Friday, August 28, 2009

The Big Reveal!

Today is the day to finally show you how the composition doll #1 from Kathleen turned out. When I first introduced you to her she had a chipped chin, deteriorating dress and very bad hair. I finished her a couple days ago, I had to spray her hair though because after all the handling she had by me, it lost alittle of her style, not much! Just alittle.


It was August 11th I starting posting on the process it takes to restore a composition doll, it is no easy project but one I really like. I am a self taught restorer, (feeling sheepish about calling myself that!) this doll took me about two weeks to finish and I decided to try something different for the repairs, I polished a base coat of acrylic paint in all of her cracks to act as a filler, it worked beautifully but the blending became quite extensive. Most composition dolls are painted with air brushing or a closely resembled method, I don't have such a device and wouldn't know what to do with it if I had, my retouching was done on the face only.



I am going to let the photos speak for themselves, I believe some of you will feel that this doll doesn't look like the same doll, I feel this way because I can't believe it's the same one myself, I am very happy with the results.




















































I call her Mary. C&G Design

10 comments:

tina said...

You did a great job! No words needed at all as the pictures do speak for themselves.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Dawn, I was waiting to see the finished doll. The before photos looked like an accident victim just brought into the ER;) Now she looks great!. You did a really nice job on her face. Love her little mouth.
Marnie

Debbie said...

Oh Dawn you are a miracle worker!! Unbelievable!!!!! She has the sweetest little chubby face and it is so hard to believe it is even the same doll! That's just crazy that you can perform such a task! You should be doing this for a living and making money at it...you're fantastic!! I have been thinking about this doll Kathleen sent you and wondering how it all came out? I even showed my hubby the photos of how you did the hair...he was amazed by it. This whole ordeal is such a process and I now see how much love you put into the task. What a super job...I am so proud of your work and in awe!

Skeeter said...

Kathleen may want this doll back now! hee hee...

Mary looks marvelous and ready to go out on the town with the gang beside her :-)

I agree with Debbie, that you could earn money as a doll restorer!

Jean Merriman said...

She is an absolute doll!!! No pun intended. Incredible job. I love her hair and purse.

Kathleen said...

Dawn...no Hollywood stylist could have done a more beautiful "make-over". She is just a delight. That dirty face and dress, cracked chin and witch hair are gone. Now there stands a lovely creation, cute and sweet...What a remarkable peice of work you have done!! Congatulations Dawn! (I am so glad I sent her to you) Big hugs, Kathleen

Dawn said...

Hi guys, I so enjoyed redoing this little lady and I enjoyed posting on her. I had DH read this post last night and he responed by telling me he will keep his eyes open for a air gun, although I told him he did not have too.
Kathleen, I feel very lucky you thought of me and hoped I would do them justice, it may be a while before I post on the other as I'm still looking for arms, I'm sure they will be for sale. I just wanted to let you know neither doll will be traveling (sold) they are part of my collection. And SOMEDAY, they will be portrayed in a portfolio if I'm ever brave enough to think I could open a hospital. Thanks! Everyone!

Nancy said...

Mary is an astounding accomplishment and so adorable with her strawberry blonde hair. You are my inspiration, although I will not be attempting doll restoration! There is great fulfillment brought by the saving of even a scrap of material for me. How full you must feel!

Almost done with the purse. Stop by later today or tonight.

Oh, we are supposed to do Maine this fall which it feels like now, huh? Coffee?

Lola said...

FANTASTIC, Dawn. It doesn't look like the same doll.

Protector of Vintage said...

Wow! You are a talented woman!! The doll looks beautiful.