A Nerdy Doll Artist

One page is enough

2012-02-10T17:04:00.000-05:00

I'm going to keep this blog at one page. Too confusing to try to keep updating 2 pages.

I am on this step of my dolls. I've put a cotton batting to serve as a base under my skin, I use silicone glue to attach the batting to my Styrofoam skull.

This dries overnight. I then cut off the excess batting and sew the cut seams together.

Here are the skulls covered with cotton batting.

I then add my painted marbles with 18 guage floral wire. I shape the wire to fit around the marbles then I insert it into the Styrofoam skull into the empty eye sockets. This requires 2 wires for each eye. I use white nylon behind the eye. The nylon is then pinned and sewn to the batting.

I then add the wires for my nose.

I cover the nose wire with baby yarn (off white).

I changed my tab button.

2012-01-16T21:24:00.001-05:00

I'm redoing this post. I'm not really trying to teach my techniques, as much as I am trying to document my process - in case someone wants to know "how" I did it. It's not perfect, but just documenting my progress on some soft sculpture stocking dolls. Please check it out by clicking the tab "How I make my dolls".

I hope to have some video's in the future.

happy New Year!

2012-01-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Wishing you the best in 2012! I will continue to do my thing and encourage you to do your thing :)

Thanks again to all of you who supported me and encourage me to pursue my dreams!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, better late than never. I've been working on some small dolls for a craft show next weekend. So I've been kinda busy. I've also got my website up and running: http://www.imagineperry.com/
Things are coming along. I posted 6 of my dolls in my etsy shop too: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ImaginePERRYDolls

Once again, I'd like to say thanks to all of you who have complimented my dolls and I will keep in touch and show you more. Big hugs!

Better to update...

2011-11-11T16:24:00.000-05:00

I need to make sure I keep things updated. I'm still trying to get that website together.

Adopted - Dottie cloth

Button Eyes - all of these little girls have been adopted.

Some future adventures.

2011-11-01T21:39:00.000-04:00

I have some patterns for paper dolls. I think I'll finalize them. They'll be diverse for some full figured gals and some skinny ones too :) I also think that I'll sell some of my rag doll patterns. I'll have to make up some more. I sold out all of my rag dolls at the Craftsman Classic (well except for 2 boys). I don't even have any additional pictures of them.

My first big craft show...

2011-10-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, I participated in the Craftsman Classic. It has been a real learning experience. And the first thing I'd like to say is "Thank You!" Thanks to all of the wonderful people who came to my booth. I received such wonderful supportive comments! I also want to thank my family. My husband was was a real handy man getting my booth together for me. My daughter was a wonderful sales person, and my friend Karin provided great supportive help on Saturday.

So now, I'm letting everyone's reactions to my work sink in. As an artist, I never think of my work as being amazing, but I've been really pleased at people's positive reactions. I received so much helpful advice, networking options, and people asking me to teach courses, that I am ... well... speechless. God has blessed me and allowed me to bless others. Thank God for everything!

My friend Karin

Me and my dolls

CRAFT SHOW IS HERE!

2011-10-28T08:12:00.001-04:00

Well, my computer has been crashed for about a month, and it's been nearly impossible to update things. I have a website, but I'm unable to update at this time. I hope to have it up by November 5th. The site is http://www.imagineperry.com/

But on to more exciting news....Ohhhhhh! I'm excited and scared! Today is the Craftsman Classic Craft show, and I'm in the Richmond show! Tried to finish up some dolls, and boy am I tired! Here are some pieces that I've been working on.

The girls are done!

2011-08-14T21:06:00.001-04:00

Here are some pictures of the girl dolls that I have now fully dress and completed. I am now faced with a delimma. I want to sell the dolls but I'm not sure whether to enter the Craftsman Arts and Crafts show in October or just list these dolls in my estsy shop (much cheaper). Etsy is okay, but the Craftsman Show is on my bucket list. Well, I guess that's my answer.

She has not yet been named.

I finished the doll shoes, but I have yet to name this doll.

I changed Cassandra's skirt. Its now a lighter green.

Cassandra

2011-07-07T20:19:00.000-04:00

This is the fist one of these series that I have dressed. Her name is Cassandra. I haven't put on her shoes or embellishments yet. I'll do all the finishing touches when I've dressed them all. I'm not so sure about her green skirt. It doesn't really match her top. But maybe that's what makes her even more unique.

