New Dolls
Hey there! I’m back from the wilderness. Well, not really. Just back from a blog-break - but I’ve always wanted to say that :-)
So since my last post, here’s what happened: my whole family and I got sick. Again! We’re back to good health now and I’ve only recently started working on the next (and last for 2007) shop update. There will be some familiar little faces in the shop update plus 2 dolls I am really excited about.
I’ve been meaning to try out a new doll for ages - something very non-Chibi in appearance. I mentioned in a previous post that I submitted the pattern/instructions for this Little Mushroom-Head Girl to a craft magazine for one of their issues in 2008. So I took her as a starting point as I really wanted to keep the mushroom-shaped head, plus the apron with the little bunny.
The other thing I have been meaning to try is a printed face. There are many softie-makers who do this brilliantly - like Jamfancy, The Black Apple, Superminx and Malota just to name a few. I have very little confidence in my painting skills so rather than attempting to paint faces directly onto fabric, I designed the face in Illustrator/Photoshop and then printed it onto printable cotton fabric (after a long time fiddling with the facial features to come up with my own style - very much aware of the different styles of the artists mentioned above).
And finally these two emerged - “Woodland Girls” Marieke, and her little sister, Bowie.
Their bunnies and aprons to follow soon.
I must admit that although these dolls definitely took much longer to put together than my other dolls, I had an incredible amount of fun making them. I think I gave myself more freedom with these dolls because I knew they weren’t supposed to be Chibi dolls.
Besides the printed faces, I took some liberty in not making them so “normal-looking“, if that is the right word to use. For example, their heads are not perfectly symmetrical - they are actually slightly askew. Arms and legs are not perfectly proportioned. The colour of their arms does not perfectly match the colour of their faces. I even included some very faint lines across their faces making it look like they had been printed on to some lined paper :-) Also, I didn’t design these dolls with little kids in mind - there are a few more delicate bits so they are more suited for older children and adults, and quiet play.
I’m definitely looking forward to making more of these dolls and I hope you like them too :-) I still enjoy making the Chibi dolls but I have been desperately wanting to try something different. For now it’s back to the machine for me - I’m hoping to make at least 2 *chis for the shop update too. Hopefully the next time I post, it will be to say that the shop has been updated. And then I can turn my full attention to handmade gifts for the holidays - I can’t wait!
Happy weekend all!
wow!their little printed faces are just amazing, so much detail.i lov ehtat they arnt ‘perfect’,you are one super crafty lady!
wow, cool stuff!
asymmetrical is the way to go!
These are really cute.
I love these mushroom-head dolls. I can see you had a great time making them and experimenting! I love the face, the eyes are too cute, they are adorable!
Jhoanna, they are just fantastic! I love the way they are so different than the other chibis and creations of yours, but they definitely have your style. You should be so pleased and proud of yourself. Hope that bout of sickness was the last for you and your family for a good long while, I know the feeling that germs seem to be lingering… I think we’ve all been sick since my oldest started school this past August!
The dolls are great! I love them! But then I love the Chibi dolls too!!
I LOVE these so very, very much!!! Will any end up in your Etsy shop???? xoxo
I just adore these! I have a Black Apple Doll and there is something so endearing about the painted faces.I think your dolls have the same vibe.I hope I can afford one when they end up in your etsy! (They will won’t they?!)
These are really, really cute. I saw the photos pop up in my bloglines and did a double take. Is the hair painted too? I love their outfits - so much detail.
Wow! Those are stunning! Love the painted faces and the entire look. I’m asking for just a little of your talent for Christmas. :-D
Your Woodland Girls are gorgeous! They look like they popped straight out of a beautifully illustrated storybook.
I got your addy from the awesome Dotee Dot and just had to come and see your incredable Ruby doll and then to find out you gave a pattern to make them… Thank you so much for sharing such a cutie pie with us! Can’t wait to make me one! or two! or three!
Your dolls are absolutely cute!!! You are a very talented lady!
Jhoanna, Hi, lovely to meet you through your wonderful blog. These dolls are absolutely to die for. Please, please do some for your shop and let us know in advance when you are going to update because I would love to buy some for my daughters. You have an amazing talent when it comes to softies. Love it all!
xx Nan
What a great idea! They are so cute!
oh Jhoanna these two are BRILLIANT, just stunning I love them, I love too that they are not symmetrical
Very nice description of them and your process! I agree that assymetry in a toy makes it seem more ‘human’ and definitely emphasizes the handmade quality without taking away from the beauty :)
I love the look of them having ‘hoods’ on!
oh my goodness how do you do it all! sew , work , design, write patterns for magazines! beautiful work and always love your dollies!
I like. Printable fabric! how cool…
Oooo! I just discovered your dolls on Etsy and I love them! I look forward to reading your blog and must add a link to mine :)
Warmly,
Christine
Bend, Oregon
USA
they are absolutely amazing! so different from your other designs and so beautiful! well done.
Your “Woodland Girls” are oh-so-lovely! I adore the little bunny friends you make too. Keep on sparkling!
Over at craftster, I spied a little dolly someone made to compliment a baby quilt she’d made.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=199320.0
“What an original, and incredibly charming doll!” I thought and was so pleased to see a link to a tutorial. O.M.G. Your work literally makes my heart ache and my eye’s all teary! This is such beautiful and heartfelt work and I love each and every little friend you’ve created. My sweet great aunt would absolutely love one of your woodland girls with the apron. (she used to run around as a little girl with her pet mouse in her apron!) I noticed you don’t have any in your etsy shop, so I might have to do my best to emulate your delightful charm in my attempt. Thank-you and keep up the fabulous work!