FUNKEFRAGMENTZ is all about being Creative!

Mermaids are Magical Creatures

2014-08-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Presently working on a possible Mermaid-en....Its great fun to see the individual personalities pop up out of nowhere as hair is sewn on, material choices are being made and fun findings (buttons, laces, sequins) are placed.

These are the moments that are what make "dolls" magical for me and why I keep making them.
My husband asked me one day why I continue to make them....(my thumbs are losing their lining-a bit painful sometimes.) And I answered...."they're Magical to me" I feel kind of lost without that time that I spend in creating them and I love being able to share that "Magic" and joy with others.

I chose a simplified body structure (my own pattern-just squares and rectangles) because I wanted to do a lot of covering with the dressing and tail. I may even at this point re-work the body...not sure just yet.

So this is where I'm at right now and still playing with the hair style, but who knows what we'll end up with..that's the pleasure and the magic of making dolls.

I'll be back soon! Oh and be on the look out for the Funkefragmentz website! we're in construction now! yay!

Thanks for stopping by,
Michelle

Waldorf Inspired dolls

2014-07-26T14:54:00.003-04:00

Ive been away for about a year working on a website and have dearly missed my blogging site, so Im back...to blog about what I loved most which is making dolls <3 nbsp="" p="">

This is a doll that I had been working on last year for a dear friends granddaughter, whose name is Averie. This is a Waldorf inspired doll and is approximately 12-13 inches. I made her to look as close as possible to Miss Averie with her sweet little wispy blonde hair and cute ears that stick out slightly.

These are two Waldorf inspired dolls (9 inches) that I made for a brother and sister in VA (4 & 6yrs old). They were to be Easter gifts for them and made their way to Janessa and Kalman last March 2014. I received these pictures shortly after they arrived while waiting for Easter to come around.

Its a thrill I can't explain when I see my work out in the "real world" with children and adults enjoying them. My Husband and I lived with these two for about 2 1/2 months and had lots of fun watching them come to life. It was hard to let them go but I knew that Janessa and Kalman would be waiting for their surprise on Easter morning and I also couldn't wait to see their wonderful smiles of joy.
I made one more for my grandson, it was actually the first that I made..kind of a trial run of sorts. It is a Waldorf inspired doll with a dragon suit as well and was the prototype for Kalman's doll above.

(I've also added the picture of Miss Averie with her doll)

I'm on to one more for the latest addition to the family, my granddaughter, Miss Aubrey Lynn <3 .="" can="" nbsp="" p="" start.="" t="" to="" wait="">I'll say good-bye for now and be back with more as I go. Its good to be here again and using the site that became so familiar to me for so many years, once a blogger....always a blogger I suppose.
I do have a website that will correspond to this that will have dolls for purchase some time in the fall and will keep everyone updated as it builds and becomes the dream that is Funkefragmentz.

Thank you so much for visiting and see you soon!

Michelle

I'm a Flower Child at Heart

2013-07-14T16:44:00.000-04:00

Hello............ its been a long time since posting here at blogger, June to be exact and we're now almost through July, that's hard to believe. I do love seeing that 11,000 + readers have passed by my blog since 2007 that's an amazing feeling to say the least. Its nice to come back in some respects to what has been my blogging home for some time now but its time to let progress ease its way into my life or run me over! So I'm on to the creative task of putting my website together and the next chapter of what I LOVE doing most in this amazingly wonderful life...... sharing my love of creativity.

my Recipe Book Journal

My focus with Funkefragmentz will be to showcase my love for the 60's, 70's & 80's.....patterns, sewing, tools, handy hints, tutorials & all crafty creations with just a twist of FUNKY fun!

Drop by funkefragmentz.wordpress.com while we are in construction mode on the website to see what's new in the "material world".

I am a FLOWER CHILD at heart,

Michelle

Free Mouse-Cat Toy pattern !

