Gerda - The Last Doll of 2015

This is Gerda, my last doll of the year.  She is a tall miss, one of my tallest, standing around sixteen inches. Gerda is heavily tea stained, I wanted to age her more to give an antiqued feel. I love the marks and blemishes she has, particularly on her hands. She carries a little beribboned blue bird, is dressed in soft blues & pinks by Tilda Fabrics with button joints and little leather shoes.

Her hair, as always, is wool tops but this time I have found a passable blond.  Too often the blondish colours look yellow but this cool blond by Trimits is a lovely colour that I think works well.

As always I try to find a gentle expression, a warmth or softness to my dolls' faces and I am particularly happy with her calmness. She would make a very gentle friend to sit on your bed or lie on a favourite chair. I hope you like and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all my viewers and to wish you all a very joyous and peaceful New Year wherever you may be.

Tuesday Talent - David Ellwand and Fairie-ality

David Ellwand is an English photographer, illustrator and author, who I would say was best known for his children's books particularly his Amazing Baby series.  But I find great inspiration from his Fairie-ality books, they are fantastic for texture and colour combinations.  Drawing strictly from natural materials they are a collection of dresses, gowns, suits and furniture for fairies.  Now this may sound twee but the results are gorgeous.

If you are unsure about a colour combination or are stuck for a dress design or detail I find myself turning back to these books over and over again.  And if you just want to own a beautiful book, with lift up pages, secret envelopes and hidden treasures you could not better either 'Fairie-ality. The Fashion Collection From The House of Ellwand' or his other gem 'Fairie-ality: Style'.  

This chap is a talented artist, using natural materials in amazing ways to create stunning fairy sized fashion and furniture.  So successful were his designs that Elle magazine asked him to create a gown for one of their Christmas issues.  He seems to be a one off English eccentric (and boy do we have a lot of those), steeped in fairy lore and using his skills to explore historic photographic processes, maybe to capture an English sprite or two.  Try the books they are stunning and a real pleasure to explore.  For more David Ellwand magic try the website at www.davidellwand.com.

Fion, An Embroidered Robin Red Breast Doll

This is Fion, my last robin before Christmas 2015, she is not an order so I can share her.  The colours are softer in reality but again my awful photography and such poor light at the moment.

Her head is printed with stencils as usual and she is stitched using random cross in three colours, fly stitch and whipped running stitch. Her eyes are a pair of black beads and she has detailed embroidered wings with applique buttons and beads.  The fabric was chosen to complement the robin idea and has little red birds perching on winter branches, it is from the Moda Range 'A Winters Lane' by Kate and Birdie.  Her dress is finished with a red organza ribbon and little buttons to the back of the neck.

She is not necessarily a Christmas robin, I have made eight of these little ladies over the last few weeks and some were definitely Christmas birds as they had more festive fabric and heavier embroidery.  She is a winter robin I think, the berries on the bare branches confirm this. These birds have been such a success this year and they are a joy to make I will continue them into the New Year. I have orders for several repeats and orders for new birds I have yet to try so such fun to look forward to. My next bird will be a female bullfinch because we have had a pair overwintering in the garden this year.  Well its been a great year so her I am wishing you all a most warm and joyful festive season, Blessings for Yule and a Very Merry Christmas.

Tuesday Talent - Katia Ferris

Katia Ferris is LuckyJuJu, a San Francisco wife and mum of two beautiful girls who doesn't simply make dolls she makes toys.  Her work is all about play and the best way to engage boys and girls.

That said, her iconic cats and now owls are very desirable to both children and adults alike. Heirloom quality they come in a wonderful palette of neutral greys, taupes and the occasional pale pinks.  They have waistcoats and scarves and recently started having gorgeous hand knits from cuddly jumpers to stylish hats and collars. All the clothes are made to come off and make for easy washing.  Much larger than you imagine they would grace anyone's bed or favourite chair.

Katia has an Etsy shop but be warned should you want one they sell out in minutes of being listed, literally.  Check out her blog at 'www.flystraighttomyheart.blogspot.co.uk' where there are links to Etsy, Instagram and Pinterest. There you can see more of her lovely work and delightful pictures of her girls, Lucia and Alma- Luisa.

