ART DOLLS (rustic)

First I would like to say that these are not my original ideas.  I found sisters like these strutting and frolicking  along the pages of a "Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine and drew my inspiration from them. Actually I started with one to see if I could make it work...and it did...and my sisters grew in number. So right up front I'm confessing, telling you that I was inspired by the work of another artist (more creative than myself).

Cut a pattern from a sturdy piece of paper. If you are "going green" use something recycled.  The size is approximately 2 1/2" at the top and 1 1/2" at the bottom with a length of about 6".  Cut 2 pieces from fun fabric.  Put right sides together and stitch around (1/4" seam) leaving a space of about 1 1/2" to turn. Turn and stuff with stuffing!  Sew up side to make a funny puffy thingy.  Using embroidery floss stitch the legs up the middle as shown.

Acrylic paint works for the face.  It is best to paint it twice making sure the color sinks into the fabric.  Next cut off a 30" piece of wire (20 gauge).  Fold in half to mark a center point, then twist one end 3 times around a pencil - then around a smaller stick like a skewer until you come almost up to your middle mark.  Carefully push the arm through the doll a little in front of the seam.  Repeat on the other side to make a two armed doll!  By releasing your adult notions of how things should be and recapturing the heart and imagination of a child, you too may create a one of a kind Art Doll.  Dipping her feet in Elmer's glue and then in glitter gives your Art Doll's toes a little twinkle.

I added beads, a simple cotton frock and not yet having suitable "hair," I found gladiola blooms usable for this photo shoot.  Yarn and a glue gun work wonders for more permanent hair.  Having recently spent a week on an island, I decided to make this Art Doll tropical.  While all of this colorful play is good clean fun, it has the tendency to become highly addictive and has been known to be contagious!

               She now has her new "do" of fine yarn and trimmings making her a lovely tropical babe!