Soul of a Dollmaker

My New Quest

2011-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

I'm trying launch my photography. Check out my new blog and let me know what you think!

Helen Fern Original Photography

Hope you become a follower!

I'll be working on both dolls and photos in the coming year!

Thank you to all our veterans

2011-11-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Holiday Sale!

2011-11-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Use coupon code HOLIDAYHIVE to receive 20% off your purchase through November! That's on every doll!

Happy Holidays!

Just click here!

Holiday Cards - my own photos

2011-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

I have created some winter and Christmas cards that are on sale on etsy - and they are on sale through November

Use the coupon code: HOLIDAYHIVE for a 20% discount! Happy Holidays!

Click here to view them all

What to Do?

2011-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I started the year out committing to blog every day - well that sort of fell by the wayside! I barely kept up with my traveling doll project this summer, but boy am I glad I did - Wait until you see the doll I got back - I'm SOOO happy with her.

I've been working hard all summer trying to get my body into a healthy condition - I've lost 12 pounds and joined a gym. Tomorrow I start a new part time job after being a lady of (lazy) leisure all summer - so I've got to get myself organized! I started a new line of photo cards this summer and I need to get my dolls moving again. Started one for a challenge and need to get it in the mail in two days! ARGH!! What to do???

Well - here it is - my plan -

Create a work schedule. What do I need to get done and what do I want to get done?
Find some challenges to enter
Find some shows for 2012 and get ready for them
Research "agents" and other ways to market my work
Start an Email list - for both the dolls and the cards

Anyone have any tips that work for them? I'll keep you posted on my progress and share any info I uncover!

2011-08-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Dotty is ready to go to the Fair! - Just click here to check her out!

Get moving!

2011-08-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? It's already August and I haven't gotten any of my planned works done - or started! Time to knuckle down, make a plan and hop to it! Does anyone have a production/marketing plan that works great? I'd love to hear suggestions!

Now - off to get the job done!

Meet the Fern Sprites!

2011-07-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Meet the Fern Sprites.

Waiting for completion

These little fellows live in the ferns that flourish in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Although you may think you are seeing a dragonfly or a butterfly - or even a hummingbird - look closely - it may be an elusive sprite!

What is a Muse?

2011-07-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

A muse can be a mirror: a reflection of the artist's desires, anxieties, dreams and needs. (Vince Aletti)

Where is my Muse?

2011-07-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

I sit looking at the faces of faeries I started and I feel no pull to work. They look, eyes imploring, and I stare back with a blank slate in my head. Totally blank. Where is my muse? It seems to have gotten lost in the hustle of everyday life. It's not a lack of time - I have plenty of that these days. It's not a lack of materials - my work room is full of treasures. So why is it the images that used to flood my mind lay dormant in some unseen prison cell, a place that only my muse can unlock. Where is my muse?

So I sit and stare - and wait - and hope my muse returns soon.

Time is Running Out!!

2011-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the last day to save 15% on any one of a kind art doll! Just use the code word SUMMER - and shipping within the US is FREE!

Just Click HERE!

Hurry before the sale ends!

What kind of flower are you?

2011-06-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

   I am a
Canna


What Flower
Are You?

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting people know that."

Click on the blue letters to take the quiz!

Summer Kick off Sale!

2011-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

The warm air makes me feel like dancing! So come on and join me! Dance on over to my Etsy shop and use coupon code - SUMMER - for a 15% discount on everything! But hurry, the sale ends June 15th~

click here to go to Helen Fern Originals!

Hurry! Times running out!

Is it Summer Yet?

2011-05-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the end of May and my creativity is still on vacation. I find myself these days living within the confines of pinball machine. Just as I begin to settle into something, I am ejected away and begin bouncing from one location to another, demand to demand.

I'm trying to be a good student. I am winding up my senior year at the university (yes, I am a nontraditional student) and trying to keep that 4.0 GPA - and everything seems to be due at once. I am going to job interviews (still no full time job, but finally some interviews) and coordinate them around the Mad Science schedule. I am teaching Mad Science several afternoons - but there is another pinging - I can't start anything big because I will have to stop to leave for work and if traffic is good I might have a moment or two to do something before I have to start dinner, cleaning, etc -

And then I'm trying to get into shape - physically and mentally. I have lost ten pounds - and that's it. The other fifty seem to be clinging on for dear life! I walk at least four times a week - 2-3 miles and I've signed up for two 5K races. The last one I pushed to hard. I ran some of it, finished in 47 minutes - but now my knees hurt so bad I've had to give them a rest for a few days.

