Paper Doll Blues – The Story
This collection began in November 2024 when an idea hit me: why not have earrings that can change colors to suit the colors I am wearing? I instantly thought of the paper dolls of my youth and my imagination was in high gear. What followed was long hours of trying out options to make this idea a reality.
The inspiration: Betsy McCall and Tim Gunn
In the 1960s, my older sister and I called dibs on cutting out the pages with Betsy McCall paper dolls from our mother’s McCall magazines. I then began sewing clothes for my 8 inch Betsy McCall doll, as did my mother and grandmother. I still have her and all of her clothes. Seriously.
When I would get stumped, I would recall the wise words of Project Runway’s Tim Gunn: “Make it work!” So, I did.
The Girl
I started with paper and scissors, of course. I cut and trimmed, sketched, and eventually created “the girl”. I photographed her, created a digital file, and printed multiple girls on paper with I glues to sheets of metal and sawed out, one at a time.
The Clothes
With the girl cut out, I overlayed tracing paper and sketched outfits that I thought she’d like to wear. To prepare for that, I found the seminal book on drawing fashion, 9 Heads. My drawings are very simple and have the requisite tabs that paper doll clothing requires. Once complete, I photographed them, created a digital file, and had the clothing images printed on metal. Then I cut them out, one at a time, with my saw.
The Colors
I spent a few months deciding on the colors for this collection. I opted for a heat set surface treatment of ceramic because of the vivid colors and durability. A local company has worked with me since January on this treatment. My girls are a far cry from the industrial work they generally do but they were all in.
The Rest
Once this collection was rolling, it was rolling fast! A friend suggested the clothing image would make cute notecards (thanks, Sharon!), then I created fabric, then the colorful leather and felted wool pieces. The same friend said that it would be cute to have a mother/daughter feature. Back to the drawing board I went with my scissors and paper and eventually make “the little girl”. And she needed a wardrobe, so I was drawing clothes again. The drawing was far easier than sawing out those tiny dresses!
The End?
This has been a labor of love, a joyful, happy adventure. I have racked up hundreds of hours of sawing, so that skill set has benefitted greatly. My initial plan was to bring my crazy idea to fruition, and I have done that. My husband and friends have patiently watched from the sidelines while I played with paper dolls for months. I designed multiple artisan jewelry collections each year for 13 years while I traveled on cruise ships as a guest artist but this childish, colorful, crazy collection is the most “me” I have ever done. Am I finished? I might just be getting started!
Our Inner Child: Childish? Childlike?
I have been working on a new collection for the past few months which will have its debut in September. I am having so much fun with this that the time flies by when I am "working". It really isn't work; it is play time and loads of it. I won't go into details about this new collection just yet, but it has challenged me to think about jewelry in a new way, which is always exciting.
Sometimes you hear people talking about getting in touch with their "inner child". I can certainly understand how that is important. As children we weren't burdened with years of experiences that can tamp down our creativity. As a teacher of young children, and now a volunteer teaching children, I delight in watching them soak up new information like sponges. Are you on friendly terms with your inner child? If not, there are plenty of resources available that can guide you to reconnect. Think about doing something just for fun, to play! You might want to discover a new interest or hobby.
While you don't have to dive into fingerpainting and jumping rope, there are so many ways to spend some of your down time. You might want to have a look at the array of art workshops and classes being taught at ArtWorks DeLand. Our artists are such creative folks and they bring so much richness to our community. Maybe you and your inner child will dip a toe into the art world and see where it takes you! My inner child and I are on a wild ride and I can't wait to show you where we land!For more info about classes at ArtWorks DeLand: http://www.artworksdeland.com
Time Flies When You're Having Fun!
It's hard to believe that a year ago this week I was meeting a group of people who would become such a big part of my life! ArtWorks DeLand has been an adventure that I wouldn't have wanted to miss for anything, and I am looking forward to whatever the next year has in store for us. We're a cooperative gallery of 30 local artists and we have become like a family for so many. It's a joy to be a part of such a creative, warm, funny and cooperative group of artists!!!
For many of us, this time of year brings with it memories of our childhood and more. Today I am looking forward instead of back. 45 minutes ago I left my 60s and am now in my 70s. Wow! It's pretty hard to comprehend, but I am not going to waste time worrying about it. I have too many ideas I want to get to.
I am thankful for this crazy town we are living in! Last week I felt like I was living in a Hallmark movie during "Light Up DeLand". We are in Central Florida, it was "chilly" for us (in the 60s) and Santa sky dived into downtown to a cheering crowd of kids and adults as he floated from the sky while setting off fireworks. Meanwhile, children were enjoying the ice skating rink set up across from the gallery and families watched the lighting of the huge tree in front of our historic Volusia County Courthouse while holiday music played. It was a joyful night for sure!
Are you interested in taking some time out for yourself to relax and play? If so, take a look at the classes I will be teaching in January and February. Get a friend and sign up together or think about giving a class as a gift! I can guarantee you will have a fun time and will be delighted with what you are able to create! You can get the info by clicking on the "Classes" tab at the top of the page. Hope you can join me!
