Julie Arkell – Papier-mâché, Mixed Media Toys

A group shot of village inhabitants

A Running Away Rabbit – rolling along on movable wheels

A shelf of lovelies

I’m captivated by Julie Arkell’s original and whimsical papier-mâché and mixed media creations. One of England’s best recognized contemporary folk artists – It has been said that she “…cannot resist the rejected debris of everyday life and especially favors discarded toys and printed textiles for inspiration”. Julie does everything by hand in her London studio using no machines! She creates her papier-mâché figures – stuffing bodies and embroidering “clothes”. She trims her creations in knitted adornments, found objects and other such things (with the help of her Mom). The results are her magical “people” –  doll-like in their proportions: animals, bunnies, and objects. I would like a whole village of these creatures to lose myself in with my girls! Available in the US from Earth Angels Toys or in the UK from Selvedge Drygoods.

Florabun – she calls these her “dolly brooches”…Each tiny flat doll is made from paper-mache and vintage findings; metal etc.

House of Dolls

…and the Parade of Whimsy continues