Friday Folksy Finds - Winter Whites

Just had a lovely day out with my dear friend Isobel and her charming husband in Clitheroe.  A great little town nestling under Pendle Hill.  A little damp but I walked round in just a blouse and fleece, its hard to believe in December but where are our Winter White Days.  I long for crisp mornings and frosted twigs but it seems not to be this season.  So missing my frosty days I looked for Winter Whites for this week's finds.

art you wear

Justine Nettleton is 'art you wear', a Nottingham based artist whose work is inspired by a love of art, colour and nature.  This delicate wooden brooch has a fine winter tree applied and finished by a silver pin.  Mounted on a pretty card it makes a lovely winter gift. All this lady's work is delightful and you should check out her shop for last minute seasonal gifts.  Charming.

deebeale

Dee Beale makes original hand pulled prints of stunning clarity.  Her pieces are finely worked and have a pleasing design.  She prints both paper goods and textiles for the home.  This piece is Two Little Owls and is just right for the winter season.  She prints birds, owls and mammals, in a range of colours but all with her unique vision.

Kina Ceramic Design

Kina Ceramic Design is Kina Gorsca and at this moment she has some stunning porcelain Christmas Baubles.  She works mainly in porcelain and has a variety of items on offer but her elegant baubles are brilliant, this Winter Twig Bauble is incredible, the patterning so subtle and the effect dazzling. Truly admire this lady's work.

ndm handmade

ndm handmade is new to me and I think quite new to Folksy but the work is lovely.  These three inch white hoops have lots of pretty little scenes and designs to chose from in winter greys and winter blues.  So simple but very charismatic, all hand embroidered with french knots and appliqued sequins, presented in a gift box.  Really pretty.

Marilyn's Patchwork Mania

This shop offers lots of patchwork fabric but this fabric by Lewis and Irene caught my eye.' The Glen - Stag Head on Snow' is a great winter white fabric from a reasonably new British family firm.  The designs are printed on 100% pre shrunk cotton and are a delight to work with.  Apparently they have a Schreiner finish for a super soft silky touch.

Well one more week to go and one last minute order to finish this weekend which must be in the post by 9am Monday morning - so busy days ahead but presents are bought, cards all sent and our turkey ordered.  Counting down and looking forward to the big day, hope all your preparations are going smoothly, my warmest winter wishes.

Morag, A Crested Tit Doll

 This is Morag, a crested tit doll with a detailed embroidered head and wings and dressed in a pretty cotton print.  This doll has taken ages to finish because of customer orders but now she is done I am happy to share her with you all.

I was recently asked about my inspiration for these bird doll and it comes straight from my childhood.  I was always a huge fan of Beatrix Potter and I still am. Also the books of Racey Helps published by the Medici Society where huge influences.  I love the idea of anthropomorphous animals and especially birds.  I grew up in the Lancashire countryside and was surrounded with all kinds of wild animals.  This led to a lifelong fascination with natural history.  The birds are just a natural extension my love of dolls and the natural world.

Morag is, as I stated, a crested tit and I have been privileged to see these delightful little birds on several occasions always in Scotland and always around pine and fir trees.  They are plucky little characters braving the worst of the weather, constantly on the move and very aware of their environment.  This little character is ten inches tall and is made to my own pattern.  The detailed embroidery on the head uses chain stitch, fly stitch, random cross stitch and feather stitch to define detail.  Her head pattern and wing patterns are stencilled using weak acrylic paint and give a good outline on which to work the embroidery.  She has a coordinating knickers and underskirt, a little net underskirt, stripy legs and little leather shoes all working together with the specially selected dress fabric.

I chose the fabric, a detail shown below, because I felt it both reflected the colours of the crested tit and featured both her predators and prey.  Moths,butterflies and owls, I though it worked anyhow.  Her dress sports ribbon bow detail to the front and bow and button detail to the back.  Her wings are hand printed and decorated with coordinated lace and embroidery. Again she looks better in the flesh than my rather ropey photography, Becca always does a much better job but she is so busy writing at the moment I couldn't disturb her. I have made so many robin dolls for customers that at some point I will do one for stock and share her here.  I am playing with felt at the moment and will share as soon as I have something I like. I hope you like Morag and if you want more crested tits I have a Pinterest page with lots of excellent photos and wonderful crested tit art work by some great artists.

I am very fond of her and would love any of your comments. My warmest wishes on the run up to Christmas.

