Sunday, December 28, 2014

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL


Gingerbread Father Christmas by Bethann Scott thestitchfiddler

GINGERBREAD FATHER CHRISTMAS
My wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season are a little later than usual this year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

As for me I was quite busy "cleaning out my attic" full of things collected over the years and found myself making several trips to the Goodwill and Salvation Army to donate. I didn't plan on all this sorting, after all I had a Gingerbread Father Christmas to finish. But Father Christmas and his sheep waited patiently on the shelf as I took truck loads to the thrift stores. Many of the items were Christmas decorations that I hoped others would enjoy.

Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, I'm now back to sewing and hope to finish Santa Claus and a few other projects.





Friday, November 21, 2014

OLD WORLD FATHER CHRISTMAS WITH SHEEP

Old World Father Christmas with Sheep by Bethann Scott 2014
I made two sheep that have curly lamb boucle wool coats. Tucked in his arm his a little lamb. The coat is made using a woven boucle wool and trimmed with cashmere.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

FOLK ART FATHER CHRISTMAS ~Bethann Scott~ The Stitch Fiddler


Old World Father Christmas by Bethann Scott


It's that time of year, a time to sew Santa Claus Dolls for the Christmas Holiday Season. I find that making these dolls brings a cheerful spirit. His wool coat and hood are made using wool in an evergreen color. He holds a jointed teddy bear, a twig wreath, a rustic lantern and a fabric wrapped package.
I will be making about 6 of these dolls and then I want to sew an angel or two.



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

FALCONRY MEDIEVAL WITCH WITH CROW~BETHANN SCOTT~ The Stitch Fiddler

All the hard work is complete.
  I made her a black leather hat that is unlined for a little relaxed fit around her head. The leather is not an easy task to secure/sew to her head. The Black Crow is perched on her right hand.
MEDIEVAL WITCH WITH CROW  BY BETHANN SCOTT ©2014

Split Doll Drawers by Bethann Scott The Stitch Fiddler

 I made her leather lace up boots.  Since her dress is very form fitting, I needed to sew her a pair of drawers that had a drop waist so there wouldn't be such bulk showing under her satin gown. Her split drawers are made using black satin, french seams and embellished with black lace.
Leather Doll Boots by Bethann Scott ©2014
 

Monday, October 20, 2014

FOLK ART AFRICAN AMERICAN DOLL

 She's wearing a red cotton dress with tiny yellow flowers, cotton bloomers, petticoat with eyelet lace, and a white cotton apron. I've had a few requests for these dolls. This may be the last one I make for awhile. I plan on making other African American Dolls but in my newer doll style.
African American Doll by Bethann Scott ©2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

RENAISSANCE WITCH ~ Bethann Scott ~ The Stitch Fiddler

SHE'S FINISHED!
Renaissance Witch by Bethann Scott
 My journey began with a thought of a Renaissance Witch. Now that all the design work is done, the next one should be easier! 
  The bustier vest has stays in order to keep it's form...I found this out by trial and error. These are the little stages that take so long when sewing a new outfit for one of my dolls. 
Whew! Finally done! 
She is wearing a three panel silk skirt, a bustier vest made using black satin, a cotton chemise and bloomers, leather lace-up boots and a black leather hat. I think the hardest thing to accomplish were the boots. The boots aren't perfect but hopefully the next ones will be. 

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

LACE UP LEATHER DOLL BOOT

I've been working diligently trying to finish her costume. I wanted to make her a pair of leather lace up boots. I looked at period Renaissance Shoes and thought a leather turn shoe may be fitting but I ended up hand sewing a leather high top lace up boot, something like a moccasin.


Leather Lace-up Doll Boot by Bethann Scott ©2014


Witch Doll by Bethann Scott
I sewed her a corset style bodice with inserted stays. The vest is lined in silk and the eyelets are hand sewn. She's come a long way.


