A Black-Eyed Baby & Some Answers

So now the real reason I've been MIA for the past few months: I'm pregnant!  Mr. L and I are so happy and come November our little family will be one being larger.  I've thought long and hard about how to share this news.  Obviously, it's the most important thing in my life right now, and so it would feel strange not to at least mention here.  At the same time, I've had a few letters recently from people who read my blog and seem to want to know more about me than I'm prepared to share.  While of course I talk about my life on my blog, its real focus  has always been my craft and artwork and that's how I plan to keep it.  I know that the vast majority of people who read it read for that very reason and don't want or expect anything more.  However, for the few who seek more personal information, I think it's worth mentioning that that's not why I'm here.  Every blogger must decide how much information to share about their private lives, and make I these decisions quite deliberately. This includes pictures of myself and my family members; while I know it's fun to see photos of bloggers, I've decided I prefer not to have them here. So, if you don't see it here, there's a reason! 

Having said all that, the vast majority of emails I get are about doll-making.  Lately, I've been getting several a day and trying to answer them all has become quite time-consuming, so I thought I'd round up the most common ones here. I'm including them in this post, and will also be adding them as a sidebar item as soon as my poor, hormone-addled brain can remember how to do it.  I'll most likely add to these answers over time, but I hope these help for now.

  

I also make dolls; where do you get your doll eyes/ hair/ other supplies?

One of the fun things about what I do is finding different sources for materials, and almost all have been found using Google searches, then browsing through dozens of suppliers until I find something I like.  Ebay is a great place for vintage glass doll eyes; they often come in lots of mismatched sizes, so you have to be a little adventurous. You also find some on Etsy (under ‘supplies’). Contemporary doll eye manufacturer’s also sell on Ebay, if you’re prepared to wade through their many listings, you can find beautiful eyes.   Dolls eyes are pretty expensive, however (often from $10 - $30 per pair) so I often make my own, using different techniques I’ve gleaned over time from a lot of trial and error.  At this time, I’m not able to offer any tutorials, but I encourage you to experiment with different techniques – corny though it might sound, there is no better way to learn.

What kind of clay do you use?

These days, I use almost exclusively Creative Paperclay, which is an air-dry clay.  It’s very time-consuming to work with, and requires multiple layers, dryings and sandings.  Polymer clays can be direct-sculpted and oven-baked, so is less time-consuming to work with, but I prefer the finish and texture of paperclay.

How do you make your dolls?

This question would literally require an entire book to answer, as I make dolls of different sizes, with varying degrees of detail and complexity and these all require different techniques.  Even more specific questions, such as how to attach heads or limbs, are difficult to answer without lengthy instructions and photos.  I really encourage people who are new to dollmaking (or anything, really) to do some research, invest in a few good books (see the following question) and Google until you think your eyes might cross.  It’s amazing what you can find out there but entering the simplest search terms (e.g. dollmaking, tutorial, how to make a doll, etc.) and I promised that this is how I also learned.

Can you suggest any good books or online resources?

Oh, yes!  I highly recommend the four bibles of dollmaking by the master, Susana Oroyan.  While sadly Susana is no longer with us, her books have taught me the most about dollmaking.  They can be found online at Powells and Amazon, among other places.  There are many great books on sewing and sculpting, some my favourites being The
Complete Guide to Sewing and Making Life-like Figures from Polymer Clay.

When it comes to tutorials, Google is your friend and I really encourage you to explore in order to find what’s right for you. But here are a few of my favourites:

How to sculpt a head — Hannie Sarris

Doll Designs (links to a bazillion different tutorials)

Antonette Cely (Various Tutorials)

Armature Tutorial (Squidoo)

NIADA (sells how-to books and dvds)

 

I’m new to doll-making and would like to learn more.  Will you ever be offering any tutorials or teaching an online class? 

Tutorials are a great way to learn, and it’s possible that I might be able to offer some in the future.  At this time, however, I’m pretty swamped; I’m running my Etsy store, completing a Master’s Degree and finishing a novel.  There literally aren’t enough hours in the day for me to get everything I need to done (never mind the many more things I’d like to!) 

And while I’d never rule anything out, I have no immediate plans to teach an online class.  But of course, should that change, my blog remains the best place to keep up to date on such things.

I like your dolls, but I can’t afford one.  Will you ever consider making less expensive dolls?

While I know my dolls aren’t affordable for everyone, I have made an effort in the past few months to offer a range of prices.  I now make pendants and ornaments, as well as smaller and more simply-jointed dolls, so that prices for my handmade items start at $42.  I also offer payment plans, although I ask that you contact me to arrange the details before purchasing.  You can read more about my layaway policies here. 

I also sell prints, which start at $20, so I hope my shop contains something for everyone!

How can I place a custom order?

At this time, I’m not taking any custom orders. For now, I’m making the dolls I want/ am able to and selling those.  If you’d like to receive a notice when I list new dolls, you can always sign up for my newsletter (in the right sidebar, just under my banner).

Comments

[alicia]

Congratulations for the little one to come!!

[Christine]

Congrats to you and Mr. L on the"Black eyed" baby Sarah!!
:)

And good for you for mentioning the direction and purpose of your blog.Your artwork speaks for itself and if you choose to leave personal info off of your site, that should be respected as well.
Your FAQ remind me that I need to finish mine too(I can help you with the sidebar link if you need that info).
I thought the FAQ info was helpful...I think it's really satisfying to just figure out the doll making thing on ones one with a little help via books and videos and knowing what clay to try at first. Those that do thatand put in the hard work wind up with their own unique style ,just as you have found, instead of making dolls that resemble another artists work.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

[ashley]

Congratulations to Mr. L and you on having a baby! So exciting!

