Good morning! Mom sent me an email message with a festive holiday background and it caught my eye. Here is the next sculpt concept:
Victorian Christmas Shopper
Quick brainstorming:
I will need to make a child – my first one, I will need to make an umbrella – black silk, stretched on , I suppose, red velvet coat, need to look for white fur in scale – would have to be artificial fur, I do have snow for the base and white – sprinkle it all over, need to look for lace and ribbons in scale – for the hat, I have black leather for shoes, need to find white silk for gaiters, she will be standing, so . I think I am set – I either have or can find all the stuff needed. I will be back with the update!
I want my sculpt to be 12 cm (4.8 inch). The reason for this is rather my preference. I normally make adult female about 20 cm (8 inch) and I find this scale easy to work with - the dolls come out not too large, and yet I can manage to make them pretty detailed -they are not too small. So, on the same scale, my 5 year old should be 4.8 inch or 12 cm.
I took the image of 5 year old from the diagram above, cropped the image using Photoshop and printed it to be exactly 12 cm. Now I will have an easy reference in front of me – how large should I make the head, hands, feet, etc.
Moving on to the and here are the pictures – step by step. The little shopper will have the , to make my life a little easier.
So, here you go:
GA 17, 3 inch diameter
all wrapped together with 24 Ga
The modules are cut out of – GA 3/32. As my drill died, I have to use my to make the hole in the stand and it does the job.
a piece of 1/16 goes into the hole – it will be secured later with .
here you go – my little chrismass shopper is standing. There is a little bit of room between the the future foot and the stand – for the snow, in other words the in the stand is a bit longer than needed – I will cut it later more precisely.
December 2, 2009
Good morning!
Here are two parts of .
Mixed goes over the – to strenthen it, on top of the head module and on the base – to secure the rod. I had leftover and just spread it over the base – to make it less even – there will be snow.
All three parts go to the oven – about 15 minutes at 270 F – to cure .
December 6, 2009
After 3 mornings of pain and suffering I was able to make a face for my little shopper that I can live with. Actually, better than that – I like it very much. She my first child sculpt and I had a lot of difficulty with her face. For 3 mornings I was making and folding heads one after another – either age was wrong, or expression, or smile was like a sneer, or she was just plain ugly – I just was not getting it at all.
On the third morning it happened – I woke up, started another head and suddently I hit it – it appeared quickly and painlessly and very close to what I wanted her to be.
I think I got the idea – cute chubby victorian face, quiet, content and anticipating little smile, sweet expression, a little overly sweet, if you know what I mean – but just right for a “precious little thing” look – the kind you see on Victorian Christmas cards.
Well, here she is – I hope you like her.
To help with the clay fitgeting on the smooth module, I made a little bulb and baked it – it worked as a core to which raw clay could adhere – it prevented the head from shifting and sliding while I was working on it.
The eyes are – 4 mm brown. She will have hair (Rich Auburn) and dark eyelashes.
She has smaller cranium then she should have in real life – this is to allow for the hair and the hat. I am thinking that curls with a victorian hat, lace and all, will make her head appear huge. So making smaller cranium make help with that.
The clay is Rose – lovely color with pink undertones – perfect for a child.
December 8, 2009
The next step, I figure, it to make an umbrella. Here is the logic – I need to sculpt the torso, it will depend – slightly – on the position of the arms – for example the shoulder blades will be affected. The position of the arms will depend on the umbrella position – I need to be careful so that the sculpture does not topple under the weight of umbrella which I think will be rather heavy. So umbrella it is.
December 9, 2009
I had to sleep on the umbrella structure – it is frequently helpful to give your mind a task in the evening and go to bed. Your mind will go off calculating different solutions and figuring things out while you sleep and you will wake up knowing exactly what to do.
Ok, let’s put together the solution that I woke with and see what happens.
How to Make an Old-fashioned Black Victorian Umbrella
1) a heat-resistant plate and a piece of paper with a hole in the middle
2)
3) a washer
4) GA 1/16, a bunch of small beads to serve as spacers
5) a short vertical piece of GA 5/32
6) more and another washer to finish this sandwich.
