Monday, March 23, 2009

For the tattered victorian gothic in you...

The Barefoot Contessa is from a very wealthy family, but due to some unmentionable (and unjust!) scandals must now dance for her dinner. She is famous for her mastery of the fan dance, her different-coloured eyes and for never wearing shoes. Her only friend is the tiny bird, Minou, who lives in her hair.(The Contessa knows that 'minou' is a French term of endearment for a cat, but she is a melancholy ironist.)

The Contessa is entirely hand-sculpted, without the use of molds. Her head, hands and lower legs are polymer clay; her body is satin stuffed with polyfil over a wire armature – her right arm and legs are fully poseable (her left arm is meant to hang disconsolately at her side.) Her skirt is two layers of sheer, shimmery organza, and her collar is cotton lace. Her fan is hand-sewn from satin and lace.

Her thumbs are made from extremely strong two-part epoxy to ensure they won't break off in shipping. Her clothing cannot be removed. The Contessa's hair lovely, soft a mohair piled into a secure up-sweep; her eyes are hand-blown glass. Her face is hand-painted; a little bit odd and a little bit sad.

Peggine's head, hands and feet are individually sculpted (no molds) from paperclay, a very fine and durable form of papier maché that is built up in layers. It is dried and sanded between each layer, resulting in a smooth, porcelain-like finish. She is finished with acrylic paints and pencil, then sealed with a matte varnish. Her body is fiberfill and cotton fabric over a wire armature - she is fully poseable.-Peggine's hair is hand-dyed mohair; her eyes are hand-blown vintage German glass.
Edgar is entirely hand-sculpted (no molds) and painted – he is truly one of a kind! His head, body, hands and boots are made from polymer clay. His limbs are wire covered in polyfil, so he is fully poseable. His clothing is handsewn silk and wool. His eyes are glass, his hair is mohair. A tiny black raven sits on his shoulder.

A delightful Esty artist who makes the most amazing dolls. I found her late last night in my insomniac rounds. Now I must own one of her creations. Each doll has a story and she makes commission pieces as well. She does not used molds, they are all free hand and she makes the costumes all herself. A gifted young woman with a passion for what she does and a love of literature and art. Please visit her shop at: Etsy :: blackeyedsuzie ::

9 comments:

Unknown said...

i knew that there was some form of expression for that tattered victorian gothic in me...now i have found it!~ incredible work. thank you for the intro. going to go check out her etsy page now!~

Gabby said...

Oh, how I love the Poe. Wow!

Anke said...

Great find! Beautiful! They are very Tim Burton-ish, always a good thing in my book.

onesilentwinter said...

gosh to create beings..lovey haunting and lovely

rochambeau said...

Hi Yoli,
Love the dolls and their stories too!!
Especially the Barefoot Contessa!

xox
Constance

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

These are AMAZING! What an Etsy find; thank you for sharing.

paris parfait said...

Such intriguing creations! The Barefoot Contessa is quite something.

Unknown said...

i'm not a big fan of dolls, but these are magnifique!

Barbara said...

Gorgeous dolls Yoli. I love the Contessa.