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Thursday, January 01, 2009

Tiny Dancer

This whisper of a doll started out as an experiment just to see if I could make anything out of Crayola air dry clay. It's a product made for kids and I have no idea what's in it but other than a tendency to crack a little and to dry with the heaviness of a rock it is not impossible to form. It lends itself to klutzy forms in general I think but it is lots of fun too.

It doesn't want to stick to itself so when you add parts to parts it's a good idea to use Elmers Glue or soft gel medium.

It did dry overnight and then I sprayed the body with matte acrylic spray before painting after I discovered that the residual moisture makes the acrylic stay slightly damp. The quick spray with aerosol acrylic seals the clay so that painting is a snap.

I have no idea why you'd even want to try this product other than it's cheap and you can share it with your kids. Wait - that's reason enough. Me, well, I'm just the curious type and wanted to explore a different material. I'm all about the search, the experiment, the wondering.

Summer joins her big sisters on the paint box where she can direct the activity in the studio.

And yes, I am barely aware that we had another holiday. Happy New Year to all my delicious art friends and whoever comes to this blog; may you find joy and light in 2009.

19 comments:

Barb Smith said...

Ah Judy, Summer is a doll! LOL You know what I mean...she's great. And it's fun to try new "stuff", especially when it's inexpensive. Woot!
Happy 2009!
Peace & Love,
~Barb~

Angie in AZ said...

Oh Judy, you are killing me! I've resisted playing with clay for a long, long time because I just know I'll love it and all I need is yet one more addiction... uh, I mean, medium, to fall in love with. You are tempting me in a BAD way to play with clay! I really love your dolls! Great job on Summer!

aimee said...

happy new year, judy! what sweet little creatures with flapper haircuts to boot.

and i LOVE your new banner!

kelly barton art + design said...

you are making me drool!

Candace said...

Fantastic and I love love love the idea of a group of "sisters". I was the baby in my own family so Tiny Dancer (thank you, Elton) is especially sweet.
I think this would make a great postcard or greeting card of some sort. Hint, hint.
Your Friend in Athens

Dawn said...

I am loving your dolls! As I was looking at Summer, I wished to see them all together. As I scrolled down, voila, there they were. I love that last shot!

Kelly Snelling said...

each one is just more and more lovely. i am so enjoying you making these. i would love to know how you actually put them together. i am not a doll person and i am curious about the construction.

Leslie Avon Miller said...

The group shot is compelling and happy. I am enjoying your process.

femminismo said...

A very cute group of girls - just like sisters, all shapes and sizes. What fun. I may have to finally mix up papier mache to use all the empty plastic creamer containers I've saved. The Mister will be happy to see me finally use them. His recycling fingers are getting itchy stuck here in the house. - jeanne (I hope it's not flooding where you are! Are you near the Pudding River?)

Ellen Lyn said...

Your dolls are terrific~and quite inspiring! I am a bit chicken about trying new "art things" but I think I have some of this stuff somewhere (purchased for the kiddos) and we will be breakin' it out tomorrow!

HAppY nEW YeAr!!!!

xoxox

Gwen said...

judy, these dolls are so wonderful! my favorite so far is the one before this, but they are all great!

I broke my wrist today, and don't like one finger typing!

lynne h said...

judy! ahhhh, my heart is just going wild over your dolls! thump, thump, thump! thank you for sharing them with us, for showing us the steps...

may you have a joyful and creative 2009!

lynne

Laura said...

Oh my - how you inspire us all Judy!!! I am lovin' your dolls and with your wonderful as always tips & tricks, now I'm just going to have to make one myself!

Wishing you all the very best for 2009, maybe the stars will align this year and I can make it to one of your classes...

p.s. I'm having a giveaway on my blog, I love reading everyone's affirmations for the New Year, come for a visit ok?

Jodi Ohl said...

I love your new creation! I've never used clay but this might be a good entry for myself into the world, without having to invest a whole lot-it's all about the journey and exploration :)

Happy New Year!

Sharon P Pope said...

Happy New Year, Judy! I'm loving your dolls. The group shot is so cute. I especially like the two with tutus and striped leggings, and I love the hair style.

You are so making me want to dig out my sculpey and/or air dry clay and try my hand at making one. I love dolls and have a collection, but I have so many other projects going right now that I don't really have the time. I may, however, be forced to squeeze in an attempt at making one. :) Thanks for sharing them!

Amy Stoner said...

absolutely adorable. I just love the fact that you are having so much fun making these beautiful little ladies! Here is to fabulous artsy experimentation!!!

missesbeames said...

Judy, once again so very lovely. I like this "streak" you are on and hope you continue. Each doll is a really beautiful little individual. It makes me want to break out my papier mache stuff and start experimentin'

Anonymous said...

There's more of them. What a lovely bunch of creative dolls. Thank you for the how-to's.
My grandmother had pattern books stored away, and the models on the covers look so much like your dolls...very 1930's.

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