Artistic Figures In Cloth (AFIC)

Lost in the Summer Heat

2011-08-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

On the heels of Artistic Figures in Cloth followed a whirl wind of activity, none of it included interviewing teachers, presenting art work or reviewing books for this blog. So I thought I would give you a picture trail of my late spring and summer activities. Then I will have you caught up with my 4 month hiatus from the blog. I will not have to go through apologies for my lack there of and go right back reporting items of interest.

AFIC staff all volunteer all happy to help

Artistic Figures in Cloth was over the staff went home. Someone needed to clean up and finalize everything. Mike and I had the job of finishing everything off. Paying the last of the bills, packing up the props and supplies that would be used for Artistic Figures in Cloth & Clay 2013 and preparing the CD with the pictures from the convention. This took most of the month of May to complete all of that and then some. The next thing we knew May was over and then came June.

Cyndy relaxing at the tea

June would prove to be here and gone before I knew it. Mainly because of a decision I had made back in the winter of 2010. I planned a party for mid June. It seemed logical at the time. I would have a Mad Hatter Tea Party in my back yard. This would get me out in the yard to plant, mulch, weed, mow and do all those task that were not attended to because of the preparation of AFIC. Otherwise I will just want to rest and putting of the these chores. All the while my yard would grow wild and the neighbors would grow angry.

The rain was crazy this year. I had to work in the yard between down pours. The heat came in and it seemed more like August then June. The party was planned for the second week in June. Working between the rain and the in the miserable heat I managed to get everything in order.The yard looked great the flowers were beautiful and the garden gleamed but I have to tell you. All the while I was working I was thinking....It seemed like a good idea at the time. To properly decorate this crazy party table I stopped at Thrift stores on the way home from work every night picking up miss matched china, tiers, and Mad Hatter type items to decorate the table and yard. The Party was so much fun. We had finger foods, tea and jam, fruit and honey, scones and cupcakes. There was a Cheshire cat in the tree and Kraft of potions with tags that said "drink me" and little cakes that said "eat me". The only thing missing was the Queen of Hearts and the Crockett set....maybe next year.

June was practically over by this time. Next on my agenda was Kids Camp. Grandview Museum of Arts and Crafts runs a 6 week Kids Camp. This runs from the last week of June through the first week of August. I committed to prepare and teach 4 classes this year. I love working with children and teaching any art and crafts to them is as much fun for me as it is for the kids.

We made Troll huts for the trolls the kids made earlier in the week. I partnered the kids up and using Stiffy, fabric and hair driers we created miss shaped huts. We added tea lights in a bundle of raffy making what looked like a camp fire in the center of the hut. The class was loads of fun and everyone helped their partner during the drying process. They loved watching fabric turn into a stiff hut.

The second class were puppets made from socks and felt. My favorite class was the paper clay classes. Baby birds and turtles were made and painted all the same day. To speed up the process we used Styrofoam balls in the center with a light covering of paper clay and dried them in the dehydrators. The lizard class is the kids all time favorite. They wrap toy lizards in ribbons and threads then they glue beads and jewels onto the wrappings.

Hidden Treasures
adorn with ribbon works.

Now August has arrived and the summer is almost over but not quite. I have a class to teach in my guild. It is a class technique on ribbon works. Not embroidery ribbons but manipulation of ribbon to be used on costumes, and art works. I wanted to teach 4 very specific types and variations of working ribbon and have a project that was completed at the end of the class. How to make something that did not look over ribbonated! Yes you can have too much of a good thing. So the idea of creating more than a doll to put them on came to mind. Using paper Mache boxes I was able to create a space inside and outside the boxes to apply the ribbon techniques to. Along with the decoration of the bust. These are two of the samples. I also have two more in the works, a Goth and a Halloween theme.

My class is ready to teach on the 27th of August but before that happens I am taking a vacation. New York, NY for a bit of shopping, sight seeing , taking in a play and dinner. I am driving into PA to visit my sister and then taking a train into the city to have a darn good time. When I get back I will be as right as rain and ready to post!

Susie McMahon - No Words Needed Just Pictures

2011-04-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

I can't express the artistry that Susie McMahon possesses. Her uniqueness of expression and skill in figurative art is amazing. Susie is what most Art Doll and figurative artist aspire to. Not only is her work creative, new and inspirational. She easily swings from a progressive figurative art to traditional art dolls and then without a blink of an eye she is making something playful you might even classify it as cute. You will never be able to pigeon hole Susie but you can take one look at her work and you know it was created by a master artist. You can visit Susie's web site click here

Susie McMahon is packing her bags and checking them twice. Once she boards that plane there is no way she can have someone send her a little something she has forgotten? Susie is from Australia and she is one of two Australian artists coming to Artistic Figures in Cloth to teach and share the joy of art doll making with us. I was so green with envy about her teaching at AFIC knowing that I would not be able to take a class with her. So I traveled down to Kentucky this past fall and took a class from her while she was on tour in the United States. Susie has been in recent years been flying the skies about once a year and teaching in the US for 3-4 months at a time. This year her trip is very short. She is only teaching two places and then back to Australia to see a new grand baby to be born. So it is not a wonder her mind, hand and heart has been working non stop on these Sweet Tweets!

I was not a surprise when her class filled with in a little over a month. In addition to AFIC Susie will also be teaching at Magic, Mischief and Mayhem in there new location Sanford, Florida. Dates for this class are April 15, 16, and 17. Class will take place in Annie Hesse’s studio. Click here to visit Magic Mischief and Mayhem web site.

Susie will have a few dolls to sell at AFIC so be sure to save your pennies. They are so hard to resist.

Fine Cloth Dolls by Leta Benedict

2011-03-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to Leta Benedict as a artist and a teacher

Leta Benedict - First Flight

I often say you can tell how good a teacher is by what their students produce. Leta has a special way about her that allows beginners and advanced students to feel not only comfortable but they thrive in her workshops. She is able to instruct all levels as a group then attend to each one of her student individually. As a student you get the maximum benefit no madder what your skill level is. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Above is the workshop Leta taught at Artistic Figures In Cloth in 2003 “First Flight”. I was fortune enough to get pictures of two of her student’s creations.

Vicki Lamer's First Flight AFIC 2003 became
Don't Drink and Fly

Liz Seibold First Flight AFIC 2003

Vicki Lamer was a advanced-beginner doll maker (this is a beginner doll maker with good sewing skills) at the time she took the class. Liz Seibold in was a Advanced doll maker. They were both in the same class, they both got the same instruction and they both received individual attention. Yet each of them could indulge themselves in their own vision while creating a fabulous art figure. Beginner or advance, Leta had what it took to guide them through the process. Her students do not get frustrated, or feel left out. Advance students do not get bored or feel like they are miles ahead of the class. Neither student had ever used Leta’s particular technique before, how could they so easily master the techniques? It is simply, Leta is a teacher and a darn good one. She holds nothing back, sharing her knowledge and skill. You can see it in her work. You can see it in her students work.

