Shelley Thorton Dolls

In July I attended my first NIADA (National Institute of American Doll Artists) convention in Portland and took a class from Shelley Thorton on making a sculptural doll head.

I have loved Shelley's dolls for some time.  Her dolls evoke a sense of childhood play and innocence.  She uses mostly natural fibres and stuffs her dolls with wool.  Her dolls are a collage of unusual colours, textures and prints to form a pleasing image that can be held and admired. The size of her dolls (25-27") gives her work presence and draws the viewer like a bee to honey. Her signature is the sculpted hair and sculpted dress features to add an element of abstractness/folk ark to her pieces.

Here is my journey in making my first "Shelley" doll.  I hope you enjoy the process as much as I did!

We started with a basic head shape, sewn with cotton/hemp fabric and stuffed with cloth (understructure).  Then we refined the shape with extensive needle sculpting.  Next we covered the head with a cotton knit "skin".  Finally the features are embroidered.  I was able to finish the basic "skinned" head and start the embroidery in class (2 days).  Shelley Thorton provided us with a basic pattern for the body and instructions on ball jointing using wooden beads.  The rest of the doll I made at home.  This piece was so much fun and inspirational to make.  It is a joy to see the innocent face take shape.  I always take a lot of time to find just the right fabrics to bring my wee one to life.  

 I purchased the fabrics for her outer dress in Portland.  The undergarments are from antique Japanese silk fabrics that I had in my stash. Her boots are from upholstery fabric swatches and her tights are from an infant's "onesie".

 The doll stand was challenging as the doll is about 26" tall.  I covered the base of the stand with weights and then covered it with upholstery fabric simulating greenery.

 I made my doll, named "Shelley" a wee rabbit as her smock has rabbits on it.  The rabbit's frock is from an antique doily.

I added embroidered details to the rayon velvet jacket to enhance the design and tie in with the antique print of the smock.  

I was very pleased with my finished piece and am already planning my next doll: