Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls

My new Furbaby

2012-01-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am so excited to show off my new little furbaby.
She is 12 weeks old, and her name is Scat.

I have her in my dolly room til she is
out of quarantine. I adopted her from an adoption
event held at a local pet store.

This was her last time out from the shelter till
she was to be put down, in about 3 weeks.
She has the regular shelter maladies...
ear mites...probably worms...and a little runny eye,
but all of these things can be taken care of.

She is so sweet and she loves the baby crib....normally
my animals aren't allowed in or around the baby room,
but I made an exception for her, at least till we socialize
her with my other cat...who is not all that happy with
me right now...lol

When I left the store I was happy and yet
depressed at the same time...
I wish I could save all the animals....

Reborn Art Cards ( ACEO's)

2011-12-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

ACEO stands for Art Card Editions and Originals. The size of an ACEO is always 2.5" by 3.5". They are created in a variety of medias and are highly collectible Tiny Works of Art.

Reborn Art Cards are created on special paper, and are taken through several steps to acheive different finishes.

These Art Cards are created to celebrate the realism of these beautiful Art Dolls.

Some of the cards are cropped larger to show detail, but all cards are the measurements above.

These special cards are computer generated. They are signed on the back with edition number, name of sculpt, and origin.

These cards are so fun to make! I have started enclosing these cards in with the Reborns that I sell.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!

Finally she's Done

2011-10-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

Well here she is...making her Halloween Debut...

Please welcome Mary Goth...She is about 22 " all fabric. She has a hand-painted
face and hands. She has Human Hair. All of her costume was designed and created by me...
Her clothes are not removable. She isn't weighted so as not to put any pressure on her
jointed body.

She was bratty at times during her creation and gave me many problems...
She spent many a day in time-out...but finally she agreed to cooperate and the rest is history.

I'm not sure if I am going to sell her or not...she truly is One-of-a-Kind,

Going "Goth"

2011-09-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

What a great time to go Goth...lol It's getting close to that fun time of year,
when young and old get a little crazy.
I think the time is right to bring back my Mary and Friends line of cloth Dolls.
I copyrighted the pattern way back in 1994, and somehow got busy doing other
fun things and the line got put on the back burner.

These are some WIPs. I still have to work on the face distortion.

This is Mary and she will be 19 or 20 inches tall. I am making her clothing patterns
now. She and all of her friends will be free standing. She and her friends will be going
to the doll show with me next month.

Little "Bella" on eBay now

2011-08-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here she is.. OOAK Bella...4" bonus Bundle Baby

• Sneak Peek • New Line of Bundle Babies

2011-08-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!!

This is my new line of Bundle Babies that I have been working on for a while...seems like
life just gets in the way sometimes...lol
I just love these babies because they are so versatile.
The average size of my babies will be around 4 inches, and always very posable.

This is 4" Adele and she will be available on eBay this evening. I still haven't decided
how long her auction will be. Sometimes I think 7 days is too long and people lose interest.
So I will have to decide when the time comes.

Well wish her luck and thanks for stopping by!!

IADR check it out!!

2011-07-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

I just joined IADR ( International Art doll Registry ).

Click here to join IADR
This is a must if you make Art Dolls. There are so many cool features, free tutorials,
sculpting references, contests, forum, and that's just to mention a few features.
It's $39.00 a year, but worth every penny!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have the bug.....

2011-07-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

I have the BJD bug...I am going to make my first Ball Jointed Doll.
Right now I am just gathering information, drawing rough drafts and gathering supplies.
I plan on making her out of Air Dry clay...not sure which one yet.
The you Tube Video is so neat...be sure you watch it!!

The beginnings of a new cloth baby

2011-06-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is how it all starts...a face, a drawing, an idea...
I begin by drawing and painting a face. Sometimes the face works out and sometimes it doesn't.
This time luckily I am very satisfied with the results.

I plan on making this a 12" baby. I have already designed the pattern...in fact the pattern was designed about
10 years ago, and I simply enlarge or reduce as desired.

I hope the rest of the doll goes smoothly...I hate snags...lol

Well off to the sewing machine!!

Ultimate Dog Tease

2011-06-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Meg

2011-06-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is my newest Reborn Meg...I just finished her for a doll show that I attended. She has painted hair and spit bubbles. She was so much fun to create...

Could it be????

2011-06-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

I caught my little Harvey looking out the window and I could have sworn I heard him say..."Could it Be...is it really spring out there now??? He is a totally inside cat so the only way he can celebrate spring is to look out the window...

Have I ever told you.......?

2011-05-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

I love to make Bears...every size and shape.
The bear pictured is a 2 1/2 inch Bellydancer named "Little Ruhama".

She was featured in Teddy Bear and Friends.

I had to stop for a while because my hands were giving out.

If you would like to see a lot more of my bears go to the stand alone pages at the top of my blog.

New Flash Website

2011-03-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

For anyone who has ever thought about getting a flash website...have I got good news for you!! There is a website called Wix.com. It is a free website builder that is so easy...no html required, and so many templates.

You can make as many websites as you want for FREE, and then comes the hard part...which one to publish. Their ads are on the site but you can upgrade and have the ads taken off, plus you get your own name. The ads are not annoying and blend right in with the website, so I may not even upgrade.

To visit my new website just click on the link Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls

It will be good to have when I go to my doll shows for advertising. I'll just put the web address on the cards, so even if no one goes to the site, it will be good free advertising.

Well that's my good news for the week!!...lol

"The Golden Child" a doll with a story....

