Alice Illustrated

Alice Illustrated

In the beginning there was Alice Liddell, the sweet, curious child for whom Charles Dodgson wrote the story.  It would be years later, after Mr. Dodgson entertained Alice and her sisters aboard a row boat heading out on a picnic with his amazing tale, that the story would be put to pen and illustrated by Sir John Tenniel.  The wait was long, but well worth it.  Today there is hardly a child or adult who wouldn't know something of the tale, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, or as most people refer to the story, Alice In Wonderland.

The image that immediately comes to mind is that of a blonde child in a full skirted blue dress, wearing a white pinafore with red trim.  All too often it is the Disney Alice the person in question thinks of, but Alice was a true Victorian child of means, and would never have left the house for any adventure, even a tumble down a rabbit hole, unless fully and properly dressed in the latest fashions of the day.

Copy of My Book From the U.K.

Our storybook Alice would not be in the image of the carefully protected Alice Liddell, but the image of another child, Mary Hilton Badcock, who sat for one of Dodgson's photo sessions.  The image of a precocious child in a puffed sleeved dress, arms stubbornly folded in front her, with a serious pout on her face, would be the Alice we have come to know and love.

I have Alice dolls.  At one time I collected every Alice doll I could get my hands on, and when I had about thirty, I turned around and sold all but a couple of them.  Each seemed to be dressed slightly differently, and their hair was often styled in any fashion other than the combed back, bandless image Tenniel illustrated.  Black velvet hair bands were actually a fashion accent for little girls in the latter half of the 1860's.  But, as artists, the hairstyles and interpretations of Alice's costuming would be as individual as the creator.

Mary Hilton Badcock

Today I have six or seven Alice dolls, and the latest inclusion, is my Alice Illustrated.  She, like my Alice Liddell, is a Wendy Lawton wood and porcelain doll that I put new eyes in and re-wigged.  This little 12" doll was Wendy's Prim and Proper.  I'd been looking for a doll I could turn into what I'm calling my Illustrated Alice, for the purpose of creating a wardrobe for her from many of the different illustrations of Alice through time.  I've seen her dressed in pink, green, white with black, many different floral patterns, and even one in a red and white checkerboard print.  Back in the early 1990's, Robin Woods, for Madame Alexander, had done the same thing with her Ultimate Alice.  This trunk set was, and is, fabulous, and I have two!  One to play with and one to keep mint.  Her inspiration was the book, The Ultimate Illustrated Alice, that delivered the story with a sampling of Alice illustrations from various artists through time.  In art, there is nothing new.  We only discover and create again, but our way.

Time For Alice

When I set out to make my little Alice her first costume, Jean encouraged me to begin with the traditional costume, so people would instantly recognize her.  I had other ideas as I generally like to surprise, but this turned out to be the perfect beginning for her.

Instead of using the standard blue cotton, I chose a gorgeous blue silk dupioni, and one of my textured Italian shirting cottons for her apron.  She needed a little sparkle, and I find silk does just the trick.  Mini braid was used in red and black for the trimming.  And, I need to order some more.  I must remind myself to do so.

Earlier, I'd found this Canadian artist who was selling little pocket watches for the Steampunk dolls, and purchased two.  One of which I've given to Alice Illustrated - White Rabbit was kind enough to loan her his while napping. 

Side View

Her Boneka shoes were once again perfect for the outfit (as with Alice Liddell), and I made her new stockings.  Her wig is human hair, and her eyes, blue.  The human hair wig was a comb back style, but on this little doll, it looked too big and puffy for her face, so like the other artists before me, I styled it the way I wished to.  Yet, the style can be held nicely in place with a velvet black band, and I will make her one.

On order, I think, because I haven't heard hide nor hair of a confirmation from Catspawonline, is a tiny gold oval locket.  For now, I've sewn a little vintage gold button on the front of her pinafore for "the look".

A Lustrous Human Hair Wig

As will all my creations, I do a lot of research, simply because I enjoy it and learn a lot as I go along.  I found a few images of the styles worn by little girls in the 1860's, to help illustrate how her look came into being.  It was not made up from a Disney drawing board.  Mercy!  But, conceived by Tenniel from the clothing of his era. 

