~The Stitch Fiddler~ Bethann Scott

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Once Upon A Time...

"Once Upon A Time" is such a magical phrase, a beginning for enchantment to unfold.

Today I entered my "Alice and The Dodo" in a fairy tale themed challenge. I haven't entered a doll challenge in years. I'm not sure how many entered and am eager to see all the wonderful dolls. The winners will be selected in one week.

The Blue Angel Doll sold this past week and traveled to her new destination. I will miss her beautiful face and delicate pose.

Sunday, July 2, 2017

THE BIG BAD WOLF

I drew a sketch of the wolf to get the bone structure for the wire armature, which I think is the easier part. Next I had to decide how I was going to build up the body. What medium would I use?

After much thought, I chose to needle felt the body to the armature using black wool. I've only needle felted a couple of times. Here's a look at my attempt to Needle Felt a black wolf.

After several layers of Needle Felting black wool: There is still much work to be done, but it's a start.

And a sketch I did last month.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Sketching TIme

The garden flowers are planted, bushes are trimmed and it's time to relax and do a little sketching. I don't practice as often as I should and was amazed that my last sketch was six months ago. I have a longing to learn pencil drawing techniques and will need to purchase a good "how to" book. Meanwhile, I subscribe to a few you-tube sites to help with instruction. I prefer to draw using the observation method. I don't like using grids, measurements or tracing. Here's what I've been sketching:

I followed an online you-tube tutorial to draw the frog.

But my real passion is just to observe the subject, like this little girl, and sketch what I see. And this is what I did. Just look at a photo and draw. It's just a start...maybe if I practice a little each day, my drawings will improve. I hope not to wait another six months.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

ALICE AND THE DODO BIRD FINISHED ~The Stitch Fiddler~

I was glad to pick up a needle and finish the Dodo Birds clothing. I found this soft brushed suede fabric in my stash and thought it would be perfect for his vest and jacket. The Dodo is 15" tall and Alice is 13" (including her stand).

I didn't get fancy with the clothing. I wanted the dolls to be the center of attention.

Here's Alice in a simple two piece bodice and skirt outfit made with pastel blue linen. She wears white cotton petticoat and bloomer underpinnings.

Friday, March 24, 2017

SEWING THE DOLL CLOTHES

I can't believe I haven't posted for over a month. I've been caught up working on Alice In Wonderland and the Dodo Bird.

I made her a pair of fitted pantaloons using her body measurements. I didn't want a loose gathered pair of bloomers. The bodice was made using the drape method.

I made her a wig using Tibetan Lamb's wool in a golden blonde color.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Rabbits and Facebook

I have Spring fever especially since the last couple of days have been in the upper 60s. Here in Ohio we don't expect this lovely type of weather in February. I started sewing my wool Rabbits.

I'm having some fun experimenting with collages.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Pixie Fairy

Another elf doll is complete and this one received wings. I would say she is more of a Fairy than an elf. Maybe a Moss Fairy. I did several experiments while making her. Trying a little of this with a little of that. It was a learning experience for me. There's a small sense of accomplishment to construct a doll from an armature sketch. I wasn't sure what she would become, she may not be perfect, but I enjoyed the process.

This is a photo of her head before I changed her ears.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

THE STITCH FIDDLER ~ PAPER CLAY DOLL HEAD WIP~ by Bethann Scott

For several weeks I've been sculpting using Creative Paper Clay. I started by drawing a sketch of the doll's body and armature to help me determine the size of each doll. I was only going to make one doll but decided to have three going at the same time while I wait for the clay to dry.

Here's the first doll for 2017. I'm not sure if I'm finished or if she will receive wings or not.

I started with sculpting her head

I made her a wig using lamb's wool and it does take forever to do this process.

And here she is before I decide whether or not to leave her as is or to tame her hair, give her a hat and wings... decisions....decisions....

Sunday, January 1, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!!!!!

Hoping this year will bring good things your way.

Happy New Year

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

BARN OWL DOLL AND HORNED OWL SKETCH ~ by Bethann Scott

Making a few textile Owl Dolls. This little guy is made using Herringbone wool.

I'm trying to keep up on my sketching. Here is a Horned Owl pencil drawing I recently did. Who knows maybe I'll make a textile horned owl.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

LEARNING TO SKETCH

I've always enjoyed drawing when I was a child, but never pursued my interest in art. I found my husbands sketch pad and began sketching facial features thinking this would enable me to draw better faces on my dolls. Then I tried my hand at sketching my first animals, the kitten and cat. Please remember I am a beginner at this.

Sketching facial features...

Learning to sketch facial features by Bethann Scott 2016

Cat pencil drawing by Bethann Scott 2016

Friday, November 25, 2016

CANDY CANE FATHER CHRISTMAS

This Father Christmas doll is made in a more traditional style wearing a red wool coat trimmed in white. I had to do a little work on the cart. It needed stained and I added twigs for the sheep to pull the cart. I also made a leather harness for the lamb. In some ways I hope this one doesn't sell because I would love to keep this one for me.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

GINGERBREAD FATHER CHRISTMAS~ Bethann Scott~ The Stitch Fiddler

Wow another week has passed by, where does time go? In the past week I'm managed to finish a couple of Gingerbread Father Christmas dolls. I also have three that need their clothing. After these Father Christmas dolls are done, I'm moving on to do a few Snowmen. I'm just not the kind of artist that likes to make dolls in a production style process and prefer one doll at a time. But Christmas is different and it's the time of year I can indulge in my "Folk Art" style.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

STEAMPUNK WITCH ~The Stitch Fiddler ~ BETHANN SCOTT

This will be last witch for this year. The costume for this doll changed about three times before I made the decision to go with a red, black and white stripe theme. Her costume is done in layers. I love the lace and sheer cotton blouse. The hat is a purchased item. I make all my witch hats but for some reason I liked the way this hat looked. I still may make her a leather hat.

This is my first pair of leather boots with heels. I must say that handmade doll shoes are tedious work

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

FALCONRY WITCH AND OWL DOLL ~The Stitch Fiddler~ Bethann Scott

Halloween is just around the corner and I was hoping to get more accomplished but this doll took quite some time. I made her an owl companion that is perched on a falconry glove. Amazing how much thought goes into a project.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

THE STITCH FIDDLER ~MEDIEVAL LADY DOLL~ Bethann Scott

My Medieval Lady Doll is finished. I had in mind that she was going to have a witch hat and a crow but I decided to leave her as she is. Her dress is made using wool as is her cape.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Stitch Fiddler ~WOOL CAPE~ WOOL CLOAK WIP~ by Bethann Scott

A Wool Cape for the Medieval lady witch doll.

I decided I wanted this doll to have a cape. I've made capes before but I wanted the hood to be a bit looser. I did a mock-up and made the final cape in a dark gray wool. This is the final cape.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

THE ELF AND THE WITCH ~THE STITCH FIDDLER~ Bethann Scott

The ELF The Witch

Pages