This is Serena’s story. Must we all begin with “once upon a time” or the never-let-you-down “there once was…”? Personally, I think the beginning is very important so let me begin.

Serena, a Mannikin style doll by Fig and Me. Wool sculptured over an armature for a fully poseable doll. Custom made.

“Is May-high a thing?” asked me a little lady. Devoted though I was to answering all her many questions, I had to think hard. I had heard of such a notion before, probably from another doll. But to be quite honest, May-high sounded a bit pretentious, even too boastful, for what we were experiencing.

You see, the boreal forest wakes up ever so slowly. But once it does, you don’t even want to blink. You might miss the opportunity to witness all the magic afoot. Naturally, Serena was talking about such emergence and the corresponding energy and excitement that ensues in the human (and wooly) heart. Spring’s arrival, Bealtaine, Ostara. To me, Serena embodies them all so well.

Everybody that lives up north knows intimately well you can experience all four seasons in the mere span of a day. Serena knows this, and part of her wardrobe speaks of that. Avocado pink seems to remind you of the unearthed mulch, the leftover leaves of the previous season, the trees bare. It also reminds me of the private side of birch bark.

In her dove-white outfit she welcomes the Light, the return of the bright days. So I suppose yes, we can answer yes to her question. May-high or spring-fever is ever present in us.

Serena seems quite satisfied with my answer. While Spring plays her wily games with us, we keep our eyes fixed to the ground for the arising spring ephemerals: Canada Mayflower, Starflower, Anemones, Violets, Pyrolas… so many and all so enchanting.

Serena asked for a brief introduction to these flowers, hoping she gets to meet them again in her new home. I am not quite sure of that but of course, I took her to many walks in the forest, so she learns to recognize them.

In her frilly frock she is such a vision. I was actually concerned a wee bird might take her away, confusing her with Thumbelina or some other unknown Princess of the Forest. So I did my best to keep a sharp eye, while not dissuading a possible meeting with a winged visitor.

Crisp handkerchief linen, soft ruffles and pleated lace petticoat, all evoke spring flowers to me. Addtionally she wanted a flower wreath to whisker away her curly tresses but unable to bring myself to dry any current blooming flower, I decided to cop out by giving her a lace headband. She didn’t seem to bother.

Even though she is wearing all white she decided to lie down on the forest floor. No dirt to be found, the ground is covered in moss, emerging plants such as wild strawberries, violets and lichens.

I bet you can tell that I adore taking photos of my dolls. I look very funny while doing it, and my neighbours have such poor opinion of me I am sure, but it cannot be helped. One day they will drag me away to the mad house, but not today friends, not today!

As much as I am loving taking as many photos as I can right now, I do know well what is coming. A swarm of mosquitoes and black flies that will try to drink me up entirely during a photo session. I seem to replenish my blood supply every year so we live to take doll photos yet one more summer.

I am so thankful to Serena and all the challenges she posed. I am super grateful I was given so much room to see her come alive and to discover her under the wool. I even managed to create a lovely tutorial for my patrons, out of her wool felt Mary Janes. I gave her two pairs of soft shoes, so she treads softly upon the earth.

She has three full outfits in total. I mainly photographed the white one, barely the avocado-dyed one, and the third one is entirely a surprise for her Mom. Who simply cannot wait to open this box full of loveliness. Who could blame her?

Thank you for coming to read about my sweet Serena. I hope she fills your head of gorgeous spring images, that she inspires gentle feelings in your heart and that she gives you energy to go about your day.

Magic is all around us. We just have to look at the world with the same gentleness and patience of a cloth doll. Such a simple thing, so full of wonder.