I hope you'll enjoy this little adventure with me, as I create new outfits for her from some of my favorite illustrators.

And, now, its time to work on a very special little travel outfit, for an adorable little boy doll, for a friend of mine.  And, then I think its time for Alice Liddell to get her gold gown for fall.  So, so much to do!   

Love,
Miss E. Mouse

Pinafores by Degas

Boneka Shoes

A Portrait Close Up

The Back

Notice the small child's dress and pinafore.

Back View, on left, of puffed sleeve dress.

Alice Illustrated

Katrena Czarina, the Royal Treatment

Dimitri and Katrena

After completing the Storybook Toy Chest last week (see previous blog post), I needed a little creative endorphin boost to kick start my next sewing projects.  For quite some time, I've wanted to do something for Katrena and Dimitri, my 9" Lawton, Russian brother and sister dolls from the UFDC Denver convention in 2002.  Wow.  That was twelve years ago!  And, no, I didn't attend the convention.  In fact I don't think my first UFDC convention was until nine years ago.  Nevertheless, when I began collecting Wendy Lawton dolls, Katrena was one of my first.  She was easily acquired since at least 500 had been made as banquet souvenirs.

Katrena's New Gown and Venec

It was during the Las Vegas convention (four-five years ago??), that I miraculously, through a tip-off, acquired one of the three Wintergarden sets that were auctioned off at the banquet in 2002.  Karen Rockwell was selling hers at her booth and I didn't think twice to make the purchase.  I have no idea why it sat for the two hours it did at the open of the sales floor that year.  I was tremendously thrilled at the find, and lucky to have driven down to Las Vegas.  Since the cabinet is huge, and I was able to transport it home in the car.  Karen was especially kind to me (she's purchased my work, and commissioned one piece), to allow me to pay her over a couple of months for the piece, once I returned home.  Since then, its been one of the centerpieces of my Wendy Lawton collection.

Thank you Karen.  I never forget a kindness.

A Side View

Katrena and Dimitri were originally dressed for the Russia winter, and white with black trim "sailor" outfits could be purchased as extras at the convention.  I acquired these, as with many of my Lawton purchases, on the second hand market.  When Wintergarden came home, the siblings were able to enjoy a much more extensive, traditional Russian wardrobe.

The traditional costuming of Russia is grand and glorious.  The colors rich, the embroidered patterns stunning, and the designs, unique and beautiful to the different regions.  My deep appreciation of the Russian culture is realized by the folktale and folklore books I own, my love of the Russian ballet, my fascination with Catherine the Great (who coincidentally reigned during my favorite period in art), my recent interest and collecting of Genedy Spirin's books, and a noodle "desert" dish a Russian lady I once worked with, brought in for a pot luck.  There is no question that once I hop back on the dream train to St. Petersburg, I'm lost for hours in the grandeur of the Russian culture.  Oh, and let's not forget the little princess, Anastasia, and the tragedy that surrounded her life.


I also recall that one year, long, long ago, when the magazine first came out, Victoria offered a train trip to the central tourist destinations of Russia.  It was aboard one of those luxury tourist trains.  A group of Victoria readers surely had the trip of a lifetime!  Regrets. 

A Back View - Tiny Pewter Buttons

But, yes, I do love the Russian art culture and when I dressed Dimitri in Sterling's little green velvet and silk suit (made by the Lawton seamstresses), I had to make Katrena a matching dress. 

So yesterday I began early in the morning and literally zoomed through the process.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, the best way to tackle silk dupioni is to not think about it.  Just handle it deftly and with confidence and it will sew up beautifully.

While finishing the hem on the dress, I'd been contemplating what she should wear on her head.  In a brain blink, I set my work down and rushed off to one of my doll closets and pulled out the Muffy Vanderbear "international" travel trunk I had stored away.  I dressed my 8" Muffy in her Czarina Muffina costume, and there was my answer.  A diadem or "venec".  I had to make one for Katrena's outfit.  I even hand-stitched each pearl on it.  Fun!

