Meet Natsumi ~ Summer Beauty

August 7, 2012

This past winter Céline was given a commission, by her Papa (her grandfather), to make a doll for him. Not a toy but a piece of art.

My parents are casual collectors of works of art that are meaningful to them. Paintings, photography, wood carvings, pottery, stained glass, and more.

From as early as I can remember my parents have supported small artisans, often picking up unique pieces on our summer vacations. I remember those occasions least fondly as my brother and I would have to share the backseat of our Ford Tempo with awkward, odd-sized objet d'art. 

Natsumi is not odd sized, she's about the size of barbie, maybe a bit taller. But definitely more beautiful. And she is completely, down to every little detail, handmade by Céline. 

I could use this post to wax poetic about how projects like these are why we homeschool. I could list all the research and reading Céline did while making this doll. How a sewing project opens up doors for all kinds of learning and personal growth and gets her one step closer to owning her own laptop, this is a paid commission after all.

But I'm not going into all that right now, I'll save that for another day. 

Today I just want to share this beautiful doll with you.

Céline's creation - her summer beauty. Natsumi.

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  • Jenn

    Jenn on Aug. 7, 2012, 1:39 p.m.

    Wow. Just wow. How talented. Natsumi is breathtaking. Absolutely gorgeous. Words do her nor Celine any justice.

    reply
  • Tracy

    Tracy on Aug. 7, 2012, 1:42 p.m.

    Absolutely stunning work, Céline. If you have the interest, I know my daughters and I would love to read a post of your own about the process of creating Natsumi.

    reply
  • Ellen

    Ellen on Aug. 7, 2012, 2:23 p.m.

    Wow. Just stunning. Beautiful, beautiful work, Celine.

    I would love to hear more information about your commissions and the kind of work you do on toy dolls!

    reply
  • Renee A.

    Renee A. on Aug. 7, 2012, 2:24 p.m.

    WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!! This is truly an amazing piece of art that could sell for a lot of money....I've seen dolls similar to these in library collections and I think Celine's is more amazing and her Papa will love this art dearly for sure....make sure she signs it for the future when Antique's Roadshow discovers it and it's worth millions. ;) Great job Celine, you'll have your laptop in no time with dolls like that!!

    reply
  • Tina

    Tina on Aug. 7, 2012, 2:32 p.m.

    As a grandparent I can attest that this will be a most prized possession. Celine- you do beautiful work, keep that passion.

    reply
  • Teri

    Teri on Aug. 7, 2012, 3:04 p.m.

    I actually gasped when I read that Celine crafted this doll - for a young girl to have such talent - it is amazing!! This doll is so exquisite - Celine, you do beautiful beautiful work. She is so lovely in all her fine detail. Can't wait to hear more about how she came together. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

    reply
  • Patraq

    Patraq on Aug. 7, 2012, 3:24 p.m.

    If I'm tearing up with tears of pride, I can imagine your heart is about to burst, Renee. This is such a lovely piece - a collector's item to be sure. And what a testament for homeschooling, my goodness. I want to share this with everyone in my family.

    reply
  • Susan

    Susan on Aug. 7, 2012, 4:09 p.m.

    She has a wonderful gift. Love reading about other parents who teach their children to work and save for what they want.

    reply
  • sheri

    sheri on Aug. 7, 2012, 5:52 p.m.

    Stepping out of lurkdom to remark on that exquisite doll. She is beautiful -- her beautiful eyes, the gorgeous, elegant hairdo, the lovely facial features....your papa will surely treasure this piece like no other. What remarkable talent, Celine! Sheri (homeschooling mama to 6)

    reply
  • Jacinda

    Jacinda on Aug. 7, 2012, 6:50 p.m.

    Wow Celine. I particularly love the detail in the eyes , but then there is the braiding and the stand and the clothing and the overall posture. Keep doing great work Celine:-)

    reply
  • Kirstie

    Kirstie on Aug. 7, 2012, 8:50 p.m.

    That doll is amazing!

    She reminds me of the work of the illustrator Lauren Child, although Lauren Child works in 2D.

    I am sure there would be a large audience for an E-book/video tutorial on doll making from Celine.

    I didn't really realise that dolls could look like this, and I am sure I am not alone.

    reply
  • Beth Wagenius

    Beth Wagenius on Aug. 7, 2012, 11:19 p.m.

    Her eyes are just soulful! the hair is braided to perfection. She really did a fantastic job. It is ART.

    reply
  • Laura

    Laura on Aug. 8, 2012, 11:27 a.m.

    Absolutely stunning! I am amazed that she could make something like that! It must have taken many hours and a lot of concentration. Thank you for sharing!

    reply
  • Ellen

    Ellen on Aug. 8, 2012, 1:16 p.m.

    This is beautiful! What a very talented daughter you have. The name is so wonderful too. Did she have to research for 'just the right one'? We used to have an Akita named Matsuri, meaning celebration or festival (or so we were told).

    reply
  • Emily

    Emily on Aug. 8, 2012, 2:21 p.m.

    Absolutely stunning, Celine. Breathtaking. You have a gift.

    So many delicious and lovely details. I'm enamored with her hair, especially.

    I just couldn't wait for my Eliza (Our resident doll maker. I think you two might be kindred spirits.) to see. And then Keith got interested and came over to the computer. We all ooh-ing and ahhh-ing.

    Thank you so much for sharing this beauty and talent with us, Renee.

    Can't wait to see more, and to see where this wonderful, doll making adventure takes you, Celine!

    reply
  • Jess

    Jess on Aug. 8, 2012, 3:40 p.m.

    I am so impressed by Celine's talent and dedication to an art that she obviously loves. Natsumi is beautiful.

    reply
  • debra spangler

    debra spangler on Aug. 9, 2012, 12:46 p.m.

    celine clearly has incredible artistry and skill - thank you so much for sharing this! i hope this continues to be something she loves to do and that people will pay her for it!!!! nice when those things mesh, and how great and affirming to have that experience so early in life. what a beautiful piece of art.

    reply

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