Cage Skirt Doll- Step 1

Like many of you, I have always found a fascination with dolls and caged skirts...the skirt may be an old bird cage...something from metal... or maybe- wood, or a found object. They may vary from a simple Santos- style, to a Flemish dress form, to an altered piece with kitschy embellishments.

A Simple Santos

So...now it is my time to create a doll with a cage skirt.

I found a fantastic woodworker to make the wooden skirts for me. I have sculpted a face..and picked out my fabrics (which may change as this process evolves)...I have my basic concept of the costuming and I will be off and running...well- sewing.

my face sculpt- still drying

the beautifully-made wooden cage

my fabric choices
from vintage sheer, linens,cottons, to velvets
Note: I chose a blue palette related to the antique Santos to depict
peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, and trust.

So please join in and enjoy this process with me
for the month of May.
Each week I will will lead you through
this adventure of creativity...

A Little History of Santos Cage Dolls

Vintage Santos with covered skirt

Once upon a time found in Portugal and Spain, Santo(s) cage dolls were used in Catholic religious processions —frequently dressed in elaborate gowns and crowns. The cage body was traditionally used to display photographs and flowers to represent celebrations. For centuries, Santos figures have been a symbolic bridge between earth and heaven.

All things must come to the soul
from its roots, from where it is planted.
S. Teresa of Avila