16.3.12

Ladybird/ Ladybug


I very rarely take on custom commissions and to be honest, I was a bit doubtful about taking this one on, as I couldn't immediately *see* it in my head. Although I've done normal ladybird designs before (such as the one above) this was for a standing figure and I got a bit of a block about it. When I finally sat down to sketch it out, I almost gave up - my first effort looked like a children's version of the 'Creature from Planet Zog'. Adding a face seemed to help.




Then I remembered a poster called 'Fairy Bake Day' I produced for an educational magazine, seven years ago.




I don't like it much now, but it did have these characters in it and my problem was over. This reminds me of trips to town with my mum when I was little and being allowed to choose a cake for tea as a treat.





At last I'd found a design I could work with.




She was a bit of a challenge, not least because I've never made anything with a humanoid face before. Despite the wonders of the internet, I still tend to go to my own books for reference material. She was going to be a bit 'Downton Abbey'.




And although I initially struggled with the concept, I was relieved to find that she was, in the end, a successful design. And my customer loves her. She - the ladybird, not my customer - is about 5 inches tall.







Whether she is a ladybird or a ladybug - that's up to you, depending on which part of the world you are reading this from! But she is definitely a lady.





29 comments:

Frances Tyrrell said...

Of all the charming details, from hat to shoe buckles, I like her perfect little smile best of all.

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Ha! Stephanie is one of my best friends and she isn't much taller than 5 inches ;->

This is so beautiful Gretel and I know Steph is so pleased...she now has an original Gretel Parker!!

Janet xox
The Empty Nest

BumbleVee said...

hahahahha.... yes and her sweet little hand bag...

Dartford Warbler said...

She is lovely,. Reminds me of the housekeeper in Upstairs Downstairs, out with her handbag on her afternoon off :-)

ted and bunny said...

oh, The Dowager Duchess Lady Bird..
Actually, she looks just like the lady behind the counter in our local Post Office!!
How clever you are
x

Caroline B said...

She's absolutely gorgeous but it's that handbag that makes me grin with delight!

Kim said...

She is adorable! I love that you've shared the process you went through to get to your design! It's so interesting!! And, as always, I'm amazed by how neat and perfect your felting is! Awesome!!!

Avenger said...

Nice work, I really like the attention to detail, and how you approach each of your work pieces.

Twiglet said...

A real lady!! Such perfect detail - I am sure she will be treasured. x Jo

menopausalmusing said...

Wonderful......... and she looks like she is wearing her lipstick and rouge (she wouldn't wear "blusher", she would be of the rouge era!). This is such a charming piece of work, I love it.

Lynn said...

From all the designs I have seen on your site, I like the ladybird the best. I think it is because of all the details. She has a kind expression on her face too. Now I get it - she reminds me of my nan!

Camille said...

Oh my...she is absolutely wonderful. I am so jealous of your customer who gets to take her home! Your talents at felting just get better and better and better. Bravo!

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

I love her! The touches of Downton Abbey are perfect. Great call on that!

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

Anne said...

She is fabulous - I think this is my favourite of all your fabulous creations!!

mirsini's creations said...

WoW !!! This Ladybird lady is absolutely gorgeous!!!! So wonderful details...i LOve her hat and bag and her sweet face :o) !!!! I really admire your hand felt creations!!!! You make the most beautiful and cute creatures!!!!
Nice to meet you!! Have a great night!! :o)

Yarrow said...

Wow, wow, WOW!!! She's so adorably gorgeous. I prefer Ladybug as it seems so much sweeter than Ladybird, like she's a little lady of the bug world :D

Cathy Holtom said...

She certainly did come out well, I really like her 'humuanoid' face...very ladylike!

Frances said...

She's a ladybug to me, and that handbag is just what such a lady would be carrying...sort of a carry on bag for her own private airline flights.

xo

The LadyBugs Garden said...

She is mine!
Oh my goodness I love her Gretel. She is everything I hoped for. You are so talented, I love all your work and books very much. I am a lucky girl you have made her for me. I will treasure my Lanie Ladybug for ever. I can't wait to see my package come. I am so excited!! xoxo
Stephanie

www.theladybugsgarden.etsy.com
www.theladybugsgarden-stephanie.blogspot.com

doublexuan said...

Omg that is a super cute ladybug!

Anonymous said...

Oh how ADORABLE!! And I love her little yellow shoes! You are SO talented.

Claire said...

She looks like a friendly soul Gretel....love the Rosy cheeks and her wonderful hat.

You did a wonderful job, oh and I just noticed she has a patch on her shoe, that is soooo cute.

Hope your weekend and the packing is going well,

Claire :}

jerilanders said...

I love her too! All ladybugs should have such a lovely hat and nose. She certainly isn't from the planet Zog.

D.Shawnte said...

This is so cute! I love the lady bug turned out :3.

Rowan said...

She's great, there must be so much work in all the little details. I love her handbag:)

Anonymous said...

Какая прелесть! такие мелочи, туфкльки, шляпка, сумочка. Очень органично!!!

Vintage Jane said...

Amazing detail - I love her. My favourite of all your fantastic creations so far. M x

mimi k said...

She is wonderful! I love all the little accessories. And the face is very sweet.

Tickled Pink said...

She's lovely - like your favourite Aunt. Someone you could sit down and talk to over a cuppa and cake!