Memories - Leta Benedict

Bastet - Leta Benedict

Leta loves to make figures with delicate features. Her costuming is detailed, she pays attention to color and how the fabric flows on the dolls body. This adds to the doll by giving it movement and character. Do you like china doll faces? Does the seam line bother you? Leta makes the most pristine faces out of cloth. No seam line. Yes these dolls are all made out of cloth. As you can see from these different close ups of her dolls there are no seam lines down the front of the face.

Vivian's Masquerade - Leta Benedict

Leta had taken several years off from art dolls, and art to take care of her family. She is now ready to jump back into pattern making, and teaching. I was so happy when she answered the call to apply to AFIC 2011. Many people have been waiting for her to teach again.

Her one day class for Bastet is full but Vivian’s Masquerade 2 day class still has a few openings.The figure is free standing, and has a lot of wonderful elements to it. Leta would be happy to have doll makers and artist of all levels. Full view of this class can be found at AFIC Click Here

I could tell you about Fran Parrigan Meehan

2011-02-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

STOP DREAMING YOU CAN SOMEDAY MAKE ART DOLLS

START LIVING THE DREAM!

Fran Parrigan Meehan can show you the way

I could tell you that Fran has been published in magazines, Cloth Dolls & Animals, Doll Crafter, Doll Crafter & Costuming, and Dolls. I could tell you she was asked to send a doll to the museum: Janina Monkute-Marks museum in Lithuania.

I could tell you Fran has an Art Doll in Patti Medaris Culea fifth book Creative Cloth Explorations. I could tell you that she has taken college courses in fashion and pattern design.

I could tell you you lots of impressive facts about Fran, but nothing is more impressive than an artist work. Fran designs, creates dolls and other artsy in various art mediums. Experimenting with all kinds of products and new techniques, Fran has mastered the art and teaching of doll making in cloth, mixed mediums, collage, paper collage, wire, odds & ends stuff, clay and all other artsy mediums. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to creating artistic figures.

I could tell you Fran submitted a large volume of work to be considered at AFIC. It is much easier to show you. I had to pick only two pieces from all the classes she offered. I am only showing the close up pictures of the faces here. I am sure you will recognize the attraction to her classes. Outstanding facial work! Are you a beginning doll maker? Are you a Doll Artist improving your detailing skills? Her workshops are geared for you. Fran’s AFIC workshops concentrate on sculpting, applied costuming and face painting with a critical eye for fine skill detailing that will make each one of there art works come alive.
I could tell you how Fran loves to manipulating ribbons, paper, wire mesh, beads, dried flowers, stems, feathers and anything else I can find. She has developed a way to preserve and use rose pedals on dolls. Yes I said delicate, thin rose pedals! How cool is that? Her class Flutter Rose is a study of face sculpting, painting and preservation of nature utilizing rose pedals. These pedals are a permanent feature on the body of the figure.

Flutter Rose AFIC Workshop

See the classes that were chosen for AFIC Click here

I could tell you what Fran told me about her classes.
"My classes would be good for the beginner and others. Especially if they want to learn how to draw and color the face, sew the body, attach the head, arms and legs to the body, use decorative fabric for arms & legs, make shoes and clothing, etc etc. Delphine Rose is a fun doll to make. She can have any costume the student wants her doll to have. Flutter Rose would be good for the beginner also. Using my real rose technique for the body is really interesting and fun. Haven't seen it done before. I'll also show how to use other colors on the rose petal to make them various other colors."

I could tell you you that there are many sides to Fran’s art, but seeing is believing. One of her passions is sculpting from clay. She sculpts a face or figure from the waist up from polymer clay. She then sends them off to a master mold maker, Jeff Goshon. Although Fran has taken mold making classes, she feels that her time is better spent on creating. Learning and mastering well made molds is an art of its own. I was so impressed with the quality of her molds I ask Fran if she would demonstrate her molds during the Ice Cream Social Saturday night. To my surprise she has just finished two brand new molds, Victoria and Le Pincushion Lady. She will also have many different face molds too. I was delighted that she chose AFIC to debut her new little darlings. Molds are easy to use. You can use clay, paper clay, pulp paper, air dry clay, bread dough clay

I could tell you you Fran has taken sculpting classes with Earlene Maple Bromer, Lewis Goldstien, Helidagrad Guzel, Sherry Goshon, Maryann Oldenburg, Marilynn Huston, Diane Keeler and Helidagrad Guzel

I could tell you so many things about Fran. But I believe she best says it best her self. Quoting a phrase she coined in 1996

“Dolls Are My Canvas Within My Soul”

Visit Fran at AFIC or see her anytime at her blog:

Cris Cross

2011-02-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

Beyond the Troll: Basic Face Felting

Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the best felting teachers. Artistic Figures In Cloth only allows teachers to teach two years in a row. Then they must take a year off. This helps me to rotate teachers and keep the convention fresh. This is Esther Bechler second year teaching at AFIC; she will have to take 2013 off, and can not be invited back until 2015. Her classes are packed full of little details and unique tricks of the trade.

Esther specializes in felting and applied felting. The detail she puts into all her figures is amazing giving them a life of their own. She can not resist adding those special little touches that makes her dolls and critters take on movement. She is always adding special touches. Self taught she has had no fear in creating out side of the box. Esther is obsessed with felting and has developed interesting and different classes with the ideal workshops so anyone can learn. She could care less if you are a first time or advanced felter. Esther can teach you to felting great faces. Her class this year is devoted to taking you Beyond the Troll face and right into needle felted faces.

I could not resist showing some of her critters, She taught a bear workshop in 2009. She gave her students the freedom to create any type of bear they wanted, it was so much fun. As you can see humanizing fruit and vegetables is not out of her realm either. She can create just about anything using a felting needle and some wool.

Cris Cross
Felting skills can be used many different ways and Esther's puppets are leading the way!

Felting on a commercial purse

The other workshop she is instructing, Fellowship of the Sleeve, may just seem juvenile at first but take a closer look! This class has all the fabulous felting techniques and you can learn them in just one day. This technique can be used to cross over to applied felting, purses, table runners – uses in dry felting faces, eyes, ears and wet felting for bags, felting fabric techniques. You truly get to experiment with all aspects of felting ins one day not to mention the adorable little creatures you end up with. “Fellowship of the Felted Sleeve” was chosen for artist that want to add three basic techniques to there fiber skill set. I believe that all artist are in search for something they can add to their skill set. Mix and Match or Criss Cross, find it here and take it to a new place. This is what makes an artist work unique.

