Juju Loves Polka Dots

Doll Workshop

I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means "put down".
Bob Newhart

Thanks Bob.

I didn't mean to disappear for so long. I've been teaching... and sick.

Last weekend I went to the Battery in Whitstable and taught my doll making workshop.

Please note: I did not make these dolls. They were made by students on my workshop.

I haven't taught a doll making workshop on its own before although they often sneak into other workshops (like at Christmas time). I wasn't sure what people would most like to make or learn so I brought along loads of ideas.

Mostly people wanted to make Raggedy Annie's. And they made some beautiful ones!

I love the green hair on this one.

And don't these look gorgeous amongst the poppies on the beach?

I love taking pictures of them when they are finished.

And finally, some non-Annie dolls.

These were inspired by illustrations from Chris Corr's book of the Arabian Nights.

An idea I'd like to explore more in silks, at Christmas time.

Today's Inspiration: Kurt Jackson, painter.

Likes: This compositional exercise over at Gooseflesh.

Fantastic hair

whaddya call a cow lying down?
ground beef. 
Estea

 

Oh no! I'm on a roll now with these revolting jokes. Keep them coming gang!

As usual, I could spend a year at BibliOdyssey. Look at these amazing etchings by Ukranian printmaker Oleg Denisenko.

Look at this hat. I want it for one of my dolls.

Maybe this one.

It's all very well to have phenomenal hair, but a girl needs a hat.

Also I'm rather impressed by Carpel Tunnel Mag. I might have to sit down and read it off the Internet. Yet another form of procrastination!

Inspiration of the day: BibliOdyssey

Likes: Sean Hayes. "Alabama Chicken got something to say."

Dislikes: Migraines, probably eat too much meat.

Inspired By

What do you call a dog with no legs? Don't matter what you call him, he ain't gonna come.
Anon

And what do you do when you've banned yourself from making things? Draw ideas for things to make, of course.

New addition to the polka dot blog is my ending line. I will now end each post with what new person/place/thing has caught my attention and offered inspiration each day. Okay, maybe it won't be such a new thing. Or maybe it won't be new to me but just what is preoccupying me.

I asked another blogger what inspired her. Not because I'm amazed that people have inspiration but just because I wonder. It  offers a kind of insight into other peoples working methods and thoughts. In a way alot of this blog business is a record of what inspires us but I usually only post about things that I think other people might not have heard of. In reality what inspires me, moment to moment, is either too mundane or obvious to write a post about. Today's example, Fra Angelico, isn't exactly news so I wouldn't normally mention it but actually it is probably more important to my work than most of the things I do post about. I'll make a new list on my sidebar for inspiration. Each time I post I'll add a Like, a Dislike and an Inspiration. We'll see where it goes.

Today I'm inspired by Fra Angelico.

I dislike wearing damp clothes.

I like The Be Good Tanyas. I'm going to see them tonight!

Which Witch

WITCH, n. (1) Any ugly and repulsive old woman, in a wicked league with the devil.
(2) A beautiful and attractive young woman, in wickedness a league beyond the devil.
Ambrose Bierce

I'm sorry, I feel incredibly naughty boring you all with pictures of the same subject but it's what I'm working on at the moment so blog off if it doesn't interest you. (I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course.)
I really hurried the Photoshop version of my doll on Halloween to meet the deadline of the Orange and Black. (The gallery at Orange and Black is amazing, if a little slow to load.)
I wasn't completely happy with my Photoshop results. I haven't used it in a few weeks and it's surprising how quickly you forget every trick you've learned!
Also, Halloween is completely crazy for me. I feel big pressure every year to show the Brits how it's done. I organized a scavenger hunt and party for about 40 children. I was half crazed on Tuesday.
So there are my excuses. Here's what I've done today with the photos I took of my doll.

Simpler, but closer to what I want to achieve.

Maybe a should have done a sepia tint of that last one.
Please give me feedback. I've had a inexplicable spike in viewing numbers but not in comments. I love you lurkers, but maybe you could let me know where you're all coming from. (Spooky!)

Left Standing

Don't you wish you had a job like mine? All you have to do is think up a certain number of words! Plus, you can repeat words! And they don't even have to be true!
Dave Barry

Okay, I've got one doll up and standing, not properly dressed, but standing.

I need to get on with some other work for a bit now so she's going to have to wait for clothes. Hey, but at least she isn't waiting for limbs or hair like the others.
Admiring Scott Radke's dolls and marionettes

and his wealth of links.

Gossip

When a woman says, "I don't wish to mention any names," it's not necessary to mention any names.
Kin Hubbard

I love that quote; I love gossip! The life blood of our community in spite of what Goldie Hawn may have to say. People and their doings are so interesting and you don't need to be nasty.

Today's post is a bit of a cheat because although it's a new picture, same subject as last photo.

The difference is I finally bought a lighting kit! I can't tell you how excited I am!

Also, I thought I'd answer the question about what my dolls are made of. Soft sculpture with fabric skin is the short answer.

I've always loved making dolls but it's a bit of a covert activity for me. Guilty secrets.
Why guilty? Well, I don't want to be mean, but there's a lot of hideous "doll art" out there. I'm very particular about being lumped in with it.
Sounds like I'm a snob, eh? I don't want to be. I like that people do it and think they should carry on making whatever feels good but...
I don't know. Maybe that's why I'm not very out about my dolls - I have unresolved ambivalence about the art doll world. Please let me know what you think. It might help me to clarify my ideas.

You Americans are so lucky! You have legal Pandora radio. I think it's the best thing to happen to music! Anyone outside America has to be a bit crafty to get it. Name one thing we have in the UK that you can't get in the US.

Who would like a post card of my Fool Tarot card? I've got five to offer to the first five people to leave comments on this post. I might throw in a few paper goodies too.