Patitadolls...Fine Porcelain Ball Jointed Dolls ( BJD )

PatitaDolls Cover Page Magazine

2010-08-29T20:37:00.004-04:00

One can only imagine my face when I opened my mailed yesterday to find out that Isabella was a cover page in the " Doll Crafter & Costuming Magazine" September 2010 Issue. Of course I new that she was going to be published but I did NOT know that it was a 5 page article with the cover page. Honestly, I almost flipped out of my chair!!!!WOW!!!

Ps. I am sorry I had to remove the comments from this site.Unfortunately I was getting lot Spam, specially in other languages.:-(

Finally!!!!!!!!

2010-05-06T15:21:00.009-04:00

It has been a while....

2010-02-16T08:36:00.004-05:00

Hello dear reader and doll friends~

I know it has been *forever* since I did a post or did anything else with my dolls. let me explain a little bit what happened.

Last summer I was intensely working with the doll making and I became very ill. I was spending so many hours on my shop that I did not realised how much cost that was.It injured my health and part of my doll making process. I developed an allergy from the plaster. I thought it was the porcelain but the plaster was hurting me badly .

Meanwhile, I hit a wall with my doll process. I normally work with different things to *clear my mind* and instead to do that I was focusing solo on the PD . My mind stop working and I did not have the results that I really want to.

I then decided that I need to set aside and do something else, not knowing IF i would continually do this or not.

Well.... it took me a while but my mind finally cleared up. I feel very refreshed and ready to create.BUT I still have a problem\- mold making.

Such a simple answer and even that I could not see it.....

I have decided to find help. I did make the master mold for the hands and I have several heads ready too but all the new body parts needs the master mold.

i am currently looking for companies to make them for me. Once I have the master I can make more master from it because is easy and it does not take that much time but to make the master mold , it takes me many many hours because I am a little neurotic about it in been just right.
I like to take my parts out and to look almost done ... very clean ... and that takes a perfect mold.

Thank you for not giving up on me and PD. Let's see if I can find a good mold making company to make may molds so I can start making the dolls again.
Final note :
I don't plan to massive make these dolls.... Those of you that have emailed me and asked about it, you will be notified as soon as i have dolls available. I still don't know what I want to do but I can tell you that I do NOT ( at this time) want to make ONLY this dolls and spent all my time just doing that so the result will be less dolls but I will guarantee you that only my best work will be sold.

Thank you again!
Patricia
ps. I did a pour on my hands to see how it turn out.... I LOVE IT!*grin*

Click on picture to see enlarged.

The worse comes first

2009-10-27T15:29:00.004-04:00

The most difficult thing in mold making to me is the hand mold. I decided this time to make the molds from the worse to the easiest . The hands, feet and legs are all done and i should be pouring these this week. the upper body and arms and new head should be head for pouring next week so hopefully with in 3 to 4 weeks maximum I will have few dolls to show you . they will be ready for sale and I will then be taking orders.
These hands are exactly what I wanted. My first hands had the thumb out and when I start to make clothes for the dolls I disliked that. These are also very petite and will suits the new bodies incredible well.

It will be soon...

Doll prototype

2009-10-14T13:25:00.004-04:00

I can't help thinking that most of you have already forgot about me.grin. I know , I know , I am moving so slow, but I promise you that when I do have my dolls ready it will worth the wait!

It took me so long to create my first dolls and when I finally did and had then in my hands I started to wonder how they would be if I changed here and there.....sigh.... and as hard it was for me to come to the decision that I did of completely restart again, I can not tell you how glad I am that I did that.

My mind was going back and forth in how could I improve the dolls I already had. in which by the way ,I love it very much and nothing was *wrong with it* but I want PD to look like real human and for that I needed to go back to want I have been doing for the past few years - sculpting.

From the beginning I wanted Isabella to have a smaller body equal a young girl. I also want a older girl body equal a 18 years old.

I am done with the first body prototype and you can have a peek below, and the older one is coming along but I will start molds tomorrow.

I was sick for while and was unable to handle some of the materials that I use on my shop. That it self put me behind a lot too but I am glad in way because I really feel refreshed and very much inspired.

These new bodies have so much details that only the porcelain will show you. The back bone is probably my favorite... you can see the ribs and the back bones like a real young girl has.

The doll's head you see below is my new doll . I am excite about her too, but I may have to wait until the second body is ready because she is older and her bust and hips will be more curved.

Anyways, I am here still working hard and Lord willing I should be able to have one or 2 dolls ready for sale before the holidays.

Yes, I will be taking orders after that but I also will have the first dolls ready for immediately buy.
* Excuse my pictures .... I use my work camera for it and the quality is not that great.

can't

Ingra and her story....

2009-09-26T10:27:00.012-04:00

Hello there~

During my time of recovering , I had a chance to make few sculptures aside from my porcelain work. Although I am feeling that I am better enough to go back to work, I shall wait just a little longer until I finish my antibiotics.

Meanwhile, I would like to introduce you to Ingra and her lovely storyteller companion , Mr. Chipmunk! This is a very special set with a special meaning for me. I was unable to add the story that my daughter Kate wrote , but if you click HERE, it will take you to my auction where you can read about Ingra, read her story, see more pictures, view the music box and more.

Thank you for you prayers and visiting me!

Clothing and Shoes!

2009-09-23T16:33:00.008-04:00

Hi , it has been more than a week since I posted here. I have been sick and so some of my children. I am unable to work with my dolls right now until I am completely cured from this sinus infection. This is the second time in less than 3 months that I had this type of infections .I feel terrible because I am so close to finish my molding and yet so far away.....sigh!

Well, meanwhile I have done few little things. I am learning to make shoes! Yes, learning is the real word here. These are such a tiny feet!
I love the look of silk as well as leather, so I have been experimenting with both of them.

First thing I had to do was to create a copy of the dolls feet in wood. The wood one that you see on picture above is the same size of the doll's feet and the white one has a point to it because I want to make some rider's boots and court shoes.

