The Creative Doll

UltraSuede Light - New Colors

2008-07-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

I have just bought a bunch of new UltraSuede light colors. They are all so wonderful and rich, soft and supple. You can view all of the colors here: UltraSuede on minidolls.com. Check out just a few:

Michelle, minidolls.com

Chapter 5 - The Bustle

2008-07-25T19:24:00.001-07:00

Emilie now turns around so you can see her new bustle. Created using stuffed channels of pique over buckram, it is just the thing to hold out the backs of her skirts. Now I have said many times that I like to do things historically correct and I do. When we were creating our dolls, we were making many different items. I am going to say this was a transitional period as her suit is more a late 1860’s piece but this bustle is really in the 1870’s. Having fun and playing dolls was our first goal, period correctness game later. You can also see more of the corset construction and the lacing. I put the chemise ties down into the corset. She has such a pretty “do!”
Kathi

Limited Supply of Forget Me Nots

2008-07-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have been able to obtain a very limited supply of these new forget me nots....so few I do not want to add them to my website. They are 3/8" across and are $3.50 per bunch. E-mail directly if you would like them at michelle_mahler@hotmail.com. They must be shipped priority mail because they need to be shipped in a box. But other items can be incluced for the same shipping price. Get them while you can! Michelle

Her Boots - Chapter 4

2008-07-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

Christmas arrived during our project. My friend and fellow Doll Artisan Kate Forrest had “borrowed” some suede from me to make a shoe pattern for us. What we got was completed boots and purse for Christmas. Pat and I were thrilled.

I thought I would share the boots, and you will see the purse with the other accessories in a later edition.

Kate also made the wig for my doll, as, well, I am not so great at that! Okay, so now you know I do not do wigs. We all have to be lousy at something. I am good at many other things, though!

“Emilie, you can put your skirt down now.” (She is such a show off!) Kathi

Make a Miniature Padded Hanger

2008-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Don't you wish you had the closet space for all padded hangers for your clothes? Follow these directions to make a miniature padded hangers for all of your miniature creations. They deserve the best right? Kathi

Step 1
Collect all your supplies.
Wire, 28 gauge is nice, wire cutters, glue, 2 or 4 mm ribbon and something round as a 1/4" and 3/4" template. I used a wood dowels.

Step 2
Wind the wire around the dowel and twist about 3 times.

Step 3

Cut away one of the wires and leave the rest to make the actual hanger portion.

Step 4

Use the 1/4" dowel as a form to create the top loop for the hanger.

Step 5

Cut away excess wire at approximately 180 degrees. You can get a better shape later.

Step 6

Flatten the wire. Keep sides even, you want the left and right sides to be equal.

Step 7

The hanger wires should be flattened tightly. The left and right sides equal on either side of the hook.

Step 8
Begin in the center with a dot of glue. A light brushing of glue along the wire is okay. Wind the ribbon diagonally to one end of the hanger.

Step 9
When you reach the end, wind around the end and return to the center in the same fashion.

Step 10
When you arrive at the center wrap to the end the same as you did the opposite side.

Step 11
Complete wrapping back to center, glue the end and snip away the excess.

Step 12
Tie a small bow to accent the hanger. Bend the loop back and shape the hanger hook to your liking.

Hang your dress in the closet on the dressing screen. Make an assortment of colors to strew around. Use your imagination. These are simple and don't take much time.

Thank you for visiting our Blog and hopefully you enjoyed the tutorial.

Just as a gentle reminder, that tutorial was written to help to stimulate your creativity.

This Tutorial, Pictures, & Instructions are copy-righted & are not to be used as a tutorial of your own.

This means you may not copy and post this tutorial to your own website, or print it out and sell or distribute it as your own.

