Dear Readers,

Over many years creating art, I tried to keep my crafts, like knitting and beading separate from my illustration work. In fact, for a long time I didn’t even keep the supplies for my “crafts” in my studio. But then I got more hobbies, miniature gardening, quilting, doll making, paper crafts… the list goes on. I threw my hands up and realized my whole life is a canvas. Whatever I make, I bring a touch of creativity to it. This project I’m sharing today brings together sewing, pattern making, drawing, color theory… and most of all MY HEART! <3

My husband’s beloved grandmother, Millie, passed away late last year. Due to my health situation I had to remain home for the funeral - it was painful not to be together, a feeling many people are familiar with during these times.

Millie’s story is one of insurmountable strength. She traveled by herself with two littles by boat to the US - it’s only the beginning of her amazing story. My father-in-law brought me back some of Millie’s clothes, knowing I may enjoy the fabrics for my sewing projects. I immediately wanted to make a doll for each of my aunts using Millie’s clothes.

The colors of the clothes were eclectic so I had to put on my thinker to figure out how to make cohesive outfits for the girls. Each dress turned out so different so I thought their faces should all be unique too.

I draw on the faces before the dolls are stuffed with a small fine tip pen.

My Mom and I decorate and rearrange a lot. It’s something I’ve done with her since I was little. One of our theories is that if a color isn’t working, sometimes you just need MORE of it… The red and green combo I was most worried about. I used our theory, and added MORE. Like most outfits, it starts with a great pair of shoes.

Red on the edges, red buttons, red roses —it snapped together. This idea I now know is called color harmony and repetition but I learned about it long before art school.

Is there anything quite like finding the perfect accessory? I found this jewel-y green button in a bag of 1500 buttons I bought. Yep, I’m the kind of person that buys 1500 buttons. Out of boredom that comes with pandemic life, I asked Evan if he’d like to sort the buttons with me. I got turned down (LOL) but I hey, I found this button! Doesn’t it look so with these colors? It ties in the green and purple nicely.

I wanted to bring as much meaning into the dolls I could. I carefully pulled off buttons of Millie’s shirts and sewed them in the hair here, using every bit of the clothes I could.

Feet details (and yes matching nails!)

I never know exactly how the face is going to look until she’s stuffed and the hair is. She melts me!

On this doll below, I love how the form of the shirt is still visible. You can see some of the seam and a button from the cuff on the right side of the doll’s skirt.

Lace and beaded floral accents below.

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to give these dolls to my aunts in person but this will give them time to decide who gets which!!! Kathy, Myra, Susie, Anna and Mary… I love you and a hope these dolls reminds you of your kind and God fearing Mum. She will be missed.