I have spent this Spring making papermache dolls using bottles as a base. It gives them a more solid foundation than foil or paper and helps inform the final shape.
This was my first experiment and I love the way she turned out. I love using paper mache and then paper clay to sculpt the features. Painting gesso and acrylics and a final finish takes lots of time but it is a process filled with ample opportunity to change the theme or style and develop a doll filled with character.
The white witch was made on a dish detergent bottle covered in layers of paper mache. I cut a hole in the front and made a niche before beginning to paper mache. The black witch pictured above is shorter and made from a large honey bottle. She also has a niche, for her paper mache wish bone. I also made a few mushrooms and will continue to explore this fun medium as the summer grows hot and the air conditioner purrs.
This October I will be selling Halloween, Day of the Dead and Witch Dolls at a show called Spirits in Sanford that is located in Sanford, Fl on Oct 9 & 10. Please follow this link for more info on times, location and other fine Halloween Artist Vendors selling there.
What is your favorite Halloween decoration? Do you collect vintage decor or Dept 56? Do you keep your Halloween decorations up through Thanksgiving? I would gladly trade in Valentine's Day for a second Halloween. Let's see if we can start a movement to make that happen!
xox,
Happy Summer!
Calamity Kim