2011-02-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

I have always written stories for my Faeries and miniatures, but not for my Reborns till now.
A long time ago I saw a documentary about a little girl who was taken from her family
and was considered to be some sort of sacred being in whom the entire region worshiped her.
It was on t.v. a long time ago and I can't remember all of the details, all I can remember
is how sad her face was as she looked out of the window where she was being kept.
I changed the age of the girl but the rest of the story is true as far as I can remember.

I have done this same story for one of my sculpts, so I thought I would try it for a Reborn.

I even designed the auction template to match the story line.

So if you get a chance please take a peek and tell me what you think!!

To view my auction, click on the link below, or click on the picture in the upper right
side of my blog page.

Golden Child on eBay

My Reborn Christmas commission Babies

2010-12-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

These are the babies I have been working on, and I can finally show you.

The first picture is the doll kit Ryan, the second is Dumplin and the third is the Coplin kit,
all are from Bountiful Baby.

They are created using Artist Pigment Inks. This is a technique that I have
been working on perfecting for nearly a year. Artist Pigment Inks are not new, and many artists use them.
I have found what works best for me and the techniques are my own. The inks are very permanent and the test dolls I have from a year ago have not faded and are just as vibrant as the dolls I create today.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2010-12-15T23:19:00.000-08:00

********************
Merry Christmas

This is my favorite Christmas video!!
********************

Christmas in November!!!!

2010-11-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

I just got part of my Christmas presents today!!! I am so excited...
It was a big box of doll kits, from Bountiful Baby. They just got their out-of-stock kits back in.
I had to order them as soon as I saw they were in, for fear of them selling out again. I am so thankful for Bountiful Baby for selling their kits at a reasonable price. They make it possible to for me to be able to Reborn. I just can't afford the kits that are priced so high.

I ordered Shyann, Sugar and Ryan. These are going to be for eBay and for a doll show in May.
I have been waiting for so long for the kits to come in.

I have another box coming with 3 Meg kits, a Paisley, Dumplin, and a Page.

I have been experimenting with Artist pigment inks because the oils are taking too long to dry and cure.
I read somewhere that some of the oils used on Reborns never thoroughly dry. I can't take that chance.

So far I love the inks, and believe me they are PERMANENT. Maybe too much so!...lol
I have been trying my hand at painting the hair on my reborns...can't show you because they are awful...lol
I will keep trying...hopefully I can get the hang of it.

Well I am off to play dolls...Talk to you soon...

Baylee by Lorna Miller Sands

2010-10-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

I have been practicing on Baylee by Lorna Miller Sands. I love these non-toxic oils. I find them so much easier than Genesis and Jo Sonja's. I was a real fan of the acrylics till I found these paints.

I have had flub ups but nothing that couldn't be fixed. I treat the flubs like learning experiences.

I sent away for some practice limbs from Bountiful Baby, so I don't have to worry about something going wrong with a kit.

Baylee is a work in progress and I still have to paint her lips and root her eyelashes. I put a Mohair wig on her just to see how she will look when I am done.

I am hoping to get her done by this weekend...we'll see...lol.

M. Graham Walnut Oil Non -Toxic Oil Paints

2010-10-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have found these wonderful M. Graham non-toxic oils paints. They are made with a natural Walnut Oil. Check out his site for more detailed information.

I finally broke down and bought some to try. I have to tell you that I love them for Reborning. I have been using them for the base coat. They actually tint the vinyl and leave very little paint behind, and therefore they dry rather quickly. They soak in and become a part of the vinyl.

The cure time is still 4 to 6 weeks, but can be handled the day after painting. No oven is needed and there is absolutely no fumes or smell. These paints cure by oxidation, not evaporation.

To make them dry faster I use a walnut oil alkyd which is also non-toxic.

I know Oils are not the thing to do now days but the beauty, and translucency of the finish is well worth the wait.

These paints are made in the fashion that the old masters did in the Renaissance era. Oils have been tried and tested through the ages, so I know these paints will last for many generations.

These paints are rather pricey, so great care must be taken to mix them carefully and use only the amount needed.

The pics were taken the day after the application of the base coat.

Remembering When

2010-10-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

I just had a 40th High School class reunion. Wow that's a LONG time ago...lol
That got me going through some old high school pictures.
I also have a best friend that has a birthday in October, so I decided to create
a special birthday greeting and send it to her via email.
(Make sure you click on the pic to see it larger!!)

These are old pics of her and me all throughout high school. From grades
10 through 12. (1968 - 1970) I am the blond. She is 5 foot 10 and I am 5 foot 3, so we were quite the
sight walking down the hall acting all goofy like high school kids do.
I wish everyone would post high school pics of themselves...I love looking
at high school pics...lol
I just thought I would share a little bit of my earlier years.

Faces ! Faces! Faces!

2010-10-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

I can't stop drawing faces...lol
I won't bore you with the all the artwork, just the ones that have possibilities...lol

If you are wondering why the eyes are black, that's just my style.
I draw all my faces with black eyes, kind of like a black and white photo
with just a little color. I hope it translates well into a doll.

I have started drawing the faces a little smaller because when I make the head
it distorts the facial features. The face on the stuffed head looks nothing like the face I drew
on the flat cloth.

I have tried drawing the face after it is stuffed, but it just hasn't worked for me. So I guess
I'll stay with what works...lol

For me drawing the face freehand is so much more fulfilling than a photo face doll,
like the ones I created before. I don't know why I didn't try this long ago...
I guess the creative process is a slow progression for me.

