Wyrdlands Studios

Hidden Pockets for Hidden Treasures

2012-01-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Isn't it the cutest! I made this for a customer. She wanted a cross-the-body small bag with lots of pockets in shades of orange and earth tones. Hope she likes it!

Art Doll Show ~ DIMA

2012-01-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Simply...absolutely...sensational. Enjoy.

OK, What Was I Saying?

2011-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

MY MUSE IS BACK!!

Just when I thought I wanted to quit dolls forever, I was inspired by the new challenge from ADO~Art Dolls Only Team at Etsy.com! I am creating a new Paperclay sculpt for the event. I am not going to say much now, but I will be posting work-in-progress pics as I go. I don't document my process enough, so I am going to try to do that with this project. Yessssss, the handbags are on hold. I know I keep changing my mind, but I'm an artist. I'm supposed to do that!

Has It Been THAT Long?

2011-08-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Wow. Talk about blog neglect. This is terrible! I may have been silent, but I have not been idle. Lots of changes going on.

First off, I have once again put my BJD on a shelf. I am starting a new venture. I have made dolls for a long time, and it has been fun, but I need to actually make some money now. So I have decided to open a new store on Etsy, one that I hope will be the beginning of a viable business. I have gotten very interested in furthering my sewing skills, and will be venturing into clothing design...for real people this time! I am planning on getting a Master Seamstress certificate, and will be starting out with accessories. Handbags, shoes, headbands, etc. Eventually I'll add clothing to the lineup. I am so looking forward to this. Sewing for people is a BREEZE compared to working with teeny, tiny little clothing. Everything is so big, lol! I plan on making it a fun, girly, store with lots of ruffles, bright and bold fabrics, and flattering shapes. I will also use luxurious fabrics for evening wear, or just to spoil yourself! I am hoping to launch the new store in a couple of months so I can get in on the Christmas season. I'm very, very excited!

I have made one more doll to offer at my current shop. Her name is Sabine, and she is a lovely, 18th century, Marie Antoinette type little girl with a gorgeous gown and upswept hair. If only she could hide her freckles...

I have also designed a handbag, and made some wrapped headbands for myself:

Just to give you a head's up, I will be creating a new blog for my new business, and will no longer be posting on this one. Once everything is up and running, I will post the new addresses for Etsy, Blogger, and Facebook on this blog, and if you care to, you can follow me as I start my new journey in creativity!

Redesign...again!

2011-05-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm a perfectionist...makes me crazy , but I really want a quality doll, so...I have redesigned the joints for my BJD. These work beautifully. There wasn't enough range of motion before. This is the sculpt for the mask. I will be casting it in Paperclay and covering it with fabric. Just finished the ears. I decided to sculpt them separately and add them to the mask once all the pieces are dry. I will be making the body over the next couple of days. It's been difficult to decide between the doll and the outdoors...it's been GORGEOUS! I hope everyone has an awesome summer!

Progress, Charity, and the Beauty of Women

2011-05-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

It has been slow going, but progress IS being made on my ball jointed doll. The body is sewn, the pieces are starting to come together, and the head is sculpted. my next steps are to sand the head, and then make a mold of it, so I can make a cloth-covered mask. Meanwhile, I'll be building the body. I will take wip pics to post.

Last week, I read in the paper of a wonderful charity event that I just had to help with! A local Grange was making sun dresses for a charity to distribute to poor communities like Appalachia, Haiti, Guatamala, etc. The event was going to be just one day, but everyone was so excited to do it that we are getting together every Monday night to make more. We are getting quite a pile, and they are all so cute! It's a very simple pattern, so it sews up quick. I made three on Saturday and two more Monday night. They took pics for the paper, but I will get some of my own this Monday to post. I have a bunch of pics to take, don't I?

Finally, I have discovered this gorgeous video that I just keep replaying. Presenting: 500 Years of Women in Art...please remember to shut the music off at the bottom of my blog!

Japanese Doll Making

2011-04-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I came across this video on YouTube, and thought it was very cool. There are always different ways to do things, and this is yet another way to make a doll. I can't read Japanese, but it is still very informative. Enjoy! (Remember to turn off the music at the bottom of my blog so you can hear the music on the video!)

