The Creative Doll

2025-12-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

12/31/2025

Happy New Year to you all and a fond Good Bye

It has come to the end of another year. This is the time I like to tell you how much I have appreciated the interest in The Creative Doll, and apologize for not keeping up with some of the notes and messages in the posts.

I have also come to the decision that it is time to say good bye. The inconsistencies or discipline in continuing to add content to the blog has become onerous. I have gotten older, though not too old yet to quit, but I find my days are still quite busy. I thought, “When I retire, I am going to have time to do…” fill in the blank. Well, since retiring, I am completely busy and still fill my days with much that is required of me, as well as so many things that come up. I find I sometimes have to put my goals and desires aside. Who knew? So, I am opting to move forward with my projects and have fun with them.

In an effort to free up the pressure of continuing content, and also relieving the stress of thinking about it, I will no longer be updating The Creative Doll. The blog will remain as it is. You will be able to see any articles that are already here. If you are new to The Creative Doll, there is a lot to read and some things might even inspire you to take up something new. Please enjoy some of the older posts.

I wish for everyone a wonderful new year and great joy in all your endeavors. If you have rough times and sad times, please smile and laugh as it makes things so much easier to endure. Perspective is a wonderful gift as you realize there are so many more that have it worse than you and “this too shall pass!” Remember, too, there are many that have it better than you and you should take the time to root for their great success. It does not always last.

We are not rich, nor are we poor, but I can say I am happy. And I have loved making these things and writing about them. Sharing was the goal, and ✅ goals achieved.

Happy creating to you all and by all means Have Fun!

Kathi

2025-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

12/28/2025

A Year in Her Life

Hello to everyone who has read this blog over time. The last three years have been challenging with health and Hurricane Helene. But this year I tried to do something I loved while working on those things that were trying every ounce of me. And here we are all happy and accomplished.

Today I am discussing my little fave of A Cathy Hansen Bru. She is discussed more fully here: Time for a Project

Her undergarments here: A Show and Tell Today

I had a head start in getting her dressed. The riding habit by the late Susan Sirkis is where I began. She was a wonderful pattern maker and doll costumer. I have never gone wrong with her work. I was confused about the construction of the jacket for this and thus have three of them. One was a test for the fabric and lining, one second idea for the lining and a third with yet another way to line the tails. I felt challenged by them, but like all three jackets. I did the skirt but due to the weight of my fabric, (a fine wool crepe), that I made a hem facing of a lighter fabric. Also, the lining fabric was used on one set of tails for the jacket. The garment fit so very well. I made a riding hat for her and another fancy hat of the same fabric.

Riding Habit and Extra Hat

I wanted to make her an 1860s style dress, and was really inspired by a gown found on Pinterest. I had a pretty miniature Royal Stewart plaid in navy and thought it would be great to use. I only had 1/4 yard and had to think through the project.

And her beginnings of her costume and sewing here: Sewing for Marie Louise

The more I worked the more I wanted. I made her a jacket and a Spanish jacket of red with black beading. I leaned some new things and wish I had known before starting but am pleased with her all the same. I was inspired by a French Fashion that had a wardrobe of blouses, and since I was in the using up scraps mode, created three white blouses and a blue checked blouse for her.

Skirt and Extras

Not to be outdone, she needed a bodice for a ball. Ladies of the era often had a walking costume that had a matching jacket and a ball bodice made as well giving more usefulness of the skirts. I did this and made some dancing slippers and a pretty floral headdress to go with it. She has fans as well but I haven’t made one of enamel yet. That will be a lovely project when I get to it.

Today I am ending with a complete picture of her wardrobe and belongings that has taken me this full year to work, make and enjoy! I do hope you have enjoyed seeing her and have plans to create more your doll, too!

In the meantime,

Have Fun, Kathi

Sewing for Marie Louisette

2025-04-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Making Her circa 1860s Skirt

I am pleased that more of this plaid skirt is completed, and not so pleased that I have not written sooner. I have real reasons for that and some excuses, but here we are. I am taking it as a win!

The inspiration came from many places, but an outfit I did for my Ultimate Fashion Doll and some pictures from Pinterest kept me going forward. Today I will discuss the skirt and it making. (The blouse should come first, but I couldn’t decide what I really wanted to do.)

Creating the pattern was easily completed. It is customary for doll skirts of this period to completed as a one piece of cloth adventure. The back is higher, and the front is lower to accommodate the rear bell shape and the small train.

(During this project you might notice that she needs a hoop. I have not completed one…yet. It’s on the list of things to do. However, the skirt is stiff enough with the weight of silk to hold its shape and allow her to stand with no doll stand aid.

After measuring the doll and setting up the hem and waist, I completed the hem first. The general way is to fold up ¼” (proving the straight line and a clean finish) and then folding again. In this even I folded up an additional inch. This gave me a nice line at the hem of the skirt. The hem is then stitched into place. (I did leave the back a little undone as I wanted to finish the back seam and then finish the hemming.

When I placed the skirt over the doll, I realized I had made a horrible mistake and was not sure what to do. I measured her skirt front and noted the box pleats and marked the back for cartridge pleats. That would accommodate the balance of the fabric.

What I learned was I didn’t pay attention to the bottom measures, and perhaps the skirt was a bit full for this size of doll. What did I do to fix the issue? Weelllll, I folded the hem up another inch and rehemmed it. (I am worried about running out of fabric for the coat and the second Ball Gown bodice. I will keep you posted as I go along.

It won’t be long, and I will return with a picture of the skirt and the blouse woes. Yes, there are some of those as well.

In the meantime, it’s Springtime! Isn’t that wonderful?

Best Wishes, Kathi

2025-03-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

A Show and Tell today

Last time I wrote we discussed my infatuation with my new (to me) ML doll. I thought I would share some of the items I collected and received with my doll and trunk. I am thinking of naming her Sarah. Do you name your dolls? Many of the items in her trunk tray I have created for this doll, or others on a similar scale. The shoes, and blanket role remained with her as originals.

Before she arrived, I continued to work to pick just the right fabrics and accessories. Her wants and needs grew exponentially. This is going to be one spoiled lady.

When I received her, I was anxious to make sure she had a set of undergarments. Using the Louise Hedrick pattern, I was able to complete most of the items in the pattern. Some are cut out, collars and cuffs, and will be finished later. I wanted to use up small pieces of fabric and attempted to do it with scraps and pieces. It was challenging, and successful this time.

As I was using up scraps of fabrics, laces, and trims, I made do with what I had. There are no new laces in this, and I used what I had. One wonderful thing about the size of the doll, 8”, is that I can use up scraps and small cuts of fabric. Bits of laces, tiny amounts of embroidery floss. Beads, pearls, buttons. Whatever was in the save bin.