A Lenci Doll

These traditional headpieces worn by girls and women had symbolic and mystical representations.  They also varied by regions.  In brief, the rounded ones were worn by maidens, and the pointy ones, symbolic for the tree of life, were worn by girls engaged or married.  The way they were adorned also changed during the cycle of a girl's life.  For more on this fascinating history, check out http://traditionalrussiancostume.com  On this website are also detailed illustrations and descriptions of how the costumes were designed.  So, yes.  I will make Katrena and Dimitri a set of very traditional Russian garb.  Soon.

Czarina Muffina

This little sojourn also allowed me to finally try, once again, to take photos of  the Wintergarden  collection.  It was very difficult to photograph due to its size and high gloss on the cabinet.  There is also a mirror inside that wouldn't cooperate with the camera, but I've done my best to help share with you this enchanting piece.  Over the years I've added other outfits and many miniature Russian "toys" to enhance the set.  I think one of my favorites is a tiny "nesting doll" for Dimitri that I picked up at a Russian gift shop in Sacramento, CA.  On the outside is painted a Russian sea and ship scene, and inside is a tiny wooden captain - that in the last photo below, he's holding.

Doing a little bit of research, I found a fine example of Russian costuming on this beautiful felt Lenci doll.  Examples of other "venecs" or diadems can be seen below.

And so, I am ready now for the next few costuming projects, and will certainly be thinking about what I would like to do for our little Russian 9"ers in the future.

Love,
Miss E. Mouse



A Page to Color - Simple Illustration

Anna Pavlova



Alexandra

Wintergarden Plate

Contents

With Toys

How It's Displayed

Katrena and Dimitri

The Tale of a Storybook Toy Chest

A Storybook Toy Chest

Its been a very long time since I've done any miniature painting.  So long in fact that I had serious doubts that I could still manage to hold a tiny brush steady and remember how to apply paint to a surface.  And, therein lay the challenge before me. 

About a month ago, my friend, Betsy, sent to me a small wooden chest that she'd picked up at a crafts store.  The dimensions were approximately 5 1/4" long, 3 1/2" wide and about 4" tall to the top of the decorative back.  She had an idea for me to paint scenes, or characters, from her favorite childhood storybooks on the piece, and turn it into a toy chest for her little dolls (probably most specifically her 9" Lawton dolls). 

In the beginning, there was wood and paper....

Since I'd not painted in awhile, and especially since she requested Alice and the White Rabbit, I readily agreed to give it a go.  What I didn't anticipate was how rusty at the brush I would be. 

The first task was to prepare the box for paint.  In the past I've gone out to the garage and with my miniature table saw, cut up pieces of bass wood to make my own little trunks.  I thought, "Cool!", the box is already made!  Ha-ha!  But, the wood these boxes are made from require just as much, if not more prep work. 

I sanded the piece by hand, then gessoed it, covering the exterior and interior.  Because the lid was stationary, I had to apply the gesso in thin layers so the lid wouldn't stick to the interior of the box.  I let it dry over a couple of days, which is more easily done in dry summer conditions, then sanded the heck out of it by hand, trying to achieve as smooth a painting surface as possible.  The very nature of the wood with its deep grooves would prove a problem on several sides as I began the actual painting of the characters. 

The First Panel Painted

The next stage was choosing an acrylic base, and Ceramcoat is my bottle paint of choice.  I chose Ivory White, and gave the box several coats for an opaque finish.  Again, dealing with the stationary lid would be tricky in getting as much surface covered as possible.  While coats were drying, I selected images from the four stories she chose.  Alice in Wonderland, Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit), Winnie the Pooh and Raggedy Ann and Andy.  In the long past, I became familiar by paint, with these characters, as I've made the tiny 3 1/2" Storybook Trunk Sets from all these beloved tales.  It would be interesting to combine them into one piece.

The Second Panel Painted -" Is there any honey for me?", Piglet asks.

One of the most important things an artist must do is create a balanced design, pleasing to the eye, to encourage the eye to travel naturally and enjoyably over a painted surface.  I must have spent several days just looking over my books and selecting images that worked in coordination with the shape of the box.  Pooh was the most difficult.  Pooh and Piglet were requested, and it was hard to find one illustration by Shepard (from A.A. Milne's book) that featured them together in such a way to compliment the slanted side of the box.  I finally found two separate images and combined them together for the side panel.  Also requested were bees and the honey jar.  Initially I wanted Pooh's face to show, but in the end, I selected images from three separate pages to paint, and Pooh's nose appropriately stuck in the honey jar.  A good place to be for Pooh. 