The Drawing Board

2011-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm ready to try something big...literally! This pic is the result of designing and redesigning a pattern for a 30" doll. I figure if it works for Shelley Thornton (she designs her dolls to be 30" tall), what do I have to lose? I have been wanting to create a cloth, ball-jointed woman doll for some time, and have made two unsuccessful attempts with different joining techniques, none of which worked or looked smooth enough for my satisfaction. I believe the third time's the charm! I will be sculpting a mask for her, and am looking forward to that. I haven't sculpted in quite a while. I'm still not sure what she will be wearing. I will have to see what her opinion is. Wish me smooth sailing!

By the way, that little ham that just HAD to get in the picture is my darling kitty Maleena. She is my daughter, my mom, and my muse. I adore her.

Could It Be?? Yes, it IS!!!

2011-03-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Wow. June of last year, was it? Seems much longer than that since I posted. I disappeared for awhile. I am back, however, and rededicating myself to making dolls! My first offering is adapted from a Judi Ward pattern (Love that woman's patterns!) . Her name is Mei and she is a young Chinese girl. She is an 18" doll and jointed at the hips, shoulders and head. She is modeled after other 18" doll proportions (like American Girl) and can wear clothes made for them. Mei is dressed for the Spring festival, and she is very excited! She is wearing her best "ao", an outfit consisting of satin pants and a gorgeous, fully lined traditional jacket. She also wears satin slippers with beaded flowers.

She is looking for a loving home and can be found in my Etsy shop. Just click on my Etsy store in the sidebar and it will take you right to her. Nice to be back!

New Work!

2010-06-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time coming, but I finally have pics to show of my work in progress! I am creating three faerie busts build over a paper mache dress form. I found these fabulous dress forms at Stampington & Co. and bought a couple last year. I let them sit in the background while I thougt about different ways I could use them. Here's what I came up with. I finally finished the sculpting and sanding (the bases took particularly long because of all the little nooks and crannies) and they are now ready for painting. I'm so looking forward to the dressing of these little sprites!

Has it really been that long?

2010-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I have sorely neglected my blog, but after some MAJOR changes in my life, I am back and sculpting again! I am working on three fairy sculptures, and will post pics of WIP very soon. In the meantime, enjoy this amazing video I stumbled upon(thanks Esther!)...and remember to turn off the music at the bottom of my blog to hear it!

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

Viola's sister, Violet

2010-02-10T17:18:00.001-08:00

I sold Viola so quickly, that I decided to make her a sister. So here is Violet! Just as cute, but Violet is much more demure and ladylike than her mischievous sister. She always says please and thank you, and NEVER gets her dress dirty. Can she be YOUR Valentine?

ADO News: Another Etsy Treasury and Burlesque!

2010-01-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

I've been featured in a treasury created by Abi of Art Dolls Only Team. She chose my Sleeping Beauty. Beautiful blues and beautiful dolls, all by members of ADO. Thank you Abi!

Speaking of ADO, the team is hosting their first quarterly challenge for 2010 with the fabulous theme of "Burlesque". Too fun! I am not sure which direction I want to go in. I was planning on using my (finally!) perfected BJD pattern, but I am thinking this may call for clay. I do know it will have either a Victorian or early 1900's theme. Either way, it's going to be a hoot!

Simply Brilliant

2010-01-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Viola Valentine Finished

2010-01-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

Well, here is my little darlin', all finished and in her lovely Valentine's frock. Isn't she the cutest? I just love her. She makes me laugh! I gave her a shock of red hair, and created a lovely outfit of lace edged bloomers, a puff-sleeved dress with attached petticoat, and an eyelet apron. She's adorned with pink ribbons and roses, and wears her pink heart on the outside toshow how much love she's filled with! Her adorable outfit is completed with pretty pink mary-janes. Happy Valentine's Day!