Fellowship of the Felted Sleeve has all the elements you need. Esther uses many of the techniques in this class to create other items and add to her existing dolls and bags, sweaters.

Fellowship of the Sleeve
A Class that leads the way teaching Wet felting, Dry Felting and applique techniques all in one day.

There was one other aspect to choosing this class. We have so many Special Teachers, Professional Art Therapist that could use these very puppets created in class to help them in their chosen field. We also have Child Care givers which includes you Grandma and Mom. How fun can it be to learn these techniques to use on future projects and also take a gift back from AFIC and share it with someone you love?
To learn more about Fellowship of the Sleeve and Beyond the Troll: Basic Needle Felted Faces Click Here

Hands on Sculpting with Linda Misa

2011-01-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Clay sculpture - Linda Misa

Don't miss the opportunity of a life time, to take classes this spring with Linda Misa. Linda is a master sculptor from Australia, making her first appearance in Columbus, Ohio at Artistic Figures in Cloth. I can not tell you how happy I am to have her with us. She works in clay, paper clay, ceramic, fabric, felts, sews and does a lot of altered work. This is her very first time, teaching here in the United States. I urge everyone to take a good look at all the different elements she will be teaching in her workshops, they are packet with techniques. I love to talk about artist. I thought it would be an nice change of pace if Linda to wrote a few words of her own. Instead I am going to let you read what she wrote and dot this feature with some of her sculptures she has done over the years.

This will be my first teaching trip to the US and I am so looking forward to meeting up and getting to know so many of the people that have been on my "to meet" list. I really hope to share my passion for making art out of what we have collected up around us. Using up the old and seemingly useless and making it into something precious and original.

For me, "making" is the corner stone of what I love to do. Letting my brain work out ways of how I can make into reality the images and thoughts that I want to share. Dolls are my story board, my dialogue of the pathways I am walking, the environment I am living in and the hopes that I hold. Being able to share skills with other like minded people is what keeps me sane!

Sculpted and recycled objects

I want my children to grow up with the knowledge that they are capable of doing/making things for themselves...I need to show that I practice what I preach and what enjoyment that gives me. We are all travelling in times that need us to think about our footprint we leave and though I am no world changer I can make a difference to my own world. I love to see them with tools in their hands, "fixing" something and solving a problem for themselves.

It is with each doll I make, a new connection to someone else out there, it humbles and encourages me to know that in some small way I have helped make someone else life a little better. Come join me in this journey.

To see the techniques taught in the Paper Clay Altered fabric Class click on

"PHYLLIS...MAKING SURE SHE FLEW AS HIGH AS SHE COULD...."

Linda Misa- Starting point creating a doll from her collage

I know I said I would not go on and on..... How I love to talk about artist. Oh but that would not do! I have to add a bit about Linda's collage work. Artist like to mix things up, dipping our fingers in other types of art work. I think this is what makes great artist better than great. Every time you learn something new you add a new dimension to your dolls. Linda is adding some new and special elements to this class Imagine, with templates for faces just in case you have those face jitters. Collage on a flat surface today and collage on an three-dimensional service tomorrow is what I say. Take the class beyond where you found it. Linda is just the person to help you do that.

Fly with Linda - let your inter self grow wings

If you love these things - Dolls, Collage, Paper Arts, Recycling, Painting, Face Painting Stamping and love creating something new and different. Check out this class it has so many great elements to it a girl can not help but having fun!

Click here to check out the Collage class

A Good Class Never Grows Old - Patti LaValley

2011-01-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of this blog spot and reviewing Patti's web site when there she was, no not Patti, Mavis - there was Mavis! Mavis is one of the many art dolls for sale in Patti's on site "Doll Shop". I fell in love with this creation as soon as I saw it. What I can't believe is that it is still for sale! I remember when I first saw it and thought why has she never applied to AFIC to teach ethnic face painting. I had forgotten that this doll was what possessed me to pick up the phone and beg Patti to teach the class. What I can not believe is that was six months ago and the doll has not sold yet. Mavis has such personalty however, she does have a lot of competition. Half the dolls that were up on her site for sale are now gone. Patti is an accomplished doll maker and she makes dolls of all types and offers them for sale on in her Doll Shop, not to mention an array of patterns. But Mavis is still my all time favorite Click here to see 2 full pages of Patti's Doll Shop

Back to my begging....When I called her, Patti that is not Mavis, her first comment was, "Oh Cyndy this is an old class, I have not taught that in a long time. I just do not think people would want to take it." I knew that was wrong because I wanted to take the class. It takes a different mind set and skills to paint faces on dark fabric. I wonder how many people have really taken classes on painting facial features on dark fabric? I am sure many but many more would like to learn this technique.

Treasure - Ethnic Face Painting

From what I understand painting on dark fabic is working with a negative, everything is in reverse. Just because you know something doesn't mean you can do it. At least it does not apply to me. I don't know about you but, I have enough trouble keeping my mind work in forward motion, let alone throw it in reverse without any guidance. I was thinking that just maybe I was not alone and other doll artist would like to get the chance to explore and expand their face painting skills in a new direction. It was then I began to beg Patti to teach ethnic face painting class at AFIC. Well perhaps not exactly beg but strongly encourage her to revive this class and make an old class new again. I am so glad we both took the chance and offered up the class. The class is filling up nicely and is already half full. I should think it will be full by the end of the winter. Click here to see what this class has to offer. There are two other samples of the doll. Remember with Patti you get the whole package. The face painting, the cloths and the doll and the dolls doll! Her cute little partner gets a face painting too!

Ethnic face painting is not the only class Patti is offering. The play on words "The Fishwife" offered up a strange little seine. Patti has a great love for animals; I suppose it was not that big of a leap for her to transform the groom into a handsome fish. The Fishwife workshop has so many different techniques it makes it super attractive class. I would love to explain the whole class for you but with all this class has to offer you would be better going straight to the AFIC web site to read everything. Click here to see more about The Fishwife. However I will include a few picture and a brief explanation of the the class. One of the great things about Patti's class sewing machines are optional. If you do not need help with your sewing homework then you can leave your machine at home. But if you are still in need of a little help and would feel better with Patti's help with some aspects, bring your machine. Better yet bring a friend and take the class together and share a machine. It is all good!

Fishwife

Can you believe this class! It is packed full of doll making techniques, face sculpting, face painting, finger turning, stuffing, paper clay over cloth, painting. What really is interesting is the strange little fish.

Patti will walk you through the process of making this fish using paper clay over cloth. I just love the animation and brilliant colors used!

