Haughty Helga

Here she is, my very first handmade doll! I see so many flaws, but also a little character who makes me smile. I'm almost embarrassed to tell you my first attempt at a primitive cloth and clay doll evolved into 'Haughty Helga', a pimply middle-aged housefrau! I can't quite believe that's who my first ever dolly turned out to be, but who am I to argue?!

'Haughty Helga'

You could definitely write what I know about painting and sculpting on the back of the world's tiniest stamp, so as you will appreciate, I have a long way to go with my doll making hobby. I'm impatient too, which probably doesn't help ... the kind of girl who always works on a trial and error (absolutely more error than trial) basis. So, here's my disclaimer - duly signed and sealed as I submit my very first painted lady for your delectation!

'Helga' - pre-antiquing

It was hard to convince Helga she should allow me to play with the antiquing medium, after all, as my first ever doll, she's supposed to understand my need to experiment, right? I know scumming up a lady of her maturity may have been a little harsh, but how's a new dollcrafter supposed to learn all the clever tricks otherwise? Disapproval oozed from my Helga as I smeared on the brown stuff and to be honest, she hasn't stopped looking down her nose at me since ...

'Helga'
(Shown with my lovely vintage 1940's Chiltern bear)
My very first attempt at cloth and clay dolly making!

Nope, even her new plaid skirt didn't cheer her up ... would you believe it, my very first handcrafted dolly and already I'm in the doghouse! Hmph.