SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE! (For my blog friends only!)

Announcing a special sale for my friends that follow my blog! I want to reward my friends here on blogspot. I appreciate your support and continued patronage in my Etsy shops. Many of you have shopped at my Turtle Child Studio store, but you may not be aware that I have a second store Bohemian Bijoux. Bohemian Bijoux show cases my boho jewelry line. I am offering to my friends who visit here on blogspot a special 10% off my items in my Turtle Child Studio store and 15% off items in my Bohemian Bijoux store.
Please use codes BLOG10 in my Turtle Child Studio store and BLOG15 in my Bohemian Bijoux store. These sales will start tonight and end at midnight on December 25. Please be sure to add the appropriate code in the coupon code box upon checkout, as the site will not be discounted automatically. The links for my stores are:

Turtle Child Studio: http://www.etsy.com/shop/turtlechild?ref=si_shop
Use code BLOG10

AND

Bohemian Bijoux: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bohemianbijoux?ref=si_shop
Use code BLOG15

SALE! SALE! SALE!

Starting tonight at midnight 11/24 (Thanksgiving Eve) and ending midnight Monday night 11/28, take 10% off your total order in my Etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/turtlechild?ref=si_shop

Just listed now on Ebay!

Just listed now on eBay. Sculpting an OOAK Bjd using Polymer Clay!

New on Cd disc, "Sculpting an OOAK BJD with Polymer Clay", this tutorial will show the experienced to advanced doll artist how to make an original one-of-a-kind BJD out of polymer clay! Some sculpting and prior knowledge of working with polymer clay is required. THIS IS NOT A "LEARN TO SCULPT" TUTORIAL. While this tutorial will not teach you to sculpt a figure in clay (you need to know how to do this already**), or paint and costume your finished figure, I will show the experienced doll maker how to add movement to their doll making skills, by creating a ball jointed doll! Ball joint doll design, sculpting each individual piece, adding joints to those pieces and stringing your creation will all be thoroughly covered! You will be amazed to see your doll come to life with movement, and if made and strung properly..your doll should be able to stand on it's own un-aided!! This tutorial is available on disc in pdf format to either be viewed on your computer or easily printed into book form. Translations of this tutorial are now available in both SPANISH and FRENCH, just ask for one of these versions in the message box when you check out...if not mentioned you will automatically get the ENGLISH version. You will not find a tutorial like this anywhere else, I am also writing a full length book on ball joint dolls, tentatively to be published in 2012. The book will cover several jointing options, making your own eyes, wigs, shoes, hats and costumes...plus much, much more!

What customers are saying...

Ellifolks says: Wonderful BJD tutorial - very detailed with lots of photos and very clear instructions. Thank you, Kori!!!!

cre8inart says: "THE BEST" Tutorial I've ever purchased - Wonderful SellerHoneysuckledolls says: Very well done tutorial - well-written and easy to understand with lots of helpful pictures. I am excited to start working my way through it.

Exciting news and a new location!

Well, we are finally moved into our new house! We have been here about a week and I am still frantically unpacking! I won't have a separate studio like before at this place for awhile, my DH will be remodeling an old "carriage house" for my studio, but that construction will not begin until next spring...so in the meantime, I will need to make due in a corner in the house. Oh, well! I can't have everything!!

I have some exciting news...while I was in the middle of this move, my doll "Forgotten Columbina" was put on the cover of Doll Collector magazine!! There is a nice article in there as well written by laurel Sass, former editor of CDC. I was totally surprised by this, it was not expected at all! But it was most welcome and appreciated! Check out this month's issue (November 2011) on newsstands now!

Some more exciting news... another one of my original BJDs "Rag Doll" will be in the annual "Dollery" fall show and is available exclusively through the Dollery. Click on the current 2011 catalog on the website to view!!

My Etsy store is back up and online...it is not fully loaded as always, but I am working on it...as I am still unpacking, it has been tricky to find many items and supplies. Moving my studio was quite the undertaking, it took up about half of our moving truck!!! Check out my Etsy store. www.etsy.com/shop/turtlechild More new items will soon be on their way as well so be sure and put me in your favorites...and visit often!

My latest BJD doll is finished now!