Forgive me my pictures and back grounds.... but here you can see my princess dress... I really love how it turned out and below is my first pair of silk shoes! I will show you close ups later on..... It fits her perfectly.*grin*

This dress is an Jane Austin type of a dress.. I love that era very much and I thing the dress turned up really pretty.

If I have a chance I will add more pictures of some other dresses that I have ready , but perhaps I should wait until they can be worn by the girl?

Updates :-)

2009-09-15T12:56:00.003-04:00

Hi ,
I just want to tell you that my News page will soon have a scroll feature that will allow the new *news* be displayed on top and the older news on the bottom. This will keep you informed in a much better and yet simple way .
On my Reviews page , you can read the complete article from Doll Magazine. Just click the image . The quality is much better than the one I have here.
Thank you!*grin*

Such a pretty gift.....

2009-09-11T12:10:00.004-04:00

Isabella and Alexa

Last week I had a lovely surprise sent it to me. It was an art work done by one of my followers . Her name is Monika Viktoria and she is young painter artist. Her lovely watercolors are to be appreciated, please visit her at The Long Lost Wood and say *Hello*! Thank you Monika!*grin*

Patitadolls in DollReader Magazine

2009-09-09T17:05:00.004-04:00

Today I received a copy for the DollReader Magazine , October issue and what so honored to see that Isabella was published there. It is very exciting and I am very happy for it!

In a footnote, my new dolls are VERY different than the Isabella and Alexa that you already know. It has been taking so long because it does require time and effort to create these dolls specially new ones but also because I have re-done my prototype several times to perfect the new bodies. Soon, I will be showing you Isabella and Alexa with new bodies, face paintings and a new doll. Sophia is on my list too. I never finished her mold because I was unhappy with one of her ears and I got started on the new bodies before I had the chance to re-sculpt the ear and make her mold but I am hoping to have her ready before the holidays orders. Okay- back to work!

Other arts....

2009-09-06T17:31:00.004-04:00

You know all about my doll making but perhaps you don't know what else I do..... there are many other other forms of mediums that satisfy my soul... please click on the picture and I will show you ....grin!

Patitadolls is Officially in Print!

2009-09-04T13:59:00.016-04:00

I am so excited to announce that Patitadolls has been published in the November issue of Dolls Magazine. I feel truly honored for having such an article done over me and my "girls"!
The digital edition of the magazine is available online at http://www.dollsmagazine.com/ .
This past July, while at the Atlanta Doll Show, I had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting Carie Ferg ,editor-in-chief of Doll Magazine. She surprised me with the request of having a video interview! This video can also be viewed along with the digital magazine.
I was unable to download the pdf. file, so I printed and scanned the article and added it below. It's in an enlarged format, so hopefully it will be easy to read:) Otherwise, I will try to figure out another way to show you the article, and it will be under the "reviews" page of my website: http://www.patitadolls.com/ .

My very first dolls as a child were paper dolls. When Carie asked me if Diana E. Vining (a renowned paper doll artist) cloud design "Isabella" as a paper doll, I was thrilled:) If you are not a subscriber of this magazine, and you are truly into dolls, I would highly recommend subscribing. This magazine is wonderful!

p.s. The pictures below are the three used in the article. The baby face is the cover page.

The winner is .....

2009-08-31T20:29:00.003-04:00

The moment has come

To discover the name

Of the one who has won

This singular game.

In her hold she shall have

A delicate prize-

So lets us not tarry-

For soon she'll be merry-

This one as yet disguised.

Her gift shall be clay-

(With flora and gold)

And fit for a queen

Or so I 've been told.

So gather around

And sit for a spell-

Just watch for the winner

And wish her well.

Thank you everyone who visited and entered. I had a wonderful time making the miniature pottery. Rebecca is the winner!

Patitadoll's Pottery

2009-08-25T19:31:00.010-04:00

I had a lot fun today taking pictures of the mini china. I think they turned up lovely specially considering this was actually my first time making crockery in such small scale .

I love how this picture above looks. All I need is the girls and ...aahhh... okay , no males yet!*grin*

When I turn pottery for us , everything counts . I love to end up with beautiful results but practical as well. All my glazes are lead-free because I want to be able to bake, freeze, and serve with the pots.... enjoy its full capacity!

For my dolls , it was important to do the same. Don't be full by their sizes.... My daughters are eager to use their doll wood stove ( a real wood stove that they insert little logs and fry eggs and bacon during the winter months- outside ,of course!) and bake some goodies!

this was a try out of a dogwood painting... I like it a lot and will consider making a full set. I found out how to inlay gold to my porcelain. That was an exciting news because its perspectives for my dolls... I am not sure yet what I will do, however for now, I plan to use on their dishes.... it gives a nice finish , don't you agree with me?*grin*

I can not make more pottery at this moment because I am focusing on many new molds and dolls that I am making but I am hoping that before the holidays I can turn not stoneware but solid porcelain and decorate with a lovely red transferware and gold trims... mmm,I love that!

The picture below shows all the pieces that I did. The set for the give way is there however I have already separated. I will post the set picture and the winner on Sept 1st. If you like to participate and have not left me a comment , you can do now and I will add your name to the pot!

Thank you for stopping by!

Juliet.....WIP!

2009-08-22T14:12:00.005-04:00

I am so anxious to finish my new molds, I can't hardly wait.*grin*
I will have a new pair of hands, 2 new torsos ( upper and lower bodies), and the new double joints.I also have a new face too and she may be one of my older looking dolls.
While I am loaded with mold making , this work in progress is a special order that I used Isabella's mold and sculpted directly on the face while the porcelain was at leather dry stage. As it was requested, I reduced Isabella's eyes and to my surprise I love her too! She is waiting for her new body . She will be dressed in gorgeous 1700's outfit and includes hat and silk shoes. Ohh yes, I will show her to you !

