The art of cloth doll making is a creative area to work in. Join textile artist, costume designer and cloth doll maker, Ray Slater, and learn some of the many techniques she uses to create mini human forms or creatures. Doll making is a format that has endless possibilities…
During this 2 day workshop you will work on “Columbine”. Columbine is based on the classic Commedia Dell’arte character with a modern twist. She is a flexible button-jointed doll with delicate articulated fingers. To create Columbine’s delicate ethereal look, her costume is made in pale shades of pink and cream organza and net. A delicately laced corset completes the costume. Columbine’s hair is made from natural coloured mohair, creating a misty hallow. You can use different combinations according to your taste and the personality you wish to create.
This will be suitable both for beginners and those with previous experience who wish to develop their doll making techniques to make a delicate jointed doll.
Please note there is a £18 materials charge for this workshop payable on the day.
Click on the title below to find a list of what you’ll need to bring with you if anything.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, space and guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.
The finish time given is a target. There is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times for day 2 can be flexible too.
We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
You will be creating Ray's "Columbine" character and Ray will supply the materials required but you will need to bring along the following:
Sewing machine in good working order
Basic sewing kit
Long thin darning needle size 1-5
A stuffing tool - i.e. a chopstick or similar
