I have finally started using a new kind of clay. A type that I've commonly read as highly recommended. I am very excited with the results.
Petra is terrified of spiders. Naturally, all spiders are welcome to make their homes in the various nooks and corners of the Lotus Asylum. The others are a little annoyed with Petra's constant outbursts. She has requested a transfer to a spider-free location.
I wanted to mention a few things about her wardrobe, in particular, her sleeves. I spent a great deal of time making these. When I considered what I would put on her arms, this idea just popped into my head, and I had to do it. I took some black velvet and hand stitched some black satin ribbon onto it in stripes. This gave them a very unique black-on-black, stripe look with two different textures. As for her two-toned silk dress, I made sure to give her darts to help with the shape of the breasts I gave her.
As for the spider in her hair, It was a complete after thought, to be honest. The expression on Petra's face resembled a fear of some sort, and I thought a spider would do well, here. Honestly, I really loved how the spider turned out, and I had the biggest smile on my face when I was finished.
This doll is the first of, hopefully, many to come with the same attention to expression and detail, as best as I'm able.
Petra can be purchased here, if you are interested. To see more of my dolls, you can visit the Lotus Asylum link below.
Lotus Asylum
Juliette is a walking contradiction. She is a pioneer woman with delusions of grandeur. She is a sensible, hard working girl who can make things happen and get things done. However, she seems to be under the impression that she's in charge of the asylum. It's exhausting, being delusional.
Juliette can be purchased here.
I had fun making this little dolly. I was inspired when I saw these two little "fat quarters" for quilting (I often buy these for my little dolly dresses) at the fabric store. I couldn't resist, even though I only had a few dollars to my name at the time. I had this thought of a little Susie Homemaker/Lucille Ball type girl. I even thought about giving her a story about too much time in the kitchen. . . maybe even make her the asylum cook. I have made some "faculty" dolls, before. Yet, as I continued to spend time with her, she began to speak to me in a different way. As I usually do with my dolls, I let my own feelings bleed into hers and, not that I have any delusions of grandeur (in fact, I rather think that would be an interesting altered state of mind to have), I do find myself in a strange state where I'm running around trying to make everyone's life easier, or make things right, if they're not.
My father once said that I was a "pioneer woman," that I was good at making things work, making things happen. If something was not right, I found a way to make it so. And when push came to shove, I've always been good at getting things done. I felt that this dolly needed to have that in her, somewhere, and as she came together, I was very pleased with my work. Oh, of course, I don't think she's the best thing I've ever made, or even could make, but I am happy with her. . . more so even than I expected to be.
I look ever forward to the new options that will open up to me with the new clay that will soon arrive. I think there is a new world–even a new venture out there for me, and I plan to explore the expanse of life that lays ahead of me.
Lotus Asylum
