My old dears have faces hand-sculpted in papier mache clay, then hand painted. Their bodies are shaped similar to matryoshkas, and are made of wool tweed which is stuffed with pure new Irish wool roving. The skirt and apron are neatly hemmed and the apron ties in the back. Their hair is natural wool which is needle felted securely in place. The shawls are made from wool and wool felt.
Mrs. Dineen has a body and shawl made of salvaged vintage Donegal Irish Tweed, and has a cap of antique Irish crochet lace. She is carrying a wooden rosary, similar to the tiny rosaries that were carried during the Penal times in Ireland to say the rosary surreptitiously and avoid punishment.
My art dolls are one-of-a-kind, every doll is different. Until the little face peeks out from the clay, I have no idea who it is, but once I meet her I try to find her character and imagine her background and life. I meet and chat with wonderful old dears in my flower shop every day, and they inspire me to capture that spirit and energy which is so unique, their humour and sometimes brutal honesty. I haven't made these dolls in a few years and I am enjoying making them so much, I feel like they've been waiting for me to tell their stories again.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
