Elanora, 19 inches, is inspired by the orchid mantis (hymenoptera coronatus). Elanora has a polymer-clay head, hands, and feet with glass eyes and wool hair. Her armor is 3D printed and her wings are made of cellophane decorated with crystals.
By Antonia Jenkins
I started making dolls professionally to combine several passions of mine: 3D graphics, sculpting, and fantasy. I studied computer graphics in college, specifically modeling. A few years ago, I got a 3D printer and was able to bring my digital art into the real world. I had been making faery sculptures for myself for several years at that point, but 3D printing made it possible to really expand on what kind of characters I could make. I have always been inspired by nature. I love being able to combine the beauty of science with the visual arts.
My armored faeries are all inspired by real insects that live on this planet. In addition to making more faeries, I am currently working on some new designs and prototypes that will allow me to make larger runs of different faces which can be individualized with different skin tones, hair, and clothes.
Ekaterina, 16 inches, is inspired by the orchid bee (euglossini), which comes in myriad metallic colors. The name Ekaterina is a reference to an opulent period in Russia’s history. Her skirt is velvet and silk taffeta covered in glass beads, seed beads, and Swarovski crystals. Her 3D printed armor is painted with multiple thin layers of different iridescent shades of acrylic paint to achieve the color-shifting effect. Her body is hand-sculpted polymer clay with wool hair and glass eyes.
Dove, 18 inches, is a brave defender of peace. She wears 3D printed armor inspired by the delicate, iridescent pattern of lace bugs (tingidae). Her face, hands and feet are sculpted in polymer clay with wool locks and glass eyes. Under her armor, she wears silk, leather, and an organza skirt adorned with glass beads.
Marian, 19 inches, is based on a walking leaf (family phylliidae). Of all forms of camouflage found in nature, this insect is one of my favorites. Such a stealthy faery could only be an archer, and it seemed fitting to name her after Maid Marian from the Robin Hood legends. Her armor, crown, and bow are 3D printed and painted with acrylics, and her cape is made of leather lined with silk taffeta. Other elements of her clothing are made from silk, wool, tulle, and faux leaves. She has glass eyes and wool hair.
Æthelflæd’s (pronounced Ethil-fled) armor is based on the giant Amazon scarab beetle (coprophanaeus lancifer). She’s named after Æthelflæd, Lady of Mercia, a beloved ruler and warrior from late 9th- and early 10th-century England. The 22-inch doll has polymer-clay head, hands and feet, glass eyes, and wool hair. She wears silk, tulle, and metal mesh fabric, and her armor, crown, sword, and shield are 3D printed.
