Happy Vacation Gift - Korean Clay Dolls

Sharing with you some photos of 'happy vacation' gifts from the kids' mom.. 

Although I've been introduced to this kind of art before, I was still utterly surprised when she smilingly handed it to me - neatly packed in paper cups and fitted in a sturdy, lovely red box so as not to damage them. How thoughtful! I was extremely delighted and touched of the gesture, not only of the gift! She told me to take it home (pinas) with me :)

The giver: She's actually one of the kindest and humblest person I've ever known - not to mention how skillful she also is!

Art is her passion aside from cooking. She spends most of her free time (which she seldom has, given the 3 kids) making Korean clay dolls. In fact, she was actually featured in her teacher's book in South Korea - praising her for such talent. In UAE, she has been invited in top universities across the Emirates for the same reason - Zayed University in Dubai, Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi etc. Furthermore, she has been featured in KBS (big network in South Korea) as part of the team promoting their culture in foreign countries.

Korean Clay Dolls by Eunkyoung Lee

So, what does it take to make them? First and foremost, it is important to note the quality of the clay. Some clays aren't advisable to be baked. Yes, baked. These dolls were baked briefly, say 3minutes. Second, it requires patience and imagination. For someone inclined in art, perhaps a pleasant output would be expected. However, art ,as it is, is a skill which progresses over time, practice and dedication. 

Korean Clay Dolls by Eunkyoung Lee

Clay blocks I have been given to work on..

The concepts are: heavy base to make the dolls stand; base hidden under skirts; matching of colors matters; fingers must be very clean while doing it; use wet wipes to remove color from fingers every now and then; use patterns as you like; be familiar with the thing/person to be modeled; bake briefly in the oven to get a smooth glossy finish of the clay; keep the dolls standing on wood and glass only, preferably. 

What I have here are only few. At home, she has quite a collection and it's not limited to their traditional Korean dolls only! ..I hope one day I could take some photos of them!