Patti is traveling all the way from Oregon. She is so glad to be back. Patti taught at Artistic Figure in Cloth 2005, and we are delighted to have her back. Anyone that frequents the on line doll journals, online classes or buys patterns knows of Patti, she is always chimming in on and offering help and sharing her dolling experiances. It is a great opportunity to meet, this extraordinary artist.

All Dolled Up - Hat and Heels Banquet & More

2010-12-15T14:54:00.000-08:00

Joyce Compton, Chris Fondi, Emily Eckel, Nancy Forsythe AFIC - Poster Hat Girls

I wanted to share pictures from AFIC Hat and Heel opening night banquet. I also wanted to up date you on some of the events awaiting everyone attending. There are a lot of things to do in 3 days and 4 nights. This Convention is packed with excitement. You will leave with new friends and a renewed zest for your art work, or by-golly I haven’t done my job.

All activities are designed to invite and encourage you to jump right in and join the fun. I believe that the very first time we meet sets the pace for the entire convention. So we begin with the Hat and Heels Banquet. Ready - Set - Go and we don't stop till the convention is done. The pace is set, and you are going to have the time of your life.

Hat and Heels Opening Banquet

Most everyone wears a hat, heels are optional thank goodness! At AFIC 2003 most everyone came wearing a hat that was suitable for any afternoon tea. With the exception of a few wild cards, the hats were very tame. The Hat Police issue tickets to non-wearing hatters and awarded prizes to the over the top hats . A few of the hats were not only hand made but interesting and total outlandish. To artist this is like planting little seeds, which by the way took root and grew. Half the students in 2005 made fabulous and/or outlandish head wear. Then hats began to take on a life of their own when 2007 rolled around. By 2009 full costuming was accompanying some of the hats. This coming year 2011 is a going to be crazy fun. I find myself thinking about my hat and what I am going to wear, all the time! It is funny how one idea can grow into a “Thing” but make no mistake about it the Hat and Heels night is a Run Way Show of Hats. Bring your camera you don’t want to forget a moment of this.

We always play a game at the opening banquet. This year I have something special planned I know you will love it. When the banquet is over the instructors have a smorgasbord of goodies for everyone to look at and purchase. This is a great opportunity to meet every teacher, purchase patterns and dolls.

2005 Project Runway Game- Hat and Heels Banquet

Ice Cream Social, Demos and Shopping!

One of the events this year is the Ice Cream Social. This has been added to the Saturday evening events along with demo by teachers and vendors.I hope it proves to be fun. I love for everyone to get a chance to be chatty, mix and get to know each other, in an informal setting. This will be a great way to eat, be entertained and shop all at the same time. “No Sugar Added” Ice Cream for our diabetic friends will also be available, so don't think for one minute we are going to leave you out of this. The Social will take place as workshops begin to let out at 4:00pm and go till 6:00pm. There will demos going on while you enjoy your treat and of course shopping will be in the area so there will be lots to see and do. This will be the perfect pick me up we need after class. Demos, shopping and ice cream what a great way to start the evening! It has always been my philosophy that one should all eat desert before dinner. This way you are never too full for the best part of the meal.

Izzy Swap'm

As I said the Ice Cream Social is a great way to start out the late afternoon early evening on Saturday. I am going to let you take a couple of hours and break for dinner but make sure you are back in time for Izzy Swap'm. This is the one event that had everyone reeling with excitement in 2009. Izzy is the mascot of AFIC but that is a whole other story. Izzy's Swap’m is a a fun evening where you giving away, trade or sell of your stuff. Not everyone brings stuff and that is okay because we want our stuff to go to a good home and that home just might be your home! This was such a hit in we brought it back by popular demand. A NIGHT ABOUT STUFF..... Last year we ended up with 8 tables of give away stuff and not a thing left at the end of the convention. Students will be bringing in stuff; their extra stuff, stuff they have too much of or need to get rid of, giving away stuff is nice but you can sell your stuff too! There will be sale tables, with great items, of wonderful things to for purchase. It was a Hoot!

Mary Lauer

These are only three of the big events going to take place during the convention. I have not begun to talk about the Goodie bags, silent auctions, exhibits, challenge, daily sales tables, Up till Midnight Crazy Doll and Mystery Dinner Theater. All I can say! Get plenty of sleep before you come. I plan on starting on Thursday night and not stopping till Sunday. Be ready to have the time of your life.

See you in April 2011 Cyndy Sieving

AFIC Web Site for these events and more click here

Natalie Hamade - The Art and the Deal

2010-11-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Four Season Challenge

Summer 1st place Butterfly Catcher

The Art

I would like to introduce you to Natalie Hamade. She is full of life, talkative and ready to teach her secrets about doll making and painting. Yes I said painting. We have all stumbled into the art doll world from different back grounds quilting, sculpting, wood working. Natalie loves to paint and will paint on just about anything. She has an etsy shop where she sells her dolls, prints, pillows, wearable art pins and even drawer pulls. You see Natalie designs interiors in her day-to-day life so she cannot help but to create items for the home.

I first met Natalie, by way of a contest she entered in Doll Crafter Costuming. The contest was The Four Seasons Challenge and I was the pattern designer for the magazine. The design was a simplistic pattern that could be adapted easily. Each season had a winner. Natalie won the “summer” Four Season Challenge. Her winning dolls appearing in the September issue of 2007 with the piece she named “Butterfly Catcher.” Right away I knew she was different, she had a face painting style all her own. The Butterfly Catcher had an artistic charm.

Adora Bella - AFIC workshop

In order to keep Art Doll making interesting we need new things to learn. Natalie was an artist with her own voice. I contacted her right away for the 2009 convention. Natalie was not shy but she was hesitant to teach. She had small children and an interior decorating business to think about. I totally understood, but I never give up.

When I called for applications for 2011, I contacted her. This time she was ready to dive right in. Her children were older, she had taught several doll making classes, she had her own blog and etsy shop and now was ready to forge ahead and teach at a national convention.

Ostrich Show Girl

The Deal

I asked her to teach the Ostrich Show Girl along with the Wearable Art Design class she had submitted. She said no, she wanted to do something new. I told her my true desire was to have a challenging class, one that her students had to step outside of their comfort zone. I wanted her to design a workshop with in depth face painting of a different color and tones. For this I had to wait to see what she would come up with, it made me very nervous. I was not the least bit disappointed. For those that have been drawing and mastering face painting this is the next step. Her class will include new techniques in face painting but she will introduce you to a whole realm of materials to use while layering on color for richer looking face.

See Natilies Class offerings at AFIC click here.