This is only the beginning...

2010-10-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have been racking my brain, experimenting, and spending lots o' money trying to combine the two things that I love...Drawing and Dolls. I found the right double knit fabric, I have found a fixative that is compatible with the pencils and inks. Now all I have to do is get the pattern perfected, that in itself is a job.

I have always loved to draw freehand and I have made a lot of ACEO cards, but that wasn't enough for me. The combining of the two seems like a perfect solution.

Now if I can maybe get my house in order, it looks like a hurricane hit it. I have such tunnel vision, when I am in the middle of something, I tend to let everything in the house go. I do get around to it eventually...lol
Well I'm off to work on my pattern...talk to you later!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

She's Mine...All Mine

2010-09-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! I just got the sculpt that I commissioned from Mary Ropelato of
Mary Ropelato Art Dolls.
If you get a chance go to her blog and check it out. I commissioned a doll from her and I can't believe how wonderful she turned out. The doll is 4" seated and 8 1/2" if she were standing. I just let Mary do her thing, and the results are amazing. She even makes her own beautiful glass like eyes. This beautiful creation is worth every penny!!!! I have several of Mary's dolls and it has been fun to watch Mary grow as an Artist and watch her dolls progress to the fantastic art forms they are today. Mary started out as a customer of mine and now I am a happy customer of hers!
...Click on the pics to enlarge them...

This is how she looks on my end table.

This is an Artsy picture, shows her features really well though!

This shows off her hair.
Well this is my beautiful Denver...that's her name. Just thought I would share!!

On eBay now (SOLD)

2010-08-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Please meet Mattie and Jerome. She is a new design that I have been working on for some time.
Her body is 100% wool felt. Her head and hands are Polymer Clay. She is jointed at the neck and shoulders (she does not sit). She has a specially designed body and is freestanding.
It's been awhile since I have listed anything. Hopefully I can find the time to get a few more done.
If you you get a chance take a peek and let me know what you think! You can click on the pictures for a larger view

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140444762543&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

My new Pixie Moppet "Arielle"

2010-05-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Arielle on eBay now SOLD

Well it's been awhile since I have posted.
I have been real busy with designing a new miniature cloth body to use with my Pixie Moppets.
I have finally come up with a body pattern that I am happy with. I had a hard time because I
am using 100% wool felt, and the fabric, although I love it, is somewhat bulky.
I have had to figure out how to make a tiny 3" body, that is easy to turn. I didn't want to sew the
seams on the outside. I just didn't like the look.
I also had to design some shoes that would make the dolls self standing.
Dressing these little pixies is my favorite part. Really no sewing, just a stitch here and there.
I have stacks of vintage lace, ribbons, and trims.
So until my Muse takes me elsewhere I am going to be making these Pixies for a while.
I am planning on listing her tonight on eBay. I will post a link.

My new Website

2010-05-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone!! I have been busy this week...lol
I have been updating my Blog with a new background, changing things around, making a new blog title and best of all, I found a new free website builder.

I have been having some trouble with my old website, so I started looking around for a new and improved website builder. I found a free site and it was so easy to use. The Website is named Wix.com, and it's the best site I have been to for designing your own website.
It is so much easier than my last one. Even the free account gives you tons of great features. If you are in the market to get a really easy, free website go to this site.

My new website address is http://www.wix.com/dessadolls/droad
If you have a minute, take a peek and tell me what you think so far...I still have a lot to do with it.

Akiko ACEO print # 1 now on eBay

2010-04-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody,
This is a short post to announce that I just listed my first ACEO print.
Akiko will be an edition of 8 prints.
She is printed on Epson Ultra Premium Glossy Photo Paper.
She is a 5 day auction and will end Sunday night.
So if you can, go and take a peek and tell me what you all think!
I am hoping to get many more drawings done for eBay, and maybe some for Etsy.
Well it's late and I must go now...
Till later
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140401015926&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Sunday Sketches

2010-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

To read more about this Original ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") creation
Please visit http://lepetitartistecarte.blogspot.com

Yoshi's Blanket

2010-04-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

To read more about this Original ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") creation
Please visit http://lepetitartistecarte.blogspot.com

Please meet Mary

2010-04-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

To read more about this ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") creation
Please visit http://lepetitartistecarte.blogspot.com

New Baby Girl

2010-04-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

To read more about this ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") creation
Please visit le petit Artiste carte

ACEO Asian baby

2010-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

To read more about this ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") creation please visit le petit Artiste carte

le petit Artiste carte

2010-04-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Come and see my practice drawings
le petit Artiste carte

Come and see my newest ACEO blog!!

2010-03-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Come and see my newest blog. le petit Artiste carte Have you heard about ACEOs? They are like trading cards, 2.5" x 3.5". An artist can use any medium to make them, but they must fit the size criteria to be an ACEO. I just recently heard of them, and I have to say that I am hooked. I use to draw when I was younger, and I loved it. So I thought I would try my hand at ACEOs.

Wonderful new Doll Forum

2010-03-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to spotlight a wonderful new Doll Forum.
Dolls So Beautiful Reborn Forum.

This new forum specializes in the creation of Ethnic Babies. Whether they
be Reborn, or OOAK Sculpt. They offer classes and will be offering a new
sculpting class very soon.

The ladies there are all so very friendly and willing to offer their expertise in the
creation of these beautiful dolls.

Cindy is the administrator, and has done such a remarkable job on the colors and
theme. It's really easy to navigate also.