Moda A Field Guide Fabric

Tuesday Talent - Pamela Cowart-Rickman

 This is another of my favourite doll makers and a woman whose work I have admired for quite some time.  I love the fullness of her figures, they have a sturdy non nonsence feel to them and the style is original and compelling.

I know almost nothing about this lady, she appeared in Susanna Oroyan's iconic books and again in the Lark Series, 500 Handmade Dolls.  She was a former member of the NIADA  and was active right up into the millenium but since has disappeared from view. Sadly she has no web presence and there is virtually no mention of her anywhere on the net.

However all I do know is that Pamela is an American artist that hails from Rock Hall in Maryland and that she worked in fabric, paperclay, fabric paints and acrylic.  Also that her girls ranged in size from under ten inches to over two foot.  I adore the paperclay mask faces and the raffia top knot for hair. Please enjoy her work and should any one know anything more about her or where I can see more of her work I would be grateful if you could let me know. My warmest winter wishes to you all.

Tuesday Talent - Shelley Thornton

 Welcome to Tuesday Talent which was very nearly Wednesday Talent but I have got my last most unexpected robin doll off down south and all is calm in this part of the county.  I wanted to share with you a lady very close to my heart, whose work has been a great source of inspiration to me over the years.  Her use of colour and combination of fabric is just brilliant and the overall appeal of her dolls is universal.

Shelley Thornton is a dollmaker from Lincoln, Nebraska and found dollmaking in 1992.  Previously working as an illustrator, her knowledge of colour most obviously comes from her roots in illustration.  She is a member of the selective NIADA and regularly shows and teaches across America.  Her most noted feature is the wonderful 'stuffed' cloth hair of her dolls.

Shelley says of her work " I shun extreme realism, and conceive of my work as dolls, not miniature replicas of human beings. I am fascinated by the notion that dolls, as objects, have long held a significant place in the human psyche, culture, and artistic expression, and I feel a profound urge to carry on in this tradition."

For more of her work check out her website at http://shelleythornton.com 

I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do. Her dolls are not small, when I first saw them I was surprised as they stand around two foot, but the detail is stunning as is her use of fabric and texture. I don't often covet others' work just enjoying their talent but I would love to own one of her pieces, just for the sheer joy finding some new detail every day.

Crested Tit and Blue Tit Embroidery Detail

Ongoing Embroidery Detail

This is just a little post for Sheila and Joyce at the WI who asked about my bird doll.  So for them and anyone else interested in the way the bird dolls work here goes.

I draw up my own patterns from my drawings, each doll has a different pattern based on an original.  For the plumage patterns I use stencils, again each one cut for each different species.  I cut a left and a right stencil, one for each side.  I then print the feather pattern using weak acrylic paint onto white cotton and let every stage dry before printing the next pattern.

Completed Embroidery Detail

The bird is then stuffed and the legs are added to make the doll, I am now ready to start embroidering.  I go for a feather feel to my stitches, using one strand of embroidery floss in an appropriate colour.  The stitches I use include fly stitch, feather stitch, whipped running stitch and different chains, I also like to use a free hand cross for texture on both the head and body.  I embroider well down the body, because even though the dress will cover some of it, when you look down inside the finished doll you will see embroidery not simply cloth.  I like to embroider the head, body and have great fun with the wings.  I am currently trying to incorporate a tail into the pattern as in spring I have a wren to do and she will really need her tail but haven't quite got it yet.

So there you go, they are proving very popular and I will get plenty of practice over the next few months on custom orders.  I am working on a simple bird shaped hanging embroidered doll and will share that when complete.  Again the embroidery being my main focus, which I am thoroughly enjoying.  I am sorry but I don't sell my patterns and please excuse my somewhat erratic photography.

Friday Folksy Finds - Woven

I was recently given some hand woven pieces of cloth for use in my dolls, looking at these yesterday for a gentleman robin made me think of all things woven.  Not just cloth but baskets and bead weaving as well.  Both arts I admire but know nothing about, not that I know much about loom weaving but I have had a go in the past.  There are lovely woven object on Folksy from winter warmers to creel baskets.  A plethora of woven wonders, take a peep.