While the was curing in the oven – about 15 minutes at 270 F – I made a handle for the umbrella. It is a piece of 3/32 , bent to form a hook and covered with thin black natural leather (old glove) which is glued with .
Ok, I hear the oven bell – it is done. Let’s see what we have there.
Great – it worked – fused all the parts into a hard undestructable blob. A bit of bending, cutting and fitting, here is what I have.
The handle can be taken apart – this is so that I can put it into Shopper’s hand and so that the umbrella is removable when it is all done.
I found black cloth – might look for another kind later – natural silk, instead of synthetic – but I already see a very good resemblance of a real umbrella.
As I stopped to get my coffee, I took a picture of my backyard - the grey sky, snow on the ground and a flock of geese feeding on the field in the distance, the rawhide bone forgotten by Harley the day before. The view made me happy – it is a good day to be inside working on what I love. That reminds me – it is after 8 am – I need to start my Morezmore day – invoicing, answering questions, packing, shipping, – the usual. Talk to you later – thank you for watching!
December 10, 2009
The umbrella is done – it took forever, but I am happy with it. It is almost 10 am and I have to start working, so I just post the pictures which are rather self-explanatory. I used pins and tiny brass beads to stretch the cloth. The pins go inside the . The top of the umbrella – I am not sure what it is, I found it in my jewelry drawer, a finial of sorts. Almost all is done with , a tiny bit of sewing – just to secure the cloth at the end of the each spoke, because the cloth is under tension and the might tear through the silk, so a few stitches at the spot hopefully will prevent it. There is a bit of silk ribbon to finish up the inside edge and hide the central wheel construction.
December 11, 2009
Good morning. This morning’s task was to make my Little Shopper hold her new umbrella. It is rather awkward to call her Shopper all the time (sounds like Consumer). So I decided to give her a name. I googled for most popular Victorian baby names and came up with Rebecca (Becky). Nice old-fashioned name, with a cute abbreviation.
Back to the umbrella holding thing. First of all I stripped all the raw clay from Becky’s torso, as it was in my way.
Here is the construction – her right hand module and the armature for the hand. It is a piece of 3/32 secured with GA 24
The umbrella fits into the hand armature just so and the bottom piece – handle - finishes the construction. The umbrella is removable and it will stay this way.
– two equal parts, mixed all together, goes on all connections – both arms modules, hand thingy and feet modules as well. The head is still detachable, you will see on the different pictures head changing its position as I am trying different angles of the head – it is a good time to play with it and find the best position.
Becky is back from the oven and she is holding the umbrella very nicely and securely, without toppling. The umbrella does not even need to rest on her shoulder (that was my Plan B, if the umbrella was too heavy for her).
Thankfully, she does not need it, she is a strong girl and easily holds the umbrella in her hand all by herself.
I also started putting the clay on her torso, but ran out of time and will continue tomorrow.
I wanted to ask you – how is the page loading going for you – it is too slow? There are a lot of pictures here. I can start another page - let me know please.
Another question – from the purchases in my store I am getting a feeling that there is a number of people sculpting along with me. I would be delighted to see your work in progress pictures – please share if you don’t mind. I will post your pictures here (if you permit me, of course) – I think it is fun to see different renderings of the same concept.
We had a few Sculpt Along parties (online parties, of course) on ooakdollart forum (http://www.ooakdollart.com/forums/) when a number of artists agreed to sculpt the same concept. The fascinating thing was that the sculptures based on the same concept, same pose, made out of almost same materials were coming out amazingly different – truly One of a Kind.
Hi! I’m looking forward to seeing the sculpture. I was subscribed to your newsletter, but I somehow stopped receiving it. I want to see some MORE of Morezmore work! :>)
Thank you, Jennifer! Glad you found me again! You did not receive anything because I did not send anything for a long time. So I am planning to keep up with it now!
I can’t wait for you to get started on this one, this looks like a fantastic project and i know that it’s going to be an amazing doll once it is finished. I am so glad you are sculpting again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Natasha, what a wonderful idea for a winter child. The tutorial is looking great!
