I love looking at other people’s designs.
Browsing the internet, popping into shops… discovering the stuff that other talented people make or design is one of my great pleasures.
However, sometimes it can be counter-productive.
After having great trouble getting going last week, I finally decided to make a doll. Just to please myself.
I found the pattern I drew at Jess Quinn’s workshop back in October, applied it to a bit of lovely vintage white cotton curtain lining, and off I went.
Then I got her legs done..
I already knew I wanted her to have colourful hair, in buns.
But now I have stalled.
I am teaching myself to make dolls clothes… but I’m no expert, and I’m just not sure how to dress her.
And then there is the pressure of creating the face, which can totally make or break a doll.
I have so far resisted the urge to go and look at other people’s doll designs. I don’t want my doll to be a pale imitation of someone else’s inspiration. I want her to be all mine.
Even if my own inspiration is a little slow in coming. ♥
Oh dear, you really are stalled, aren’t you, and just when she was starting to look so lovely! I’ve seen some very pretty illustrated faces on some of your visual reference (cards, wrapping paper, etc) which would convert nicely for this young lady, but I do understand she has to be your own baby, as it were. I hope inspiration strikes soon, because I’d really like to see her finished!
What a good start though! Love her hair and her legs. You could try having a look at other doll faces, it really will help you work out what you like and what you don’t – as you say such an important part. If you did, I don’t think it means the doll wouldn’t be all you. Nothing wrong with using other makers for inspiration and then finding your way and style with it. X