This workshop offers a whimsical albeit kitschy peek into the 1950’s, an era of poodle skirts, polka dots and the amazing women who taught us how to multi-task… the Dali Mamas! Using a variety of papers and even some tin, you will create an 18 inch, 2-part journal doll with a story to tell through collage and the creative use of imagery, ephemera, text, colorants, and 3-D objects. Think paper dolls on steroids as we utilize everything from imprinted recycled cardboard packaging to colorful tin litho, to construct a totally cool skirt complete with apron, as every domestic goddess always wore hers proudly. Ideas could include cooking, sewing, dr. mom (back then everyone’s mama had their own special remedies for whatever ailed you.) The last two class examples feature a Mexican Curandera and a magical theme to show you that there really are no limits as to where you can take this. A funky journal skirt consisting of multiple odd-sized pages will be coil bound, making your doll foldable for easy travel. Dangles made from beads, charms, buttons and more will embellish the skirt. Techniques abound and we will also introduce you to a cool new line of eco-friendly products. A leather closure and a funky found object hanger will complete your piece as this mama is no wall-flower, but a unique wall-hanging! Students will learn to use a coil binding machine, rotary cutter, and our stringing technique to create the dangles. All levels.
Kit Fee: $15
Supply List:
- a face image if you want to make yours personal. no larger than 3” x 3” including the neck. this can be your mom, grandmother or any image that speaks to you (we’ll bring some retro images)
- a few materials to enhance your theme. these can be images, rubber stamps, text, ephemera, printed cardboard from cereal boxes or other food products, old sewing or button cards, any other interesting packaging, labels, small doo-dads, or even bits of fabric trim. think retro.
- a piece of tin litho between 4 and 7 inches wide by approx. 4 inches long for your skirt. a tin skirt is just one of several options, but if you go this route then bring tin shears
- a couple of inexpensive nylon/synthetic flat brushes between ½ and 1 inch
- an inexpensive watercolor palette – a rectangular or round dish with wells for mixing paint. this can be plastic with 4 to 6 wells. available at craft stores or art supply
- a small pack of artist crayons. we recommend inexpensive portfolio water-soluble oil pastels from staples or bring whatever you would use in your art journals
- a small spool of 3 or 4 ply waxed-linen in any color you like and some assorted beads, charms, buttons or doo-dads to create the dangles
- an eyelet setting hammer
- sharp paper scissors
- a glue stick. we recommend UHU
Optional – bring if you have:
- a japanese screw punch with 1/8" (3mm) and 3/16” (5mm) tips. we’ll have 2 for class use
- a steel block if you have one. we’ll have one for class use
- an awl or needle tool
- 1/8" and 3/16" eyelet setters. we’ll have some for class use
- double face tape. a small roll or sheet
- x-acto knife
Kit Fee Includes:
- pre-cut and pre-punched substrates for the head, front and back torso/skirts, hands and feet
- definition templates
- 300 lb. watercolor and other papers
- a coil binding
- assorted retro imagery
- eyelets – washers and brads
- closure and hanger materials
- earth safe finish products
- handout
