It's fun actually (Doll Making Part II)

Although this weekend is Daddy weekend and I have lots of time, I couldn't wait for tomorrow - I had to continue with little *** (I have to find a name too!) tonight. First I wrapped the skin color fabric around the head and sewed it tight to the head. So far that was the trickiest part, as I didn't want any wrinkles and a nice looking seam. But the stitches are covered by the wig actually, so it doesn't really matter what the seams look like (good for me). Then I stitched the eyes and mouth. The eyes don't exactly look the same shape wise, but I think it's still ok (I have no idea how I'd undo it, without ruining any of the fabric either...). I decided for a slight smile on the mouth - not the very abstract short straight line, I've seen on most "real" waldorf dolls (which are supposed to be as abstract as possible). I'm pretty satisfied with her facial expression (will add some rouge tomorrow). Next I crochetted the dolls wig - basically like a tight hat, that will be sewn on the head eventually. I'm not quite sure about the hairstyle yet. I thought about just leaving the short curls and adding two buns on the upper (or lower) sides. I don't think I like pigtails with this curly wool. The last pictures shows the hairstyle I liked best - parting on the side and medium long "straight" curly hair. I have no clue yet, how I have to attach the hair so it works. I figure, if I add too many single hair pieces the volume will be odd looking - the head like a big watermelon. Maybe just a few strings all over the head? I really don't know... will have to try tomorrow. But she definitely gained a lot of personality today... the hair makes the biggest difference, I think (I expected the face to be the crucial part). I read an experienced doll maker's blog post, which said, the name gets revealed when completing the hair style... so I'm excited!

To do list for tomorrow:

- do hair
- make a pattern for body
- research on how to make dolls' feet
- make body
(maybe even stuff the baby, let's see how long everything takes)

I couldn't help it:

Doll making Inspiration

Sending good vibes your way, Lenara's Mommy!

" ......a handcrafted doll is one of a kind, an individual which carries the spirit of the maker in its stitches and absorbs the spirit of the child who loves it".

Check out this little site I've been spying on. It's quite an endeavor and you are undertaking it! Go you!
The head looks tricky. I've seen some waldorf dolls that look scary and mean, unintentionally. That spacing of the eyes really matters.

http://simmy.typepad.com/echoesofadream/2006/10/basic_instructi.html

Can't wait to see Lenara's baby! I'm sure it'll be a happy one!

Sense of Humor

Our fun little girl knows how to make herself laugh.
Standing on things and sitting on things is her new found love.
If it's on the floor or even if it's not, she'll get the idea to get on it somehow.
Today I found her sitting on a cd case ( behind our couch!) and she was looking down and just laughing and so proud.
She loves to make people laugh, and loves to to make herself smile too.
What a great quality!!




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Being Brave (Doll Making Part I)

This is as far as I got today (2 hours). I'm using this tutorial... (not for eyes and hair however).

Advent Day 1

There won't be a gift everyday. In fact, most of the days are activities (Go look at lights, make cookies with mom and deliver them, sing a Christmas song, listen to carols and dance...). David's mom sent a few gifts and we have some small presents for Olivia so we are going to space them out a bit so it's not so crazy on Christmas morning. This is the little bowling set. Olivia loved holding the little red Teddy bear most.


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Giftmaking

This is a cookie tin with little paper dolls I printed on magnet paper. I think my little 3 year old niece will love it.

I made one for Olivia too (for when she's older).







The paper doll printables were found on weewonderfuls.com


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Location:MD

Outdoor Time

Since its been cold and wet we have not changed the rhythm of our days much. Yesterday and today we went to two of our favorite outdoor spots; Hilltop Park and the sports field across the street. Olivia usually looks for flowers but they have been decreasing now for months.

Today, she threw her arms up in the air and looked all around at the leaves. She isn't talking yet but it was as if she was saying, "There are leaves everywhere!" She had been looking through the window and banging on the door so I thought we would go and play in the rain. Olivia in her snow clothes and boots which are waterproof and me in my scarf and coat. The voice of Nina was haunting me for letting Olivia play in the rain and puddles. But, we went across the street with the dog, too. First, Olivia discovered the Cheerios we dropped the other day. I thought birds would have eaten them so I didntbother picking the five of them, up, but i did today. Olivia kept pointing to them. I know she remembered.
Olivia found a puddle and stomped in it immediately. How is it that she knew exactly what to do!? Then sat in it and started splashing. She had the best time. Squeals. Laughs. I splashed my hands in it too, because she convinced me, "This is so much fun, Mommy! "
I kept feeling her hands and they were cold so i warmed them up with my hands. She is obsessed with being outside,and close to the earth. I loved today. (The before and after pictures are on my 'big camera' and will post them as soon as they are downloaded).

These photos are from our time yesterday at Hilltop,which is a serene place. We built a gnome home and walked on logs, and chewed on sticks. It was a lovely time with my girl. And her doggy.




















All of this outdoor fun makes me excited for our first "schnee'!!!


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Location:Maryland