[kristyncooper.blogspot.com]

Oh Wow, Congratulations Sarah! What absolutely wonderful news! A living doll just for the two of you.

PS - I think you keep an excellent balance of art info vs. personal info here! You are now becoming famous enough to bring the creepy fans out of the woodwork...eek.

Thank you for sharing with us!

[Sonia Rodriguez]

Congratulations Sweetie....I think balance is good...Its your blog no one elses. Its always been your choice on what to post or not.

Congrats sweetie xoxoxoxoxxo

[Βικυ]

Congratulations for the new member

I know that you are so happy
I have two kids the best creation of my life

Take care both of you thank you for sharing with us such great news

[Monika Viktoria]

Congratulations Sarah!!! Such exciting news for you: that's going to be one lucky child with such a cool mum (and dad)!! I'm very very happy for you! Big Hugs :-)

[Annina]

oh wow congratulations Sarah, how lovely, wishing you all the best! ♥

[Jessica]

congratulations and happy thoughts to you and the mister and little black-eyed baby!

[Alexandra Mason]

Congratulations to you both :) xx

[Marie]

congratulations to you and hubby for your bun in the oven! i just love babies and happy families.

good boundary-setting on what you will and won't share on your blog. i follow a few fashion/art/vintage blogs and this issue is a recurring theme and concern. i'm just happy to read and follow the work of creative people whose work and/or fashion i appreciate and admire. it's fun to get a peek into their private lives, but just a peek. just as the artist does not want to feel invaded on, readers also don't want to feel invasive or invaded themselves with TMI (too much info) of the personal kind.
so thanks for respecting yourself and your readership.

[Carolyn]

Hey there, I don't usually comment, but I do keep up to date with your current creations here (I'm the owner of your Rochester who is much loved and indeed I can see him from where I type this now!! I can't tell you how happy I am that he is mine and that you created him) and, yes, I just thought I'd add my congratulations on the little-un to be!! Exciting for you and best wishes! :)

[claudia Harper]

Wonderful news!
I will always cherish my memories of being pregnant and being a parent. Everything will become new again as you teach your child about the world. Of all the things I have done in my life, being a mom has been the most rewarding. God bless your family.
C

[Vero]

Hola!
I'm so happy for you and Mr. L. I miss your store updates, I will be waiting for your next one, until then be well, sleep enjoy your time alone, It will get hectic but after a bit you will remember and just smile!

[Melanie]

Congratulations to you both!! What a wonderful and exciting time it must be.
Thanks for the tutorial links, I'm still plugging away at my creatures so advice is always welcome ;)
Have a beautiful week!

[Yoli]

I think this is going to be one of your most creative and exciting years Momma!

[Prudence]

Congratulations Sarah!!!
xoxoxoxoxo

[Teresa in California]

Hi! Sarah
I had been thinking about you, and hadn't been to your blog for a while, so I am very happy to hear the exciting news. (My daughter is due in five weeks and I will be a first time grandma!)
Thank you for all of the doll making links. You probably know Hannie Sarris passed away over a month ago. She was an incredible doll artist. Her work brought tears to my eyes she was so good at what she made. May she be soaring around heaven with her angel wings...
If I ever begin a blog, I won't be one to tell everybody everything either. Especially if I begin selling dolls. I feel that you kind of lose the 'business' side of the scenario if it goes into personal stuff. Yeah, I do email some of my favorite doll makers and we know each other and keep things private that way, as I am in a few doll ning sites too, and just try to do 'doll talk' on those sites too.
I think you are wise to keep within your own comfort zone.
Thanks for sharing about being pregnant...that is pretty special.
Hugs,
Teresa S.

[BumbleVee]

hiya Suzie....I hope you don't mind me taking a couple of your pics over to my blog post of today.... if you would rather I not display them...just let me know. But... it is also a plug for your blog... so... perhaps you won't mind.

I am attempting to do a doll after your style....and want to show my blog buddies how it's going.... Of course, I have absolutely no idea how you did the backs of the heads...and if they will turn out even remotely like yours in the end... ...but, I want to make one for myself, so am giving it a try....

hope you don't mind.....

[Carling Shirley]

Congrats on your good news!
Thanks for your honesty its a hard thing figuring out how much personal info to share on a blog.
Good luck in your future with both your new arrival and also your artistic endeavours.

[Beth]

Sarah! My goodness! I'm so excited for you! Congratulations! Enjoy this precious quiet time right now because the nine months seem long but yet they are so beautiful and fleeting. My first pregnancy was amazing and I think about it often when I look at my soon to be 4 year old! they grow so fast!! ♥♥♥

[Teresa in California]

Hi, Sarah
Just another note on Hannie Sarris...I just visited her blog and everything it still 'up and running' although on one page it does say that she passed away on May 2nd, 2010. I had to verify it to make sure I hadn't read anything incorrectly.
Her work was incredibly amazing...one of a kind...reminds me of the song in 'Narnia' at the end of the movie, 'You are a one of a kind...'
Hope you are doing well

[Βικυ]

Its so but news Hannie Sarris passed away

She was so talented !!