elizabeth-ruffing Archives - Page 3 of 11 - Ruffing’s Artist Dolls and Toys

Posted on February 25, 2010March 13, 2022 by Elizabeth Ruffing

Two tutus…ta da

These are Opal (above) and Celeste (below), our two new Pixie Kitten original art dolls. They are a collaborative project, made by myself and Max Bailey. We’ve taken some very pretty photos of Opal with a bouquet of lavender chrysanthemums. Once I’ve edited the photos, we’ll put together a web page for Opal.

We’ll make a run to pick up some cut flowers for Celeste as well. There were flurries here this morning, but we’re making an effort to at least create the illusion of spring.

I’ll keep you updated on our blog migrations. I’ve been looking into re-uploading them at their same addresses. I’m going to have to devote a lot of time over the next two months to our web sites, but I’ll try to keep posting our new dolls. I’m not too pleased right now with Blogger and their blog migration plans, but I’m trying to look at this as an opportunity to switch things around in a way that may, ultimately, be easier to manage. I prefer having our web content in our own FTP folder, as opposed to hosting it on Blogger, and so I’m working on switching to WordPress as a blogging platform. I feel a bit like I’m cramming for exams, given the short notice of Blogger/Google shutting down their FTP uploading option.

I’ll feel better about it all once I get a handle on what I’m doing. I’ll keep you posted. As I keep saying, if anything disappears temporarily, please check either of our home pages, ruffings.com our Ruffing’s Facebook page, for updates.

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Elizabeth Ruffing

Two tutus to do

This is just a sneak peek at one of the Pixie Kittens that Max Bailey and I made. Two of them have been waiting for tutus for a long time. I had been waiting for my other sewing machine to be repaired, but now I’m forging ahead without it.

This tutu is for fitting only, but the final one will be in the same color.

I’ve been working on the Ruffing’s site, trying to make some necessary changes so I can switch our hosting accounts over to Linux. I’m looking into using WordPress instead of Blogger, but it has some features that appear to work better, or that are at least easier to implement, on Linux. Again, if you’re on Facebook, please join the Ruffing’s fan page. I will use that as a place to post an announcement, if I run into any problems over the next two and a half months, while I attempt to get everything moved. I’ll also post any announcements on our home pages of each of our sites, but just in case those pages are down, I’ll use the Facebook page as a backup plan.

My neck and shoulders are so sore and prickly from working at the computer! Ah well. Hopefully we’ll be getting a new computer soon too, as this one is groaning away. Lots to do…

Posted on October 2, 2009 by Elizabeth Ruffing

Luna the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Siamese Folk Art Cat Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing

Have you seen Luna?

Luna is a pixie kitten, one of those mystical winged creatures of folklore with pointed ears who are said to be uncommonly beautiful.

Luna’s wide open blue eyes are brimming with kindness and good will, and she has not an ounce of malice in her heart. She is amiable and good-humored in all that she does. She never ever does anything naughty.

Luna loves to dance. Although her ballet moves may be just a bit awkward and ungainly, you must admit her tutu is really pretty.

Luna likes people, and she can be very helpful with work around the house or in the garden. If you lend her a feather duster, or even a Swiffer, she will whisk away the cobwebs in the uppermost corners. She will flit through the garden and land on a branch where, with her odd little voice, she will summon the bees to pollinate the flowers.

Pixie kittens bring untold blessings to those who are fond of them. Just ask Luna. She will tell you.

Luna is an original one-of-a-kind work of art, created from our own design and pattern. She is made from 100% cotton fabric which has been sewn, stuffed, and completely hand painted with acrylic paints. She is approximately 8 ¼ inches from the tips of her ears to the tips of her toes, and approximately 6 inches tall when seated.

Luna’s arms and legs are button-jointed with antique-looking silver filigreed metal buttons, so she can easily pose. Her face was sculpted from paperclay smoothed into her fabric head. Her front paws are needle sculpted, and her whiskers are made from stiffened cotton thread.

Luna’s curled tail enables her to sit very well balanced all by herself on a shelf, or a table, or in a cabinet.

Luna’s delightful tutu is made from layers of tulle, in lavender pink and lavender blue, with a hand-sewn waistband of light blue that snaps at the back and has a soft satin rose at the center.

Her mystical wings are made from cotton fabric and are completely hand-quilted.

Luna’s bodysuit is painted rich lavender blue, with a golden sliver of moon at the neckline. Her tights are the color of an orchid, and her ballet shoes are the color of a purple iris.

Luna is signed and dated, and sealed with matte varnish for protection and preservation. Luna is meant for display only.

Update: Luna has already been adopted. Thank you!

Posted on August 27, 2009March 13, 2022 by Elizabeth Ruffing — 1 Comment

Chelsea the Maine Coon Cat, Original One-of-a-kind Folk Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing

Chelsea is a Maine Coon cat with big amber eyes and tall tufted ears. She is very sociable, very charming, and very much loved. Today is her first birthday.

In just a few minutes, her party will begin. As she waits for her guests to arrive, she is so excited she has to remind herself to breathe. She sits very still so as not to wrinkle her new party dress, and looks in awe at the beautiful cake with the pink roses on top. She hopes there will be some left over for later. It looks yummy.

Chelsea’s first guests arrive!

And more guests!

They all admire the cake, trying to wait until everyone arrives. It’s so tempting to just stick one little paw in the frosting…

Chelsea is an original one-of-a-kind work of art, created from our own design and pattern. She is made from 100% cotton fabric which has been sewn, stuffed, and completely hand painted with acrylic paints. She is 13 inches tall.

Chelsea’s paws are needle-sculpted, and her arms are button-jointed with antique-looking buttons of filigreed silver on black, so she can easily pose. Her face was sculpted from paperclay smoothed into her fabric head. The tufts on her ears are sewn-in fake fur, and her whiskers are made from stiffened cotton thread. Her curled tail enables her to sit prettily all by herself on a shelf or on a table, or in a cabinet. She will also happily sit on a chair, or stand with a doll stand. (Chair and doll stand are not included.) Chelsea is meant for display only.

Chelsea’s pink and white birthday cake was sculpted from paperclay, and has a removable wax candle. It rests on a round wooden base, painted green.

Chelsea wears an ivory blouse with gold buttons. Her bloomers are painted white, with rose polka dots. She has ivory-colored tights and high-button shoes that cover her little kitty feet.

Chelsea’s party dress is pale pink and ivory, with a dainty striped pattern of darker pink roses and green leaves. The trim and underskirt are of striped tan and dark rose fabric. A touch of ivory lace adds even more femininity.

Chelsea is signed and dated, and sealed with matte varnish for protection and preservation. She comes with a hang tag, a certificate of authenticity, and a copy of her story.

Chelsea and her birthday cake are available for $650.00, plus shipping. Please inquire to [email protected]

Chelsea’s birthday guests, as pictured above, from left to right, are “Loretta and Lulu“, “Heidi and Helga“, “Chelsea”, “Emily and Edwin“, and “Beatrice and Beulah“.