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August 15, 2013

St. Bernadette...

This is the "creation" I began last week.  It is my version of a Santos doll.

The Santos dolls take their name from the Spanish word for Saint, and are also known as Santons (French) and Santibelli (Italian). The Santos that started the genre of dolls we currently represent (primarily Spanish Colonial and Western European style), were originally started as copies of 17th century carvings by priests. Originally, Santos were created for use as in-home altars.  They were needed in small villages that did not have a priest, as well as for when it was not possible to travel to church, such as during times of war.  Their development flourished in Europe  in the 1700's and 1800's, primarily due to these wars.

I named her St. Bernadette in honor of my dad (Bernard) since I used one of his old carpenter rulers to make the base for the doll.  


You saw how this all began last week...

 The body is crafted from a paper towel core, styrofoam egg for head (I had to shave this down quite a bit - way too big for the body!)  Form covered with paper clay.  It took 3 days to dry because our AC went on the fritz last week!  I used 1/4" dowels as support for limb support.

A profile only a mother could love - her nose is rather "manly"


I cannot begin to tell you how much fun it is to create a doll out of basically nothing.  The supplies were minimal.  I feel like I actually gave birth.  I love her!!  She measures approximately 18" tall.


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14 comments:

  1. LindaAugust 15, 2013 at 12:23 AM

    How very cool Pat, love the progress pics and especially the end result! Love those carpenter rulers too

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  2. LindaAugust 15, 2013 at 12:24 AM

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  3. Optimistic ExistentialistAugust 15, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    Oh WOW...now that is quite the amazing creation. I love it :)

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  4. JeanieAugust 15, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    This may be one of my favorites of all I've seen you do. She's incredibly beautiful and I really appreciate seeing the method you used to put her together. The rulers are a stroke of genius, as is the paper towel holder. For a long time, I couldn't quite figure out what that was -- I kept looking for the cardboard inner tube! Duh! She has a great face, and I have a feeling that many more than her mother will love her! I do -- and so will the rest of your bloggies!

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  5. Sherri B.August 16, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    Wow, such thoughtful and detailed work...and amazing results! She's beautiful.

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  6. aspiritofsimplicityAugust 16, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    wow! You are very talented. She is gorgeous and her name fits her very well.

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  7. LynnAugust 16, 2013 at 1:57 PM

    Bernadette is spectacular, can I use spectacular, amazing, beautiful, unique and she, your creation is simply wonderful.

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  8. Pride In Photos BeautyAugust 16, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    You say, how much fun it would be to create this from the start, can I tell you how STRESSED I would be?? Keep showing us your creative beauty♥

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  9. UnknownAugust 17, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    How fun. Thank you for sharing your unique talent.

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  10. Inspired By JuneAugust 18, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    She is beautiful, Pat! As with any truly lovely creation, the process is all part of what makes her so beautiful. Congrats!

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  11. SylviaAugust 18, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    What a precious doll, Pat !
    So nice to see how you've created this art work !
    Nice Sunday,
    Sylvia

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  12. CarmelAugust 18, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    If she were mine...I would love her dearly.....she is adorable.

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  13. KiaAugust 19, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Such a great result, Pat, brava!! :)

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  14. LinneaAugust 21, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    So fantastic well made!
    You are a true talent <3
    Linneas Atelje Photography

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. Your messages inspire me. I love hearing from everyone.