Pillows, Prints, Paintings, Wearable Art and More

Painting

Wearable art Pin

Pillow

To satisfy my own curiosity I ask Natalie what she was going to bring for the instructors Thursday night sale. You see I am saving my pennies up for that night. I really want some of her work. I inquired about some items I thought I would like to see in person, like prints, original mixed-media paintings, face pins, drawer pulls, aprons, wearable arts and pillows. She said yes all of that along with limited editions of various ATC's, and “stuff" fabric, trims, and beads. She also is considering giving out discount coupons for some of her on-line classes she will be offering next year.

You can currently find many items for sale on Natalies etsy Shop Click here or join Natilies blog and keep up with what she is making and will be bringing to AFIC instructors sale.

Purse

The Art of Desgin -Stephen Rausch

2010-11-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

Industial Revolution

     What a charmed life it must be to work in a field that you love. Then retire and continue your life creating amazingly art in a new way and new format. This seems to be Stephens’s story and what a story it is.

     As a young man Stephen graduated with a BA in Spanish and Theater Arts. He moved to Cincinnati Ohio and a friend of his had a small dance wear business. After he joined him they added costumes. Soon the costuming out sold the dance wear. They built this small company into a business named Schenz Theatrical Supply Inc. one of the largest theatrical costume companies in that region.

     Over the years the company costumed universities, the community and high-school theaters. Their customs graced to likes of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, PBS specials for Orchestras, several museums displays. The list is endless and it goes on to including the Cincinnati Symphony, Opera, and Ballet.

Stephen believes that a great influence in his life was J. Edgar Joseph, the head of wardrobe for New York City Opera. Meeting him early in his career he always looked upon him as a mentor. It was from him he learned two important lessons: attention to detail and costume design. He learned not only to pay attention to the cloths, but also the manners, and historical content of the period.

Stephen designs and creates absolutely everything for his dolls. He designs the clothing sculpts the doll, makes the furniture and sets their seine. It is an overall theatrical look paying close attention to each and every detail Stephen produces a spectacular art doll in an environment fitted to the time period. Stephen gave us a little inside information on just how important designing is for the overall look of his dolls. See more of Stephen's work click here

"The Flirt - Lucille Adjusts Her Garter"

If there was only one bit of information that I could pass on to present and future doll artists, it would be the importance of studying the cut of the period costumes and how that cut, in conjunction with the fabrics used, determines the drape of the garment. As an example, The Flirt-Lucille Adjusts Her Garter” is dressed in an afternoon visiting suit from about 1908. She is daintily lifting her skirt and petticoat to expose her garter stocking. The skirt cascades in a very fluid S-shape. This was achieved by cutting the skirt as it would have been cut in 1908. One could never achieve this look by simply taking a width of fabric and gathering or pleating it to fit the waist. It is all about the cut, the fabric, scale and proportion.

Stephen will be teaching Designing and Patterning Period Clothing at Artistic Figures in Cloth. We have anticipated a demand for his classes. Stephen will be teaching the same one day class for three days straight. It is a good thing we signed him on for all three days, his class has been popular. It is rare that you are able to bring on a Art Doll Designer that has the in depth knowledge about period costuming and understands how to scale the pattern down to fit a small figure such as a doll.
Description and information on the class below "Designing and Patterning Period Clothing click here.

In the Beginning there was Gloria Winer

2010-11-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

AFIC Class
High Priestess Drawing Down the Moon

Gloria was not the only cloth doll maker blazing trails but it sure did seem like it to me. I didn't meet Gloria until 2009 but I had known of her long before that In 1997 I decided to see if anyone out in the world had the same desire to make cloth art dolls besides me. Thanks to the Internet, one lone voice was calling out to me, it was Gloria Winer. She seemed to know everything about art doll making across the United States. Years would pass before I took my journey and developed Artistic Figures in Cloth Convention, but can you imagine how excited I was when Gloria submitted a teaching proposal for the 2009 workshops. Now she is returning to AFIC 2011. Gloria has come up with a mind blowing 3 day class called “High Priestess Drawing Down the Moon” If you wish to see Addition pictures & infor. on class Click Here

I ask Gloria to share with us her memories of dollmaking. Gloria told me she made her first doll in 1982 a pattern by Ester Lee Foster. Then she learned to sculpt a form and drape it to create a pattern from Lenore Davis. This is where her journey began. I am sure at that time she had know idea she was about to start down a road of no return. Gloria became one of strongest voices in Cloth Art Doll making and here is how it all began.

A Story told by Gloria “MiMi” Winer

Barbara Willis and I were thinking back about Judy Waters. I mentioned to Barbara that Judy started dollmaker seminars way back in 1989. The first one was named "Dreams Do Come True", after that they were called Doll U. Barb said no, it was not Judy who began the cloth doll symposium; she reminded me that I had the first one in Chino, California back in 1987. I had forgotten about that one. Here is how it all began;

I wanted to study with artists whose work I admired but could not afford private classes. In 1985 I called Lisa and asked if she would teach a class on how she made her heads. I asked the duration and the cost. She said $100 per day for five days. I quickly asked "per student right". She thought about that for a second and said yes, of course...So I invited three friends, none of whom I had ever met but we were phone and pen palls. They were Sandra Blake from South Carolina, Marcela Welch from Ohio and Judy Mahlstadt from North Dakota. Those five days were amazing. We didn't even finish a head but the class turned into a group encounter. We all know far too much about each other to ever not be friends.

I began to invite many artists to teach at my home for 10 or 12 students. I did this for about ten years. I had recently had Lisa Lichtenfels followed a few months later with Noni Cely teaching four and five day classes at my home. When I learned that neither of them could afford to attend NIADA in Anaheim California that year I was worried. At that time there was no other venue for selling art dolls in their price range. The collectors every year gathered in one location for NIADA, ODACA and UFDC convention. There dolls could only be seen at the NIADA salesroom.

I called a friend in Chino California and asked her to help. In exchange for free classes with either Lisa or Noni, she offered to put up Lisa, Noni and myself at her home. She found a studio nearby we could hold classes. I got in touch with a motel near the studio and next door to a Denny's restaurant. I made arrangements with the hotel and the restaurant for rooms and meals, rented the two classrooms at the studio. I put a little notice in Cloth Doll Magazine, the only one we had at that time. Both classes filled quickly with waiting lists.

While I was registering folks, I noticed that there were several driving the 400 miles or so from the Bay area. I gave each of them the other numbers so they could arrange to share rides. They filled several vans and caravan down to Chino. That was the beginning of several long time friendships and a couple of doll clubs that are still going strong.

Lisa and Noni had their transportation paid to LA, earned more than enough teaching; enjoy visiting the Malibu area for a couple of days and to attend the NIADA convention after classes ended. They both sold dolls as well. To save on hotel bills Lisa Noni and I shared a room and at the last minute elinor peace bailey joined us. You can imagine all four of us with all the dolls and luggage in the same room. It was a bit crowded but lots of fun. I introduced elinor to Susi Oroyan who was president that year and within an hour elinor was giving a speech to the entire convention and throwing dolls into the audience. The rest is history....