If you are interested in the creation of Ethnic babies, please click on the
link and create an account, you won't be sorry.

Im a contributor

2010-02-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am honored to have my Fingernail Tutorial linked to Linda Walsh's Best Free Craft Articles. Her site is filled with so many fun and informative links. Too many for me to list here, you just have to experience it for yourself. Please click on the picture to check it out.
When you get to her site just scroll down to seen the tutorial.

Vintage inspiration

2010-02-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

I found this vintage picture on the internet, and I just had to blog about it. I think it is so hauntingly beautiful. Why does a vintage picture evoke such emotion and inspiration. This picture makes me wonder what kind of life this little girl must have had, or where she was from. How old is she? What was she thinking?
Does anyone else do this when they look at vintage pictures or am I just weird...

My new Website

2010-02-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have been working at a feverish pitch...lol

My website host shut down any way of updating my website.

They have for months had a notice that we should migrate our websites to a new

and improved version. I was hesitant for a long time because I thought I would

lose some valuable information stored on that site.

They finally forced my hand, and I had to migrate.

I invite you all to view my new site and tell me what you think.

Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls website is now up and running .

I am pleased so far but it still has some tweaking to do...lol

Well until next time,

A Beautiful Gift

2010-02-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

Look at this beautiful name tag that Madame Samm made for me. Please visit her site,
because it will make you HAPPY!! It's full of wonderful wit and charm and a ton of helpful tips.

Thanks again Madame Samm!!

She's on her way to a new home!!

2010-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well I listed Elle today. She is on for 7 days. Here is her link if you want to take a peek.
Elle's Auction

Sneak Peek!!

2010-01-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

I will be offering up Elle for auction tomorrow night (Sunday Jan. 24th)
She is a Pixie Moppet. She is 4 1/2 ",
clay with cloth body. I haven't created one in a long time .
I will be listing her later on in the evening,
not sure what time yet. I will post her eBay link at that time.

Going Global

2010-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have decided to sell my creations internationally. I have been selling on eBay since 2005, and have sold to the United States only. I think I have been intimidated with all the rules and customs and such. But I have learned a lot since I started selling, and I feel confident now, so I think the time is right to give it a shot.
I hope to have a new "Pixie Moppet" on eBay soon. I will post when I list her.
Well I'm off to create...lol

2010-01-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

Please meet Henrietta!! She is a OOAK hand-sculpted Rabbit. She is 2" tall, with Semi-precious stone bead eyes. She has Mulberry paper wings with glass glitter.
I just listed her tonight and she is going to be on eBay for 7 days.
So if you get a chance take a peek, here is her listing: Henrietta's listing

If you REALLY want to get in the Christmas spirit.....

2009-12-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

You have to check out Mary's blog. http://maryropelatoartdolls.blogspot.com. Her new Sunday song of the week is AWSOME!!!!!!
I think I will probably listen to it 100 times before Christmas.
I have been sick and not really in the Christmas mood and then I heard (and saw) Mary's youtube
video, and it really cheered me up!! Way to go Mary...lol

2009-12-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people (through blogging)
whom I now call my friends.
I am somewhat of a shy person
and I don't make friends easily.
You have all been so friendly and kind,
and I will treasure your friendships always.

P.S. Harvey and Lucy are my Kitties...lol

Two Wonderful Awards

2009-12-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

I just received two wonderful awards from Rose at Elvin Slippers .
If you want to step into another world please visit this blog. It's so magical.
Thanks Rose.

The rules are as follows:

(1) Thank the person giving the awards
(2) Copy awards to your blog
(3) Place a link to their blog.
(4) Name 7 things people don't know about you.
(5) Nominate 7 bloggers
(6)Place a link to those bloggers
(7) Leave a comment on their blogs letting them know of their awards

Ok so now 7 things you don't know about me!!

(1) I LOVE to Belly dance.
(2) I make jewelry
(3) I ride Harleys with my husband
(4) I have been married 38 years
(5) I hate to mow the lawn
(6) I have two best friends
(7) I can stuff 22 pieces of bubble gum into my mouth...lol

New Blog Award Recipients:

Mary Ropelato of Mary Ropelato Art Dolls
Please visit her blog because she is an up and coming new artist. Her blog will blow you away!!
Such beautiful sculpts, detail, and colors.

Denni of Denni Doodles Creations
Please visit her blog because she has the cutest Raggedy Ann Creations you will ever see!!

Rita of OOAK Fairy Fae Sculpture
Please visit her blog because she has the most wonderful sculpts ever.

Jess of Little Dirt Lane
Please visit her blog because it is like eye candy, and her Raggedy Dolls are just beautiful!!

Debbie of They Never Grow Up Nursery
Please visit her blog because it is filled with beautiful Reborns and all sorts of tutorials and tips
for making beautiful Reborns.

Leslie of My Own Little World
Please visit her blog because it is so warm and welcoming. Be sure to check out the I Love Lucy
You Tube clip on her blog, it's so funny!!

MichelleK of MichelleK Art
Please visit her blog because it is so hauntingly beautiful filled with beautiful OOAK sculpts.

This has been so much fun, thanks again Rose!!

2009-11-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

I probably won't be around much this week because I am going to be sooo busy, so I thought I would celebrate early. I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Wishing you all the love of family and lots of good turkey!!

2009-11-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

I just love this picture!! Can you just imagine what is going through this kitty's mind...lol

2009-11-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Tuesday tip of the day

2009-11-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

When making a pattern template for a cloth doll, simply use a clear transparency sheet. Out line the pattern onto the sheet and then label the pattern (write on the rough side) using a slick writer pen found at most hobby stores. Cut the pattern out and add some two sided tape to hold the pattern to the fabric.

