The creative process

The process begins with a  ball of aluminum foil on a knitting needle! That ball of aluminum foil soon becomes the head of the doll.  The ball is wrapped with polymer clay and the eyes are inserted in the center.  There is a processed buildup of clay starting with the mouth and ending with the nose.  Once the clay head is formed it is baked at a temperature of 275 degrees for about 30 minutes.  Next an armature (body) is created out of aluminum wire so that the doll is full flexible at its limbs.  The armature includes a clay neck, hands and feet and is then baked separately.  Next the armature is wrapped in yarn and the costume is created using both han and machine stitching of reclaimed cloth.

The length of completion for each creation varies, as I am often working on multiple pieces over several days.