“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” My creativity is greatly inspired by myth, folktales, and especially children's stories. My two all -time favorites are Peter Pan (which I will save for a later post :) and Alice In Wonderland.
**************************************
Teaparty, anyone? These characters would be sure to be lively and amusing companions! :)
(left to right: The Dormouse, Cheshire Cat, The White Rabbit and Alice) Each little doll sits in a full size china teacup. The dolls can be removed and are hand-sculpted and painted, and fully poseable )
The Mad Hatter
Alice
The Cheshire Cat
The White Rabbit
The March Hare
The Dormouse
I've created some larger size dolls,too-- these stand between 12"-17" tall and have a wire armature so they are also posable.
Alice and The White Rabbit
The Red Queen
And what would Wonderland be without the Talking Flowers? These little faces are hand-sculpted and painted, and set in the center of silk flowers. They have a pin on the back and may be worn as a brooch or pinned to your favorite purse or scarf for a whimsical touch :) I've also fashioned them as hair clips:
The Talking Flowers
Fashion in Wonderland....
In addition to dolls, I have had a lot of fun making Alice in Wonderland inspired costuming. Some of my dresses are inspired by the wonderful Tenniel illustrations of the classic book, and some more recently, from the beautiful costumes in Tim Burton's amazing film adaptation:
Alice's Tea Party Teacup Dress
I cut off the straps, removed the beads (this took a looooong time!) and covered the bodice in crisscrossing satin grey and black ribbon, adding a silk flower and letting the ends of the ribbon hang down the front. I also shortened the hem to the proper length. I made a pattern of this dress as I was working, and now make them custom, from scratch (which believe it or not is really much easier! :)
Alice's Red Um Dress (Court Dress)
The White Queen
This gown is actually in two pieces, a bodice and skirt. The sleeves and gloves are also separate— I sewed on the bead and lace detailing, and the necklace is also created by hand from crystals and wire. (There are wonderful makeup tutorials on youtube if you are interested in recreating this look for yourself :)
Hats, Crowns and Other Original Designs:
The Mad Hatter Hat
This was still somewhat inspired by the costume design of the Tim Burton film, though I did change the colors and look quite a bit....
The White Rabbit Ears
Alice-inspired victorian hat
The Queen of Hearts Crown
The Alice in Wonderland Headband
White Rabbit Ears and Hat
Alice and Cheshire Cat inspired Gloves
This dress and shoes were not made by me but by a friend of mine. I wore them with my Alice Headband (my little boy is wearing the White Rabbit Ears and Hat) to the premier of the Tim Burton 'Alice in Wonderland'.
The Alice and Cheshire Cat Bag
One of my sof-sculpture doll face bags, the character faces are cotton stuffed with batting, hand-painted and heat sealed, with needlescupted features:
One of my very favorites—this Alice Dress I copied from a favorite blue dress I had as a little girl. I used it to create a grown up girl size pattern and replicated it as closely as I could, also making the matching headband and daisy slippers :)
I have lots more Alice in Wonderland inspired dolls and costumes in my storenvy shop—
www.faeryspellcreations.storenvy.com
(I also love taking custom orders so if you would like something made, please feel free to contact me :)
Wishing everyone a WONDER-FULL day!
