ArtFire

This large whimsical, unique stuffed dragon is named Nymphadora and stands 22 inches tall. This fantasy inspired stuffed animal was sewn by hand using my grandmother's dresses. The body, tail, arms, and legs were made from a purple floral print dress. The wings are a royal blue floral print, and the belly is a pale pink floral print. The dresses were silky nylon and I used interfacing to reinforce them. A heavy gauge wire, safely bent at the ends and completely covered in stuffing, runs from the tail, up through the head. This not only provides strength and stability, but allows the dragon to be posed. The claws on the hands and feet have pipe cleaners in them as well. The wings are also wired, allowing them to shaped. I used Pearl Violet Lumiere metallic acrylic fabric paint for the wing veins. The entire dragon is firmly stuffed with polyester fiberfill. The face and belly have been needlesculpted for added character. I used yellow plastic safety eyes. This would be a fun toy for an older child, or anyone who loves dragons.

Gramma passed away in May 2010. I have always loved her bright floral print dresses, and hated the thought of throwing them away. By creating Nymphadora, I've given new life to these beautiful dresses. I know Gramma would get a big smile out of this dragon. She was always the biggest fan of my creations (and she didn't like to throw things away either).

nylon fabric, interfacing, plastic safety cat's eyes, polyester fiberfill, wire, pipe cleaners, fabric paint