This is the secret project that I was working on a month ago. Secret because it is a gift for someone.
It was a commission. You may or may not know that I have a policy of not taking commissions. I feel like I’ve talked about it regularly, but when I searched the blog, this was the only post I could find. It isn’t recent but still pretty accurate. These days my excuse for not doing commission work is that I am not getting paid enough to not being doing just exactly what I feel like. But, sometimes someone asks me if I’d be willing to do something that I do feel like doing. Something that tickles my imagination. When I got an email from someone asking me if I would interpret a Staffordshire figurine that a friend owns, my first thought was no… until I scrolled down and saw the photo.
How could I say no? I had fallen in love at first sight!
I used my tattooed man pattern but had to do quite a bit of problem solving to make the coats and hats. It was lots of fun and I love how they turned out.
So much white was a challenge. I decided to use a variety of slightly textured whites (twill) to give more visual interest.
I love all the blues here-
and I used every last little bit of this striped fabric to make his hair and beard.
I wanted the hats to be removable so I found some matching pins to hold them in place.
The coat is a piece of vintage twill. I’ve seen antique children’s coats made of this fabric.
These are Crimean War veterans- a soldier and a sailor. The figurines must have been a popular collectible at the time of the Crimean War because there seems to be a wide range of styles. Some examples here.
And here is my husbands arm to show scale-
They are on their way to their new home. I had a hard time parting with them!
Your have make it very good from the Staffordshire models. I like them very much. I hope also the person that become the figures
Wow, incredible! I can see why you decided to take on this special project. What a lucky client.
Splendid figures.
Whomever these go to is so lucky.
I know what you mean about taking commissions.
I even find it hard sometimes to part with things I make for sale.
mimi they are lovely!
These are truly incredible. The level of detail is amazing. I am sure that the new owner will be thrilled with them.
What a fun commission! Congratulations, they are brilliant!
Absolutely wonderful and charming! What a fun project!
I can see why you had trouble parting with them! Absolutely breathtaking. You never cease to amaze me, Mimi.
Mimi, I am so glad that figurine tickled your fancy – and that you shared. these guys are wonderful, I think you captured them perfectly.
Oh my oh my! I DO love a man in uniform! and 2 men are twice as nice ;-)
these are so awesome mimi!!! great job!
I love their personalities! What a fortunate client!
They are amazing. That sailor! His hair! And Tina’s comment is cracking me up.
Super cool! Your so cool!
Love your Dolls…
Amazing!!! They came out just perfect. I would have trouble parting with that duo. I’m glad you took the commission so we could see the figurine come to life!
Mimi! Amazing! Incredible! Wowza!
Beautiful ! What a smashing duo….
I appreciate all the detail work &
the thoughtful fabric choices….
an amazing commission…thanks
for sharing.
Oh my – these are BEAUTIFUL! How I wish I could have one. Great work.
This pair is extraordinary, I am so digging the white.
These two are just beyond fabulous. The beard, the back hairline, the coats. Oh, my!! So much fun to see. Glad you had such a good time with the project.
Absolutley Fabulous! Your interpretation was spot on!
I LOVE these two handsome men! I have been reading your blog for awhile now and just love your dolls. I think you should definitely start designing more sailors! Their uniforms are beautifully done!
Oh, very handsome men, great job !