My First Stop Motion Animation

Life has been a bit mad around here (do I start every post that way? I can't remember anymore...)  Last week, I had a 10-page final translation project due and M. and I were both sick.  I managed to finish, and I'm so deeply relieved to be done with my class.  Interesting as it was, it was so much work and it left me very little time for my much-loved activity of stuff-making, as every time M. took a nap, I was racing to finish translation assignments.  I'm thinking that I won't continue my Translation degree (Mr. L will, however - do we really both need the exact same degree?) so that I have more time for writing and doll-making. This weekend, we also had a little birthday party for M., which was so much fun and a little emotional for me as I can't quite believe my sweet little baby is already a year old.

I'm still chipping away at my most recent group of dolls, but during my crazy week, I came to terms with the fact I won't be able to finish them in time to mail them out before Christmas unless I pull a few all nighters, something neither my eyes nor my sanity can withstand these days.  I do apologize if anyone was planning to buy a doll as a gift, but I can't bring myself to spend so much time on the sculpting and eye-making just to rush through constructing the costumes and wigs.  And the dolls won't stand for it!

Even though they're coming along slowly, I'm really happy with the faces and the new eyes have turned out.  I'm officially in love with glass.          

Over the weekend, I put together a very brief stop motion animation with the ball-jointed doll I made last summer and a small, antique porcelain doll head given to me by my dear friend Sue.  It's my first try and quite primitive at that, but I thought I'd share it here. Even though I made lots of newbie mistakes, it was fun to play around with and exciting to find out I can do this with just my camera and my laptop.  I used iMovie and this very simple tutorial.

Comments

[Christine]

Hi Sarah~ hope you are feeling etter and Happy First birthday to the little one (has it been a year?!).
I love the new dollies faces and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new stop motion piece!! Thanks for the tutorial too..I've been playing with imovie with family films and that helps out as one day I'll get around to making a small clip myself. Your test bit is wonderful:) Hope all is well and that you have a lovely Christmas with family:)

[ashley]

The stop motion turned out really cool! I'm in love with the glass eyes you've made for your dolls. They fit so perfectly. I really like the ones with pink eyes. Can't wait to see them finished. Glad your family is feeling better now.

[Pabkins]

No worries - you can't rush the art! I'm sure all of us can patiently wait!
Love the film its so short and sweet!

[Burcu]

Oh Sarah, even your way of telling, your sentences made me feel the same rush, I remembered the moments when I'm trying to finish a translation and feeling so sick at the same time :( Please don't wear yourself out additionally thinking that the dolls are late. They will be finished when it is time for them to be. If we have to wait, then we'll wait! :))

I can't believe that the little one is one year old! Just enjoy these times, your and the baby's health are the only things that matter.

And do I need to say that I adore the faces, the glass eyes, and your little film? It is so pure, has a little creepyness in it, kind of suits the nature of your dolls so well.

Wish you a healthy, peaceful and great Christmas with all your family! All the other stuff will be handled somehow :)

[katie]

I am in love with your first stop animation- and sooo excited for you!
Hope you're feeling better and have a lovely holiday season.

[Brocante Girl]

Oh my. Completely and utterly charming.

[Tamara]

Just beautiful as always Sarah, you just seem to have the most beautiful eye, and .... touch.
Loved your animation. You continue to make the world a little brighter :)
Best Wishes to you & your family for the Holiday Season. xx

[Annina]

wow it has been a year? unbelievable, happy birthday to your little one from me! :)

the stop motion is so cute! one day i hope to do one also!

your new dolls are looking beautiful, i love the homemade glass eyes, they make them even more special!
i think it's a common thing that lately time just seems to speed by, it's best if we let it take its course and not beat ourselves up over accomplishing less than planned. plans don't work for me anymore either, if something needs to be done it will get done, and if it doesn't, it will get done later. ;)
crazy time.

[rc helicopter]

Impressive blog! -Arron

[Prudence]

I love your stop motion - I've been wanting to do one, too - nice job!

xoxox