Micro Cuties

Charlotte - She loves retro fashion. 

   When I was a little girl, grandma used to give me tiny plastic dolls to play with. I loved those itty bitty dolls and for a long while I've been wanting to recreate that feeling, but I wasn't confident on my sewing skills. I imagined that making dolls that small with the level of detail I wanted to include would be too difficult. It wasn't until a couple of days ago that I found the motivation to actually try.

Phoebe - She's a glam rocker with a heart of gold.

   My sudden burst of motivation came from an instagram post by fellow artist Kelly White. A couple of weeks ago she started making miniature fabric bunnies dressed in felt clothes. I found the little critters extremely adorable and decided to try making my own miniature dolls. I designed several patterns, before finally making one I love. The finished dolls measure about 3" (7 cm).

Lilly - She loves nature and it shows in her style.

   Making these dollies was super fun and brought back cherished childhood memories. I find them incredibly cute and I hope you do too. I made a total of 8 unique dolls. Each one has a name and a short description that tells you a little bit about her personality. To see the rest of the series visit my Facebook page: Carrousel Dream Dolls.

Paint Splatters

Madison [mixed media on canvas panel - 11" x 14"]

   I love making dolls, but for some time I'd been feeling the need to do something more with my creative energy. It seems that painting is just what I needed. There's something freeing about painting that's just not present when I make dolls. My dolls are tiny in comparison to most handmade dolls and require a level of attention to detail that can be stressing. I'm a perfectionist and as such don't tolerate flaws in my work. Hence, even though I love making dolls, the process can be overwhelming at times.

Gaia [mixed media on canvas panel - 11" x 14"]

   Painting is the opposite for me. When I paint I let myself go. I don't pressure myself to be perfect, I simply go where the painting takes me. Mistakes can be easily corrected or worked into the final product. I do plan to sell my artwork eventually, but for the time being it's just my thing.

Moon Blossom [mixed media on canvas panel - 11" x 14"]

Of Art Classes and Seemingly Dead Dolls

Mercedes - Day of the Dead inspired doll

   Some of you know that I've been experimenting with painting. Since that first post, I've discovered the vast world of online art classes. In my search for new techniques I stumbled upon Danita Art's online workshop Mixed Media from the Heart. For me, the best part of Danita's class is that from day one she encourages her students to find their own voice and create art that is true to them. I'll be sharing some of my recent paintings soon, but for now I'd like to share a doll.

   Curiously enough, joining a mixed media workshop inspired me to make a new doll. I guess, in a way, it's still mixed media artwork - just not the kind I was hoping for.

   How did this happen?

Las Catrinas by Danita Art | Available on Etsy

   If you browse through Danita's blog or her shop you'll notice that Frida Kahlo and the Day of the Dead are recurrent themes in her artwork. Seeing her beautifully rendered Catrinas made me want to create one of my own. Mercedes was born from this sudden urge.

Mercedes - Day of the Dead inspired doll

   She's yet another doll that has taken me way out of my comfort zone. Making her painted face was fun and scary at the same time. I wasn't sure if my collectors would be interested in such a doll, but I just had to make her. Lucky for me - my fear was unfounded. I fell in love with the finished doll and she was well received by others. In fact, she's already in her new Australian home.