I took my darling OLD sewing machine in for service a few weeks ago, I ended up walking out with a schmancy, new sewing machine with all the bells and whistles. So...to make myself feel less guilt over buying a new sewing machine, I must get to work making that machine a good investment!
My MIL and her husband really don't like "stuff", which I appreciate, but it makes it a little hard when it comes to holidays. Since they do enjoy the arts I've been wanting to make them something special for a long time.
Sid had sent me a picture of himself as a boy that I just love. I made a color copy and transferred it onto the gessoed canvas using the Golden gel medium technique. Of course I wasn't patient enough and half of it pulled up when I removed the paper. When I do these things I always just tell myself "it adds to the character".
I added paint mixed with fabric paint medium, some textures, stitching around the face and a little rosy on the cheeky's.
I sewed the beads on after I sewed the body but BEFORE I stuffed it.
It was a workout trying to turn these little arms and legs right side out and stuff them. I'm sure there's tricks, I'm a total NOVICE!!
I had this little bead that I learned to make in Linda & Opie Obrien's workshop at Artfest that I stitched on. I'm LOVING this dyed silk ribbon! I need to try to find where to get just raw silk ribbon at a reasonable price, I think it would be fun to be able to dye it myself.
Using StazOn, I stamped "Sid and Sharon...sittin in a tree".
This was a really fun project. I'm guessing it took me about 4 hours in total. Can't wait to do another!
Making gifts sometimes is very difficult, you put yourself out there, it's very personal. Putting your heart into something that may or may not be well received. My heart has been crushed on more than one occasion by a less than enthusiastic recipient of my labor of love. Do you know what I'm saying?
At this point in my life I'm very selective about who I make things for.
I love it!! You can make one for me anytime. I'm all signed up for the girlfriends 1/2. Hope to see you on the padden soon!!
Posted by: Jean Williams-Von Zopf | May 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Love the doll and I do know what you are saying. Some people just don't get it ... or us. Ptuiiii on them, I say!
Posted by: Snap | May 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Oh, this doll is just so great! I love its funky shape and all the details in the painting. Did you use acrylic paint on the fabric here? It looks so good, the details really add to the character.
The things you make are wonderful, if the receiver doesn´t see that, they must be blind.
Posted by: Janne Robberstad | May 20, 2009 at 01:18 PM
LOVE it~! What is gessoed canvas?
Posted by: Kate | May 20, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Wonderful! Really a great piece - I do not sew...at all, however, this makes me want to try it out.
Posted by: Laurie Miller | May 20, 2009 at 02:32 PM
I love him !!! I was thinking as I was reading about how you made him, who in my world would like to receive a doll like that other than me...I had only one super-fan friend who came to mind. I think I should do two - one for me and one for Suzy-Q.
I don't know if they will be as beautiful as him though !
Happy Sewing !
Posted by: kim mailhot | May 20, 2009 at 02:45 PM
What a fun project! I so appreciate that you MADE a gift. I also am tired of stuff and I appreciate that this is a personal gift made with your time and care! I wish more people were willing to be a part of the homemade gift movement and be willing to see a homemade gift for what it is - a special expression of time and love. Great idea - but then most of your ideas are great! I found some old Christmas tree ornaments at a garage sale and have plans to try your Christmas wreath idea!
Posted by: Valerie | May 20, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I LoVe it!! I was waiting for you to post some pictures after I saw the pattern. How clever you are. Congrats on getting a new sewing machine, watch out, I'm totally sucked into it's presence and have been sewing like a maniac!
Thanks for your words of encouragement, I appreciate it, can't wait to heal.
xo
Posted by: BabyLuxDesign | May 21, 2009 at 06:42 AM
woooooow j'adore !!!!!!
Posted by: Anne | May 21, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Funkalicious...you will be proud of me...I am training for a 200 mile relay called the Bourbon Chase. We are running through the Bourbon trail in KY. I start training next week (it is in October). I AM SO NOT A RUNNER MICHELLE...any advice on shoes?
Posted by: Beckie Farrant | May 22, 2009 at 07:08 PM
He is too precious and so is your giving heart... too bad everyone can't see that. Hope you're having a great weekend.
Posted by: Michele Patrick | May 23, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Hello! I'm Mary Carmen from Mexico, I found your journal pages at a group in facebook and decided to follow the link to look for more, and I found your art amazing, really inspiring! Congratulations, I am now declared your fan! ;)
Posted by: Mary Carmen San Vicente | May 23, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Ooohh Michelle!!! He is DARLING!! i LOVE the different layers, and how you added the face and words... just like one of your journal pages!! Tooo toooo cool!!!
Posted by: Brenis | May 24, 2009 at 07:05 AM