2013-06-06T15:17:00.001-04:00

Hello, just stopped by to tell you all about my Free Mouse- Cat Toy Pattern, Its available at Funkefragmentz.wordpress.com

So cute and sooo easy too! I have all the instructions and pictures to make this adorable Mouse for your favorite feline, and you receive the pattern for FREE! Come on over to Funkefragmentz.wordpress.com and see what all the Funkee buzz is about!

See you there!,

Michelle

Free Birdie Pattern for your Cat or Dog!

2013-05-24T21:25:00.000-04:00

This is the FREE Birdie Pattern that I have waiting for you! at funkefragmentz.wordpress.com

In the meantime I'll be back and forth with this blog. I've been here since I believe 2007..blog, blogging away. Anyway, here are some pictures for you! Thank you so much for dropping by... Michelle

Moving Right Along.....

2013-05-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

Hello to all...........I've been quite a busy bee and making time between here and my new site, Funkefragmentz.wordpress.com.

I've enjoyed being with Blogger for so many years now that I'm a bit sad to be leaving..... but its time :)

Please join me there when you can! I have posted a FREE Birdie pattern for your favorite animal, mine is my kitty Sophia! You can download it for free at funkefragmentz.wordpress.com ............

This is the face that I've drawn for my Grandson's new doll, he'll be a "Woodsman" ! Cant wait for you to see it.

Thanks for stopping by,

Michelle

MOVING to WORDPRESS in the next few weeks!

2013-04-27T13:26:00.001-04:00

Hello to all of my Happy Viewers! I will soon be moving my blog to Wordpress.com. My blog is already set up there so please come on over anytime.

I'll continue to post here for the next few weeks and will link everything to the new site.

Right now I have a FREE PATTERN waiting for all my Happy Viewers. Its a cute little bird that you can use for your favorite animal or maybe just a nice embellishment for your vanity table.

See you soon, Michelle

and remember if you'd like to visit my new website its at funkefragmentz.wordpress.com

A Caballo for Cole

2013-04-09T19:30:00.000-04:00

Just a quick look at the stuffed toy I made my Grandson Cole! Its a horse named Caballo.........

My daughter (youngest) and her son left this morning for his Auntie A's house! Its his first airplane ride and I wanted him to have something to keep him occupied. He loves anything orange or yellow so when I saw this great looking orange polka dotted stretch fleece I was sure that he would enjoy this fun horse.

These were my first choices, I already had the brown minky from Cole's quilt that I made just before he was born and the orange polka dot is the new material.

I bought this pattern last summer when Hobby Lobby had their 99cent pattern sale in hopes of making something for my grandson once he was here. I finally had the perfect opportunity when my daughter (youngest) said that she was going to see her big sister this April..yay! I knew Cole would need something bright and fun to play with while on his first airplane ride to see his Auntie A.

I cut out the pattern and the orange polka dot material but decided on a brown flat fleece to use instead of the minky because the minky was of course bumpy and would prove difficult. I put this together in an afternoon, stuffed it and took care of the hand stitched areas and was all done by bedtime. Cole and his Momma were leaving in the early AM! so it had to be finished by flight time.

During the cutting of the orange polka dot stretch fleece I found that even though I had washed it, it was still shedding. I had orange fuzz all over my cutting board and my ironing board too so I thought a quick run over with my lint roller would be a good idea, it was.

This is the finished horse named Caballo.

I drove my daughter and her son to the airport this morning and gave Cole (my grandson) his Caballo to play with, He loved it!

Have an amazing day.....

Michelle

A Doll For Baby Brynlee...completed !

2013-03-27T18:25:00.000-04:00

I've just finished the slippers for Brynlee's doll and she's complete. I'm really happy with this doll, I had so much fun making her and now I can't wait to send it off to baby Brynlee!

I posted in the early stages that I was going to use the bright patterned pink material that you see on the doll's slipper as the pinafore. But I decided in the midst of making her that I would use the white eyelet that I spied in the fabric store instead, it was too cute to pass up. I of course still held onto the bright pink...I love material ! I knew that I would use it someway, somehow...someday!

