for me-pre made papier mache-I usually just build with strips of paper and Mod Podge. I don't know if I like it-it has a very rough surface I will have to sand down and it is taking forever to dry-3 days so far. The head is made of a foam egg covered with foil and paperclay. Right now she looks like the man in the moon!

ADO Challenge Summer Of The Shell

Here is my entry for the ADO art doll challenge-a recent trip to Captiva, a vintage cabinet photo and an antique German porcelain figurine were the inspiration. I am happy with it-I like the shell slippers and working with the decoupage-it worked so well for the water effect-the bustle in back is a real scallop shell.

(My inspiration pics are below in an earlier post-I actually finished something before the deadline !)

Tiny Paintings

I finished some tiny paintings and posted them on my Etsy site-here are a few samples. I enjoy the detail and working in this size. I was inspired by my collection of antique dolls. I am working on a new doll as well-she is inspired by a vintage pincushion I found at a local thrift store. I'm a dedicated thrifter!

Looking forward to the lake

I am counting the days until I can get away to my little lakeside cottage or "camp" as they call them in New England. "Hilltop" is an old mail order Sears Roebuck house which was delivered by rail and put together on site. It was once used as the local one room school house. It is small but much loved and is in a special spot in NH. This lake community is just as it was in the early 1900's. Most of the camps are still just for summer living with no heat, just fireplaces. Our kitchen still has a pump at the sink. Hilltop is a place where you can completely relax-everything just fades away. I am hoping to be able to create some new art there this summer and finish some old projects. The porch is as big as the living area so I can spread out and make a wonderful mess.

More Water Themes

I was so happy with the way my decoupage technique worked out that I also created a mermaid-I know everyone makes mermaids but this is my first and probably only venture under the sea! I started with a little vintage shell covered vase-probably a souvenir of a long-ago trip to the shore. Her throne is a wrecked boat made of gessoed paper, she is composed of cotton balls and masking tape over a wire armature, heavily gessoed, decoupaged and painted. The vintage trims, sequins and beads came from an antique 30"s silk dress that fell to pieces and I salvaged the beads. I like the way it turned out.

Visit my Etsy store artdolldreams.etsy.com

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ADO art doll challenge

I have just finished my ADO art doll challenge-a recent trip to Captiva, a vintage cabinet photo and an antique German porcelain figurine were the inspiration. I am happy with it-I like the shell slippers and working with the decoupage-it worked so well for the water effect.

I love the way these suits looked but they must have been awful to wear in the water!

I chose water for my ADO challenge as I am living on the Gulf coast and water surrounds me, I am on a canal that leads to the Gulf and so many beautiful beaches are nearby-Captiva and Sanibel are so beautiful. Shells are everywhere.

Have you ever felt you were born in the wrong age? I always have and am drawn to the vintage and antique remmnants of another time. I incorporate my found treasures into my art dolls and other art pieces. I have been an artist in various mediums but feel most at home with clay and paint. Each doll sculpture is OOAK and will not be repeated.

My little big achievement

I have finally after a year or so of thinking about it opened an Etsy shop. I have been an artist forever and a doll maker for the past 2-3 years. I recycle old toys and dolls into new art doll pieces by taking them apart and recycling the materials. The heads and hands are sculpted out of paper clay. I collect vintage findings and trim and unusual and odd ornaments. It is exciting for me as my artwork has been on the back burner too long and I have a day job I need but don't want to be in.