The one voile slip I embroidered and there is a color variation, but I do not mind. Nothing was ever perfectly matched, and things did discolor. They did then, they do now.

For now, please enjoy the undergarments I made for this remarkable small doll.

Stay tuned. I finished the skirt and will share that process, mistakes, and all with you.

Have fun with your creations, too!

Kathi

Time for a Project

2025-02-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

February 22, 2025

I started a new project, and I thought it might be fun to share how it is going with you and possibly some of my insights and mistakes. I make plenty.

I have become quite enamored of an 8” Bru doll created by Cathy Hansen for UFDC Convention in 2001. And in honor of Mary Lewis, an avid doll collector and Founder of UFDC, the diminutive it was named Marie Louisette.

I have two friends that are doll makers and costumers, and we are all so far apart in locations that we play through our internet connections. Through their grace and friendship, I was able to buy a second hand and now third hand owned doll as I did not have an original. They can be found on the secondary market and through auctions. I do not have a complete set, however, I do believe I have as complete as I can get, as I have the accessories and the trunk they came in, plus others have shared the original documentation that also came with the doll.

Fun, fun, fun!

On of my internet friends mentioned she wanted to do an 1860s era fashion and in plaid. I love plaids I have to say, and so it piqued my interest and ran with it.

Here are some inspirational pictures and honestly, I want to make them all. I have collected them all from Pinterest. To that end I have a list, the skirt with a bit of a train from 1868 or so, and the coat, a blouse, an evening bodice, and a bolero style coat, (Spanish Coat, Zouave) and of course she will need a Paletot for Spring and Autumn. Well, the list goes on and on. I got so excited I did not think how long it would take me. Letting you in on a secret, I am the WORST time estimator ever! Come on this sewing adventure and I hope you enjoy the ride. along for the ride.

(Disclaimer: I tried to trace back on Pinterest to the original picture to give credit, but was unable to do so.)

As always,

Have Fun!

Kathi

Happy New Year and already off to a late start!

2025-01-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2025

Dear Friends,

Can you believe it is January, and I am already behind! Found myself a bit over committed with projects. I thought I would be done early December, then mid-December, then by New Years, you see how this is going. And it appears I could be this irregular on posting this year, but I am trying not to be. May I say I am grateful I do not do New Year’s resolutions! My beginning would not bode well.

What I do for myself, and friends is, however, not brain surgery, so some time in getting things right is not a bad thing. I have been working diligently on an outfit for Tiny Kitty. (Robert Tonner, 10” reduction of Kitty Collier.) She is my wonderful break from antique reproduction things. And let me tell you it is hard to take those breaks as I love my little dolls so much. Sometimes it is interesting to exercise contemporary sewing skills and to keep my hand in. I have almost forgotten how to use a sewing machine. (Not hardly likely!)

(Much of my delay is due to a lack of a sewing room, and organized sewing space. We still do not, after three months, have a roof fixed up there. Helene did a job in the south, and we are in the que for things but not our turn yet. We are much better off than most as we have a home and live in the spaces downstairs. It seems ungrateful to complain. I try not to get impatient, but truthfully, I want to get to the top of the list)

I did spend a couple of weeks on crutches as I sprained my big toe, so walking was out of the question. I am now all better and out and about and with new walking shoes. They feel great.

Anyway, back to Tiny Kitty. I found an outfit on Pinterest and am not sure why, but it took all my attention. This would be my first pattern draft for Tiny Kitty. The first thing I learned, and should have known, is mind your measurements. For some reason the gown was too large. So, here we go with Papa and Mama bear routine. Yes, it was too large. (I had mistakenly added the seams twice.)

The original Pattern was a Simplicity 7858, 1960s

Next it was too tight. No one likes that. But the problem to solve here was where were the closures to go? The center back seam of this doll would have taken up the entire back panel. So, I attempted to place the closure in the side seam, but that would stop me from slipping it either up her legs, a step in dress, or I would need an additional snap or hook at the shoulder. That wasn’t working for me either.

Finally, I decided to make the back side seam open, and added a hook and thread loop to hold the back seam closed. I will be honest I am not great at getting those perfectly placed. It really did not look well when put on a doll.

Then, I remembered a skirt pattern I did that wanted to come open just a tad when the skirt was closed. I decided I would put in what I call a “swing snap” and that would make the closure. I think it was “Just Right.”

The last task was to make the cape I continued to make quite a few mistakes there, too. Of course, I did. I sewed the sleeves backwards, twice. Then I sewed the front side to the back. Naturally. So, I put it down for a couple of days. Then laid everything out as it should have gone and voila, I had a correctly made and fitting cape. It’s line in China silk, too!

The backside of the cape made of a cotton twill

The inside of the cape with silk lining

Finished Cape

I hope you all are looking forward to a wonderful year of dollmaking and dressing. I am hoping as I catch up with things here, I will have made all my errors in January and the year will look great! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? And please don't forget, Have Fun! Kathi

2024-12-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

12/4/2024

Purple Passions!

Have you ever heard the saying, I plan, God laughs? For 2022, and 2023, I had the wonderful plan to make up the kits I have for my Ultimate Fashion Doll by Alice Leverett. Some goals were to finish some accessories and kits I began but did not finish from workshops that were not quite completed, hats, gloves, hems, closures, etc. The infamous UFOs. The created beauties she has in the sets as accessories. I was going gangbusters, but then, well other stuff happened. Total failure to get the momentum back.

I made the same promise to myself the following year. Still did not do it all. More problems. I told you it was a rough couple of years. One I completed I showed you; it was a beauty. It was written about here: https://creativedoll.blogspot.com/2021

Last year my goal was to work one of the Carmel Doll Shoppe kit each month for Lavinia and Tom Thumb. I am making headway there this year, but it is still slow. So many dolls, all screaming for wardrobes, I must keep them in drawers to mute the sounds. I'll share more soon. She's so sweet. But I haven't gotten to Toms clothing yet.

I digress. I did want to show this purple plaid beauty. I finally finished it. I love it. Plaids all match and everything. I do want to explain that in the category of being lame, I am not the best photographer. I have one eye that sees far and one that sees close. (Secretly hoping they can fix that with cataract surgery. When the time comes.)

I did not get to attend this class, but I did buy the kit. I am so proud of it and thought I would share the pictures.

Kathi

Have Fun!

Costume Fun in Miniature, Mignonette Style

2024-10-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2024

About two years ago a couple of mu internet dolly friends and I decided we would like to copy (sort 0f) a mignonette box we had seen at Carmel Doll Museum. Since there were three of us, we thought each of us could use the Mignonette Book as our inspiration. We each had the book and could make selections from it.

