Cloth Doll Making For Beginners. (First In The Beginners Series)
When I first started making dolls I had no idea how amazing and what an adventure this journey was going to be for me.
I'm sure I wouldn't have believed it if someone had told me that I would get to travel to the USA teaching cloth doll making.
I have met the most amazing people, and they have become the most wonderful friends and I have learnt so so much.
I feel very blessed to have had the incredible experiences that doll making has given to me.
I hope you have as much pleasure from making dolls as I have.
I hope you enjoy reading this lens and the others in the series!
If would like to, please visit my Art Blog
Creative Cloth Doll Making
I was invited to create a doll for this book. I was thrilled to fin it not only got into the book but my doll also have a TINY picture on the spine of the book.
Creative Cloth Doll Making: New Approaches for Using Fibers, Beads, Dyes, and Other Exciting Techniques
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 11/16/2009)
Get out your scissors, girls, Patti Culea is taking you on an adventure in dollmaking creativity!
This is surely one of the most artful and inspirational dollmaking books to come along. There are three body patterns -- beginning, intermediate and advanced -- they build upon one another and are totally mix and matchable. The instructions for constructing each level of doll are superb -- clear and well-illustrated with the very best step-by-step directions for needle sculpting I have seen. Culea then details how to embellish your doll with fabric, with painting, with beading, with collage, with stamping, with Tyvek, [wow!] to make it your very own.
The best part of the book for me is seeing how all of the doll artists [and there are many in this book] get a full page to share not just their creative process -- but a close-up look at their interpretations of the doll patterns used in the book. What a cool idea, Patti!
This is a wonderful book! If you are looking for creative inspiration, or just want to see what's happening in the world of "doll as art," this book is it!
MOre Cloth Doll Making Lenses In This Series
-
Final Cloth Doll Making For Beginners
-
So now you are at the final in this series of cloth doll making lenses for beginners. I hope you have enjoyed all the information I have managed to gather for you in these lenses. To find the previous lenses in the beginning cloth doll series, I ha...
-
Even More About Cloth doll Making For Beginners
-
This lens continues on from the last two cloth doll making for beginners lenses. There was so much important information that I just couldn't fit them all into a couple of lenses so I had to make four. I hope you enjoy this lens and that the informa...
-
More About Cloth Doll Making For Beginners
-
Here is the second lens in my series of lenses for beginning Cloth doll Makers. The series has four lenses in it with a great deal of information that new doll makers need to know. I have put pictures of my own designer dolls throughout the lenses a...
My Cloth Doll Online Classes
Ella Online Class
$37.00
Kelly Online Class
$37.00
Collage Art On A Canvas
$20.00
Angie Online Class
$37.00
Aimmee Online class
$37.00
Emmy Online Class
$37.00
Emmy
About Cloth Dolls
This Lens (page)and a few others are focused on making cloth dolls, I really specialize in character dolls, these dolls are usually stuffed quite hard and often embellished with beading and machine embroidery and stamping and whatever else the designer decides to do.Some of these character dolls can be quite difficult to make, the patterns can be very complicated and far too hard for a beginner. Most of the designers mention on the back of the pattern or in any write up they do about the pattern if its more suited for beginner doll makers or experienced doll makers
Country dolls on the other hand, are usually much more simple in construction. If you like the muted colors and are into the country look, then this could be a really good place to start your doll making.
If you type country dolls into your search engine on the Internet I guarantee you will come up with hundreds of web sites to explore and hundreds of doll patterns to choose from.
If on the other hand, you really don't like country dolls then hunt out the much easier character doll patterns that are actually made for beginners, you will find many of them. I have quite a few really easy to make designs on my website
Cloth Doll Making On Ebay
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byIf You Are Feeling Creative Today Check These Out!
-
Cloth Dolls | Art Dolls| Fiber Art Dolls| Making Cloth Dolls and More!