Here is my latest BJD. Rag Doll is 11 inches tall and has 14 points of articulation. She is a one-of-a-kind and made of polymer. She is available exclusively through the DOLLERY. Contact and ask for a catalog! Catalogs are available in September. If you would like to make your own original BJD, please visit my ETSY store and purchase a tutorial. My Ball joint doll making tutorial is available in English, French and Spanish.

New BJD finished...to be sold exclusively through THE DOLLERY

I am just completing the finishing touches on my newest BJD "Rag Doll". I am so pleased to announce she will be available for purchase through THE DOLLERY and will be featured in their fall show and catalog!
This newest doll is another One of a kind polymer BJD (ball jointed doll) and is the second doll in my "Forgotten Toy" series. She comes with a custom stand and cloth covered gift box. For more information about the fall show and purchase of this doll you can email me turtlechildstudio@gmail.com or visit The Dollery website.
I will post more pictures of her here on my blog as I finish her up. Today I am working on her shoes and will be making her custom gift box as well in the following few days! ;-)

New Kiln means new dolls!!

Hello everyone!

It has been awhile since I have posted, sorry about that! I have been really busy lately! I am working on 2 new polymer Ball joint dolls and I recently purchased a kiln! I am really excited about this! Adding porcelain to my doll making is a brand new medium for me and I am anxious to start producing my ball joint dolls as limited editions in porcelain! I already have people on a waiting list for them. If you are interested in receiving news about my work or getting your name on the waiting list for my porcelain edition bjd dolls please send me an email! You can reach me at turtlechildstudio@gmail.com.

I also purchased some porcelain clay as well as porcelain slip (as of today I am still waiting on the slip) and will be doing some one of a kind, direct sculpted pieces as well! Stay tuned for some pics of new work coming soon! Ciao for now!--Kori

A New Doll! Just finished!

Finally, after two months of hard work I have completed my little "lady" Grace! She is an 18th c. pre-French revolution child. She was a commission by a customer of mine. Most of my work is sold before it is finished. If you are interested in my work and ordering a doll...please contact me, I would love to hear from you! My dolls vary in price, depending on the size and style of the finished piece desired. I also have layaway, but I do have a long wait list, it usually takes anywhere from 6 months to a year to get your doll. This little lady is off to her new owner in the morning!
She is 12 inches high, not including the base. She is made of polymer clay with a cloth body. Grace's costume is historically accurate, including panniers, a bum roll and her shoes and stockings! Happy Memorial Weekend everyone!

P.S. I am picking up my new kiln next week, which means soon I will have porcelain bjds available!! ;-)

Dolls Magazine Digital Edition - July 2011

My doll "Forgotten Columbina...an Automata Pantomime" is featured in this month's DOLLS magazine. You may view the magazine here (see the link below). My doll is featured on page 43.

The editor (and friend) Carie Ferg is leaving DOLLS magazine. She will definitely be missed! I enjoyed meeting you Carie, and it was so nice getting to know you over the last year! Good luck in your new venture!--Kori
Dolls Magazine Digital Edition - July 2011

New listings in my Etsy Shop!

I just wanted to let everyone know and especially those who have purchased my newest tutorial "Sculpting an OOAK BJD in polymer clay", that I have recently added some new supply items to my Etsy shop. Some of the items are those supplies needed for the new tutorial.

armature kit for the bjd artist:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70817705/armature-kit-for-the-bjd-artist

elastic cording in 2mm and 1.5mm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70818418/2mm-elastic-cord-for-the-bjd-artist?ref=v1_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70819167/15mm-elastic-cord-for-the-bjd-artist?ref=v1_other_1

I also have Quill tools on order and more "Ultimate" tools on order. They will all be in this week!

Thanks to all! ...More new dolls coming!

I just want to put out a public "Thank You" to all those who have purchased my newest tutorial "Sculpting an OOAK BJD using Polymer Clay". I have included a special little gift to all those who have ordered as I appreciate your business so much! You have really made this tutorial a success beyond my original expectations. Since last friday there have been 33 ordered! WOW! I almost have enough now to purchase a kiln for my studio...almost! Which means that soon there will be some new PORCELAIN BJDS!!!

