Santos Cage Doll – Emerge

theresa mARTin EMERGE
theresa mARTin EMERGE

When I saw Gale’s new Santos Cage Doll I was excited. I saw many possibilities and directions for this doll and I decided on an aged look. Using rustic wire and mesh I built a cage for a metal horse that I had rusted up artificially. The cage is bursting open and the horse is emerging.  I used one of my favorite sheets, Number 78, for the face.

I love work that has a sense of hand. Hand sewing has a certain character and the same goes for stringing the wire by hand. There are many other moods and possibilities for this doll and I’m looking forward to seeing what other create with the Cage Doll form.

theresa mARTin EMERGE
theresa mARTin EMERGE

 

theresa mARTin EMERGE
theresa mARTin EMERGE
theresa mARTin EMERGE Detail
theresa mARTin EMERGE Detail
theresa mARTin EMERGE Detail
theresa mARTin EMERGE Detail

 

Method

  • Put cage together with some tacky glue.
  • Rust the cage and any elements you will add with Modern Masters Reactive Metallic Iron and Modern Masters Rust Activator.
  • Either glue arms on, or drill holes and attach with wire (see process photo below)
  • Paint and rust all the wooden pieces and the horse (which was an old found metal horse) Another object can be used for inside the cage. Perhaps a bird, or a doll.
  • Add rusted heart, or other 3D object to the body to give depth to the piece.
  • Place horse (or other object) inside cage.
  • Wrap rusty wire loosely by hand to create a cage.
  • Add rusty numbers to piece.
  • Include old vintage coin purse with sheets cut from book pages under her arm.
  • Pierce book page or printed ephemera with wire and include as an added collage element.

 

theresamARTinEmergeProcess
I drilled a hole in the arm and body and wired them together.
theresamARTinEMERGEprocess1
While building the piece I hold pieces together with clips.
theresa mARTin EMERGE Process photo showing rust
Process photo showing the rusted surface

 

theresa mARTin EMERGE process
Process shot showing possible ideas for setting the chosen items in place.
Santos Cage Doll
Santos Cage Doll
Rustic Wire
Rustic Wire
Sheet 78
Assorted Charms
Assorted Charms

12 thoughts on “Santos Cage Doll – Emerge

  1. I just want to cry with Joy!! This piece is
    A-mazing!!

  2. Pandora

    I concur! A fabulous piece indeed!

  3. Absolutely Stunning Miss Theresa!! Wonderful Techniques with Gorgeous Results!

  4. The imagination has no bounds………….Love this piece.
    The horse ornament is perfect.

  5. WHERE DID THE HORSE COME FROM. HOPING YOU GIVE AN ANSWER THAT MAKES IT EASY TO GET ONE.

    THANKS SO MUCH,
    BONNIE

  6. I found the horse on eBay. Probably not the easy answer you were hoping for. Try eBay or thrift stores. Maybe even toy stores for a toy one. Good luck.

  7. Dawn Close

    Absolutely ADORE !!!

    Thanks for posting for your Sister Cat !!!

    xx Dawn

  8. QueenBea

    Love, love, love — the possibilities are endless!!!!

  9. g. Rene'e

    ………… Texture , Whimsey , Utmost Rusted glory //// mY oH mY ………. !!!

  10. Patricia

    What a great technique to use on the shrines and this doll! I’ve been wanting to try rusting paints, etc so thank you so much for the link. This is just so cool, over the top and so appreciate your sharing of a great piece of work!

  11. Marjorie

    WOW…this is amazing. I continue to study this art piece..I will probably never make anything like it, but a feast for the eyes.

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