Viola Valentine

2010-01-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

One of the online groups I am in, Friends of Cloth Dolls, or FOCD, is having a little challenge. I thought it would be great fun to be a part of it! One of our fabulous members, Judi Ward, has made a FREE pattern called "Wide Eyed Wendy". If that isn't fun enough, she decided to host a Wide-Eyed Wendy Valentine Challenge! This isn't a competition, but a friendly contest with prizes given out just for participating. One of those prizes is a Judi Ward handmade Wendy doll! How cool is that? I have started on my little one, and am looking forward to making her frilly dress and putting some cute ponytails on her. I have some red mohair that will look adorable, and she has some pink Maryjanes coming. Too cute!

A Labor of Love

2010-01-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

Before I dove headlong into dollmaking for the new season, my mother asked a special favor of me. While getting together for Christmas, my mom was talking about the deplorable condition her Raggedy Ann and Andy were in. They were a present from my dad in the early eighties, and their clothing had seen a lot of wear and tear from being displayed on their bed in the sun, and from being lifted on and off the bed over and over. It didn't help that they were almost three feet tall, as all that weight pulled on the fabric when they were lifted. Yep...three feet tall! Needless to say, I offered to make them new outfits. My father brought them over, and I took a look at them. Yes, they definitely needed some help! I carefully peeled off their old clothes and started to pick them apart to make patterns. I had to use my imagination in places, as the material was too far gone. Luckily enough, there was enough left to complete the patterns. I found some Debbie Mumm fabric that was just perfect! It's so cheery, and really perks them up. I also gave their hair a trim, as it had become felted over time. Here is the MUCH happier couple in their new duds. Mom loved 'em!

MerryChristmasHappyNew...Year...Aaahhhh...

2009-12-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Well that was a whirlwind of a holiday! I have been working nonstop on gifts for family and friends, and as a result, this blog has been sorely neglected. Let me show you what I made, and you will see that I was no slacker!

First up is a pastel drawing I did for a Yankee Swap. It measures about 11" x 14" and was done on Mi Tientes textured paper. I put it in a matte and some plastic and then wrapped it. Worked out great.

My next project was for some crosstitched pillowcases and a dresser scarf done in a lovely sunflower pattern for my sister. They came out beautiful, but I wrapped them before I took any pictures...duh! I bordered them with a lovely eyelet lace.

For my mom, I found a fabulous pattern by Judi Ward (ALL of her patterns are FABULOUS!) for a Kewpie doll! My mother has loved Kewpies ever since she was a little girl, and was never able to have one of her own until she was much older. I was so excited when I saw this pattern, because I could make one big enough for my Momma to hug! I decided to make a winter outfit for her, as the pattern called for the traditional Kewpie sunsuit, and I thought she might be a bit nippy in that. I will make the sunsuit for the summer. Isn't she the cutest?

Last, but not least, I made some adorable "Sleepytime Santas" designed by Deanna Hogan, another AMAZING pattern designer. Her patterns go together like a dream, and I was thrilled with the results. So were their recipients!

Phew! (Wipes her tired brow.) I've never worked on so many projects at one time before. Now I know what Santa goes through, poor man. And at his age! I simply don't know how he does it. I DO know that I am reallly looking forward to getting back to dollmaking for my shop. I have all kinds of ideas brewing, and I will keep you updated with what's next. Thanks so much for your support thus far, and may all you gentle readers have a glorious New Year...may your troubles be few and your blessings abundant!

FABULOUS Halloween Giveaway from Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe!

2009-10-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

I was incredibly excited when I found out about this amazing fabric giveaway at Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe. Can you stand it? Are you drooling yet? Sign up, and YOU TOO can be entered into this fabulous contest. Take a look at what is up for grabs!

Entries will close at midnight EST on Saturday, October 31st on Halloween Night! Follow the link below, and good luck (but not TOO much, because I am winning one of them...heheheh)!
http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway.html

More PinGals!

2009-10-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Here they are! Three more PinGals in my shop, all dressed for the season! My shop has been reopened, and the cobwebs dusted away. Hope you enjoy these little cuties! Sigh...it's good to be back.

I'm Baaaaaack!