I didn’t know that you could cure the magic sculpt in the oven…. I just finish some work in a base with magic sculpt and I will place it right away to cure.
Hugs,
Tryny
I’m so jealous! Once again, you’ve outdone yourself. I really appreciate your explanations and all the pictures – but no matter what, I CANNOT sculpt a face like that. Mine never look realistic – which you’ve got down to a science. Would you mind doing a tutorial that focuses on how you create a face? Especially the details – like how you go about creating the little fold over the eyes, and the delicate lines that form the eyes? I’m just not getting it. I’ve been claying for about 8-10 years now, and all I ever make is jewelry – because that’s all I can make. I so want to make a doll or figure like you – but I just can’t do it. I figure if I’m going to ask someone to do a focused tutorial, why not ask the best??
She really is beautiful – you already have the beginnings of a gorgeous Victorian Girl. I’m SO jealous…but also can’t take my eyes off her. You are incredibly talented – and I aspire to be like you. Hmmm Maybe I should just take a trip to Morezmore and move in for a bit? If I can’t pick it up by watching you, maybe some of your mad talent and wicked skill will transfer to me just by being around you??
I’m glad you’re sending out notices again – I’ll be watching and waiting! xx
Oh my once again you have come up with the most desireable composition…I really love how you give so much explanation on your progress thank you …I will enjoy another of your wonderful pieces of art come to life and so glad you really back to sculpting !!!!
Diana
Great work Natasha! She looks the epitomy of victorian cuteness. I can’t wait till you start on the clothing.I just finished one and found clothes to be as hard as the sculpt!
I haven’t had to the chance to speak to you since the old forum was sold–I really miss the old gang from there. I am so glad to see that you are sculpting again. I myself had to give it up for a few years because grand children came along and I was left without a craft room. I am moving on now and plan to get started again as soon as I can, in the mean time I will continue to watch you as you continue to come up with creative idea’s and wonderful sculpts.
Katherine, thank you! You see, if I were to make a face tutorial, it would span over the period of 3 days and involve 15 or so heads, lol. The face is still a very hard thing for me to do, but I will try to take pictures step by step next time.
Diana, Deborah, Dwayne, Eve, Joni, Darra – thank you, dear friends, for your kind attention – my pleasure indeed.
Ha Ha, I don’t believe it… I love the old style Holiday cards and had just found that same picture card. Thought it would be such a beautiful doll. Started gathering items to give her a try. Then I saw what you have done. I am no where near as good as you are so I think I will look for a different one to try.
Glad you are sending out mailings again. You have been my inspiration for some time.
Red, you have totally caught her sweet face. I will enjoy watching her appear and learning.
Will you have snow? Great to have you back!
Regina (also known as Red) I’m an Irish redhead : )
Natasha it is really cool how you design your props ..ever so clever how you are doing the umbrella sure is a pleasure to watch you design and create !!!
Thank you, Helena!
Thank you, Regina – great minds think alike! Please do not let it stop you from making your version – I think it is fun – I will be delighted to see another one in the making – I mean it!
Thank you, Diana – I enjoy figuring those things out!
Hey Nat,
Just as I said when I saw your new idea, you have got her looking just like a perfect victorian Christmas card. That face is indeed the too cutesy look of the victorian cards, just perfect, as usual. I love the way you worked the umbrella. I can see why it would be a weight problem. I agree with the trimmed down skull size too, once you get a mop of curly hair and a hat on it it may very well look huge. I like the way you have her pose set up and it looks a good bit like the card with the umbrella added.
I only just caught up today so I saw the picture and then stumbled in today to see how far you were. I am glad to see you are back to a more consistent sculpting schedule, I will try to get back to a more consistent watching schedule. It is great to see you sculpting again. All is again right with the world. Without being able to see your sculpting progress it seemed like the world was out of whack and not it is again rotating as it should be.
