Thursday, July 16, 2009

A Naiad


So here is the doll I made for the ADO Elements challenge. She's a Naiad, a type of fairy or nymph that inhabits the rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, fountains and springs of the earth. Naiads, or Undines as they are also called, are found in the folklore of many cultures. A Naiad's essence was bound to her spring, so if a naiad's body of water dried, she died. While poking around on Google today I found out that naiad is also the name for the immature form of a dragonfly...how's that for serendipity? So my element is of course Water! There is tremendous concern in the world today about the availability of clean drinking water for both humans and animals and the naiad, with her dependence on her water source, seemed a perfect representative to me. This doll was made by stretching a cotton knit "skin" over a cloth and wire armature.

Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to check out the other elements from the doll artists of ADO. You can find a complete list of participants by clicking on the link at the top of the page or right here!
Tomorrow is the art show here at the Nest...pictures to follow later.... and fabric swap info as well!

33 comments:

  1. There is so much love in this doll. She's beautiful and the colors a amazing.

    Earth element was my choice for this challenge.

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  2. She's beautiful, and thank you for the charming explanation. The colours are just right for water. Nice work!

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  3. She is lovely and has an important meaning too. I love the name naiad. Beautiful!

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  4. She's gorgeous! I agree with everything everyone's already said!

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  5. she is so pretty, just love her wings, that is a gift making wings so beautiful, you must have been a fairy in a past life

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  6. just lovely!
    such a sweet face.

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  7. another lovely to add to your gorgeous gallery. Your work is beautiful.

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  8. You really outdid yourself with those wings! The fabric of her dress looks like it is covered in water droplets...perfect! I'll be checkin' out the fabric swap!

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  9. She is great. Can't wait to see your future dolls.

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  10. She came great. Nice job.
    Have a great weekend.
    Cheers

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  11. So sweet and for anyone in a hot climate, she will give a much needed cooling off. The water element you've done is very good. Romona

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  12. She's a wonderful doll, and I love her beautiful and delicate wings!

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  13. Hi, my name is Michelle. I make rag dolls, although not so many lately with my kids out of school! I have had the best time perusing your blog today. I have looked at lots of the participants but just love your dolls! I looked through your tutorials and now I really want to try a Waldorf style doll. I added you to my google reader so I won't miss any of your creations. Nice to meet you!

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  14. Naiad is beautiful. I admire your perfect craftsmanship with this piece. I find that making a fabric doll come to life like you have is no easy task. I shall be back!

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  15. I love the personality of this doll. She's great!

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  16. Her colours are beautiful...she is wonderful.

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  17. Shes charming and very pretty too. Lindax

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  18. lovely work! she works well for water and a bit for air too with the wings.

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  19. So beautiful she is and so serene.

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  20. Your dolls are always so beautiful and related to nature and the four elements on their own. Your doll is lovely and a wonderful representation of water:)

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  21. your doll is so pretty! love her wings and the little dragonfly she's holding :)

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  22. This doll looked even more fabulous up close and personal! Your dolls just keep getting more amazing with their incredible craftsmanship and minute attention to detail. It really is a shame I have to share them with the whole world - I want them all!

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  23. Hi I love this doll she is one of my favorites! I am inspired. The colors are beautiful! I just love dragonflies too. Hugs

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  24. Oh she's cool. Water..That would be my first choice as well. Jon's a hydrogeologist/environmental scientist so clean water issues are part of our daily life. :)

    Love her.

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  25. She's really darling. Ver nice craftsmanship, and a cute pose and facial expression.

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  26. Well.....I got it wrong! Ithought she might be 'air' (because of the wings, I suppose) - must admit the dragonfly threw a spanner in the works.
    She's very lovely.

    Thanks for the heads-up re the fabric swap. Goodie!

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  27. INCREDIBLE doll! Wow, she is gorgeous! :)

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  28. Wow, nice hair and wings.
    Beautiful colors.

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  29. she is beatiful!!the colors, embellisment and her dragonfly :)

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