A few weeks ago I posted an in-progress photo of a custom order I've been working on; it was commissioned by the lovely Ms. Kelly. Kelly asked for a self-portrait figurine in black with a Victorian costume, and I absolutely loved making her.
Part of the fun was making my first quasi-authentic 19th Century bustle. The originals were made from wire cage and fabric, so I used window screen instead:
I also gave her a deeply pleated skirt and a five-piece corset:
And of course, a ragged little parasol for all that melancholy wandering about in the rain so de-rigeur for Victorian ladies (well probably not really because they were always cooped up at home with the vapours, but that's how I like to imagine them ...)
Here is the original Kelly:
I've also added two more 3-D illustrations to the shop. These were a lot of fun to make, and nice also because they don't take nearly as long as a doll, so I get to see the results more quickly. I'll be offering them as custom orders later this week.
And finally, after marking over 100 papers in two weeks, I am finished my teaching contract!! I am officially unemployed, which is both scary and exciting. The dolls are coming!
The Divine Ms. Kelly is stunning. You did an amaizing job on her dress and details. It reminds me of the Sweeney Todd movie. I really love the 3-D illustrations you are doing too. I bet it's nice getting to switch up between making dolls and 3-D illustrations.
Posted by: ashleydaugherty | April 28, 2009 at 09:05 PM
I like the way you show us your "in progress" pictures- the doll turned out beautifully!
Now you can be a full time dollmaker!
Posted by: Marlya | April 29, 2009 at 02:14 AM
That doll turned out beautiful... but so do all your dolls :)
Posted by: Moonfairy | April 29, 2009 at 02:38 AM
Lovely Blog!! This is my first time seeing your blog and it is great!
:)
KUKA´S WORLD
http://www.accesoriosparaperros.blogspot.com/
Posted by: KUKA´S WORLD | April 29, 2009 at 01:09 PM
hey - the dolls look wonderful, but i think there may be a mis-spelling in the link
Posted by: Matthew | April 29, 2009 at 02:15 PM
She is beautiful! Her dress is great-I love the detail. Congratulations on finishing your marking! Enjoy the dolls!
Sarah :)
Posted by: Sarah | April 29, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Wonderful! It's amazing how the clay takes shape in your hands and seems alive!
As a small homage to the beauty that you always fill my eyes with, I have passed the Kreativ Blogger award to you :) I'm always looking forward to seeing your new posts!
~*"*Dia*"*~
Posted by: ~*"*Dia*"*~ | April 29, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Beautiful. The amount of detailing in her costume is fantastic. The 3D illustrations are a great idea.
Posted by: Kelsey | April 29, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Sarah:
This doll reminds me so of the old "mourning photos" taken in the late 1800s. She is overwhelmingly beautiful but ever so sad all at once.
Kim
Garden Painter Art
Posted by: Kimberly Wlassak | April 29, 2009 at 09:43 PM
It is simply adorabile, wonderful!Great job.
Posted by: Snezana | April 30, 2009 at 10:35 AM
This doll is wonderful! She arrived today and even the beautiful photos do not do her justice! Sarah, you are a true artist!
Posted by: Kelly | May 01, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Love your work! Your dolls are so...unique and wonderful! Thank you for wonderful creations!
Posted by: Helen | May 02, 2009 at 08:07 PM
i just love your blog! it is amazing and your dolls are adorable. wish you luck on your blog
Posted by: Nursing tops | April 30, 2010 at 09:47 PM
Awesome!That doll is really cute!You're really artistic...Keep it up!
Posted by: Learn Business Online | May 11, 2010 at 03:38 AM
Oh my god, i'm fall in love!
how could i buy a Divine Ms. Kelly????
Posted by: Patricia | June 07, 2011 at 05:46 AM