The transparency sheet patterns will last a long time. You can make many patterns with one package of sheets. When not using the pattern, store them in plastic baggies.

2009-11-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tuesday tip of the day

2009-11-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

When using store bought make up to blush your clay sculpt, apply lightly in layers to achieve the color you want.

Then with a stiff brush lightly pounce the color into the wet clay.
(I only use polymer clays for this, I don't know how it works with other kinds of clay.)

Then use a soft conditioned paint brush to smooth the clay, or leave it for a textured look.

When baked the makeup will lose some of it's original color but will be baked into the clay and is permanent.

Come and See!!

2009-11-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

The story is... I deleted my Bonnets and Booties Cloth Doll Creations blog a while ago and then I decided to start it up again, but I had to use a different address.

So here it is: Bonnets and Booties Cloth Doll Creations

I have a lot planned for this blog. I have a new doll line I am going to be starting in cloth, and I am going to make a prototype to use as a giveaway. The prototype is still in the planning stages.

I have never had a giveaway before, so give me some ideas on how to plan it !!

Merry Halloween??????

2009-10-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I found this vintage graphic, and I found it odd that it says MERRY Halloween.....
Who says Merry Halloween? My Husband just told me he heard it called Merry Halloween once
in the early sixties. Do any of you say Merry Halloween?

The Boneyard....

2009-10-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

How many of us have a stash of sculpted pieces and parts lying around here and there waiting for their turn to be created into something beautiful. I am a perfectionist, and if there is something wrong with what I perceive as perfection, then off to the boneyard that particular piece goes. I have so many more than pictured but didn't want to bore you...lol

I am left with a dilemma...I can't use them, but I can't force myself to throw them away. So
the stash gets bigger and bigger. Maybe someday I will do a piece with all the sculpted parts
incorporated into one big sculpt. I'll have to think about that one....

Fall colors in my own backyard

2009-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

A big snow storm is coming in a few days so I thought this might be the last time the leaves will be on the trees in beautiful fall splendor.

We call this the "Mound". When we planted on the mound we didn't realize that we would have every fall color.

We still aren't done with it. We plan on having a small granite bench on top in the corner and some steps leading down the back.

The Grandkids love the upward path.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

Angry...Angry Chloe

Mary Ropelato Art Dolls

2009-10-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite artists Mary Ropelato, has been a friend and customer of mine for over two years. She started sculpting two years ago and her dolls are truly a work of art. There is a beautiful darkness about them. Her eye for detail, proportion and color is phenomenal. She has taken the last few months off of sculpting because of her pregnancy. Now her baby is almost three months old and she is getting back to sculpting. Please visit her website and view her dolls.
Mary Ropelato Art Dolls
I also have a link to her blog located under Wonderful New Artist's Blogs.

2009-10-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Wonderful new award

2009-10-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

I just received a wonderful (Your Blog Is Over The Top) award from Abi Monroe from An Angel At My Table. Please visit her wonderful blog, it will just make you feel good!!

The rules are: Answer the questions with only one word, award six people the award and notify them that they won...

1) Where is your cell phone? near

2) Your hair? blond

3)Your mother? beautiful

4) Your father? caring

5) Your Favorite food? steak

6) Your dream last night? none

7) Your favorite drink? coke

8) Your dream/goal? happiness

9) What room are you in? computer

10) Your hobby? bellydancing

11) Your fear? flying

12) Where do you want to be in six years? here

13) Where were you last night? bed

14) Something that you aren't? tall

15) Muffins? chocolate

16) Wish list item? money

17)Where did you grow up? USA

18) Last thing you did? eat

19) What are you wearing? robe

20) Your Tv? flat

21) Your pets? cats

22) Friends? daughters

23) Your life? great

24) Your mood? good

25) Missing someone? mother

26)Vehical? Ford

27) Something your not wearing? socks

28) Your favorite store? Roberts

29) Your favorite color? pink

30) When was the last time you laughed? today

31) Last time you cried? Um…

32) Your best friend? daughters

33) One place that I go over and over? Roberts

34) One person who Emails you regularly? Michelle

35) Favorite place to eat? Chinese

The six people I pass this on to...

Connie McBride Johnson Clothmatters

Crystal from Ethnic Cuddles

Shannon Anderson from Anderson Family

Brenda from Brendi Dolls

Denni from Denni Doodles

Sabriam from Eden’s Little Ones

Ready to sculpt again...

2009-10-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well my doll show is over and I did pretty well. I sold 4 Reborns out of the 6 that I took.
I came home and put everything back where it should go,
and I cleaned the house and got all of my sculpting supplies out and ready to go.

I have had so many ideas floating around in my head I don't think I will ever get around to sculpting everything I want to .

I found some of the new Cernit at Hobby Lobby and I bought it up real quick. I am anxious to try it. I have heard so many good things about it.

I may put a few of my cloth dolls on eBay.

So many ideas, so few hours in the day...

Linda Walsh interview

2009-09-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

I am very honored to have been interviewed by Linda Walsh for her I Love Crafts and Craft Blogs, "Get To Know The Artist/Crafter Series" portion of her Blog. Here is the link if you would like to take a peek:
http://ilovecraftscraftblogs.blogspot.com/

New Blog ~*~ Featuring Reborns

2009-08-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone,

Sorry I haven't been around much but I have been getting ready for The Cross Roads Doll and

Teddy Bear doll show in Salt lake City Utah.