-
Cloth Dolls are taking the world by storm! If you haven't seen what people are doing with a needle and thread and some fabric and stuffing you are in for a real treat! This lens is about Fiber Art Dolls. I have been making and designing Fiber Art Do...
-
Collage Ideas | Collage Work | How To Make A Collage
-
Collage Art Products Collage is a fun easy way to use your creative talents. Once you have made your first collage the world will be your oyster! There is such freedom in the art of collage. Basically you can do whatever you like. There are no rules...
-
Visual Journal Ideas| Artist Journals| and More!
-
Do you think you are creative enough to make a Visual Journal? It's amazing how many people say they dont have a creative bone in their body. Cracks me up really, its just not true. Fantastic Visual Journals Everyone is born creative. If would like t...
-
Altered Books| Altered Books Ideas | Altered Book Tips|
-
Have you ever wondered how an Altered Book is made? Read on to find out everything you need to know Enjoy! If you would like to, please visit my Art Blog
-
Art Dolls | Cloth Dolls | Making Cloth Dolls| Art Doll Ideas and More
-
This lens will help you if you are new doll maker, a learner or a bit more advanced at making cloth dolls. I am going to help you here with tips on the best books to buy, the best places to find information and shortcuts so you will become a better...
Di McDonald's First Cloth doll!
Further on in the next few lenses on this topic I am going to teach you the nuts and bolts, the really practical stuff about getting started with cloth doll making. I am going to teach you some of the hard terminology, and some of the techniques that you will need to start making character dolls.I will also tell you about the tools that I use, the pencils and pens that I prefer and the fabrics that I like the best. I hope this will save you heaps of time and heartache, so you can create and experience pleasure and joy everyday through your cloth dolls.
Now let's turn back the clock about ten years to the time when I first started cloth doll making.
Here is a picture of the first doll I made. I can't remember the designer sorry, but I know the dolls name is Harriet. I keep her because she shows me how far I've come and how much I have learnt and she also gives beginners hope.
The Second Most Important Book For A Beginner Doll Maker
Anatomy of a Doll: The Fabric Sculptor's Handbook
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Talk about INSPIRATION! This is a wonderful book for all doll makers, beginners and experts alike. There are clear directions for many different techniques, and so much variety in the techniques that you will NEVER come out of your sewing room! This book is a must have for all doll makers and sculptures.
REMINDER
Take time out of your busy day today to do something really creative!
Let me Help You With Your Cloth Doll Making.
I remember how excited I was, when I first found the hard character dolls that we are all making now, in a magazine in a bookstore.I also remember being quite scared about making my first doll. Even though I had been a clothing manufacturer and designer, I was still quite daunted when faced with my first doll pattern.
There was terminology in that pattern that I had never heard of. I am sure that if you are starting out doll making, you are feeling just as scared and excited as I was in those days.
That is why I have written this lens for you. I really feel there has been nothing written so far to allay the true beginners fears. I want to make it much easier for you that it was for me. I spent a great deal of time and effort trying to find the easiest ways to make cloth dolls, and I hope to share most of this information with you. I lernt a lot by trial and error and I feel I can probably spare you the time that it took me to experiment.
Although I had years of experience as a clothing designer and manufacturer, this seemed different. And I don't just mean because everything was smaller. The rules were completely different. Templates??? I had no clue to what these were and probably neither do you!
I intend to help you so you can shortcut your way to making fabulous dolls and feel like you really understand the rules. Read on.
More Creative Lenses
-
Artist Trading Cards
-
An Artist Trading Card (known as an ATC) is a Tiny piece of Art that Artists swap with each other or give as gifts. The one rule that makes an ATC derives from their origins: the dimensions of the ATC must be 2.5"x3.5", or 64 x 89mm. They are basica...
-
Wool Felting | Felting Instructions| Needle Felting and More
-
I adore Wool Felting. It is much easier than you would think to make felt by hand. Once you have made a piece of Felt you will be addicted. Felt doesn't have to be thick, there are many Felt makers who make very fine almost cobwebby Wool Felting that...