2009-10-20T23:15:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh, it's been a long time, but I am on the mend and eager to get back into the swing of things! I have so many dolls I want to make, and I am working very hard to have patience with my recovery, but the girls in my head are so loud, it's hard to think sometimes! I am currently working on a little victorian ghostie girl in cloth, and will post WIP's soon. I also will post the other pin dolls I finished. For now, however, I have a DELIGHTFUL film to share with you! You will be as amazed as I was as you see the incredible engineering and emotion in the creation of "The Little Girl Giant". PLEASE REMEMBER to shut off the music at the bottom of the page and...Enjoy.

Updates...

2009-09-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

It is time for a new quarterly challenge for ADO (Art Dolls Only Etsy Team), and OF COURSE, it is a HALLOWEEN one! Only open to ADO members but viewed by the world. This is going to be a fabulous challenge. So many talented artists will be participating, as just about all our members LOVE Halloween. I am hoping to participate as well, but as it ends on October 15th, I may have to make my doll for myself.

I am FINALLY having surgery for this health problem I have had for an incredibly long time. I am rather nervous, as this is my first major surgery, but I am really looking forward to it being done. I have had a ton of bothersome and painful symptoms which sapped my energy and made creating difficult. I am hoping for a really successful outcome that eliminates most of them. I am going in on the 15th for a few days, and then I will be convalescing for quite a while at home. I won't be posting during that time, but when I'm back, look out! I'll be crankin'! I'll miss you all and look forward to catching up on ALLLL the creativity I will miss. So get busy, doll wonders!

Mimi Kirchner: An Inspiration

2009-08-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Mimi Kirchner's work, and watched a delightful video about her made by the staff at Etsy, the great place to buy ALL things handmade! Watch and enjoy! MAKE SURE TO GO TO THE BOTTOM OF MY BLOG FIRST TO SHUT OFF THE MUSIC...:o)

Autumn Anticipation

2009-08-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a fairly short summer, as far as the weather is concerned, and I am so NOT complaining. I am a huge fan of NOT sweating, and so, while it rained and the temperatures stayed around seventy, I cheered! These couple of weeks have been typical summer weather with the three "H's", and as you can see by my redecorating, I've had enough, thank you! I am rubbing my hands in anticipation of brisk Fall days, crunching dried leaves underfoot, and playing with pumpkins!

To celebrate, I have finished two of my PinGals. Nestled in their custom gift boxes, they await a friend to jump in the leaves with and share some fragrant apple cider with cinnamon. Their sisters will be joining them shortly, and then what fun will be had!

Changing Focus

2009-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Since my health has been giving me a time of it lately, I have decided to step back a bit. I have put my full-body doll making on hold, and have decided to work on something a little less arduous. I have sculpted a small face, and made a mold from it. From this I am making doll pins! I didn't expect to have so much fun with these little gals. I am coming up with all kinds of ideas for them, and I am going to be making matching gift boxes for them also. So far I have made three for Fall and two for Halloween. I can't wait to make more! I will post pictures when they are finished and in their cute little boxes. Hope you like them!

Dang, It's Been Awhile!

2009-07-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's pretty scary when you think you just blinked your eyes once or twice, and a whole MONTH went by! Phenomenal. I have been working this entire month on a new prototype of cloth doll. I love asian ball-jointed dolls so much (BJD's), that I have decided to make a cloth version. I love everything about BJD's -- the style, the clothing, the romance. Since seeing the prices of manufactured dolls, I decided to try making one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (sorry for the pun). I am making her out of wool felt, which is making her nice and strong. I have also sculpted a face I made a mold from, so I can make several faces from the same mold. I will cover the mask in felt. She has been in research and development for some time now, and the pattern is just about where I want it. As soon as I have a completed body done, I will post her here.

NOW for the unveiling of my challenge piece for ART DOLLS ONLY Elements Challenge! WOOHOO! I have been itching to post her, but the rule was that we couldn't post the finished pieces until our big blog event, and the TIME HAS COME! Sooooooo, without further ADO (again, forgive the pun) here she is...

