Do you Ever Wonder Where Inspiration Comes From?

I just wanted to share where my inspiration came from for one of my latest creations, Claudette.   I have always been a bit fascinated with Santos or cage dolls and when I saw a sale on decorative bird cages I had to buy them and try my hand at creating one.  Shortly afterwards I woke up from a dream remembering the words, “Romance is the Music of Life.”  It just seemed like the perfect theme for my cage doll.  So, I decided to create an altar to romance inside of the birdcage by filling it with handmade crepe paper flowers and a handmade frame filled with a romantic picture.  While searching for a picture to place in the frame I found a portrait of Queen Charlotte painted by Esther Denner in 1761 on Wikipedia.  I fell in love with her costume.  The bodice and ruffled choker created for Claudette were inspired by this painting.  I didn’t use it for the picture in the frame of the altar because I found a painting of Princess Henriette playing the viola by Jean-Marc Nattier that seemed much more appropriate for the theme.  Once I start working on a project it seems like inspiration for different aspects of the project just seem to keep popping up all around me!

It’s not too late to sign up for the online class Claudette: a Cage Doll.  If you would like more information about the class click on the link below :-)

http://www.aforartistic.com/claudette-a-cage-doll-marla-l-niederer-cloth-doll-artist.html

Claudette: A Cage Doll

I just wanted to share that I will be teaching a new online class,  Claudette:  A Cage Doll, on A for Artistic starting March 31.   If you are interested in more information click on the link to the class

http://www.aforartistic.com/classes/open-classes/claudette-a-cage-doll-marla-l-niederer-cloth-doll-artist.html

Inspiration

I’ve always loved antique dolls and always have found inspiration in them.  Over the years I have gathered a small collection of vintage dolls.  I usually find them in an antique shop on my travels.  As I was traveling to Vermont this week I stopped at an antique shop and found this beauty.  She is a German made papier-mâché half doll.  I believe she is from the 1920’s era.  These dolls were often used as a topping for a pin cushion, candy box topper, powder box topper, table brush, etc.  Although I have a few china half dolls she is my first papier-mâché one.  I wonder what new creation I will be inspired to create now!

P.S. P.S.  Although my Bridgette online class is coming close to its ending it’s still not too late to join in on the fun.  For more information about the class click on the following link

http://www.aforartistic.com/bridgette-with-marla-l-niederer-cloth-doll-artist.html