Limited Edition Silks New to minidolls.com

2008-07-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have just made a purchase of these limited edition silks. I only have a limited supply...so when they are gone they are gone. Follow this link to view on minidolls.com. Pics below smaller than actual...see my website for better scale of design size.
Michelle Doll Artist's Workshop, minidolls.com

Abstact Silk Twill

Grey/Pink Paisley Silk Twill

Geometric Silk Twill Grey/Black Paisely Silk Twill

Green/Beige Floral Silk Twill

Chapter 3 - Her Slip

2008-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Emilie now models her slip. The mid Victorian period was one of opulence. The correct undergarments, an under slip, then hoops, and an over slip hiding the hoops would have been worn. For the sake of poor Emilie and the interest of truth telling, she does not have a hoop or an under slip. (I have not made a hoop, yet.) Therefore, we pretend! Emilie’s slip is made of fine Swiss batiste with rolled and whipped entredeux and Swiss lace edging. This slip will support the voluminous skirt.
(Please note: The doll stand is a bit large for this doll. No matter how hard I tried, she gets a fatter appearance. I promise it is the stand.)
Next time we will take a look at the garment progressing.
Kathi

New Fabric - Silk Tissue Taffeta

2008-07-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Finally, Finally, Finally.... I found a Silk Tissue Taffeta almost made for miniature and smaller scale dolls. So fine and light weight but still crisp. And in 24 colors. It is a must have...You will fall in love with it!
Check it out here: Silk Tissue Taffeta

Here are a few colors:

For those of you familiar with this kit...you have had the chance to work with this wonderful fabric. It is the Orchid colored fabric shown here:

There are still a few kits available. You can find the kit here: Kit
Michelle

Emilie Claire - Chapter 2

2008-07-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

The foundation of a building has to be strong to support the building and its activities. The foundation garments of a dress are just as important as they support the style, the silhouette, of the period. Just as fashions changed, the foundations changed as well. During the mid Victorian era, the corset supported the body and brought attention to a small waist.
Corsets were generally utilitarian, but corsets have been made of fancy fabrics throughout. Emilie has now added her corset. When making clothing for small dolls, especially in period dress, I make each layer using fine, thin fabrics. The thinness of the fabrics allows for a doll that is not overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of clothes that women wore during that time. The corset pattern, and the pantalets and chemise shown earlier, is from Alice Leverett's Ultimate Fashion Doll ™.
Emilie wears a corset of fine Liberty cotton with a delicate rose pattern. The corset, lined in china silk, has eyes in the back laced with ribbon. Silk bias ribbon binds the top and bottom edges. Next time, we see a slip. Kathi

The Story of a Doll Named Emilie Claire.

2008-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I thought it might be interesting to see a doll and her garments go together. I made this doll, a 12" Lady Jumeau French Fashion quite some time ago. However, she sat around naked for so long I was afraid the dolly police were coming every time the doorbell rang! So, two of my friends and I set out to make new clothes for our dolls. When we do this, each one of us makes the pattern and teaches the class for the doll, and when we get together for birthdays, we get presents for them as well. If you do not belong to a club, this is a wonderful way to play.
(May I say that this may not be perfectly in keeping with the period as we do try to get it right with the historical dress?)

I thought I should name her and I love the name Emilie Claire. Therefore, she is Emilie Claire. I had not taken a picture of Emilie in body, but she is a porcelain head with set in blue glass eyes. Her body is leather and stuffed. This figure is created from scratch by me so, be kind.

Emilie wears a set of drawers that have an open seam in the middle. You might call them pantalets. The drawers were seamless for convenience. Imagine lifting all of those slips and skirts! (Another little tip: Now you know why the Can-Can was so bad at the time. There was full mooning when those skirts went up.)

Here you see Emilie wearing her pantalets and chemise. The chemise was a utility undergarment of fine cotton, easily washable. This garment protected the outer garments from perspiration and dirt. I imagine it protected the skin a bit as well from the corset stays.

Next time we look at her corset!
Kathi

Fourth of July - Picnic Time

2008-07-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, pack the picnic basket and go out somewhere. Sit by the river, listen to music, watch fireworks, EAT. I had received a wonderful country hutch for a birthday present last year and wanted to find a way to show case it. Space is at a premium here, especially as I do not like a lot of clutter. (I didn't say I didn't have any clutter, just that I didn't like clutter.) A way for me to play with my miniatures and showcase some of the things I have collected is to make a shadowbox display. (Wall space I have!) I purchased a black shadow box from Hobby Lobby that was the perfect size for my little hutch. With the assistance of some art form the internet (not for sale, for personal use only) I framed up the pictures, added the Reutter Porzellain dishes to the hutch. The shelves are decorated with many things I have made either from kits or from scratch. Some of the items are expensive collector pieces, and others are "cheap" plastic. Al Chandronnait made the baskets you see and the rooster is an Olszewski miniature. (I surely hope I spelled it correctly.) I made the flowers from scratch and the pumpernickel was my first loaf of polymer clay bread. (Now I think I am an artist!) Anyway, try it. Give your project some thought, go visit your local miniature or hobby store, or find it on the internet. Create your dreams, or savor a memory in a small space and at your fingertips. Kathiok..I am at it again...Creating digitally...Have a Safe and Happy Forth! Michelle
I could not resist these either:

Dolly Teacher - I Hope you Learn Something New Today.