Hair and feet

2011-06-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hairy Experience :)

Whew! It's been a rough month. Nothing too bad. I at least finished hair for all of my dolls and have begun the costuming. They now all have socks and I'm working on completing one doll outfit at a time. I'm making the shoes from white cotton fabric and then painting them to look like leather.

She's coming along...

2011-05-17T22:58:00.000-04:00

I have been working on this doll along with a few other dolls. She's got plenty of diamonds. I plan to create a stand for this doll, but maybe someone will want her sitting. Remember this doll from earlier post? I put some step by step pictures on my works in progress page.

Hope you like it.

2011-05-15T21:20:00.000-04:00

I've changed my blog to reflect more of what I'm doing. I hope you like it. I finishing up some dolls. Please see my "Works in progress" page on this blog.

Final 4

2011-04-02T17:39:00.003-04:00

Who knew I'd be following basketball. Virginia Commonwealth University is playing in the final 4 in just a little while. I am not the biggest basketball fan, but I must say that I am impressed with this team. I have actually watched the games and I am a fan. I did not attend VCU, but I'm still enjoy following this team and coach's success. Someone is obviously doing something right. Perhaps they'll inspire me to make some basket ball dolls :) Go RAMS!!

Finally some bodies

2011-03-20T19:23:00.000-04:00

These poor naked bodies will have to be clothed. I'm still finishing the rest of their family members. Hoping it won't take too long. I wish my fingers moved as fast as my mind does. I'm already on to my next set of dolls in my mind. But I have to stay focused and finish these. In my mind they are already dressed, have hair and shoes. Let's hope the reality of these dolls live up to my minds picture.

Hand it over...

2011-03-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

The hands can be very frustrating. After turning them, they would tear and I'd have to either re-sew them or trash them. It's been a pain. But I'm learning. I'm using different techniques and now I just do what works. Also, this particular Fray Check works great. It has really helped. The fabric still unravels, but the Fray Check keeps the finger tips and edges from totally unraveling. These dolls are limited series, they will differ in size and clothing, but they are similar in technique. Some will have the same hands and some will have mitten hands (I look at the doll and make the decision).

Another thing....I'm kinda tired of looking at the monotone color of everything. I can't wait to put clothes and hair on these dolls. I want to see their character pop! (come alive). The faces are warm and I like them, but I love creating the hair and putting on the clothing.

The only one..

2011-02-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

I suppose that if I am the only one viewing my blog then that's pretty bad. I guess I'm writing it for my own gratification and to document my process. I'm posting this picture because it reminds me of how far I've come on these dolls. I enjoy what I do. And I hope others do too.

Maybe I could just sell the heads...that's an idea.

2011-02-23T13:33:00.000-05:00

Tried to do the hands for this doll. It wasn't working quite like I wanted. I ended up with "Alien" looking claws. Gotta work on that. Of course I had to redo them. I'm almost finished the body on this doll and then I'll do the next one. I found the perfect cotton fabric to match this doll head - from my local K-mart. 100% cotton pillowcase (I bought the pillowcases to try, and it has worked so well, that I'll now buy the sheets too - on sale of course :) Works well.
Oh yeah, if you're wondering where the doll's hair is... well, I prefer to put hair on last, just before I do the clothing, because I'll ruin the hair if I put in on before I finish sewing the doll body (I need a gentler hand).

I'm home today looking after my hubby. He's sleeping now, so maybe I can sneak some doll work in before he awakes.
Yea me! His (or her) body is almost completed.

I could start a collection of bald heads. Oh wait, I already have a collection.

The next heads to get bodies.

My attempt to make patterns

Still moving forward

2011-02-20T22:09:00.000-05:00

Body in progress

My creative workspace - yeah, it's small (now).

If you're wondering. I'm doing fine. I ordered a book from Amazon to help me deal with things. So, any who... here are some pics to share.... I'll be glad when these dolls are finished. I wanted them completed by the end of February, but I've had to adjust my deadline... I won't stress.

I can do this.

