"K" is for Kiyo

Last week I finished my Japanese doll Kiyo. I thought since her name begins with "K" I would save her for "K" day.

I planned the design and started working on her before the terrible disaster that hit Japan last month. I have her on display with Maixiu in my booth at The Market Place. When she is adopted I will send part of the proceeds to the Red Cross to help with Japan's disaster relief.

I really loved working on Kiyo. My goal was to create her costume and hair in a slightly different style than most Japanese dolls. I did some research to find an image that was what I wanted. I found this beautiful photo of a warrior princess with her long hair in a pony tail and down on the sides. This was a different image from the usual "geisha" type dolls that have their hair up in an elaborate style.

Happy to share Kiyo here with you.

Maixiu, (beautiful, grace)

I am pleased to share Maixiu with you. She is number 18 of my "Gloria's Girls" family. She is my first doll in Asian costume and I absolutely love her. Two ladies visited my booth last month and commented that they never see Asian dolls when they attend craft shows and that was an opening for a challenge for me. I wanted the costume to be something special that reflected

ancient Chinese culture.

Last weekend I saw a movie called 'The Forbidden Kingdom' along with a little Internet research that inspired the idea for this costume. I found the photograph of a beautiful woman's face also on the Internet and used it as a model for Maixiu's face. I love that it is so peaceful yet so wise.

I also designed a doll who will be wearing a Japanese costume. I'm looking forward to begin working on her in a few weeks. I am very proud to be able to present a beautiful doll that represents Asian culture.