My mum turned 70 in February so I thought I really should make her something special to mark the event!

Since I have been practising my sculpting skills, I decided to make use of the college kiln where I spend every Thursday evening at ceramics class. 

I adore the work of Dutch doll artists, such as Ankie Daanan, who take their inspiration from old portraits by the Dutch Masters, so I thought I would try something in a similar style. 

                                     

I was very pleased with how Flora turned out - although, of course, I have a loooong way to go before I get to be anywhere near as good as my idols, hehe!  For those of you who are interested in the technical bits, I sculpted Flora's head and limbs in paper clay, which were then bisque fired.  Here elaborate hairstyle is made out of Apoxie Clay.  Her features were painted with artist acrylics, including her eyes, and she is constructed on a cloth body and wire armature. 

I found that I particularly enjoyed sculpting the feet, not sure why!  But I deliberately left her without shoes, so that I could show them off.