The Creative Doll

Where I have been and what I have been doing!

2013-05-18T08:26:00.003-07:00

I decided to take a necessary break to talk about what has been going on here with me. I say look here and join me in my mess!

It was last year about this time that we decided to sell our house and make a move to the coast of Georgia. While at an Alive Leverett workshop (http://www.justalice.com/) hosted by the Golden Isles Doll Club, I fell in love with St. Simons Island. Skipping ahead past the boring bits, I will tell you the highlights. It has been some year. Our large house we occupied for 15 years was cleaned up and cleaned out, placed on the market where it languished for some months. While it was being kept all spic and span, we were looking for a new house to downsize and get ready for “retirement” years. (We are not yet retired, but soon. We are lucky my husband’s company is such that a person can work from anywhere.) We wanted a couple of houses with more room, but they were under contract, sadly fell out, while we contracted for some new construction. Our goal, be moved by the next Workshop, All Aboard for Baden-Baden! This would be held in February 2013. As things go in life, nothing happens and then everything happens all at one time. Like Morton Salt, “When it rains, it pours.” It became quite an emotional time. My sweet cat Jack was diagnosed with diabetes, nothing abnormal for many older cats, but we did have a time of it getting his insulin right. Our house new house was scheduled to close in January, but as with new construction, it was delayed for three more weeks. Our house had not yet sold. Mid January, Jack had a stroke and his heart was giving out. We had to euthanize him. In hindsight, it was probably better as he was a sensitive kitty and the move would have killed him I am sure. I have to admit I had a place for him to sun all planned out and it absolutely broke my heart not to bring him with us. I miss him still. Two weeks later while the movers were in the house packing and loading the truck, our agent brought us a contract on the house. Amazing! The movers finished on the sixth and I drove down to St. Simons. On February 8, my birthday, never mind which one, we closed on the new house, the movers delivered our household goods, and we began the box emptying process. Duane went headed back to Franklin, to finish cleaning the old house and getting ready for it to close at the end of February. Following the workshop, which was wonderful and exhausting, it has been boxes, boxes, boxes and quite overwhelming. We thought we did a great job of cleaning out for downsizing. Apparently not! We have taken three boxes of books to the library, two trips to Goodwill with a filled SUV, and weekly trips to recycling for all the boxes. I am anticipating the need for a yard sale or a consignment shop as soon as I decide what to give up. I have bought all the supplies for the Workshops I am giving in Washington DC for the UFDC Convention in July. As I am improving the projects and hope, they will be a success. I am excited about going and will probably blog about it as well. All the while, I will keep squeezing into the house in time to make family and friends comfortable for visits later this year. I have promised to be done for a beautiful decorating for Christmas this year. We missed it last year. So, watch for more notes, I’ll try to do better keeping up.
Kathi

Happy New Year!!

2013-01-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

Merry Chistmas To All!

2012-12-23T18:09:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. I am shamed!! But for your holiday enjoyment some festive figures.
Merry Christmas fellow Doll Lovers!!! Michelle Mahler and Kathi Mendenhall

Annemarie Kwikkel-Smit

Chris Chomick

Creager Studios

Kat Soto

Bonnie Jones

Silke Janas-Schloesser

Kathi Mendenhall

Delightful New Fabrics at minidolls.com

2012-10-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

Just in case you missed it I found some wonderful new fabrics. It is always a THRILL when I find something new for doll makers. Aren't you glad I am addicted to fabrics?
Michelle Mahler Doll Artist's Workshop minidolls.com

Tissue Silk Plaids

Click Here to go to minidolls.com

Small Striped Silks

Click Here to go to minidolls.com

Luscious Silk Brocades

Click Here to go to minidolls.com

Silk Jaquard

Eye Candy

2012-10-07T11:46:00.003-07:00

Some Lovelies for you to peruse and enjoy.

Kaye Wiggs

Catherine Muniere

Ira-Deineko

Laura Scattolini

Forest Rogers

Marylin Radzat

Sharon Cariola

Cindy Gates

Dennis Dugan

2012-08-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

What do these two pictures have in common? The short answer is Dennis Dugan. I met Dennis through a modeling forum. I was having a problem with a modeling tool and he suggested he make it for me. Well I took him up on his offer and not only wound up with “the” tool I needed but a set of tools. Not just a set of tools, but with some measurements he made a set of tools customized for my hands. I have small hands. The more we chatted about my needs, the more I learned about the man and the creative process, and so I am here to share him with you.

Dennis Dugan was born in a small farm community, a boomer like most of us, finished high school, and did his tours in Vietnam as an Army helicopter pilot. After the Army, he worked for Shell Oil and retired in 1993.

Dennis’ father was a machinist for The Atomic Energy Commission. “I learned to machine metals through osmosis practically. Acquiring and excelling at those skills led me to woodworking. I like working with my hands.” “I went to a dollhouse club meeting where I was living in Illinois. They were making some little chairs that night and that piqued my curiosity. I thought it was neat and thought I could make a better chair.” He bought in a new chair next time they met and showed it to them. “Where’d you get that?” they asked. There was a look of surprise on their faces as he explained that he made it. There is where his story of miniatures began. After making the chairs for the club, dollhouse shows, and events where he continued to sell, but he says he was not a “huge success”. This was during the burgeoning period of miniatures with Nutshell News and other magazines making their debut. Dennis wanted to make a living with his miniatures and continued to bring his talents to bear by joining his skills to create his work and works of art.

Later, Dennis registered for a doll sculpting class with Jack Johnston. He thought the class fascinating and shared his work with Mr. Johnston. Dennis brought a one-fourth life-size secretary made of black walnut and beveled glass to show. Jack and the students fell in love with it. “Later I was commissioned to make a roll top desk and a bankers chair for a Mark Twain Doll.” (Now in the collection of the Sudbury Museum in Baton Rouge, LA) Dennis continued to make things for his own amusement. Mr. Johnston called again to commission a wooden stool, painting easel, nice spindled chair for his Norman Rockwell self-portrait.

When in Florida taking a class on marketing and crafts as a business, he met Patricia Rose. (www.patriciarosestudios.com) Patricia commissioned him as well. One of his favorite pieces is a Harpsichord he made for Patricia. It was not a working harpsichord, but it was realistic.

Dennis has been working in wood and accessories, and brassware for dolls and whatever anyone would want. Visit his website and see his beautiful chairs and settees. He can make anything, it seems. And if you don’t see a doll sitting in one of those chairs for reference, don’t worry, with a measurement or two and a conversation, even a picture, he can customize the object specific to your doll or art figure and its height. Whether you are working in 1/12th scale or 1/6th life-sized, you will get a product you will love.
Visit Dennis at his website, email him, or just give him a call with your needs. He is ready to customize furniture just for you and your doll.
Email Dennis dsdugan62@gmail.com
Call Dennis (636)-452-3570 (Central Time Zone)
Visit http://www.dollsdreamfurniture.com

Happy 4th of July!!

2012-07-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

From Anna Hardman:

From Michelle Mahler:

Antique

From Creagers Studio:

From Diana Weiler

From Patrick Gill

From Allen Cunningham

The work of Sharon Cariola

2012-06-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, one becomes an internet friend to a person whose work one has admired for a long time. Sharon Cariola became a member of the Mini Doll List (a Yahoo! group) a while back. Each week we would be able to see her newest creation was. Each week I was astounded by the likeness she was able to achieve in miniature of well-known figures. Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, and the crew from the Minnow (Gilligan’s Island) were among these. Every day characters we have all seen and might even know; a laundry woman, a craggy smoker, and everything in between, are some of her favorite subjects. In my quest to become a sculptor, I have asked her questions about how she achieves one thing or another. She has been so forthcoming; I believe there is a book just in my notes! I think you would like to meet her, too. Sharon tells me she has been interested in miniatures ever since seeing her first display as a child, 50 years ago. “Our neighborhood library had only one book on the subject, and I checked that book out several times. Over the years, I built three dollhouses, complete with stained glass windows and needlepoint carpets. I made everything I could think of, except dolls. I wanted the scenes I made to look as convincing as possible and most dolls at that time did not look like real people to me.” Sharon continues to explain she noticed the dolls by James Carrington, IGMA Fellow, about six years ago. “They were so intriguing to me that I ceased my other miniature pursuits and devoted myself entirely to miniature doll making.” She gets her inspiration from many places including, the illustrations by Norman Rockwell. “(They) provide inspiration because of their detail and the personality in the characters. “ I believe if you see some of the small creations and figures of Sharon you will be enamored too at the realism she imbues in each of them. It is as if each would answer if you only asked a question. “My doll hobby has become a small business enterprise now, and I feel fortunate to be able to work at what I love full-time. I used to number each doll, but quit when I hit 350!” To see more of Sharon’s work, please visit her eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/doll-mine-miniatures . She participates in one or two miniature shows each year. She has many photos of her dolls posted on Facebook. The photos are viewable by the public if you search under her name, Sharon Cariola.
Kathi

Join me for a Fun and information Class!

2012-06-12T09:24:00.002-07:00

I will be teaching a new class for “A is for Artistic” beginning June 26, 2012. (http://aforartistic2.homestead.com/index.html) The demonstration is for dressing a miniature doll in Edwardian dress. The doll is complete in detail from hose and garters, to shoes, to dress and all of her accessories. The class is a 6-week class, but you can work at your own pace. I will be there the entire time to answer your questions. The nice part about this class is that one does not need to have a miniature doll to play. I will have a pattern (general) for you to fit any lady doll size, preferably 12” or below. In the class you will dress (permanently or sewn) an historically correct Edwardian costume. While at class, we will have questions and answer time about research and bringing other concepts or costumes to fruition. The class figure and instructions are for miniatures; however, the concepts apply to any figure. SIZE DOES NOT MATTER. Learn simple pattern adjustments and ways to interpret idea to fit your specific needs. All you need to bring is your imagination. We can discuss challenges and as well as multiple ways to accomplish a task. Larger dolls have more unique needs, though many of the principles and practices are similar. (Participants should feel free to ask any sewing questions or questions regarding their specific project.) Students with larger dolls will receive basic instruction to enlarge the patterns or create patterns for the larger figures. The course will take the participant from the naked doll, through research of period garments and fully dress a figure in an historically correct manner. You will be able to complete a full Edwardian dressed doll including undergarments, costume, wig, and accessories. Skill Level – Beginner but knowledge in simple sewing skills would be preferable. If you would like to join us in this fun class, please read more details and sign up at here: http://www.aforartistic.com/EdwardianCostumeinDetail.html

I look forward to seeing you there.
Kathi

Three Friends....The End

2012-06-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

To see larger click: HERE

The Three Friends continue

2012-05-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Click here to view larger: Larger View

Facebook Finds I had to Share.

2012-03-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just had to share these wonderful image that have come across my feed on facebook. If you are on facebook look me up.
https://www.facebook.com/michelle.geoffrion.mahler AND OR
https://www.facebook.com/DollArtistsWorkshop
Thnx! Michelle minidolls.com

Nancy Wiley

Kerrie-Anne Sawyer

Cindee Moyer

Nefer Kane

Nicol Sayre Folk Dolls

Ankie Daanen

Gala Smaga

Stephanie Blythe

Jennifer Muscatelli Sutherland

The Three Friends Continue

2012-03-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

To view photos larger right click and open in a new tab or window.