September 1st give way mini china~

2009-08-21T10:52:00.007-04:00

Hello everyone~
I am giving way a 6 pieces miniature pottery that I turned in my wheel using my fingers as a solo tool. They are made from stoneware , featuring REAL transferware and guess what ? Real GOLD as trim. I found out how to inlay gold on my porcelain.
The pieces are signed and dated by me. they will be given way on Sept. 1st . I will do a withdraw using the names that were posted before and any that is posted here . If you haven't left me a comment , you may do now and I will add your name to the withdraw.
This miniatures are scale to a 14" doll. You don't have to own one to wish for this...*smiles*

** This are real painting on transferware that are dishwasher /oven safe.... they will NEVER disappear because they were fired on the pieces

Let me introduce you to Big Joe!

2009-08-15T14:40:00.005-04:00

For while now, I have talked about a horse that I was working on for my Patitadolls . This horse was a real challenge for me. Firstly for the size . He stands a little over 13" tall .
I had to use mixed medias to sculpt him and give him just enough weight. Not too heavy and not too light.

My first coat ( flockling) on him turned up terrible. I had to set him aside for 2 weeks because I was frustrated when I removed all I had done but it was then that I had an idea and it worked wonderfully. The coat was created over 6 layers over a medium of my choice.

I named him Big Joe, after a horse from a friend of mine that lives in Homestead , Florida. I used the *real* Big Joe 's picture as reference and you can see here how similar they look.

Big Joe won many trophies in Hialeah completions.

His eyelashes are so cool... again, I was adventures and used a completely new medium instead of lambs wool or real human eyelashes and do you know something? You won't believe how soft this eyelashes are.His eyes were also handmade by me.

Because this horse was handmade and it's size, I wouldn't be able to find a ready made shoes for him.... I honestly didn't even try it because I had the idea of steel in my mind.

Here you can see how lovely the steel worked making it look very close to the real thing.

Big Joe was a tremendous work but a wonderful challenge. I learned much about horses and other things too. I want to make a second one and I probably will but not for while. I still have to make the saddle , stirrups and the final accessories but for now, he will be next to me at my painting desk so when I work on my girls I can think how they going to look like when they are ready to ride on him.....You will see Big Joe again.....soon!*grin*

Steel Articulation Prototype

2009-08-13T16:07:00.004-04:00

**Click on the picture to see the other one**

I was hoping to post my horse but I have been so busy pouring dolls, making molds, and turning pottery that I did not have a chance yet to get pictures done but I will soon,I promise!*grin*

I want to share with you my prototype for my steel articulation. I have edited the photographs since my patents are pending.This model has the holes in the body in order that I may see the precision of the movements with the compression of the springs within the body. I know there are other doll makers that like to see how other people do their work . I understand that and of course you understand that I can not share my system but I can tell you some things about it in which will encourage or discourage you.

Patita dolls has a very unique skeleton system that is held together precisely by 5 pins-That was important to me. The amount of tension is what I like to say - perfect! Why ? Because she not only holds the position but also holds it in place even when holding something with some substantial weight and the other parts do not move when one part moves.

This prototype is marked, written , broken and glued back with epoxie, and still has temporary pins because I had take it apart and put together at least 80 times( probably more) during this process. I thought to replace the parts and make a neat looking model but I changed my mind ... this one means a lot to me.... means hard work, many many sleepless nights, tears , blood but at the end much joy . I am so very proud of this because it took a lot determination and an enormous amount of dedication for me to get here. I have so many plans and ideas , it is hard to sleep sometimes but I am very privileged to have a loving family that adores me and supports my work.

If you like my dolls, please keep visiting me ... I am working many hours a day in several different projects ( including different approach to face painting ) and although they all take a long time to get done , I will get there.

I Appreciate each one of you so much and for your lovely and kind emails to me. It has been a wonderful journey.

From my home to yours....a gift from my heart...and hands!

2009-08-11T19:07:00.014-04:00

Last night I took a break from my mold making and turned some pots.While I was turning I was thinking of all my lovely visitors that often comes to *see* me and read about my work and has also began to love my dolls and its process of making it.
Soooo, I start turning some little pots...in fact very little*grin*
Well , as I worked my way I had several ideas and decided that I want to share it with you...not just the idea but what I am making!*smiles*

I have decided that I want to make a complete set of English China with a transferware pattern on it . This will be for my patitadolls and Iplan to turn a set of 40 pieces. My daughters are excited about it because they will be able to use their miniature wood stove and make real food for the dolls,*grin* , well , now they will have a plate to eat what makes me think I need to make them a.....table...and...chairs,grin. yes, I will get there.

I emailed my dear friend Anita and asked her about the give way and she gave me some excellent suggestion BUT I still need *your* help!

For the next three days I will turn all the pots . I am not sure yet about the sizes so I am turning different sizes. Clay shrinks and because some of these items ( the real ones) I don't have in hand to measure and find the scale, I will turn many and just choose the best ones that fits the scale.

I want to list on the bottom of this page a list of options that I can make it for you so , if you would like to take part on this , please leave me a comment and choose which item ( number) you would like to have it. The most voted one will be the final give way.

Some information:

The china will be in stoneware , hand thrown in a potters wheel . each piece will be signed and dated by me.

Each piece will be glazed and fired.

A specially made miniature replica of English pattern will be used as a transfer and fired to each piece to produce a true and realistic English dish.

The scale is close to a 1/6. My dolls are 14" tall and will be perfect for them.

You don't need to own a doll to want participate, just leave me a comment.*grin*

Now , I don't know exactly when it will be ready but I am guessing 4 weeks from today.If I have it ready sooner I will do a post ,show the pictures and ,we can do the withdraw earlier.

I will write down all the names and do one single withdraw. I will announce the winner on a following post.

