I have always loved Russian Matryoshka dolls. I’ve had one since I was a child and, even though it’s now a bit cracked, and the dolls don’t fit together so well anymore, it’s still one of my most treasured possessions. It’s the magic and delight of opening up each perfectly painted sweet doll, and revealing yet another equally perfect but smaller sweet doll inside. Mine also has a certain smell of wood and lacquer that instantly transports me back to my childhood.
I also love vintage kimono fabrics (as you may have gathered!), and had the idea a while ago to combine these two loves of mine together into Matryoshka doll cushions.
The dolls below are ones I made for Christmas presents a year ago for my closest friends. The faces were simply hand drawn, then scanned into Photoshop and finished there. They’re then printed onto transfer paper and ironed onto white cotton fabric.
Most of the kimono pieces are from the 1930s. Probably the most time consuming part of making these dolls is choosing the fabrics and cutting them out. The kimono is then appliqued onto a cotton background.
What beautiful cushions Lucy – I hope you’ll be stocking some in your shop soon. Your posts paint a picture of a pretty idyllic lifestyle – making chutney, playing around with vintage fabrics and hanging out with family and friends – that’s a mighty good kind of surrender if you ask me…
Hi Bronwyn. Thanks for your comments. I’m just working at getting my Etsy shop up and running as we “speak”! I DO live a good life, although, like everyone probably, I don’t always remember to appreciate it as much as I should. I’m also so lucky that I’m my own boss – which has many blessings, and all the usual struggles that come with creating your own living. Keeps life interesting though! Hope you’re having a good day. Lucy : )
I am so privileged to own one of these – thank you sweet friend!
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for stopping by my blog… nice to “meet” you! Your Matryoshkas are gorgeous. I particularly love their hair with the hints of pattern peeking through.
Lisa
Hi Lisa, thanks for dropping by and leaving such nice comments. Lovely to “meet” you too!
Check out Lisa’s blog the red thread, everyone, she makes some really beautiful, creative things and features lots of cool stuff on there.