Pattie asked me how I 'bake'my dolls so I have put together a mini tutorial on how I did it. Hope you find it interesting. I certainly enjoy this part of the creation process, as you never know exactly how the doll is going to turn out.
BEFORE
Embellish the doll as desired. I used red yarn for hair, buttons for eyes and embroidery for the features. I used a dot of pink paint for the cheeks.
Make a dye bath in the sink using hot water, 4 teabags, 2 tbs instant coffee, a big slurp of parisian essence (gravy browning) and 1 tbs walnut crystals(You can use any combination of these, depending on what you have at hand)
Remove doll from the dye bath and squeeze as much liquid out as you can. Place doll on a foil lined tray and place in a warm oven. Leave to bake, checking often, as it is easy for the doll to scorch. Turn over regularly. You can place the doll in the clothes dryer wrapped in a big towel to finish drying if she has reached the desired level of colour (or you are too impatient to wait!) You can use a spray bottle with water if you want to tone down any areas of colour.
AFTERI removed one of the button eyes and stitched a cross in it's place and also cut some of the stitches on her nose. I also sanded her cheeks a little with fine sandpaper as they were a bit bright. The end result - a very old, loved looking doll.
p.s visit Pattie's blog for her bumper giveaway!
Miss M,
ReplyDeleteYou are the best!!! I can't wait to give it a try when I get home :c} Course my oven here has not temp settings so this could be fun!!
Pattie :c}
Mazatlan Mexico
Interesting. The aging of your dolls is very effective...they look very much worn in & adored.
ReplyDelete