"Needle Model a Prett Face"
2 disc DVD set 4 hr. 48 min.

Gloria’s most recent trail blazing release is her DVD “Needle Model a Pretty Face”. (Click here to read more about the DVD). Gloria will be doing an on hands demo of face sculpting free to the public on April 30, 2011. The demo will run from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. If you can’t make it to the convention as a student, pack up a gang of doll makers and make it to the hotel as a visitor. See Gloria’s demo and a chance to meet her in person. She is a wealth of information. There will be lots of activities that Saturday at Artistic Figures in Cloth, including other demos, exhibits, vendors, and artist.

AFIC 2011 a doll makers, little slice of Heaven!. Join the Fun!

Susan Barmore - To Weird to Pass Up

2010-10-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Unice-Pattern on Susan's Web site

There is no better time to introduce Susan Barmore than in the month of October. Her art work and patterns are very diverse from Fairy's to the Christmas Bugs. However, Susan's keen sense of humor explodes when it comes to Halloween.

I’ve trying to interview Susan. I wanted you to enjoy the free spirited nature she possesses. The interview itself should explain just how outside the box Susan operates. I ask Susan to help me with the write up I was doing on her. To elaborate on a few facts. She insists that her beginnings were obscure and mostly just manufactured. She stated that she actually was found under a rock in a creek. No one really knows who and what she is. A family took her in. Lovingly raised her and taught her how to eat with a fork. As the interview continued I just gave up. Acquiring any real facts was fruitless. I couldn't think of any more questions. I do believe just might be an alien from another planet. With all my probing Susan never gave up information about her life here on earth. The only thing I have to go on is the story of my own which I am about to tell you.

Owen- Pattern on Susan's Site

I am always on the look out for new talent. I look for teachers that have a fresh look on fiber art or techniques to enrich doll artistry. I like to offer students a variety of visual options pretty dolls, bold art figures, whimsical and yes just plain strange, and that is where Susan Barmore comes in. Her work is a bit on the weird and wonderful side. She fills the slot our students that like to step out of there box. The students that like to teeter on the edge and create something just a little “off kilter”. I found her on Dollmakers Journey “New Patterns” listing for the first time in 2007. Susan had her own take on the world, her dolls and patterns reflected her personality. I knew the moment I saw her work that I wanted her and that AFIC students would go bonkers over her work.

Susan has array of patterns on her site: http://frowningfrancisfolkart.com/

Taulbee 1 Day Workshop AFIC

Her web site is doted with patterns of the sweetest angels you ever saw to devil boys and devil girls. Susan’s carefree and good nature heart shines in her work. She was a bit of a pill though, and she did not come easily. When I first approached her to teach in the 2009 line up, Susan turned me down flat. At first I thought no way was I going to get her up here to the convention. Then I thought no, I was not going to let this gem get away. I needed to encourage her to come and teach. I could not believe a artist that had such a funny quirky personality could be so shy. I found out later she was not shy, I am not sure why she was so hesitant to teach outside her home town but, I had to call her twice before I convinced her she had what it took. She would be a fabulous teacher, and so she was.

Bone Bird - 1 Day Workshop AFIC

She taught at AFIC in 2009. Many people didn’t know her but her work spoke for itself and her classes filled, she was an instant success. Susan almost sold every pattern and doll she brought to Artistic Figures in Cloth. Her artistry tools are muslin, paint and a sense of humor. She has a care free way in teaching you to use a brush and paint. She takes the fear out of painting that is for sure. It is simply amazing to see these muslin creations take shape. The piece is transformed with painting techniques.

Susan will have you in stitches. She does not take anything seriously except for lunch! Thanks to her adoptive family she now can eat it with a fork!

Zombie Elephant

As you can see by her work she has quite the sense of humor. She is a great storyteller too. I am delighted to have Susan back at AFIC. She does not plan on doing any traveling and teaching until after her husband retires. So I feel truly lucky she is willing to come up from Kentucky to join us again this year.

Susan is offering three weird and wonderful classes this coming year. Bone Bird, Zombie Elephant and Taulbee, to see more about her classes click here AFIC Susan Barmore

If you can figure out if she is alien or human let me know.

Lillian Alberti - AFIC Delightful Discovery

2010-09-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

Princess and the Pea

I am constantly on the look out for Doll Artist that have something different to offer. As much as I would love to say I discovered Lillian, Lillian discovered me. She has stepped out of her great state of New York, she was ready to travel looking for work. I was very interested in her work. It just happened that my doll club was also on the search for a spring teacher for 2010. I took her work to the club and The Guilded Lilies Doll Artist club gave me the okay to contact her for hire. We all gathered together and had a trunk show the night before the class. She sold several of the dolls and if it had not been the dreaded week of April 15, I believe she would have sold everything she brought. Her work has a unique look and fun play which makes it irresistible. Lillian plays off children’s stories then adds unexpected quirky surprises. Like this doll that sold - Princess and the Pea “Who could not believe that something so small could be so disturbing.”

Poppet Class

Lillian was not only a delightful teacher but she offers her knowledge freely and without hesitation. The Guilded Lilies had hired her to teach the Poppet class. I got to see her in action. She led us through the basics, all the while incouraging you listen to your own creative voice. Each one of us made different characters. They were uniquely our own. It was so much fun. I could not wait to add this class to Artistic Figures in Cloth. I got to know Lillian during her stay. I found out that she discovered doll making quite by accident. On her life’s journey she became a doll artist after she had already been a successful clothes designer and mother. Her life was already so wonderous and now she is on another path. I asked her to share a little of the story with you.

Awestruck Flora wonders about this mystereious crystal what secrets does it hold?
See more of Lillian's dolls for sale click here

Lillian's Doll Making Journey
I stumbled onto doll making literally by accident as a fashion student in NYC. I was strolling along Fifth Avenue, looking for design inspiration in the store front windows, when I saw the art of doll maker Van Craig in Tiffany’s window display. I knew immediately that I had to try making dolls, too! I was happy with my first creation and continued to experiment. I made several, notable one-of-a-kind Art dolls that were shown and sold at Mann Gallery in Boston. I was thrilled!!! But working as a designer/illustrator and raising a family came first, so doll making became something I did in my spare time. I continued to “play with dolls,” developing my technique and honing my skills. After sixteen years in the fashion industry, I decided to stay at home to raise my two daughters. That was ten years ago; doll making is now a full time profession for me as I now teach workshops all over the country and I’m loving every minute of it! Over the years, my doll-making style and vision has evolved; sometimes whimsical, and, yes, sometimes grotesque. I’m inspired by children’s books, nursery rhymes and, at times, by tales my children make up. Doll making has been a joy in my life and as an Art doll artist/teacher, I am always looking to reach like-minded, creative souls who might allow me to share my years of doll making experience with them!