What's all the fuss?  Again, the design must be correct and often the pre-work, the brain work behind the piece isn't taken into consideration by a commission.  That, to me, seriously, is where half the work comes from. 

Peter Rabbit getting ready to make some trouble in McGregor's garden was the first panel I painted.  With this, I had to relearn the techniques I'd practiced long ago and had forgotten.  No, its not like riding a bike.  And, its been that long!  But, by the time it was done, I was ready to move onto Pooh and feeling more confident.



Marcella's Treasured Companions

Another factor to take into account is that the illustrations were all done by different artists.  So after you've gotten into the hang of painting "Potter style", you have to learn a different style like Shepard's and so on.  We are not doing "master forgery" here,  but we are giving our best representation of the artist's work.

From Pooh I moved onto Raggedy Ann and Andy by Johnny Gruelle.  I love Gruelle, and everyone knows it.  The gentle, sweet stories and very loving characters who always make a happy ending for every situation they come in contact with in their adventures.  We should all live and behave so generously as Raggedy Ann and her companions. 

Finally, it was Tenniel's time.  Alice came first, then the White Rabbit.  Betsy sent me a book, The Nursery Alice, so I could have a color plate to work from for his costume.  Of all the characters I painted, I truly feel he came out the best.  I cannot tell you why...maybe because he was the last, but I just love his checkered jacket and that wonderful pocket watch!

Alice and the White Rabbit

I know it will sound silly, but I was ready to be done.  Each character , on each panel had been painted to perfection with all the tiny, thin black outlines - all done with a teeny weeny pointy brush with about three bristles on it.  But, it wasn't done.  Betsy wanted more.  So on came the radish and carrot with Peter Rabbit, and the Gruelle garden flowers for the curved back decorative panel and corners.  Hmmm....  Still not done.  She suggested a tea cup for Alice and the White Rabbit.  So I drummed up the Tenniel teapot pouring a "spot of tea" into the gold rimmed cup.  Hmmm...  Still not done. 

With Corner Illustrations and Tea

By this time I'd photographed everything several times, including the last photo at the bottom of this journaling post (which is why you don't see the cards!).  However, the inclusion of cards would come, and those were just painted yesterday.

 I love ending of the first book when the cards fly up and over Alice, so I took a short "spray" of them, and in a half semi-circle, painted them in below the White Rabbit.  And, added a few in the top left corner for balance.

But wait!  There's more!  Before the inclusion of the corner art, I'd pulled all the stories together with an illustration I made up of my own.  Open the lid and there are old books with different characters from each story "coming alive" from them.  Timmy Willie with his, what looks to me like, a gingko umbrella, Beloved Belindy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and Eeyore, the sweet, silly donkey whose very name is a donkey noise.  I love this interior panel piece.  It, alone, was a full design combining the stories and I enjoyed painting it so much. (photos further down)

Lastly, a thin coat of matte Mod Podge to seal the artwork was done, and of course, I signed the bottom.

From the Front, But Not Quite Done

What surprises me more than anything when I finish something like this, is that I actually do sit back and admire it.  Gone are the struggles and re-dos and trials of creating the piece.  In the moment, is the satisfaction and wonder that I even did it in the first place.  Was able to create it.  I know I can.  I know I can do anything I put my mind to.  We all can.  But, still, it humbles me that someone would have such confidence in my abilities.  Betsy is good for this.  She understands what I'm capable of and pushes me to excel.  I had to laugh as I imagined her Pope Betsy and me Melissangelo.  "Keep painting!"

Thank you so much, my friend, because I know you'll treasure this piece for years to come! I love you!

Please enjoy the following photos I took, and remember to enjoy each moment.   We grow by challenging ourselves, learning new things and thus, further discover who we are.

Please remember that you can click on the photos to enlarge and see them better!

Love,
Miss E. Mouse

Close Up of Radish and Carrot

Gruelle's Garden Flowers

Storybook Characters

How It Looks Opened

The Cards - "Time for tea?", inquires White Rabbit.

