Decadent Dolls and Works in Progress.

You might think that I am a slow worker. Take these dolls, for instance. I went to a workshop in March 2011 and I'm only finishing them off now. Over the two days we made our dollies the other girls mostly had theirs finished, but as usual I wasn't in any hurry. In true City & Guilds style I came home and started a bit of research into the papier mache dolls. At the time I was working on other things and the dolls were cast aside.

So, although I'm slow, I would describe myself as a methodical and thorough worker. I'm always planning in my head what I'm doing and what I will be working on next.
I'm envious of the people I know who are prolific with their textile work and I wish I could be more like them.







Here's something else I started last year and have just finished. I made these gingerbread men for an Afternoon Tea display but I always had it in my head to turn them into a Christmas decoration.





I also started on this hat just before Christmas and I've just finished knitting it - so now all my WIP's are all completed.



So what's next?

Another WIP to finish ( that's the postcard of Hampton Court Palace). I've sent for some Pelmet Vilene to make a surround for the little knot garden embroidery.

Then it's the turn of Daddy, Mummy and Baby bird!

Decadent Dolls Workshop. Week Two.

I've been painting the heads of the dolls. I found this really fiddly and I guess it takes lots of practice to be an expert like Sue!



We made arms for the dolls from a plaster mould.




Next we made the bodies and the legs and stitched them all together.




Here are two ladies waiting for nose jobs, not quite finished yet!




Father bird ..work in progress!




I thought this was an excellent workshop, well worth the £40 for two Saturdays, 10am - 4pm. We all wanted more! Thanks to Sue who can be found at Mr Papers.

Decadent Dolls Workshop.

I went to a workshop last Saturday taken by Sue Cathcart . Sue makes quirky dolls, impeccably painted and dressed, with lots of personality.

Below are some examples of the painted heads from Sue's collection, two at the bottom show the body waiting to be stuffed.

Below are the papier mache heads. We covered these with a fine layer of modelling clay and added the facial features. I was disappointed not to make the heads from scratch but obviously it would take too long to dry so Sue had already made these for us.
We made a plaster mould for the arms, and whatever else you wanted, so I could have made a mould for 'future' heads, if I had thought. Alternatively, you could shape them by hand with paper pulp.

The three heads at the bottom are my bird family!

We painted with acrylics and I found it really hard doing the eyes and mouth. I will try and improve on these at home.


The day flew in. Sue was lovely - and comical too - so we had a great day and get to do it all again next Saturday. The fun of dressing the dolls this time!

Decadent Dolls.

Whats On | Decadent Dolls | ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn

I booked this workshop and I'm looking forward to it.
The only doll I ever made was a fabric Halloween witch - but with this doll you mould a papier mache head.
I like the idea of that!