The show date is October 10th at the Utah State Fairgrounds. I have been concentrating all my

efforts in creating Reborns for the show.

I didn't do the show in April, so I am really getting excited for it.

I sold out my Reborns at the last show I attended, so I thought I had better get a lot done.

So please feel free to click on the Reborn picture above

and it will take you to my new Reborn blog.

Till next time, take care...

ADO Elements Challenge

2009-07-17T22:02:00.001-07:00

Please let me introduce Tempest. She is a new sculpt for the ADO Elements Challenge. I chose the Element "Air".

She was so much fun to sculpt. She is Asian.
She is sculpted from Puppenfimo. Her hair is Imported English Mohair. She is sculpted down to the hips and her lower arms and legs are sculpted also. Her head is stationary. Her eyes are hand sculpted and hand painted.

Her arms and legs were wrapped in a bubble yarn the color of stormy clouds. Over the yarn I covered her arms and legs in a sheer glitter tulle. I was going for the effect of storm
clouds, sheer on outside and stormy on the inside. She has a wrap around skirt made of a special occasions sheer netting with hand beaded trim.

Her hair was styled as if wind blown. This sculpt is pose able at the elbows and the knees.
Tempest seemed to come together quite easily,
as I laid in bed at night and sculpted her in my
mind for about a week before I even started her.

This the first time I have participated in an ADO Challenge and I found it to be very fun. I hope I can take part in more challenges during the year. Thank you ADO for this opportunity!!

Please visit the ADO blog to see a list of all the participants.

http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/

My daughter's new BMX video

2009-07-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is my youngest daughter Michelle, she is 26 and just had a baby 11 months ago. Her husband filmed the video. She at one time was sponsored by women of Freestyle BMX.
She has been riding BMX for about 10 years.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Best Friends

6" Miniature sculpt / Sculpted 1997 / Polymer Clay

Wordless Wednesday....

2009-06-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Harvey is not very happy in his new hat.

Some of my other babies...

2009-06-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

These are my clay and fabric bunnies. I only make them once a year, around Easter. They are all OOAK whether clay or fabric. The hand-sculpted bunnies are 2 to 3 inches, and the fabric bunny is around 21". Just thought I would share my other babies.

Design disaster

2009-06-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

This is one of my first Photo face designs.
As you can see the body design
was a total disaster. I never sent her to eBay,
she was given as a gift.

The face design was O.K. but the arms ....oh my!

Designing patterns does not come easy for me ....lol. Sometimes it takes me weeks to come up with a design that I approve of.

I have lots of patterns in the designing stage. One is almost ready to go. I'll post more when I am farther along.

Where it all began

2009-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

I began making dolls 30 years ago. I started out making cloth dolls. Unfortunately,
I didn't take a lot of pictures of my first dolls, and those few pictures are put away somewhere...so all I have are pictures of my latest designs.

I remember making a lot of Mop dolls, and primitive dolls. My favorite were the baby dolls. It took me years of making Miss Martha dolls when I decided I wanted to make my own patterns. I have boxes and boxes of patterns that I have designed. I made so many cloth dolls that I think I got burned out. That's when I decided to try sculpting.

The first doll pictured above is "Marzipan", a pattern I designed that uses a photograph
transferred onto the cloth face. She is about 21 inches and stuffed with high loft fiberfill. I made the wig. She has been sold.

The last doll pictured is "Margaret". Same pattern,
different face.

So there you have it.... The 30 year history of my doll making, through my last few posts.

Crazy about "Reborning"

2009-06-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell I am crazy about all kinds of dolls.
Along with sculpting, I also love to "Reborn".
I have been Reborning for about 7 years.
I mainly sell the dolls at local doll shows, and local shops.
There is just something about these kits that are so endearing when they are Reborned.

I started out when you would take a play doll, like a Berenguer and take it all apart. That was a lot of work. Now the kit comes all ready to paint. It is so much easier. I have a hard time deciding which dolls I am going to work on next, there just aren't enough hours in the day.

It is really strange, I have searched and searched the internet for Reborn artists who blog, and I have only found a handful of them.
I thought there would be hundreds.

I guess the last type of doll I have to blog about is the cloth dolls that I design,
but that will be in another post.

The doll that is pictured has gone to live with her new mommy. Her name is Hayley, and I created her in 2008. She is 19" long and 6 pounds. Genesis Paint was used in her painting. Since then I have switched to air dry paints. I came down with chemical Pneumonia from the solvents and acetone I was using. I also use clear cap wigs or paint their hair because I have carpel tunnel so bad. So there you have it...
Now on to more doll making...

My first "Love"

2009-06-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

I started out my sculpting career with Life Size babies.
From there I went to Faeries, Miniature dolls, and everything else in between.

I feel like now is the time to return to my First Love.
I am feeling a real strong desire to sculpt my life size babies again.

I have found a polymer clay that I don't have to mess around with. I can use it straight out of the package. My old hands can't take the mixing and kneading anymore. Even with a food processor it still is too much.

The picture above is my very favorite sculpt. "Sweetness"
She is 20", and 7 pounds. Her hair is imported English Mohair.

Dolls Magazine, to my surprise did a featured article on her.
I received the magazine, opened it up and saw her picture. I was so
happy.

I have been inspired by the many gorgeous sculpts I have seen over the past few weeks and months.

Of course I will still be making my miniatures every now and again.