Now I need your help, please tell me what would like the give way to be:

1 . A set (2) cobalt-blue-decorated Stoneware canisters. Much like what you see for antique butter churn or real vintage stoneware.( I will try my best to replicate, these won't be transferware , but hand painted with potters glazes)

2. A set of 6 dinner plates ( Floral English trasferware)

3. A set of 3 soup bowls and 3 dinner plates.( Floral E. tansferware)

I Will be turning the mini pots the next three day and will take some suggestions , if any. I will be doing some firing on my dolls in 2 weeks... no , is not the new molds yet... these things takes time and I am only able to do this pottery pieces because I am exhausted with the mold making and I need a little break.

As a bottom note, I want to tell you that my next post will be showing you my horse.The first one is all done BUT I am working on the saddle and I have decided that I want to make his horse shoes simply using steel and an anvil to form the shape and permanently attach to the horse feet. I am very proud of him and can't wait to show it to you!*grin*...yes, got find a name... I am horrible about names.....sigh

I must get busy with my designs now....Smiles!!!!!

I will ship to you at my cost....worldwide!

New look to Patitadolls website!

2009-08-05T17:20:00.003-04:00

Hello~
Patitadolls website has a new look.... You are invited in..... www.patitadolls.com

Isabella and I

2009-08-02T16:14:00.002-04:00

For while now I have been wanted to take pictures with my dolls but I was always leaving it for later ;However I want you to see the size comparison . I am here with Isabella. My dolls are quite petite but not too small to make sewing difficult for them.*grin*
When I made Isabella I wanted her to look young and innocent . She is just like that. I am now working on 2 new set of bodies. One is a younger girl and the other is a more fuller ( Brazilian woman is on my mind, grin) body. I have double jointed for them too. I can't wait to have it ready.
It took me some time to develop all the parts to where I felt happy . I don't think I will ever settle to one thing only , because it is not in my nature, I get bored easily and I love a challenge, plus as an artist my work is never done. I love improvements and they don't necessarily means better but ... different.
It will take me some time to show you my new dolls and all the new parts , but I will get there.
I have study the possibility to reduce the dolls to a 10" size but because my steel articulation is so precise with such perfect tension, I am not sure if I can reduce it all , perhaps I can but I have many other ideas before I get to that.
I will leave you with my very natural pictures taken by my daughter -Kate.*smiles*

Double Joints

2009-07-25T11:17:00.005-04:00

After creating my single jointed dolls , I began thinking what next. I love the look of the single joints because is more uniform ;however I have to admit that the double joints allows a little more flexibility and extension of the parts. I could have made just the new joints and adjusted the molds but I have been wanting to sculpt a new body as well. What I didn't realized when I first started making my dolls was that I would have so many ideas popping in my head.*grin*

I have learned to *select* them too. Everything that has to do with mold-making and porcelain-firing takes a lot of time - from designing to execution .

I finished the prototype and now I will be starting on mold making next week. It is a long process as I have become obsess ,*grin* , in how my molds looks. It is because it's functionality is affected if the mold is not smooth and clean.

The entire process of making molds takes about 10 days then I have to let it dry . Normally with in 2 weeks is ready for use but when I make a mold for the first time I always make a master mold because these molds wears out after so many pouring.

I have a new doll (face) ready but I will wait for the new body to show her to you.

As a foot note. I did not like how my horse flockling turned out . I removed the entire work that I did and because I didn't want to damage the sculpt ,in which I loved , it took me 3 full days of work .

He has a new coat , new flockling and it is looking really good. I still have a lot to do and I have been enjoying this challenge. I am not sure yet but I am contemplating the possibility of air brushing paint.... I guess I will have to try and see what works best.

Steel Articulation

2009-07-21T15:24:00.004-04:00

For more than six months now, I have been working on a design that would provide for my dolls a perfect articulation. I first experimented with elastic, and although I was able to produce a very nice tension, I was unable to create an EXACT measurement for the size of the elastic, therefore creating a problem regarding all the dolls having the SAME amount of tension. There wasn’t any consistency with the tension, and that bothered me.

After a while, I designed a steel system for the dolls which allows for perfect tension and incredible mimicking of human movements. The skeleton consists of double twist, aircraft-grade tie wire connected by hardened, steel, swivel joints and applied tension with springs.

Patitadolls porcelain BJDs are able to stay in ANY position they are posed in. You will be amazed at how silent they are!

Horses for Patitadolls

2009-07-20T09:23:00.007-04:00

I love to sculpt animals almost as much as I love to sculpt dolls. I have made several dollhouse animals in the past and now I am making in a much larger scale ( close to 1/6) to fit my dolls. I am working on two new dolls and their accessories. It will take some time for me to have them ready and available to order because the entire plaster mold process takes a long time , but I will get there.*grin*
Meanwhile, I have been working with the horses. I plan to make 3 in which one will be : Appaloosa ,Friesian and Arabian Horses.

They are quite large and a challenge due to their sizes. I had to make them from mixed mediums . I have finished my first one ( Appaloosa ) and I am now doing the furring . This is a lot of fun specially because I did a deep research over model horses and what I found out was that most artists uses only airbrushes paints without any flockling. Well, I wanted to try with flockling because I think I can make the horses more realistic looking but, I must to say that the painted ones are pretty incredible too.

The WIP head you see has two layers and still needs a lot work but I like it so far....

For the equestrian-themed dolls I will have one dressed in 1800s attire, and the other with modern riding clothing. The third one... for the Arabian Horse will be a princess.... I am not sure yet but probably from the Middle East.

Doll Show

2009-07-17T15:20:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone~ As much fun and excitement I had at the doll show, nothing like getting back home to my family and my farm. *grin*
The show was *wonderful* , so much more than I expected. I meet wonderful people, collectors, and artists. What a experience !!!!!!!!!
My pictures are awful . The lighting was not good and I learn that I need to take my own lighting with me to my next show in which by the way, it will probably be the IDEX in Orlando, FL, in January 2010.
I have a lot to do before that and I can tell you that Monday I will get start working.

