The Witches of Primville
My witch creations start with a wooden dowel and wire armature
under structure, the base or butt is wood and weighted, so they sit quite
stable for display, the head, which is styrofoam is secured to the center
wooden dowel. The arms and legs are constructed of armature wire which enables
them to be carefully repositioned for various poses. I wrap the under structure with strips of
quilt batting and then cover the batting with hand sewn on form fitted muslin.
I sculpt the witches faces and feet with paper clay and
sculpt the hands from air dry porcelain clay. The crow is created by sculpting
paper clay over styrofoam. When clay dry, I gesso, paint and double seal with a
matte varnish. Using a combination of
acrylics, oil paint, distress ink and glazes I am able to accomplish a very
witchy look.
I add hair using wool roving or unraveled homespun wool by stitching hair to fabric fuse in strips and
gluing on strip by strip. Costuming the
witch is such a fun step in my process, I use various fabrics, laces, ribbons
and tulle to create a one of a kind look for every witch, adding some jewelry
and trinkets to accent. I really love
making their hats, I fabricate the hat from paper or fabric over a paper cone
and embellish with ribbon, tulle, netting, lace, feathers and various findings.
During the creation process of my witches, they always seem
to take over and are quite witchy about picking just the right fabric or color,
I am always amazed with how distinctive they each become.
Kathie Ruffner
Houston, TX
Primville
Etsy Shop: Primville
Email kathieprimville@gmail.com
Cell/Text 713 647 1264