There is just something magical about holding a One-of-a-Kind, hand-sculpted, life size baby in your arms.

The creation of a Blog Award

2009-05-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I am new to blogging,

and I have to tell you I have fallen

in love with the concept of blogging.

By no means do I claim to be an expert

in blogging, but I do know what I like

to read, and look at.

I have done a ton of reading blogs,

a whole lot of looking at pictures,

and content, and much pondering of

just what blogging means to me.

I think blogging means a lot of different

things to a lot of different people.

I want to give back to my fellow bloggers,

who I now consider my friends.

So, I have created a new blog award.

It comes with a creed that includes my ideas of what

blogging means to me.

I think I get it now.

I have found out that being a blogger is much more

than just networking and trying to sell my dolls.

I realize now that blogging is a network of sharing,

and gathering new friendships. I have met many

wonderful people who really care

about their fellow bloggers.

The rules are simple:

Upon receiving this award,

simply pass it on to (one) other person,

and tell why you gave this person the award.

I will start out by giving this award to

Joanna Thomas. I have admired Joanna's dolls

for many years now. Her warm and wonderful blog,

her exquisite dolls, and Joanna the person

exemplifies what blogging is all about.

http://joannathomasdolls.blogspot.com/

2009-05-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much Patricia for such a special award. I truly appreciate it. Please visit Patricia's
Blog for a special treat as her blogs are all lovely. A truly talented lady.
www.woolytales.blogspot.com

I am passing this special award on to 3 people:

Patrizia Cozzo
http://patriziacozzo.blogspot.com/

Alena-Eliseeva
http://alena-eliseeva.blogspot.com/
Ayala Art
http://ilove2paint.blogspot.com/

These are all wonderful sites, please visit them if you get a chance!!

I've been Tagged

2009-05-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Marcie Hart a One-of-a-Kind Fine Art Doll Artist. http://marciehart-aworkofhart.blogspot.com/.
Please be sure to visit Marcie's beautiful blog. This blog is filled with charm, and warmth, not to mention beautiful Art Dolls. My Favorite doll is Ryanne. Please be sure to check out this beautiful doll.
Thanks so much Marcie, it has been an honor to be Tagged.

These are the rules for the 'Tag'
1)Name and link back to the person who tagged you.
2)List six things 6 (un) important things that make you happy.
3)Tag 6 bloggers and let them know they're "it" by leaving them a comment on their blog.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(1) I am an optimistic person, so just about anything makes me happy. But the most important thing that makes me happy is my family.
(2) My pets make me happy.
(3) The first snowfall makes me happy.
(4) Spending endless hours sculpting my dolls makes me happy.
(5) A drive in the canyon in the fall makes me happy.
(6) Being Tagged on my blog makes me happy...lol

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

These are the (six) bloggers I have chosen to be Tagged:

(1) Patricia Cabrera
http://themagicalmarionettetheatre.blogspot.com

(2) MichelleK Art
http://michellekartdolls.blogspot.com/

(3) Essie
http://vanessies.blogspot.com/

(4) Rita
http://ooak-fairy-fae.blogspot.com/

(5) Debie
http://piskies-and-poppets.blogspot.com/

(6) Mina
http://sugarbabycreations.blogspot.com/

I hope you will stop by and visit these wonderful blogs.

** Please Remember "YOUR IT" **

Best present ever

2009-05-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year my husband surprised me with a Canon EOS Rebel xsi camera. It is the best camera I have ever owned.
For Mothers Day he got me a Macro lens for taking pictures of my
miniatures. I should be getting the lens Friday or Saturday. I can't wait. I never thought I would ever get so excited about a camera lens. I have been playing with the new camera since Christmas, and now I think I have the hang of it.

Every time I take a picture now I have to run to the computer and
go to the sites I have saved that teach me how to use the camera...lol. I am really not a good photographer, so this camera lens is a must!! It will do all the work for me, all I have to do is press the button...well not quite, but it will help...lol

Asian Inspiration

2009-05-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year again.

Every year about this time I get in the mood to sculpt Asian children...don't ask me why...lol
I have spent hours and hours looking for just the right picture to give me the inspiration I need, to sculpt what I have in mind.

For me it's not the pose or surroundings, it's the face that seems to give me what I desire.

I have been like this for as long as I can remember.
My moods dictate what it is that I desire to sculpt.
Sometimes the moods last for one doll, sometimes for many dolls.
Has anyone else had this happen to them.

I guess that's why I don't take commissions anymore...if I am not in the mood to sculpt what was commissioned, then the sculpt just sits there waiting for my mood to change.

This is the picture that jumped out at me...in fact it shouted and screamed at me...lol
The doll I am planning will not look anything like the picture, it's just the face that gives me
the inspiration. Hopefully this picture will be the one that helps me produce a good number of sculpts..

Fingernail Tutorial

2009-04-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

This tutorial will be a step by step guide on how to make a realistic looking fingernail. This technique can be used on any size doll.
The first thing you should do is to gather your supplies. You can use any type of Polymer clay for the actual finger, but I suggest that you use a translucent clay for the actual fingernail.

I use Prosculpt translucent for the nail, and Cernit /Sculpey for the finger.
Matte eyeshadow in shades of mauve for shading and blushing.
An Orange stick for shaping the cuticle.
An Exacto knife, or very sharp clay scissors for shaping the nail.
A large crochet hook size H for life size baby fingers.
For miniature dolls use a knitting needle size 2.
An assortment of miniature brushes, and a small Maxine Mop.