Keep it turning, Pam
I learn so much from your sculpting & info…..your photos ( which are sooo detailed)….. & showing us how to use your products…….now that you’re back…..I realize how much I missed watching you create!!! Watching you sculpt…..keeps the ideas & excitement in my sculpting…. I know no one else that sculpts except my online friends……… thanks so much! Joyce
Thank you, Claudia – I enjoy it just as much, if not more!
Thank you, Pam, yes, the Morezmore world is returning back to normal – sculpting was an important part that was missing the last year. There is never any “spare time” here, but what I did was assigning it Priority Number One and start my day with it – before the shower, before checking a single email. I might get my “shipping time” and “communication” stars going down on ebay as a result, but I think my own involvement with making OOAKs – HANDS ON – is crucial – both for my own sake, as an artist, and for the sake of the Morezmore mission, as a business.
Thank you, Anonymous!
Thank you, Jennifer – you understand…
Thank you, Joyce – precious comment – that is what I aim at and aspire to – thank you!
Natasha,
I think you are an amazing Artist and am so happy that I have been doing business with you and that you are such a sharing soul. Love all your work!
Artistically Yours
Roxanna Maria
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Hi! I’m looking forward to seeing the sculpture. I was subscribed to your newsletter, but I somehow stopped receiving it. I want to see some MORE of Morezmore work! :>)
Thank you, Jennifer!
Glad you found me again!
You did not receive anything because I did not send anything for a long time. So I am planning to keep up with it now! 
I can’t wait to see her come to life! Your work is always so amazing.
Thank you, dear Debbie!
I can’t wait myself!!!!!!!
I can’t wait for you to get started on this one, this looks like a fantastic project and i know that it’s going to be an amazing doll once it is finished. I am so glad you are sculpting again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Started looking into it this morning, Luke – thank you very much for your kind attention!
Will post first entry in a few minutes
Hi Natasha, what a wonderful idea for a winter child. The tutorial is looking great!
I didn’t know that you could cure the magic sculpt in the oven…. I just finish some work in a base with magic sculpt and I will place it right away to cure.
Hugs,
Tryny
Thank you for your sweet comment, Tryny and Nicolas!
Glad you find this interesting
Thank you very much!!You is a very artist!!!!Beautiful work!
Natasha as usual an absolutley wonderful sculpt. I haven’t tried a child on her own yet but I’m watching yours very closely. Cant wait to see more.
Thank you, Elena! Thank you, Maggie!
my pleasure!
I’m so jealous! Once again, you’ve outdone yourself. I really appreciate your explanations and all the pictures – but no matter what, I CANNOT sculpt a face like that. Mine never look realistic – which you’ve got down to a science. Would you mind doing a tutorial that focuses on how you create a face? Especially the details – like how you go about creating the little fold over the eyes, and the delicate lines that form the eyes? I’m just not getting it. I’ve been claying for about 8-10 years now, and all I ever make is jewelry – because that’s all I can make. I so want to make a doll or figure like you – but I just can’t do it. I figure if I’m going to ask someone to do a focused tutorial, why not ask the best??
She really is beautiful – you already have the beginnings of a gorgeous Victorian Girl. I’m SO jealous…but also can’t take my eyes off her. You are incredibly talented – and I aspire to be like you. Hmmm Maybe I should just take a trip to Morezmore and move in for a bit? If I can’t pick it up by watching you, maybe some of your mad talent and wicked skill will transfer to me just by being around you??
I’m glad you’re sending out notices again – I’ll be watching and waiting! xx
Oh my once again you have come up with the most desireable composition…I really love how you give so much explanation on your progress thank you …I will enjoy another of your wonderful pieces of art come to life and so glad you really back to sculpting !!!!
Diana
good grief spelled my own name wrong
Natasha, your Little Shopper is going to be gorgeous! I can’t wait to watch her come to life!
Great work Natasha! She looks the epitomy of victorian cuteness. I can’t wait till you start on the clothing.I just finished one and found clothes to be as hard as the sculpt!
