Golden Earrings - circa 1890
The Gypsy dances to a Romany madrigal, skirts flaring about her legs. Her tambourine has golden cymbals and silk streamers. She wears the tiniest golden chains, a medallion on a black silk cord, a tiny gold cross and, of course - golden earrings.
I
have always felt I might have lived before and have always been fascinated with the
lifestyles and clothing of various cultures through the ages. Fortunately my very
creative mother introduced me to many art forms and also taught me to sew. My
earliest memories include an interest in costuming. My first Barbie® collection
is in excellent condition because I spent more time designing their clothing and
habitat than actually playing with the dolls. A love of tiny detail developed
into tiny pen and ink drawings. Little theater in college furthered my love of
costume and set design. A lifetime enjoying history combined with the good
fortune to live in many historic areas of this country developed into an
interest in scale period miniature dolls and settings. I now realize my
interest in properly scaled fashions and accessories is a natural outgrowth
of all these interests.
Crawford Manor came into being when I became interested in the Fashion
Doll remakes in mid 2000. A friend and I were browsing through
an antique mall, when I
discovered a fashion doll tumbled with others in a box. I couldn't resist.
I restored her and fixed her hair and created “Golden Earrings”, a dancing
Gypsy (seen above). At that time I was unaware that these, and other vinyl fashion dolls
could be re-painted. Indeed, I was completely unaware of their variety and growing
popularity. I accidentally discovered the OOAK (One Of A Kind) Barbie® dolls on eBay.
It was a delightful discovery. I began to research the techniques for re-making these
dolls on the Internet. I offered and sold my first Victorian Barbie® on eBay in
August of 2000. The following March, I discovered the larger Gene® and Tyler® Fashion
dolls.
The dolls are repainted and wigged - using a technique I developed for myself when
I was creating my miniature 1:12 scale dolls. They are then costumed from my own
patterns.
Great care is taken to handcraft the most complete, detailed
costumes possible, using the finest fabrics available. The costuming
includes appropriate hairstyle and lovely accessories such as
handcrafted jewelry, hand painted fans, bags and parasols. Fabrics
are chosen for the proper scale in weight and design. My original
pattern is then carefully designed to fit exceptionally well. This
creates a sleek, authentic silhouette. I think you will enjoy the unique results.
All dolls have been re-painted and most have new wigs, styled for the period.
The careful use of scaled fabric, appropriate accessories, attention
to the smallest detail and often a little story, which evolves with the creation of
the doll, have become somewhat recognized signatures of a Crawford Manor creation.
I love the challenge in creating great detail in costumes this small. My inspiration
is everywhere. I love historical research and I also find pure delight in all fanciful
or mythological creatures. It is a world all my own, and yet part of a vast arena in
which to exchange ideas, learn and best of all - play. My dolls are often called
“Romantic” and I feel this to be one of the nicest compliments I have ever been paid.
- Thank You For Your Interest And Please Enjoy Your Visit -
Cheryl Crawford
My Papillon - Marnie - At 12 Weeks, 8 Months and 1 Year
My Painting Technique
I
remove the original factory screening using pure acetone. I then wash the face to
remove any chemical residue. After I decide on the “make-up” colors, I use artist’s
acrylics and sealers to create the new face. Using a 10/0 brush, I paint the
“whites” using a blend of white and blue or grey acrylic, thinned with an extender.
This creates a more natural eye color and a smooth base. Iris and pupil are
created next. Highlights, shadows, tear ducts, upper and lower lid definition
are next. I usually lightly sketch in the brow placement before the
upper lid shadow. To create the lid shadow and cheek blush I mix the chosen color
with blending gel to create translucent color and apply in light even layers with
a cotton swab. The brows are created using tiny feathery strokes and a 30/0 brush.
The lips are also lightly outlined and painted using a series of layers of blending
gel and color. I usually create a natural or “French” manicure and pedicure. After
all paint is thoroughly dry, I seal the painted areas, using a gloss for iris and
nails and ultra matte for brow, lips and eyeliner. I then apply carefully trimmed human hair lashes.
I re-style the doll’s
natural hair prior to painting the face. If I plan to use a wig, I paint
first and add the wig after the costuming is complete.
Most of these techniques
are fairly standard. Artists vary the order and materials to their taste and
often develop a particular modification after much trial and error. Several
books are now available to help the budding artist as well as the collector
find their way through this fascinating phenomenon known as Fashion Doll Makeovers.
I have recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Cheryl from Crawford Manor, and asked her everything that I wanted to know from a talented and successful designer. Her signature fantasy Victorian dolls are to die for, and I wanted to know what makes the woman behind the designs 'tick'. I found Cheryl to be a pleasure to work with, and of course - just as honest in her answers as she is in every design she brings to us. Now I know why her designs sell so phenomenally on ebay. To learn more, please read on!
~ Sabrina Guidice ~
~ Step Into My Manor ~
1. How long have you been creating OOAK fashion dolls and where do you sell your creations? Where can we find your work?
In the spring of 2000, I costumed a Theresa as a Gypsy dancer. I didn't contemplate repainting her, in fact I didn't know one could. At that time I was completely unaware of the OOAK Fashion Doll phenomenon, but I had so much fun with her I bought a Barbie and created Araminta in Victorian style. I was hooked. A couple of months later, I was surfing eBay for vintage Barbies for a friend when I stumbled on the 11 ½" OOAK's. I was amazed! Well, this was a fascinating new way for me to indulge my love of costuming. My remakes were first offered on eBay in August, 2000. I discovered the larger fashion dolls, Gene and Tyler in the spring of 2001. Tyler is my favorite. She has wonderful proportions and is a dream to costume. I do commissions and eBay. A selection of my dolls can be seen at - Crawford Manor - www.crawfordmanor.com. It is now devoted entirely to dolls, though it was originally for my hand painted candles, large porcelain fashion doll patterns and teddy bears created from vintage fur. The dolls have gradually consumed more and more time.
