Disassembling a porcelain doll to add more china-paint layers to the face requires that I remove all glue traces from the neck joint and the wig magnet. Each China-paint layer needs to be fired in a ceramic kiln, and I don’t want the glue to burn. In theory, it should just burn off, but it could also possibly deposit a coating on the heating elements and ruin them. Why risk expensive hardware? 🤷♀️ Better be diligent, than sorry.
Anybody had any unfortunate kiln mishaps like that?
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One of my absolute favourite custom orders from last year
Read MoreTime to Open the Molds
It’s time to open my molds, and see how the parts turned out.
This process, takes place about 2 hours after casting. Plaster molds absorb the water from the slip, and the doll parts harden, shrink, and detach themselves from the molds.
In this stage, the parts are fragile like eggshells, so I have to hold them with a feather touch, or they will get crushed.
I open the molds one at a time, and work quickly to cut away the sprues, open up sealed cavities with a scalpel, and pierce holes for the pins with drill bits.
Once exposed to the air, the parts start drying quickly, so time is of the essence here.
But despite the need for speed, I find this to be the most relaxing and enjoyable part of the whole process, because at this point, I don’t need to worry flawless execution. That will come later, but for now, without the pressure of perfection, or the need for extreme concentration, I can just enjoy the flow of my work and get lost in the process.
How I Slip Cast a Doll
This is porcelain slip, and that is how I slip-cast ball-jointed, porcelain dolls. Next video will be me opening these molds and taking out the doll parts. Any questions?
Dressing Cinderella
Dressing Cinderella for her photoshoot in her gold-plated metal costume.
Read MoreShanghai glamour
The work on the one of a kind auction doll Serenity continues!
Read MoreOpening a Kiln
Not each firing is successful, and not all hard work gets a rightly earned reward.
Read MorePorcelain Doll Shoulder Spring repair
Just like a human shoulder, if a doll shoulder is over-rotated inside its socket, it can sometimes dislocate.
Read MoreA Gold Corset for a Porcelain Doll
I updated the traditional lace-up method, with a simpler and more elegant solution - snaps! It now takes a fraction of the time and only a few simple hand motions to corset and un-corset a doll!
Read MoreCinderella in Video
Cinderella in gold 2024 was a special commission for a collector who loved the original 2009 closed limited edition. Her costuming is one of a kind, to differentiate her from the earlier edition doll.
Read MoreEngraving Process
How the lace lingerie engraving started, from sketching pencil lines on the doll's torso to starting the engraving. No turning back once the needle carves the porcelain, much like an ink tattoo on skin. I have put many many more hours into this project since this video, and i can't wait to show the rest of the design. Stay tuned for more clips of the process!
Wax Sculpture of a New Doll Shadow Box
This is a wax sculpture of a new Doll shadow box I’m currently making. It’s based on a well-known fairy tale character. Can you guess which one based on the ornamentation? Here’s a hint - she is a villain.
Read MoreSigning the Enchanted Doll books
A short video of me signing and stamping the Enchanted Doll Publisher Edition book
Read MoreWork on the new doll continues
At this stage of the process the porcelain is in a very fragile and soft state called Bisque
Read MoreLost in Details
I love working on the little details of things. There is a danger in it though, if you spend too much time on the details you could get lost in them and the only way out is by making even smaller details.
Read MoreShort documentary on Enchanted Doll
Hey guys, do you like videos? What about behind the scenes looks at artists's studios? If you answered yes to either of those then I have something for you.
OhMore Story recently spent some time in my studio space filming and asking me all sorts of questions, which resulted in this cool video. Check it out on Youtube, and keep an eye out for my two furry assistants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJLknO23cpM
Madame de Pompadour's 3rd Video
The third video of Madame de Pompadour being created. After seeing the doll be engraved, and the tattoos filled with ink, it is time for Madame P to open her eyes.
Read MoreColouring Inside the Lines
Here's the second video in Madame de Pompadour's creation series, showing how her tattoos got their colours.
Music: Music: IV. Vivace by Gavin Gamboa
You can view the video in HD on vimeo
Engraving Madame de Pompadour
The first short video showing the engraving process for Madame de Pompadour's complex tattoos.
Read MoreCinderella Comes Together - Part 3
The Cinderella auction is about to end, but you'll still be able to see here in the third and final part of the "Cinderella Comes Together" video series. The video is now up on vimeo (be sure to watch it in HD)
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