Mignonette: Her History, Wardrobe & Miniature World, 1878-1917

By Mathilde and Samy Odin Heritier

https://www.amazon.com/Mignonnette-History-Wardrobe-Miniature-1878-1917/dp/2913684068

Every third month we picked an outfit to make. Once picked we would each do that pattern to fit our mignonettes, all about 5.5 inches, with our own fabrics and interpretations. I had every intention of using up some small pieces of fabric.

About August, I began to think about my October decision and decided I would use the picture from “When Dreams Come True” as I had seen on Pinterest and saved to my Board.

The original Doll is 14.5 inches tall. A Bebe from Delcroix from the description. https://www.trocadero.com/stores/whendreamscometrue/items/1339844

I knew I would have to redesign as close as possible for my 5.5” mignonette. Mine is a Jumeau reproduction made for me by Sophie Pearson.

Using the picture noted above, I began working out the scale and changes or items needed to recreate this costume. A very sweet party outfit described on a male doll. However, my doll was a little girl. I didn’t care. My doll, my choice.

I started with the skirt, which was the easiest thing to do. All there is to do is a length of gathered fabric into a waistband and a closure. The edging was serendipity and the black pom poms can be found at hobby stores.

The jacket took a bit more fitting and ingenuity. Sometimes components are hard to get, make, or imagine how to complete. I was lucky enough to have a small stash of ¼” velvet ribbon. Sometimes you just make it work. But I feel I was as close as I was going to get to the real thing.

Soon, I created and sent off the directions to my friends. We have collected quite a wardrobe for out little ladies. If you are a member of the Mignonettes group on IO, the directions are in the files there if you want to give this a go. Finished side and back photos.

In the meantime,

Have Fun, Kathi

A Little Explanation for delays.

2024-10-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

10/19/24

In the past year and a half, I had a second surgery, (doing well, no worries), hired an organizer, Amy, (she’s great, I call her my task master), worked on the issues with the blog, helped my wonderful husband with his projects and doctor visits, and nagged him to be my obedient servant. Didn’t work. Try as I might to be boss, he’s not buying it. (Yes, that is a joke. The rule in this house, is we decide who’s boss before the project. This works very well as we both have our strengths.). We are both boss types as well.

This might come as shock, but this time away has made me realize I am aging. It kind of sneaks when you least expect it. I went through a process of deciding, with Amy pushing me on, what I really wanted to do. I see my avocation as a designer, artist, miniaturist, seamstress, writer, teacher, and vocationally as a wife and homemaker. (I have also done that a lot longer!) There was a lot of retrospection and conversation that went into the process. Many decisions were made. I am loving my new focus and lifestyle. We’ll chat more about that coming up in new posts.

My old computer, which isn’t very old by the by, decided it didn’t want to work anymore. It does still work but it is picky about it. Like having a child. My husband got me a new computer. It is a tablet/PC and does the job. I like the PC, but I am constantly noticing I cannot work as I did before. I need something else. My little laptop is supposed to be easier, friendlier, BUT, it does not have any of the “old” ports on it. I had to buy a HUB to plug in my current peripheral’s into so I could use them. I am so tired of chasing technology! What I do like is that the computer people are getting together on all these proprietary plugs, so we have a method to use chargers the same. That is most excellent, but in the meantime, nothing is the same. We grow, we adapt. I grumble (a lot). So I use two computers now, the old one where I can work faster at things I know, and the new one for emails, blog posts, and learning how to do things in a new way.

I have not wasted my time being absent. Ultimately, I got here, ready to share more on the blog with you. I had to relearn many things and catch up with changes on the computer. (Grumble, grumble). I am almost a minimalist. Not quite there, but I am an “in the middlest” for sure! My term, I made it up, I should trademark it.

The new start date was to be on October 1, 2024. So, you can see I am late. The truth of the matter is a tree, (2 of them) fell on our house during Helene. It was frightening, and messy. The roof was pierced, the ceiling upstairs also with holes, the rain pouring in. Glass broken; windows shattered. What a wallop. My house is a house that looks like a two story on the front and a 4 story in the back. (It’s two stories) Two 80 foot trees decided they couldn’t handle it anymore and gave up. Silver linings are that we did get power back in three days, did lose all the food, stores are getting restocked. Our systems can be awe inspiring, and we are resilient people. The trees got removed, there is a tarp on the roof, holes in the house plugged for now. We are waiting for our turn to have the adjustor/contractor come to estimate the damage. Those estimates will be forwarded to insurance company. We will wait. The insurance company will say what they approved and write a check. And then we wait. The company and we decide how much we want to fix and any added items that come up. And we will wait. Once all the work is agreed upon, we will wait for out turn in line for the contractor to make repairs. This is going to take a while. In the meantime, we are safe, have power, have food, friends, and we know we are very lucky. We count our blessings every day.

Oh, another silver lining, our view to the lake is so much better now.

Pray for those in need, and if you can afford to give, please do. East TN and VA and FL need you ever so much.

I hope to have another post soon. It will be about projects and what has been completed. Thank you to all of you who have enjoyed these posts. And to those who have reached out and checked on me. You are kind, thoughtful, and appreciated.

Until the next post, as always,

Have Fun!

Kathi

Yes, It has been a long time!

2024-10-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Before I start writing for the blog again, there are a couple of updates for you. I share this blog with Michelle Mahler of Minidolls.com. Michelle is hoping to sell The Doll Artist’s Workshop, where she sells supplies, fabrics, trims, and assorted items to create and dress miniature dolls.

I will be writing this blog.

We have worked out, or rather not yet figured out why the reading view was covered up with the red background. We tried many ways to fix this, and the result was to remove the background and voila a readable blog. For those who were unaware of the issues, I will share them with you. And because I am both an iPad and PC user, the information came to me a little late. I hadn’t noticed. Readers on Apple or iOS products (Mac, iPhone, iPad) were getting different views. Is the level of upgrade the problem, or is it Google? Is it something else? Were the programming languages colliding in some way? We do not know but are greatly appreciative of those who checked things out and reported findings. For those who had no issues, this is what was happening. This is the original format and how we wanted it to look.

This picture clearly shows that the background is now covering all content. The background for the iOS users was on top and not behind the content.

The header with Emilie Claire doll will remain the same.

The simplest answer was to remove the background. The content is now visible with the background removed.

I like this view. The content is readable, it is lovely as linen as it represents our primary content is sewing for dolls. Going forward, I have retained a professional to take care of these things for me so I can create some meaningful content. Kathi

2022-08-15T07:01:00.001-07:00

August 15, 2022

A Hitch in my Get-Along

Well in another week it will be a year since I last posted. You would not believe all that happened. Whew, it is something isn’t it how quickly time can go and get away from us?

