Ideas for new doll designs come to me in the strangest of ways. The idea for this, my newest design came in the bathtub. I was thinking about how dolls are a purely decorative object and then started to wonder how to make them more than purely decorative. I decided to try mounting a working clock in a doll. But being me I couldn't just bung a clock in a doll and called it done, I had to have a reason to put a clock in a doll. I started to think of quotations relating to time. Then Robert Herrick's poem sprang to mind.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying.
The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he's to setting.
That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times still succeed the former.
Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may, go marry:
For having lost but once your prime,
You may for ever tarry.
The poem is called To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time. Although the poem is urging young women to marry before they get too old, I think it still applies nicely to a more modern 'seize the day' kind of sentiment.
I decided to print the poem straight onto some fabric and make an apron with which my little beauty could catch her gathered rosebuds.
Even though the poem was written in the 1600's I dressed my doll in the style of Austen just because I wanted to really. I'm the designer and I can do what I wanna.
I was thinking that if I get enough enough interest in this doll that I'd create a pattern (my very first printed pattern) for her and possibly some kits. Anyone interested in playing?
I love the expression on your doll. I would love to have the pattern for the doll. I was just thinking how I need a small clock on my entertainment center. Get busy -- Please!
Posted by: Annette Swafford | July 30, 2008 at 03:40 AM
I will definitely be buying this pattern. Love it!
Posted by: Lee Anne | July 21, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I love your new doll. I definitely want a pattern when you have it ready. You are so creative. I know it must take a lot of work to design and then print out a pattern. You are a blessing to the cloth doll world. Hope you continue to enjoy creating! Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Holloway | July 20, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Hi Colleen sorry I tagged you.
Posted by: shashi | July 20, 2008 at 09:21 PM
A very beautiful doll and it would still be just as beautiful without the clock. It all works together so well costume, face, poem and clock. Great work.
ct
Posted by: Connie | July 19, 2008 at 06:56 PM
I'm second in line, right after Ramona! She looks a little too impish to be worrying about time passing, but a great concept. After just finishing a horse and rider, a clock in the stomach should be easy!
And I can't believe E.J. Taylor is your neighbor! I have "followed" his career ever since I first heard of him....quite a few years ago. Having Judi Ward for a class, meeting E.J. and making a new pattern for us....you are going to be a busy girl. Can't wait to hear how all this comes together.
Jean Martin
Tulsa Dolling Dames
Posted by: JMartin | July 19, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Love everything about your new doll! Can't wait for the pattern.
I hope you don't mind that I added a link to your blog from mine:
www.blueherondolls.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Deanna
Posted by: Deanna Hogan | July 19, 2008 at 06:01 AM
It is a wonderful doll Colleen! And as you say useful too! I would love to see her made into a pattern!
hugs Karen
Posted by: Karen Mallory | July 18, 2008 at 09:38 PM
she is beautiful, please
make pattern or a class.
doll blessings, ramona rae
Posted by: ramona rae | July 18, 2008 at 07:36 PM
colleen, she is just
beautiful. what an idea.
you are so talented. will
she be a class????only
wishing. doll blessings,
ramona
Posted by: ramona rae | July 18, 2008 at 07:22 PM
What a great idea & beautiful doll - I love her face & hair & would definitely be interested in a pattern!
Posted by: Joyce Weaver | July 18, 2008 at 07:17 PM
I am definately interested in "Rosebuds" and how you do your faces.
Your dolls are charming!!!!
Posted by: sarah Lucas | July 18, 2008 at 07:02 PM
ME! ME! I want to play!
I'm in your Soul Whisperer class and am loving it. I think your dolls are beautiful and I'd love to have this one to grace my office.
Posted by: Denise | July 18, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Absolutely brilliant. She is gorgeous! You go girl. I think you should do the pattern.
Posted by: shashi | July 18, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Hi Colleen!!
Don't know if you remember me. Sarah from Sweden...
We met about 2 years ago as you were picking up your doll at the Knitting and Stitching show from Patti C.
Anyway. I think this doll is brillinat!!!
I love the idea. I totally agree with you that it is nice to have "usefull" dolls too. I love you Lillypad doll too. She is just to cute.
Hope you are well. I'd love to hear from you.
Hugs Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Jones | July 18, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I will be on the list of people interested to make your pretty doll to!You are really talented! Good work
Posted by: Louise Bergeron | July 18, 2008 at 04:34 PM
You need not ask twice, I will be first in line....She's absolutely brilliant Colleen...I definately will be buying this pattern... Well done, Romona ;o)
Posted by: Romona | July 18, 2008 at 04:02 PM