Thursday, July 11, 2013

Mad Tea Party : Alice Dreaming. Now with added giveaway!


(....But first,
these important messages

Free Doll.
And stuff!
 Quick scroll to the end for 
Giveaway Details!

And now, back to our
regularly scheduled programme...)


Alice Dreaming.

Beneath the moon,
beneath the trees,
beside the water,


Alice dreams.


Held aloft in the cot
of branches, 
the wind gently sings
a cradle song.


The dream shifts.

Now warm in the embrace
of red flowers,
 trumpeting silence.



She sleeps,
 and sweet sunlight
tips her nose pink.



The key to her dreams,
close by her heart on its ribbon,
is kept safe.




Unused, it bides its time
waiting for her to wake.


Creaky video footage



PRACTICAL STUFF.

I have always been fascinated
 by the idea of a sleeping Alice.

Wonderland is a dream made 
by the living world around her,
filtered through her sleep.
And Alice, 
the real Alice,
is asleep on a grassy bank
 by her sister.

I wanted to make a little Alice Doll 
that would lie in the 
natural positions
of a sleeping child.

I didn't want her to wear 
Tenniel's tucked dress and apron
because those are her dream clothes.

(They even change in 
'Through the Looking Glass'
becoming something much fancier
when she becomes Queen Alice.)

So, I dressed my Alice
in vintage embroidered cotton lawn,
soft and clean and sweet.

I gave her slightly grubby bare feet,
because she's kicked off 
her shoes and stockings,

There's just a touch a touch of sunburn 
on her arms and nose.

And long loose hair
because she's lost her hair ribbon.

Here is how I made her.

Just scroll! 
It's a tale told in pictures!
.

The rough head in paperclay


Sculpted head


Basic design.



Base painting and wig tryout.

Rouge and shading and eyelashes


Cloth body, partially sculpted and painted.


Cloth body, sculpted hands and feet, painted.


Attaching the wig.


Checking the hairline.


Glueing around the ears.


Lace trim around the neckline.


Trying the drawers.


Gathering around the knees.


Sleeping  in the tree.


Bodice and key.


Antique broderie anglais.


The completed dress.



Alice, Dreaming

 I made Alice
specially for this year's 
Mad Tea Party.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you so much for visiting.
And thank you, Vanessa, for bringing us all together.



And now,
as a reward for your patience,
 the GIVEAWAY!
This will be drawn on
 1st August,
or
Lammas Day.


This is my little Alice doll.

She was originally made to go with



but I think Alice
is lively enough to go and have 
Wonderland adventures 
on her own.
I'll include other random goodies
in the parcel, too.

So, usual rules.

 Follow me
and comment if you do.
I always try and follow Followers,
it's only fair.

Don't worry. She'll have clothes!
These are her painted stockings.
GOOD LUCK!






88 comments:

  1. Sleeping Alice is amazing. She looks like she is dreaming all her wonderful dreams

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    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you, Shashi. I've wanted to make her for a long time.

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  2. Wow! She is absolutely amazing! I love her, all the details you put into her little toes and fingers, love that she is barefoot too, that's when I am most happiest:) Pure Magic. Love your post!

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    1. Thank you so much! I thought toes would look cute, too! Thank you so much for visiting!

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  3. Exquisite work! Her skin tones are beautiful.. I think she is one of your best works of art. I love the clothes you fashioned for her.. and I really Loved the video...Bravo!
    blessings,
    Penny

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    1. Oooh, Penny, you say the nicest things! Thank you! The video? You are sweet! I wished it was a bit more Hollywood, but hey! at least she didn't fall off the tree while I filmed her.

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  4. She looks so real in her sleep.. you captured facial expressions so well and made them realistic.. she looks cute in her sleep, however, I am worried she would never wake up...sleep well, Alice!

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    1. Thank you! That's one of the nicest things anyone has said about her face! And yes, there is the question of whether or not she'll wake. Don't worry, that's why she has the key.

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  5. Replies
    1. Oooh! Thank you so much! I'm glad you like her!