I am an irregular blogger to be sure, but a couple weeks from the time I last wrote I had an “event” we’ll say that didn’t bother me so much as the doctor when I described it. I felt no different, but apparently, I needed tests done, and NOW! After a few echocardiograms, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Imagine at my age finding out I have had this since birth? Why did I not know sooner? And this is a common heart defect. When I was born the hole in which my mother fed me during gestation did not close automatically when I was born. This is called a PFO. (Just look it up, I cannot even pronounce it.) As I aged, the whole grew larger, and a microscopic piece, possibly, of blood trash did not get cleaned up and caused me to have what appeared to be a stroke. Honestly, I am not sure as it was so minor, but the doctors were being cautious.

Fast forward to 25 doctor visits, all kinds of them, pick a specialty.

In January, the hole was closed. I was all fixed. Except for a stint in the ER. Wow, that was scary, I thought “the plug” had become dislodged, but no. Just a fault in the electricity of the heart beats.

On July 5th, I got my 6-month check-up and am all wonderful and perfect again.

I was homesick and wanted to get back to my family and old friends. We made plans, ready to list the house when I got out of the hospital, to hopefully move back to my hometown. The areas which we were considering had grown so expensive that it did not make sense to make the move. All the work that one does to put a house on the market now had to be reversed. The unwinding and redefining what life looks like going forward has taken extra time, too.

The Queen size bed is stacked under, over, and around.

And in the bathroom and excess in another room, embarrassing.

I now have boxes stored in the guest room. However, there is a silver lining. I have a closet upstairs that the original owner had finished from an attic area. It is a good 12 X 12 feet on the floor, but the room is not quite 8’ tall. As we speak my painter extraordinaire, Justin is repairing the walls and repainting. If all goes well, new shelves are being installed this week. I am excited to get my ~~hoarded, stashed~~, stock, yes stock put away and organized in a room of its own. I shall call it my stockroom. Stocking supplies sounds so much better than hoarding, doesn’t it?

I shall share the progress with you. I hear from my husband that I am lacking in making decisions. I never knew that about myself, I thought I was quite a decisive person. I have purged until there is only the best left, and by looks, it appears there is more of that to be done. No doubt, sad face, I will need to gift and donate some more.

I will be posting more blog entries as I have not been a sloth while healing! I will share things I have done, and outfits completed soon.

Have Fun!

Kathi

2021-08-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

August 26, 2021

When I last posted I was showing that there had been great progress on completing the “Knight to Remember” Dress. This was an Alice Leverette workshop at St. Simons Island. It was a full workshop with about 30 participants. Due to me being in the sponsoring club, I also had work assignments for the weekend and managed to not complete the garment and allowed it to sit for quite some time.

But alas with some perseverance, the dress was complete. All the beading and flowers have been added.

It was time to add some jewels. Here you see a necklace being made, and the earrings to match.

Progression of making the necklace.

Jewels are just right!

Perfect additions!

She needed some pretty flowers for her hair. Alas, totally complete.

Pretty floral coronet

How about a fan!

What dance is complete with a fan?

Beautiful!

Complete!

A new project awaits.

Whatever you create,
Have Fun!
Kathi

2021-08-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

August 20, 2021

I reported before that I was trying to complete an unfinished project a month until I seemed to be caught up. I completed this project in May. The workshop is called Knight to Remember, St. Simons Island, 2013. This was the inspiration picture for the project:

My partially completed project had languished for quite some time. Pulling the contents, I reviewed the directions and discerned the kit was complete. However, I needed to start over as I had skipped around in the making of the pieces. The skirt was completed but as memory served the ruffle was giving me fits. And true it was only pinned in places and basted incorrectly in others. The main portion of the bodice was complete but I was stopped in the middle of decorating and attaching the sleeves. The sleeves were being worked one at a time, so one sleeve was flat and unworked the other nearly completed. I will add, at the time, I was a member of the club sponsoring the workshop and I had other duties to perform during the groups’ visit.

Here we are with a slip and ready to go.

This reckoning with what I had done and had not done was confusing at first. Here the sleeves are partially completed.

The start of skirt repair and redo.

Staring me in the face was the skirt ruffle that caused me a lot of grief. Removing the ruffle thus began the slow process, of straightening it, pressing it, and dividing it again. There were many peaks and dips to getting the ruffle on correctly. I finally made a line with the sections marked was a better method for me to get the proportions straight.

It took a week, but the skirt, fewer beads, and bows were completed, fitted, and on the doll. It was my intention to complete both the skirt and the bodice before adding any of the jewels and bows that would finish the outfit.

While I was at it I made the extra bows.

I was on a roll and would get the outfit done soon. Little did I know it would take the full month.

I'll be back with more!
In the meantime,
Have Fun!
Kathi

2021-07-29T06:12:00.001-07:00

July 29, 2021

Things are catching up a bit around here, but not so you could really tell. It has been a lot of work, but I am still working on the dining room table. I don't know if I am blaming the slowness of my purging and organizing, or if I just like working downstairs where there is more life and sunlight. Perhaps a bit of both.

I would be remiss before going forward on my projects if I didn’t talk a little about my Ultimate Fashion Doll. I had named her Molly after my grandmother Mary Lee. All her life her nickname was Molly, and we the grandchildren were born, we called her Grandmolly. Family quirks. As many use French girl’s names for their French Fashion, my doll had arrived in the USA and Mary became Molly, and that was it.

I had Molly for quite some years, she’s been in pictures on the blog with her cousin Emilie Claire. One of her dresses was featured here in 2009, I think.

Molly had been corresponding with her friend Simone and planned a trip to visit and be pictured together and going to tea. On her way to Simone, her “carriage turned over” causing great damage. (That’s my story and I am sticking to it.) Nevertheless, Molly could not be saved. She broke her noggin and her life as we knew it was expunged. No more Molly.

May I interject here, in spite of the levity which I write, I was devastated. My friend, Gillian, was quite dejected and did not want to give me the bad news. I was literally sick to my stomach, and for a little white depressed about the whole thing. Gillian was to photograph our “girls” together and then take my doll to an Alice Leverett workshop she was attending to deliver her to Alice for a little tightening and refurbishment. The doll would be returned as Gillian got home.

The stars did not align. We set upon the process of making a claim for the doll. I had paid for an additional $1000.00 of insurance. After about 6 weeks, the claim was denied at the post office. I had according to instructions provided proof of value by suing several sold auctions in lieu of an original receipt. But they wanted the original. Alice worked diligently to get the original receipt, as I had lost or misplaced mine, I mean three moves since the purchase of the doll, and she produced one for me and even set aside a replacement head at the same time. It took 3 months to file a claim, have the claim turned down, and then fight for it. Finally, 6 months later, I was rewarded with about $695.00 on a thousand-dollar claim. But we were allowed to salvage the body, so all was not lost. Later, I received devastating news. The replacement head was broken in a small household accident and the doll was not to be produced any longer. I had a body and no head!

