Up Close and Personal with the Princess and Her Toad

Up Close and Personal with The Princess and Her Toad Back to Dollmaking Gallery

The Prince's gilded cage stands on a base that is wicker on the lower portion and wood on the upper part. Findings play a role in every piece I make. Sometimes findings are what sparks the idea for a creature. Prenatal Care (one of my favorite sculptures) began from buying the acrylic cylinder for fifty cents at a yard sale!

This cage was purchased at a thrift store. The mirror inside the cage was originally a coaster for drinks! There is also a miniature brass coat rack.

The Fly is a prop and what I term a purchased finding. It was one of fifty flies bought in a package in a shop that was featuring halloween items. (Someday I must discover the piece within that will utilize the rest of these king-sized flies)! The Princesses hat is a plastic cone covered with velvet. An old vintage-type costume jewelry piece is just right for dressing it up a bit for the stylish Princess. Tiny rhinestones were used to embellish the Prince's crown as well. He has a cape that matches his lady's gown. It hangs loosely on a brass coat rack inside his cage.

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Dollmaking involves developing many skills including sewing.The Princesses gown was made from an old cocktail dress found in a thrift store. She has matching boots that go above her knees. I am fortunate to have had my Mom's help (Carla Arras) creating the costume. She labored many hours by my side to complete the costume and accessories for The Princess and the Toad. The outcome of a piece can change as the creative process unfolds. It is like the piece takes on a mind of its own and if the artist listens, he/she will be given direction to what is truly meant to be. Originally, the Princess was slated to be a blonde and her hat was covered with the metallic material that now is seen only in the trail from the top of her hat.