Okay. This is what I spent the entire day on yesterday. The face up for my new Landoudou doll – purchased so Ruby can have a sister. The rule here is: if I buy another doll that is not a Blythe, eventually she has to have a sister. See: Wren/Lily and Jessie/Audrey.
And now, Ruby and Gilly.
I worked on this like a madwoman – all day long. I didn’t shower until 4 pm. Don, bless him, was a great source of support. I often stopped to get his opinion. This was HARD. Her face is so tiny compared to the Little Keiko dolls. I felt very clumsy and had to redo the mouth a few times. She’s not perfect, but I’m pleased with the way she turned out.
As is often the case with me, I finish a creation one day and when I look at it first thing the next morning, I don’t like it. Then I drink some coffee and, in this case, redress the doll and take better photos, and I’m happy again.
She is named Gilly for a reason. In one of the gothic mysteries I read as a teen, there was a character named Gillyflower, or Gilly. And she was ethereal and almost otherwordly. I believe she had white blonde hair. I remember her all these years later and her name came immediately to mind. Pronounced (I looked it up) as Jilly. (I know there was a Gilly in Thornyhold, by Mary Stewart, but that isn’t the book I’m thinking of.)
Found it: she is a character in Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt.
When I ordered the head, I had the option of two wigs. One was much like the one I have for Ruby, so I went with the blonde wig. When I opened the box, the net that had been on it had created a mark/crease in the hair, so I spritzed it with distilled water and let it dry. The I lightly brushed it out. I like the result. I also chose the green/blue eyes, though I do have darker eyes in my stash.
The girls:
I’m very happy with her. It’s a learning process and I doubt I’ll do a whole lot more face ups. You never know. These Landoudou dolls are awfully adorable, and I like the idea of having a group of them. The heads are very inexpensive and the wigs are beautifully made. I just have to supply the body and do the face up.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Wonderful work on her sweet face. She looks like a Gilly! I enjoy the posts about your doll hobby. Happy Saturday!
Thanks so much, Linda! It’s a real challenge, but the reward is worth it.
Stay safe.
Hi Claudia! I think she looks really sweet! Ethereal, elfin… but very curious about her world. I think you did a great job on her. And I like the smaller heads… they seem like a more natural child proportions too. And I get the sister thing! When my sister comes to visit I always try to spend time with her “costuming” the tiny dollhouse dolls made by a UK artist I like. We have so much fun doing it together… it is so satisfying and nurturing. Takes us right back to childhood…. Saturday mornings on the bed with the ragbag and the sewing box and our dolls. Good memories.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks so much, Betsy.
Stay safe.
What a sweet sad little waif she is. I’m glad she has a new home.
She and Ruby are thick as thieves.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
You did a wonderful job on Gilly’s face, and I really like the name you chose. She looks so sweet and innocent…a great friend for Ruby. Enjoy the weekend.
Thank you so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Gilly is adorable and what a perfect name! Thanks for sharing pictures. I always enjoy seeing the girls. I used to read Victoria Holt a long time ago. I might have to check in the library next time I go and revisit her books.
I have a copy of Mistress of Mellyn that I picked up a couple of years ago. Yes, go revisit her books!
Stay safe.
What a beautiful magical face you created. They are both lovely little girls.
Well done!
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you so much, Kaye.
Stay safe.
welcome to gilly. great choices and beautiful work, claudia. :)
hope you, don and everyone else have a nice weekend. stay safe.
kathy
Thank you so much, Kathy.
Stay safe.
So cute, and the outfits are adorable!
Thank you, Lynda.
Stay safe.
She is beautiful! I think you must of added some fairy dust on her hair and adorable face. <3
Ah, thank you, Betsy!
Stay safe.
The moment you said Gilly, I thought of the Mistress of Mellyn! It was my intro to that genre, and I was captivated, because the governess’ name was Martha. It was the first time I met a character named Martha (outside of Mary/Martha from the Bible) and I became a big Victoria Holt fan. Good memories!
Holt’s books were wonderful and how lovely that you saw your name in print. I loved that genre and spent many hours reading and rereading those books.
Stay safe, Martha.