Hello again Natasha,
I haven’t had to the chance to speak to you since the old forum was sold–I really miss the old gang from there. I am so glad to see that you are sculpting again. I myself had to give it up for a few years because grand children came along and I was left without a craft room. I am moving on now and plan to get started again as soon as I can, in the mean time I will continue to watch you as you continue to come up with creative idea’s and wonderful sculpts.
Take care,
Eve
Hi, I’m so glad to have found this! Thank-you for sharing your talent and creativity with us. I too, will be eagerly watching your progress this time.
OH YAY! i’m so glad to see you have started now i will see how this little girl will turn out OvO
Katherine, thank you! You see, if I were to make a face tutorial, it would span over the period of 3 days and involve 15 or so heads, lol. The face is still a very hard thing for me to do, but I will try to take pictures step by step next time.
Diana, Deborah, Dwayne, Eve, Joni, Darra – thank you, dear friends, for your kind attention – my pleasure indeed.
This is becomen real good I can hardly wait for the rest
Ha Ha, I don’t believe it… I love the old style Holiday cards and had just found that same picture card. Thought it would be such a beautiful doll. Started gathering items to give her a try. Then I saw what you have done. I am no where near as good as you are so I think I will look for a different one to try.
Glad you are sending out mailings again. You have been my inspiration for some time.
Red, you have totally caught her sweet face. I will enjoy watching her appear and learning.
Will you have snow? Great to have you back!
Regina (also known as Red) I’m an Irish redhead : )
Natasha it is really cool how you design your props ..ever so clever how you are doing the umbrella sure is a pleasure to watch you design and create !!!
Thank you, Helena!
Please do not let it stop you from making your version – I think it is fun – I will be delighted to see another one in the making 
– I mean it!
Thank you, Regina – great minds think alike!
Thank you, Diana – I enjoy figuring those things out!
Natasha, your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing your beautiful girl and your great talent with us.
Hey Nat,
Just as I said when I saw your new idea, you have got her looking just like a perfect victorian Christmas card. That face is indeed the too cutesy look of the victorian cards, just perfect, as usual. I love the way you worked the umbrella. I can see why it would be a weight problem. I agree with the trimmed down skull size too, once you get a mop of curly hair and a hat on it it may very well look huge. I like the way you have her pose set up and it looks a good bit like the card with the umbrella added.
I only just caught up today so I saw the picture and then stumbled in today to see how far you were. I am glad to see you are back to a more consistent sculpting schedule, I will try to get back to a more consistent watching schedule. It is great to see you sculpting again. All is again right with the world. Without being able to see your sculpting progress it seemed like the world was out of whack and not it is again rotating as it should be.
Keep it turning, Pam
I meant that now the world is again rotating as it should be.
Pam
The umbrella is so cute! I can’t wait to see more.
Fascinating to watch you work! Also, I know just what you meant about the weather the other day. It made me happy for the same reasons.
I learn so much from your sculpting & info…..your photos ( which are sooo detailed)….. & showing us how to use your products…….now that you’re back…..I realize how much I missed watching you create!!! Watching you sculpt…..keeps the ideas & excitement in my sculpting…. I know no one else that sculpts except my online friends……… thanks so much! Joyce
Thank you, Claudia – I enjoy it just as much, if not more!
Thank you, Pam, yes, the Morezmore world is returning back to normal – sculpting was an important part that was missing the last year. There is never any “spare time” here, but what I did was assigning it Priority Number One and start my day with it – before the shower, before checking a single email. I might get my “shipping time” and “communication” stars going down on ebay as a result, but I think my own involvement with making OOAKs – HANDS ON – is crucial – both for my own sake, as an artist, and for the sake of the Morezmore mission, as a business.
Thank you, Anonymous!
Thank you, Jennifer – you understand…
Thank you, Joyce – precious comment – that is what I aim at and aspire to – thank you!
Available and understandable!
Natasha,
I think you are an amazing Artist and am so happy that I have been doing business with you and that you are such a sharing soul. Love all your work!
Artistically Yours
Roxanna Maria
[...] Morezmore #24Victorian Christmas Shopper (Part 1)*** [...]
Thank you, Julia!
Thank yu, Roxanna!