ArtFire

Lady Elizabeth de Oya began life as Hortencia from Robert Tonner Doll's Cinderella collection. She still has a few of Hortencia's opinions about upper crust life, but now they are based on experience. Lady Elizabeth is noble born and bred. Her children are being raised by the finest attendants while she and her husband conduct the business of managing their estate, his Lordship, and the local social scene. Her masked ball is just one of many events that she has become well known for. This years dress is a remarkable creation blending fiber, metal and a dash of fantasy.

The two main layers of her skirt are made of copper (jelly mold pans actually) cut and shaped to fit the doll and then decorated with ribbon, copper chain and pale purple Swarovski crystals. The layers above and below the copper are of purple rayon ruffled to give them depth and flare. Under the bottom layer is a final skirt of violet tulle to fill out the skirt. The over skirt and top ruffle is copper silk chiffon.

Her bodice cover and back piece are also made of copper (remnants from the jelly molds) accented with more copper chain and Swarovski crystals.

More Swarovski copper and crystals grace her neck, ear and upswept hair. In her hands she holds a custom crafted mask of copper mesh, copper chain, Swarovski crystals, and ribbon.

Her eyes were repainted lavender, with a hint of darker purple eye shadow and liner, while her lips and nails have a matching rusty red gloss coat.

Photos by J. Morgan

For more information on the doll maker and the dolls, as well as additional pictures please visit the Gallery at: http://sacred-seeds.net

Lady Elizabeth represents another side of Oya's power, the power of the salon and the ballroom. Where Oya of the Tribal Market Place hears all by being at the center of town at the well and in the market, Oya of the Corporate or Courtly Market Place hears all by being at the center of the dance. In her time, women could indeed wield power, but it was veiled behind layers of silk and perfume. You had to know the art of flowers and the fan to win the game. Lady Elizabeth, like any good Oya, is very very good at gathering information and nudging the storms in the direction she wants them to go.

She is a new Oya, for a new time, but her roots lie deep in soil of Africa and the Caribbean. She will share he power with you, if you are willing to dance with her.

Copper, Silk, rayon, cotton, Swarovski crystals, ribbon, plastic, acrylic paint, attitude!