Nov 7

Nov 7 Puck, A Custom Fiber Art Doll with Pixie Vibes

“She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.”

And so starts Miss Puck’s favourite poem by Lord Byron.

Puck, a handmade fiber art doll by Fig and Me.

Now, I know that little face is pulling at your heart strings, and you would be right in feeling an uncontrollable need to pick her and give her a smooch. However, I highly discourage said practice. Miss Puck is certainly not that kind of doll.

You are best to approach her as quietly as possible. Observing first. As if she was a wild animal that you’ve just encountered in the deep woods. Not a scary one like a black bear or a lynx, oh no! more like a sly fox or a tender snowshoe hare. That kind of wild animal.

Observe her movements, her demeanor. If, on a good feeling, you think it is wise to approach, immediately introduce yourself with kind eyes and open smile. She will then welcome you wholeheartedly into her adventures. But, if you just go gallivanting and pick her up, she will never forgive you.

You have been forewarned.

Now, I do understand the need to run and pick up little dolls. I do. I sympathize completely. But some dolls are not that welcoming and they rather have formal introductions first, and then play later. I have a few dolls like Puck in my studio, so luckily I know the signs. But, if you are a newbie doll-discoverer, this might not be known to you.

I don’t want you to feel alarmed or concerned that Miss Puck is not a fun doll. Oh no, nothing of the sort. She is just a very civilized wool personality, that’s all. She can play for hours, even climb trees better than a bear, make pebbles dance over the lake and hunt for fireflies at dawn. But, as I say, introductions first.

Miss Puck was created by my hands as a custom order. Her mom and I have long waited for her arrival and she is most pleased to hear she will land among a thriving wool-doll family comprised of many other dollmakers’ friends. She is actually stoked about this!

The requisites for her were simple enough, though a few firsts: gothic vibe, mysterious eyes, black hair, pixie nature. Yes, I have made fairies and pixies before, but not in this pattern; other than Miss Wednesday Addams, I don’t think I have ever touched upon gothic themes either. So all in all, we are mighty pleased with this tiny beauty.

It’s sometimes funny to me how the universe works its magical ways on me. I would say the beginning of the year was all about larger dolls with huge personalities, and we are ending the year with a gaggle of tiny wool beings, with the most precious little hands, pouty lips and cute clothes.

I am pleasantly surprised at seeing how my hands have evolved handling little doll clothing. When I say little, I don’t mean miniatures of course, but Miss Puck is barely 9” tall, which in my ginormous doll world is very tiny.

I feel I am now better equipped to handle tiny seams, lightweight fabrics, I have more patience to pin, baste and go around tiny arm holes. Making clothes for these dolls, with this intricacy, would have been undreamed of 15 years ago…and back then I had two solid years making dolls.

So I guess, making dolls like hers was a dream of mine many years ago. I dreamed about it not really thinking it would happen. But here we are, with dolls like Lorna, Elizabeth Bennet, Winslow, Naval, Miss Berry and so many others.

That just goes to say, dream big friends! Dream big. And if you are as lucky as me, to have found a group of kind-hearted people who loves dolls as much as you do and welcome them in their homes, then your future is bright.

Thank you so much to Miss Puck’s mom, for giving me all the time in the world (seriously) to bring her to life and to continue diving into the depths of my creative spirit. Your support has written another page in my doll journal and we are very grateful for the experiences and lessons learned.

May she arrive home safe and sound, with wind beneath her wings!