Ballerina: Ruby part 5 - Completed

Ballerina: Ruby part 4

 I use very fine hand dyed mohair for the wig.  

The costume is china silk.  The raw cut edge of the skirt is sealed with a fine line of Aleene's Fabric Fusion.

Ballerina: Ruby part 3

The ballerina parts are attached with double strands of twisted 20 guage beading wire.  The two legs are glued together with 5 minute epoxy.

After the epoxy has set I fill the space with Milliput epoxy putty, available from Micro Mark.

Hands and toe shoes are protected until wigging and dressing are completed.

Ballerina: Ruby - part 2

After the parts are bisque fire two things happen before the doll is put together.  

First the face and fingernails are china painted in layers to create detail.

Second the silk toe shoes are constructed on the feet.

Ballerina: Ruby in progress 1

The first step is to cast all the needed parts for the ballerina.  All of these parts are my original sculptures.  I make my own molds, not my favorite part of the process.

Next the parts have to be reshaped to create the desired pose. I've discovered it's much easier and safer to shape each leg separately and attach them after firing.  The arms, head and torso must be one piece for this pose and the style of costume I have in mind.

Ballerina: Jeannette

Jeannette is my latest ballerina.  Her pose and costume were custom designed for a customer and friend.  The chair in the photo is by Nik Nichols.