2011-02-16T22:58:00.000-05:00

Wondering where I've been? I'll admit that I did drop off the face of the earth. My mom died from cancer in November. I am heartbroken. Yet, I have been working on my dolls, but I have not been updating my blog. My mother was a soft spoken strong woman who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She tried to get me to put my dolls on HSN or call Oprah. I'd just smile and roll my eyes when speaking to her on the phone - Thinking to myself "yeah mom, I'll just call Oprah". But that was my mom. Nothing was impossible. I miss her and I will continue to miss her. She was a cheerleader in my life (a bit crazy at times, but always sweet and soft spoken). I am surprised that the the world still turns without her presence. I love you mom and I will continue to create my dolls in your honor.

Postings

2010-11-05T16:21:00.000-04:00

Unable to load any new pictures right now. My mom is very ill and I'm flying out today. Not sure if I'll be able to update the blog, but I'll try. Thanks to all co-workers and friends.

Watcha doing?

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

How do you work with spouses or children constantly bothering you? Does anyone have some good advice? I love my husband, but he always seems to want to hold a conversation on politics, work, or some intellectual topic while I’m trying to work on my dolls. And, my son constantly comes to my work area with the cute, but bothersome “Watcha doing?” When it’s quite obvious, I want to scream “I’m working on my dolls”. I don’t have a door in my work area to separate me right now, so I’m fair game to the family. The only real solution that I’ve come up with is to work either really early in the morning or really late at night – to which my hubby is sure to say “time to go to bed”. Yep, maybe mornings might be best. Now I just have to let my body in on the idea of getting up at 5 am or earlier. So far, my body has declined to participate. This will take some coaxing.

Speak to me.

2010-10-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

I’m here…nice of you to join me once again. I got to work on my dolls a little yesterday. I’m rethinking this whole assembly line idea. This doesn’t work well with the larger, more complicated dolls. Although this has been a learning process, I’m not sure if I want to do it this way again. I suppose doing the eyes in an assembly line manner is okay, maybe even the hands, but I don’t think I want to do the heads that way. It’s too risky. I think that I might lose some unique characteristic of the doll’s face – simply by focusing and stressing on making a technique work, rather than letting each doll “speak” to me. Make sense? Of course, if they start to speak out loud – then I’ll know I have a whole other problem : )

Past art show

2010-10-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Silly me. I had taken pictures at this art show at my church, but I never posted them. These pictures are from this August. My daughter was kind enough to assist me by sitting at the table with me. I only sold one angel doll that day. But I don't feel too bad, none of the artist did well that day. Not enough people knew about the show. I was disappointed at the turnout, but I'm not discouraged. Many people liked my dolls, but there were more artist there than customers. Maybe next year.

I have heads with no bodies.

2010-10-22T19:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes as a doll artist, things can be somewhat eerie. I have a box of heads set aside while I'm finishing up some other heads. I'm not some psychopath. But to someone not familiar with what I do, this could make them wonder about me.

Anyhoo....I'm trying out this idea of completing dolls in sections, rather than completely finishing one whole doll (head, body and clothing) before starting another doll. Not sure I like this process. I think I'd prefer to finish one complete doll. But there are advantages of working in sections. I allows me recognize and correct errors with each subsequent head. If I were to completely finish one doll, and then start the working on the head of another doll, honestly, I'd forget what the heck I did on the last head, because it would feel like I completed it years ago. But, I suppose that would leave more room for some creative "fixing" with the next doll. What do you think? Is an assembly line approach better or should I just complete an entire doll (or most of it) before starting the next? Any suggestions?

I'm not afraid anymore.

2010-10-20T20:53:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I've been doing a lot of research lately. I've been reviewing my business books and I've decided to restart my doll business. I'm working on my branding, and I have done some changes to my business name. I'll publicly release the name once I get my fictitious name registered and my website up and running. I do know that I will not longer be known as "Nerdy Doll" (although I am still nerdy). I'm thinking bigger now, and I envision good things happening in the future.
I want to encourage each of you to reach out for your dream. It's never too late to start your dream. My barrier had always been fear. Fear of being myself. Fear of success. But I now realize that I can control the direction of this movie...that is my life. You can control yours as well. I believe that God has created each of us for a purpose, and I've decided that I don't want to leave this life without seeking out that purpose. Don't waste your life being afraid. Fear is the mind killer - Dune

I can't post pictures now, but I'll post tomorrow when the system is up and running.

My eyes.

