Sunday, January 24, 2010

Nonna Gaia

Here she is! I've wanted to attempt a polymer clay character doll for a few years. I'm so excited with how Nonna Gaia turned out. Her features and skin were purposely made so that she can be from any nationality. Her head, hands and feet are made of polymer clay. They have been painted with several different layers of stain and sprayed with a final clear coat of acrylic finish. Her hair is made of wool roving; there is a braid over the top of her head and a bun in the back. Her body is an armature made from wire, tinfoil, cotton, and clay. The dress is made from quilters cotton. I put a tea cup next to her for size comparison. Hopefully later this week I will get better pictures of the detail. Many many hours of work went into making her and hopefully she will be in the State Fair this year. That's all for now. Introducing Nonna Gaia! Have fun!!!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Slipper Boots

At long last the Directions are posted!!! I wanted to applique some apples on the sides of these slippers but have yet to do so which is why it's taken me so long to post. I have been wearing them for the past few weeks and they are so soft and comfortable. More will definitely be made. They took about an hour to make from start to finish and are made from polar fleece pulled from a scrap bin and denim left over from making cut off jeans.To start, trace the sole of your favorite shoe onto a paper bag. This is going to be your template for the sole of your slipper and also what you will use to make the rest of the pattern. Fold a piece of paper in half. Place the heel of the template against the fold, then trace around the sole. This is going to become the pattern for the sides of the slipper. Place the two heels together of the one you just traced and the first sole that you cut out. Place one pattern horizontal and one vertical. Draw a line along the instep of the slipper from the heel to the toe to show how wide and tall the sipper will be. Unfold the patterns you have just made. This is what it should look like.

Cut the patterns out. I folded the polar fleece in half to make sure that the two sides were uniform. Then I traced the sole of the slipper onto denim. I used denim to make the sole of the slipper more durable; and I just always happen to have denim on hand. Make sure to trace the sole in polar fleece (or whatever you are using for the main rest of the slipper) for warmth and thickness. Pin the patterns together inside out and then put them on your feet. Make sure to use both your feet or you will end up with two left foot slippers. Now fit them to your feet by moving the pins closer to your foot till the slipper is snug and comfortable. Don't try to pull the fabric tight or your slipper will be tight; only pull in enough material to make it snug. Sew the pieces together and sew a hem along the top opening to make it a little more durable. Finally turn it inside right and try them on. I hope you like your snuggly warm slipper boots as much as I like mine. Have fun!