So when I was ready to make the shoes I thought that I would make them black, it seemed the natural thing to do. But I didn't want to have the stark contrast against the soft colors that were already on the doll so then decided to use the patterned pink that I had bought. I love the slippers on her, a great finishing touch, and that's what it's all about...the little things that make each handmade item so special.

I also posted that I would let everyone in on the little trick-tip that I found on the internet for sewing hair into a wig.

Just cut a thin strip of paper! Lay the strands of hair across it and sew down the middle! Position the strip with hair down the middle of the dolls head and tack on with similar colored thread.

If you are not going to add a hat or bow on top of the hair I would add more hair than you see here. I would also use a strip of bias tape or same color material that you've used on the dolls head instead of the paper so that it does not show. I have used a hat so I used less hair and went with the paper.

Another handy tip is about thread, don't skimp when it comes to thread. Spend the extra dollar and buy quality. I've used Coats & Clark since way back when and have always been extremely happy with the outcome. I've cut corners a time or two also and I don't even want to talk about those projects! Suffice to say...buy good thread, you will be happier.

So until the next project, and I have a great feeling that it will be very soon, enjoy whatever artsy crafty idea you may have!

Michelle

Brynlee's Doll..another look !

2013-03-26T12:51:00.000-04:00

I have a few more pictures that I'd like to post on Brynlee's doll. I have finished the hat and tacked it lightly to her head so that it doesn't come off or get moved out of place. My intentions are for it to be a shelf doll but I'm sure it will make its way down someday! for now it will be sitting pretty!

I have also started a pair of slippers with a bear face that I found in my pattern box, another Simplicity pattern #2491. I used the X-small and still modified by shortening the back end to fit the doll's foot. I love 99cent pattern days at Hobby Lobby, I visit every time I see the ad. I pick up a few, you can only buy 10 at a time, so 10 is my magic number! You never know when you will they will come handy but they eventually do.

Well back to work...I've almost finished every detail. I decided on no buttons for the dress back because they don't show due to the long locks on this lovely baby doll.

I won't even begin to tell you how old these are! .50 cents for 12 buttons!

See you later,

Michelle

A Hat for Brynlee's Doll

2013-03-25T10:19:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!

I was working on the hat for Brynlee's doll last night and stayed up until 12 midnite...where did the time go? I also finished the seams on the back of the dress and pinafore, I just need to sew some buttons and ribbon on and they will be done. I'm still planning on making a pair of shoes for her, I'll have to see what I can come up with as far as patterns but it shouldn't take much. I'm posting a quick look at this doll, she's just about done!

See you soon!Michelle

Brynlee's Doll

2013-03-21T12:16:00.000-04:00

More progress on baby Brynlee's doll.

As a refresher....I started with..

Simplicity pattern #2462

I found this at Hobby Lobby..only my most favorite place in the whole crafty world! on a 99cent pattern day! yay! double favorite!! I followed the instructions for the pattern and was pleased with most every part. The only part that I had to modify was the neckline of the dress, I found that it was a bit large for the dolls neck. But everything else was great!

I'm going to make some shoes for this doll, the pattern doesn't call for shoes nor does it come with a pattern for this so I'll make my own. You can also pick up a baby shoe pattern if needed and that would work perfectly too!

I used a synthetic curly hair in "blond" and I finally found a suitable method for sewing it on too. I have as I mentioned before always used yarn for a baby's doll so that it would not come apart when played with but this doll will be on Brynlee's shelf.

I'm also going to make the hat that came with the pattern and still need to sew the buttons and ribbon embellishments on. I'll post the process of the hair on the next publishing, I hunted quite a long time to find a way to put this type of hair together that I liked.

(the back of the doll that still needs to have a few seams sewn and some buttons & ribbons!)

(Her hair attached to its base and sewn to her head)
I've really enjoyed making this doll and "especially" knowing that it's for a very special baby! But, they all are VERY SPECIAL aren't they?

I'll be back soon with my handy hints and my special additions for this doll! And of course the finished doll.

Michelle

A Doll for a Baby Girl

2013-03-03T17:22:00.000-05:00

Im on the road to finishing the "rag" doll that I started for my daughter's best friend's baby girl born in December of 2012! And as usual I have my favorite friend...Ms Sophia to help me along.

