Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Over the last two months of 2015, I barely touched my dolls. I found sanding the surface very uncomfortable as I didn't have normal strength in my left hand. My doctor told me the reason might be carpal tunnel syndrome or possibly just overuse.

Having a rest for two months made no great improvement, so I decided to continue working very gradually, 30 - 90 minutes per day.

This work included fixing the joints, making the surface smooth, buying fabric for dressmaking and applying Gesso to make the surface completely white, which is now ready for painting the skin colour.

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.