I'm very excited to finally be able to post these photos of a completed Octavia! Though I made many mistakes along the way, I'm really happy with how she turned out in the end and I must admit, I have a lot of affection for her, flaws and all. I think she is too flawed to sell, however, so she'll live in my studio. But I've got the BJD bug now and will definitely make more. In fact, Octavia was a prototype and part of a grant application; if it's successful, I would be able to afford to buy a kiln and would start working toward porcelain BJDs. Even if I don't get the grant, that is still my goal, but it just might take me a bit longer.
This girl can't stand on her own, and the stringing was really tricky. So much to learn! I think my straw idea was not a great in in the end because the straws were too narrow and it made pulling the elastic cord through really hard. Maybe fatter straws? I still really like the idea of not having to carve out all that foam afterward because I think it would leave the limbs too fragile in places if you're making a smaller, spindlier doll.
I think her face is my favourite part. I was worried while I was sculpting her that it might be bland, but I always forget how much painting and wigging bring the doll to life.
Here you can see a bit more clearly where I had problems: the knee joints are too gaping and the legs are too slim for the torso I think. For my next prototype, I'll make an extra joint in the knees and elbows which will allow for greater range, but I was under the gun for this one. And no genitals for my dollies! I'm no prude, but genitalia on dolls creeps me out, especially on ball-jointed dolls, who often seem to look prepubescent and overly-sexualized for my taste. I guess I'll just have to learn to make really nice underclothes! But next time, I'll definitely take the time to refine the anatomy more, because right now the torso is fairly blank and featureless. Again, I ran out of time...
Total non-sequiter: Anybody else panting for True Blood?
Inspite of all the flaws you mentioned (and maybe exactly because of them) I really LOVE her...
She looks so fragile and delicate!
Once again, I must say, I love your work!
Joanne (Greece)
Posted by: Joanne | September 12, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Tu muñeca es hermosa y muy interesante la manera en que te relacionas con ellas. Desde el comienzo de la creación hasta el final tu lazo amorosa es muy fuerte y creo que se evidencia en el resultado final de tus obras.
Ojala consigas tu subvención.
Saludos
Posted by: Barbara Cusato | September 12, 2010 at 05:43 PM
In BJDs the knees and elbows are always the hardest parts. But you have done well. despite what you said I like the slim parts, they make her look sophisticated and beautiful.
Posted by: minoo | September 12, 2010 at 05:48 PM
she is great, and her face is haunting and beautiful, I just finished my version of BJDs
too, ghost story on my blog. I'm keeping my dolls, they are so cool, I love looking at them and holding them. Great luck to you working towards BJDs, I'm sticking with fabric and BJDs that are soft
But she is beautiful and you should be very proud
Karey
Posted by: Kaerie Faerie | September 12, 2010 at 06:14 PM
She looks WONDERFUL. We are our own worst critics! So, so much work goes into making BJDs (I just make my first jointed doll this weekend, I haven't even tried a BJD!), so you should just be patting yourself on the back for not giving up! I love how you kept your style with her and didn't try to mimic the doll in the BJD book (too lazy to look up the name).
True Blood. Gosh. I can't wait to see how Eric escapes his mess. And of course, I can't wait for him to show up in my bedroom. Rawr.
Posted by: Morgan | September 12, 2010 at 06:30 PM
Oh she is amazing, flaws or not. Her flaws bring her to life, like a person, no one is perfect. I think her legs look great...She is perfection. Wow would never even know where to start to make a BJD...wow.
xoxox sorry been MIA
Posted by: Sonia | September 12, 2010 at 07:11 PM
I can't figure out what is different about her face but she has the most beautiful face I've seen on your dolls (I think the others are lovely too, in case they are prone to jealousy)
I agree with you on the bottom paragraph (pun intended ) - I find anatomically correct dolls a bit disturbing really.
But have you considered a tummy-button?
Jean
due in January :)
Posted by: Jean Anderson | September 12, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Sarah! Octavia es preciosa! la vimos nacer! Esperemos que haya más creaciones! =)
Posted by: Ariadna | September 13, 2010 at 03:12 AM
Maybe you have to paint her a permanent set of polka-dot lace-trimmed panties ;-)
This is very exciting Sarah, and congratulations and good luck on the grant!!!!
Posted by: Monika Viktoria | September 13, 2010 at 05:57 AM
oooo, what a CUTIE!!
hugs
hello gorgeous xxx
Posted by: hello gorgeous | September 13, 2010 at 06:28 AM
for being what you consider a mess-up, she is pretty awesome. I love her hairdo, her dress I want badly in my size and those delicate little feet just kill me! good luck with the grant!
Posted by: foo | September 13, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Love love love! Octavia! Wonderful work Sarah! Wishing you the best of luck on getting the grant!
Posted by: Ashley | September 13, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Good grief Sarah, she's fantastic and no one would guess that she's a first attempt. I'm so impressed with your skill! Congratulations she's beautiful!!! Good luck with your grant application :)
Posted by: Melanie | September 13, 2010 at 01:36 PM
I think she turned out amazing, so sophisticated and beautiful. We are our own worst critics. Hope the grant goes well.
Posted by: Rebecca | September 13, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Wow, she is wonderful. Your dolls have such an air about them x
Posted by: Jenny | September 13, 2010 at 04:55 PM
You simply amaze and continue to inspire me.
But a ball jointed doll...I think Not.
i know my limitations, I don't have the patience. Your work is my FAV!
Posted by: Jan Bush-Wood | September 13, 2010 at 09:43 PM
beautiful! she is just lovely. Your dolls are inspirational. As far as doll genitals go, yup, they're weird.
Posted by: Spiffy Tomato | September 14, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Simply beautiful Sarah, once again! Just beautiful!
Blessings to you,
Posted by: Tamara | September 14, 2010 at 05:21 PM
Wow! She's fantastic! Love how she came together so beautifully!
SHelly
Posted by: Shelly | September 15, 2010 at 05:29 PM
She may be too flawed to sell,
but is still amazing...
Posted by: Floor Sanding Bournemouth - DustFREE | September 16, 2010 at 04:39 PM
oohh she is so beautiful!
Posted by: Carling | September 17, 2010 at 03:36 PM
Octavia is so beautiful! Congratulations on creating her and I look forward to seeing more dolls of your's of this kind too. I can't stop looking at her face. I too think there is something different about her? Perhaps it's that I think maybe she seems less sad in a way? She still seems wistful, and there is of course a quality of tragic, fragility to her. But yet, I see something rather hopeful in her expression also... The best of luck with the grant - fingers and toes crossed for you.
Posted by: Carolyn | September 18, 2010 at 03:33 PM
I think she looks exquisite, flaws and all. I think this is the way to go, you just have to perfect it for mechanics sake but that face, oh that face is enchanting.
Posted by: Yoli | September 19, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Oh MY! She is stunning beyond words!!! You did an amazing job on her!!
Posted by: Marjorie | September 20, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Hello Sarah, congratulations. Octavia is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing notes on how she came to be. It is true we are our own worst critics. She looks fantastic and she must be so proud of you.
Veo que algunas personas te escriben en espa~ol. Hablas espa~ol? O acaso ellas no hablan ingles.
Since I am new to your blog, I didn't know about the baby, Congrats. Iris
Posted by: Iris Perez | September 20, 2010 at 12:26 PM