The head and face are now done and Im in the process of adding hair. I applied an iron on face with brown eyes that I purchased from my favorite Hobby Lobby store ,also a bag of synthetic curly hair.

This will be my first try at using curly synthetic hair, should be fun learning a new style of hair application. I have always hand sewn yarn onto a "baby's doll" so that the hair didnt come out when played with, this doll however will be one that will sit on a shelf. I will post a step by step on both styles so that you can make your choice.

Next on the list is the baby's clothing and Ive chosen some really cute pink combinations. I'm also thinking about some lacy pantaloons, but I'll have to look into what I've got in my material stores or go back to the fabric house...such a difficult thing to do! I could spend days in fabric stores and hobby & craft stores too ;)

I'll leave you with this for today and I'm off to the sewing machine for a few moments in time.....back tomorrow. Patterns to post in the next few days.

Talk to you soon,

Michelle

a Poppy for Inspiration

2013-02-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

I found this beautiful Poppy at Hobby Lobby, I love the bright red orange color...its so inspirational and full of creative energy. And as you can see the Fairies have made their way to this lovely area very quickly as well. I'm looking forward to many ideas from them.

I'm loving my new art center/desk! I've just finished putting my supplies in all the drawers and it actually fits, I had some doubt as to whether they would.

So now its time to begin the first of many ideas!

Michelle

New Art Station!

2013-02-04T02:02:00.000-05:00

Just finished putting my new Art Station together and am I a happy girl...! W O W..., :D

Everything a creative girl could want all at her fingertips.

I've been moving things around lately and realized that I needed a different place to store and work on my creations. The spare room wasn't doing it for me, never really had... So I decided to finally turn the spare room into a "room". I was a bit out of sorts trying to figure out where I would put my creative supplies in doing this but I knew there would be and answer....somewhere. I decided to sleep on it. It was definitely a necessary process, the room needed to have a bed for guests and also a place for my boyfriend to play his guitar. I also never found myself in it making anything, I always came out to the living room where there's more light and energy.

The next morning I knew that I was on the hunt for a piece of furniture to store my supplies. I thought at first that I would buy a dresser and make it look more like the rest of the bedroom. My boyfriend had some better ideas! He said that he thought that it would be a good idea to have somewhere to sit and create...hmm, I liked this idea, a lot. We went out that morning to IKEA and looked around to find the above cubicle unit and desk attachment..and chair..and canvas boxes to fill the cubicles.

We decided to set it up in a corner of the living room, a place where I could be a part of the rest of the family. That would be my boyfriend Mario and my kitty Sophia. Now I can sit down and write my blog, draw out my ideas, cut out my patterns, make my dolls and all the many possibilities that creativity can bring. In the living room........ where there's more light, more energy and more living.

On my list of creative ventures; a binding for my meditation mat, a pillow cover for the pillow insert I bought while at IKEA! You cant get out of there with just your initial ideas! Its impossible, really impossible, especially if you're addicted to the place like I am. I also have an idea for a heated mat that I'm going to put together for Sophia.

I know you're saying to yourself, you live in the dessert, why does your cat need a heated mat?! Once you acclimate it becomes necessary like I would never have believed, I'm still completely confused on this. When I first moved here I would look at others and say "why are they wearing boots?, why are they in coats?, and who needs a scarf?" It didn't seem possible to have your blood thin so much that you would ever want to put on warm clothing in the "The Sunshine" state, but I did this winter. I bought a pair of boots and a fleece jacket, broke out the scarves and even found my gloves! One year and I look like I've been here all my life.

Ok, I've veered from my list. So on my list I have a few other projects as well.....of course more fairies. I just looked at the time and realized that its now Midnight...off to bed until tomorrow.

talk to you then,

Michelle

Another Day in The Life......

2013-01-30T08:08:00.003-05:00

Well here we are in January! Mr Cole (my new grandson) is now about 2 1/2months old, all a grandmother could want...what a cutie ;) of course Im partial.

