Monday, March 24, 2008

Beading For A Cure (BFAC) doll - in progress

She's coming to life!

Here are the first progress shots of my doll. I did not have a plan in mind for the design when I sat down to begin. I started beading around the face with an even count peyote stitch using size 8/0 beads at the base and ending with drops at the top of the face and size 11/0 beads around the rest of it. Next I moved to the back of the head and beaded a spiral with size 11/0 beads. I find it makes a good base if I should decide to make long, think beaded hair.



Next I added the Swarovski cubes for breasts. A few rounds of peyote stitch at the base of each crystal bead and a couple of regular flat rows outside of that. I moved down to her hip area and started adding a line of beads, then several more - again with no particular plan in mind.

My added bead for the project is a size 11/0 flesh lined topaz.

I liked the colors in this kit immediately when I opened the package and saw them for the first time. As the beading comes together I love the colors even more. I thoroughly enjoy each and every time I pick this doll up to work on her and am excited to see where the beads will take me.

The doll form is about 10 1/2 inches tall and was made by Monica Magness, the face was made by Dottie Hoeschen at Stonebrash Creative. I think they complement each other perfectly! You can click on each photo for a larger view.

12 comments:

The Lone Beader® said...

Very nice!! Do you find it difficult to bead something which is not flat? I have only done one doll so far, and I think I broke a few needles during that project. LOL.

Anonymous said...

Grace, she is going to be stunning!Love the jointed arms; can you move them about out of the way while beading?Where/when is this dolly to be sold?Thanks for pix to share your ongoing beading of her!

Pursuing Art... said...

Your off to a wonderful start! I love the colors and couldn't agree with you more that the doll, face, and beads compliment one another beautifully! Can't wait to see more progress. She will be a beauty! I am on the learning curve right now Grace and couldn't agree with 'D' more...LOL! First time trying and it is such a change from flat embroidery. I've already gone through a number of needles. My first impression was "what in the world am I going to do with all those abandoned babies waiting for me if I couldn't get it flowing?" Well, I was off to a rocky start but it's beginning to flow now. I certainly have great respect for all those brilliant beauties you have brought to life and know who I'd admire for a little critiquing! ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh Grace! The doll is just beautiful!! I can't wait to see her when she is finished. And I am so honored that you are using one of my faces. What a great way to benefit a worthy cause.
Dottie

abeadlady said...

Great start, Grace. I know what you mean about not being able to put it down.

Seeing the comments about needles, have you tried the curved needles yet? They are a little tricky to hold on to at first, but boy, do they make those tight places easier.

Arline

GraceBeading said...

Hi LB - I don't know that I would say I find it difficult, but it is certainly different. I have broken a needle or two (okay maybe more), but for the tight spots a curved needle really helps.

Phyl - yes the arms are easily movable. This doll is for the BFAC auctions next year and will run for several weeks starting in March of 2009 - all auctioned on Ebay

Thanks Lisa - you must try a curved needle, they take a little getting used to, but there is nothing better for tight spots and tough curves.

Dottie - I'm glad you like it so far, that means a lot to me.

Arline - I was treated to curved needles some time ago by Sue on BAD. I don't use mine all the time, but I do have it handy and will switch to it when needed.

Thanks everyone!

KV said...

Looking fine, Grace!


Kathy V in NM

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

It looks like you are off to a great start, can't wait to see the finished doll!!! Hugs***Renea

Tina Leavy said...

you do great work, so I know this will turn out lovely. it's off to a terrific start.

Mieke said...

Wow, Love here!! Can't wait to see here finished!!

girlgonethreadwild said...

WOW!

nothing left to say... wow. ~Monica

girlgonethreadwild said...

oh and that face fits perfectly!

After the pink doll is complete, I'm BACK to filling doll orders and listing on etsy & ebay. Yippee!

Leaves of Grass

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body - Walt Whitman