Please Meet Firefly
Faerie Keeper of Light In Motion
This pattern came about as part of an experiment of sorts. I do that sometimes! I find it tremendously rewarding to just "play" and see what happens. I didn't really have anything particular in mind- I just wanted a new kind of torso pattern.
And that is what this is! It's very different indeed. I invented a new technique to make this torso. I am happy to share it with you.
The pattern is only a torso. You will have to add your own limbs and a head.
I'll show you some other fun techniques to help get your creative juices flowing!
The pattern is created in pdf format. Instructions are on the pattern pages.
Follow the links to download and print the files.
Pattern Page One
Pattern Page Two
Here is what the torso looks like after it's sewn. The dark color makes it easy to see the shape and the darts.
SPECIAL TECHNIQUE
This is funny. But it works!
Do you have any leftover yarn laying around somewhere? I sure do.
Make yarn balls and put them into the doll's breasts.
Sew them in place with a needle and thread.
This gives the torso much greater "definition."
(OK, so she's a padded faerie. Who's telling?)
You can sew the "breasts "on before you turn the torso. It makes it easier that way.
Continue stuffing the doll as usual.
PAINTING WITH INK
To give the faerie a splash of color with texture and added interest, I used some very fun media.
- Gesso
- Tsukineiko Ink
- Pearl Ex Pigment Powder
Here's how:
I painted the whole thing with gesso. Just slap it on! The thicker the better. Don't try to smooth it out- leave brushmarks.
Let the gesso'ed torso dry completely.
Paint it with tsukineiko ink. This is the type of ink they use for ink stamp pads, in liquid form. It' fabulous stuff.
You can buy felt-tipped un-inked markers called "fantastix" to go with the ink. Fantastix are made by Tsukineiko also, and are usually sold with the ink. This time, don't use fantastix. Use a paintbrush. It makes a difference.
I used red ink. While still wet, I added silver gray. Then I let my fingers "print" all over it. I really went to town! It felt good.
As you apply the ink, you will discover that the gesso leaves beautifulbrush strokes because it it so thick.
The ink being very thin, is soaked soaked right into the crevices of the brushstrokes, creating the most dreamy
effect. The two colors together combined with the brush strokes, and fingerprints create a beautiful soft
look to the surface. Almost like roses or something.
I find this type of painting is very calming, almost fragrant!
Next you can rub some Pearl Ex Pigment powder onto the surface. This looks stunning.
ONE LAST TECHNIQUE
I wanted to mention this earlier, but it was difficult to see on the pictures with the pre-painted (brown) torsos.
When the torso is ready to be painted, needle sculpt the breast area by simply stitching the contour under neath into the cleavage, as you might do needlepoint embroidery.
Begin at the doll's back. Thread up a darning needle with strong thread, and enter at the back. Exit at the sidemost point of the breast (under the arm area). Keep stitching like you're tracing an underwire bra! Always exit and re-enter at the back.
If the back becomes depressed inward, it won't matter because of the wings to be added later.
The picture above really shows how nicely it looks when the breast is defined that way.
When you are done, add the rest of the doll parts- arms, legs and head.
Dress the doll by wrapping it with swatches of fabric . Pin the fabric on, trim and baste on.
I re-defined the breast again. Can you tell? Well you can't see the stitching! And nobody knows how easy it was unless I tell! (So now everybody knows....)
I hope you will try my pattern and my fun. I'm glad to share it!
You can see a tutorial for Firefly's wings on my web journal.
Another free wings tutorial can be found here.
If you download my pattern or try these techniques, please let me know. It makes me very happy!
Thanks for looking, and happy dolling!