Doll Making workshops

From the first time I created this cloth doll design I imagined running workshops on how to make them.

I have had a few chances through various freelance positions to run a few doll workshops. This proved the ideal opportunity to develop illustrated handouts to compliment my tuition.
My doll design is fairly simple and kept small so it is manageable for participants to complete in a one day workshop.
I find it exciting to see how students interpret my design. The characters that are dreamt up are always so different its an inspiration.
Pictured are a few dolls created from a course, so many of these students spent far longer than you would on a day workshop. One student even embroidered the whole outfit, which looked truly beautiful and really effective.

Cloth dolls take quite a while to make especially if they are sewn together by hand. In this case my design is and will be in the workshops I run. It is a surprisingly fun and relaxing craft which leaves you with a satisfied feeling to create your own little art doll.
I have ran a Frida Kahlo inspired doll workshop and had some wonderful finished results by the students.

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I chose this artist as a focus because her style is so inspiring and helps with design creativity. I would definitely like to do another workshop around this theme in the near future.
I have created an art doll which is also intended to be a Christmas decoration. This is achieved by the stiff fabric used so the doll stands up.

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I will be running two Saturday workshops over the next few months. One will be based in Birmingham during November and the 2nd will be based in my studio in Derby so spaces are limited so booking will be advised.
Promotional material to follow in the next few weeks.

art trail

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I am taking part in my first event since having a child. I will be selling works old and new at six streets art trail in derby.

Old work will be sold at a huge mark down in price. I have had boxes full of prints ranging from etchings, collography and monoprints.

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These Original pieces of art have been gathering dust for too long and I would like them to go to good homes.
New work will be from my brand petite house of dolls and will consist of art dolls, badges, stickers, greeting cards, broaches and hair slides.

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I have been working hard to sculpt models to display these dolls. I plan to create a few more for future events but I would like to make them to a high standard so will take my time.

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This event takes place across 6 streets just off Kedleston road in derby. Houses along these streets will be opening their homes and hosting artists work.
I will be located in the primary school which is situated in this area.

Petite house of dolls

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petitecover I have been working on a new brand idea, petite house of dolls, for a while now. The portfolio of work for it is still in production but I have enough now to share.

How it started – My work has always had a storytelling element to it and I have always been very fond of stories growing up about toys or dolls. The mennyms are a particular favourite series or tales about small creatures like brambly hedge. After working on a ragdoll project as a community artist this fired my interest in creating dolls.

One of the first dolls I created was a ‘mini me’ doll which is what I call her. She is even wearing fabrics from an old favourite dress of mine. minime petitehouse

Why the name petite house of dolls? – My work is and has always been small and delicate weather its been illustration or embroidery so its only natural my dolls are turning out the same. Petite is in the name because I am a little bit French. The image of a doll house isn’t actually in the name but it is in the logo and is an ongoing project which will expand the brand.

I have now developed 3 different styles of art dolls made from cloth, clay and wool and wire.

The cloth dolls are painted and embroidered and defiantly take the longest to make. I have created two for commissions also. Although crafted from cloth this style is intended to be a piece of art and not a toy due to small parts.

The two dressed in spotted outfits are now for sale.

Another style of doll is made from wire and wool. The first I have created are flower fairies. These reflect my interest in small creatures, are inspired by the flower fairy stories by Cicely Mary Barker and my love for bright colours.

I also have for sale two one off soft cat sculptures inspired by a collograph print I illustrated a few years ago. My stories are often influenced by traditional weird and wonderful fairy tales.

The story behind these cats is as follows;

My Tail – This is a tale about a witch who is obsessed with cats, in particular their tails. Stray hungry cats who wonder into her garden often fall victim to the treats left outside her door as a way to lure them inside. She uses her golden magic to remove their tails and keep them stored in a wardrobe as if they were just another fashion accessory. The cats leave unharmed but in place of their tails are long beautiful golden trails. These cats often end up staying close by. Locals often wonder if its either because they are under the spell of the witch. Or if they just want to remain near to their long lost tails.

Another doll style is a created from clay and wooden peg tops. My first creations is a wedding cake topper. This will be something I will advertise for commissions soon, I loved creating this. I have drawn an illustration of the final piece which I will develop into cards too.