Kokeshi Dolls Shop View "behind the scenes"!

 So every once in a while it's fun to see the "behind the scenes" stuff, right?  Well, here's "my corner".  This is where I turn logs into Kokeshi Dolls (pun intended)  =)

 I use Okanagan Birch for my dolls currently.  For turning and just overall subtle detail and beauty, Birch is beautiful.  I love it!

 And here's my special friends that help me pull out what my mind sees.  I have my personal favorites, of course, and use certain chisels for certain things...

 Here's a shot that shows the smaller display I use when I have folks coming by for a custom order pick up.  This just gives their Kokeshi Dolls the little platform center stage they deserve!  And the two peg dolls are just something I am also interested in making when I have more spare time!  (Spare time .... what's that!....)

 Here's a picture just showing my girls ( and a few boys) hanging out on their shelf, waiting for the next show...

 So they go from a piece of Birch log to an elegant, personal, sweet, simple Kokeshi Doll.  The transformation is all part of the fun for me.  I love seeing a doll in my mind and then going off to pull her out of the wood!

 We need a little whimsy  and simplicity in the world, don't you think?  I love making these simple wooden dolls.  They create a memory for some, a personal touch for others, and a for me, a tangible expression of my heart.

 If you want a truly unique and personal creation - made for you or for someone you know, I'd love to come up with something for you.

From my creative corner to yours ( I hope you have a creative little "something" that you do, we all have it in there somewhere and it needs to get out!) I hope you have a great and awesome day!  =)

Cheryl

New Blog to announce! Wood Burned Portraits - Pyrography Portraits

 

So I have my new "Pyrography Portraits by WoodLuv" blog for you to check out:

 

 

I was going to post here about this new artistic interest, but my husband encouraged me to make a whole new blog about it instead, so I thought, "Why not!"

 

 

And I'm glad I did, because I think I am really going to like doing more of these.  I'm only posting one photo from it here, just to wet your appetite.  You'll have to go to my new blog to see more, OK?!

 

 

Happy beginning of February, everyone!

 

 

Cheryl

Kokeshi Nativity

 To start off the New Year of Kokeshi Postings, I thought it would be fun to show this little Nativity set.  Each Kokeshi Doll stands aprox. 5" tall.  A little Mary and Joseph set dressed in Japanese clothing, why not  =)

 The Baby Jesus is about 1.5 inches long and rocks in his carved little cradle. He's fun to lift out of his bed and hold.

If you'd like a customized Kokeshi Nativity set, let me know.  I can make larger or smaller sets than this with more characters if you want, as well.  No two sets are ever the same, as I make each Kokeshi Doll individually with original designs.  Now's the time to order a set if you'd like one, since it's now a little less crazy than the fall closer to Christmas.  You can reach me by emailing me at:

woodluv@telus.net , or go to my Etsy shop and use the contact buttons there. 

So here they are, very sweet and unique, too  =)

Hope 2013 has started off well for everyone!
Cheryl - Woodluv Kokeshi Dolls

Amazing Photos by Wenmei HIll again =)

 So Wenmei surprised me with some absolutely wonderful photos of her daughter playing with the three dolls she had ordered for her!  These photos are beautiful!

 Her daughter is so precious and has really fallen in love with her dolls.  Her mommy even took pictures of her with them in her bed =)

 Wenmei you have a way of taking the subject of your photos and pulling out the beauty and sweetness, the heart of the people in them.  Your daughter's tender heart is so tangible in these photos!

If you are looking for an absolutely amazing photographer and are in the Seattle area, Wenmei is the one to call.  Check out her site at: http://wenmeihill.com/  Her work is stunning.

And thanks again, Wenmei for letting me post these photos.  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

16th Century Samurai

 Do you love the Samurai?  If so, this Kokeshi Doll is for you!  Or maybe one like him, if he sells at my next Show...

This fellow is dressed is the outfit of the Samurai from the 1600's.  He wares the Mon of Tokugawa, the ruling Shogun of Japan from the 1600's to the 1860's.  He is on his way to court to visit the Emperor or Empress.  He holds a fan in his dominant hand (the one he would draw his sword with), thus signifying that he comes in peace.

 On his back, is the Bushido, or "Way of The Warrior".  This was the code of conduct and basic virtues and values of life that the Samurai lived by.  Some of these include:  courage, bravery, compassion, loyalty, benevolence,sincerity, and honor.  His Bo staff is also at his back.  This was one of several staff weapons of the Samurai, and is still used in many martial arts taught today.

 His Top Knot and hair are entirely wood burned, not died or painted.  This took two hours just for the hair!  It really sets it off, though, to have it darkened by heat and pressure.

My husband says he has a bit of a formidable face.  I think that's in keeping with his rank and time in history.  If you know anything about the Samurai and Japanese history, you will know that the era of the Samurai was not always one of peace.  The Samurai had their code of honor, yet were still individuals you would not want to cross in a fight!

This Kokeshi Samurai was an intriguing challenge to make.  He stands 10.5 inches tall with a strong presence all his own.

My Little Kokeshi Boy In His Kimono

 Here is a sweet little boy all dressed up and ready for a formal event in his special Kimono.  He stands just under 4" tall.

The symbol on his coat is the Japanese symbol for "Truth"  He has a very sincere and honest little face and "Truth" is the word that came to me when I was looking him.  I decided to use this for the symbol where a Mon or Kamon would usually go.  He's one of my little favorites!

Kokeshi Ballerina

 About time for another entry.  It's been a long summer of kitchen renos....OK, here we go....

Another special little doll for a little girl on her 3rd birthday, this little Kokeshi Doll is also a Ballerina!  As a custom request, her mommy had only requested that she have three tulips representing her threes years of age, and only mentioned in conversation that her daughter liked to run around being a "ballet".

 I took a little poetic licence and added the ballerina slippers and the magazine.

The mother was thrilled and mentioned that her little girl was getting ballet lessons as a birthday gift! Perfect!  I was thrilled, too.  The custom Kokeshi Dolls are definitely fun!

 Have a great start to your fall!