Our little Traveling Art Doll group is on its last round. I have finished Mary Esther's doll and sent it off to her today. Here is her doll's progression:
First, a little intro to Mary Esther. She makes these incredibly beautiful doll made of felt. The pattern she created is remarkable for its clever use of pleating and the articulated joints. You wouldn't necessarily notice this by looking at one of Mary's dolls, because they are so beautifully costumed. This is one of her doll creations:
As you can see, Mary is an incredible painter and gives her dolls exquisite features. To learn more about Mary Esther, you can check out her blog here.
For Art Doll Only's Traveling Art Doll project, 2013, Mary created this basic doll (below), and sent it to our Muñequita team member Constanza.
So, from Pennsylvania to Texas she went! She received a summery hand painted frock created by Constanza. She also gave the doll cheery red scarf and belt.
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Next, Constanza hand-painted the doll's face, applying the paint directly to the felt.
Constanza's post about her experience with Mary's doll is on her blog, here.
This is Mary's doll when I received her. She was still in need of hair, and a few more things for her wardrobe ensemble.
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Going to my yarn basket, I thought I was going to pick out a wavy black yarn, but when I laid my eyes on this curly-noodle yarn, I knew I had to use it! (I've always wished I had super thick, super-curly hair like this!)
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I decided she needed some pantaloons under her dress, as well (for those of you who always need to sneak a peek!).
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And finally, I made her some party shoes. I started out by trying some shiny red satin, but turning a tiny edge in satin turned out to be a ridiculous notion. I opted to use Mary's fabric of choice instead: felt! With a decorative stitch and ribbon laces, Dollie now had her walkin' shoes on.
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With that, she was ready to go! Good-bye, sweet little girl! May you return to Mary's home safe and sound!
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First, a little intro to Mary Esther. She makes these incredibly beautiful doll made of felt. The pattern she created is remarkable for its clever use of pleating and the articulated joints. You wouldn't necessarily notice this by looking at one of Mary's dolls, because they are so beautifully costumed. This is one of her doll creations:
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| Doll by Mary Esther Ward. |
For Art Doll Only's Traveling Art Doll project, 2013, Mary created this basic doll (below), and sent it to our Muñequita team member Constanza.
 |
| Doll by Mary Esther Ward |
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| Look at the wonderful hands Mary stitches for her dolls! |
Next, Constanza hand-painted the doll's face, applying the paint directly to the felt.
 | |
| Face painted by Constanza Orozco Tovar |
This is Mary's doll when I received her. She was still in need of hair, and a few more things for her wardrobe ensemble.
Going to my yarn basket, I thought I was going to pick out a wavy black yarn, but when I laid my eyes on this curly-noodle yarn, I knew I had to use it! (I've always wished I had super thick, super-curly hair like this!)
I decided she needed some pantaloons under her dress, as well (for those of you who always need to sneak a peek!).
And finally, I made her some party shoes. I started out by trying some shiny red satin, but turning a tiny edge in satin turned out to be a ridiculous notion. I opted to use Mary's fabric of choice instead: felt! With a decorative stitch and ribbon laces, Dollie now had her walkin' shoes on.
With that, she was ready to go! Good-bye, sweet little girl! May you return to Mary's home safe and sound!
Now I can't wait to receive my original doll back. I wonder what changes she's gone through!?