I've completed another doll this week. I had the week off and spent most of it working on this doll. I named her ClaraBell. I'm not sure why I named her that but it seems to suit her. When I was finished with her and stepped back to look at her, that's the name that came to mind. So, ClaraBell it is!. The pattern I used was designed by Judi Ward. It is her latest pattern called A Reproduction In Cloth. She said the inpiration came from the original, Circa 1580's wooden doll that sold at auction for $21,000 in 2006. I thought this would be a fun pattern to work with, since it involved some painting and staining. A little different from the dolls I usually make. What's was nice about making this one is I had some wood grained fabric in my stash for a few years now. I don't remember buying it but I had it and as it turns out it's the perfect fabric for this project. I made the body from this fabric to make it look more realistic. It also cut down on painting. The pattern actually calls for painting the entire body to make it look like wood. The hands, neck and head are painted a flesh color
. The hair was made from yarn and some trim which looked like a braid. The yarn was glued to the head after sewing a part down the middle. I used gesso to flatten it down and prepare it for paint. Before painting, the braided trim was wrapped around the head tacked in place and also glued to hold it in place. This was also covered in gesso and allowed to dry before applying black paint. The face, neck and hands were lightly sanded for the aged effect. The entire piece was then covered with a layer of white glue. Once that dried, the piece was further aged by applying brown shoe polish which was wiped off and re-applied a few times. You can see the aging effect in the close-up photo. I was pleased with results. I really like the last photo of 
her. Doesn't she look like she's about to curtsy? I really liked working on this doll. Now I will have to make the other adaptation of this doll. As a bonus for a particular time period, the pattern came with an additional pattern pack to make another version of this doll. The difference is the bodice and the breastplate. There's no painting and aging techniques used in the alternate version. I think I'll try my hand at that version also.
. The hair was made from yarn and some trim which looked like a braid. The yarn was glued to the head after sewing a part down the middle. I used gesso to flatten it down and prepare it for paint. Before painting, the braided trim was wrapped around the head tacked in place and also glued to hold it in place. This was also covered in gesso and allowed to dry before applying black paint. The face, neck and hands were lightly sanded for the aged effect. The entire piece was then covered with a layer of white glue. Once that dried, the piece was further aged by applying brown shoe polish which was wiped off and re-applied a few times. You can see the aging effect in the close-up photo. I was pleased with results. I really like the last photo of 
her. Doesn't she look like she's about to curtsy? I really liked working on this doll. Now I will have to make the other adaptation of this doll. As a bonus for a particular time period, the pattern came with an additional pattern pack to make another version of this doll. The difference is the bodice and the breastplate. There's no painting and aging techniques used in the alternate version. I think I'll try my hand at that version also.Mystery Craft Box Update
The craft box has been sent from Florida to the next destination in Georgia. We got word today it has been received in Georgia. So far, our little game is going well.
1 comment:
She's lovely, Venus. I have this pattern and you've inspired me to try it next. Why not enter her in the current Judi Ward contest? More information at.. http://thedollnet.com/woodendoll/
Hugz!
Shirley Walker
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