I explored the idea of joining Emilie Claire's head to Molly's body. Emilie's body was not well done (I made her). But Gillian had other ideas. Her friend Lynn would make me a new doll head. The next hurdle, she only had a head for a doll face that was not a particular favorite of mine. More months passed while I pouted and thought. I was convinced to examine it first and make a decision when I had compared the heads. So this is what I did.

What I received was a beautiful face on a Smiling Bru reproduction head. Emilie’s head was a bit too large for the doll, so I grudgingly place the Smiling Bru on the UFD body. May I say, after 2 years of hedging and grumbling and fighting it, yea, two years, I now have a new and favorite doll. It was as if it was meant to be. I have considered naming her Eugenie after the French Empress, Napoleon III’s wife, or name her after the two ladies whose patience and persistence to replace the lost Molly. She remains nameless today, three years later. One day I will settle the doll name issue.

Until then I thought would introduce you to my newly refurbished French Fashion Ultimate Fashion Doll, body by Alice Leverett, head by Lynn S. (I did not ask permission to reveal her name.) But kudos to Lynn and Gillian. Thank you. She is just so beautiful.

More about her burgeoning wardrobe as we go along.

I am having fun!

Kathi

2021-05-20T06:06:00.006-07:00

May 20

For three years we have been in a state of disorganization and remodeling. If anyone has moved and lived in the house during remodeling, you understand completely the stress and discombobulation that I describe.

The house is nearly complete. There are some smaller projects that need doing but for now, we are taking a building break. Once the upstairs was “finished” I started opening boxes and putting things away. Apparently, I need to purge some more. I am so overwhelmed with the organizing at this point.

I have followed along with Cas Aarsen of Clutterbug. https://clutterbug.me/get-started

Purchasing her book has allowed me to read slower and digest her advice. I have been an organizer from childhood practically and am trying desperately to drop excessive habits. I am Cricket in her test, with some crossover bits of a ladybug. I am trying desperately to be a patient Cricket, waiting for perfection by first macro-organizing. Apparently, according to Cas and I identify with what she is suggesting, I am an overthinker and an over organizer…for now. This process is difficult for me. She has in her blog and videos suggested that I first MACRO organize. In the middle of this wonderful exercise of using a big bin and putting everything in it for this one subject, for example, sewing machine accouterments. , I find I am putting smaller boxes in that big box that is supposed to be for general organizing. Stopping that micro-organizing is a bit of a challenge. I sort into different categories. Don’t let me get started on miniatures, paleez!

When I first moved from the “big house “I downsized by half. The first decision was to define what I actually wanted to do in hobbies as it was apparent, I was not going to continue down the road of doing everything I pleased. (Anyone who is into doll making or costuming knows it is hard to give it all up as we use all those skills in this one pursuit.) I pared down ruthlessly. Not quite enough, though. Getting my 30’ X 15’ hobby room to a 12’ X 12’ room was excruciating. I wound up using a wall in the garage as well.

Not long after that endeavor, we moved again. The space is similar, but the rooms organized a different way. Here we go again! I still have too much.

Am working on divesting myself of dolls, miniatures, fabrics, tools, excess projects, it is a chore. So, my friends, I have been overwhelmed with sorting, purging, donating, trashing (why did I save that piece of paper or that inch of fabric? And no, it cannot become an inchie art piece!)

Upstairs in this “new to us” home, there are three rooms. One is a nice guestroom for us, the second is a similar in size third bedroom. This to be my sewing room as it has a large picture window. And finally, the bonus at the top of the stairs is a closet built into the rafters and finished off. This is my stock room. Well, it will be when I finish as right now the whole house feels like my stockroom.

The bedroom is a sorting and stacking station for each “leg” of the organizing. The stockroom is still sort of a hide it space, and I am working on it, box at a time. I have a large organizing chest from a Paula Deen furniture collection, and now 6 Alex cabinets. The taller 9 drawer ones. They are currently in a state of reorganization, too. The hope is when I am finished and labeled, that the cabinets will all be straightened out and everything centered, and pretty. (I want pretty so badly!)

This is the stacked-up guest room. Thankfully, we have no visitors at this time.

The Sewing or display room is being sorted more and more. It is beginning to look like a real workroom and will have a pretty display on the bookshelves and the cabinet. Another Paula Deen furniture piece called "The Bag Lady."

This will be a nice display and sewing machine corner when completed.

Currently in a holding pattern. But a good workplace.

It's a start! I hope this will be pretty, too. I need to have some skilled doll ladies help me with the display.

Frankly, the overwhelm has frozen me from doing the things I love. I have pulled three unfinished projects and taken them downstairs. Removed from the mess upstairs, I am working on those projects. The break is greatly needed.

And if you are unaware of Cas and the Clutterbug theories, you can click on the link above and watch her show Hot Mess House, https://www.hgtv.com/shows/hot-mess-house. Or stream on Discovery Plus.

The book I purchased was this one. (no affiliate sponsor) The Clutter Connection.

Can be found wherever you find your books.

Have Fun!

Kathi

Art Deco Project " The Moon Gate" Room

2021-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2021

I don’t even know where to begin! November for the last report and I was doing so well up until then.

Let’s see, as far as I can tell everyone is blaming Covid-19 for their failures and short galls, so why shouldn’t I join the crowd? Except that wasn’t it. Quite frankly, my deadlines caught up with me and I had to let something go. It takes a long time to write a blog.

I have created a new project for the MDL group on IO groups. https://groups.io/g/minidollLIST

And it has taken me longer than I thought to finish creating some kits and writing documents. The real class starts on the first of February, but I think I am going to get a head start today and tomorrow on it.

The one thing Covid did was throw a lot of hitches into my get-along for sure. Delays on supplies and sourcing, errors and restarts, scheduling the month that we cover everything for the project, and the list continues.

Today I am sharing a couple of pictures of the project with you. If you want to participate, the “class” is FREE. You need to join the IO group noted above, however. And you do need to buy the wonderful “moon” wall insert to make the statement. All the items can be purchased here, and the directions will be in the group. A PDF you can download. See more here: https://www.minikitz.com/ZenStoreP1/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=343

I know this is short, but I am rushed, nothing is changed, but I am catching up.

Just create and have fun!

Kathi

View of the room from an angle

View of the room from the "Moon Gate" side.

View of the room directly from the front.

Bridal Challenge - The Dress and Veil

2020-11-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, this was challenging! There were several iterations for the bodice, first in paper, then muslin, and then muslin again. I should have made a fourth, but I was too lazy. After the third, I marked a place to make an adjustment on the pattern and then went with it. According to Mr. Burbidge’s article in Doll Reader, his reproduction dress was of bridal satin of silk/rayon in antique ivory. The bodice had two layers of lining, one of organdy and one of cotton gauze.

