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Sunday 3 April 2011

The 'Sewing Fairy' Art Doll


She was going to be a 'sewing witch', but she looks too serene so she's a fairy instead!  She's retired from active sewing service now - you can see
her greying hair and vintage wings.  However, she still likes to
have a little dabble now and again on her sewing machine.


Her head has been moulded from air dry clay
 and coloured with water colour pencils.
Her hair is from an old woollen scarf.

Her body is a Catherine Moore 'Character Constructions' stamp.


I used wire to try to replicate the wire form of the stamp
and attached some random beads and sequins.


They (the beads and sequins) can be moved up and down as I couldn't work out how to keep them in place!

Her 'feet' is a bobbin which is made from three
die cut shapes in mountboard, stuck together and coloured with
Distress Ink.


This is the back view of it (I know, you never would have guessed!),
 It's attached to the body with E6000 adhesive.
I used Tim Holtz Alterations 'Sewing Room' Bigz die.


For her wings, I cut a rough shape out from an old
dressmaking pattern and Mod Podged it onto some cotton fabric.
I applied several layers and once completely dry,
machine stitched around the edges a few times.
(I also applied a little distress ink too)

I'm pleased with how the wings came out as they have a leathery feel to them - not that I have a thing for leather you understand (!!!), just that it makes
them a bit stronger and they are nice and tactile.

Here's what the back looks like -
you can see I used a bright orange clothes tag
for the main part of the body of the doll.


I think I'll name her Matilda, not sure why, she just looks like a
Matilda to me!

She'll be flying off to a new home soon - I hope she'll have a
sewing machine at her disposal, otherwise she may develop
bad witchy tedencies!

24 comments:

JaN's ArTy JouRneY said...

Loving Matilda's vintage wings and wireform :) Another inspirational doll Sherry! :)

Jan x

WW said...

Lovely gal. I especially like the way you used the wire with the form. I'll sure she'll get a good home!

WW said...

Geesh...that's "I'm" sure. Need a coffee :(

Meggymay said...

Love your Matilda, great cage skirt,

Renee Stien said...

Sherry, she is adorable - I love the way you used the wire to accents the stamp, such a great special touch.

Jeanie Callaghan said...

She's gorgeous! Fantastic inspiration!

JoAnne said...

She's wonderful Sherry!!!

Luna Art said...

Beautiful doll Sherry! Love the wire cage skirt and the wings are stunning, you are so creative x

Unknown said...

Marvellous creation Sherry! That wired skirt is so skilfully made! Great combination of elements, too! TFS!!

Mrs A. said...

I almost like the back as much as the front. Tee hee. And did you know that you can use her wire skirt as an abacus too.(Oops. Must stop thinking accountant.)
Cheers Mrs A.
p.s. sending you a funny by e-mail.

Joanne Huffman said...

Matilda looks delightful!

Sandy Ang said...

Such an amazing mixed media creaiton. Love the way you made the dimensional skirt from wire like a bird cage.

Healing Woman said...

Sherry-Matilda is wonderful. Love the bird cage skirt and everything else about her as well. Who wouldn't love to see her daily in their sewing room?

Dolly Daydreams said...

What a fantastic creation love your work
Marie

Viv said...

Matilda looks just perfick to me!

Isabelle Norris said...

Beautiful card! Very elegant
isa

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

This is fantastic, Sherry! What a work of art you have created here! I'm especially impressed with the face and hair - wow! And I love what you did with the wire for the dressmaker form skirt. Just a wonderful piece!

Hugs,
Linda

Debs said...

OMG Sherry awesome! Matilda ROCKS xx

Deborah said...

Wow, she is stunning Sherry! I love her wings. Thought you said your mojo had gone!!

Angela Toucan said...

that is soooooo clever

Dragon said...

Cor tat is just so lovely.... Wish she was com in here she would love it!!!! Tee hee
Frankie
xx

Dragon said...

Opps meant that NOT tat!!!!! Opps
xx

Gez Butterworth said...

awe, your dolls..as STUNNING as ever :)

Gini said...

Completely amazing fairy and with so many fantasticly clever touches of crafting magic Sherry. You are definitely the Queen of Art Doll makers!
Gini
xx