-
Rubber Stamping
-
Rubber Stamps purchased off the shelf are generally purchased mounted with a cushion between a block of wood (called the wood mount or handle) and the rubber stamp die (the molded rubber image. However, more and more rubber stamp stores are selling...
-
Beading| Beading How to | Beading Stores| Beading Stitches| Beading History
-
As a person who does a fair amount of Beading, the internet is one of the best places to find great information and to buy Beads. I use beading on my dolls and in my Mixed media artwork. I dont have any formal training and I still dont know any of t...
-
Art Supplies Online| Discount Art Supplies| Craft Supplies Online and More!
-
So, you want to find the best Art Supplies Online? I can quickly help you find all the Art Supplies Online that you will need I am an artist myself, I love Mixed media art and textile art, so I have an idea of your needs. I just love to go sho...
Free Online Classes On Cloth Doll Making!
Here at my website , you will find two FREE mini online classes The great thing about my online classes are that the classes have many many photographs and step-by-step instructions. This way you can actually see how I have made the doll. I find that pictures actually do tell a thousand words and I'm sure you will find it much easier to follow, than just a pattern with words and a few pencil drawn diagrams.You will get the pattern for free and as I'm very interested in drawing faces and helping students to draw faces, you will find quite detailed instructions on face painting.
This way, you can start learning without actually having to out lay a large amount of money.
You will find that your tastes change as you go along and also you will find that your abilities will change as well. At the beginning its probably a good idea to have a go at all sorts of dolls. This will give you lots of experience and will also enhance your creativity.
Learning From Others
You will also learn a great deal from other doll makers, most of them are very friendly and lovely people who are happy to share their knowledge with you.There is a very fine line with designers and teachers as to how much information they should give you for free. It's quite difficult for designers and teachers to actually work out where this boundary is, after all, they try their hardest to make their livings from doll making.
I have always found that most designers are extremely generous with information they have. I believe in karma, what you give out you get back ! I think it's quite okay to e-mail a designer, if you are making that pattern up, and having any problems.
I love hearing what people think about my designs. I always welcome any new doll makers and am thrilled when they asked me questions.
I think I'm actually getting off the beaten track right now, only to come back and say that as a beginner one of the best things you can do is to meet up with other doll makers. This is really easy on the Internet, what I would suggest is : type
http://www.yahoogroups.com
on your computer into your browser and join up with some of the doll groups you find under hand made crafts. This is just the best way to learn so much.
People are more than happy to answer your questions and encourage you and your doll making skills, especially if you send in pictures of your work and tell them you are just a beginner.
Okay, now it's time to get to the nuts and bolts, the real deal, the practical stuff.
Kids Stuff!
-
Baby Quilt Patterns and Baby Quilts
-
There are so many beautiful Baby Quilt Patterns available that it can become quite overwhelming unless you know exactly what you want. Even though I love bright colors, I also love the more pretty pastel colored Quilts for Baby. I wonder what your f...
-
Kids Crocs| Crocs Toddler | Disney Crocs| Crocs Kids Mammoth| Crocs For Kids|
-
Don't you just adore all the wonderful styles of Kids Crocs available for our kids these days. And crocs for Babies as well. The Disney Crocs and the Crocs Kids Mammoth, they are all gorgeous. How could you resist them. The colours are adorable as...
-
Crafts For Toddlers
-
Lets start our children with Arts and Crafts as early as possible. They have such a wonderful vivid imagination when they are toddlers and they are so creative. WE do need to nurture and value this creativity so they will grow up to be incredible ad...
-
Ugg Boots For Children
-
Don't these childrens Ugg Boots look so soft, warm and comfortable? In cold weather they are just the perfect thing for children. Yes, in Australia where I live they wear them all year around, even on the hottest days. I think Uggs are just wonderf...
