“As an avid gardener myself, I love creating anything with a garden theme,” Malay said. Gilbert the Garden Gnome (above), 13 inches, and 14-inch Pippy are made from paper clay, Sculpey, and mohair. Both gnomes carry mushrooms and little clay gardening pots.
Minnesota-based artist Nancy Malay has been making her whimsical, vintage-inspired creations for nearly four decades now. In addition to dolls, she creates ornaments, giftware, and decorative pieces inspired by folk art and seasonal vintage designs. Her work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Crafts, Early American Life, Prims, and numerous other magazines. She recently took the time to share several of her fantasy creations with DOLLS readers.
Sculpted from paper clay, 15-inch Woodland Fairy has mohair hair and a detailed outfit, “to give her the look of living in a magical forest,” the artist said. “From her glitter wings, flowered hat, macrame cloak, squirrel necklace, and airy clothing, I think I captured the essence of Nature.”Father Wizard, 17 inches, is a OOAK created from paper clay, Sculpey, and fabric. Malay made his clothing very detailed, she said, imagining what a real wizard might wear and tie to his belt.Little Nutmeg, 12 inches, was created with papier mâché, tissue paper, moss, fabric, and paper clay with glass eyes. “She’s wearing her favorite dress — a combination of girly-girl and tomboy,” the artist said.
