Happy Saturday!!
For this Saturday's post, I wanted to showcase the fabulous style of Emilie Floge. One of Gustav Klimt's "Women." Whatever her history is with Klimt, her style is undeniably fantastic!!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tips and Tricks Friday!
Today's tips and tricks will be a set of links to explore...tutorial videos.
Doll makers need to dress their dolls, okay, some of them, anyway. If sewing is not your thing, it might just be because certain little finishing touches are a mystery. One problem with making doll clothes is that finishing edges can often add unwanted bulk, making the doll look odd--and not in a good way. Bias tape to the rescue! BUT purchased bias tape, the kind you buy in the fabric store on the little cards, is often just as bulky as any other finishing method. So....self-fabric bias tape to the rescue!
Here is a list of Tutorials for Making Continuous Bias Tape. First featured on MAIDA's blog, along with several other doll-clothes making pointers, I thought it would be especially helpful here.
Be well and
have a great Friday!
Doll makers need to dress their dolls, okay, some of them, anyway. If sewing is not your thing, it might just be because certain little finishing touches are a mystery. One problem with making doll clothes is that finishing edges can often add unwanted bulk, making the doll look odd--and not in a good way. Bias tape to the rescue! BUT purchased bias tape, the kind you buy in the fabric store on the little cards, is often just as bulky as any other finishing method. So....self-fabric bias tape to the rescue!
Here is a list of Tutorials for Making Continuous Bias Tape. First featured on MAIDA's blog, along with several other doll-clothes making pointers, I thought it would be especially helpful here.
Be well and
have a great Friday!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Red, red summer -- Last Thursday show!
Welcome to the "Last Thursday show!" posted on the very last Thursday of every month... yeah.
This selection is red summer. Enjoy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseLullabyDolls
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilaBone
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLandofHonahLee
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mindy141
http://www.etsy.com/people/ArtByCatC
if you can't see it, click this link
This selection is red summer. Enjoy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseLullabyDolls
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilaBone
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLandofHonahLee
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mindy141
http://www.etsy.com/people/ArtByCatC
if you can't see it, click this link
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday's Question
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
~ Work In Progress 4 ADO's July Monthly Mini Challenge ~
Hosted by Jesi Ferguson, July's challenge is Celestial Summer Nights. Work in progress images by Ann & Donna ~
Ann Louise Rasmussen of SolAnn
Donna Dolci Cooper of Cooper Dolls
Let us know if you have any work in progress images to share. If you are not an ADO member yet - share your images on our facebook page.
Guidelines ~
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New Member Spotlight - Kay Warner
Good Sunday Evening, ADO readers!
Today's New Member Spotlight shines on Kay Warner of SMockerySmArt.
Kay is a cloth doll artist from the South Coast of the UK who took a City & Guilds Certificate in Creative Embroidery and says it became her passion. She says she loves fabrics and fibers but confesses that "best of all is the way I can change the appearance of a piece of cloth with the addition of just a few lengths of thread, some fibres and a scattering of simple embroidery stitches."
Welcome to the team, Kay!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday's WeiRD and wOndERfUl
This Saturday's Weird and Wonderful post feature an illustrator, Tang Yau Hoong. A graphic artist/illustrator/designer who favors simplistic design. The illustrations shown employ the use of negative space. I love the idea!
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
ADO Featured Artist: Pandora Rose: Filialuna Designs.
This week's artist feature is Pandora Rose of Filialuna Designs.
Please tell us about yourself. What is your name? Where do you live? What makes you tick?
My name is Pandora Rose, and I live near Denver, Colorado with my husband, our two daughters, and our three fur-babies, Parker, Sixx and Ophelia. We are a creative and imaginative household, where the arts and self-expression are priorities. Whether it is a home or yard project, a sculpture, or a graphic design piece, I am motivated by creativity and passionate about seeing something beautiful arise out of my efforts.
When did you start making dolls? Why did you start making dolls?
I’ve been working towards creating this type of work, in many forms, for most of my life. I began sculpting art dolls about four years ago, and that medium really brought me to the “Twisted Poppets” theme much more quickly than any other. Being an artist in multiple media and an avid networker, I had come across other artists who made dolls. I was so impressed with them that I began to work with clay and became so enamored with the tactile process and the pieces themselves that it became a passion.
Who or what influences you? Inspires you?
The Twisted Poppets Story – by August & Pandora Rose
Please tell us about yourself. What is your name? Where do you live? What makes you tick?
My name is Pandora Rose, and I live near Denver, Colorado with my husband, our two daughters, and our three fur-babies, Parker, Sixx and Ophelia. We are a creative and imaginative household, where the arts and self-expression are priorities. Whether it is a home or yard project, a sculpture, or a graphic design piece, I am motivated by creativity and passionate about seeing something beautiful arise out of my efforts.
When did you start making dolls? Why did you start making dolls?
I’ve been working towards creating this type of work, in many forms, for most of my life. I began sculpting art dolls about four years ago, and that medium really brought me to the “Twisted Poppets” theme much more quickly than any other. Being an artist in multiple media and an avid networker, I had come across other artists who made dolls. I was so impressed with them that I began to work with clay and became so enamored with the tactile process and the pieces themselves that it became a passion.
Who or what influences you? Inspires you?
Obsession, impulse, passion…the truth is I have to create. It’s part of who I am.
I am certainly influenced by beauty, but more so in an inner beauty that is not always evident. Innocence becomes ‘twisted’ by life; however, I believe that the truest beauty lives internally and eternally. I am inspired by, and attempt to create works that show, those moments, things, and people that manifest that beauty.
Tell us a little about your dolls and your process for making them. Materials, preliminary sketches, inspiration, etc.
I started creating the “Poppets” because they spoke more directly to my style and my life. My dolls represent pieces of myself, both the ugly and the beautiful. I feel that all creatures are born with an innate innocence and purity that is manipulated, “twisted” if you will, over time. ‘The Twisted Poppets’, which after all were fairies once, are the manifestation of that innocence or magic being corrupted. I suppose I feel that everyone, not just me, can relate to that notion on some level.
They are, in particular, my personal attempts at focusing, or channeling, my emotions into something that acts as a release or at the very least a redirection toward something positive. The world can be a mundane place at times, but it can also be something that replaces a “magic” that I believe exists with a “tragic” that also exists. If anyone feels similarly and is affected in a positive manner by my work, I am happy about that. I suppose I’d have to say those individuals are the ones I’m trying to reach, though I’d continue to create even if I reached no one.
The more complex process includes sketches and stories my husband provides and long, fantastic conversations in our studio. Yet, it is the organic and natural evolution of the character itself that drives the finished product. Every doll begins to communicate with me personally, and that relationship is the truest inspiration. Some people have an idea and work towards manifesting that idea in a literal sense. My method is more “organic”, I guess. I generally allow the character to create itself during the sculpting process. Because I start with no preconceived image, they are born naturally, flaws and all.
Do you have a favorite doll? It can be handmade by you, handmade by someone else, or even (gasp) mass production.
All of my dolls are ‘favorites’, though I admit that I created two dolls based on my stepdaughters’ favorite colors, personalities, and quirks, and in that sense that stand out more personally. I have many favorite other art doll creators as well. Many of which are members right here at ADO!
Besides making dolls, what do you do? Job, other creative pursuits, hobbies, etc.
As I’ve already alluded, my life is one of an inexhaustible and insatiable need to create, design, and express. I make crafty items such as faerie wings, flower faeries, and related fun items like halos and costumes. My husband and I also set up an annual yard haunt at Halloween which allows me to build many props from scratch including paper Mache, clay, etc. And, of course, I create graphic designs for CD’s, book covers, magazines, etc and design websites as my usual employment.
What are some of your favorite: movies, books, websites, magazines, foods, TV shows, music? (Any or all!)
I am certainly influenced by beauty, but more so in an inner beauty that is not always evident. Innocence becomes ‘twisted’ by life; however, I believe that the truest beauty lives internally and eternally. I am inspired by, and attempt to create works that show, those moments, things, and people that manifest that beauty.
