Satisfaction.......................

I spent much of today trawling the net for more sculpting tutorials and videos. I found quite a few new ones, but there were 3 in particular that had little tips and tricks that I thought might assist me with getting the doll features just right. Armed with the videos, I headed to the studio this afternoon and started sculpting, and to my absolute amazement it all came together. I have 3 heads nearly sculpted. Two are still in need of eyes, but I have found it is better to add the eyes to a dry head. So, here come the girls:

Next I am going to experiment with glass eyes ~ thanks to the internet they are on order!! I recently learnt to paint facial features with watercolours, and I really prefer that to using acrylics, for a more realistic look, but think I need to give glass eyes a go, before I decide one way or another. Maybe I'll decide to use both????
Back to the studio.......................

Hugs..........................Leanne

Experimenting..............

the creative chaos of recent weeks has continued!! I have learnt so much in the online workshops I've been doing that I am now totally distracted by developing my own style for elegant dolls. This has been a week of experimentation and frustration. I have worked, reworked, tweaked and then discarded numerous bits, but last night after a day away from it all, things just went right and I am cautiously optimistic that I might nearly be there. I am really happy with the heads I have developed, finally got the body pattern sorted and know where I am going with the arms and hands. Only have to tackle feet, but pretty certain of where I am headed with those.

So, today I am hoping that it will all come together and by Monday I should have a doll that I am happy with, ready to be costumed. So, I'm outta here and off to make some hands and feet..........................

Hugs.....................Leanne

Creative chaos.................

is how I would describe things at the minute. This is my workspace tonight:

I love the whimsical look that I have developed for country style dolls, but have been wanting to develop a more realistic style, not necessarily anatomically correct, for a more elegant range of smaller dolls. As a result I have been working on an online workshop with Marlaine Verhelst for a couple of weeks. This class has been amazing as every time a step is completed, Marlaine critiques each individuals photos. I have learnt so much.The next workshop, with Marlaine staring in about a week, is a series of finishing off lessons.  Today I started an online workshop with Ankie Daanen. Both classes are being conducted by A for Artistic. Have started taking bits of what I have learnt and am beginning to develop my elegant style. So, today has been creatively chaotic ~ painting while clay bakes, sanding while paint dries...............................
I am heading to bed creatively satisfied and looking forward to continuing the journey tomorrow. So glad a holiday is looming as my head is spinning with ideas.....................

Hugs..............................Leanne

Introducing........................

Gloria the Good Witch

More photos and details can be found HERE

This has been a tough week. Still having trouble believing the events of last weekend are real. Keep looking at my DS and wondering what I would do if I was walking in my cousins shoes.......................

Hugs............................Leanne

A Sad Day............

in my part of the world. One of my cousins lost his 18 year old son in a motor vehicle accident this afternoon. It's been 13 years since our family has experienced such tragedy, but it certainly doesn't make it any easier. Still shocked by the whole event.

RIP

Joshua Michael Main

8.3.1994 ~ 18.3.2012

Forever Young

 Leanne

New Dolls........................

Bella and Bobbi

They'll be listed in my etsy shop tomorrow night.

Hugs.................................Leanne

Gloria the Good Witch...................

is my latest work in progress and my first ever witch:

Gloria's head and hands are sculpted from polymer clay, painted with acrylics, antiqued and sealed. Need to add the final details to her boots and some hair. Patiently waiting for an order of Tibetan lambskin to arrive ~ thinking burnt orange or grey.......................

Hugs..................................Leanne