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DRANGONFLY WNGS

ALMOST DONE
DRAGONFLY WING WIP by Bethann Scott

Monday, August 18, 2014

CLOTH AND CLAY SQUIRREL DOLL

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THOSE SQUIRRELS?

They're still a work in progress. I dressed the male squirrel in a white linen shirt, a lined silk jacket, breeches, and brown suede stocking shoes. But my husband said the jacket looked like a dress.  So off came the jacket and I made another in a wool plaid but I'm still not satisfied. I removed all his clothing except for the shirt which brings me back to square one with costuming this couple.


Squirrel  WIP by Bethann Scott The Stitch Fiddler ©2014
Squirrel Art Doll WIP by Bethann Scott ©2014

Saturday, June 28, 2014

MISS MELONY "SQUIRREL WIP"


Squirrel Art Doll Work In Progress by Bethann Scott

Miss Melony received her bushy white tail today. I placed a Thunbergia flower from my garden in her hand. I thought about sculpting one from paper-clay.

 Sill much work to do.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

SQUIRREL WORK IN PROGRESS


 The Squirrel's finally have their bodies except for the arm sleeves. The sculpted head, hands and legs are not secured in place yet because I still have to do more sculpting and then paint. So do they look like squirrels or mice???

Sir Alexander Acorn and Miss Melony Doll WIP

Saturday, June 21, 2014

MY "ROBERT MCKINLEY" DOLL WIP

I finally decided to take the plunge and try making a doll following the techniques of the late artist Robert McKinley in his book "Dollmaking One Artists Approach". I've heard such great things about the artist. I know many artist use some of his techniques in their doll making process. This is my attempt to construct a doll using some of his techniques.

I was hoping my paper clay Head would fit and could be used but it doesn't.
Bethann Scott "The Stitch Fiddler" 2014

This is where I left off
 Also, Robert McKinley made his doll using Super Sculpey, therefore, this body construction may not work with a Creative Paper Clay head and neck. We will see. This is my doll maker's muse for today.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

OLD WOMAN SCULPTURE ~ Bethann Scott ~ Paper Clay Sculpt WIP

 A few days ago, I began a new paper clay sculpture. This is going to be an Old Woman. I've never sculpted an old woman using clay. Adding the the wrinkles and big nose was quite a delight! Yes, she is going to be based on a Vintage Halloween Postcard. Below is a photo before I added her eye lids and eye bags.
Sculpture WIP by Bethann Scott ©2014

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

SQUIRREL WIP

This is just the beginning stages of the sculpt. I've never made an animal's head using paper clay. I also have to remember this is a "character figure" and not a "realistic" squirrel.
Squirrel Head Sculpture WIP by Bethann Scott
I like to sculpt during the summer and fall months. I can sit outside and not worry about the mess Creative Paper Clay can make. Most of the mess comes from the sanding part. I have a balcony overlooking our backyard and enjoy watching the birds and yes, the squirrels too!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN BOY DOLL FINISHED


African American Male Doll by Bethann Scott
I made him a pair of denim coveralls, a red and white plaid shirt and a straw hat. He will meeting Benita for the first time it just a few days. 

Sunday, May 18, 2014

ANYA AND BABA DOLL #1 FINISHED ~BETHANN SCOTT~ The Stitch Fiddler

 "The Traveler" Doll called Anya and Baba

 Today I finished the last details. I changed her head position, made her a walking stick and necklace. I used my own baby design which has a trapunto style face. The baby is dressed in a one piece romper and I designed another hat that ties in the front under her chin.  At first I had the hat scrunched ....but I wasn't all that thrilled with how it looked. So I changed her look by allowing the hat to be more elf style. I love it! Well I'm finally done with the two dolls and it was a long but fun journey. 


