Another Izannah Walker inspired dolly, made from paperclay over cloth. I decided to mix it up a little and give her ginger hair...oh, what do they call it? Titian, I believe.
Kept the crackle patina to a minimum this time, and I like it better this way. Sometimes, less is more. Her frock is completely handsewn in the period correct manner and style of the mid 19th century from 1860 reproduction fabric. Once again, I assigned my better half the task of selecting the dress fabric, even though I already had decided what I liked best for this particular doll. He chose the same fabric! He's done this successfully for the last two dolls I've made, so he's been hired! Now he wants to accompany me to the fabric store. While I suppose I should be pleased as punch, I do view that domain as MY turf. Not so sure I want to share it!
Arabella is now available on ebay if anyone is interested in giving her a good home!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAP.dll?ViewItem&item=180458895927...
I always name my girls after someone I find to be an inspirational historical person, and I named this doll after Arabella Mansfield. That's her you see above. Arabella or 'Belle', was an Iowan, and was the first woman to pass the bar exam in 1868. She was the first woman admitted to the bar in 1869...and the first woman to practice law in the WORLD. That's a pretty incredible position to hold! Belle was once just a little Victorian girl playing with her dolls, and look what she became, and the road she paved for all women the world over.
Oh how beautiful Arabella is! My sisters and I long to make dolls like these but we are not sure where to begin! For now, we are having fun with our antique china dolls. I'm 26 and I still play with dolls. :) At Christmas time we had our dolly friends over and had a tree decorating tea party! We don't have the pictures up yet but here are some pictures of last Christmas's tea!
ReplyDeleteGenevieve
(friend and seamstress for Miss Olive Wright)
Oh yes, I love how you name your dolls after real people. We name our dolls after the remarkable women in our family! :)
ReplyDeleteGenevieve
You've done a wonderful job sculpting this one, the nose is very lifelike and her sweet little rose bud mouth!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I particularly like the red red and the subtle crackling on this one. Very inspiring story about the real Arabella. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShe is just exquisite, Robin - I can say no more!
ReplyDeleteI think she may be my favorite. She's just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour doll is so lovely, and interesting. I'll have to look up paperclay, as I don't know it. And its interesting to know where the name you chose came from- imagine the courage, dedication, and just pure stubborness it must have taken Arabella Mansfield to achieve all that? I can't begin to imagine.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Robin!!!!!!!! You will be so sad to see her leave! She is Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jackie
Arabella is beautiful. A wonderful tribute to a truly strong woman from our past. It never seems to amaze me that not so long ago women were nothing more than property with no rights.
ReplyDeleteDonna