I havent done much with my art, Ive been so busy with Cole and some new household arranging. But, Im now in the mood to create..soooo, on to making something!

Im beginning a new chapter in my Fairy world and am thinking about incorporating clay(s), I have many ideas floating around in my head at the moment and just need to get them down on paper. They always seem to be at the brink of getting lost if I dont...paper where are you?

Im also rearranging my house, this is a good thing, really stirs up the creativity for one and makes it easier to find what I want when Im in the midst of making that special creation.

Ok....I'll be back, have to have some breakfast and then on to picking up a storage unit for my crafty creations!!

Michelle

The Birth of a Baby Boy

2012-11-13T18:29:00.000-05:00

We welcomed Cole Sherwood Matock into this beautiful Universe on Sat 11-10-12 at 9:47pm.

What an amazing & beautiful experience. Abuela Loves YOU bunches & bunches xoxo

Michelle (Abuela)

New Purse for my Vacation!

2012-10-14T18:04:00.001-04:00

Hello....just stopped by to post my new purse that I just finished. I needed something that I could stow a few things in for the flight and also keep my daily purse in. Its more of a bag than a purse pattern but I've modified it with a tab to keep it snapped shut if I like.

I've used a fun print for my lining. The original pattern calls for 4 pockets inside (attached to the lining) but I've opted for no pockets since I'll carry a small daily purse in it.

Each side of the purse has a pocket on the outside, great place for your keys or phone!

Now I'm on to making a mini bag with a zipper that I can use for lipstick & such.. Vacation is coming up soon!

I'll be back to finishing the doll for my daughter's best friends new baby due in December soon!

Thanks for stopping by,

Michelle

New Baby Doll in the Works!

2012-10-07T16:59:00.000-04:00

I'm working on a doll for my daughter's best friend who is due in December I believe, she's having a girl. Its a fun little "raggedy" type doll that a little girl can carry around just about anywhere!

Body parts;) I haven't decided yet what type of face I will make her. I've used a disappearing ink pen to stencil in eyes, nose & mouth. I may paint it or I may use some doll eyes & paint? Not sure yet but working on it today.

I have the body completely sewn & all parts attached except the head. I want to create & complete the face before I attach it, it will be much easier this way.

I'll be back when the face is complete......then on to the dress, MY FAVORITE PART!

see ya, Michelle

Finished Baby Quilt for Cole

2012-10-02T16:31:00.001-04:00

Well the quilt is finished and is now in the hands of my lovely (youngest) daughter Kristen!

We had the baby shower over the weekend and everyone had a wonderful time, lots of unique foods and baby shower approved drinks! And a bounty of gifts :) Just the right start for the Mother to be!

I have been posting on the making of Baby Cole's quilt as I went along. This was my first fabric quilt so I had a few mis steps but all in all I was very happy with it, So was my daughter :) Glad for that! So now for a few more pictures on the finishing process.

I made a machine button hole tack for the backside of the quilt, I wanted this side to be design free. The quality of the dotted "minky" and the look were enough design for this quilt. After all the randomly spaced tacking was done I took each pair of threads and gave them a few ties/knots and then clipped them close.

I then made an extra zig zag seam all the way around the quilt and trimmed it close-squaring it.

I made some biased binding out of extra material from one of the quilt blocks, I'll make a tutorial on biased binding soon (its quite easy, really)

Biased binding attached on both sides and the Baby Quilt for Cole is complete.

I decided to use some biased binding to make a ribbon too! it came in handy :)

I'll be back with another project soon! working on some dolls & of course some cloth diapers for the new Baby Cole ;D

Michelle

Making a quilt for Baby Cole

2012-09-23T15:13:00.000-04:00

Hello,

I'm in the process of making a quilt for my new grandson due in November 2012! I think I've briefly mentioned it here or there ;)

Just wanted to stop by to show you the progress on it, its my first. I've made a crocheted quilt before but have never tried a fabric style until now.

These are the fabric choices that My daughter & I settled on and my quilt block template. There are easier templates but this was inexpensive and it worked.

