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The Art of Making Beautiful
Fashion Doll Shoes by Timothy J. Alberts, M. Dalton
King with Pat Henry Shoes have become a popular part of fashion doll ensembles and most doll collectors and doll makers want more than just standard plastic, ribbon or other manufactured shoes. They want the shoes to match the doll garment and look like the finest shoes you find in the brand name shoe stores. Not only that, the shoes should reflect the time period of the garment, which requires making them. These authors attended several fashion doll shows, displayed their handmade shoes and had so many requests for instructions, they authored this book. Shoe types include those made of leather and fabric. Techniques involve carving, molds and various tools. Want to know how to make the heels, all the information is provided along with different heel types. There are a few tips about embellishing your shoes; however, the content is primarily geared towards making a designer shoe that looks like a miniature of a shoe you would wear. There are inserts in the shoes just like those you purchase. I can visualize making a pair of these shoes and adding them to beadwork jewelry to wear, not for the doll to wear, or as a miniature artwork to display. The instructions are step-by-step with photos to guide you. Material and supplies are listed for each type shoe. There is a source guide for those of you not having a local supplier. The Visual Shoe Dictionary is very helpful with 62 shoe illustrations from boots to boudoir pumps and slippers. Information is provided next to each illustration as to the time period the shoes were worn and other pertinent data. In addition to making the shoes, instructions are provided for making a shopping bag and shoe box. For a professional doll maker, the shopping bag and shoe box are the perfect touch for your clientele and will add to the value of the doll. Doll collectors and doll makers will find this book very useful; bead and fiber people will find this book offers new and interesting concepts to add to your bead and fiber art. Review by Lydia F Borin |
