Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Psaltery Player

Never heard of a Psaltery? Well, I hadn't either, until I started researching 15th Century and earlier musical instruments. The Psaltery was a stringed instrument that was plucked with the fingers. They were made in various shapes. The very first psalteries were just a flat board with strings of gut stretched tight.


Her instrument is made from paper mache, paint, dressmaker's pins that were cut to length, and gold thread. She wears a costume sewn from batik fabric.

Her facial features are not as defined as the previous doll, because I used paper mache for her head, which is not as easy to work with as paper clay. Her body is stuffed fabric like her friend, the percussionist. Her hair is ribbon that I unraveled.


Shown above with her instrument moved around to her back.


 Her unusual hat is stuffed with fiberfil and topped with a gold-toned button.

I'm debating repainting her eyes so that they will be open, what do you think?

Tomorrow I will be posting a third shelf sitter. He is nothing like the first two. I hope you come back to see him.

Later,
Maggie

8 comments:

maddyrose said...

So, this is what a Psaltery looks like! I know you don't think this shelf sitter is as lovely as your last one but she's really amazing and even more so because her face is made from paper mache clay. I know that anyone who hasn't worked with this medium would have no idea of how different it is from working with paper clay. Her hair is a lot different than what I had pictured in my mind when you told me it was made from a ribbon. I like her eyes closed but you paint eyes so well I'm sure whatever you decide to do she'll be perfect. I've got to tell everyone I know about these shelf sitter dolls of yours. Hope you don't mind me bragging on my little sis. Love you

Julie said...

Maggie - this is beautiful and I like her eyes closed. It looks like she is one with her music. Julie

Katy Cameron said...

Such a cool wee doll, love her outfit and instrument

Kays Kids said...

They are lovely dolls Maggie.
Hugs
Kay

Hill Top Post said...

I really am not surprised that your dolls are so lovely. Your Santa figures are just awesome, so why not dolls!

Christel said...

Dear Maggie, Hi, I am Christel, from over at maddys..(a wonderful gal by the way) Your dolls are very sweet, they have a European feel to them, quite nice! I see talent runs in the family. I am now following you as well as Maddy, I look forward to seeing your latest creations. Have a great day. Christel

Cobblestone Creations said...

Oh Maggie ~ she's perfect just the way she is! You really captured that era. I love the ribbon hair ~ very creative. Can't wait to see the third one. xxx

Magic Love Crow said...

Maggie, you are so truly talented!!! I love her the way she is, eyes closed ;o) It's like she is humming to the music ;o)