The Cloth Paper Doll

The Poppet class is only one of the two classes she is teaching at AFIC. Lillian has developed a very intriguing class. This doll is a mix between Paper dolls, Cloth and Peek-a-boo painting techniques. Lillian’s way of building paper clay on a paper doll has endless possibilities. I immediately thought of the advantage one would have using this technique in shadow boxes, collage work or simply building on flat objects and recycled art projects. How much fun would that be? I am sure you can think of a few more ways to incorporate this method into your art. This class should be loads of fun. Along with learning out to make the Paper - Cloth doll you will be painting the peek-a-boo skirt. Lillian will assist you will your choices. The more experiance you have with painting the more detail in the skirt design you will have. Regaurdless, an elaborate landscape or a simple backdrop painting the process is fun and full of new techniques.

See details on the workshops that Lillian Alberti is offeringat AFIC click here

Leslie Molen - Art and Origin

2010-09-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

There is a long history of Santos Cage Dolls In Portugal and Spain, Santo(s) cage dolls were used in Catholic religious processions —frequently dressed in elaborate gowns and crowns. The cage body was traditionally used as a shrine with items displayed inside them such as photographs and flowers to represent celebrations. For centuries, Santos figures have been a symbolic bridge between earth and heaven. Leslie has taken artist fascination with dolls and caged skirts. She found a fantastic woodworker to make the wooden skirts for her, and the rest is history. Leslie will be teaching this spectacular new class at Artistic Figures in Cloth. AFIC-for a closer view at Leslie classes. To discover how Leslie design elements and textile choices made this Santo Cage doll and how she is going to teach others to make this cherished art piece, read on and get an insight into a fabulous workshop.

Leslie states, “I have always found a fascination with dolls and caged skirts...the skirt may be an old bird cage...something from metal... or maybe- wood, or a found object. They may vary from a simple Santos- style, to a Flemish dress form, to an altered piece with kitschy embellishments. Looking over my fabrics, I decided to use the burn-out velvet for the torso and upper arms or sleeves for this doll. I loved the vintage feel of this fabric and the subtle depths of the color- blue. In designing this doll, I chose to "joint" the arms- as in the antique Santos. For the skin tones, I used this beautiful pima knit. One of my favorite parts of the making of the doll is painting and coloring the face. It always amazes me how a little color can create such a distinct personality!"
"Details.. that is what sets your doll apart. Many of you know that I am a big fan of Japanese design. In that design things are kept clean and simple, but that simplicity is the complexity of balance. It is actually something that I strive for within my work- ask any of my students, the doll may look simple but there are very detailed techniques and thought that goes into each piece to make it beautifully balanced, clean and simple in design.

Leslie goes into a lot more depth on her blog.

I keep very close eye on the classes and how they are filling. AFIC web site open on September 1, 2010. I knew Leslie's class The Cage Skirt Santos Doll would fill up quickly. I did not know one week later that I would have more people sign up for the class than I had spaces. As of 9/8/10 there are still openings in Leslie's Madonna.

Madonna
Leslie is an artist member of the National Institute of American Doll Artists –NIADA. She is a renowned sculptor and with her guidance you to can discover the wonder of sculpting a face that is beautiful. Do you want to improve sculpting skills or learn how to sculpt with precision? Madonna is believed to have held goodness in her life. This doll was created to share love and kindness and I think you will find that so does Leslie. Leslie has so much to offer; she is determine that all her students are nurtured and walks away with excellent sculpting skills.

Welcome Back! Monika Shedden

2010-08-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Monika Shedden is one of two instructors brought back from the first Artistic Figures in Cloth in 2003. Seems she has been sewing round the clock, getting ready for a studio tour. Samples of her wonderful work like this Woodland Fairy are art pieces she is working on non stop. A group of 10 artists get together each year and open up their studios for the weekend. There is lots of food involved and hundreds of people come. Monika is so lucky she lives in a very artsy town. She has been doing this for twelve years now.

Dumas Valley School of Art has asked Monika to teach this fall. This is a dream come true come true for her. A twelve week workshop will be geared to students wanting to learn cloth doll making from beginner to advance with lots of costuming, exploring fibres and so much more. I was so excited for her when she said “I can't wait because i can do whatever I like in this class and we have twelve wonderful weeks to get creative and explore so different techniques.” The Fish Merchant is only a sample of the type of dolls and techiques Monika has to offer.

One of Monika's well known dolls is the Story teller, seen here. Monika talks about how she got started. “People always want to know how I got started. When I think back on my very first class in Erie Pa with eleanor and the subsequent doll camps in Meadville, then Wee Folk, I feel as if I am witnessing someone else's life. I could never have believed I would end up at AFIC. I remember sitting at the Faculty Table in 2003 and looking around, wondering how I came to be up here sitting with all these incredible people. I almost feel sometimes I'm just following blindly along these roads. I’ve been published in Soft Dolls and Art Doll quarterly. Teaching is the thing I love the most. Once I get started I get so excited about walking students through the steps to create their own version of the doll I designed. I always hope students feel the same sense of excitement and anticipation I felt in all the workshops I took.”

Monika will be teaching classes at AFIC get for more details and a closer view go to: Artistic Figures In Cloth Web site

Jenny is a doll I look forward to sharing. I love creating whole pieces of cloth with snippets of fabrics and fibers, adding collages, paints and creating a truly one of a kind piece. Draping this finished cloth around the doll in endless ways will produce some amazing pieces. I look forward to having students at all skill levels but especially beginner doll makers because I know they will be astonished what a few bits of fabric and threads will create. As there is no right or wrong with this doll, students will be free to unleash the artist within. I design my classes so everyone leaves with a finished doll.

Rose of the Wood is a doll I can't wait to teach. I have so many wonderful costuming techniques to share. From simple gathering, to making bubbles on painted cheesecloth with elastic thread in the bobbin. There is free motion embroidery, drape over the bodice, painting dryer sheets, stitching with decorative threads and beading. The techniques are simple but I have pages of them, so of course, no doll will be the same. These also become great head wraps for any student who wants to take a simple doll and add lots of pizzazz; I hope this is the class for them. All costuming techniques can be applied to any other project. This doll was designed to be finished in two days - no problem. My workshops are definitely not designed to just follow a pattern. But more so to get the basic figure sewn so we can get on with the good stuff.

I have already thought of a few more ideas for my workshops - By the time next April rolls around, I will have so many more things to share.

