Edwardian Art Dolls at Dictionaryreader Shop

We've had quite a week here of snow, bitter cold, and closed schools.
It's a change from the slushy wet snow, this week it's been white powder
and all of the skiers and snowboarders have got to be on the mountain top!
It was 3 degrees F. the other morning. That probably drops us down to a
gardening zone 4 this year!

Many other "good things" have been happening too. I've completed a few
art dolls from clay. One deserves another until I have a little village!
Do see all of my completed clay handmade, hand sculpted dolls in my shop.
They are brand new, but created with Jane Austen, the Federal Era and
Edwardian Era in mind where possibly tea was taken more seriously and
fabrics and books were discussed every day! My kind of day.   

Pink Geraniums for the Table

Dreamy mixed with pink cotton candy color.

That would best drescribe these sweet little geraniums.

I also like to think of them as pink clouds.

One of the sweet things is that I found a market pack

containing 6  of these little geraniums for 1.50

They were all blooming too!

On the table they went.

Instead of a center bouquet

everyone had an individual bouquet.

I used tiny Italian clay pots,

rounded out the rootball to fit in each pot

They looked like ice cream cones.

From outside under a shade tree I lifted some

moss circles,  slightly tore to center

 of each circle and each

ice cream cone plant had an instant moss dress.

So simple and so pretty! 

Dressing the plant and dressing up the table.

This shell pink looks super with off white or khaki.

I have a new appreciation for these hardy plants.

You have to love a little burlap, too!

Connecting up with Pink Saturday.

Cottage Garden Party

Shabbilicious Friday

My Romantic Home

Penguin Sculpture Art Dolls Miniatures

The Conductor Sculpture

Penguins have the uncanny upright posture that makes them excellent conductors! They can handle any weather and still retain their upright posture and composure.

We've all heard, "What's black and white and read all over?" It's the penguin conductor with his music. (The next time someone says the newspaper you must tell them the truth about the conductor penguin.)

I hand sculpted the penguin out of clay and the box is made of paper mache which I primed, painted, antiqued and varnished. It is a "working work of art," not to be confused with the term "they are a piece of work," which is not a good work of work or term of endearment (the english language!) You can store little treasures, jewelry, acorns, or moss in it is the point that I am paddling around trying to catch.

More facts and information here on the sweet conductor who wants to be the director of music at your home. Penguin loves it's job.

Primitive Folk Art Sculpted Black Americana Doll

Dollmaking is an art that does not grow old for me. I've always thought of myself as a painter and not a scupltor. That changed a few weeks ago when I started my very first clay dolls!

I tried to sculpt Valentine from one of my black folk art paintings. I must confess I enjoyed painting her the most when creating her. Sewing is another creative avenue.

Valentine's hair is pulled into a side bun. She stands 20 1/4-inches tall. Straight and elegant. Valentine is up for sale on ebay now. Just type candylei in the search box. Be sure to stop back in to see my other dolls that are nearing completion.

Making and Shaping a Paperclay Folk Art Doll

To begin just get your hands wet and start shaping your doll. Have a bowl of water at hand to keep dipping your fingers in and keep shaping. My dolls will look like the girls in my paintings so I shaped them accordingly.

I attached the clay to the stair rail spindle and then finished shaping it. This clay attaches itself to most everything and it shrinks a bit as it dries. The railings are a great way to give your dolls height and, if attached to another block on the bottom, keep them standing securely.

Drying times vary, but give it a few days to cure or fully dry. The paint works as a sealer so it's important that it be dry first before painting.

Here I have started painting my black americana girl. I put a close-hanger wire through the upper body to make space to attach her arms. You can use wire, small dowls, string and buttons to attach arms. I don't think I will use this fabric but it was handy for the picture and it does look good against her facial coloring.

Paperclay is super to work with. Keep it wet and you don't need many tools. Your fingers can smooth out everything as long as they are wet. A wet sponge buffs it like a light sanding when it's wet. You can also sand when it's completely dry. I've heard people say the finished doll looks like china. Especially with a glossy finish.

For this doll it took 1 1/3 packages of paperclay. 6 oz. packages. Check back for the finished doll! She will be up for sale on yes, you guessed it, ebay.