Monday, July 2, 2012

A PUZZLE FOR YOU

What has two heads, four arms and two legs?  Stick around and maybe I'll show you.


I've been feeling out of it lately and have had very little energy. Not really ill but just lack luster. I have to push myself to get anything done but in spite of the lack lusterness I have given two more heads a reason to feel complete and good about themselves.

So instead of a big red white and blue post for the fourth of July I'm going to do a little one featuring Alice (dressed in blue and white) and the Red Queen. Dressed in red of course.





I'm still finishing up a few accessories for her (hint: eat me, drink me) but aside from that everything else is done.

When I began making all of the heads that are scattered around the house, I hadn't any plans for them other than using them for practicing my sculpting and trying out different formulas for making my paper mache clay. I usually just started sculpting with no set goal or idea of what I wanted to make. There have only been a few exceptions to this. One was Lula and one was my second old man that I created to keep the first one company and then of course the Santa heads.

When I started working on the head of the Red Queen I knew exactly who she was going to be.  I originally intended to make the Red Queen for an art doll challenge but changed my mind and for a long time she was nothing but a head on a stick that I wasn't sure I would even finish. A few weeks ago I decided to finish her instead of tossing her in the dust bin so here she is in all of her glory.





I lowered her collar so you could see her fancy do. Sorry about the glare. Her hair shines a whole lot more than mine. I must need more conditioner or something stronger.



I love her profile with that stuck-up nose and the puckered up mouth that looks like she's been sucking on a lemon.



Her gown is quite regal and what you'd expect the Red Queen to wear. It's made of heavy red satin brocade and is fully lined in white satin. She stands 13" tall from the top of her crown to the bottom of her hem. The reason I said to the bottom of her hem instead of to the tip of her toes is she has no toes. Or legs. Here's what's under her skirt.

Peek a boo!!! Were you expecting this?

Sorry about the poor quality of this photo. I was holding the doll at arm's length and it's so dark in this room the flash went off and this is what I ended up with.

So now you know what has two heads and four arms and two legs. It's my Alice and the Red Queen topsy turvy doll. I don't know if I'll ever do another one but this one was a real challenge.

We're going to be having a cookout for the 4th of July and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't rain. It's been fairly nice the past day or two so there's a good chance we'll have good weather for the cookout even though the forcast is for mostly cloudy. That's what I'm telling myself anyway.

I hope my Canadian friends had a happy Canada Day yesterday and for my friends in the states I want to wish you a happy 4th of July. As always, thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

21 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

Heh, with that opening line I was about to ask if you'd been sniffing the glue ;o) Loving both Alice and the queen, although I think sour face with the pinched wee lips makes me love the queen a bit more (sorry Alice!)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a wonderful design for this doll! I love it! And you can enjoy each one...depending on your mood! Enjoy your week!

LLA Creations Art Dolls said...

Great design and your post had me going till the end! The facial expression on both doll heads are great! Hope you get to feeling better and Happy 4th!

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

You sweet thing you....no I was not expecting the two headed doll at all. Shes are glorious. I am totally in love with the Queen. Could she be any more look down her nose??? and Alice how demur and sweet. Oh you have done it again. I love, love, love this doll(s). xoxo Oma Linda

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Maddy,
Haha, you tricky lady; at first I thought about your puzzle really hard p;)
Your Alice and the Red Queen is really FABULOUS♡♡♡ I can see that both of the lovely dolls have different characters. Alice is a sweet warm looking girl and the queen has dignity in herself with her facial expression and gorgeous dress. Oh, what a wonderful dress you prepared for her♬♬♬
Yes, I DO hope you will be able to have splendid the 4th of July!!! I am crossing my fingers for good weather.
And also I hope you will be perfectly fine soon. "just lack luster" sounds elegantly expreesed to me, but please DO take care of yourself.
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my bs, xoxo Miyako*

Kays Kids said...

How clever are you. I love the topsy turney doll so much. The red Queen is so, so good. I love her suck lemon face with her turned up nose. Alice is a fairy tale in her self.
Hugs

carmen said...

me encanta! te felicito...

Diny said...

Love them....I like the story of Alice....The queen is just amazing

The Bear's Blog said...

Hi Miss Maddyrose,

Oh no, you are feeling poopy? Go get Bellamine and Wendy and have a tea party, that will make you feel happy and perky.

The dolls are "bee-u-tee-ful"

Hugs ♥
Prudence

Would it make you feel better if you come to camp with us? (o:

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Oh these are wonderful, I'm really taken with the Red Queen, her face is so expressive! Happy 4th to you we had a grand Canada Day weekend :-)

Jan Conwell said...

How fun is that? It's a sure way to use up those heads, I tell ya! :~P
The queen's face cracks me up. Great sculpt!

Hill Top Post said...

You never fail to amaze me and to amuse me! Both are wonderful, but
Alice wins my heart...beautiful face and love her hair.

Ascension said...

Fantastica pareja.
Me encanta Alicia y toodo lo relacionado con ella.
Espero que disfrutes!!!
besitos ascension

Unknown said...

I love both dolls, and that you made two from one is brilliant! Love the Queens lips!
Happy 4th of July!

Dianie said...

Omygosh! I love the topsy turvy doll idea, simply brilliant.. They are both darlin as can be' but i must say, That red Queens face takes the cake!!! I just love her expression, I have to keep going back and look at her, she so darn cute :):)

Have a wonderful holiday and i hope you get to feeling better soon.

hugs,
~Diane

yoborobo said...

I love topsy-turvy dolls! Yours is gorgeous. I can relate to the Queen. It's been hot and miserable here, and our power was out. I feel like I've been eating lemons, too! :)) Happy 4th! xox

Kayzy said...

How clever, Maddy - they're great! It's hard to get started some days, isn't it; but it was certainly worth the effort in your case.
Hugs, Kayzy

Crystal said...

Awesome! I had a doll like that when I was a kid. :-)

SYLVIANE said...

I don't know what to say, I am so impressed by your queen, I never saw such a marvellous. character, bravo!

Anonymous said...

Well these are adorable and I love that Queen of Hearts. Her heart shaped lips always cracks me up and I have no idea why. Too regal and fun!!!

Cobblestone Creations said...

Oh ~ now that is fun! So glad I took time to visit the blogs I've been missing lately. Busy settling in the new house ~ this post was the perfect break I needed from all that work. You are so creative!!!