-
New Baby Gifts | Baby Gifts Online and Newborn Baby Gifts
-
It can be very difficult to choose the perfect New Baby Gift. I have gathered up as many wonderful Baby Gifts Online as I can to help you. Its so much easier to buy online and saves you doing a lot of walking. The best thing is that the gift will th...
What Are Templates?
Template sewing & cutting out
When we look in the dictionary to see the meaning of the word "template", we find that it is a pattern, mold or the like, usually made from thin wood or metal used for transferring a design onto a work surface.However, when sewing cloth dolls or using doll patterns another meaning comes into play. When you have transferred the design (pattern pieces) onto the fabric, before you cut anything at all, you need to sew around them, "right on the edge line".
Cloth Doll Patterns On Ebay
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byTemplates Continued
When you have finished sewing, you then leave a small edge or seam and cut the body piece out.It's a bit different from the usual cut out around the pattern piece then sew inside the edge leaving a seam. I figure it is done this way because the pattern pieces are so small it makes them much easier to sew and to handle.
I had never heard of this before I started doll making and I must admit it came as a bit of a surprise! On the other hand, I had heard of using a template to draw around before, just not to sew on the actual line or edge!
Some patterns will have the pattern pieces marked "Template" on them
On other patterns this may be noted in the notes or somewhere in the instructions. You will find that some pattern pieces will usually be "Templates" and others will be cut and sewn the usual way..ie cut out first then sew inside the edge. It is very important that you check for this before you start work.
The very best way to accomplish both these tasks is to use "Freezer Paper"!! This is sold in grocery shops in USA (no not in Australia) and used to be used to wrap meat in for the freezer.
Dolls
SpiritMama Banner
Small doll head 3/4...
Paper clay doll head...
Pupa guy
Small paper clay dol...
Pupa guy's face
Leftover paper clay...
A face I TOTALLY nee...
Large doll head prof...
Art Dolls
"The Odd Couple...
The two together
Pirate
Meeoowww
Floral confection
Maddy
Kitty
Second sample
Lining fabric
Both samples
Shop Till You Drop!
-
Novelty Teapots|Decorative Teapots| Unusual Teapots and Funky Teapots
-
Don't you just love the look of some of the Novelty Teapots you can buy? In this lens I am showcasing as many Novelty Teapots as I can so you can have great choice if you decide to buy one. Check Out These TEAPOTS I hope I have been able to find w...
-
Stationary
-
In the past, the days before the internet and email, one of the most common ways of communication was by writing letters. It was good manners to always hand write a note on your best stationary to thank people, who had invited you to dinner or enter...
-
Candles
-
I cant think of anything more romantic that flickering candles on a dark night. I use them at the table as much as I can, I think it makes a meal festive and intimate. I love candles in the bedroom, especially if they have a wonderful scent,Love the...
-
Beanbag Chairs
-
These Beanbag Chairs are so comfortable, they are a great way to relax. I love these beanbags for smaller rooms as they are so easy to push into a corner. Probably not the best chair for Grandma, but wonderful for children to snuggle into with thei...
-
-
An Artist Trading Card (known as an ATC) is a Tiny piece of Art that Artists swap with each other or give as gifts. The one rule that makes an ATC derives from their origins: the dimensions of the ATC must be 2.5"x3.5", or 64 x 89mm. They are basica...
Freezer Paper For Doll Making?
One side is like normal paper but the other side has a more glossy surface and I believe is waxed.There are a number of places in Australia to buy this by the metre. Most quilting shops stock it, (Spotlight has it) and some of the more doll supply oriented Australian websites also sell it by the metre.
You will pay between $1 -$1.50 per metre in Australia the last time I looked at it. I tend to buy a couple roles each time I am in USA or if I have an American friend coming over I sometimes ask them to bring me a role. Unfortunately they are very heavy but so cheap in USA around $4 I think, for 75 yards!!!
If I had to buy it in Australia I would, as I think its magic for making dolls and can be used over and over again.
