Oh so Close...

...to the end of the semester!  I only have one more week of classes left, then two weeks to mark my students' exams and final papers , then done!  I don't think I've ever been so excited about finishing a job as I am about this one.  The marking has been overwhelming - eight months of having nearly thirty papers to mark almost every weekend.  Blech.  No wonder both students and teachers hate Composition courses; they have to write so. many. essays.  And then we have to mark them.  But not for long.    Freedom, I almost taste you.  I'm taking a class in American Gothic literature this summer, about which I'm very excited, and other than that I'm writin' fiction and makin' dolls. Yessssssssss.... Thank you, by the way, to everyone who left consoling comments on my last post.  Clearly, the whiff of liberty has me feeling much better...

I've had several, great custom orders projects, most of which entail working from pictures.  It's a fascinating challenge, trying to capture someone's features and personality while still representing them in my own style and aesthetic.  Her eare some photos of one I've just finished and one that's on progress.  Behold the lovely Hilary:


Of course she has those enviable high cheek bones and that gorgeous hair, so my early attempts focused on those features.
 
Hilary requested antlers, an Elizabethan collar and puffy sleeves, all of which were fairly straightforward...

But she also made an off-hand remark about it being too bad you can't get steampunk goggles for dolls, which I then took up as a secret challenge.  I put my nerdy (in the absolute best, sexy way) husband on the case, and he came up with a bit of sheer crafty genius.  These don't yet have lenses, but they give you an idea.  How I love learning how to make new, odd things!

I've also been working on a commission for the beautiful Ms. Kelly, the world's foremost collector of Black-Eyed Suzie Dolls (thanks, Kelly!) 

As you can see, Kelly has the most amazing bone structure, so that was my focus with her doll. She is still in the early stages, but this has been such a fun project for me.  I have some beautiful costume books out from the library, and the eighteenth century is calling to me for this one.   She already has a charming little five-piece corset:

Now I'm feeling all gushy and grateful...how lovely is it that I get to recreate these beautiful  people in my own little way?  You're nearly dead to me, day job!

Comments

[a fanciful twist]

Absolutely fabulous in every which way, and those gogggggles!!

Oh you girls are divine!

ps: I don't know how, but I went somewhere that took me somewhere that took me to your glorious video with you extra charming beautiful self (etsy vid). That was you right?? I was tickled xoxo

[~*"*Dia*"*~]

This is wonderful! It must be glorious to have a doll made after your traits...*sigh*

[Kelsey]

They both look fantastic. I really admire how you can make them look like your models while still keeping your individual style. Also good job by your husband on the goggles!

[Kimberly]

Love the goggles! I am sure your friend Hilary will be tickled pink.

[Snezana]

Wonderful like always!Thank you for answering me and wisiting my blog! xxx

[Carling]

Your dolls are looking wonderful. I love the goggles too very smart boy you have. Also I wanted to tell you that I've found Ebay as a good source for Victorian clothing. Not that you have to buy it but theres a lot of wonderful original dresses and such to inspire.

[Dawn]

Too funny, eeven though I work from home....it would be nice to escape into dollmaking, everyday!

[kirsten]

So lovely and dreamy. I'm going to imagine myself as a Black Eyed Suzie doll...

[foobella]

I think I'm in love with those goggles. Before I scrolled down to that particular picture, I was thinking to myself "NO!" Don't ruin it with goggles, but it all works! The antlers, the goggles, the Elizabethan collar, that precious pout? Perfection.

And Kellys? Look at those cheeks. Those eyes. That raven hair. I think I might faint.

It's all so delicious.

[Drycha]

oh...
You're amazing!
Love your dolls with orygilan style...

Surely I will come back!

[Michael Vincent]

Me telling you how absolutely brilliant you are is not as meaningful as how absolutely brilliant you are to me.

Your work does what real art should do, incite a feeling of true awe. The beauty of which leaving me feeling scared and flawed.