Medieval Maiden… Meet the Senior Saint!

My "Medieval Mystery Maiden"… 

The rich legacy she has left us was historically much later in her life

than my doll was depicting, and so with that in mind I have 

redesigned her… fifty years older!

Trying to capture her gracious, godly nature with those bright eyes

and that broad smile…  I have also added in the lower pic some

of the "props" which will eventually help to identify her, including:

one of the manuscripts she wrote and illustrated, the herb

drying stand that she made use of (with her little bluebird companion),

A sheet of music she composed, and some amber bottles  of her likening. 

Her upper arms are articulated and move, her lower arms

are wired and can be posed, and her head can turn.

Next:  Base-coat her paper clay head, hands and neck with

raw umber; then design her dress. I'm hoping to work

in both paper maché and fabric for the clothing.

Winter Wants to Hold On… But!

Our snow is all but gone… 

but more is in the forecast today and into tomorrow!

This has been relatively looooong winter for us

here in South Jersey.

Winter wants to hold on… but: I took this pic yesterday.  

Our crocus would have us believe

that spring is on the way.  I also saw flocks and "V's" of

snow geese returning to the area, making their way north!

Warm Wishes… whatever your weather may bring you!  Daryle

Medieval Mystery Maiden… a New Challenge!

I've just started working on the Art Doll Quarterly

newest challenge: a historical medieval figure.

I'm keeping my figure cloaked in a bit of mystery for a while…

dropping subtle clues, during the creative process.

Here she is (first clue: "she") with an Osnaburg and fiberfill

body armature, 12 gauge coated wire legs, and articulated arms.

Her head and hands are paper clay.

Fitting this fine lady with a historically correct 12th century 

(second clue) wardrobe is going to prove "challenging" at best!

I dislike sewing "doll clothes" more than you can begin to imagine!

Next… the sleeves, a "wimple" and "Gorget" (head-coverings)

and a pair of medieval shoes (first I need to sculpt her feet!)

Thank you for stopping by… have a wonderful new week! Daryle

Happy Valentine's Day… From Us… to You!

Finally finished painting and penciling the eyes on this guy…

He's been sitting on my worktable for three weeks, waiting!

Big ol' blue eyes!

Enjoy the remains of the day...

Our Poor Cedar Shudders in the Snow!

Overnight, here in the Delaware River Valley…

we had a little accumulating snow, and rain,

and sleet, and thunder snow! 

Our snow measured around 10 inches with this Nor'easter

that is hugging the Atlantic coast.  More "wrap-around"

snow is expected later this evening.

Forecasters in Philly are saying this storm will make it to 

the pages of the "top five" recorded snow fall totals in history.**

**Jan & hubby… in beautiful, downtown Texas;

 this snow is for you!  (wink!)  ~Daryle

Went a little "shutter crazy" today… (wink!)

And without further ado… I'm through! 

(that is to say; he's finished…) The photos pretty much say it all!

This little guy ended up on the "crow's nest" but doesn't belong there.

Hence the title: "Right Church…Wrong Pew!"

Thank you… for taking the time to take a look through all those pics!

Anthropomorphic… Becoming!

Have you used PicMonkey… the free photo lab?

I have soooooo much fun with it.

This pic makes use of just one setting found there: "posterize"

This guy (like most dolls it seems) is taking on a life

of his own… as I approach the "finish(ed) line."

The "veining" on his body and neck is the result

using some handmade mulberry papers that had thick

areas of string incorporated throughout it… I just pulled the string 

into interesting, organic-looking positions. Too much fun!

Enjoy this new week… Blessings, Daryle