2010-06-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been working on getting these eyes in my skulls. I have covered them with batting and the eyes have been painted. I used small floral marbles - I prefer to make my own eyes. The painted marbles give the dolls a certain warmth, not found in the glass eyes you purchase. They are not perfect, but then neither am I. I learned to do most of this by reading Lisa Lichtenfels' book The Basic Head. My technique is a little different (I use what works for me - and what I understand.). If you don't know who Lisa Lichtenfels is, you'll be blown away when you discover her work. I don't know her personally, but she inspires me to reach for something unique and wondrous. My dolls are definitely different, but that's what makes them uniquely mine.

Learned a valuable lesson

2010-06-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

Okay people, I’ve been sitting around not updating my blog. But that ends here. I am working on some new dolls (yeah, I know…finally). I need to grow as an artist, which means that I need to “do” my art. I had forgotten how great it feels to create and to try new techniques. So far everything has been going along fairly well... except… while trying to carve styrofoam with a knife (razor), I accidentally jabbed the blade into my hand. I had not intended on carving my hand as part of the sculpture. And, yes, it did hurt, but I was quick to wash it, put pressure on it and bandage it (I also super glued it, but that’s another story). I was fortunate not to have cut a tendon in my hand. This is an excellent lesson on concentrating on what you are doing – and that you cannot watch sci-fi while working with a knife. Definitely not a good idea.

Let's do it again.

2010-05-20T23:41:00.000-04:00

Let's try this again. Not sure how often I'll post - need to get some new work under my belt. Dissolved my business, but I am working on getting it up and running again. Wish me luck.

Don't think I could give this up!

2009-05-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

An old doll being completed.

Happy May everyone! I love the month of May. Many of my family members were born this month.

This doll blog is supposed to be about dolls, so I better get to it. I have listed my doll, Sunday Business on Ebay. I've never listed a doll on Ebay before. Yes, I'm far behind others. I wasn't sure how much to start the bidding at and how much to charge for shipping or anything else. I tried to look at other dolls to get an idea.

Sometimes, I just feel like just quitting everything. I suppose I'd feel differently if I was making a lot of money or had some employment to fall back on. I'm still trying to figure out how others are being so successful at their online businesses and actually selling things. I'm an amature and I'm still feeling my way around this whole business. So, if anyone has suggestions, let me know. Here are some pictures of some older dolls that I've made. I haven't decided to list them on Ebay or Etsy. I put the video below on youtube too. It's basically a progress of "Sunday Business" and showing off some of my other dolls too. Enjoy

A NEW SCULPT

2009-04-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm a little impatient!

I had to post the pictures of my new sculpt that I've started. I couldn't wait until next week.

Usually I have reference photos of a subject to work from when I'm making dolls, but this one I just started making a face and let it develop it's own features. I used the black beads for eyes, thinking that I may make an alien or some sort of fantasy doll. Who knows, I usually let the doll tell me what it wants to look like after all the sculpting is completed. I'm excited, because working with paperclay allows me to use my dremmel (yes, I'll mention it every time). I can't help it, I'm a tool person.

I have never taken a sculpting class, but I've always been really good working with clay (and I have a lot of doll making books :) And as a child, I use to draw portraits of people all the time. The human face was always one of my favorite subjects. Heck, If I could just do doll faces and heads, I'd be satisfied, but alas, I know that I need to develop skills making good hands and feet.

Sunday Business

2009-04-15T17:26:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!

I finally finished my doll!! Yea! He's an interesting character. I was going to call him Business Conflict, but looking at him more, he reminds me of someone wearing his "Sunday go meeting clothes", so now I'm thinking of him as Sunday Business. I made him a cane out of a wooden dowel that I shaped and painted - once again, that dremmel comes in handy!

I've already started a new sculpt and I'm finishing up the body for my stocking doll.

2009-04-03T19:10:00.000-04:00

You'd think that all the people who know the few people that I know, that I'd have more people to follow my blog but alas, I don't have a huge following. Makes me wonder if anyone else knows I'm out here. Not sure if it really matters. I'll continue to write and post my pictures. Thank you my one faithful follower :))

I enjoy writing anyway. And, I'm nearly finished with my doll (YEA!)

His suit is a little big, but I'm not sure if I want to fix the jacket or leave it big.

Not sure why I made the entire vest, when no one will be able to take off the jacket.

I've decided to call him "Business Conflict". Anyone who's ever worn their hair natural to work, may be able to identify with this. I like discussion. I wanted to give him a walking stick as well - not sure why, but I had originally planned on having him holding a cane. I have to get a stick and polish it up.