2008-06-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

I started digital scrapbooking and yes I spend entirely to much time on it...ok I am obsessed. But how could I resist decorating this adorable picture? Enjoy!
Michelle

Displaying your Treasures

2008-06-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Now the bottom of the étagère!

We recently looked at what was on the top shelves of an étagère in my home where I display some of the treasures and memories of my life. In addition, we see the bottom shelves. Next to Princess Grace is my wedding veil. My father, a Master Sergeant in the Air Force when he retired, had been to Spain when I was a child. My parents allowed us to open one present on Christmas Eve before we went to midnight Mass. Dad gave Mother and I the boxes to open that year when I was 12. I gently opened the box and there before me was this wonder of lace, a Spanish mantilla. I cried it was so beautiful. My mother wore a black one and I wore the white to mass that Christmas Eve. Later I gently folded it to store it back in the box and my father asked why? I told him I was going to wear it for my wedding veil. And I did. I even bought a frame to hold it up as we see mantillas in pictures. (Though not quite so high)

Oh, yes, what is that all piled in the bottom? There is fur and some red and some white, all jumbled up there, well not really. Those were my grandmother’s hats. My mother and aunt gave them to me by my mother and aunt. I cherish them, and every time I pass, I see her in them. Kathi

Making a Silk Ribbon Peace Rose

2008-06-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

How to Make a Multi-Colored Peace Rose.

All you need to make ribbon roses is a Rose tool, scissors, ribbons and glue.Step 1

Begin with pink ribbon slipped between the prongs of the rose tool. Place a small amount of glue on the end, fold ribbon over prongs to meet and begin to roll, at least one time around.Step Two
Fold the ribbon 45 degrees and secure with dot of glue at the base.
Steps Three and Four
Continue with folds for two or three more “petals". Secure with dot of glue at the base and clip away the pink ribbon.
Step 4
Step Five
Place a bit of glue on the pink ribbon edge and begin again with a yellow ribbon
Steps Six, Seven and Eight
Continue several folds, pictures 6, 7, 8 until you have the desired fullness.

Step Nine
Press a bit into shape after the yellow ribbons is removed.
Step Ten
If desired add a couple of additional petals of pink as shown here in pink. Remove from rose tool and add stem if desired.

Step Eleven
Clip about 1/3” green ribbon at angle on either end. Glue this bit to the underside of the rose to appear as a calyx.

Step 12
Glue more small ribbon snips to represent leaves.

Kathi minipatterns.com

Teddies on display!

2008-06-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

What do you think they are doing while I am sleeping? Do they chat, and have a life of their own? Are they happy? I think they are, look at them, they have smiles on their faces. I am betting you have one on your face now, too!

Have a great day!

Kathi

Nu-Way Millinery Lesson

2008-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I purchased these Millinery "Lessons" dated 1928. I will periodically post some of the lessons. It is fun to read the about them and hear the type of language used "back then". Michelle

1830's Gown

2008-06-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the dresses of the "Romantic Era". They are so feminine. And I am a girlie girl. I have no idea why as I spent my first 16 years as a tomboy. But for some reason, probably boys, I turned girlie at about 16. These dresses are so inspirational as well. I had wanted to do this wedding gown for a great long time and when I decided to enter a doll into competition, well, there were no more reasons why I shouldn't. My painting earned me a red ribbon at a Seeley's Competition Show. (1 more point and I would have earned a blue ribbon.) The things you learn from competition are excellent.

