This doll is for a friend I have never met - a person that has gone through so much in the last year and a half, much of it no one should have to endure. I feel a certain kinship with her because of it.
Not long ago she decided to lighten her load of beads by having a contest on her blog, she posted a picture of a flower and to anyone that could identify the flower she would send beads - I was one of the many lucky winners. Her offer was generous, the beads plentiful and beautiful!
The velveteen form was made by Monica Magness and the face by Jen Martin, a favorite combination of mine.
I used several of the beads received in that package on this doll. The green matte ab beads you see here are just one example
I added the little triangle beads from my own stash.
I recently received Robin Atkins latest book - Heart to Hands Bead Embroidery. In this book are some wonderful new techniques to try. One is 'ruffles' which I used on the back of the doll. It was really fun to try something new that adds texture.
The hair... oh the wonderful hair. I seem to be a bit stuck with long lush hair of late, I thoroughly enjoy adding it, this one was no exception.
Doris - I hope you like your doll and that she warms your heart and brings you many smiles!
15 comments:
Grace,
I, too, have become friends with Doris these past few months due to shared experiences. I can think of no one who would appreciate this beautiful doll more than she would. You are a wonderful friend.
Arline
Grace, Not only does your beautiful doll warm my heart and bring a smile to my face (after the initial tears) but she will remind me of not only your kindness but also the many unexpected kindnesses shown to me over the last year and a half. And the many new friends I have.
Your doll is exquisite and I will treasure her forever. Thank you!
This doll is exquisite Grace. And even more so bceause it was made by someone who has such a beautiful heart. I am sure Doris will adore it as much in person.
Bless you for your kindness!
I think it is one of your most beautiful doll, it seems to radiate light - or is it love ?
The hair is especially gorgeous.
It's a super doll. I'm sure the gifting was appreciated even more than the doll if that's possible!
Is the velveteen better, no different or more difficult to work on than regular cotton fabric?
There is always something so very special about your beaded dolls, Grace. Must be that giving spirit you employ while making them . . .
Kathy V in NM
Grace, to repay you for your kindness, I have now tagged you on my blog .......... Sorry :-(
Oh Grace...she is just beautiful!!!
I know Doris will treasure and cherish her! I agree with Kathy, there is something so very special about your beaded dolls. It is that giving spirit and your big heart...no doubt about it! You are a sweetheart!
~Lisa ;-)
Sheesh... thanks friends.
Arline, thank you - I know you have worked through so many of the same heartaches and it's not easy, I admire you so much.
Doris - I'm so very pleased!
I have to tell you all that when I bead my dolls - maybe you do the same - but I tend to think about the person I am beading it for while I'm working on it, all happy thoughts. I imagine (and even picture) the positive thoughts woven in with and amongst the beads.
So I do infuse them with light and love as much as I can while working with them.
I enjoy the process immensely and believe it helps me quite a bit to be happier, which quite frankly is a struggle at times.
Timaree I missed your question in my last comment. The velveteen is a bit more difficult to bead on. Because of the pile (is that the right word?) the beads can sometimes get a bit lost, also it seems that your needle may not be going in and coming out exactly where you intended, there is more 'give' I guess is how I'd put it. With cotton I know exactly where my needles goes in and comes out - not so with the velveteen. I like the way it feels when I'm working with it though, but not something I'd like to bead on all the time. I hope that helps!
Thanks for the info Grace.
This doll turned out gorgeous!She's going to love it. I really like the close up on that spiral beading shot. When I actually find time to bead(which isn't very often these days), i think beading in a spiral pattern is one of my favorite things to do...it take very little focus and yet it's very hypnotic and calming. But beading the hair (fringe) is always the funnest part of beading a doll...it's a license to go crazy.
Ronda
OO la la!
GORGEOUS!!!!!
Keep going...
keep going.
XO, Me
p.s. I'll be puttin' up new forms this week in etsy. Thanks for pimpin' my site, sorry to keep ya'll hanging soooooo long if you've been looking
What a pretty, pretty doll.
And what a beautiful,thoughtful gift.
Ronda, Monica, Jewels - thank you for stopping by and leaving comments.
Ronda - I have a 'thing' for spirals too, especially in 2 colors. And hair... well I think I've made it pretty clear how much I LOVE beading hair :-) License to go crazy for sure!
Post a Comment