Monday, February 11, 2019

Gouaching along

 I wanted to post some progress in the form of photos. The first image at the top is after from the start of sculpting adding on bulk to make the neck and head smooth. After sanding and adding detailed I was able to grasp about 3 layers and cover all the wood and base stands. When the gesso is dry then I begin the gouache process adding layers as I go but have it be careful on water consistency to paint to make sure I’m adding and not taking away.

 Any water color is tough but I find this is more forgiving than regular water color. With opaque gouache  you know if you have enough coverage or not. After the many layers and let dry, I detailed in the eyes hair and eyebrows.  Lastly I added a hyde glue outter sealing to let dry clear over the paint to protect it a little. It’s still water soluble so I do need to be cared that they dolls are not to get wet. Otherwise melting and running of glue and clay will happen.

  Using the artist mannequins has helped the shaping much better on this batch of dolls. As you can see they are wood hardwood maple actually and are very sturdy the small ones are 12” and the tall one is 14”. The tall one is going to be Louise Juliana. Keeping  in mind with a detailed hair wig and clothing, she will look much more feminine than her current pixie cut look. The transformation is amazing front start to finish one these just as my others. It a pleasant surprise ever time.

 I am hoping that some softness can be added to the shape of these dolls with clothing. Not wanting a nutcracker like look with these as they are meant to look like courtly ladies. Though clothing especially transformative in this time frame so as long as my tailoring is one pointe, they should be quite lovely when done.

The collection from the picture is for making the two Cranach dolls in along with the Dutch Louise  Juliana. There always seems there are more Fashion dolls to make. I am glad my doll work folder is growing with possibilities.

Hoping to present some documentation and observations on the materials fashion dolls were regionally made and dressed. I have been compiling information on that along with my documentation for ice dragon. So much to get done and not enough weekends.

It’s all falling into place. Super excited for the onward journey of fashion dolls.

Feeling Hopeful,

THL 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