My inspiration dress was found in French Fashion Plates of the Romantic Era, Edited by Judy M. Johnson. (Dover Books, http://store.doverpublications.com/)
The porcelain doll, "Marie Therese", a mold from Bass River Dollworks was completed by me. The pattern for the dress was developed by me for this figure and is not currently in published form. The garments are as historically correct as my research could get me. She is one of my favorites still today. Kathi

Doreen Sinnett's Early Work

2008-06-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

I am still thinking about the loss of Doreen Sinnett. I am so saddened by this. A few months back I purchased this cloth doll kit on Ebay. Some of Doreen's early work. They are dated 1975. I do not know why I bought them, I do to make cloth dolls, it must have been because Doreen has always been a favorite of mine. She really inspried me. A talented artisan and a successful business owner doing what she loved, creating. Michelle

Sadness in the Miniature Doll World

2008-06-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am extremely saddened to hear today that Doreen Sinnet passed away on May 30, 2008. Doreen's was, I feel one of the greatest miniature sculptors of all time. Her dolls are really perfection in miniature. She was truly the Grandmother of miniature dolls and I admired her and her impeccable work deeply. Every time I saw Doreen at a show I would drool over her dolls knowing that I wanted one of her originals. I am so glad that I was able to buy one eventually. I purchased one of her little girls and am so glad she is still in my collection. The picture below is a doll I made using one of Doreen's perfect molds. Michelle From Doreen's daughter Drena:

Dear Friends;
I will try to keep this as brief as possible, and not too terribly sad.. Doreen passed away on May 30th. It was unexpected. Come to find out, she had a massive Brain aneurysm that had ruptured, so the diagnosis was not good. She basically went into a coma when it happened in the middle of the night, and never regained consciousness. My sister and I and one of my 2 nieces, Julie, were there with her until the end. When it was close to the end, we gathered around her in a circle and held hands and Julie said a very nice prayer, and now she is in heaven, hopefully happy. She was not very happy these last 4 years during her retirement. Since she wasnt able to do her passion in life, it really wasnt worth living for her. We all tried to keep her happy and busy, but we knew she wasnt. She tried really hard to be happy and not to be a burden for Joy and I, as she just didnt want to be any burden ... to anyone. She really missed all of you doll ladies and good friends, but couldnt bring herself to write or email, it just upset her too much. So, I want you all to know she thought of you often. Doreen had been creating her crafts since 1962. She started with Paper Mache boxes and published a book called "6 Sturdy Boxes" made out of the Paper Mache. She also dabbled in making paper mache bricks for the dollhouses. (I remember as a kid, I would be filling those plastic molds and swiping them flat and letting them dry...Oh, that seems like a long time ago.) She also made some cloth dolls and patterns to make them with. She produced the "Mini Hooker" rug punch needle for making miniature rugs. I know I am missing many of her little projects, but of course her passion was sculpting her miniature dolls. She was a perfectionist in that area. So much patience and persistence with getting them right. I, Drena, will still be operating the business as it has been for the last 30 years...I will continue to do shows and keep the website up and running of course. I have absolutely no plans of letting go of any of this, as it has also been my life for the last 20 years. Mom had wanted her business to continue on, and I am planning on doing so for her, and for all of those special Doll Ladies out there that want to make their own special dolls from Doreens original sculptures. Doreen used donate often to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. So, in memory of her, I set up a "Doreen Sinnett Memorial Fund" at this link: St Jude Children's Hospital http://stj.convio.net/goto/doreensinnett if anyone would like to pay their respects in this way. It is just one way to help others in need, as that was the way Doreen was herself. There are some pictures of her and her family on this fund page also. Thanking all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. And, last but not least, I want to thank Dana and all of her staff for their support and kind thoughts in helping me to let everyone know, as, I just didn't know how to get it started... Kindest Regards, Drena West & Doreen :)

Cindy Gates and Her Rendition of Romantic Style

2008-06-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite miniature doll artist is Cindy Gates. Her style and eye are Fabulous!! This is her version of a doll dressed in the Romantic Period. She is barely over 5-1/2" tall. For me I always thought that this was kind of a strange style period in history. But I think it has kind of grown on me. I love big sleeves...I kind of wish I had bought this doll when I first saw her. How do you feel about this period? Michelle

The Romantic Era of Fashion

2008-06-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

The neo-Gothic influence in fashion history dress fashions was at its peak during the Romantic Era between 1825 and 1835. The romantic spirit in fashionable dress lasted until the late 1840s.
The silhouette for women during this time is characterized by a waistline moving down from under the bust to several inches above the natural waist, fuller skirts with increased decoration at the bottom, and a wide variety of sleeve types.
A notable feature in women’s costume of this period is the variety of sleeve styles that were popular. The types seen in this collection are the marie-sleeve (full sleeve tied at intervals with ribbon); the imbecile or idiot sleeve which is extremely full from the shoulder to wrist, and the demi-gigot (full from shoulder to elbow, then fitted to the wrist). The Beret sleeves were cut from a circle. There was an opening in the center for the arm and this was gathered and bound into a band. The outer circle was gathered and set into the armhole. Sometimes a sheer over-sleeve of silk embroidered shimmering gauze covered the beret puff. Generally the beret sleeve was worn for evening.
Hair was worn parted in the middle, with the back arranged in a knot, and side curls beside the face. Bonnets were popular headgear during the day. Men wore tight fitting trousers or pantaloons, coats nipped at the waist, and top hats. It was customary for the trousers, waistcoat, and coat to be different colors. Michelle

Whats In Your Closet?

2008-06-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

In a display cabinet, I have some little ladies in various states of dress. Things I love and things I would like to change or FINISH. But there, they sit waiting...waiting for me to have time... waiting for them to bubble to the top, but I am afraid it is going to be awhile. The taller lady in the back was a gift that came in a box so she is completed. Coming forward a partially clad Simon & Halbig (Seeley's Ingrid) that I made in a class, And two little Millettes, the right side a Jumeau I made and the front a Bru made by Mary McKenzie (Millie and Magee winner.) The clothes on the Bru are by and Australian artist. Her dress was purchased at a Chicago Seeley's convention and it is impeccable. Now if I could straighten their legs and get them some shoes! Kathi

What can one say???...

2008-06-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

When somthing is to cute for words??......Michelle

My Favortie Things

2008-05-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

I look back on my loonngggg career with dolls and find it hard to believe all what I have been able to accomplish. Dolls have given me the chance to go to England more than 5 or 6 times. It really is kind of cool when you forget how many time you have actually gone. I love they country side in England and miss my travels. Since I have moved on to motherhood I don't get to travel much and do shows. I fell in love with England before I even got there. I used to collect Marty Bell paintings of wonderful thatched English cottages. I would imagine I would be in those colorful gardens. On my very first trip to England with my dolls I got to tour the countryside for 16 days ending my trip with a showing at The Birmingham Miniatura Show. That is were I met a man that made the most WONDERFUL thatched cottages in miniature. Daydream Dwellings from the Isle of Skye in Scotland(the link is my cottage, the Rose Cottage). I feel in love with them. The detail was EXTRAORDINARY. I did not have room for a full 1:12 scale, nor could I afford it, so after much hemming and hawing... I ordered a 1:24 scale. Needless to say it is one of my most favorite things I own, I cherish it. I have taken my time collecting only the best of the best to fill its rooms, all made by myself or other artist's. It is not finished yet...but another time. These little girls I had made for the upstairs bedroom. The are playing with there own little doll house. They are made my English artist Penny Thompson. They are made out of paper!...Keep in mind that they are 1:24 scale. The doll house they are playing with is no more than 3/4" tall. I can't imagine how she made that cats tail! I luv them!! Michelle

Displaying Your Special Things

2008-05-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

As you climb the stairs to the guess bedroom you hit a landing on what we call a catwalk. That area at the top of the stairs where one can see over railings into the front and the back of the house's first floor rooms. The landing is just large enough for a chair and ottoman and this glass étagère. If you are thinking of where to put some special things, this might be a solution for you. I have 4 inside sections and a top to the case. On the top and not seen is a class case with a bridal doll in it. On the top shelf coming down is the Jackie Kennedy Bridal Doll and below her are some very special items to me. Among them are My first communion veil, some crocheted gloves worn on a special occasion, a beaded bag given to me as the captain of my drill team in high school. There is a jade tree purchased while stationed overseas and a name card for me sitting at a General's guest at his table. (My husband is a retired Marine.) There are two gifts you have to look to see, a crystal clock given as a thank you for making a Christening Gown and fragrant candle. Finally, my first doll completed start to finish. I took a Seeley's apprentice course and Elsbeth remains very dear. I completed a dress from a Mamie Didlake pattern before attending the class just so she could come home all dressed up. Isn't she sweet. Don't hesitate to get all your special things together. Believe it or not, it doesn't take up much space. The bottom shelves are special, too. But you have to wait to see those. Kathi