I used a disappearing ink pen and a ruler to mark my fabric.

I did use dressmakers chalk on the darker fabric because the purple ink didn't show up. I still have a piece of dressmakers chalk that my Mom use to use, its a keepsake for me now that she's gone. I also gave myself the option of using a rotary wheel or my scissors, which one won out? hmm

I ended up using my rotary wheel for a few cuts and then switched over to my trusty scissors, I guess we all have our preferences :)

The top of the quilt! All the rows have been sewn together and pinned to the batting. I have made an error somewhere on this quilt top, can you pick it out?

This is the backing for the quilt, its very soft...just right for a little one.

I have a computerized machine, a New Memory Home, which allows many choices for machine quilting. I used a ruler and a disappearing ink pen to mark my stitching lines.

A closer look at the stitching.

And finally the dotted "Minky" that I'm using as a backing for the quilt, I've pinned this too instead of basting, I find it easier & quicker and it still holds great.

Next is the binding so I'll be back soon,

Michelle

Some fun, creative pics for you to view!

2012-09-20T21:22:00.000-04:00

Hi...I'm working on my newest doll(s) ! I've been putting together 3...couldn't make up my mind? ;)
I'm also working on a baby quilt for my new grandson that will arrive in November! Just thought I'd drop in and post a few fun pics from the past. Oh and I've just opened my domain...yay! Funk-e-Fragmentz.com....completely, utterly, amazingly.....EXCITED!

a doll in the making

this was a pattern handed down from a friend to my Mom to Me!

Mahdreen in her early stages, not yet realized

Ankri the gypsy

And Zandar!

Keep those creative vibes....vibing!

Michelle

3rd & Final Segment in The Making of Mahdreen

2012-09-16T12:32:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! Its hard to believe that I'm posting the last segment of Mahdreen, when she took sooooo long to be created. But here she is........

This is just after the hand sewing of her hair, made from a portion of a yarn that was very popular about 4 yrs ago for scarves. You can see I experimented on her eye makeup also, this was with watercolor pencils.

I also added in braids before completing the hair that was attached to her head.

Once I had her hair in place I played around with some embellishments, 2 more types of yarn that I had in my bag of tricks! When you compare this picture to that of the completed Mahdreen you can see many changes! That's what I love, love, love about creating my own dolls ;D

CREATIVE LICENSE..yayy

As I had posted in the previous segment, I added on breasts for Mahdreen by cutting out a small piece of flesh colored knit fabric. I hand stitched a gathering under each piece (they are connected),stuffed them with a fiberfill and then hand stitched them to her body.

You can also see some of her jeweled embellishments, I added beads just about anywhere I could find a place! And a bit of ribbon here and there.

Elf Shoes, again a scrap piece of drapery fabric, cut in the shape of a curly toed shoe!

I changed the yarn in Mahdreen's hair to ribbon & gave her an earring. You can also see that I've changed her eye makeup as well. I used acrylic paint this time and achieved the final look, which I was very happy with.

Mahdreen has one wire sculpted hand and one jeweled mystic hand...there is a story behind that, that I will have to tell sometime. Turning small fingers like these can be a bit frustrating but with the right tools you can breeze through them in no time.

A completed Mahdreen.....side view

Front view

side view left

MAHDREEN THE ELDER ELF OF WISDOM

I've enjoyed making Mahdreen from the top of her ear to the tip of her toes! Every moment filled me with a thrill of excitement........ENJOY!

Thank you for dropping in,

Michelle

Next segment of "The Making of Mahdreen"

2012-09-15T12:13:00.001-04:00

Hello again! I'm posting more on The Making of Mahdreen today.......

I applied a coat of gessoe and then let it dry, applied 2 more the same way & sanded with fine sand paper after each.

I attached some mystical jeweling to Mahdreen's left hand and painted her face with flesh colored acrylic. I've also added a bit of coloring to her eyes and lips with water color pencils.