For my doll, I had selected silk/satin or charmeuse. Charmeuse is not a particularly easy fabric with which to work. I also selected beaded and sequined netting as I did not really want to do all the beading and embroidery of the original dress or the reproduction dress. Once I had all the pattern pieces for the bodice and skirt drafted and ready to cut, I started second-guessing all my decisions. Yes, ALL of them! I was afraid the silk for the slip would tear, I was afraid I couldn’t do the sewing on the charmeuse as it is a tricky fabric, and I didn’t know if the beaded net would be too much and look all wrong. I was at a dead stop.

Two weeks had passed since I wrote the above paragraph. Here is where I am, I used the charmeuse, yes, I did. I would not suggest it unless one has superior sewing skills. I am not that person, but I had to soldier on. I went back to the article to see what Mr. Burgess used and decided to ADD the extra layer of cotton for the bodice. I thought the scale of it would not work, but even in a smaller doll, this is a good idea, using Swiss Batiste, Silk organdy, and silk charmeuse. The pieces were basted together and treated each as one section of the bodice then sewn together on the machine.

I made the skirt in three pieces as well only joining them at the end at the waistline.

The veil is lace with attached silk netting. It, too, will be, or maybe embellished with beads, sequins, and crystals.

Today, as of this writing. I have not yet completed this dress. It has lain packed away for a few years. The truth is that Mr. Burbidge has died but was able to send him pictures of the dress this far. I have lost all verve for this project. However, the train is completed as a separate piece, if I pick it up again, will be attached via hooks and loops at the center back. And then all that is left is beading, sequins, crystals, and whatever else I want to make it fussier and a real wedding dress.

Remember my doll is a doll of the period of the late 1800s, so it is out of context in this 20^th century dress. But the project was fun, and I was thrilled to be able to work with my sewing idol. He was one of the highlights of my sewing career.

A special note. I may be off the blog for a few weeks as I complete two projects, impossibly with the same deadline. I appreciate your patience. Hope and joy to all. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.

Bridal Challenge - The Undergarments

2020-10-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

While working on a smaller scale a few changes of fabrics must be thought out. After many substitutions of the fabrics and trims, I ordered what I needed from Michelle Mahler of The Doll Artist's Workshop. (www.minidolls.com)

The Panties

I chose to make a basic set of panties in a French nickers style. Considering the hose and garters I had to have room for the stand that is fitted into the doll at the crotch area. So, each item had to be loose or well be non-existent for that accommodation. Beginning with the panties I chose Thai silk. The silk was challenging, and if you try this size, some charmeuse would be pretty, too. The nickers are French seamed at the center front, center back, and crotch. The top of the pant gathered with lingerie elastic for simplicity. The leg openings edged with vintage lace.

Hose and Garter

What a dilemma! I wanted to make pantyhose as I thought they were the contemporary fashion thing to do. But I decided I would make some thigh-high patterned hose. This fabric came from a pair of personal knee highs I had saved for the purpose. (I also made a pair of knitted silk fabric, not having the skills to knit and/or crochet a pair.) The garter, made of ruched blue silk ribbon is not pictured. (Not unpacked or photographed at this writing.)

I must digress as I want to know if princes pull up the skirts of their princesses grab garters to fling to their groomsmen? Is this a tacky tradition? Who started it? I’ve been married for 48 years and we have one of those crazy pictures, too! No need to share. But I wonder, we never see the reception parties.

Shoes

The shoes in the photo are borrowed from another gown. I have not yet, after all these years, made a pair for this project.

Slip

With the slip, there were many adjustments to be made. though drafting the pattern for this sized doll, I had also considered also the breadth and fit of the bodice area. My doll is 1/3rd the size of Mr. Burbidge's mannequin and scale wise she has less bosom and more "cheek". Based on the original design, drawings, and article, I chose again to use Thai silk for the slip. I started with a more antique ivory color, almost ecru, but changed at the last minute for an ivory color. The coloring was better for the dol porcelain. The draft of the slip bodice went well, but during fitting, I found it was better to remove an entire panel. I removed the side back.

The trimming used on the top and bottom of the slip bodice is lace edging to lessen the bulk a lining or bias trim would cause. The pressed seams are all facing to the back, topstitched, and trimmed. This creates a boned effect and for firmness and reduce any bulk multiple layers might create. I did also use some small plastic strips for “boning” and hold the slip bodice firm and up. The under slip and over-slip were treated the same, raw edges trimmed with lace, folded toward the right side, stitched. One and a quarter-inch lace was ruffled and sewn to the bottom of both slips. As the slip is ivory and the lace is white, not a usual pair up for me, I added a white and ivory “buds-n-bows” silk ribbon trim to the top slip over the ruffle. A little more handwork and three snaps later, voila!

What would I do differently? Perhaps use Swiss cotton for the slip, and darts in her tap panties with a back opening. The elastic in the waistband creates bulk I had not thought about in advance when drafting the slip bodice. Ah, don’t you love 20/20 hindsight?

Have Fun!

Kathi

Bridal Challenge

2020-10-07T02:53:00.001-07:00

I have a project I would like to tell you about, but it is anachronistic and I do not want my purist friends to go crazy. I mean I would not do this unless there was a real reason for the project and there is a reason. This is a story of six degrees of separation. A friend of mine, Nancy, is a friend of someone I idolize, the late Mr. John Burbidge. (Les Petites Dames des Modes see previous post:

http://creativedoll.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-is-john-burbidge.html)

I talked and talked about him when we had a chance. One day she let the bomb drop. I know him, you know. My jaw dropped. I asked her a billion questions. My friend Nancy was the hairdresser for his Little Ladies. She wigged and styled each one. I was flabbergasted but fascinated as well. How had I not known about this? We had known each other for years.

One day I answered the phone and Mr. Burbidge was on the other line. He said, “Hi, Kathi, this is John Burbidge, I understand you like my work!” My response? “Oh! Hi! Uh, wait a minute, I have to sit down!” Well, we had the best conversation in the whole world. It was wonderful. We talked about pattern making, methods of making them, design and interpretation and so many other things. 30 minutes later, I was out of the house on my way to an appointment and calling my husband. I think I was hyperventilating.

Well a few days later, a package arrived in the mail and he had sent me a kind note and a copy of a pattern he created for Doll Reader magazine in 1987. He made a replica of Sarah Ferguson’s wedding gown worn for her marriage to Prince Andrew. In our conversation, I wondered if I could execute one of his patterns knowing adjustments for size and scale could be difficult. That was my challenge; make the dress, anyway I wanted on a smaller scale than his 30” mannequins, and to make it not the same, that is to say, to use the basics and create something different.