Agnis Smallwood

This very talented young woman hails from Leeds in West Yorkshire and has a first class honours degree in Contemporary Applied Arts.  Her work is stunning and filled with the most delicate colours and colour combinations.  She makes all things hand woven from beautiful scarves to rugs.  For the very best from a consumate designer maker visit her shop, it is well worth it.

Down The Rabbit Hole Designs

Down the Rabbit Hole Designs is Alison Pritt who apparently "loves by creative with UK willow" and I love what she creates.  I have a thing for baskets, like my thing for buttons, its a compulsion that can get the better of me and this lady's baskets are the kind I like best, original, hand woven and very desirable.  Her shop is tiny but there are a couple of basket gems.

Weavesmith 

Weavesmith is Rebecca Robinson at that is all I know but her work speaks for her. Decorative wall hangings using interesting yarns, such as tassar silk yarn, which sounds so exotic.  Her work is elegant and would enhance any wall, using subtle colour ways and exciting textures.  You don't find many people working in this way and it was a pleasure to find her.

Vintage Beadery

This delightful shop is worked by Ley Holloway, who describes herself as quite ancient! However her work certainly isn't, it is both fresh and vibrant.  This piece has the feel of twenties decadence and you could imagine a mermaid rising from the foam wearing such a piece.  Love this lady's work, it is well worth visiting to just enjoy the delicacy of her bead weaving and bead work.

StitchKitch

I was so pleased to find this shop on Folksy, you sometimes forget there are lots of supply shops where you can find just about everything.  This most excellent shop offers all things loom, different types of loom and plenty of accessories as well as a great range of spinning wheels.

A lovely collection of weaves and wovens, there are some excellent pieces available and so different from chain store average. Hope Christmas is coming along well and the best of wishes for the weekend to come.

Just a note, for anyone needing a craft boost The Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is on on Sunday the 6th of December at Altrincham Town Hall this year, check out the website for details. http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/homepage-lnccf.aspx#

A Note on Stuffing

This is just a note on stuffing, the doll kind not sage and onion.  Recently I have been struggling with necks on dolls and wadding up of stuffing to make unsightly lumps.  I have been using a generic stuffing from a well known chain of craft shops because I thought stuffing is stuffing and it was a bargain at the time.

What a mistake, all the problems I have been having are down to cheap stuffing.  It really makes a difference.  Some people use all kinds of natural materials to stuff their dolls but I have always used a fibre fill.  For many years I used the stuffing sold by Panduro Hobby in Sweden but when they stopped selling large quantities I switched to using what was available locally.

If you are going to use a fibre fill can I stress use a good one.  I have been using Mountain Mist Fibreloft and the results are amazing. There is a good solid stuff that fits into tiny places and doesn't bunch.  I was getting floppy, bendy necks with the old stuff but not with Mountain Mist.  I truly thought I was doing something wrong and had suddenly forgotten the art of stuffing a doll but quality stuffing has been a revelation.  So to avoid the headaches and restuffing that I have been through, use a good quality stuffing from the start.  It is so worth it.

Tuesday Talent - Charla Khanna

'Since the beginning of time, people have made small representations of the human figure and imbued them with meaning.  From the sacred to the profane, little figures have been invested with intent.' Charla Khanna from her artist's statement.

I adore this lady's work and have followed her for many years.  Based in the artist community of Taos, New Mexico she draws on the Mexican culture and the rich American Indian heritage right on her door step as well as Asian and Indian motifs.  I love the stillness of these dolls, the familiar components of oversize hands and feet, the horse hair tuft on top of their heads and the dazzling beauty of their garments.  Charla herself says that the panel, her words for the dress, is what the doll is all about and you must work out that meaning.

Charla states 'My work is about intention. Through my figures I speak about the  human psyche, states of being, daily routine and the not so common experience - the human experience.'

No two of the doll's apparel is the same and they feature a myriad of patching, embroidering and applique techniques.  Each is a tiny work of art and they a much sought after by doll collectors the world over.  They leave my quite breathless, so many contemporary dolls are frothy and frivolous but there is something so spiritual about Charla Khanna's figures that I find myself calmed and intrigued.

If you have enjoyed this tantalising taste of her wonderful work, more can be found at www,tanseycontemporary.com.  Here you will find current dolls and more about the artist, her background and her ideas.