Ohio State Fair & Dolls

2010-08-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

I can not encourage you enough to get involved with your State and Locale Fairs. It is so rewarding and you can show off your work to thousands of people. Just call the administration office up and tell them you or your group wants to volunteer in the Arts & Craft section. Do demos, work on projects or Make-it-take-it interaction are all ideas that have worked for us in the past. They will jump at the chance to have you. They are always looking for ways to punch up their fair. It is a opportunity to raise awareness in your part of the world about Art Dolls.

This year The Guilded Lilies, The Doll Gatherers and the River City Artisian Group sponsored prize money for the "Hand Made Doll Competition" The showing was superb. My only regret is my picture of the cases have too much reflection so you can not see the dolls very well. However, I got some great pictures of our Make-it-Take-it project.

As you can see we use stamps and round circles of cotton fabric. Then lay a thin layer of fiber over a piece of cardboard. Just as you would make a YoYo. Run a gathering stitch around the outside edge of the fabric, pull and whala a Face pin. We made them in sets of 25. Every month we would turned them in to the OSF committee before you knew it we had over 1400 of these little Face Pins. We talked to thousands of children and adults. We dispersed information on Ohio clubs, how they could join up and find out more about Art Dolls. We show off a few dolls at our table to attract attention. Some of us worked on projects. It is great fun!

Charity Dolls for Good Deed Doers

2010-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

I just have to share with you the outstanding job The Guilded Lilies Doll Artist Guild did on their charity project this year. They pulled together and put their heart and soul into the project. The clubs one rule is that you must make a charity doll every year. This year I made the pattern so we did not have to worry about copy right issues. The pattern is very basic and simple to make. You can use scraps and mix match colors. In fact the more you mix match the more fun Scribbles and friends turn out. The group went to town! They donated fabrics, time and talent. We had 98 dolls finished by the deadline in July. All donated to Children's Service here in Columbus, Ohio. We think there is probably an additional 20 or so still out with members on vacation. When they come in those are going to the Children's Radiation Cancer center. I decided why just keep the pattern for ourselves so I posted a PDF file on my web site. I set up a special page for this pattern and would love to post the other groups that make the dolls for charity. Free Pattern

Here is a close up of some of the Charity dolls created by the members. We have a couple of artist that did most of the faces for us. As you can see they went crazy and had a blast drawing fun silly faces. Scribbles and Friends pattern is open to all ages and genders. We had the best time making them. In fact we have adopted Scribbles and friends as our official Charity doll for next year.

Fashion - A Book Worth It's Weight in Gold

2010-08-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute
Author: Akiko Fukai
ISBN 978-0-7607-8202-6

Find this book at your local library now. Buy it used or new, just get your hands on one. This is a history of the original fashion from the 18th to the 20th Century. I have many outstanding reference books on fashion. None have the visual reference to detail or are as inspirational. For over all visual reference and eye candy his book is my favorite. Maybe it is because I am such a geek when it comes to amazing designers. I just drool over every picture. The collection has been photographed with such detail that you can see every bead, pleat, rushing and each embroidery stitch. It is a must have for anyone that is interested in fashion, how to emulate, reproductions, or wants inspiration to create their own spin on fashion for your Art Dolls. Most all of the collection is photographed with a detailed close up along with the over all look. Kyoto Costume Institute has held exhibitions around the world. This book consists of five hundred of those fashions. It is a reference book worth it's weight in gold.

Artist Feature - Liz Seibold

2010-07-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Guilded Lilies Doll Club
Member - Liz Seibold

When I first returned to Ohio in 1980's I worked mainly by myself. One of the avenues I was working toward was creating figurative art from fabric. By 1998 I found a newly formed doll club called The Guilded Lilies. One of the founding members was Liz Seibold.
This picture is of her and the Guilded Lilies with their charity dolls in 2007. Every year the group makes Dolls for charity, and every year Liz paints the faces on the dolls for those that are too shy to paint the faces on their own dolls.
Liz is a fabulous artist. Her first love is painting and more often than not she merges her painting skills with her creations of art dolls. Most recently I have been taking lessons from her. Painting on cloth is just not as easy as it looks. Here is some of her work.

Jumping Jack

This is a perfect example of the way Liz brings her first love of painting into her art dolls. Jumping Jack is based on the old time Jump'n Jacks that would dance when you pulled the strings. This too dances. The body is made from solid white fabric and each body part is painted. That is right completely painted, with the exception of the hands and head. Liz of course made and painted the stand, so that Jumping Jack could be displayed properly.

Liz loves whimsical animals. Her color pallet is usually in pastels but she does not shy away from bright colors if the project calls for it. Creating something simply for the fun of it is more or less her motto. She does not think you always need to be so serious when working. Do your best yes but have fun doing it. You can tell she has fun just by looking at her work. This cat is a sure fired example of just how much fun she has in her sewing room.

Games & More Games

A challenge dolls "The Object of My Obsession" The idea of this challenge was that Art dolls was your obsession and the object in this art piece is GAMES. Liz has made the skirt from playing cards and has integrated, jacks, domino's, Slinky's, crazy balls, checkers, scrabble, puzzle pieces and a few dozen other games. You can look at the Art doll named "Games" and be amazed in all the different ways the game parts were used and applied. Who would have thought that your old board games could be used in so many different ways.

Liz creations often are a mixture of techniques. In this Art doll she has added beading, quilting arts, painting and doll making. The skirt was made by layering fabric, quilting batting and fabric. Creating a thick padded skirt in several different pastel colors they were then beaded at the base of each skirt. The base of the stand is painted.

She can design her own work but that does not stop her from taking classes. This is a creation from a Jo Ann Trilling class. It was an open class and all the students created there own animal She loves to learn new techniques and then puts her own spin on them. I think you will agree her work is totally awesome.

Where is this blog going.

2010-07-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

For over 10 years I have devoted a lot of time and effort to promoting Artistic Figures in Cloth. Not just the convention but the art form itself. I have also been a long time lurker on blogs. I love reading them. I never thought I could find that much to say, but admired those that could. I do love showing off other peoples work. I can talk endless about products and business that can provide items that enrich the making of figurative cloth art.

So I decided to create a blog to share with others the people, products and things that I enjoy. I will be starting out with art work of some friends of mine. They are not famous. Their work should be famous I think. There work is stunning and I would like to share it with you.

I also thought it might be fun to publish a little the behind the scene information of the development of Artistic Figures in Cloth the Convention. It is coming up in 2011 and I am busy working on all the little details. I can share a inside view of the teachers, special products that will be prizes and other cool stuff like profiles on the vendors, their web sites.

After that I want to move on to other Art Doll Artist. I particularly like to profile talent emerging. What ever I post it will be always about art dolls, fiber art, or textile art in general. I have a love for fiber since I was a tot and there is just no changing it.