Nicky Epstein - "Knits for Dolls" book review and giveaway!

I'm thrilled to have been sent a copy of eminent textile artist Nicky Epstein's new book for review. It's called "Knits for Dolls: 25 Fun, Fabulous Outfits for 18-inch Dolls", published by Sixth&Spring Books.

Now here's my full disclosure. I can't knit, only crochet and loom. So I can't speak to the clarity of the actual pattern instructions from experience. However given that Ms. Epstein is a star in the world of artistic knitwear, with numerous well received books to her credit and regular contributions to knitting magazines, I'm pretty sure that the patterns will give the desired results.

I love the outfits she has designed for the dolls. I personally love wearing knits and would probably like most of these garments if they were my size. The colors as pictured are luscious and vivid. Some of the garments are more formal and have sweet lacy textures. I particularly like the dress with the beading knitted in to the pattern.

Others are funky, hip or boho. There are textures, different stitches, twists and turns - I should think working your way through these lovely patterns would be a great course in fancy knitting techniques. There's even one sweater that resembles a nordic pattern.

Also included are many accessories - hats, purses, socks, shrugs - and some delightful ideas for making coordinating doll sized jewelry. Finally there are some recipes - for people food - treats for doll tea parties. Oh, and I nearly forgot - a vintage style knit bunny.

I really appreciate the styling of the photos, with the props both miniature and full size. They are fun, and exemplary for anyone who takes photos of their dolls as product photos.

I'm really looking forward to Nicky Epstein's "Crochet For Dolls" that a little birdy told me was coming soon.

The book is available from the Nicky Epstein website (through Barnes and Noble as an affiliate link I suspect so I encourage you to go that route.)

Now that I have this book that I can't use, I think I will run a contest. Any one who comments on this post - maybe tell me about your favorite knitted toy or doll - will be in the drawing to win my copy of this charming book. Let's say around two weeks - so comment before 4th of July to be in the drawing. 

Please tell your friends about the contest, and share on Facebook too!

Free Doll Tutorials E-book

Here's a lovely surprise! It's a free E-book from Cloth, Paper, Scissors containing four tutorials for making some soft art dolls/stuffies from some of our favorite doll artists - Nola Hart, Diana Trout, Kelli Nina Perkins and Paula Nerhus. Download your copy and be added to the newsletter list. (Well the bounty just keeps coming.)

More classes from Ankie Daanen

Dutch Touch doll class.

During the NIADA conference in June in San Francisco I will teach:
A 2-day class: How to make an Arty-Heartbreaker face 
A 1-day class: How to make the perfect doll body         

June 2013 New Online class´How to make the perfect doll body":
www.aforartistic.com
Host: Adele Sciortino : adele@adelesciortino.com

February 22 through February 26, 2014 Five day class in Chapel Hill,NC : How to make a lovely Girl
Host: Lynda Baddour : lyndabaddour@gmail.com

March 3 through March 7, 2014 Five day New Dutch Touch Class on Vancouver Island with Marlaine Verhelst and Ankie Daanen
Host: Marla Limousin : marla@ehrlerlimousin.com

Dollmaking Holiday Class in Spain for 2014. 
Because many students are interested to come to the Dollmaking Holiday Class in Spain
I can offer this class in June and in September.

The classes fill up quicly!!!
For more info: ankiedaanen@hotmail.com

April 17 through April 20, 2014 Four day class in Manahawkin, NJ : How to make a Cute Boy
Host: Colleen Athens : theartsysoul@yahoo.com

April 23, 2014 One day class in Mount Vernon, NY : How to make the perfect doll body
Host: Gwen Jackson : mamagdolls@msn.com

April 24 through April 27, 2014 Four day class in Mount Vernon,NY : How to make a Lovely Girl
Host: Gwen Jackson . mamagdolls@msn.com

Artists Doll and Teddy Bear Show in Philadelphia
April 30, May 1 and 2
Program will be announced later

Dear Dollfriends, you can always ask me for information, and within a few days my website will be updated too.
On my website you also will find more details and pictures of the class dolls.

Doll Auction at Bonhams

Los Angeles Fine Art, Antiquities and Collectibles Auction House, Bonhams, will be holding an auction on June 24, 2013 featuring the gorgeous dolls of the Alexandra and Sidney Sheldon collection. Predominating are numerous Lenci felt dolls all in remarkable condition, and some including extraordinary accessories such as trunks or the easter egg trouseau pictured. However there will also be a selection of antique teddy bears, bisque head dolls and other character figures on offer.

The online catalog is beautiful, clickable and detailed. Plus there are viewings of the collection in Los Angeles during the three days prior to the auction. It really is an extraordinary collection.

Sidney Sheldon was a best selling and award winning novelist, screenwriter and tv producer. The couple were well known as collectors of American Arts and Crafts as well as dolls. Alexandra Sheldon now serves on the board of the Bighorn Institute, dedicated to conserving native wild sheep.

A Fanciful Twist

I love Vanessa Valencia's aesthetic as revealed on her website and blog. I love the colors, the stories, the lettering. I love the way her sweet faced dolls are dressed in crumpled text. The word that comes to my mind is "enchanting".

I also enjoy how her message is consistent across different media and sites. You will always know one of her pieces, and her sites are well organized and fun to explore. So kudos on several counts.

And by the way, she has a bunch of tutorials that feature free printables, both doll/miniature related and just charming graphic applications, as well as an Etsy shop.

Dioramas at Mission San Carlos Borromeo at Carmel

Inside the Mission at Carmel, behind glass is a miniature village scene that looks more like Renaissance Europe than ancient Bethlehem (other than the Greek Temple to one side). It's interesting. Opposite is a Good Friday scene of the Crucifiction. There are several beautiful icons and large scale figurines of The Blessed Mother with baby Jesus wearing richly ornamented Renaissance and Baroque fabric clothing complete with encrusted embroideries, as distinct from the statues where the clothes are stone, marble or plaster.

The Word Is Art Gallery Art Doll exhibit opening.

A selection of the exhibits.

I felt very starstruck, in exalted company, when I joined fellow art doll artists at the opening reception of the Art Doll exhibit at The Word Is Art Gallery in Culver City, CA last Saturday evening. I have three dolls in the exhibit but what was most exciting for me was meeting and seeing the works of Vega, Nola and Ute Vasina.

Nola and one of her box dolls (with its own teeny dolly).

Vega's work is magnificent - creepy, cool and very detailed.(Keep your sound turned on for her website.) Nola uses vintage and new-but-retro-looking materials to create sweet, delicate prim style soft dolls with a wistful air, while Ute's needle sculpted Trolls of great renown have so much character and humor. Visit her site for patterns and other fabulous art doll supplies.

Vega, Ute and Troll friend.

Along with the art of these three, are dolls in every style and of many sizes, including a portrait doll of Jackson Pollock by Wendy and some beautiful cloth stump dolls. Be alerted however that the exhibit goes only for the next 2 weeks until April 14th. 

After that you will still be able to see and purchase some of the dolls by gallery co-op members as well as enjoy the fine art and functional pieces, including some beautiful hand made jewelry, felted art, photography and acrylic paintings. I was especially drawn to the modernist mixed media work of painter Christine Binns (one to watch, IMO).

Christine with my favorite of her paintings (with a special guest by Renee Troy peeking out).

Don't forget there are some cool classes linked to the Art Doll exhibit - see the Gallery blog for more details.


View Larger Map

If you see the exhibit, please let me know what you thought in the comments below!
Also as always, please Pin!