Complete

In the Works.  That's my great magnifying lamp.

Itty Bitty Brush Tips

A Storybook Toy Chest For Dolls

Botanical Garden Stroll for 9" Beatrice Louise

Alice Liddell and Beatrice Louise

I don't normally like doing things twice.  The first time you make something there is the challenge, the intrigue, the curiosity that asks, "Can I do it?  Can it be done?"  And, yes, my 16" Alice Liddell's Botanical Garden Stroll dress was all of the above.  However, when  a friend of mine, Jill (the lady I made the Matinee Dress for), approached me for an outfit for her Katie Grace (Wendy Lawton's exquisitely sculpted Beatrice Louise), I suspected she'd want a tiny version of Alice Liddell's outfit. 

We discussed Lettie Lane costume ideas, maybe Polly Pratt designs, or possibly a sailor dress as well.  I was hesitant to try and recreate Alice Liddell's outfit in a smaller scale for two reasons.  One, there was the price I'd have to ask, and the other was knowing how too much embellishment can overwhelm a small doll.  However, my motto has always been  making dreams come true, so I accepted the commission, and set to work.  Back to blue!

Botanical Garden Stroll for Katie Grace

I had on hand, this lovely blue and white shirting cotton that was earlier purchased as an alternative fabric for the 16" doll's dress.  I would use the lighter Pima batiste for the collar, paper lantern sleeves and bells.  When you have so very many gathers, layers and ruffles, you need lighter fabrics so they'll sew together and drape nicely. 

I must have worked an entire day on the collar alone just getting the lace sewn in between the layers.  So many pins.  So much deftness and dexterity to get the small pieces together and tugged between needle and plate.  Slow stitching and careful turning of pieces under the needle.  I must seriously be one of the quietest, if not craziest, seamstresses.  My machine seldom makes the rumble-rumble-rumble noise of fast, straight stitching.

Just a close up!

Would it be interesting or worth the time to describe how I got the paper lantern sleeves sewn into the bells?  Or how I hand made the 1/3" blue batiste ruffles - that turned and twisted miserably as I tried to pin them on?  Probably not.  But, I can tell you that I did try - for four hours - to make the pleated trim, which in the end overwhelmed the edges of the bells.  This is when I sat back at the cutting table and once again cut a very long 1" strip and ironed it over twice in a mock "bias" style tape, then gather stitched it twice to create the ruffle trim to cover the edges of the bolero jacket, the bell edges, and the embellishment on the top edge of the white skirt.

Full View

Two rows of tiny silk ribbon, tiny buttons on the cuffs of the paper lantern sleeves, and a belt that dresses up the waist much nicer when the doll is not on a stand.  Doll stands can be quite an impediment.  I actually create garments that will accommodate the metal stand around the waist.  That typically means many fittings as the dress is being made.  I wonder how many other designers consider the doll stand when creating a costume?  Or am I just a Type A?  lol

I have to admit that the collar came out perfect.  And, I cut just the right width for the two layered skirts.  One inch more and the tight gathers would not have sewn onto the bodice.  This dress, like many of the jacketed Lawton doll outfits, is made with a lined, sleeveless bodice, so the arms slip into the jacket sleeves nicely.  The doll is much easier to dress this way. 

Lastly the little hat was made.  The dress is a variation in theme of the original, but it fits our little Beatrice Louise perfectly.

The back.

For the next few weeks I'll be solely devoting my time to miniature painting again.  Its been a very long time since I've done this kind of work, and I'm finding the task a welcome change.  I've been working on a toy chest for a 9" Lawton with illustrations from beloved storybook characters.

We've been blessed with a cool day today.  It feels like late September outdoors, yet I'll not be fooled.  The sun is strong and the triple digits are on their way back to make certain we know summer has only just begun.  Make each day count.  They fly by all to quickly.

Love,
Miss E. Mouse

Salt Water Taffy for Amethyst and Sterling

Root Beer Salt Water Taffy

I like stripes.  Especially in summer. They can be found in some of nature's most beautiful designs, even when they follow in concentric circles.  The shell of a snail, the beautiful design of seashells, striation in rocks - these are but a few.  Summer stripes come in circus tents, window shop awnings, patio furniture coverings, writing paper...and pretty clothing.  Its the uniformity, the geometry, the consistency of pattern that pleases the eye and asks us let the design enchant!