The Traveler Doll~ Anya and Baba~ by Bethann Scott (made during an online class)

Thursday, May 15, 2014

THE TRAVELLER DOLL #2 ~ANYA AND BABA~ BETHANN SCOTT~ THE STITCH FIDDLER

Bethann Scott ©2014

Bethann Scott ©2014


ANYA AND BABA Doll #2
THE TRAVELER  by Bethann Scott ©2014



 I made Anya her hat and needle felted wool yarn in whimsy circles. It's different from the class pattern. I also made Baba a different style hat. I decided to go with my own baby's design. I may try Angela's for the other doll I need to finish. The class seems to be doing well with the baby.

Bethann Scott ©2014
 


 I swept Anya's hair to a side pony tail and added braided decorative yarn. Angela also showed the class how to make a necklace. For her necklace I chose glass beads. I also added the cuffs to her coat. I think I'm about finished.
 Here's the back view...I didn't add the beads to her coat. I'm not sure if I will or not.
Bethann Scott ©2014





Thursday, May 1, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN ART DOLL WIP

 I started a second  doll. This girl has a dark complexion but I'm not sure what ethnicity she will be....African American?? I did shape the head differently on this doll.
Doll WIP by Bethann Scott

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

THE TRAVELLER~ LESSON FOUR~ THE HAT~ BETHANN SCOTT ~ The Stitch Fiddler

Bethann Scott ©2014

Bethann Scott ©2014

I finished the hair, hat and beads for the coat. Hopefully the hair won't interfere with the little baby she will carry on her back. If so, I may add braids or bring the hair to the front.
Bethann Scott ©2014
 The the tip of the hat is similar to an elf style hat. I scrunched the tip down and pinned in place for now until I decide if I like this look.The coat was to receive cuffs with little buttons. I'm not sure if I'm going to add the cuffs. I may choose to leave as is so the circle embroidery is not covered up.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Bethann Scott ~ The Stitch Fiddler ~ Making the Doll Coat

I used rich deep colors for the coat. We were to construct the coat and given instructions to "Let Your Imagination Go" and have fun.

Doll Coat by Bethann Scott ©2014
Doll Coat by Bethann Scott ©2014
The Coat
 

                                  

       

Doll Coat and Skirt by Bethann Scott ©2014
  After the lapels were folded down some of the hand stitching was hidden (I'll plan ahead next time). I have the beading embellishments to accomplish. The coat was quite the task.

Friday, April 18, 2014

PANEL SKIRT WIP


I finished the doll's body, underskirt and overskirt. I found some Batik at JoAnn Fabrics and bought three Bundles which consist of five pieces of batik in fat quarter size. I also chose some cottons to bring in a splash of color.
Panel Skirt WIP by Bethann Scott
I enjoy the class because it makes me think "outside the box". I would never consider combining these fabrics that have completely different designs.

Friday, April 11, 2014

BROWN WOOL BUNNY

It won't be long and Easter will be here. I managed to sew another Bunny Rabbit.
Wool Bunny Rabbit Doll by Bethann Scott The Stitch Fiddler
This one is made using Brown Wool with lamb's wool needle felted to his tail, tummy and muzzle. He is button jointed for gently posing. These bunnies are fun to make. I only made two last year. I hope to do one or two more and then on to the next project.


Monday, April 7, 2014

WOOL BUNNY RABBIT


 Time To Make Some Bunny Rabbits
It's that time of year and spring is on it's way! Flowers are starting to pop up and I am eager for the warmer weather. I've had a couple of requests for some Rabbit Dolls and I made this sweet rabbit using charcoal color wool and needle felted lamb's wool to his tummy, muzzle and tail.