I chose three dolls that were in miniature scales and from those three I would choose one for which to make this dress.

Dear purist friends this is where we might part ways, but I will go back to era-correct soon. I promise. The figure is an antique reproduction created by Alice Leverett called the Ultimate Fashion Doll™, (www.justalice.com) my favorite doll and my “play doll”. She is the doll for which I create just for me.

(Note: Ultimate Fashion Dolls are no longer in production)

I am following the patterns (there are no construction directions) and creating a different “modern” wedding gown based on the pattern, but having to think about things such as pattern design, fitting, scale, fabrics, etc. My hope is to share this project with you as I go along.

Please forgive me using my wonderful antique reproduction as a modern gown mannequin, but I have not another doll this size. (Emilie Claire is off with Ian, doing who knows what, but never mind she is a reproduction, too.)

My three choices were a Franklin Mint wedding doll. (At least I think it was Franklin Mint. She is quite pretty, and I play with her a bit.) She is however meant to be either a 1980s doll when the Peter Fox wedding boot was popular or more of a Belle Epoch bride doll. She has a pretty face and body, lots of potential with her. The middle doll is the Alice Leverette Ultimate Fashion doll. And the far right is a Robert Tonner Tiny Kitty. Though she is more contemporary in style and appearance I felt I could better use the size and scale of the 12” Ultimate Fashion Doll. I may yet make one for Tiny Kitty as well. I do not know.

Coming up: We will see her contemporary undergarments, progression on the dress, and maybe an accessory or two.

As always,

Have Fun!

Kathi

1/12th Scale Patterns for Static Display

2020-09-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! The entry today is to discuss a static display in your room box or vignette. Oftentimes, the patterns and dresses that fit dolls are not suitable for fro room displays. They do not always hang well on a hanger, though some do, nor do they manipulate well for laying across a bed or scrunched into a chair.

The 2000 category of La Petite Belle Patterns is made just for this purpose. The design of the garments is there without all the girth of the dress to fit a doll. These patterns for you today do NOT fit onto a doll. But if you wanted them too, you would have to do some extra fabric cut on the sides to make them work. If you like the pattern for a project, do give it a try, you never know what you will achieve.

Before I moved, I wrote a bit for AIM magazine. It is a FREE e-zine completed by the Artisans that are shown in the periodical. This is their blog address, and it is a great resource. http://www.artisansinminiature.com/ Do visit the archives. The magazines are through SCRIBD, which is also a Free to join enterprise for publishing books and periodicals. This link will take you to the most recent issue, but there is plenty to see there. https://www.scribd.com/document/423776008/AIM-IMag-Issue-71

I did a monthly for a jet setting woman of the 1950s and completed 12 articles for them. Today I am providing you three of those patterns. They are large PDF’s and printing is laden with color, so if you want to save them it is fine, be warned about printing them.

Today I have included some undergarments, always pretty to display. I understand one of the products I used, Fairy Lace, has been discontinued, but I have some suggestions for if you would like to make this set. If you cannot get the Fairy Lace, you can use any 2mm ribbon, or even cut the header off of heirloom lace and use it. Thin pieces of fabric and even braided thread will work as well. For Fairly Lace, please visit:

http://www.dragonflyintl.com/shop/contents/en-us/d56.html

The links for the patterns are under the picture, they are clickable.

The dress and hat are meant to go together, pick some fun and contrasting fabrics to make a perfect ensemble. The fabrics in the 1950s were colorful and fun. Also, can be made in a sheer fabric a la Grace Kelly.

Courtesy- https://www.theweddingsecret.co.uk/magazine/iconic-wedding-dresses-in-film-high-society/

I hope you use these patterns and have great fun with the fabric interpretations.

https://www.minidolls.com/images/03SewRetroMarch.pdf

https://www.minidolls.com/images/04SewRetroDress.pdf

https://www.minidolls.com/images/PurpleHat.pdf

Have Fun!

Kathi

Dior Room Complete

2020-09-16T03:52:00.006-07:00

Last week we looked at a basic room box and basics to complete a fun vignette. A simple box like that can be the jumping-off point for many a miniature collection. And this was for us as well.

Let’s jump right into the details. After completing the room, we wanted to press home that it was a collector’s room, so we added some finishing details to the room. Many things can be done with a basic box. Our collector collected vintage clothing. We borrowed a picture from the internet (picture was not sold) and made a frame for it. Under that, a Demilune table of my design and added a (sold out) floral arrangement. Debbie made a mirror to fit the vanity space, and a pouf was added for sitting. A lady must have a place for her make-up and perfumes. Plus, a beautiful box that comes in many colors is carried by Debbie at Minikitz.com to keep treasures locked away. I chose black. We had special shoes and hat boxes cut, as well as shopping bags.

The room with the basics is really starting to say something and we are getting a picture that this is really a closet or dressing room.

Now all we need is to add the fancy things.

Her we find our lady has saved her cake topper and shoes from her wedding. I am sure there are other keepsakes inside the box. As her veil tails along the top shelf she has added other special boxes and keepsakes. Her shoes, hats and purses peek out on the shelves.

What fancy and sparkly boxes and bags for mementos. Wow those have to be special shoes to come in a shoe box that is glittered.

Candy has received a box of roses. What a special day! And more shopping bags to be filled. Lingerie, perhaps?

And finally, a completed room. So much added. Enjoy the details. Click on the pictures and they enlarge. Coco, the poodle, is as excited as Candy.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at a long-term project. It was so much fun bringing this idea to fruition.

Have Fun!

Kathi

The Dior Project or Candy's Room

2020-09-09T04:06:00.005-07:00

Late last year my friends Debbie Jones of Kitz! and Dana Burton and I got together on the MiniDollList forum and created a project for our group.

https://groups.io/g/minidollLIST (Click to join the forum.)

https://www.danaburton.com/ Dana made the doll named Candy, there are no more kits available. She is our inhabitant. Dressed for a special night on the town.

https://www.minikitz.com/ Debbie sells many miniature kits at great prices for the DIY crowd. Also, if you want a miniature doll she has contacts for some really talented miniature doll makers.

It was great fun and wonderful confab!

We started with the idea of a 50’s Closet, Dior, Chanel, and other designers of the 50s. We wanted something that could be contemporary but perhaps a woman who collected period clothing and the ideas flowed freely from there. We had a lot of fun doing it and our group participated in all the best ways, and like Japan month, everyone contributed.

Each of us had our function; Dana created the doll and doll kits; I did the design and Debbie did everything else. She did a lot! LOL!

