Hello blog world! I haven’t posted in a bit, but I’m back with some exciting news!
About a month ago, I discovered the fantastic world of Gypsy Mamas in Fort Duchesne. I met the owner of this wonderful little store, Marilyn Duncan, and asked her if I could bring my Em.O Dolls and try to sell them. She was very open to the idea, so I took them over and they currently resides there at Gypsy Mama’s. Within two hours, my first art doll had SOLD! I’m not gonna lie, I was ecstatic.
Then the next day, I sold my first oil painting. Woo Hoo! I’m on a roll and no one can stop me.
But, I digress…
Mrs. Duncan asked me to create a custom art doll, for herself. My first custom piece!!!!
I started with one sketch, showed her and we discussed what she wanted. Mrs. Marilyn told me she wanted a doll that looked like her. She wanted a long braid, a wool coat with covered buttons, bright blue eyes, and striped stockings. I then made another sketch based on those changes.
The finished doll took me a total of 23 hours.
Meet Marilyn’s Doll. She is made from an Air dry clay covered foam core. Painted with European Acrylics. She is a ball-jointed doll which enables a certain degree of pose-ability.
Her costume is all hand sewn. Her coat is made from black wool, with covered brads as buttons. Her dress is two printed cotton fabrics, with velvet trim. Her shoes are red velvet with leather sole. All clothing is removable.
I picked the charms for the necklace specifically for Marilyn. The hand reminded me of having your palm read, which I associated with a Gypsy. The purple rhinestone, I purchased at Gypsy Mama’s. And, the bird charm is a symbol for Em.O Dolls, all my girls get that charm.
I’m pretty sure that Marilyn loved her. Her reaction was one of love. Thanks Marilyn for giving me the opportunity to create this piece.
By creating a custom piece, I discovered that I love the collaboration between Artist (myself) and Buyer. I got to challenge myself with keeping the aspects she wanted for her doll and my own personal style of art doll. It was a wonderful experience. I chose to give that option at my Etsy Store, so I hope to get more chances to do custom pieces.
I’ve also been hard at work on several new pieces, that I plan to sell at upcoming Farmer’s Market in Provo, Utah. My mom and I plan on being there on June 11, 2011, and July 16, 2011. So stop by and say hello if your around. I will be posting pictures of all the new pieces prior so if one catches your eye let me know.
In other news: I have decided to teach private art lessons from my home, for ages 5-12. I will start with the basic principles of art, teaching a basic art history and doing weekly projects. My hope is to inspire future artists, and tech them beyond the little they learn in school. Art programs are in serious danger at schools across the nation. It is our job as artists to share what we know with future generations. Creativity is in all of us, it is our job to cultivate it and instill it in our children. If you have any advice, ideas, stories I would love to hear them. Also if you are interested in lessons for your child, email me at emilyjane17@yahoo.com, or message me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000838825513.
Thanks all for stopping by!
Luna
Shelby
and Tula.
This is Ricci Sorensen’s painting in the very beginning stages.