As a designer I appreciate the stripe, and the check or plaid, for the ease of placing the pattern pieces together.  You can count them across, or you and simply match up the design.  You can also cut them out on the bias creating a completely new and fabulous accent.  Stripes can be thick or pinstripe thin.  Regardless of which way you wish to use them, they always appear fresh and bright.

For Amethyst and Sterling's second matching set, I chose a root beer pinstripe silk taffeta.  I'm calling the collection Salt Water Taffy.

Sterling and Amethyst

When I was little my parents would take us to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as a summer outing.  The road we had to drive, Highway 17, was terribly steep and windy, with narrow lanes.  Because of this, we would only go once a year, but when we arrived, I could not wait to get to the shop where we could purchase bags of freshly made salt water taffy.  I'd stand in front of the glass window watching with delight as the taffy machine pulled and wound the bright colors and flavors into the cream colored candy.  It was magical.  And, root beer taffy was one of my favorites.   Since my father was not a confident driver, we'd leave early in the morning to avoid traffic, and arrive at the boardwalk an hour before it even opened.  The anticipation of entering the fun house, riding the roller coaster, and putting a nickel in the fortune teller's booth was a huge part of the day's entertainment.

Summer!  A favorite season for all the memories it will carry into fall.

1905 La Mode Illustree

When I set out to design this latest matching set for Amethyst and Sterling, I gave some consideration to designs in La Mode Illustree.  I knew I was going to create the boy's outfit from 1905 for Sterling, but with Amethyst's dress, I had my own design in mind.  Earlier, I'd attempted this bibbed front with a colorful check and piping around the edge, but the piece came out too small - even through I'd done a mock-up.  So I considered it practice, and launched into the blue sailor costumes.  For her dress in stripes I readdressed the bib, but with a tiny ruffled trim.

Close up for Sterling

Amethyst's dress is a bodice lined dropwaist with fuller, longer puffed sleeves.  The shorter "long" cuff was made with the stripe going horizontal, and this accent is also present in the banded waist.  I really had no plan for the pattern of the stripes, but created the look as I went along.  I'd made many sketches of potential dresses to go with Sterling's little suit, but in the end used none of them.  I created "on the fly".  This was not a difficult dress to make, which helped make up for the intense work in designing Sterling's little suit.

Close up for Amethyst

Sterling's suit jacket is a blouson affair with two box pleats, one on each side of the box pleat button panel.  Full sleeves with horizontal cuffs were my deviation from the original design in the illustration.  His onsie beneath has a lined, sleeveless batiste top with blouson knickers sewn to them.  Again, the cuffs of the knickers are on the horizontal.  There is the collar, too.  This collar is attached to a collar band, then to the neckline so the collar folds over and down.  This was not easy!  I'd done this earlier on Katie's blouse, but when working so small, it takes a great deal of patience.

Behind the Scenes

The hats were enjoyable little accents to make.  Sterling's boater hat is turned up with silk ribbon around the edge.  Amethyst's is a wide brimmed, short crowned summer hat with a silk ribbon around the crown.  This, I took with artistic license from La Mode Illustree. After all, the illustrations are but a few, and only suggestions to the historical content of costuming.

I'm pleased with the outcome of this matching set.  It was entirely enjoyable to create, and I loved the detail work with Sterling's outfit.  He is such an adorable "little boy" to design for. 

Little Chapeaus

And here, we make a departure from their wardrobe, for a short while, as I launch into a couple of  new projects.  They'll be smartly dressed for the remainder of the summer...unless I think they need bathing costumes (and that just came to me!).

July is the mid summer month.  The mornings promise the rise in temperatures.  The days can be filled with the promise of good books to read, small crafts on the rivers and lakes, tree shaded picnics, and adventures in vacation travels.  Whether its a day trip to the beach, or a flight to somewhere new and exciting, relish each moment and make those memories.  Each day can be a wonderful adventure when July is in the air!

Love,
Miss E. Mouse

Yes, I still do mock ups!

Happy Summer Days for Sterling and Amethyst