There were so many wonderful artists at the show.... here you can see me with Monica Reo. This lady is an incredible doll maker. Her porcelain dolls are large scale and one of the most beautiful and realistic faces I ever seen....Check out her site by clicking her name above.

The show was a busy one however I felt sick during the time I was there. I am not sure what it was and I can tell you that I am doing much better now, but I had a very hard time breathing while I was there.

Over all, I can tell you that I am enjoying the whole business of doll making and I am excited to see what will come next!

Wigs

2009-07-09T17:32:00.006-04:00

I just finished taking more pictures of the girls and they are all ready to go. I love to change the wigs because it changes the doll looks so much. I guess it is true when people say that "Your hair is the frame of your face"... well, I kinda translated this saying from Portuguese so it may not make a sense.*grin*
Thank you all of you kind visitors , friends and artists. I really appreciate that you take the time to visit me and see my dolls. It has been a long road but a very enjoyable one in which I have learned so much and I can only say that this is just the beginning .... I am *full* of plans .... smiles to you!

So many choices....

2009-07-08T07:57:00.007-04:00

I will be completing my 40Th summer this weekend. This will be the first time in my life that I won't be with all my family, except for Kate ,as she is going to the show with me. *grin*
Birthdays are always very special occasion and the children are always eager to prepare gifts and to shop for the birthday person.
This year my *wish list* is the most strange one. It starts with fabrics, trims to wood supplies....smiles... and it is all about -Dolls!
I love , love to make Patitadolls and I am finding out that I also enjoy to dress them and to make accessories.
Now that we are in summer vacation , I have more time to spend on my art . Last Spring, I was only able to make one sofa for my dolls but I want to make more furniture. I have already start on one project that will accompany my next doll , in which by the way the mold is ready for pouring but it will be weeks until she be ready to show because the entire process takes a long time .

I Will be experimenting new ways to use china painting too. For years, I have only painted my dolls with oil paintings and it has nothing to do with china painting , in which is done by layers and firings between that . One can only see it progress as it goes and at the end final results . I had a much *careful* attitude about approaching to the china painting only because I was afraid . Once you fire a layer of paint , you can not fix it , but now I am feeling more confident and will try different face ups for Patitadolls. *grin*

I love all costumes for the dolls but my favorites are definitely from the Victorian Era. Any thing from 1830's to early 1900's is superb . I can not leave it out the Marie Antoinette era and even all the way back to the Egyptian times but most of all I like them all to be very practical too. I am not oppose to make some more extravagant costume in which could display the dolls at shows and with that purpose , I may do that some time in the future but I really enjoy to dress up the girls just like when I used to play as a child.

Getting the dolls ready

2009-07-06T16:45:00.002-04:00

I am glad all worked out really well and I am finally ready for the show. I am not sure if I will be able to post more pictures before I leave as I was only able to do pictures from 2 dolls today and tomorrow I will do the rest then start to pack, so if I have a chance ,I will post , if not all few more.

New dolls

2009-07-05T15:15:00.004-04:00

Hello there~
I am not particularly fond of taking pictures of my dolls in nude as I rather see them dressed but because I make these dolls for sale, I need to show you as much as possible how they look like and how they can pose. I will start dressing the dolls tomorrow so I thought to take a group picture first however they aren't all here.

Alexa has such a fun face to work with it... I have not written a profile for her but I will soon.

Isabella is so sweet looking .... I am thinking to make a new torso for her with younger body... but first I am working on another doll and Sophia.... Poor Sophia, I had some trouble with her mold ... she is now patiently waiting for me.

Here comes the bride...

2009-07-04T20:29:00.007-04:00

I am pleased to introduce you my new doll - Alexa!
Alexa is dressed as a bride and she one of the six dolls that I will be bringing to the 22nd Annual Doll Festival , on July 11th- 15th In Atlanta -GA.

Alexa is a new sculpt and I just love the way she looks. She is very different than sweet Isabella , don't you agree?*grin*

This bride has green eyes however you will have a chance soon to meet one Alexa with blue eyes and another with brown eyes.

Alexa is a very lovely bride. I mixed a very white porcelain slip with a hint of pink and it turned up a very soft flesh color ... not like most doll flesh and honestly speaking I prefer this skintone than the white one.

Alexa has a long and soft ( real) mohair wig that is removable. She looks lovely with a dark color wig too , but I had to choose ....

I pierced her ears and she can wear earrings....mmmm, I love that!*grin*

One thing about Patitadolls that I like to bring to attention is that all my dolls can stand alone without support. I study their anatomy a lot when I was designing these dolls because I want to make sure my dolls would be proportional, including their feet and hands

Patitadolls has a set of joints that hides the *bulkiness* of the balls. It is inserted in way that not only locks the legs perfectly, but also retain the natural look of a human legs.... if you read my earlier posts from last year , you know how much work I put into these joints . It was very important to me.

(((Thank you))) so much for visiting me and meeting my new doll... if you are interested to see my other dolls, come back next week as I plan to post some more pictures!

Isabella and her lion

2009-07-03T19:36:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone~ I want to update you with some new pictures and a little information . My dolls are all ready, including all outfits and accessories. I am working on her stand and tomorrow hopefully I will be able to finish assembling all the dolls. I was only able to do one today, Isabella , as you see here with her pet lion. I would had all dolls done by now but I got sick and last night I end up at the ER because my sinus infection was so bad I could not breathe . I was able to get some x-rays done and one additional medication . Today I rested all day and only got out of the bed to assemble one doll but hopefully tomorrow I will do some more. I plan to take pictures on Monday and hopefully I will do a post before I leave to next week show.

Isabella is a little different.... I did another mold for her and adjusted few things ... I like it a lot.....I am anxious to introduce you to Alexa..... she will be here soon.....