2. Being an obviously successful artist can you tell us what goes into each design from conception to finish?
This process bears a strong resemblance to "Which came first, the chicken or the egg." I sometimes repaint a doll with no preconceived idea, and let the doll lead me, and sometimes the entire concept is in my mind when I begin. Either way, I paint, and usually wig the doll. After deciding on the costume, I gather the fabrics and trims and design the patterns (sometimes that process can be the most fun). Paper towels work well to test fit to the doll. Jewelry and accessory decisions are made. Often it is just a basic design and the detailing is added as I go along. All sewing, with the exception of long machine sewn French seams, is done by hand. The garments for all costumes are constructed with darts, set in sleeves, etc. Somewhere in there, a little story pops into my head and I include that with the finished doll.
3. What do you think sets your dolls apart from the rest?
My approach is perhaps a bit different. While learning to remake the dolls I ran into two techniques that didn't work for me. Working with the doll's natural hair and rooting eyelashes. So I went back to my tried and true wigs and applied eyelashes. I usually work in historical styles anyway, so the wigs work better for me. They have turned into something of a trademark now.
4. What influences are behind your designs? What inspires you as an artist? What is your favorite style to create?
Scale presents a challenge with each design. Whether the idea is inspired by an
authentic costume or one of my imagining, I love to create the costume and
especially the details in as close to the proper scale as possible. The accessories
present another challenge in that regard. I am a bit nutty about it. When replicating
a costume with special meaning to a collector, wedding gowns or a costume from an
old family portrait or photograph, it is fun to duplicate the original as closely as
possible.
Inspiration comes from anywhere, old fashion plates, books collected on my travels,
theater, just standing in line at the grocery store can have its moments. I have lists
of ideas, names and stories I will never have time to do.
The romantic, elegance of times past is fascinating. And being something of a
fabric-aholic, I seem to naturally gravitate toward those styles. It is almost like
sculpting with fabric. I experiment with other styles but always seem to return to
the period costumes. The collectors often inspire with unique requests or simply by
being there. The fact that others enjoy what I enjoy creating, is a huge high.
5. Do you have certain standards that you uphold with each design? If so, how do you attain them? If not, what do you base the quality of your work on?
If, by standards, you mean the quality, I use the best materials possible. I think we all use different techniques to accomplish a certain look. And each one has a place in the process. The finished doll should endure, so I try and make whichever methods I use the best and most appropriate.
6. Do you collect dolls, OOAK or otherwise?
I am not a serious collector of anything. I have very few OOAK's. It probably sounds strange to say I do not collect. I have never enjoyed creating more than one of anything so OOAK dolls allow me to create what I like and then move on to another idea.
7. Do you have any kind of formal training or background experience that helps you to create your OOAK wonders?
No formal training except art and art history in college. My art professors struggled mightily to motivate me toward broad, large strokes and bold designs. I was perfectly happy with pen and ink, and teeny tiny oils and watercolors. The smaller the detail the better. I was such a trial to them. I have always loved theater, especially set design and costuming, anything behind the scenes. And I am a miniaturist. I did 6-8 shows/workshops a year for about 12 years. I still enjoy them for my own amusement. When I first started the OOAK dolls I didn't have any experience with some of the techniques used for fashion doll makeovers. I didn't even know it was possible to remove the original paint and repaint or boil perm hair. Like many new artists, I read some of the web pages created by others and experimented a lot.
8. How do you feel in general about OOAK dolls and what would you say to the collector who feels that OOAK dolls are lesser in quality to pre manufactured dolls?
They are a wonderful creative medium. The wide variety of artistry is astounding. I
am learning every day how many different types of dolls are used.
As for comparing OOAK dolls to the mass produced collectible doll? I think they are
two very different things and probably shouldn't be compared. Customizing a mass
produced doll makes it unique. That is the wonderful world of collecting I guess.
Something out there for everyone.
9. Do you like any particular style of OOAK dolls? Any particular artist(s)?
I could name many artists I admire today, but I think I will always remember the first time I found some OOAK dolls on eBay. I was amazed by the work of some of the artists. I simply had no idea a fashion doll could ever look like that!
10. Do you do this for a living or hobby to make extra money?
It is a terrific hobby for me. It has introduced me to a new way to indulge my interests and I have had the best time with it. Perhaps the best thing of all has been the chance to meet some very special people.
11. In either case, what words of wisdom as a successful, accomplished artist would you give to a newbie just stumbling onto the scene?
Joining the wonderful lists for OOAK dolls, such as yours Sabrina, is a great way to
learn, share ideas and have the support of some very talented, terrific people.
I would also suggest, decide what they are and go with your strengths first. There
are so many aspects to the OOAK dolls. Painting, hair styling, costuming, even
vignettes and accessories. It is tempting to spread ones self too thin trying to learn
and do it all at once. I think this is a very versatile hobby, with room for all types of
skills. It is often easy to be sidetracked by numbers, or what others are doing.
Speaking from personal experience, the minute the pressure starts building to
produce on demand or meet some type of goal, I burn out. I want this to remain fun
for a long time.
- I Wish To Thank Sabrina For The Opportunity To Be Interviewed In Her E-zine-