You're never too old to start playing with dolls! You're also, never too old to start doing something you're not comfortable with. I did play with dolls as a child, but never really dragged them around, the way the other girls did. However, I remember the total joy of believing that Santa tucked a brand new doll (well actually three, as I have two sisters) under the tree at Christmas! As I grew older, I also confess to spending an awful lot of time, focusing on new fashion statements for Barbie! But did I bond with the dolls? No! They were just a pleasant way to exercise my creative spirit, and spend some quality time with my sisters. I don't actually remember any particular doll, other than the original Barbie (that I wish I'd kept in the original packaging). Is that sad?
Somewhere in the early 2000's, I discovered Internet groups, and started joining any and all that caught my eye. Suddenly, I was flooded with emails, inspiration and colour! While I won't list all of my groups, I did entertain a particular fascination with Beaded Art Dolls. Luckily, the group was kind enough to let me lurk in the shadows, drooling over all the pretties. I loved the look of the dolls, but wasn't excited about the construction phase, and in the interest of full disclosure, I absolutely hated the stuffing part!!
Okay, fast forward to a year or so ago, when I changed my mind! I had participated in a mini-doll swap, without tearing my hair out, so in the interest of Intuitive Bead Embroidery, and 3-D forms, I decided to make a slightly larger doll, and use it as a teaching sample. Not only that, but I had the brilliant idea to include faces (which I had never made before), and provide pre-stuffed forms, as part of the student kits. Sigh! Little did I know that it would be a very popular class, and I would be making a colourful smorgasbord of little dolls.
Fast forward to today! I'm re-running my Nature's Muse: Beaded Art Doll class this Saturday, and like usual, I'm scrambling to stitch and stuff the forms. I quite enjoy the designing and stitching, but still hate the stuffing! However the results are worth it! These dolls are perfectly addicting, and though similar in naked form, take on unique personalities, once they start talking to you. Not one, turns out the same, and my students love them!
So, don't be afraid to face your fears or objections. It's never too late to regain the wonder of childhood, try something new, or even revisit an old skill. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!
2 comments:
Love those pretty shapes and colors! I know they'll be delightful when they are covered with beads, but they are attractive this way, too!
Thanks Sue! Sorry, I didn't see your comment until now.
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