The Bridal Dress

2009-07-01T17:02:00.010-04:00

I finished my bridal dress . Although this dress has a very simple and elegant look , this was probably the most time consuming doll outfit I have ever made. I enjoyed doing it from the first point of designing the dress to the final details. The pictures was taken without a body and it is missing the petticoat , therefore is not showing the shape properly however ; it fits my dolls beautifully .

The dress is made from a lovely hand woven Silk Charmeuse in a pearl color ( my picture is not showing the true color ) . The corset was entirely hand applied with ribbon cords, lace, pearls and fluorescent,clear Sequins.

The skirt was made in 2 layers and underneath is suported by a 7 inches wired petticoat .A total of 60 inches is around the hemline that was finished with clear sequins. The entire lower edge of this gown has a Swiss lace applique that I meticulously adorned with glass beads and pearls.

The shoes were made using my doll's feet as pattern , so it fits her perfectly and match the gown very gracefully.

For the bouquet I choose handmade tiny roses, lace , pearls, and fine silk ribbons..

I am assembling the girls on Saturday and have plans to get pictures done Monday and Tuesday, hopefully I can post again soon.

22nd Annual National Doll Festival

2009-06-16T10:28:00.003-04:00

I am soooooo excited to announce that I will be participating on my first doll show. It will be NEXT month, July 11 to 15th In Atlanta ,GA at the 22nd Annual National Doll Festival .I was not planning to participate on this one , as I knew it was too late to sign in but , after speaking with the coordinator , he so kindly opened a space for me. Ohhhh, I am so nervous.... I have not slept the past few nights working on the dolls ...there is so much to do !!!!!!!!!!!
My husband and children are just the most wonderful family and they are all helping me by doing my chorus so I can spent as much time as possible preparing the dolls.
I am working on a *very* special doll . She will be the center of my show. She is a new mold and one of the most beautiful doll I have created - she is a bride!
I am in pouring , firing stage and no time for computer or order at this point. All things are in hold right now and my focus is solo in the upcoming show.
I want to thank you all of you , wonderful doll/faerie artist , and your lovely work that has inspired my so much . Your kindness and encouragement has been such a blessing to me. I don't want mention names, but you all know who you are . ((( thank you ))) for visiting me, for your emails, comments in my blog, and so much more. I would *love* to meet each one of you in person one day. For now, if you are planing to attend the show , please look for Patitadolls's booth and come see Kate and I. *grin*

I am looking forward to meet new people and other artists. I have never been in a doll show before so this is very exciting.
I will do my best to post pictures ... I am working on the dolls, wigs , clothing , shoes and accessories.... now I only need to find someone that will milk my cow while during my absence *grin*

Details

2009-06-14T16:47:00.009-04:00

I have been working with sculpting and painting dolls for few years. China Panting is a new medium for me and I thought to share few faces I painted differently . These were my first ones . I am now working on new faces painting technique and as I get more more comfortable with china painting , it is becoming easier too. I made several new faces only with the idea to practice my strokes and new colors . I will soon have a green eyes babe,grin!!

Details are very important to me. From the very beginning , I wanted my dolls to look as realistic as possible however maintaining the gentle *doll look*. I am making 2 more new feet molds, one will allow the doll to have the toes a little apart so she can wear sandals the other is a surprise!!!!!!!!

This week is a super busy week for me. the last few weeks I have been busy doing pottery , drawings and Snow White marionettes ; however this week I have a lot of plans for patitadolls and hopefully I will be sharing with you a very special one soon!Smiles!

Sophia updates:-)

2009-06-13T21:20:00.005-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know that Sophia's first doll has been fired and I am sooooo pleased! *grin*
I am casting her second mold on Monday and should be making the final doll very soon. I can't wait to share her with you and to hold her in my hands. I have learned so much this past 14 months ... so many trials... all very worth it. It is in my mind to make a small video of my dolls so you can see how her joints works fantastically and how much fun it is to play with her.
Soon!

Exciting news!

2009-06-05T16:58:00.009-04:00

I am so excited because Isabella will be soon published in a wonderful magazine. It took a lot time and effort to create her and to be able to share the news with more people makes me so happy.

I took several new pictures and I am placing few here today. I love the black hair, don't you? *grin*

Isabella is so much fun to play with it. Ireally enjoyed dressing her and taking the pictures; although I confess is not my forte!

I will let you know the name of the magazine as soon as I have the information in which issue she will be featuring.

* I plan to fire Sophia next week. yuppieeee!

Isabella in Etsy!!!

2009-05-29T17:40:00.004-04:00

Isabella is now available on my new Etsy store !!

If you like to see my new dolls , make you you save me in your favorites when you visit me there!*grin*

Sophia

2009-05-28T20:16:00.003-04:00

I have been working many hours every evening ... I am doing so many things at the same time, one would be dizzy to see *me*. grin. My children knows me well and they are always ready to say a kind work to encourage me or to make me coffee at 9:00pm, grin. Yes, I drink strong coffee right before I go to bed too . I grow up in a coffee farm in Brazil and as far I remember I started drinking coffee when I was probably two.

Okay, about Sophia.... I posted her prototype and her plaster mold. Last night I poured porcelain and it is now , what is called leather dry. I will have to wait few days to have it dried and then fire it bisque, in which is a soft fire although the porcelain still very fragile but can be sanded in water . Next , I will fire porcelain then comes china painting. I still have a long way to go but I thought to share as I progress with her.

Pink is pretty too!

2009-05-27T16:53:00.003-04:00

While I was making Isabella , my mind was so focus on the mold making that took way any thoughts of afterwards ... well, now I only think about playing with her... can you tell?*grin*

Pretty in blue!

2009-05-26T18:08:00.015-04:00

This little outfit is very simple , but I like simple too.*grin*.

I sew it last year and saved it for Isabella. It is 100% cotton . I love silk ribbons, always have. If you ever received a hand painted card from me, you know what I mean. *grin*.I can use silk ribbons in so many things and lately I have discovered that one can make flowers and adorn an edge of a dress in a simple but elegant way.