History of Fashion Part 2

2012-02-28T08:08:00.002-08:00

Here are the rest of the 1957 BBC shows on fashion.
Men Women and Clothes - Formal Clothes - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - Formal Clothes - Part Two
Men Women and Clothes - Informal Clothes - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - Informal Clothes - Part Two
Men Women and Clothes - Facing The Elements - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - Facing The Elements - Part two

A History of Fashion

2012-02-21T14:38:00.001-08:00

I found these Fabulous videos the the Great Basin Costume Society on Facebook. They are made the the 60's by the BBC but really tell the story. I had to share them with you. I am going to divide them into 2 posts since there are so many. The BBC's first ever series in colour explores the history of fashion. First broadcast in 1957, the fascinating program features costume expert Doris Langley Moore and looks at fashion evolution and sources of inspiration. These videos present a rare opportunity to view authentic period costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries modeled by real people in place of mannequins. Moore delves into the why and how of fashion by addressing issues such as why cloaks resembled lampshades in the 19th century and how bustles evolved from crinolines. There are 12 videos to explore. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Michelle minidolls.com Doll Artist's Workshop
Men Women and Clothes - How Fashions Come and Go - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - How Fashions Come and Go - Part Two
Men Women and Clothes - Sense and Nonsense in Fashion - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - How Fashions Come and Go - Part Two
Men Women and Clothes - Fashions in Faces and Figures - Part One
Men Women and Clothes - Fashions in Faces and Figures - Part Two

Three Friends Continued....

2012-02-21T14:14:00.000-08:00

Want to view it Larger? Click Here

Three Friends

2012-02-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

Want to view it Larger? Click Here

Three Friends Part 5

2012-02-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

To view larger click HERE

Three Friends Part 4

2012-01-31T08:23:00.000-08:00

Want to view it Larger? Click Here

The 3 Friends

2012-01-08T21:23:00.001-08:00

Click picture to view larger. I have found bloggers new updates to be annoying when viewing pictures. If you have trouble viewing in full size then right click and choose "view image" and it will open in a new window and you can magnify by clicking to view full size.

http://www.minidolls.com/Blog/ThreeFriends23.jpg

The Stunning work Jodi and Richard Creager

2012-01-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

This incredible post popped on on my facebook feed today from Jodi Creager. I just had to share as some of you are facebook resistant. The depth of there work is STUNNING. This gal is named Bathilda Bagshot. She is a especially made commission for a collector that loves anything Harry Potter. She is in 1:12 scale. Can something really be that perfect? Every detail in perfect scale. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

Michelle Mahler minidolls.com

Have you missed us??

2011-12-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Three Friends

Once upon a time, there were three friends, well actually a pair of cousins and a mutual friend. Okay, cousins can be friends, too! Remember Emilie Claire? She’s the one on the left. Her cousin, Molly (Mary Kathleen) got engaged last year and is here visiting family for the New Year.! Sarah Grace, (center) is here with her family, too! We are getting ready to go shopping as Molly needs all sort of things for her trousseau.. Molly is the most discriminating shopper, and we cannot wait to see her selections. None of us have seen her wedding dress or even have a description of it. She’s keeping it a secret!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

2011-11-24T11:11:00.001-08:00

Madame Tutli Putli

2011-11-22T11:40:00.001-08:00

Incredible...I wonder what scale the work is done in? Michelle minidolls.com

More Tools to Help your Creativity Flow

2011-11-10T19:46:00.001-08:00

Woe is me for being so naughty as to not keep up the posting. It has just been crazy with the new school routine; 2 kindergartners and a 1st grader. Then Halloween hit! In early October it seemed like a much better idea to make 3 costumes than is did around Oct 28th. But I did get them done and all look cute and scary. 2 mummies and a mermaid = 20 lbs of candy. Wu Hu! But on to more things Creative doll related...
Kathi worked so incredibly hard on some great tutorials. Enjoy!
Michelle minidolls.com

Click Picture to See Larger