Liberty Print Knickers (Peacock of Grantham Hall)

When I recently received an order from Kotori (in Hayama, Japan) I made some additional knickers with different patterens to the shop owner's choice.
This is one of Liberty's current season's collection, called Peacock of Grantham Hall.
Available sizes : 10 and 12.

Finished Making the Wig

Putting the wig on to the doll's head with temporary eyebrows drawn with an HB pencil. The wig will be cut to a shorter hair style.

The completion is soon! However I noticed that one of the ball joints is broken. It will take a little longer to finish off the whole body than initially planned.

Making a Wig

Before sanding the surface of the modelling paste layer completely smooth, I started making the wig for the doll with 100% human hair (European straight, dyed black).

Liberty Print Smock Dress (TV Ted)

This is the fourth time that I've used Machiko Kayaki's dress patterns.
I like the simplicity of her designs but, as there are no models in her books wearing the final garments, it is difficult to judge how they will come out.
The size 9 dress I made was initially too wide and baggy, just like a bad 'sack' dress. So I decided to make it smaller, 4cm in width and 28cm off its length.
I made a pair of knickers from the remnants.

École de Simon

Since leaving École de Simon about 20 years ago the process of making dolls, using this particular technique, alone and without any input or advice from experienced doll-makers has proven to be a challenge and, as a result, I often lack the confidence to complete my work.

So during the summer, while I was in Tokyo for a lengthy visit, I decided to return to École de Simon for just a few days to receive some constructive criticism from my old masters. This turned out to be a very helpful experience as I learnt some new techniques and had a chance to see other people making dolls, including a friend I’d not seen in a long time.

I wish I could find a similar environment in England.

This doll will be 54cm tall.

Last stage of Modelling

Over the last couple of weeks, to prevent cracks from running through the body, I covered the parts with a layer of gauze. And then covered with a mixture of Artista formo + wood adhesive.
The next stage was to sand the entire surface, except for the face, with #120 sandpaper to prepare for the application of the modelling paste.
I used #320 sandpaper on the face for the first time... I wonder why I didn't use fine sandpaper for the faces before. It doesn't destroy the delicate parts around the mouth that I have spent hours making symmetrical.

Anatomy of the Leg

After having made quite a few dolls over the years, I generally no longer feel the need to check human anatomy guide books whilst building. However, with legs I find it impossible to make without reference. Fortunately, as it's getting warmer and more people are exposing their lower limbs, my muscular/skeletal studies are made easier. Please forgive me if you notice me steering at you knees.

Glass Eyes From West Germany?

Having repaired two dolls recently, I went back to continue making one of the dolls I was making last year.
I've chosen these beautiful green eyes for this doll. Last autumn I found this pair of eyes at a doll fair in Kensington High Street, London.
I don't know who made them but it says W. Germany on the case.

eye size : 16mm

Doll's Make-up

Even though there is often a plenty of time to prepare for an exhibition, I always change the colour of the doll's lips, and the thickness and angle of the eyebrows on the doll's face a few times at very last minute. As expected it happened again for the Wandsworth Fringe. I changed the lip colour to coral pink from fusia pink originally this time. I still need to make the dress for this doll, but she has been discharged from my dolls' hospital.

Thank you very much for everyone who came to see my work at Makers Uncovered event as a part of Wandsworth Fringe. It was a great aopportunity for me to introduce how to make ball jointed dolls.

Wandsworth Fringe 2015

As a member of Makerhood Battersea, I will be taking part in the Wandsworth Fringe this month.
I am going to demonstrate doll making from 10am to 5pm at The Old School Club on the 9th of May. I will also be displaying a couple of my dolls, including the one I am currently repairing.
Please come and see doll making in action!

Venue :  The Old School Club
141 Battersea Business Centre,
99-109 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5QL
O2O 7924 2931

The Second Doll To Be Fixed

I have started fixing the next doll, which I tried to finish for the Wandsworth artists' open studio last October.
The hands, ankle joints and the wire running through the head have to be replaced. It should be a smaller job than the last one, unless I start tweaking the doll's face...

The doll's face

This is the new face as a result of the fixing and make-up. Quite different from the original face but I prefer it. (To see the original doll please have a look at my blog page on September 2013). 

The wig hasn't been attached properly.

Flesh Colour

After I finished fixing the rust-affected parts of the doll and coated them with modelling paste, I began the colouring process.
It took me three attemps to recreate my ideal, less pinky version of the original colour.
The fluctuation in the English weather was the cause.

Ready for the Outer Layer

I finished modeling the parts I was repairing and started coating the surface with modeling paste.
Each coat must dry before applying the next coat and I need to do at least six coats. Normally during this process, by the time I've finished applying the first coat to every body part, there will be parts that have already dried for me to carry on with.
As I am doing a limited number of body parts, the process feels longer as I have to wait for drying before I proceed.

Four Pairs of Hands

I have been making four pairs of replacement hands for four 60cm high dolls. Because hands are my least favourite part to make it's been very slow progress.