Friday, January 4, 2019

Spanish Santos Doll


Well it’s a new year and I have a new doll project. Just completed a Santos Doll they are from the  Spanish Colonial era so just after the discovery of the New World. Spain wanted to spread its faith along with influence to its colonies. The Santos Doll circa late 16th century Spain. These ornately dressed dolls aided communities that didn’t have a local priest, church or was used at in-home altars.
Santos dolls are closely related to the Crèche figures, which were implemented in Italy by St Francis of Assisi, during the 13th century. However, the Crèche are primarily associated with Italian and French nativity and crib scenes.  Crèche scenes are still elaborately displayed throughout Italy and in parts of France.

 Cecelia is dressed in an orange and blue silk wool blend renaissance ropa with gold trim and silk tassels and hair dressed in a silk organza and bobbin lace trim cofia y transado. She still has finishing to do as far as accessories though I wanted to show her current status.

She is 27” tall carved of wood and gouache painted. Silk and wool outfit, human hair wig and hand carved and painted. The colonial santos dolls were used in remote areas of the Spanish new world that didn’t have churches to spread the catholic faith. They are still made modernly central and South America mainly in Mexico and in southwestern US. More so an art form now than a religious influence via ornately decorated saints and holy family.


This doll I want to represent the cultural influence that dolls can be so made her outfit Spanish inspired. My sca friend Elena de la Palma, she has greatly helped with the information for this project answering many questions.

Working on the outfit currently for the Lute Player Automaton outfit. I am pleased with my progress so far and feel it’s close to the original. There will be more to come on this other project. So here comes the pictures for this Santos Doll, enjoy!!

Making the shiny things,

THL Marrin O’Kealy

Source 1: https://www.santoscagedoll.com/pages/history-of-santos-dolls

Source 2: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santon_(figurine)

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Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry