Like so many others, I'm charmed by the bright colors and folky art of Russian dolls or matryoshka. Over the last couple of years, demure little matryoshka have become a fierce trend in crafting and design. Russian-doll jewelry, ornaments, beads, fabric, embroidery, and home decor can be spotted all over the internet and in stores. (Fun links at the bottom of this post.)
Amidst the Russian bunch, the whimsical dolls of Emily Moss of
Ravenhill stand out -- playful stuffed matryoshka made with a variety
of prints & details.
Emily’s inspiration for creating these unique dolls was her “growing stack of beautiful fabrics and pretty ribbon," combined with her new-found enjoyment of embroidery. As a result, each doll has her own personality.
I first spotted Emily's dolls in my Pop Garden & Bijoux Flickr group where she has uploaded a several cheery, floral ladies. See a wide variety of fabric combinations in her Babushka Softies Flickr set as well.
Emily’s
dolls were not always exactly what she envisioned. Though the overall
doll design appears simple, fine-tuning the shape & structure took time. Emily went through several drafts to develop
the dolls she makes today.
“It took a lot of practice and experimentation with various tool and mediums… I have learned so much from this process and would encourage others not to give up when the first prototype is far from what was planned. Plow ahead and persevere.”
Emily offers Matryoshka dolls in her Etsy store. Or stop by her blog to see what’s new.
More Russian doll links:
- Russian doll fabrics
- Russian doll jewelry galore
- Another cute necklace
- Rose Hip doll ornaments (love!) Beata, where do I get that striped cord?
- Russian dolls for your bed or wall.
*For more information about Feature Friday & the artists spotlighted, click here*
Photography in this post courtesy of Emily Moss
Yes, Emily's work is beautiful as is her blog. She's also a very sweet and supportive blogger.
Posted by: Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | July 31, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Love her work! Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: City Chic - Jamie | July 31, 2009 at 04:10 AM
I love Emily's beautiful ladies. My problem is I can't decide on just one. Each one she makes I want!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 31, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Lovely - really nice!!!
Posted by: Heather | July 31, 2009 at 07:11 AM
I loooove Emily's creations!
Posted by: Tizzalicious | July 31, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Thank-you for these links! As a good Ukrainian girl with a Baba that actually looked like a live version of a Matryoska doll I need to get some of them in my girls' room.
Posted by: Cheryl Arkison | July 31, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I've admired her Matryoshka dolls for awhile now too :)
Posted by: andrea | July 31, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I also stock fabulous Kristen Doran Design Matryoshka template screenprint fabric. It is adorable and all set up to make your very own doll. www.runnergirlfabric.com
Posted by: Jennifer Willoughby | July 31, 2009 at 10:39 AM
These are just adorable, I have a small collection of russian dolls so I must get some! The pop garden fabrics make them even more beautiful, I've seen them in less fibrant patterns and it's just not the same.
Posted by: DeVille | July 31, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Gotta love the Matryoshka! Finally de-lurking to say I really enjoy you blog.
Posted by: Kristen | August 01, 2009 at 04:13 AM
I know and love those from Emily and Rose hip I discover them after the commercialisation of mine ... and they share the shelves of my craftroom with mines ;-)
Have a look and enjoy !http://bidouillesgrenou.canalblog.com/archives/2009/01/08/7802104.html#comments
Posted by: Sissou | August 01, 2009 at 05:05 AM
I want it ALL!!!
Posted by: jackie | August 01, 2009 at 08:30 AM
I JUST ordered the most beautiful matryoshka from her a couple days ago. I cant wait until she arrives. I've cleared a spot just for her over my craft table. =-)
Posted by: Sydney | August 01, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Those are so cute. I also love her pictures, and the little flower embelishments she adds to each one. Lovely!
Posted by: Jessica | August 02, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Gorgeous dolls and a great fabric choice! And a big thank-you for mentioning my Russian Dolls bed linen design on your site.
Posted by: Natalie | August 02, 2009 at 07:32 AM
I actually have one of her dolls. I love her fabric combinations and detail. You cannot help but smile when your eyes light upon one.
Posted by: Erika | August 02, 2009 at 12:46 PM
how did I miss this last week?? so cute, these are great!! love all the wonderful bright colors!
Posted by: ellen Crimi-Trent | August 03, 2009 at 07:35 AM
The dolls are fabulous. Thanks for sharing the information link...do I owe a finder's fee? :)
Posted by: Rita | August 07, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Emilys dolls are so very cute!
Posted by: Gunnel Svensson | August 10, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Love the dolls! The combination of fabrics and colours is great!
Posted by: Colleen | August 11, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Greate doll, and very folk color. In Poland we have some similar folk wear style.
You can see it on my blog.
Posted by: DesMint | August 12, 2009 at 04:53 AM
Her work is just so lovely, made with a great attention to details!
Posted by: karuski | August 13, 2009 at 06:16 PM
I love these too. Such lovely colors and sweet, sweet faces.
Posted by: jeanne | September 01, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Its perfect gift for the kids.
~Ashley~
Posted by: flower Philippine | November 26, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Those are so cute maids. That is absolute creativity. The colours and patterns are all amazing. Fantastic work!
Posted by: psp zubehör | December 23, 2009 at 04:02 AM
I observe that the overall design seems very simple doll, tuning the shape and structure took time.
Posted by: חופשות סקי | October 16, 2011 at 01:11 PM