These are a few of my favorite things...to work with. Acrylic gessoe, a glue that will hold a wide array of embellishments, watercolor pencils, the chopstick that comes with batting!, cloth tube turner and my hemostats (love these guys a lot). All these items make my life so much easier when I'm making a doll!

I repainted Mahdreen's face a lighter flesh color and started the eye and lip coloring all over again....this is the amazing greatness of creating! You can decided what you do and don't like, its all up to you!

Mahdreen with her hair and outfit. I pieced together all clothing with scrap fabric, following the idea of a doll's pants for her jumper. I then had taken a few small pieces of upholstery fabric (scraps) and sewn them together,....kind of mish mosh..for color effect. I played with it for awhile and ended up folding over two corners to make arm holes, sewed them together and had her coat. I had also by this time repainted her face with more watercolor pencils and started adding embellishments.

The back of Mahdreen's jacket, I gathered the back up a bit to form fit it to her. I've also zigzagged a ribbon onto the edge for another fun effect! As you can see her hair hasn't been trimmed yet.

I added some flesh colored knit to form her breasts, gathered them by a hand stitch and sewed them onto her body. I stuffed them with a small amount of fiberfill, then put on her pantsuit.

Well enough for today......I have the last of few pictures that I will post by Monday! Again if you have any questions for me about the making of Mahdreen or purchasing the pattern with full instructions leave a message and I will get back to you asap. She will also be posted on my Etsy store in the very near future!

Thanks for dropping by,

Michelle

Tutorial for Mahdreen the Elf of Wisdom

2012-09-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

Hello.....well here goes! This is the making of Mahdreen.

She is an all cloth doll, sculpted, painted, clothed & bejeweled!
Mahdreen sits about 6 1/2 inches tall, she does not have the ability to be posed. Her face is sculpted cloth but has been painted with gessoe, then designed with water color & acrylic paint. She has sculpted clay eyes that have been hand painted & inset. Her ears are wire rimmed and painted with the same flesh colored paint as her face. Her hair is a specialty yarn that has been hand sewn, braided and trimmed. Mahdreen has one wire sculpted hand and one jeweled mystic hand. Her coat, pant and shoes are scrap fabric that has been pieced together to make the beautiful outfit that you see here. As for the amount of fabric it took to make her...it was minimal ! When I mention that I used scraps..it truly is what it took to make her. The fabric for her body is a one way stretch faux flannel piece that I had in my scrap box. I had used it previously to make a larger 2 headed doll, a pattern that had been handed down from my mom. I rarely ever throw away any scraps...I love fabric and unfortunately I cant find anymore of this fabric ( I bought it that long ago!) I'm sure there are comparable fabrics that can be used, in fact the next doll will be made of something entirely different (as I said, I don't have anymore of it left :)

I will post a progressive pictures of Mahdreen from inception to completion next...ENJOY! and if you have any questions please feel free to leave a message and I'll get back to you asap ;D

Mahdreen's head before sculpting

Her body, legs, arms & hands before stuffing

Mahdreen's head after being sculpted

Elf ears pinned in before sewing & eyes that I drew on a separate piece of material with watercolor pencils. I cut them out and pinned them in to see what my actual eye drawing on the face itself would look like. I changed my mind along the way and used clay eyes that I painted & set into the material.

Her body has been stuffed and ears have been attached. Legs have been sewn on and arms and hands were next on the agenda.

clay eyes were molded and painted.....dried & glazed. Piercing a hole in the clay allows you to sew it into the cut in the fabric.

trying them on for a fit before painting

Her eyes have been set in and her face has been given the first coat of gessoe

Mahdreen completely sewn together and with her first round of face paint..I did repaint her face several times. Changed the flesh color the eyeshadow and mouth color a few times, I just kept going until I was satisfied.

!Well I'll leave her at this point and be back tomorrow for more...she was a process, but well worth every minute of her creation!

I hope you are enjoying "The Making of Mahdreen" the Elf of Wisdom ;D

Be back tomorrow! & if you have any questions in the meantime please feel free to leave a message for me. I'd love to answer any that you may have.

Thanks for taking this adventure with me,

Michelle