I am "unveiling" a really special doll and cards. The story of Sadako really touched me because I am a cancer survivor and love how the story gives people hope. It's an opportunity to learn about history, but it's also a story of hope. We all need to have hope, no matter the situation.
I created these dolls with intricate pieced paper cranes. There's also a card with origami birds and instructions to make your own.
The handmade Bratenella Paper Crane doll was inspired by the story of Sadako.
Legend says that anyone who folds one thousand paper cranes will have their wish come true. The origami paper crane has become a symbol of peace because of this legend and because of a young Japanese girl named Sadako.
* The dolls I have created have an intricately designed origami crane pieced together and quilted. Each doll represents Sadako and her wish for world peace and hope. Each doll comes with the story of Sadako, origami paper crane instructions, a piece of real Japanese washi paper and an origami charm necklace. This makes a wonderful gift. Special order one and it can be personalized.
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* As with all of my dolls, I have created the fabric for her face from my original paintings. So, she's not only a cute little cloth/rag doll. She's a one of kind art piece that's washable! (gentle washing is just fine.)
* Each doll measures approx. 14 inches tall. Dress is made from 100% black cotton and gold "frosted" dots. The paper crane is pieced with various patterned authentic Japanese fabrics. Her hair is a buttery soft black fleece. She has the signature Bratenella bow on her head, too.
Sadako was exposed to the radiation of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as an infant, and it took it's inevitable toll on her health. By the time she was twelve years old, in 1955, she was dying of leukemia. Hearing this legend, she decided to fold one thousand paper cranes so that she could live. When she realized that she wasn't going to survive the disease, she wished for world peace instead and to put an end to world suffering.
The dolls I have created have an intricately designed origami crane pieced together and quilted. Each doll represents Sadako and her wish for world peace and hope. Each doll comes with the story of Sadako, origami paper crane instructions, a piece of real Japanese washi paper and an origami charm necklace. This makes a wonderful gift. Special order one and it can be personalized.
"Can you make it just like the actual dress?" This was a fun project because it allowed me to showcase some of my couture sewing skills. Like many of the Bratenella brides, she sent a picture of the girls and also a picture of the dress she would be wearing. The front of the dress was pintucked and painstakingly pleated. Due to the intricate details on the front, we decided to personalize the sash. (see pic above) The other doll was for the flower girl's little sister who isn't in the wedding, but the bride wanted her to feel included. (such a sweet thought) So, we used some of the wedding colors and made it look a little bit different.
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