I am extremely excited by this prospect! I can not wait to see what comes of this new venture! Another batch of tutorials are being shipped out to customers (first batch went out friday)...bear with me folks...I am also filling supply orders from both my store sites and will offer some "kits" being listed this week for those of you working on BJDS from my tutorial. These will be available in my Etsy store. I think it will make getting going easier for you!

I would really like to hear from those artists who use the tutorial to make a bjd. I would like to hear your thoughts (perhaps on revisions or changes) and see your work as I will soon be sending out some advertising and would like to get feedback as well as photos of your work. Perhaps I will use one of YOUR dolls in a future ad!

Again, Thank you all, so so much! Hugs--Kori

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69802551/tutorial-cd-sculpting-an-ooak-bjd-using

Women In Art

This is so interesting how the women's faces change yet stay almost the same! It is hypnotizing!

Just listed on Ebay!

My Newest tutorial "Sculpting an OOAK BJD using POLYMER CLAY" was just listed tonight on Ebay. I am very happy with the results of this tutorial. Here is a brief description:

This tutorial will show the experienced to advanced doll artist how to make an original one-of-a-kind BJD out of polymer clay!

Some sculpting and prior knowledge of working with polymer clay is required. THIS IS NOT A "LEARN TO SCULPT" TUTORIAL. While this tutorial will not teach you to sculpt a figure in clay (you need to know how to do this already), or paint and costume your finished figure, I will show the experienced doll maker how to add movement to their doll making skills, by creating a ball jointed doll! Ball joint doll design, sculpting each individual piece, adding joints to those pieces and stringing your creation will all be thoroughly covered!
You will be amazed to see your doll come to life with movement, and if made and strung properly..your doll should be able to stand on it's own un-aided!!
This tutorial is available on disc in pdf format to either be viewed on your computer or easily printed into book form. Translations of this tutorial will also be available in Spanish and French soon, just ask about them and I will let you know when they should be available to mail out. This tutorial is in ENGLISH.
You will not find a tutorial like this anywhere else, I am also writing a full length book on ball joint dolls, tentatively to be published in 2012. The book will cover several jointing options, making your own eyes, wigs, shoes, hats and costumes...plus much, much more!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270719395373

Now Available in my ETSY shop CD tutorial "Sculpting an OOAK BJD in Polymer Clay"!

Hi everyone,

I have been very hard at work lately, finishing up on 3 commissions and just finished my new tutorial on CD, "Sculpting an OOAK BJD in Polymer Clay". I have had so many requests to teach a class on it, but my schedule is so busy with orders and get ready for shows this year, so I decided to write a tutorial for artists to go at their own pace.

Here is the link to it in my Etsy shop. I will also soon have translations of the tutorial available in both French and Spanish. If you are interested in one of these versions, contact me. They will be available soon!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69802551/tutorial-cd-sculpting-an-ooak-bjd-with

A new tutorial for sale in my Etsy shop!

I have just listed a brand new tutorial in my Etsy store today. It is from my January 2011 class, "Sculpting the Realistic Baby". The tutorial is 138 pages and is available in pdf format on CD. You may view it on your computer or print it out as a book. It includes 60 pages of photos of real babies for reference, as well as anatomy charts, supply references, clay mix instructions and two patterns. One pattern is for the soft body for a pellet filled baby, and the other is a 1930's inspired costume for your baby including sundress, bonnet and booties. Follow along with me as I teach you to sculpt a fully sculpted polymer clay baby and a baby with a soft cloth body and poseable limbs.

I also have two other tutorials available in my Etsy shop..."Sculpting a Fairy Child" and my popular, "Making Glass-like Eyes for your OOAK Doll". I am currently working on another tutorial, "Sculpting a BJD in Polymer Clay"...this latest tutorial should be available by the end of February!

Stop by my Etsy store today to purchase these tutorials or any of my many tools, and doll artist supplies. I also carry museum reproduction fabrics!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/turtlechild

A preview of new bjd dolls to come!

I just thought I would show you a little video that is inspiring my latest bjd (and maybe more than just one). It was an idea I had brewing and now is a special request...Stay tuned as I post wip pics...

Also soon to be released "Making a polymer clay BJD" tutorial soon to be available for sale in my Etsy store!!

