More From Artfest

 At ArtFest, I started my experience by taking Michelle Allen's "Dolls and Dudes" class and I'm so glad I did.  It was a wonderful way to begin the creative onslaught.  The focus of the class was to make art dolls with DAS airdry clay, wire, paint, and wool roving.  I've been making cloth dolls and wood peg dolls for awhile now but had been a little intimidated with working with clay.  Michelle's approach totally helped me get over this creative hurdle.  I'm so excited to continue working with clay.

The key to the paint was to use very, very thin layers of acrylic paint.  The clay just sucked it up and gave it a worn, organic feel.  I had trouble with the wiring, and, sadly, I broke the legs on this doll.  Michelle helped me repair them with the use of metal wire as a stint and some e6000 glue. 

I spent so much time on the face that I didn't quite get to the clothing.  When I finally finish her, I will try and post more pictures.

New Elf Doll

So I used a basic Waldorf doll pattern and adapted it to make this elf for my son for Christmas. The fabric is an upcycled t-shirt belonging to my husband. It is stuffed with wool except for the ears which are made with cotton quilt batting. The clothing is made from felt and the scarf is knit from a soft wool blend. The hair is mostly wool yarn with some wool roving thrown in for texture.