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The Process
Gifina figurines are handcrafted by skilled Dominican artisans, most
of whom have been perfecting the process for nearly 20 years. The
result is a beautiful product which is truly a one of a kind
creation. From start to finish each figurine may take as many as
several weeks to create. Since no two are alike, there are no
factory molds to facilitate the mass production of any style. A
tremendous amount of effort with meticulous attention to detail is
put into each and every Gifina creation to ensure the highest
quality. When you purchase a Gifina figurine, or if you receive one
as a gift, rest assured that no one else has one exactly like yours.
In
the time-consuming process of creating a Gifina figurine, the
sculpting material must be first created. Using an exclusive
formula called “Porcelanicron,” which was developed by a chemical
engineer specifically for this application, the material or “masa”
is made. This material is unique from other sculpting materials in
that it is heat treated prior to the formation of the figure. After
the initial heat treatment, the artists select from a wide variety
of organic dyes to add color to the porcelanicron. Realize that
each color found on your figurine was separately created. Most
figurines feature at least seven or eight colors, and some have as
many as twenty distinct colors, each adding a substantial amount of
time and therefore value to the figurine. All coloration occurs
before sculpting; for that reason, the figurines are never painted.
Many colors are required to
complete the Flower Vendor. |
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Years of experimentation have
allowed the porcelanicron to remain malleable for a short
time, yet also to withstand fading and discoloration.
While still malleable, the artists begin to contribute to
the creation of each figurine according to their specialty. These specialties include dressmakers, hair stylists,
flowers, grass, accessories, basing, etc.
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Yomaira shapes the porcelanicron
into arms and legs. |
To make a dress, for example, an
artist rolls the porcelanicron into a smooth, thin sheet.
Next, the unique Gifina texture is imprinted into the
material by hand. Finally, the artist adds flowers,
stripes, embellishments or even a plaid design, and then the
dress is expertly shaped around a figurine.
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Sorangel adds flowers to a dress
before shaping it around a figurine. |
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Flowers are created petal by petal
and joined together by hand to form colorful bouquets or
baskets. The artists are encouraged to experiment, to create
works that will remind us of the beauty inherent in our
human experience.
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Margarita creates individual
tiny leaves by hand for a bouquet. |
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After the final intricate details
are added, the figurine must pass the exceptional quality
standards of the master craftsmen. Upon approval, the
figurine is left untouched to dry, which can last several
weeks. The end result is a choice work of art which,
although still breakable, is surprisingly durable and
virtually resistant to color fading.
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Finished figurines dry before
shipping. |
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Gifina figurines have several
distinguishing characteristics. First, they are renowned for
their stunning beauty, bright colors, and charming
individuality. Second, they are recognized for the
incredible amount of handmade detail in the dresses,
flowers, hair, and accessories. Lastly, they stand out
because they are made “sin rostro,” or without facial
features. This product trademark was present in the first
Gifina figurines, and stems from their region of origin, the
Caribbean, where a multitude of races share a complicated
history. The facial features are intentionally omitted in
order to represent all the distinct races that live in the
Caribbean.
Though imitation products exist, no other brand comes close
to matching the superior craftsmanship and detail of a Gifina figurine. Each step in the process has been tested by
trial and error and requires specialized skills. Our
commitment to you is that we will not accept shortcuts in
our production that compromise our quality. Like individual
works of art, each figurine is unmatched. They truly are as
unique as you are.
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The finished product: An elegant
Victorian Lady. |
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