Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Manga Spirits

Is anyone else fascinated with Manga artwork?  I confess that I am, and I've long wanted to create a doll with this kind of vibe.  And lately the idea has been circulating in my head of a doll that could be either knit or crocheted, and share a knit and crochet wardrobe. 

Wouldn't it be cool to be able to draw this doll, then create it!  I am definitely art-challenged in this respect, but I picked up a book at the library (which subsequently I've bought) entitled "Manga for the Beginner:  Chibi's"

This is a fun book, full of ideas and lots of help for any beginner.  The result for me is the four kids at the top of the page.  They are concept drawings of the next doll I plan to create.  A doll in either knit or crochet, with big eyes, wild hair, and sweet expressions.  A small doll, under nine inches tall, with a simple wardrobe.  Should be a lot of fun!

The doll will have the swing legs that the Spirit dolls have, and both knit and crochet will have a move-able head.  I'm going to try using buttons this time and see how that works.  No feet and simple hands.  This should be a wonderful doll for children, of all ages.

So stay tuned!

15 comments:

  1. I think your drawings look great! And I can't wait to see what you come up with.

    I'll have to look into that book. I have a feeling my oldest daughter would love it. Is is something a kid could follow?

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  2. Oh wow! I love your art work (I actually have several books by the author of the chibi book) I have made a few dolls in manga style, and will probably make many more!!

    I make their eyes by hand drawing on cloth, then using adhesive fabric glue to attach them. The biggest problem I have had with these sorts of dolls is their clothing. I want it to look modern , but crocheted doll clothing often has that "old fashioned" look. It's good for some things , but not really for these.

    I can't wait to see how yours turn out!

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  3. Jill, thanks so much for your kind words. I think your daughter would love this book, it is easily something a kid can follow.

    Brea, thank you! I plan to do something similar for the eyes, using a technique I learned from Fiona McDonald: paint the eyes on felt and then glue them to the face.

    Beth

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  4. Wow! Your drawings are simply beautiful.

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  5. Your drawings are really good! You are definitely not art-challenged. I can't wait to see how the knitted/crochet versions turn out!

    I really want to thank you for sharing your patterns! I am slowing growing a free spirit army.
    Thanks again,

    Aimee

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  6. Thank you so much for your good words, Cro-Shay and Aimee :-)

    A Free Spirit Army to conquer the world, yay!

    Beth

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  7. A question. I am unfamiliar with these characters, but do they orginate in Japan? They look exactly like those in the series Speed Racer that aired on kid's TV for so many years.

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  8. Sounds great!
    Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  9. Hi Yvonne! Yes, Manga (comics) and Anime (the animated form of Manga) originated in Japan, back in the late '50's and early '60's. Large heads and very large eyes are a hallmark. It is a look that should translate to crochet and knit very nicely, I think.

    Thank you, Fangirl :-)

    Beth

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  10. Hey Joyce, thanks so much! I'm working on the heads today. Got the crochet head finished, and it looks good. Now to make a knit head that matches it :-)

    Beth

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  11. Yes! Can't wait to see the 3D version (2D is pretty good too). Eyes on you Beth.

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  12. Can't wait to see these lovely drawings come to life. I can't knit so hoping you make a crochet pattern too. Love your work. And I must agree with Joyce I will be glued to your website and Flickr account.

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  13. Thank you both, Fiona and Lizzie :-) The heads are turning out pretty good.

    Beth

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  14. I can hardly wait to see them. Wow! they are really good drawings too.

    til next time.

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  15. Thank you, Connie; they are coming along :-)

    Beth

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