Still playing with dolls; why am I still fascinated after 30 years?

One of the best parts of One World, One heart for me was meeting new friends and discovering some amazing art and the blogs that go with it along the way.  I've always been intrigued with altered art and constantly find myself compelled to use that venue for artistic exploration.  So, it's not surprising that a lot of the artists and their blogs that captured my attention were focused on mixed media.  Lately, I'm seeing a LOT of paper dolls, and I LOVE what I'm seeing.  I want to make some to accompany my altered books......this is what's been niggling in the back of my mind the last few days-and my muse is getting louder and louder in her emphasis that I NEED to make a paper doll  Or two, or even three, but definitely at least one.  I've told her that I don't really have time right now- I'm supposed to be getting ready for a show in six weeks, she doesn't care......

So, you'll probably be seeing my efforts at altered dolls in the next week or so, unless they're awful.  For now, please allow me to show you some examples of art dolls that have been a major source of inspiration for me.  Not to copy mind you, but to get in step with and make my own........

"Don't Wake the Gryphon"  by Laura Haviland of Creative Whispers

 

This is "Grandmother Tree" by Cheryl of Healing Woman

"Letters from Paris" from Bockel24

And here are several that I admire from Etsy artisits....

"Messenger of Spring" by Julia Peculiar

Faerie Paper Doll by Paper Whimsy

"Jumping Jack Ballerina Doll Lousia" by Hope and Joy Studios

Take a look at my beautiful present!

One of my favorite blogs I found on One World, One Heart was Creative Whispers by Laura Haviland.  I've been following her ever since.  She creates the most wonderful art dolls with stamping, painting and collage- I LOVE them!  In fact I featured her work in a prior blog post HERE.  Anyway, she recently created this doll that I loved so much, I asked if I could buy it, and she wouldn't accept payment but sent it to me in the mail instead.  I love, love, LOVE the colors in this- I AM a purple girl, and of course cats are close to my heart too!  I have this prominently displayed on my desk and it makes me smile each time I see it.  Laura is working on getting an Etsy shop up and running, and when she does, I'll be sure to blog about it.
Cheers!
Stephanie

Weekly Challenge at Inspiration Avenue, "Masquerade"

For the weekly challenge at Inspiration Avenue, Shel chose the theme to be "At the Masquerade Ball".  I've found myself drawn to harlequin references lately- as a teen they used to be one of my favorite things to paint- in fact I collected  Sylvestri dolls to use as references and sold my paintings of them to friends!  Anyway, I had fun going down memory lane with this- be warned, you may see more soon!:

 I've painted it on canvas paper and mounted it onto a book cover to be used in one of my journals.  I want to do a few more touch ups on her face but mostly I like the painterly quality of this and am happy with it.  I'm also linking this to Paint Party Friday a place filled with wonderful art and artists- go check them out!  Also don't forget to stop by Inspiration Avenue to see who else is at the Masquerade Ball........

Happy Friday!
Stephanie