I am one of those artist's who spent years evolving into the painter I am today. I started in high school painting and as the years went by I tried many other artistic avenues, (sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, tole painting--the list goes on..). Shortly before I became brave enough to tackle portrait painting, I painted faces making porcelain dolls. The intricate detail and amount of time put into doll making went to the wayside as I became more involved in painting full time. I have made several dolls, but this one is my all time favorite. She originally started poured from an antique doll mold where she was to have formed painted hair, painted eyes and shoes with a cloth body. I cut the top of her "hairdo" off and carved out her eyes so I could put in glass eyes instead. I gave her blonde features and added a blonde period wig. She has soft cheek and lip color with blushed finger tips. Her hat was made from a section of heavy antique lace that I shaped with fabic stiffener and added feathers and tulle with ribbon rosettes to match the dress. Next came the clothes! The patterns were drawn, measured, and cut from tissue paper with the basic style first made in muslin to make sure of the fit, then came working with the silks and taffeta. She is wearing an eyelet embroidered silk and silk taffeta dress with beading at the bodice and on the sleeves. The sleeve cuffs close with a tiny bead button. She began her ensemble with white cotton and lace pantaloon and camisole. She then has a cream colored silk stripe and pleated lace slip and crinoline. The next slip matches her mauve dress. It is made of silk and lace with ribbon and rosette trim covering heavy tulle and lace. She is placed on a hand made wooden stand painted a pale gray with rosettes that match the dress. She is carrying a small basket of dried flowers.