Monday, November 12, 2018

Progress on a Weekend

Full length painting 
Well I finally started my doll project-Arabella. I sculpted with knife and scraped and sanded to make the face closer to the shape in the painting. Also separated fingers from the sculpt; sanded and shaped  them. When sculpting a little salivating goes along way. Putting myself into my work again. Though whenever I make an item there is always blood, sweat, and tears that makes the dream a reality. Super excited to have her ready then get all the clothes assembled. The process is so much fun and goes quickly when inspiration strikes.

Profile of painted face
So face and hands are air dry clay,  body stuffed with cotton batting, iron wire in arms, wooden disc in base. Linen body handsewn, together turned them stuffed, head and hands sewen on. Painted with gouache paints and water.  I have base color down and going to lighten to pale court pallor this evening.

I feel the profile is much better. Do have some larger lips but that can be down played with paint. The facial features are difficult to see in the original image due to pixelation when zooming in. The original is abroad so that takes part of the challenge getting an image of the doll close up from the original painting. Though I always make good of limited resources and will see what I can do with the magic of the internet.

Front view of painted face
Have inspiration pictures and current progress. Hoping to get to wig stage tonight or tomorrow, fingers crossed. Really like how the face turned out and hoping to edit some of my other sculpts when the time comes to use them for a doll. Practice makes perfect.

She has a nice expression, I noticed on the original there seemed to be a small bowed mouth so trying a version of this though will tone it down a little when it’s lightened a bit. Though the red of the gown will bring it right back up.

Keeping on crafting,

Marrin o’Kealy
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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