Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hello, Dolly!


For many years I have followed and admired the work of Julie Arkell. She is a fiber and doll artist who mixes textile & papier mache to create wonderful works of art. Lucky are those who are in Europe and get to visit her workshops! If you look on Flickr you can see some other photos of her work.
Rather than try to copy her distinctive figures, I tried to adapt her techniques to my own style...which most of my readers know is "toothy" and usually "happy" in nature.



So, hello to Dolly! Dolly is 6 1/2 inches tall with cardboard and paper mache body and scraps to make her hat and clothes.

Here she is without her hat ...that is a sweet little Nancy Ann doll behind her...a gift from a dear friend.



Now that I have been through the process, I have more of an idea of the next doll I would like to create.

As luck would have it, we are expecting some snow, sleet and rain tonight and tomorrow. (Hopefully, it will be mostly rain!) Some parts of New England will have up to ten inches of snow.

It is not very spring-like yet. Took this photo on a walk early this morning...


As always,
in any weather,
wishing you creative
and happy times,



enjoy the day!

8 comments:

April said...

Dolly looks like YOU- without her hat on!!! I LOVE HER!!! Such a Darling!!! Nancy Ann looks a wee bit jealous.
Well, maybe the snow will at least spur you on to do more papier mache. I CAN'T WAIT to see the Next Doll!!!! Oh...and Love Your felted Mouse smiling at us from the top of your Blog!!!

Kiki's Korner said...

How fun! I am starting to feel the inspiration grow to make fabric dolls again. It's been years! Thanks for sharing. ~ Melinda

Flutterby Patch said...

What fun. I'd love to have a uniquely quirky style like Julie Arkell and love your interpretation of her work....well done you. Hope your snow doesn't linger this weekend.

Simply Shelley said...

She is a happy looking little doll...very sweet....blessings

Mary Ann Tate said...

She's very cute and I think you have developed your own style.

Beth said...

A wonderful doll! What fun to have a new medium to express your signature style :-) Can't wait to see the next doll.

Beth

AngelMc said...

Wow, she is so cute. You never fail to amaze me with your creations. Edie will always be my favorite though. I have noticed that you don't have her in any travel pictures lately. Tell her I said to grab on to your coat tail the next time you go on a trip.

Christine LeFever said...

Julie Arkell's world is adorable and prolific. Your little doll is every bit as wonderful as hers. Thank you for sharing this tidbit of delight.

Think spring and perhaps it will finally show up for the duration of the season.

Hugs,

Christine