Miniature dolls that stand without doll stand

A few days ago I stumbled on this innovative idea. Artist Laurie Sisson has developed "The Foot",  which allows doll house dolls to stand without doll stands. The answer is feet and lower legs made of weighted metal. Laurie offers these on her website in different sizes and styles.

Laurie says "The Foot" was invented by innovation and inspiration. "As I sculpted a pair of feet, the idea of placing weights in the feet of clay developed.... Then I learned how to become a metal patterns maker.... Dolls are now standing on their own two feet. Because wire is attached at the knee, they also sit nicely." 

"The Foot" is designed for miniature scale dolls and is available in one inch, half-inch scale and smaller. Read more and place orders with Laurie at http://www.lsisson.com/TheFoot/page3.html  Don't miss the tutorial section with instructions for painting the Saddle Shoes and MaryJanes shown here.

Sculpting a Doll's Head with Cold Porcelain

It's Tutorial Thursday and we have another video from Bettina Bishop showing her technique for sculpting a doll's head using cold porcelain, which handles a bit differently than other air-dry clays.

Cold porcelain is a no-bake clay paste that can be purchased or made at home from easy-to-obtain ingredients. Join our Air-Dry-Clay Yahoo Group for tips and recipes about cold porcelain.

In honor of Veterans Day 2009

In remembrance of all veterans and those on active duty. (sound on, please)



Let's not forget the women.

Chosen from among the over 3,000 collections of women’s experiences in the Veterans History Project, this modest selection spans four wars. While many of the collections are nurses’ tales, there is also the story of a code breaker (Ann Caracristi), a welder (Meda Brendall), and a flight surgeon (Rhonda Cornum), plus two women who rose through the ranks to secure places in the military history books.

Sculpting a head with air-dry clay

For our Tutorial Tuesday we have a 2-part video by Bettina Bishop showing her technique for sculpting a head.  She is using LaDoll Premier, a stone-based air-dry clay favored by many dollmakers.  See her gallery of dolls at http://bebidoll.de/galerie.htm

Part One



Part Two

New Contests and Giveaways

Here's a few more to add to the Contest & Giveaways list. Please see link in sidebar for rest of list with a November deadline! (Note: All C&G are clay or craft related or have cash or handmade item as prize.)

This drawing ends Nov.26th ....
In honor of reaching 100+ followers, The Old Parsonage is having a giveaway. Our gift celebrates the colors, scents and joy of Christmas. Apple Scented Room Freshner. Peppermint Flavored Taffy. A Silver Tray and a JOY Candle.Red and White Tea Towel, Pot Holder, White Dish Cloths and a Christmas Bottle.  How to Enter


This drawing will be held Nov.27th ....
Another Wonderful Gift Basket Drawing from the Girls in the Old Farmhouse Gathering! ($145 value) The Elves have been busy working to fill another Handmade Basket by Rose Clawson. That by its self would be a wonderful treat! But look at everything that goes with it! Woo-Hoo! How to Enter


Contest ends December 20, 2009....
Michaels is having a "Handmade Holidays" contest.   The Grand Prize winners will receive a trip for two to New York City to see The Martha Stewart Show. There will be two Grand Prize winners – one for “Best Creative Project” and one for “Best Creative Project under $20”. Each Grand Prize winner will also receive a $250.00 Michaels gift card and the opportunity to have their project featured on Michaels.com and in Michaels stores.  Each week, two $100.00 Michaels gift cards will be awarded to the winner in each category – Best Creative Project and Best Creative Project under $20. The Grand Prize winners will be selected from the weekly winners.   Entries will only be accepted on michaels.com from Sunday, November 1, 2009 through Sunday, December 20, 2009.   How to Enter


Contest ends on February 1, 2010....
Lion Brand Yarn Company is sponsoring a yarn contest at Michaels stores. The grand prize is $1,000 and an all-expense paid trip for two to Los Angeles to meet Vanna White. More info