Wool Rabbit Doll by Bethann Scott


Monday, March 31, 2014

I'VE BEEN PUBLISHED

 Two of my dolls were Published in an online quarterly magazine.
  A For Artistic Magazine Spring 2014 
 

"Show and Tell" dolls that are made by students. Two of my dolls are displayed on page 43 of the magazine. Flat Brat in autumn colors and Elf Up On The Rooftop.
A For Artistic Spring 2014 "Bethann Scott Student Doll" 


 The doll on the right is the doll I made.
A For Artisti 2014 "Bethann Scott Student Doll" on the right

 My Elf  "Up On The Roof Top" I made during an online class with Kathryn Walmsley.
Elf Up on the Rooftop "A for Artistic" Magazine Student Doll by Bethann Scott
 A For Artistic Magazine Spring 2014
 A for Artistic was created by Adele Sciortino, co-founder of the Figurative Artists Consortium in Canada and president of ODACA (Original Doll Artist Council of America). Adele writes a quarterly article where she focuses her attention on the business side of doll making.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

MEDIEVAL ART DOLL~ BETHANN SCOTT~ The Stitch Fiddler

My latest project is a Medieval Cloth Art Doll.
Medieval Cloth Art Doll by Bethann Scott ©2014
I have a few more details and she will be finished. For more information on the doll's costume journey, visit my Halloween Blog.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

I WON THE VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD

My "Scarlet Tanager Pixie" Doll Won the Viewers Choice Award

My box arrived home today and when I opened the box, to my surprise, there were these beautiful ribbons! I wasn't expecting anything. A few days ago I received an email informing me my doll, that was displayed at the 2014 Manteca Quilt and Doll Show, had won the "Viewers Choice Award". What's funny, I just thought this was a "show and tell" type of doll show and thought nothing of receiving an award. I'm very excited seeing this is my first doll show!

Manteca Quilt and Doll Show 2014  Doll By Bethann Scott
 Above is a photo I took along with the ribbon and tag that was displayed at the show. Peggy should be sending me some photos that were taken at the show. A very special treat for me was to receive this beautiful hand made ribbon by Peggy. What a lovely surprise! The doll pin ribbon is so gorgeous. I will cherish this special gift forever. Thank-you!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

MANTECA QUILT AND DOLL SHOW 2014

My Scarlet Tanager Pixie Art Doll will be displayed at the 2014 Manteca Quilt and Doll Show on March 1st - March 2nd in Manteca California. How exciting! My first doll show.
Scarlet Tanager Pixie Doll by Bethann Scott
The doll requirements were for an all cloth doll. Some of the accessories could be clay....but there is no clay on this doll....just a little wrapped wire for the pixie hat. 

Friday, February 21, 2014

FLAT BRAT FINISHED ~ BETHANN SCOTT~ The Stitch Fiddler

Doll by Bethann Scott ©2014


Doll by Bethann Scott ©2014
Funny how the background color can change the appearance of the doll. Not sure which one I like better. The white background seems to soften the face a bit...plus I redid the photo shoot during daylight.

I changed my mind on the floral print fabric and went with a copper brown dupioni silk for her skirt. I used silk for the sleeves. Her hat is a little wooden lid that I painted, added a bead and secured with a vintage glass hair pin. It's kind of a quirky, whimsy style....something new for me.


Paper Clay Art Doll by Bethann Scott ©2014

 Her little handbag is a wicker basket lid embellished with a rosette. Her shoes are painted, embellished with cord and brown rosettes.


Monday, February 17, 2014

CHOOSING THE FABRIC

Last night I wired and wrapped her arms and now I'm choosing fabrics. I like the warm autumn colors with flowers
 Before padding the arms

Saturday, February 15, 2014

PAINTING HAS BEGUN


Paper Clay Art Doll WIP by Bethann Scott ©2014

                                   The photo above shows her after sanding to achieve a smooth surface. I don't have a dremel sanding tool (yet) and sanded the old fashioned way using fine grade sand paper. This is one of those tasks that I don't enjoy. It seems the sanding will never end not to speak of the mess it makes. I usually do all my sanding outside....but not in this frigid cold.

.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

BUSY SCULPTING HANDS AND LEGS

   I'm still sculpting. I hope to finish the hands today. I began the legs and high heel shoes. It takes several steps to accomplish the finished result. I wired the legs longer than needed. I wanted to make sure I had extra length with no regrets when adding the legs to the body. Today will be a busy day finishing the hands, sculpting the legs, sanding, sanding, sanding.