Maybe you have heard about Kokeshi dolls before, but I just discovered them myself and was fascinated by the variations many people are creating today. Kokeshi dolls are a traditional Japanese wooden doll that dates back to the 1600's when visiters to the northern Japan hot springs would get one as a "souvenir". (history) Artists have been creating them for centuries and they have found new fans among contemporary collectors. (an article here). As I was reading about them, I realized that Fisher Price Little People must have been influenced by these limbless Japanese dolls. We all loved to play with those when we were growing up! I also read that the Mii avatars on the new Nintendo Wii games were designed based on Kokeshi dolls.
I thought, "what a great project for me to try... and my kids during summer break!" Then I thought it would be a great project for students in an art class. And then I got the greatest idea! I would ask you to join me in creating your own kokeshi doll at home and then email a photo of it to me and we'd have an online gallery show!!! (no age limit!!!) So here are the details:
Create a Kokeshi doll using a blank wood form or shape. If you are doing this with kids, they may use a clothespin. (just like Ruby did with her littlest ones!) Traditionally the dolls were wood, but you may use sculpey clay, papier mache, knitting, crocheting, or any material of your choosing. The "theme" is kokeshi. You may make it look like you, a family member, someone you admire, in the style of your own art or craft, an animal.... the possibilities are endless!
I found the wood forms in the photo at A.C.Moore, Michael's, and at Joann Fabrics (the cheapest!). The bags should only cost around a dollar. Here are some online wood supply sites:
Woodworks, Casey's Wood Products, and you may be able to find more. I decided I wanted to make a kokeshi doll of each member of our family! You can do a doll like the clothespin dolls that I have made before, if you like.
You will need to paint your doll and I recommend crafter's acrylic paint. These can be found at craft stores in little groups of six colors or individually, also for around 99 cents. Of course paint requires brushes, so have a small one for covering larger areas and a tiny one for detail work. You may also use markers... permanent or water-soluble for the youngest children. Fabric could be glued or tied on too! Use your imagination! If you paint, you will probably want to get that pretty shine on it and seal it. I use 2-3 coats of craft polyurethane, also found with the acrylic paints in the craft aisle.
All Custom Kokeshi - a curated show by Christina Conway of artists and illustrators who made kokeshi dolls in the style of their art!
Photo submissions will need to be made by June 22, 2008 in the form of a jpeg attached to an email: bethany.hissong@gmail com. (If you want to mail a real photo, I can scan it. Email me for a mailing address!)
Please include in your email:
1. The name of who created the kokeshi. (more than one can be in one photo). If it's by a child, include their age.
2. The title of the piece (optional).
3. If you'd like me to provide a link to your blog (include the blog address).
4. The price if you'd like to sell it. I will then connect you to the interested buyer.
I will be setting up an online gallery of all the photos and we will have a show from June 25th to June 30th! Visitors can leave comments, so you can check back frequently to hear what great things they are saying about your work! I am also hoping to set up a permanent flickr group afterwards.
So, please consider joining me for this fun June craft and being a part of my show! You can copy the red button on the side bar (also pictured below) to let everyone know what you're doing!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
xo ~ Bethany
21 comments:
This is very exciting Bethany. I am going to have a look around for some supplies! - Jen
What a cool idea! I love it - although not being good with a paint brush could be a handicap for me!!
What a great idea! Unfortunately, during the entire time I will either be teaching and preparing for our trip to England, or actually IN England. No time for painting.
I'll enjoy seeing all the creativity though.
I think little girls will LOVE collections of these dolls. Next step--a way to display them. A Japanese garden or tea house?
Wow! You are very ambitious. I think I will pass on participating in this one, but I can't wait to see the gallery. I love the button for the sidebar:)
COUNT ME IN! i will get the supplies and start working on it!!! great idea bethany!!!!
What a fun idea! My first thought was "I can't do that- I'm not a painter", but then I thought- wait, Beth did collage for my swap, so maybe I should spread my wings a bit. I'm going to TRY....
(I had never thought about the Fisher Price toys and their resemblance to Kokeshi-interesting)
I love Kokeshi dolls ! I love the brown one with the rabbit !!! (your thirteenth photo). I'm not sure that we can get the wood stuff to make it here... I designed some in fabric they are displayed in my blog.
You're a genius! Yes we will have to undertake this as a fun summer project. Though I see myself wanting to paint my kid's dolls for them. Perhaps not the best thing to do...
How cool! This could be dangerously addicting...I'm in!
Now this I really dig. My girls and I will have a load of fun on this project. Thanks Bethany.
Those. Are. So. Darn. CUTE!
We'd love to give it a try. :)
This is a really cool idea, Beth! I will definitely try to convince my boys to participate...I think they could get into it, especially if I don't call it a doll! :)
What a delightful post and idea! I am going to think about joining. I really want to... They are cute as can be!
Wow -- those are all amazing. I will definitely try to participate, though I seem to be moving at a snail's pace lately. . . .
Bethany!! Love these!! Sounds so different from what we have been doing...we would love to stretch a little! Count us in!!!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
oooh, i have been wanting to do this based on a childrens book we love. it has characters that look like little wooden dolls. i also tried to link your blog on my sidebar on my blog but when i click on "red yarn" it wont link me. any idea whats up?
ok! i'm in!!! i just have to trek it to Joanne's to get a wood form. good idea, lady!!!
Kim over at Daisy Cottage mentioned your art project. This looks like so much fun. Your blog is lovely, and I am so glad that I found it. Karen
Oh my gosh!!! Bethany!!! This is fabulous! I am so excited to join!! I didn't even know we were making our own little kokeshi's with clothespin dolls!!! I can't wait... I am gonna talk about this project of yours on my blog!!! Love it!!! I can't wait to go home and create!
Love the Kokeshi! Have you seen the Momoji dolls? I am in Pa as well. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.
It's great to see kokeshi evolving in the west. I live in Japan and I'm collector of (and seller on ETSY) kokeshi. They are everywhere in my house...and in boxes too! Someday I will have a larger place for all of them to live!
In Japan kokeshi are not so popular. If you tell people that you love kokeshi and collect them, then they look at you strangely. They cannot figure out why they are so cool.
However in saying that, there are some collectors out there in Japan. Some kokeshi can still fetch a hefty price. Like all art, once the artist has passed away the price increases. I was pleased to find out the other day that a kokeshi I had in my possession is worth about $80 USD.
In the northern parts of Japan there are a few 'kokeshi towns' remaining where you can see artists making kokeshi. I hope to head up there in a few weeks to visit that area.
BTW are some of the artists you feature selling their kokeshi..? I may be interested in purchasing one or two for my collection.
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