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  6. Y'know what Rhissanna, I swear your dolls get better each time you make one. Although Alice is 'only' asleep, she looks so-o-o alive!
    I love this one more than the last and she took a lot of beating. You have your very own style now too which is great.

    Hugs x

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    1. Aww, thank you, Karin! I'm really thrilled that you can see a style emerging. That's always seemed out of my reach, somehow. Thank you.

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  7. Rhissana, your sleeping Alice is precious! You did an awesome job - that must've taken months! Thank you for the tutorial pictures. I'd love to make a doll like this but I know how difficult working with clay can be... Wonderful! :-)

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    1. Thank you so much! Usually, my dolls take forever, but Alice was a rush job! I'd had the idea for this doll for ages, and the Mad Tea Party seemed an ideal event to make her for. She all came together very quickly.
      As for the how-to pictures, you're welcome!

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  8. Ohhhh i love your dreaming alice...thanks for sharing this.
    Have a nice day...
    Hugs
    Kerstin from germany

    http://cobblestone-prims.blogspot.de/2013/07/happy-un-birthday.html

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi there, Kerstin from Germany and thank you for visiting and your sweet comment!

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    2. Thank you, Kerstin! I'm glad you like her. Send my love to Germany!

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  9. Lovely tea party! Your Alice doll is wonderous! Enjoyed your construction photos too.. very nice! :-)

    ~ Deb of Possible Impossibilities Studio

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    1. Thank you, Deb! I'm always thrilled to see how other doll makers work, so I thought I'd put my technique up here.

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  10. Such a neat tea party! I love your Alice, she is so lovely.
    blessings
    ~*~

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    1. Thank you so much, Laura. I think I should have made more tea and cakes!

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  11. Your Alice creation....

    I have no words.

    She is so precious, I want to steal her away ;)

    Have her come love with me!

    She is a dream, and she really looks real in your photos!!

    I am smitten!

    You are amazing!

    Thank you so much for being a part of the Mad Tea Party ♥

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    Replies
    1. Aww, Vanessa! Thank you and it's a pleasure. The wonderful Mad Tea Party was the inspiration for making the doll, so I should be thanking you!

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  12. You are so talented! Thanks for sharing the process of making her with us.

    Happy Mad Tea Party Day!
    Please visit my party!
    xo,
    Ricki Jill
    http://ricki-treleaven.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Ricki Jill! And yes, I'll be there. Get the kettle on!

      Delete
  13. Wow, she is beautiful and so is the poem! I love the video, of her on the tree branch in the wind ;o)Very magical! And, of course I love how you show the steps in the doll making! Take Care, hugs ;o)

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    1. Aww, thank you, Wonderful Love Crow! And thank you for watching the video! As for showing the process, if that helps anyone, or supports someone, then that's all good.

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    2. I would love to be entered into your giveaway ;o)

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  14. Wow she is lovely, you are very talented, :)

    I hope you will pop by and visit my party also:
    http://www.madmadammel.com/2013/07/mad-tea-party-2013.html

    Mad Madam Mel xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! What a nice thing to write; your support means a lot. And yes, of course I'll be round for tea. Get the kettle on!

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  15. thank you for such a lovely tea party!! your doll is gorgeous!! hope I win!!
    Lisa
    http://crochetcrowe.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-tea-party-2013.html

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    1. Thank you so much! Alice and I always happy to have people over for tea! I'm off to your tea party right now. I know I'm late, but Blogger seems to have eaten a whole pile of Mad Tea Party comments and only given them out today :/

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  16. Story, Tea and Tutorial! I LOVE IT! Nice work! Thank you for having me. Please come to visit: www.theplayoflightandshadow.com

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    1. Aww, Mario, thank you! The Mad Tea Party was the driving inspiration behind this doll and I was thrilled to get this finished in time. I'm off right now to visit you.

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  17. Such amazing dolls! I followed, you are a lovely discovery!

    http://broomsticksandlace.blogspot.ca/2013/07/a-fanciful-twist-mad-tea-party-2013.html

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    1. Thank you, and thank you for the follow! I'm late for tea, but I shall be around there shortly!