Tell us a little about your dolls and your process for making them. Materials, preliminary sketches, inspiration, etc.
I started creating the “Poppets” because they spoke more directly to my style and my life. My dolls represent pieces of myself, both the ugly and the beautiful. I feel that all creatures are born with an innate innocence and purity that is manipulated, “twisted” if you will, over time. ‘The Twisted Poppets’, which after all were fairies once, are the manifestation of that innocence or magic being corrupted. I suppose I feel that everyone, not just me, can relate to that notion on some level.
They are, in particular, my personal attempts at focusing, or channeling, my emotions into something that acts as a release or at the very least a redirection toward something positive. The world can be a mundane place at times, but it can also be something that replaces a “magic” that I believe exists with a “tragic” that also exists. If anyone feels similarly and is affected in a positive manner by my work, I am happy about that. I suppose I’d have to say those individuals are the ones I’m trying to reach, though I’d continue to create even if I reached no one.
The more complex process includes sketches and stories my husband provides and long, fantastic conversations in our studio. Yet, it is the organic and natural evolution of the character itself that drives the finished product. Every doll begins to communicate with me personally, and that relationship is the truest inspiration. Some people have an idea and work towards manifesting that idea in a literal sense. My method is more “organic”, I guess. I generally allow the character to create itself during the sculpting process. Because I start with no preconceived image, they are born naturally, flaws and all.
Do you have a favorite doll? It can be handmade by you, handmade by someone else, or even (gasp) mass production.
All of my dolls are ‘favorites’, though I admit that I created two dolls based on my stepdaughters’ favorite colors, personalities, and quirks, and in that sense that stand out more personally. I have many favorite other art doll creators as well. Many of which are members right here at ADO!
Besides making dolls, what do you do? Job, other creative pursuits, hobbies, etc.
As I’ve already alluded, my life is one of an inexhaustible and insatiable need to create, design, and express. I make crafty items such as faerie wings, flower faeries, and related fun items like halos and costumes. My husband and I also set up an annual yard haunt at Halloween which allows me to build many props from scratch including paper Mache, clay, etc. And, of course, I create graphic designs for CD’s, book covers, magazines, etc and design websites as my usual employment.
What are some of your favorite: movies, books, websites, magazines, foods, TV shows, music? (Any or all!)
I enjoy a wide array of all of these. My tastes tend towards the eccentric and the fantastic as a rule. I am a huge fan of Tim Burton and The Frouds. Favorite movies are Legend, Labyrinth, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Trick or Treat.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to move to the Mediterranean coast of Southern France, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, where my husband and I could soak up the sun in a quieter, more relaxed environment and work on our arts in tranquility and peace.
Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Ten years?
Though I have goals that center specifically in the arts, I prefer to let life run its course through the natural and wonderful twists and turns that come my way. I see myself continuing on this passionate and dynamic learning experience for the rest of my life.
Where can we find you on the internet? (blog, website, Etsy shop, eBay, et al.)
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to move to the Mediterranean coast of Southern France, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, where my husband and I could soak up the sun in a quieter, more relaxed environment and work on our arts in tranquility and peace.
Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Ten years?
Though I have goals that center specifically in the arts, I prefer to let life run its course through the natural and wonderful twists and turns that come my way. I see myself continuing on this passionate and dynamic learning experience for the rest of my life.
Where can we find you on the internet? (blog, website, Etsy shop, eBay, et al.)
The Twisted Poppets Story – by August & Pandora Rose
Long ago there lived a traveling showman named Maximillian whose gregarious ego far outweighed his questionable talents. His greatest attraction, if such could be called, was Maximillian's Magnificent Menage. The Menage was a paltry collection of self-styled morality-tales, acted out through puppetry. Originally he crafted his own 'poppets' by hand, but despite his inflated sense of artistry, he always felt they could be better as did most of those who attended his shows.
As fate would have it, Maximillian accidentally encountered a band of faeries who had unfortunately wandered far from the safety of the Brook. Naturally enthralled and amazed by the diminutive creatures beauty, he managed to trap them, thinking he would put them on display during his shows. It didn't take him long to figure out that the faeries could easily escape. He also realized that they would make wonderful 'poppets'. Tragically, Maximillian clipped the faeries wings and set out to 'train' them to perform in his Menage.
Initially, the show was slightly more 'successful', as his audiences were amazed by the lifelike qualities of his 'poppets' and wondered at the fact that they couldn't see any strings. However, deprived of their wings the faeries' beauty diminished quickly, and their magic became distorted and erratic. Understandably frustrated by their imprisonment and the ever-antagonizing personality of Maximillian, the former faeries became more chaotic and rebellious. Over time, they barely even remembered who or what they were - slowly devolving into the catatonic characters they were forced to be in the show.
Hatred, anger, and melancholy rapidly consumed the 'poppets', and Maximillian was the first and most obvious target of their volatile emotions. One evening they conspired against their captor. Summoning their collective magic, broken and blackened as it was, they managed to kill the nefarious showman by willing him into asphyxiation. Free of him but with no place to go, the poppets organized themselves into the 'Camorra'. They were no longer trapped, yet they moved on in only the loosest sense. To this day they continue to perform the roles they learned in the Menage, acting with unabated spite and maliciousness towards anyone who encounters these 'Twisted Poppets'
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
{ Where to buy Wednesday } ************* Click on images...
Note: as of Aug 03 The above Etsy image has been changed out, so clicking on individual shops, will no longer work.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Facebook Fan Page Photo Feature
Thank you so much to Shelly Lampshire for sharing her beautiful art doll, which was a special commissioned piece...I bet whoever owns this work of art is a very happy person! :o) What a perfect submission for our second Quarterly Challenge...Framed Dolls...
Be sure to visit Shelly's ETSY and WEBSITE.
Would you like to perhaps see your doll featured on ADO's blog? Just participate in either our MMC or Quarterly Challenges, and post your picture to our FACEBOOK page. Please note: there is no guarantee that all non-ADO members photos will be featured on ADO's blog. Thanks so much!
Our third Quarterly Challenge is Marionettes, and our MMC for July is Celestial Summer Nights. We look forward to seeing your art dolls on ADO's Facebook Fan page wall! :o)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
New Member Spotlight- Alicia Gaultier
Hello again from the ADO team! This Sunday we focus our spotlight on new member Alicia Gaultier of The Doll and The Pea. Alicia lives in France and makes exquisite little dolls with such sweet faces. She says of her work that "creating a doll is like creating a new little friend who has its own story to share, " an idea that I think we can all relate to! You can find more of her dolls in her Etsy shop, her Blog, Website, and Flickr Stream. Welcome to the ADO team Alicia!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday's WeiRD and wOndERfUl:
A Happy Saturday to all! This Saturday's WeIrd and WoNDerful post brings some of the most gorgeous paintings done by Los Angeles artist Kris Lewis.
Raised in New Jersey, he studied illustration at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His paintings have been featured in galleries in cities around the world, including L.A., San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Miami, London, and Hong Kong. His work has also been seen in the publications Juxtapoz and Modern Painters, and featured in the books Copro/Nason: A Catalogue Raisonne and Two Faced: The Changing Face of Portraiture. Check out his website:
www.krislewisart.com
Enjoy!!!!
Kris Lewis's Artist Statement
"As I begin a painting the subject physically, emotionally and spiritually reveals itself to me. Each brushstroke speaks to the subsequent stroke, carrying out a dialogue, linking my subject and me as if we were meeting for the first time. I find this uncertainty exciting and embrace the indecisive nature of my work."
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Intrepid ADOVenturer ...Episode #3... the Gear Factory
Comics By Kandra
In the July Episode:
Abi Monroe's Steampunk Gal makes a Guest Appearance!
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
2nd quaterly challenge, 2011: framed dolls! Part2
And yet....
By Kandra Niagra from Wee Peeple Doll constructions
By Donna Cooper from Cooper Dolls
By Marina
By Jan from JDConwell
By Marsha Mees from Sassi Mini Dolls
I hope I got all of them in !
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