While I won't reveal the the dolls in the shop until opening day, I can show you some of the other dolls I've been working on. The first doll was created for a friend as part of the Handmade Meme (Note to self: If I ever do this again, I'm drawing five names out of a hat, not simply inviting the first five people to respond to the post). Even though the recipients aren't supposed to have a say in what they get, a friend asked me if I would create something that involved bats. Years ago, my friend made me a bat batik because I like bats. It seemed fitting that I make something bat-related as well. I thought for awhile, and this is what I came up with:
I've been struggling against the adage of "The shoemaker's children never wear shoes" by making dollies for Lucia as well as other people. I realized recently that I myself did not have a doll! And so, I made Leaf, a forest elemental:
Leaf's companion is a fox that I made from a WoolPets kit. If you're remotely interested in needle-felting but don't want to commit to buying materials for something that may not work for you, a WoolPets kit is a good way to go. Each kit has everything you need except for a pad upon which to work. I use one that looks like this. Here is the result:
Pssst.... The Unnecessary Children's Book Sequels That Never Were contest is still going on. It runs until midnight (Eastern Standard Time) of April 10, 2009.
13 comments:
Oh my goodness. These little dolls are so beautiful with detail. You are talented, Farida, and I am so glad you're going on Etsy.
WOW, lady. Just...WOW. You really ARE talented, and I'm proud to say I "kinda" know you...How the heck are ya? How's the munchkin? How's your garden? I really need to send pics of my mom's garden, it's HUGE, and we already got TWO little red cherry tomatoes....OOOOOOH too too sweet and juicy! Hope you all are doing well. xoxo
Oh, your leaf elemental is STUNNING. I really wish I could ...sort of settle a little more mentally; I'm such a sketch right now I couldn't even begin to sit quietly and do something like that, but I'd like to. Which will have to be the first step to getting there.
I hate pricing things that I've made; it's anxiety-making, but you'd better believe I'm saving my pennies to buy something of yours. Even if we all have to work up to it, MANY people will want one of your dolls; I plan to post your Etsy on my other sites so you'll be hearing from others outside of our circle.
As for the Unnecessary Sequels... I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'! My funny bone is a little stuck lately (S. and I are sharing that malady) but we're both working on it...
Make sure you charge enough. Women so often undervalue their work - any sort of work. Those who love your craft will pay for it, so please, please allow yourself to charge enough for your sweet dolls, and everything else you offer for sale here.
BTW, I am very much an Etsy lover, and I shop there a lot.
Beautiful Dolls.
I make Nature Table Dolls too.
I needle felt them and sell them through my Daughters school. Im looking into starting up on Etsy. :)
Anne: Thanks for stopping by! I like your work, too, and look forward to seeing your Etsy store.
GraceAnne: You make a good point, and I've thought about that so often. The flip-side is that friends of mine have complained about some of the high prices on Etsy. I know that I have little motivation to sell dollies in local shops because of the 60-40 split. I'd rather give away my dolls!
Tanita and Vivian: Thank you so much. You both really did help plant the seed to start this whole venture. Your shared enthusiasm for root children/fairy dolls coupled with the frustration over the lack of variety in how they looked sparked my desire to make nature table dolls.
Lady K: Hey there! It's good to hear from you. I think you are the last hold-out of the Brad the Gorilla Gang.
OK. I am waiting for a Brad-the Gorilla Nature Table Dollie. I will buy it for Alaric.
Farida your figures are so sweet! I can't wait until you open your shop! I hope you can have lots of fun trading ;) I am in love!
Mamakopp: Thank you! I was just thinking the other day, "How cool would it be to create the main character for The Seven Ravens with Mamakopp's seven ravens surrounding her?" Pretty cool, I think. It might be unrealistic in reality, but I enjoyed the picture in my mind.
Melangell: There will be no creation of a Brad the Gorilla "dollie." Accept no copies. There is Only One Brad.
I am so glad you made a doll for yourself :) She is adorable! and I LOVE the fox - you can bet I will be searching for those kits out here in the antipodes... I justified my toy society drops to Yeti by explaining that I was making prototype toys for the boys - so now every new toy I design I try, I make 5-6 versions lol... one each for the boys and 3-4 for my giveaway stash. The embroidery on your leaf elemental is just perfect. If I held her in my hand I would not be able to resist peeking to see what she is wearing under her cloak! And as for a Seven Ravens set... *cries* you MUST make it, and you MUST make it affordable to someone with my CRUMMY exchange rate and exorbitant shipping... then it would sit on my desk and nag me constantly to finish my Seven Ravens novel. Without such inspiration, I shall have to have to concentrate on my law studies instead, and once more push all bloggity procrastinations away from me (my excuse for not having publicised your contest by the way... I wrote the post many times in my head but it never made it onto the screen.)
HAPPY EASTER :D
We will defiantely have to set you up with seven ravens!!! :)
I love your bat child child. Anxiously awaiting your shop opening :)
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