Memory Lane Arts Project and the Dementia Dolls

A very inspiring friend of mine, Carol Parker sets up and runs all sorts of amazing arts projects, particularly in community settings and centred around community engagement. One such project is the Memory Lane - Creative Sessions for those living with Dementia and their Carers.

Carol commissioned me to make three large art dolls with blank faces and lots of texture in the patchwork. She intends to use them in her sessions as they are cuddly and tactile and she will work with people to give them faces and personalities. Apparently this kind of working often brings out some amazing stories from people's own lives too.




UPDATE

Here is Dolly complete with hair and face. Carol worked with an older lady who described what she thought should go where as her sight and dexterity are not great. As part of this all sorts of tales came out about her time as a young lady. I think she looks fantastic.

It's begining to feel a lot like Christmas.

In my studio it is anyway as I am increasing surrounded by little Angels. These and more are for sale in my shop now.

Luck is a lady (and a gent)!

I am so lucky! The space I have been allocated for the New Mills festival Art Trail is wonderful. Not only is it easy to access and use but the people are so nice too! Here are a few pictures of my little people in situ, at the Medulla Hair Studio, on the High Street of New Mills, High Peak. For more details of the festival visit the website at www.newmillsfestival.com and www.newmillsfestival.com/ArtTrail

Foxy lady

I was recently asked to do a little appliqué for a very personal project by a wonderful customer of mine. I would love to tell the story behind it but it's not mine for the sharing. However, whilst she and some of her family were at mine for a cuppa and a chat, her daughter spotted some of my prototypes and asked for one of my foxes for her birthday. That date has gone so it is now safe to share this picture. I am so lucky to have been asked by this customer to make a range of items for celebrations and life events. It adds so much more meaning to my work and makes me feel very lucky.

Goth Girl

I do love making to order. If you get a hint of the person's interests or even personality it makes the mind spring to life with ideas. This girl was made for a young woman's Birthday gift as ordered by her godmother. Apparently she is a true blue (or should that be black?) Goth and loves all thing black. I hope she is happy with her.

New Work

My fascination with Art Dolls has finally taken over my head space and work space and I have been completely self indulgent of late developing a whole new way of making (for me) and lots of little people. Some of these are in my shop now.

Oh Oinka...

...

I love you! I know it's a bit unfair but I do think that Oinka here is my new favourite. Hand sewn from gorgeous wool blend felt, she really is a huggable little girl. I may have to make her a boyfriend!

New home, new work, new look blog and New Mills Festival

So much has been happening that I have totally neglected my little internet world here. In fact with so much that is NEW in my life I thought I would strip right back and start again. Welcome! I am absolutely delighted to kick things off by announcing that I and my (new) folk art dolls have been accepted by New Mills Festival Art Trail for exhibition as part of the wonderful shop window scheme this September. I only heard last night so more info will follow soon.