And then there is the traveling doll project. I'm the leader - the one that is supposed to rev everyone up, make sure we all ship on time and post our blogs - but guess who has been late with every ship! You got it - ME! I have three dolls half finished in a work room that is such a mess I avoid it! And ping ping ping!! PING!

How do I get out of this cycle??

Art Dolls Only 2011 Traveling Doll Project begins!

2011-03-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Its time for another traveling doll project and I'm excited!

My faerie is on her way. She had no idea who she is yet. She knows she was born in Woodburn, home of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. She also knows she loves the woods. As she travels from place to place, she will discover her identity. When she returns home to me she will have personality - a spirit within.

Travel Safe Little Faerie.

Who will I be?

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sherry of Country Wings! She won Greg the Garden Sprite!

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Click here for more information on this fantastic event!

Hi - and welcome to the world of Helen Fern! I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest - Oregon - with my husband and two cats. I am an unemployed child care worker and I am enrolled in college to finish my bachelor's degree (after a thirty year break). I have three amazing step children and five grandchildren (with a sixth on the way). I love art - all art - and spend as much time as I can sculpting my creations. I love the world of faeries and fantasy and enjoy creating children. I am adding some cats to my creative endeavors too!

Just for visiting you are eligible for the drawing of the door prize - Greg the Garden Sprite

I'm glad you stopped by and hope you enjoy your visit. Please be sure to leave a comment and include a way I can get in touch with you in case you win the door prize! Also, let me know where your blog is. I'd love to stop by and visit.

Winner will be announced (and notified) on February 18th - everyone has until the end of the day February 17th to enter~

Valentine Sale!

2011-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

All items in my Etsy shop are on sale until February 15th! Just enter the coupon code VALENTINE and get 20% off - and shipping is always free!

Click here to see whats for sale!

I'm Published!!

2011-01-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

The March issue of Contemporary Doll Collector magazine has an article on Fantasy dolls. Page 46 (upper left corner) is my doll, Morning Glory!!

Also featured, on page 47 is another ADO artist, Nicole Johnson. Her "Fallen Angel" (one of my favorites of hers) is shown. Check out her website - Mealynmonster Land

Mr. Frost

2011-01-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

Winter is coming and Mr. Frost is ready to spread the sparking luster of ice and snow on the earth. Welcome winter!

Come Winter

He holds a crystal raindrop and snowflake

Back view

Close up

Art and Nature

2011-01-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

I am taking a class this term called the kingdom of childhood. One of the required readings is William Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience". The first few pages are about Blake himself and what brought him to write the book. It's history is interesting -

But the part that caught my eye was the line that said that Blake believed:

"'copying nature' deadened the force of his imagination"

This really rang a bell in me. I love art - and I love to create art. Nature is my muse. But my work is far from realistic. I look at artists like Nicole West, Jodie and Richard Creagar and Lisa Lichtenfels. I admire their work tremendously, but try as I may, I could never create a piece so close the human form - in fact, many of mine look rather unhuman! My work is rather a caricature of the personality I'm creating - and in some cases, the creature or being. This line suddenly made me realize that this is who I am. This is my imagination.

The intro page on my website states:
Welcome to the fantasy realm of Helen Fern. Each piece is a hand sculpted, one of a kind rendering of the imagination.......

And now I know whose imagination.

So why have I tried to desperately hard to recreate nature? Why have I tried to be like those artists that I admire? They create from their own imaginations, not mine. And there are other artists I admire that do not create imagery as we see it in the real world -Nicole Johnson, Brian Froud (my all time favorite artist) and Colleen Downs to name a few.

So now I aspire to be like William Blake. I aspire to allow my imagination create the images I form with my hands. I will allow my imagination the freedom to see nature in a way our human eyes cannot and to be the "force" through which I see -

And I will create!