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  18. Such a beautiful doll in the story. I've never seen anything quite like it. Oh my gosh I'm in love with it. I am also in love with the doll you made below. You are very talented!
    Thank you for inviting us to tea.

    http://www.butterflyandbungalow.blogspot.com/2013/07/were-late-mad-hatter-party.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm very drawn to the theme of Alice dreaming, and this is my second doll. Next I want to try it in the original Tenniel outfit.

      As for tea, I'm on my way. Get the kettle on!

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  19. My goodness! Your sleeping Alice is so lovely - I enjoyed watching her slumber in your video. Thank you for sharing how you created her. And thank you for offering a wonderful giveaway, as well!

    I invite you to pop on over to my party, as well. :)
    http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2013/07/2013-mad-tea-party-and-giveaway.html

    Enjoy the Mad festivities! Theresa

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, and thank you for the follow. I always enjoy seeing other people's work in progress, and I'm guessing other artists like that too. This is what the Internet is for, right? Sharing stuff! :)

      Get the kettle on, I'm on my way!

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  20. A beautiful sleeping/dreaming Alice.
    http://heartsdelights.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much! She was a real pleasure to make.

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  21. Hello Rhissanna, Your sleeping Alice deserves an award. She is amazing! I love to see the process artists use to create their work. You inspire me to do the same. - Melanie

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    1. Inspiration is the highest praise! I enjoy seeing other people's works-in-process, so I post mine in the hopes they will interest and help other people.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. Hi Rhissanna,
    I love your Alice, the idea of a sleeping Alice doll is genius! I am a new follower. I hope you will come visit my tea party too. It's still going on and I have a giveaway as well. I hope you will get a chance to come by.
    Happy Madness and Muchness week!
    Sylvia
    http://anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com/2013/07/welcome-to-our-fanciful-garden-tour-mad.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! And thank you for the follow! As for the Tea, I'm on my way!

      Delete
  23. I enjoyed your tea party so much! I was entranced with the photos of your Alice doll and the photos of how you made her. She is very lovely. I really look forward to following your blog.

    The tea's still brewing over at my place. Feel free to stop by for a cup of raspberry tea.
    http://reclaimingmybohomojo.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-tea-party.html

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    1. Thank you for the follow, and thank you for saying such sweet and encouraging things! I'm on my way for the raspberry tea!

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  24. Such an enchanting tea party! Your Sleeping Alice is stunning, I am fascinated by your ability to create her to look so real!! Beautiful work, my dear!!

    Please do stop over at our little shindig for some cupcakes and limeade. We would love to see you there!!

    XoXo,
    Kristal
    http://gracegoods.typepad.com/grace_goods/2013/07/welcome-to-our-mad-house-for-mad-tea-2013-.html

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    1. Thank you, Kristal! What nice things to say about my Alice. She was such a joy to make, one of those dolls where everything went without a hitch. :)

      I'll be right over for cupcakes!

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  25. Absolutely amazing!!! you make it by yourself....

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  26. Good morning Rhissanna! I loved your video, just hearing the wind, and imaging what Alice is dreaming of! Those extra touches of presentation are very special indeed, and of course, your designs are beautifully put together.

    Thank you for coming to visit, and your comment being so reflective and so true! To THINK and in a creative way is how I enjoy using my "down" time. I can see you use your time in a way that results in sheer beauty. ENJOY THIS SUNDAY!!! Anita

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    1. Thank you, Anita! I just wish I could have added my own sounds to the little film. That's something I can go and learn, right? Thank you so much for visiting and spreading the joy you do.

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  27. What a great post. ~peeking into the entire realm of Alice being brought into being !
    I am always fascinated and impressed with your creative flow .
    I totally enjoy seeing the dolls take on a life of their own, so to speak, through your amazing gift of creating them. You can tell you love your craft and I love that you share the process with us!
    Beautiful as always !

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    1. Oh, Willow, what a lovely thing for you to say! I have to admit that the sites I enjoy most show how-tos as well as the final result, so I thought I should share mine, too. If it shows that I love what I do, then I'm doing it right! Thank you.

