Nobody lives forever, but artists are people we mourn because their artistry are part of our lives, and contribute to the memories we build through time. For me, Bowie was the influence that shaped my taste in music, theatre and fashion, an impact that I can still feel to this day. So, thank you Mr Jones for your contribution to our modern culture, you will remain my favorite music teacher.
Not long ago I made a post about a new project I had in mind, making a Ziggy Stardust doll based an iconic photo taken in the early 70s by Mick Rock. It’s finally done and I am really happy with the result.
It was a new challenge for me, I had to put wires in the doll to be able to pose it, make the clothes with material, and make a chair as well to match the scene. It took me a month to finish it, but I took my time and it was really worth it.
It’s not easy to crochet a doll when you have to work around wires, but a little patience goes a long way (well, maybe a lot of patience).
I used a wooden mannequin to help me get the right dimensions of the torso, arms and legs. This is my first time using one and I do not regret that purchase!
Anyway, here is the result, a crocheted version of Mick Rock photo of Ziggy Stardust:
Here are the two pics side by side. I Photoshopped mine to to get the lighting as close as I could to the original.
Since my doll is posable, here another pic standing up. I actually took this pic before adding the pendant, so it is missing on that shot.
I really had a lot of fun with this project, now I just need to figure out where I am going to display my doll. This is just the beginning of my Rock N’Roll series, my next one will be based on an iconic photo of Debbie Harry, from Blondie.
Update: I tweeted a picture of this doll, and the legendary photographer Mick Rock added it to his favorites. Let me say that it doesn’t get better than that!
Part two of my adventures in the world of Ziggy Stardust. Here is another doll that was inspired by this look. I spent a lot of time going through photos before deciding to go for the eyepatch. Ziggy had an amazing wardrobe, the most difficult part was to make up my mind about which costume I wanted to make!
It was a bit challenging, there is a lot going on, especially with the shirt. I couldn’t possibly make the exact pattern, but I did consider calling David Bowie to ask him for a piece to dress my doll..well.. in my dreams I did!! I did try to keep the same tones of colors, but I really played with what looked best rather than making a copy.
It took me several days to make it, with trials and errors. I used “autumn red” from Caron for the hair, which I bought last Christmas when the color was in season. I call it “Ziggy’s yarn”, because I have only used it for this doll.
I couldn’t help making a little spider, it is from Mars of course. I thought it would be a cute addition to the doll.
Moonage Daydream was in my head while working on this doll, I kept singing “I am an alligator…” over and over.I intend to make a third Ziggy Stardust doll, this time with the round patch on his forehead, and one legged costume. If you haven’t seen my first Ziggy Stardust doll, here is a link to the post: Ziggy Played Guitar – Part I
I have been a big fan of David Bowie since I can remember. It was my introduction to rock, and my farewell to children songs. I grew up listening to Space Oddity, Rebel Rebel, Diamond Dogs etc… I love music as much as I love craft, so of course I had to make a doll of my hero, Ziggy Stardust! This is probably my favorite project, I had a lot of fun with it!
First I had to figure out what costume I was going to make, Ziggy had a lot of them. I mixed and matched different styles of outfits he used on stage, his famous red platform boots, and the Aladdin Sane trademark that marked the end of the Ziggy Stardust era. I used felt for the lightning bolt, and a little blush for the cheeks. The hardest part was the hair, because I am not a hairstylist. I cut away hoping it would turn out alright.. snip! snip! I think I am ready to open a Hair salon for rock stars.
I called this Part I, because I am currently working on another Ziggy doll, but with a different makeup (this stage look), and outfit (this sparkly costume), jewelry included. I am keeping the red boots, because I love them so much! Oh, and spiders! Yes, itsy bitsy black spiders.
This will not be the end of my Bowie tribute though. I am also going to make a Goblin King doll for a friend, but I will talk more about this one later!
Long live Ziggy!
Ziggy played guitar – Part II
Ziggy played guitar – Part III (Mick rock version)
PS: I am getting a lot of emails to make this doll, and even though I am very flattered that it is getting so popular, I cannot take commissions. Ziggy Stardust is copyrighted, and belongs to the artist that created the character. I am truly sorry for turning down all of the requests, but I don’t have a choice!
Miss Dolkapots Krafties 