I've started on another sculpt too, but I only have the head sculpted so far. We'll see how that goes.

What makes a shoe a shoe?

2009-03-22T12:29:00.001-04:00

Makes me wanna scream!

Okay so I did the shoes for this doll, right? I made a great pair of socks from an old black T-shirt and then I bought this SMALL old faux leather purse from the Goodwill Store to recycle and use for his shoes. I sewed, I glued, I patched, I finished the shoes, let them dry and then realized that they looked awful. Just awful!!

Arggggg! I hated them, so what did I do next? Well I ripped them off of the doll and started the whole process all over. However, I didn't have any spare leather laying around, so I got clever and had to use...get this...electrical tape! Yes, sounds crazy and I hope it works, I used electrical tape, cardboard and a thick old black table mat to make the shoes. And now, it actually looks pretty good. I will be buffing them with my dremmel, and hopefully the tape won't disintegrate, and then I'll put the shoe laces in. I also had to figure out some way for him to sit while his shoes dried, so that why he is hanging from underneath my sewing table (it's kinda funny to see him hanging on there :)

I've also done a pattern for his suit and I will get to sewing right away - that's the easy part for me. What do you think? Am I crazy for using the electrical tape? Here, see how this looks:

Also, I'm debating about his tie for his suit. I chose this fabric to make him stand out more, we will see.

A hairy experience

2009-03-09T13:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, I did. I put an afro on him. I guess maybe because I miss wearing my own hair in a natural. I have a picture of who this doll is in my mind, although he still doesn't have a name. I did base his face and hair on a picture that I saw of a guy with freckles - you don't often see a lot of African Americans with freckles, and with an afro. I couldn't resist. I just loved it. My goal as a dollmaker is to present something not usually seen in the doll arena. Whether that's an around the way image or just something different.

Getting this hair on his head was not the easiest thing to do. I first tried my regular craft glue - didn't seem to stick well enough; then I tried super glue - not sure what the heck I was thinking, didn't work; Finally, I just pulled out my old hot glue gun and Voila. Usually this is not an issue for me, because I'm usually working with cloth or stocking material, so I would just sew the hair on. Live and learn. His hair is pretty fluffy. I got this effect by combing out the yarn that I used. It's kinda funny how much this was like combing real natural hair. Hey! I just thought of a few names for this doll! Ouuuuu, you'll have to wait and see!

His body is put together, I have to put a bag over his hair so that it doesn't get ruined, while I'm trying to fix his shoes and clothing (also, to keep the fuzz off of his body).

Sneak Peak

2009-03-02T14:21:00.000-05:00

Another work in progress.

This is my first paperclay sculpt and it is coming along rather well. I've read a lot of books and so I decided to dive into paperclay. I'm loving figuring out what I'm doing as I go along! I already have my next sculpt in mind.

They said there would be a lot of snow, but gracious!! It's about 10 inches. We got out and shoveled a lot!! Anyway, I'm working on my dolls this afternoon. I seem to have this thing about guys with beards. I haven't named him yet, he'll tell me his name when he's completed. I wasn't really thrilled about the shiny finish that I put on him. I may buff it to get rid of some of the shine, but my daughter says she likes the shine. I'm going to put hair on him and maybe some hair on his painted beard. I'm not sure. We'll see when I get to that point.

Yeah me!

2009-02-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

Professor Wendel - One of my better creations!

Cloth doll covered in stocking material, hand painted eyes.

Okay, I realize that I am behind in the world of Internet blogging! But Yeah me! I finally decided to do a blog for my dolls and maybe even some jewelry. I love the creative process and I just wanted to be able to share with everyone. This is my first blog, so please hang in there. It'll get better. I just needed a place to express my artistic side and to comment on the world around me. What can you expect from me? Well, I promise not to get too serious unless the situation calls for it :) and I'll try to inject as much humor as possible. I'll post things that I am currently working on, along with the artistic pains (physical and mental pains) that usually accompany this process, and Oh yeah, I'm not the best speller, so if I forget to do spell check, please forgive me. Also, if I have some friends with some banging sites, or if I come across a terrific artist, I'll be sure to let you know. You're probably wondering why I'm a "nerdy" doll artist? Well, it's not because I make nerdy dolls, its because I'm a nerd. I like science fiction and anything scientific. Hope that's okay. Just being me :)