For the next step, I take the large crochet hook and I take a small amount of the Translucent Prosculpt. I then roll the clay into a snake and place it on the crochet hook. Next, I start to flatten and stretch the clay along the hook. Flatten and stretch the clay until your clay is almost see through. Move the clay around the hook until it is almost touching underneath.

Take your crochet hook and place it in the oven at 250 degrees for 10 min. Sometimes I use a heat gun for 5 minutes, making sure to hold the hook with a washcloth so as not to get burned.

Cool the crochet hook completely before you remove the clay. When the hook is cool, gently pry the clay off the hook by lifting at the edges all the way around the clay.
This is what your clay should look like when taken off the crochet hook.

This next step is probably the most important part of the whole process. Either take your Exacto knife or a pair of clay scissors and cut the desired length you want for your nail. Use small snips of the scissors to keep the clay from cracking. Remember to cut the nail long enough for shaping.

After the length of nail has been determined, trim the nail on either side, and round off the corners at the top of the nail. Determine how long you want the sides of the nail to be. When the nail length has been determined gently clip the bottom of the nail into a "V" point. This point needs to be as sharp as possible.

Next, take your Cernit/Sculpey and roll it out to the length size of the finger you want.

Now is the time to sculpt the finger and shape the nail bed with the Orange stick. Make sure the sides are sculpted deep enough to allow the clay to come up and around the sculpted nail.

Now is the fun part!! Take your baked fingernail and with the pointed end, slide it under the nail bed and push down slightly, but not so much that the point comes back out of the clay. Now gently push the sides of the nail down into the soft clay. Now sculpt the sides of the finger to come up over the edge of the sculpted nail.

You may have to re-sculpt the cuticle at this time. Just make sure that the base of the cuticle isn't too puffy at the base.

Now take your miniature brushes and use a small amount of Mauve matte eyeshadow and color the creases of your finger. You can also shade the cuticle and nail base at this time.

Now you can bake your finger. I bake mine @ 250 degrees for 10 minutes. You will have to decide what temp and time you will sculpt your finger because everyone will sculpt differently and sizes may vary.

As soon as your finger comes out of the oven, and as soon as you can handle it, take your darker shade of Mauve eyeshadow and rub a wash of this quite heavily onto your nail. only go 3/4 of the way up the nail and stop. By leaving the wash off the top of the nail, that creates the tip of the nail, and the color will be perfect by using the translucent clay.

The next step is to take a soft cloth or a dry q-tip and gently rub the excess eyeshadow off the
nail. This will leave a very natural color.

When you are making a full hand, do each finger separately and add to the palm, smooth, pose, then shade and bake.

If desired you may apply a light varnish to the nail. When you do this gently tap the brush on the nail so you don't take the color off.

This concludes my fingernail tutorial. I hope this will help in making realistic fingernails.

(copyright 2009-2010) "All rights reserved"
All texts and images are the sole property of Dessa Rae Original Art Dolls.
This tutorial is for personal use only, and any reproduction for the sole intent of
sale and distribution is strictly prohibited.

Fingernail Tutorial coming soon

2009-04-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody,

I have decided to make a fingernail tutorial. I developed my own technique back in 1997.

I am still working on the tutorial and I would like to share it with everyone here on my blog.

The doll pictured is called "Sweetness" and features the fingernail technique. She was featured in both Dolls Magazine
and Doll Crafter Magazine.

The technique is very easy to learn and produces a very lifelike finger and toenail.

It can be adapted to fit any size doll, even miniature dolls.

The next two pictures are close-ups of the finished fingers and toes.
I am going to use a life size baby finger for the tutorial pictures
so the detail will show up better.
I will post the tutorial as soon as it is finished to my liking. This is my first tutorial, so wish me luck....lol

In the mood

2009-04-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you where I create my sculpts.

In my old house I used the kitchen table to sculpt and my house was always in a mess. In our new house I have a room dedicated to sculpting.

I have this thing, that before I can sculpt anything, my sculpting room has to be clean and clutter free...lol. I guess that's a good thing.

I am gearing up to start on a new doll, so I have been in the mood to clean. I guess it's not so difficult if I keep up on it.

What's old is New again

2009-04-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

During the course of this blog, I will at times show you my sculpts from the past. My style has
changed somewhat over the years, experimenting with new techniques, and mediums.

What hasn't changed is the feeling of my sculpts. I have always wanted my sculpts to have
an ethereal feeling to them.
The vintage laces and fabrics I have
found over the years have helped
me achieve this goal.
All of my dolls seem to be pale
and dreamy eyed, as if they have just
stepped out of a dream.

I seem to be coming back to this precise style and I have so many ideas that I will share with you in the coming weeks.

This sculpt is called "The Golden Child"
and was sculpted in 1998. She is OOAK and sculpted out of Cernit/Sculpey

Having Fun

2009-04-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am really having fun with this blogging stuff...lol. I have been experimenting with backgrounds,
and adding pictures, so you may see several different designs before I am done.
I really like the background that is on my blog right now so it may stay awhile.

2009-04-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I am very new to blogging and you will have to forgive me if I don't know what I am doing at first.
I am going to try to post everyday and keep you all up to date with what projects I am working on at the moment. So here goes...

This is one of my favorite Fantasy sculpts. She was sculpted in 1995. She is a partial sculpt with a pose able body. She was sculpted for the Dolls Awards of Excellence competition. She didn't win but I didn't care. She is in a private collection now....I wished I would have kept her.

2009-04-17T18:01:00.000-07:00