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  28. WOW, WOW, WOW! I Love your Alice! Actually, both of them. What a fabulous party. Thanks for stopping by mine. I am so glad I came for a visit, of course I'll be following you now that I found you :)

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    1. Well, thank you :) And thank you for dropping by and the follow!

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  29. You know why I am so happy that you visited my Mad Tea party? Because now I know about you and your wonderful blogs. I am loving them!

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    1. I was really excited to see your Tea Party and your wonderful dolls. I love the long-necked Alice!

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  30. I am finally here at your Mad Tea Party a little bit late like the White Rabbit! ( I am so glad my computer was able to be repaired! But I missed participating in the Mad Tea Party on my own blog).
    But!!! I am not late for your lovely giveaway! How sweet is that???!!! Thank you for this chance to win the giveaway doll.
    Oh, your sleeping Alice doll is beautiful and so happy for you that you have already sold her. I adore your dolls and love how you create them.
    love and hugs,
    Teresa
    http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
    tscat@sbcglobal.net

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    1. I'm so glad you got here, Teresa and welcome to the giveaway! I'm glad you like my Alice. It's a theme I've looked at before and I'm planning more, some in the traditional Tenniel outfits.

      I'm really pleased to hear that your computer was able to be repaired. We do store so much that's important to us on them and it's a real pain if we look all that information; all those images and photos and documents. I'm happy for you!

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  31. As always a lovely creation. You put a lot of work into her. It would be hard to part with her, I'm sure. I've always loved Alice. I had a friend in one of my bar room stories. She was like Alice. I'm not kidding. God rest her soul. Always looking where she don't belong.
    Bye for now,
    Marie Antoinette

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    1. Aww, thank you so much! This Alice is very lucky and going to a lovely home which I'm just thrilled about. I love the idea of an Alice in a bar room story. I bet your friend was a lot of fun! Yes, the Alice is the story does ask the most awkward questions and causes much awkward delight around her.

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  32. RHISANNA! If I did not enter the giveaway, then please put me in! I know I came to this post a while back, but I just want to make sure I am in the mix!!! OK, back to your new post...Anita

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  33. Wow how did I miss this! A sleeping Alice is a perfectly wonderful idea:) As always you've excelled yourself....her lovely face is so serene and such a pretty dress.

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    1. Thank you so much, Mary Ann! That's so sweet of you :) This is a theme I've done before, but not in a doll this big. I'm going to have to do another, but in Tenniel's blue tucked dress and white apron.

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  34. Oh I don't know how I missed this!!-only just saw it now on FB-would love her fingers crossed!!

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    1. Heh! I'm on FB more, too, so I thought that's the place for a quick reminder. Good luck!

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  35. I don't know how I did'nt see this -please include me I love her!!-only just saw you post on FB

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  36. Among all the dolls I've seen you make, Alice is my favourite. I suppose it isn't all that surprising, given that I'm a lolita and Alice in Wonderland a huge inspiration.

    Of course, I'm completely unable to resist a giveway with another little Alice...so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for luck! <3

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    1. Thank you, Ida! Yes, Alice is a big thing in the Lolita world and she's a big inspiration for me, too. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  37. Wow....first time here....wonderful....Thank you for offering Alice....need to have her....hoping.....Sandie

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  38. This is beautiful! So is the one up for grabs! I hope I can be entred if I'm not too late!
    Hugs, Simon

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  39. Oh shoot. I don't see my comment. What I said was your dreaming Alice is lovely, and so is the doll you are giving away. I hope I am not too late to enter your drawing. Hugs, Simon

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  40. Yay! I found my way... with that guidance... lol! Thanks Rhissanna. Alice looks awesome!!! As well as your blog. Cannot wait to see who wins the little Alice.

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    1. Hooray! And you're the last entry! Good luck!

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  41. Looks like you all had a wonderfull tea party!

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  42. Fantastic friend!!! You're MAGIC!!! Compliments!!! I look in FB! ;) THANKS! NI

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Thank you all for the wonderful and supportive things you say! I'm thrilled to read them and I reply to each one.