Playing with her.....

2009-05-25T20:12:00.002-04:00

Ohhh, Iam having so much fun with Isabella. I *love* the way she poses ....

Innocent Isabella...

2009-05-23T20:56:00.005-04:00

Yes, she is here and available to become yours!*grin*

I am pleased to introduce you to my first porcelain Ball- Jointed Doll, Isabella Monet. I started working on this project in June 2008, and after many trials and adjustments, I have been able to create this doll.
She is able to articulate much like a human being, allowing her to be posed in many fun and life-like ways. T o view more pictures, or to order an Isabella doll, please visit my website http://www.patitadolls.com/ . I will be happy to answer questions at patitadoll@msn.com .

Isabella is ready!

2009-05-22T18:07:00.002-04:00

For all of you who have been following me on my journey in making porcelain BJD's, and for those of you who have recently found me, I am pleased to tell you that I have finally worked my molds to be the way that I have dreamed of for a very long time!*grin*
Unfortunately, I came down last night with a nasty cold and am now bedridden. My plans have changed, so instead of taking pictures of Isabella today, I will have to postpone it until next week and just let my sweet family take care of me... *grin*
Please check here next week as I will be blogging many times with updates and will be including complete and detailed nude pictures of Isabella.

Making Sophia

2009-05-19T11:16:00.006-04:00

I am so busy , like a honeybee in spring time!*grin*

I am working with my book, with the marionettes (Snow white) and my BJD's.

I painted Isabella early this morning and I am looking forward to *show* her to you. Although I will have only 2 dolls completed , I will be taking orders then. Also , I am painting 4 different faces to give you more options of lip/eye colors. It has been fun!

Meanwhile, I am working with Sophia's mold. I posted about my troubles when I baked the prototype , but I also told you that I would fix it. So , here you can see her mold and if you take a look inside , there is no defect. All the orange stuff is what I used to fix her . Although she has the visible lines , they were repaired and sanded so smoothly , that if you would hold the head and run your fingers through it you can't feel a thing!*grin*

It is getting close. Isabella will be ready very soon, I am now busy trying to design some outfit for her.

Hands and Feet

2009-05-17T19:50:00.006-04:00

Hi this is a little update on my BJD's progress. Isabella has been fired and she is complete!Yeahh!!!

I have done one layer in china paint and I will have to do this 6 more times to active the final colors.I will then have 2 dolls ready.Here is a picture showing her hands and feet... they have one layer of paint , more to come. The greatest thing about this process has been what I have learn from my errors. I have improved in many areas and one that I am most excited about it is that I learned to sculpt directly on the porcelain.

The dolls will be poured into molds, but each doll , when is in *leather dry* stage allows some sculpting to be done. for ex. the picture is showing her feet . Each toe was sculpted , or *carved* out to create the curves. There is a right time to do that. If one does it when the porcelain is too wet, is not good or to dry , it will break it.

Sophia first mold is been poured. For her head, I had to make a 4 piece mold because I like to sculpt detailed ear and if I made 2 parts mold , I have found it out that does not work, at least for me.

I will have to fire Sophia and make another mold to shrink to her petite body size. I found out that I sculpt better faces if they are larger than smaller... I will also show you Sophia prototype after all my repairs so if you are curious , bookmark my page or visit me often. I have 2 other blogs and few websites ... lots work at the same time ,grin, believe me I am most productive this way because I don't spend a lot a time at once so I feel refreshed when I get back to something that I let set for while....

I have been TAGGED!!!!!!!!!!Grin

2009-05-14T14:16:00.009-04:00

I have been tagged by my dear friend and incredible artist Rose, from bbflockling. If you are a doll maker or collector, you probably have seen some of her whimsical faeries on her ebay listings or her blog. If you have not, you do not know what you are missing! Her creations are boundless- her presentations and costuming are exquisite, and the love that she receives from God and gives to others allows her to create some very beautiful and memorable pieces. Please visit Rosa’s (as I call her) blog below:

I list for you but seven things
For which I am most grateful:
First my Father, King of Heaven
Ruler, Helper, Healer, Friend-
Then the one with whom He blessed me,
With a love that ne’er will end.
Next my quiver, over flowing
Shafts of *joy* that pierce my soul-
They who make our home a haven
Make my life both good and whole.
Still I add our land abundant
Freely sharing nature’s ways-
And from which my inspiration
For my art, God gives each day.
And may I not forget sweet music-
Notes that put together be
Like a friendship , written well
A lovely melody.

(((Thank you dear Rosa)))

I would like to pass this award to the blogs below:

http://valandra.blogspot.com/
Valandra is an incredible doll seamstress.

http://distractionsbymyling.typepad.com/
Katarina makes incredible porcelain dolls including BJDS.

http://rosethistleartworks.blogspot.com/
Gina’s felts are heartwarming , please take a look.

http://valeeva.com/
Julia Is an children’s illustrator . Her vibrant illustrations are to be enjoyed.

http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Suzanne’s blog is a delightful one. Don’t miss visiting her!

Sophia ~ New doll

2009-05-02T10:23:00.006-04:00

I normally don't blog often , but today I am *twice*.
I am excited about my new doll. I have been working on her face for the past 3 months. I love her look and she is so different than Isabella and I think she will be amazing. Isabella is a french doll.... I am not sure yet what Sophia should be... any suggestion would be appreciated.

Do see the lines on her face? Well, I was so sad when I saw but sometimes when I open the oven to soon , it happens. I will add liquid apoxie ... it will be fine. Also I have a lot of sanding to do in her before I make her plaster mold. I plan to take some pictures with all I have done in order to get to the point that I am now... but before I must to have Isabella ready.