"The Guardian of the Western Watchtower"

Don't forget to check out ADO's other fabulous artists and their answer to this challenge! A list of everyone's blogs participating in the event can be found at http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!

Today's the Day!

2009-06-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sign-up for the ADO(Art Dolls Only Etsy Team) challenge for members and non members has begun! The first part of the challenge is to pick one or more of the four elements: Fire, Air, Earth, or Water and make an art doll based on them. The second part of this challenge is a Blog event. The ADO team blog (http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/) will host this event and it will run from Today, June 19th to Friday, July 17th. Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th we will be visiting participants' blogs. We challenge you to make an art doll along with us! Any artist is welcome to participate, including non members, so come join the fun!!

On another note, it has been very dreary weather of late, and the rain seems to be never-ending. I have started to look for sunshine in other places...

ADO's Elements Challenge WIP's

2009-06-10T20:10:00.001-07:00

Wow! I haven't posted in quite a while. I haven't been sitting on my hands though! My sculpt is finished for the Elements Challenge. She is a Paperclay sculpt with a styrofoam core, and will be mounted on a painted and varnished base. I have finished sanding and painting her in soft tints of blues and greens, and will be adding hair and embellishments to finish. Her sculpted crown is painted copper with a verdigris finish, embedded with pearls and encrusted with microbeads in shades of the ocean. Her tresses resemble cresting waves; blue frosted with white tips. Shells, seaweed and other goodies will complete her ensemble. Be sure to come back to see the finished sculpture!

Thank You, Michelle!

2009-05-20T18:21:00.001-07:00

My wonderful friend Michelle of http://thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com bestowed this awesome award on me today. Isn't it beautiful? The Byrum Spiritual Art Award means ..."You make a difference...I know, because you have for me!" Michelle, you have made a difference to me, too, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! :o)

2009-05-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Now THIS is going to be an event! ADO (Art Dolls Only - Etsy Team) is hosting a challenge for members and non members alike! The first part of the challenge is to pick one or more of the four elements: Fire, Air, Earth, or Water and make an art doll based on them. The second part of this challenge is a Blog event. The ADO team blog (http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/) will host this event and it will run from Friday, June 19th to Friday, July 17th. Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th we will be visiting participants' blogs. We challenge you to make an art doll along with us! Sign up for the blog event will start on June 19th and all details pertaining will be posted to the team blog. Any artist is welcome to participate, including non members, so come join the fun!!

I am so interested in this subject, that I will be creating all four Elements as busts. Stay tuned for work in progress pictures! My first subject is the Element of Water...

Juliet Makes Her Debut...

2009-05-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

It was an incredibly long journey, but Juliet is finished!!! She was the biggest challenge I faced thus far, and I am relieved and thrilled that she is true to my vision. I poured details into her!

Lace pantaloons and beaded slippers, a "stone" base with her name, an underdress of dupioni silk with bead detailing, and a magnificent overdress of brocade with lacing on the back, front, and sleeves. She stands like a wraith; the bloom of desperate, young love clutched in her hands...

Yes, I'm Still Here...and Still Being Awarded!

2009-04-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a rough few weeks, but I think it is starting to smooth out a bit. I was in the hospital for about a week and a half, and just got home a couple of days ago. I am starting the long road to recuperation, and hope to get back to my beloved dolls very soon. My Juliet still stand half naked, and she is not at ALL pleased. I am hoping I can begin to clothe her next week. I am sure she will not be finished by the deadline. Sigh. Oh well, I am still very happy I made her. She will be a nice addition to my growing collection.

On a happier note, I am embarassed to say I got another blog award! I absolutely love the graphic design on it, and will be proud to post it for everyone to see. My lovely friend Michelle, from the Studio at Crow Haven Farm (http://thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/) bestowed it upon me, and I am very honored to receive it. Thanks so much, Michelle!
The Renee award was created by Bella and Ces in honor of their friend Renee. In Bella's own words "this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..." (taken from Once Upon a Blue Crow)

Holy Cow! Make That Three!