Today I am going to show you the room I designed, and Debbie’s husband Charles cut for us on a laser. We spent some time on the design, fitting, and building of the closet. building designing and building the closet. We all decided on a black and white base theme as it was to be a closet or dressing room, and we wanted all our participants to be able to put their own personalities into them.

The entire closet fits into an 8” X 10” picture frame and fits together using foam core board walls and floor. The closet structure fits within the walls of the frame. This closet is so expertly cut, it just slides into the space once it is assembled and painted. The white color allows for all the accessories to pop.

The Closet.

We looked for this closet to function as any real dressing area might, concentrating on display. There is plenty of space for hanging clothes, a vanity, and cute little pouf for a tuffet (every girl needs one) finally drawers and shelves. Filling and imagining what all will go into it is such fun!

The Basics

We planned for the demilune table with a picture and accessories such as a perfume tray, nail polish, a floral display, or whatever someone wanted there. Kitz! Got it all together in one place for people to pick and choose what they wanted. No small feat! The picture borrowed from the internet reinforced the display theme. (the picture was not sold it is a copyrighted item) however a set of frames were developed, and one could use anything available or their imagination.

If you would like to take on this project, please see what is available here:

https://www.minikitz.com/ZenStoreP1/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=134_236

There are two pages. Click through if you would like to make some of these items or have ideas of your own.

In the next two weeks, we will look at more of the items prepared for this project, free tutorials, and some free patterns as well.

Until more surprises next week,

Have Fun!

Kathi

A Tale of Two Cities

2020-09-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

Paperdolls from Booklet, Background by Diana Vining,

and paper doll scene construction by Melissa Turner

Do you like Paper Dolls?

I do! My father was a career Airman. Whenever we moved there was a lot of cleaning out and leaving behind, either donated or trashed of our toys especially. I had been allotted a 3 cubic foot box to have as a toy box and if it fits, it shipped. (Thank you post office advertising.) Military members have weight allowances and a lot doesn’t make it onto the truck. My little twin bed, and my narrow 4 or 5 drawer chest, a box of clothes, a suitcase, and my “toy box” were all I had. I might have had to divest of dolls and things, but with a nice shoebox, some paper separators, my paper dolls were good to go.

Sadly, I do not have a single box of paper dolls now. How is that possible? Married a Marine. More weight limits and well, toys didn’t make the cut. Had my mother stayed in one house perhaps I would have had my things stored, but eventually, she moved as well, and so did dad, and anything left was gone. It’s a life.

Never-the-less; I love paper dolls and find that any I have collected now over the years are in small books that are stored and not cut out. But oh, how I love a pair of scissors! Snip, snip, cut, cut, turn, a knife to get just there, PERFECT!

And that sound. You know the one I mean; it is as wonderful as the sound of scissors sliding across the table to cut fabric. Crunch.

But I digress.

I remember reading Rachel Hoffman, most recently of Virtual Doll Conventions and boy do we love them, writing in her blog that “we are enough!” Who hasn’t felt marginalized at some point? I have never been a great participator. I don’t like belonging to clubs as I prefer to do my own thing. Introverted, but not shy. I will speak up and I have done a couple club presentations. I wanted to do something to participate from afar for the Winter Virtual Doll Convention. Silly me, I asked, “What can I do to help?”

She was so sweet, and not knowing what I do or when I do it, she said, “Make some paper dolls.” Oh, for goodness sake! Really? I have never painted a paper doll in my life. My mind was going this way and that. How was I to tell her no? So, I just warned her I would give it a try. I asked her what she would like, and she said, “Queen Victoria!” Yikes. I emphasize I have never done this before. I did not want to let her down. I asked her to give me a call. We talked on the phone and I know she was worried that I would renege on my offer, and I said, I wouldn’t, but really did not want to over-promise anything. My deadline was December 1. It took me months to do, months. I drew and painted every day. I used, and still do, a couple of friends, to critique my work. They helped me a lot. Thank you, Debbie and Gillian. They have different gifts and I felt many things were covered in their criticisms. They helped me to provide a nice product in the end.

So, the day came for the paper dolls to be introduced to everyone as a souvenir and there were technical issues. The next day was Saturday, and Rachel was so kind in her explanations about the dolls. I can now provide them to you all as well. I am hoping you who like paper dolls will be able to download the PDF. And I hope you enjoy having them as much as I worried about making them.

Have Fun!

Kathi

If clicking the picture above does not take you to the link to download try this link:

https://www.minidolls.com/images/Eugenie%20and%20Victoria%20by%20Kathi%20Mendenhall.pdf

Technical Issues

2020-08-26T06:35:00.003-07:00

Here come the excuses, well reasons, really.

I wrote a new blog, but I have a problem or two and it cannot get posted. I need to write another or figure out my problem. Fast!

If I have not responded to you, it is because the mailing address for this blog is incorrect now, and I am having a problem fixing it. They never make it easy.

Hold fast my friends, I am working on it.

Thank you.

Go back to Having Fun.

Kathi

Christmas in August - Sort Of

2020-08-19T03:37:00.001-07:00

Do you belong to a club? Draw names? Must make the gift yourself? Need an idea? This was me a few years back. I drew the name of a collector of beautiful things and maker par excellence! She did not, she had said, I remembered, have much room left. And I knew she liked the little ladies. What to do, what to do?

Here I am with a small gift and some easy instructions. Not detailed mind, but if you make miniatures this could be easy.

All you need is a 5” X 7” picture frame with a small mat, some scrap papers, a copier, some photo paper, and a half-scale doll. The almost 3” size.

Create a small black box of a bottom dimension of 3” X 5”. I made a box of black scrapbooking paper with a 1” side to it. Borrow a picture of a pretty folding screen (outside) from the internet and print this onto shiny photo paper. Scale it to fit inside the little black box. (You can do this in any program now by squeezing to fit or dragging corners.) Cut this out with a scalpel.

This picture will allow you to see the size and scale of the project.

Now copy a couple of dresses you like, size them, and print them on some cardstock. Use bits of fabrics and ribbons to glue on the paper dresses for hanging on the screen. And, dress your little dolly with small scraps by shaping and wrapping. Embellish as you like. Use a long glass head pin wrapped with ribbon as a parasol. Add any other items you may have to spruce it up and bring your creation to life.

This is a closer view. Click to enlarge more.

Put it all together. Use some scrap paper to line the bottom of your little box representing wallpaper. Using a ruler and ball stylus, score from the backside, the screen, and fold into thirds. Sharpen up edges of the screen with scalpel and markers. Then glue you pretend dresses as if they are thrown over or hanging on the screen.

Glue the mat onto the box and allow to dry then frame it up with the glass holding it all together. The frame stand should be free to sit on a desk or table or hang on the wall.

This is a picture of the final presentation with the frame added.

Have Fun, Kathi