Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves

When my plans changed in regards to pursuing Graduate studies, I set a few goals for 2015. One of these goals was to complete at least three doll and/or miniature challenges. I started January out right, looking at challenge options and making plans. The next thing I knew, five months had passed and I had not completed a single challenge! Then I saw that CDA ( Cloth Doll Artistry) had a most interesting Second Quarter Challenge.

Something with this challenge struck a cord in me and inspiration has taken hold. First, I built and decorated a miniature caravan to get my creative juices flowing.

Now I have until the end of June to complete my challenge doll.

Come on over and have a cup of tea!

This fellow is my interpretation of the Mad Hatter. He was based on the drawings in Lewis Carrol's books. His head is sculpted from paperclay and he has striking blue/green acrylic eyes. He has a button jointed cloth body with painted hands and clay over cloth shoes.

As with most of my creations, he came from a vision in my head. I do not make drawings of my characters, I just start sculpting and sewing and hope for the best. He still needs some work in the accessories department but, I am quite delighted with how he turned out.

After a mad rush to get him finished, we spent the early morning sitting on a bench amongts the roses, having tea and cookies of course, and considered why he is so very difficult to photograph. He said that "his aura over powered the lines". I believe it's that the replacement camera I am using just isn't that good. I hope you enjoy him none the less.