Sasha's Doll Blog: January 16, 2013: Mermaid/Merman

I'm back at the Farmer's Market on a brisk Wednesday morning at a blue-topped table, having a hot chocolate with just the tiniest bit of whipped cream. I just came from Kip's Toyland where I visited their growing assortment of mermaid dolls and mini-mermaids that come in their own little purse with a "pearl" clasp. As you may have seen on an earlier post, Sophie and I have our own mermaid with a green heart, a patterned green tail, matching arms, and flowing neon green hair with gold highlights. For now, her only garment is a green, brown and coral fishnet-like shawl. I showed her to Erika, who came over for dinner last weekend, and we agreed that Maricruz, as I call her, needs a little swimmer's top, so I will make one soon.

The mermaid dolls at Kip's are somehow enchanting. They're about 16" tall, but made so that they sit. They come with brown, black, red or blond hair and with different colored sparkly bodies and tails. They're made by a company called "Aurora," and for some reason, I love them! I gave a redheaded mermaid to Sallie for Christmas, and she agreed!

I want to see if I can make a similar doll with a sparkly green tail. But first, I want to make a "merman" to swim with Maricruz. He will have a brown patterned tail and arms, a green heart, and brown seaweed hair with blue and green streaks.

It's always exciting to start a new doll. Currently, I'm working on three dolls, two of which will be a new type. One is a traditional "Moulin Rouge" style, for my niece who recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz. Another will be the first of the "Tomboy Dolls," which I wrote about last year but have yet to make! And the third is a little ballerina named "Pomegranate," the first doll for which I drew the face, rather than embroidering it.

In other news, Sophie and I will be putting a few dolls up for sale on Etsy. Details will follow and we invite your comments.

Meanwhile, the Munequitas, which you have seen a lot of recently, remain unfinished. They're lined up in their stands on the bureau, having lots of fun, as if to say, "No pressure, Sasha. Whenever you get around to finishing us is fine with us!"

And I do want to finish them. Sophie and I started making lots of small dolls when she was here this past summer and fall and I now need to create a unique and colorful outfit for each one!

On a final note, Rafael and I are now proud members of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which is a short walk from our office. So expect to hear more this year about the art that is there!

Hope your New Year is starting out strong. Have a good week! And go see some art!

Sasha