Friday Folksy Finds - Crafty Kits

Well five Robin dolls later I am just catching my breath and looking forward to getting set for Christmas.  Our Christmas cake is made, cards are bought or made but not written and I nearly have all my presents, apart from two mice by Peach Plot, they will be coming from The Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair on the 6th of December and a pair of socks I am knitting for David.  My husband has announced that he wants hand knitted socks for every birthday and Christmas for the next ten years, oh joy!

With us all being in the throws of present buying I had a look at kits on Folksy and found some wonderful ideas.  Kits for Christmas are one of my favourite present ideas because I think after Christmas when its too cold for the garden or its dark and a little bleak, a little bit of something different gives you a lift and what better than a new craft project.  So here are five of my favourites.

Lorna Bateman Embroidery

You cannot go wrong with one of these lovely embroidery kits by Lorna Bateman.  They come with everything you need and are very generous with thread, the designs are so pretty and the instructions are good.  Check out her range of patterns in the shop, from samplers to scissor keepers, a very good selection.

Sewgirl

Sewgirl is Fiona Hesford and her shop is a great collections of well designed sewing kits from totes to soft toys all with her good taste and colourful pattern combinations.  She has a blog if you want to follow more of her hand mades.

Mary Janes TEAROOM

This lady's shop is one of my favourite places to look on Folksy, her knitting patterns are some of the best doll designs I have seen anywhere.  She does just patterns as pdf downloads and also doll kits. Her range includes little girl dolls and little boy dolls, a wonderful array of rabbits and much more. Again she has a blog which is well worth having a peek at, to be found at maryjanestearoom.com with the most delicate touch and colours.

The Little Lancashire Smallholding

This is a new shop to me and from my neck of the woods, just loved the little acorn kit, which combines needle felting with crochet.  Rainy Williamson is a craft teacher who runs classes on her smallholding and makes a great range of kits for her shop.  One of my favourite kits is a three hour workshop at her place in Bolton, what a great idea.  Lots of goodies here, check her out.

Evie la Luve DIY

Well what can you say, what could be more British than a make your own knickers kit.  Saw this and it made me smile, its a lovely idea and one of the more unusual kits you find on Folksy.  I'm tempted to try one just for the experience and they would make great gifts for the god daughters.

There are lots of great ideas for kits on Folksy, have a peep also at The Billy Sugar Shop and Katie Essam.

Well on with my Crested Tit Doll, she was put on hold for my flock of  Robins, enjoy the build up to Christmas, it is really getting going now.  I sometimes think this is the best time, before the event.  Its good fun and not as intense as the big day.  Warmest wishes on this grey day.

A Grand Afternoon - The Ceramics Biennial

 First off just let me tell you that I pinched these photos from the site of the wonderful ceramicist Reiko Kaneko, we have just got back from Stoke and I wanted to share straightaway.

If you have any interest at all in ceramics get down to the old Spode factory in Stoke on Trent this weekend as the show closes on Sunday the 8th.  Getting to see a lot of ceramic shows now thanks to Becca but hey, she has seen a lot of textile shows over the years.  I am starting to recognise artists and to develop an appreciation of the pieces and the styles I am drawn to.  There is some wonderful work, from the straight forward but beautifully conceived table pieces to wild bubbling megabowls inspired by Icelandic geysers.

There is a lot to see but take a sweater or even a duvet because it is so cold and very dusty.  The exhibition is housed in a giant brick built warehouse and it is colder inside than out, truly.  Parking is a bit fraught but once inside the exhibition it is worth braving the traffic.  For a more intelligent take on the show by someone far more clued up on the ceramic world have a peep at Reiko Kaneko's webpages www.reikokaneko.co.uk/blog/the-british-ceramics-biennial-2015/, where you can also see her lovely tableware.

My show favourite by Hannah Tounsend

As always  I can recommend the coffee shop, it is a bakery collective with the most amazing apple and cinnamon scones but if you are feeling indulgent and also feeling the cold, which you will!  Have a posh hot chocolate, a little ceremony is involved as you will get a mug with a square of Belgian chocolate on a stick to stir into the hot milk which arrives in a pretty blue ceramic jug accompanied by a bowl of fresh cream with marshmallows - heaven.  It is a charming cafe, they take your order and give you a plastic animal so that they can find your table, we got an orange dinosaur.  But the cafe is just a bonus the show is great and well worth an afternoon - let me know what you thought.