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You are here: Home / dolls / My Latest Little Project

My Latest Little Project

April 22, 2026 at 9:03 am by Claudia

Thankfully, though the temperature remained at 27 degrees for several hours, everything in the garden seems to have survived the sudden cold. It’s raining a bit this morning and I was all set to clear some of the beds. I’ll have to wait until this afternoon.

Just after I left you on Monday, Don left for his eye appointment, so I decided it was a good time to do the face up on another ‘Bunny’ doll head from Little Keiko Dolls. The body that I needed was due to arrive later in the day. I worked on the face up in the studio for a few hours,  occasionally donning a mask and goggles to go outside when I needed to spray her with sealant.

Then I had to wait several hours for UPS to deliver the OB 22 body.

Consequently, her hair color is different in every photo because the light kept changing. But it’s really a silvery blonde.

The body was attached, an outfit chosen, and then – it was late in the day – I ran around the house trying to find a good place for a photo op. I had to play with the color in this one because it’s a “late afternoon sun in the studio” photo. Her eyes are brown, but they look darker here.

Don and I chose a name: Willow.

And finally, on the next day:

All four of the girls together on the church pew.

Gilly, on the far left, and Ruby, on the far right, are Landoudou dolls from Landazz Doll.

Greta and Willow, the girls in the center, are from Little Keiko Dolls.

I did all of the face ups except for Ruby’s.

I’m getting better at it, though I’m far from a professional. But it’s fun, it’s creative, and it’s less expensive, to boot! There are definitely flaws, but since they’re for me, it’s no big deal.

These smaller-head dolls are so charming. I really love them. I had an pre-order ready to go for another Landoudou doll head but it was going to cost $60 to ship her from China. So I’m going to hold off until things get better.

Speaking of which, I vowed not to start the latest Louise Penny (It’s been here for 6 months) until he was no longer in office. But I realized that I’d already read the other Susan Hill that I had on hand, so I gave in. I’m going to take my time,

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: dolls 16 Comments

Comments

  1. Ellen D. says

    April 22, 2026 at 10:06 am

    The Louise Penny is very good but does hit a bit close to home. I always like her books, though.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 10:22 am

      Yes, she says as much in the forward.

      Thanks, Ellen.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. Wendy T says

    April 22, 2026 at 11:03 am

    I’m finishing up a much lighter mystery series, by Carola Dunn. It’s about the Honourable Daisy Dalrymple (her father was a Viscount) who marries a Detective Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard. I like that it’s the early 1920’s time period. I’m on the last two books of the series and I have little hope there will be more, as the author writes a number of different series and the last Daisy book was a few years ago.

    Rain rain go away! It’s been pouring the last couple of days. Today, I have to go out so hoping there’s a break in the rain when I do.

    Splendid addition to your group of smaller headed dolls, Claudia. Pleased you’re finished with project Willow.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 6:43 pm

      Thank you so much, Wendy. Project Willow – once I had everything I needed – only took one day.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Maria says

    April 22, 2026 at 11:24 am

    Love your newest “addition” she is lovely. I would love that color of hair. Are you reading The Black Wolf ? I just started…..it unsettling, but the parallels are unmistakable.

    It is still Penny……but……

    Stay well….Keep those photos coming!

    Maria

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 6:42 pm

      She speaks about it in the forward. She wrote it before T took office again. I’m sure it will be unsettling. I’m prepared for it.

      Stay safe, Maria.

      Reply
  4. Betsy B. says

    April 22, 2026 at 12:01 pm

    The dolls are beautiful
    Louise Penny outdid herself on Black Wolf it synced perfectly with Gray Wolf. Definitely felt like it could be a reality but I think it was one of her best.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 6:41 pm

      I’m enjoying it so far, but I’m just really at the beginning.

      Stay safe, Betsy.

      Reply
  5. kathy in iowa says

    April 22, 2026 at 12:07 pm

    welcome, willow! cutie with a lovely name … more good work, claudia!

    with all the hard/wrong/unnecessary/ unwanted/almost unbelievable/stupid stuff going on in the world, it’s good to have things (like books by a favorite author) on hand that bring enjoyment, and stress relief through distraction. glad you have some and that it’s gardening time for you. may everyone have what they need, plus get some wants, too.

    also hope don’s eye appointment went well and the shots are helping him.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 6:41 pm

      He has macular degeneration so the shots keep him from going blind in that eye.

      Thanks, Kathy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  6. Elaine (in Toronto) says

    April 22, 2026 at 12:50 pm

    You did beautiful work giving Willow such a cute face. Her sisters are all lovely, too. It’s a shame shipping has gotten so expensive. Enjoy our Louise Penny book. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 22, 2026 at 6:40 pm

      It’s really expensive – I guess it’s good in the end because I’m not ordering things!

      Stay safe, Elaine.

      Reply
  7. Irene dykstra says

    April 22, 2026 at 8:52 pm

    Your dollies are adorable. I have the same doll toque gilly is wearing. I still dream of a new doll, but we have so many expenses right now.

    Mike and ibought an etricycle for me to get around in. Im getting used to it. Now that im disabled and all… I’ll be able to cross over the bridge and pick up a few grocs at the little store, because there’s a nice bike basket. And I look cool in my new helmet. Dad says ‘go slow!’

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 24, 2026 at 8:58 am

      Have fun with that etricycle, Irene!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. jeanie says

    April 23, 2026 at 10:01 am

    She looks so sweet! She looks like a Willow.

    I think you’ll enjoy the Black Wolf. If you don’t remember the Gray Wolf well, you might want to read the last four or five chapters because this picks up right where she left off, if not the same day, very soon after. Louise fills you in a bit but it helps.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      April 24, 2026 at 8:59 am

      I remember the last few chapters, Jeanie. I’m having trouble finding the time to read it – there’s so much to do outside. But tomorrow will be rainy all day, so I’ll carve out some time to read.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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