Making Creative Cloth Dolls
Making Creative Cloth Dolls
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
I made the mistake of buying an art doll magazine while out on an "artist date" not too long ago. As if I didn't already have enough projects going in many different directions, that got me hooked into the fascinating world of art dolls. These are not your standard Raggedy Anne dolls!
Ms. LeVan has provided a great resource to start dabbling in the world of art dolls if your medium of choice is fabric, as mine is. She provides three basic designs, each quite different. A pattern that will need to be enlarged is provided within the pages, and directions for the construction of the basic design are included. The directions are quite thorough, but do require some basic sewing knowledge, although this only needs to be "basic."
The fun is seeing the variations of each design done by several well known doll artists. They really show that though each design is very simple, with imagination, the artist can enjoy making each doll unique. There is also a gallery of special project dolls using a variety of techniques, with instructions for these as well. If that isn't enough to inspire, a photo gallery is included to provide more inspiration.
I have already made one of the basic dolls, "Energy," adding my own touches to the design. I found the instructions to be very easy to follow and enjoyed working with the design. The size is just right for anyone who is participating in a round robin doll project, keeping postage costs down.
If you have been intrigued, as I was, by the art doll movement, this book is a great starting point from which to join the movement.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
More About Freezer Paper!
Trace your pattern pieces off the actual pattern in pencil onto the freezer paper (I hate to cut the actual pattern).Carefully and accurately cut around the body parts on the lines! If you cut outside the lines the doll will be bigger than she is supposed to be and the clothes may not fit!
Next, lay out your body fabric doubled. Place your freezer paper cut outs onto the fabric, WAX SIDE DOWN, making sure the grain lines are in the correct place and that the pieces have space all around them. Now Iron them on to the fabric.
Remember! after you have sewn around them on the edge of the freezer paper you are then going to cut them out leaving a seam of around 1/8 all around.
If you catch the edge of the freezer paper with your sewing machine, it will be Ok, the paper will ease away with out ruining the work.
I keep the freezer paper pattern pieces in a clear plastic folder, labeled with the dolls name, along with the actual pattern. This way it is always easy to find and you can reuse the freezer paper pieces over and over.
Now Its Your Turn To Squidoo!
Now it's your turn....Make your own Squidoo lens
Squidoo is a fantastic place to create a web site. (You don't need to make one as long as this one)You can share your ideas on gadgets, crafting, arts, food or what ever's on your mind and maybe even make a few $$ along the way....oh and did I tell you it's FREE!
Click here to start your Lens
Thanks for visiting my lens! Please vote for my lens (click the stars at the top of the page), or leave a message.
-
Reply
- nytexan in amarillo nytexan in amarillo Jun 16, 2008 @ 10:57 am
- great insight to making cloth dolls i have made your site my number one place for dolls.
Wonderful Arty Sites For Your Enjoyment
- Di McDonald
- Di McDonald More Mixed Media Art
Posted on August 28th, 2008 by by Hi again guys,
Today I have a picture of my own work from my own book. For the background I actually used some paper towels that I had used to mop up excess paint when doing another collage.
by DiMcDonald
For Extensive Information about Making Money For Artists & Craftspeople At All Levels please visit here
Fee fre...
(more)Explore related pages
Art Dolls Only - A team of OOAK Art Doll Artists and their Dolls- We are a dedicated and active team of artists who create one of a kind (OOAK) ar...
Art Dolls | Cloth Dolls | Making Cloth Dolls| Art Doll Ideas and More- This lens will help you if you are new doll maker, a learner or a bit more advan...
Cloth Dolls | Art Dolls| Fiber Art Dolls| Making Cloth Dolls and More!- Cloth Dolls are taking the world by storm! If you haven't seen what people are d...
More About Cloth Doll Making For Beginners- Here is the second lens in my series of lenses for beginning Cloth doll Makers....
Final Cloth Doll Making For Beginners- So now you are at the final in this series of cloth doll making lenses for begin...
Even More About Cloth doll Making For Beginners- This lens continues on from the last two cloth doll making for beginners lenses....