Knee Joints mold

2009-05-02T09:46:00.004-04:00

Finally the knee molds are done. I am pouring the porcelain slip today. I am crossing my finger to work out. I should be able to fire in couple days , then start what I like to do the best - china painting.

Joints!!!!!!!!

2009-04-18T15:55:00.004-04:00

If you are following me , you must be *tired* by now from hearing about my troubles with porcelain. I am tired myself!
So much work , I do plan to post a picture (with Isabella in the center) surrounded by all the PARTS that I was NOT happy with.
The Joints for the elbows turned out great and they fit her perfectly , but the joints for the knees were too small. I need to find a middle between my first joints and the last ones.
Well I , once again, modified the prototype and made another set of joints. I KNOW these will work out because I placed leather on my prototype doll legs and the new joints fits very nicely. A set of molds were made today.
I will have to wait about a week and start pouring again. I have all the other parts ready ... just need this last mold to work and then I will be able to make Isabella for sale.
It has been a long time and waiting but I don't make porcelain dolls only and I never intend to be a doll maker solo. I LOVE dolls and making Isabella was a challenge but I loved all the steps, even the difficulties, because I have learned how to make molds and make porcelain BJDS.
I always hear people saying that they make one porcelain doll at a time .... I wonder about that ... I honestly have to make at least 3 to get one doll perfect. For those that do not know ... when the porcelain is poured into the mold and even after a soft fire , the doll still VERY fragile. Sometimes I am sanding and I THINK I am just about done , then bang!! I see an imperfection... such as a little hole , a line or anything that will show up after I fire to the mature stage ... that leg is no good to me.
I broke several pieces during the learning process and I fired several pieces that I will never use on any of my dolls. Measuring the amount of work and time consuming , when my molds will be ready for doll making , they will be limited for 10 to 12 dolls a year.
Meanwhile, ( and I know this sounds crazy, because I have not finished Isabella yet) , I have sculpted a new doll - Sophia!

Just a little longer

2009-03-23T19:34:00.002-04:00

Isabella new joints molds are ready for pouring. If all work out well , I will be posting pictures next week . The molds looks great and I am so excited to see how it will fit her ... I know it will be perfect ...grin...but lets see....

Isabella is waiting....

2009-03-10T18:57:00.005-04:00

When I first made Isabella prototype , I had an idea in mind. My first mold ( see the brown eyes doll ) had the joints permantely attached to the legs and arms. I did not like it because I found limitations to movements.

I worked out new joints , separated for the legs and arms, in which meant that I had to make new molds for the legs and arms a well.

Nothing ever has come to me easily...sigh... I know better that good things requires time and effort.*grin*

After I re-did all I was very excited however I found out as I added the leather to the joints that the joints were now *showing*. I don't want that at all!

Tomorrow, I will start a new mold for the joints.... it is alright because all I have to do is to use the ones I have to make a new mold. Porcelain shrinks and that is all I need.

I should have the dolls ready in 10 days maximum.

I am a perfectionist... being a professional ballerina in my early years has thaught me a lot. I will confess to you that a full kiln allows me 7 complete dolls however because I have to choose the best parts for my final dolls I will be happy when I consider 3 dolls for sale!

I know the pictures are not the best but I want you to see Isabella and my wood shop where I make my molds and furniture.

2009-03-03T19:31:00.003-05:00

I spent 6 straigth hours painting Isabella... I was only able to paint few parts.. still have all her legs, arms and joints to do. She will be fired 6 times to allow a beautiful and everlasting finish. China paint fired properly will NEVER fade . The many layers between fire, allows the piece to have a stunning and smooth result.

Time to be with my family.....

Snow in March????

2009-03-02T11:00:00.003-05:00

last night I loaded my kiln. It was early evening when I started the fire. Around 1:am, the power goes off... I looked outside to find the ground covered with snow and my thoughts went immediatly to my kiln. I have the kiln in my shop , not too far from the house
The power was still off , so I figured would be better if I turn off the breakers. I knew the klin must had reached over 1000 degrees and because this never happened to me before I got nervous .... would the kiln just slowly cool and I would only have to start the fire again later on?
I left the shop , crossed the snowed path and could not go back to bed.
About 10 minutes , the power came back. Again , back to the shop . I switched the breakers and saw an error message.Then reset it and everything looked good. Obviously, I am *assuming* everything is fine but I won't know for sure until tomorrow when I will be able to open the kiln. I have 7 dolls there.... I don't think I will ever do so many at the same time, just in case of lost.... it took me months of casting, sanding , to make all that ....

Almost there....

2009-02-23T15:34:00.003-05:00

I have been sanding the dolls a little at time.It not only takes time, one needs to make sure there is nothing that will be showing after firing porcelain ( cone 6) . If I miss any bumps . I won't be able to use the part so i have to double, triple check as I sand.
I have the hands and feet left to do. I have been busy sculpting miniature animals and oh, how I love it.
Okay , back to work!

Sanding the doll...

2009-02-14T09:28:00.005-05:00

Today i will be sanding the doll's parts...well I will do a lot but it will take me a good 4 to 5 hours to sand one doll. I do sand dry prior the first firing ... that cuts the sanding job in half. sanding is *not* my favorite thing to do but I get very excited at this point because I know that soon I will be firing to mature and then ... my favorite part comes next - China paint!

Here are couple pictures that I took just before I start to sand.

Isabella New Molds

2009-02-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

I started making Isabella, my first Porcelain BJD, back on summer of 2008। I had a lot to learn due to lack of knowledge in mold making। I did her prototype out of polymer clay , in which was a long process too। Until then all I made was full body ooaks and some poseable dolls. I learned to make the molds but it took a LOT of trials and errors. After I made 3 dolls I was not too happy with her joints. I then decide to do some improvments by making new prototype for her legs, arms and joints. Another three months of work... I have now several pieces fired bisque ( at cone 18) and waiting to be sanded once again. I have a lot to do but I hope to get the dolls ready in 2 or 3 weeks.