2009-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I was granted ANOTHER award! This time it is the Sisterhood award, benevolently bestowed upon me by Sprite! I am truly honored to be considered a sister artist by such a talented one as she! Thank you so much! Please go visit her blog when you have a chance. She always has all kinds of things cooking, and is generous enough to share her process with us by posting WIP's. You can find her here: *Sprite*

I still need to pass on all these awards. I haven't forgotten, it has just been a challenging couple of weeks healthwise. I am hoping I can catch up on things in the next week. I hope to post new pics of Juliet's progress in the next few days. One more pic before the finish!

TWO AWARDS!!

2009-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Wowie wow! My first ever receiving blog awards, and I got TWO! It feels like my birthday! And a very merry un-birthday at that!

First, I received the Kreativ Blog Award from the kreatively talented Zan Asha of wild at heart art. Thank you so much, Zan, for considering me! YOU have the honor of being the bestower of my very first award! If you have not seen Zan's whimsical and adorable dolls, do yourself a favor and go visit!

The requirements of this award are that the recipient list 7 things that they love and to pass the award onto 7 other deserving bloggers, and to notify those bloggers of their award.

My list of seven things that fill my heart with joy:

The ocean at sunset

The smell of freshly mown grass

Gardens

"Death by Chocolate" Cake

Whale song

My kitties' warm furry bellies when they're sleeping

Doll sculpting!

My second award (so cool) was awarded to me by the incredible figure artist Bonnie Jones of STUDIO OF BONNIE JONES. She awarded me the Proximidade Award. Thank you, thank you, Bonnie (doesn't she have the BEST name?)! I am truly honored.

Here is a description as to what this award means:
"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers!"

I must now pass this Award along to 8 blogs that I feel are deserving of it. The other criteria is that when accepting this Award, you must post the meaning of the Award on your blog (see above).

Now here's a problem. I am supposed to pass these awards on, but I am finding that the people I want to pass them to already HAVE them...lol. So I think I will wait a bit and pass them on as I find lovely bloggers who have not received them! Stay tuned!

A Soul Emerges

2009-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a lot of time to work on Juliet as late, but I will have more time this week, so I will be able to start costuming. The base is sculpted and needs to be painted, and then I will be able to do her slippers and knickers. I am so anxious to get going! She has been whispering in my ear so long, that I want to see her in the world of Matter. For now, a picture of her sweet, tragic face...

"Juliet" Sculpt is Finished

2009-03-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

Yay! I finally finished the sculpting portion of our program. I can't wait to bring her to life now! After a VERY good sanding, she will be ready for paint and "lifelites", as I like to call them. A little blushing here and there breathes life into a figure, and is very exciting to do. Tomorrow I will make her base. She will be standing on a stone floor, so that means...more paperclay.

She Has a Good Head On Her Shoulders

2009-03-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

My piece for the "Much ADO About Shakespeare Challenge" is coming along. I was able to get some WIP pictures. I really love her sorrowful expression. Her head looks a little out of proportion, but it's because her head is bent down, and the angle of the camera distorted it a bit. I promise she doesn't have a big head though. I can't wait to sand her; it always makes such a huge difference. Of course, she isn't a young woman quite yet. She'll get those tomorrow. ;o)

Tweak, Tweak, Tweak....

2009-03-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

Ooooooh, this is really addicting. I just can't seem to be able to stop playing with all my widgets. They are too much fun! My newest addition is a lovely slideshow. Now if I can stop tweaking and start sculpting...Actually, I did get something done on my "Juliet" today, so progress is being made, albeit slowly. I've finished her shoe forms (she will be wearing velvet slippers), core and wire armature, and hands. I am really pleased with her hands; they are very expressive. She will be holding a rose quite delicately, emphasizing Romeo and Juliet's fragile love and lives. I have started on the head and have finished the eyes, which have also become quite expressive. I want her to look dejected and lost, yet resigned to her fate. Hopefully, tomorrow I can finish her face. I love that part, as they become a person to me then, and I can share progress with her and ask her opinion on things. I hope she likes the fabrics I chose for her gown.

Eureka! She's Finished!!