Enjoy the video...it is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies "Moulin Rouge".

'>http://

Bjd Tutorial...available soon!

I have been working on a new Ball Joint Doll Tutorial that I will make available in my Etsy store. I am hoping to have it finished by the end of this month. It will be in pdf format on CD to view either on your computer or to print. So many people have emailed me about making their own polymer bjds, so I decided to make a shorter version of a book I am writing. I am writing a longer version of this process,it is a full size book actually...I have two publishers interested in it. I hope to have it finished by the end of this year and possibly published sometime in 2012. The book goes in depth about making your own bjds out of both polymer clay and air dry clays...with several types of joints and configurations of joints discussed. I will also have chapters on wigs, accessories and eyes. For about two years now I have been studying both the early french and now the modern japanese dolls. While working on my own bjds and seeing what works and what doesn't...I compiled quite a large notebook! I am sure it will take me some time to whittle all that compiled info down into a readable format!

If you are interested in either the tutorial or book and would like to be added to my mailing list to find out when either or both will be available you can email me at turtle.child@yahoo.com Thanks!--Kori

Pantomime BJD is done!

My newest BJD is finished! I spent all day and way into the wee hours of the morning working on her. I hand dyed and aged all the fabrics yesterday for her costume. She is mostly fully costumed now...with the exception of little leather ballet flats I am working on for her. I had to pause for awhile, because I am exhausted!

I did manage to take some quick snapshots of her...the lighting was not ideal, but it gives you an idea of what she looks like and here is her story:

"Forgotten Columbina...an Automata Pantomime", she was made in France in 1798... but now she is a forgotten toy. Once she was dearly loved and treasured. Her face was bright and cheery! But then, one day her child stopped coming to see her...and as the years went by her once lovely, happy smile turned into a face of sorrow...and after more than a century, her paint started to run with the tears that she cries.

Update: I Got her shoes finished, but not until after she was already on her way to Florida...so she is down there shoeless...oh well...it's warm right?...I will add some silk ribbon to lace them up her calves as well...

If you are in Orlando, Florida...stop by the Rosen Shingle Creek and visit the IADR booth #322 to see her and many other dolls at the IDEX show...January 27-30. *See earlier blog posts for IDEX link.

More progress on the bjd...she is strung!

Here are some more pictures of the bjd I am currently working on. I got her strung today, I always love to play and pose a ball joint doll! They are such fun to make, but just as fun to play with!! I hope you like her so far. She is a forgotten toy, I call her "Forgotten Columbina...an Automata Pantomime". More pics coming...I costume and wig her tonight, when I finish I will post new pictures...stay tuned!!

Bjd is painted and ready to be strung!

Here are some update pictures of my latest polymer clay ball jointed doll. She is 11 inches and is called, "Forgotten Columbina...an Automata Pantomime". She was inspired by this picture and a song, "When she loved me". She is a toy that has long since been forgotten by her owner...who was a child long ago. She is lonely and forgotten. Her once happy painted face is running with tears.
I am really looking forward to costuming her. She looks like an Automata doll with her key wind in her back (I have not photographed that yet)... I should have finished photos by the end of the weekend.
If you are in Orlando, Florida next week you can see her in person at the IDEX show January 27-30. I will not be attending. My work will be in the IADR (International Art Doll Registry) booth. For more info on this show visit www.idexshows.com/

Polymer BJD

For the last week I have been working on another ball joint doll! I have been making this doll to accompany my other BJD, "Alice" for the IDEX show being held in Orlando, Florida next week. I had originally planned to attend this show and debut my new gofun bjd doll line. I have had to cancel my trip and not wanting to send 12 months plus worth of work on my new dolls "un-chaperoned"...I decided to make polymer bjds to send to the show. Two of my dolls will be there to represent me. My bjd "Alice" and a new doll, I am currently making called "Forgotten". Here is a sneeak preview of Forgotten's work in progress. As of tonight she is fully sculpted and ready to be painted and strung tomorrow. I will post more pictures here in the next couple of days.

You may see this work at the IDEX show January 27-30 in Orlando, Florida. My work will be in the IADR booth along with several other talented members of IADR (International Art Doll Registry). I am not yet sure of our booth number, but I will post it as soon as I know.