WITCH CRAFTS

WITCH CRAFTS

Thursday, August 14, 2014

THE "RAVEN WITCH"

Hi All,
Sorry about not blogging for a while -- you know, job, life, all that jazz.

Anyway, I've just finished another doll: The "Raven Witch"


 


There's a story behind this character. It all started with the fabric. My friend, Pamela Armas (who owns the Treasures of the Gypsy fabric store) had this small piece of fabric -15" x 30"-  made for her in India. It's the basic collage of vintage embroider sari fabric cut up and pieced together the Indians do so well.
 
What is unusual about this piece is the fabric was over-dyed BLACK. So, the greens, reds, and golds of the fabric were all toned down in various shades of brown, rust, and black. Pamela gave me the fabric piece and asked me if I could "make something wonderful" from it.
 
That was 2-1/2 years ago.
 
I had it hanging on the wall in my kitchen, waiting for inspiration to hit. I've been playing with an idea of a tall, thin character --- and that's as far as I got.
 
Well, Pamela has been working on her new Gallery/Art Studio, which is called the "Gypsy Raven Studio". And, it opens this week. So, last month I got working on this character for the grand opening to give to her as a present. It wasn't until the "raven" theme was introduced that the concept became CLEAR..... a Raven Witch (Pamela loves both ravens and witches).
 
She's rather menacing, with her skull & winged headdress, and her raven-claw hands.
 
Here, you can see her "tail", which is a wonderful ribbon embroidered black satin. You can also see more clearly the raven skull on her head.
 
She's a stump doll, 24" tall. Her head and hands are painted doe-suede fabric, and the whole body is stuffed fabric.

Have fun! -- Arley

11 comments:

Northbrook Designs said...

Arley....WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a master.What an amazing art piece and i can only imagine in real life HOW amazing it truly is. Such a OOAK piece that only you could have created....
Romona

Lucia Cortes said...

Is great Arley you are a talented artist

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

She is magnificent!

Deb said...

She is stunning, her headdress is inspired!

Arley said...

Thanks so much for all your kind words! I really appreciate it.
Arley

Stephanie said...

Love the doll but especially love the over dyed fabric! Beautiful!

The Stitch Fiddler Bethann Scott said...

Absolutely fabulous!

veuvemcd said...

Recently discovered your site and am blown away by your artistry and skill. Wish you would come to Louisiana to teach a class :-)
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

very beautiful

Yolie said...

Amazingly beautiful. Speachless to say I am thirsty for your talent. Thank you for sharing a master piece. Priceless

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous! You are soooo talented...