2009-02-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

I can finally announce that Corinne is ready for her close-up! I am absolutely thrilled with the results. She is exactly what I was hoping for. I put the finishing touches on her today and took pics immediately, so I could share her with all of you! I am even more excited to craft Juliet now. I got some shoe lasts finished (she will be wearing velvet slippers) and started work on her hands. I have changed my mind on the poison bottle. I decided on a single red rose instead. The rose will symbolize the young couple's ardent love, while her single tear will suggest their untimely demise.

So anyway, without further ADO (gratuitous subliminal advertising), here she is for your consideration and enjoyment:

One of ADO's Fabulous Artists!

2009-02-19T22:50:00.000-08:00

Progress and Presents

2009-02-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

I have two pieces of news to share!

The first:
I have started my Juliet doll for the ADO Shakespeare challenge. I got the armature and core done. She looks very much like a stick figure, but this is the way all sculptures begin. Just like real humans, if there isn't a strong core, the entire being will be weak...

My second piece of news:

I won a set of four altered art cards from the wonderful artist Stacey Barrett during the "One World, One Heart" give-away. I just received them in the mail, and they are absolutely precious! Two of them are made from paint color cards you get from the paint store! What a wonderful way to recycle. Her style is very whimsical, but I sense a touch of nostalgia and mystery too...I really love these, and will be framing them all together in one frame. If you want to see what else Stacey is up to, you can see her blog here: http://www.primprimitives.blogspot.com/.

Much "ADO" About Art Dolls

2009-02-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

Join Us! http://www.artdollsonly.com/joinado.htm

I have recently become a member of an excellent Etsy team. ADO, which stands for Art Dolls Only, is a new group of fabulously talented artists who sell their wonderful creations on ETSY.com. Our first team challenge is to create a character from one of Shakespeare's plays. I am so glad I joined now and didn't miss it! This is going to be so much fun! After wracking my brains trying to settle on a character, I have finally decided on Juliet. I worked out her design today and got the materials. I won't go into too much detail, as I will be posting wip pics as I go along. She will be another full sculpt (yes, I will finish Corinne first!) and will be dressed in a two piece gown consisting of a sleeveless underdress and long sleeved overdress. She will wear a matching skull cap and velevet slippers. If I can find an appropriate old bottle, she will hold a bottle of poison in her hands. I can't wait to get started! I have until April 6th, so I better get a move on.

Where is She??

2009-02-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

I was waiting to post again because I was hoping to have something to show by now...sigh. My new doll "Corinne" is painted and dressed, and she is waiting for her wings and hair. I tried my usual method of wigging and was SO not pleased with the results. Wigging a clay head is so very different from a cloth head. You can squish a cloth head to make it do what you want it to. If a wig doesn't quite fit you can stuff a little under the cap. A clay head doesn't work that way...lol. So I am working on gluing wefts of mohair directly to her head. This will work much better, I believe. I am also making some organza wings with a beautiful variagated, metallic thread. Unfortunately, I ran out three-quarters of the way through. So I am off to Joanne's tomorrow for more. I think I will get supplies for my next doll while I'm there...pics are coming soon, really!

The Virgin Post!

2009-02-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I have finally relented and joined the Blogger Nation! I have to admit, it's pretty cool. All these new toys to play with. It's tough though. It takes me a long time to commit to a decision, and there are so many decisions to make when designing a blog! So I hope you will be patient with me, because more then likely things will change quite frequently. I shall try to spread out any changes I make over time, however, so I don't make anyone's head spin.

I am very excited about some new developements in my doll making journey.
Firstly, I joined ADO (Art Dolls ONLY) Team on Etsy.com. They are an awesome group of professional doll artists, and I am proud to be a new member.

Secondly, my career has taken a new and exciting turn! I have completed my first full-body, sculpted doll. She is everything I could have hope for, and I can't wait to make more. All I have to do to finish her is dress her and add wings, hair and finishing touches. I am posting some works in progress pictures:

I have finshed painting and blushing her. That thing you see under her feet is just a protection for the stand. I haven't permanently attached her yet. When she is finished, I will unveil her! Stay tuned!