Side note:

our art, our writings, the things we do and say are uniquely our own. When we set out to copy nature, including each other, we cast off our own uniqueness. Revel in each others beauty and joyful display our own

Winter Troll and some cats

2011-01-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

The winter troll, Snowball, is finished. I also finished three cats. Mr. Frost and the Ice Queen are still in progress.

Snowball

Siamese cat

Spike

Grey cat

Daily Posts? Hmmm......

2011-01-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Well - maybe posting daily on the blog was an unrealistic goal. I'm not sure I have that much to say and I certainly can't produce my work that fast to post something new each day! Yikes, I've been working six days on the three dolls I'm working on now and they still aren't finished.

So - goal revision - I intend to post two to three times per week!

Anyone else set a goal that they have already discovered to be a bit too much?

Join the Party with Papillon Bleu UK

2011-01-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

Check out this great blog party - fantastic video slide show!

Click here to go to the Party!

Almost Done

2011-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

The problem with paperclay is the drying time in between parts. I've added, dried, added some more. Smoothed, sculpted, dried and smoothed some more - and finally, all six pieces are ready to be sanded and painted! I don't like Mr. Frost's eyes - I'll be repainting those.

Please meet the almost completed:

Ice Queen, Mr. Frost, a winter troll that hasn't told me his name yet and three cats that will be needing adoption.

The whole shebang

Winter troll - name unknown

The Ice Queen

Mr. Frost

The three little kittens

Time

2011-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

"To get all there is out of living, we must employ our time wisely, never being in too much of a hurry to stop and sip life, but never losing our sense of the enormous value of a minute." - Robert Updegraff

I have spent hours creating and in doing so, there have been quiet moments of simply listening to my inner voice - the voice that tells my hands what to do. This is the time that I am most complete.

First Sculpts of 2011

2011-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

New year's day - quiet, relaxing and uneventful! After taking down all the Christmas decorations and carefully packing them away for next year, we cleaned the house and just relaxed. I started my new dolls for the year.

Mr. Frost and the Ice Queen

Mr. Frost was the December challenge for Art dolls only - ok so I didn't get him done on time, but he's going to get done - and he is nothing like I pictured him in my mind. He has a long nose, blue eyes and wrinkles around his eyes.

The Ice Queen is in the batch along with a winter troll. I also thought I'd give a couple of cats a try. So here they all are, in progress.

A Fresh New Year

2011-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe we are eleven years past the "new millennium" that so many people feared. And so begins 2011. I face the new year still unemployed and apprehensive about when I will find work. I continue to plug away at my degree. Not having it has blocked many jobs I would be otherwise been qualified for. I become a "senior" in some categories this year. I hit the big 55 - and the only thing that scares me about it is the fact that I have neglected my health. And I want to become a Bona fide doll artist.

Well - I guess I have some goals to set and some schedules to plan. And the first goal is a daily blog. Not weekly or when I feel like it, but daily - 365 blogs for 2011. Since today is the first day, day #1, I will post my commitment to this goal. You'll see some of my works in progress, completed works, accomplishments and failures - You'll know when I'm inspired and when I'm blocked. I'll share new things that I discover along the way and ideas that beg to be brought into fruition. And I hope I will encourage and be encouraged.

Welcome 2011. It's going to be a good year!

I have a Challenge

2010-12-29T14:59:00.000-08:00

All you doll makers out there - I have a challenge. Beginning January 1, we will post 365 blog posts about dolls, doll making and what inspires us as artists in 2011 even if its just a few words - whose up for it?

The eyes have it!

Ava and Lola are Done!

2010-12-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

Finally got the girls done. My husband thinks they look like old ladies - what do you think?

Ava and Lola Dolls

2010-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

My sister turns 60 this month. When she turned 40 I sculpted dolls of her two kids. She really enjoyed them. So, I am sculpting her grand-daughters. Here are photos of the girls and the dolls so far - they are ready for sanding and painting. Ava did request that I put hair on her.

Lola - the youngest

Ava - the big sister

The dolls

What is Christmas?

2010-12-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have found myself pondering what is the real meaning of Christmas.

Last week a friend's husband had a major heart attack. They almost lost him, but thankfully he's going to recover. I visited them yesterday. I watched as they stroked each other gently on the forehead, softly kissing now and then. There was an honest, loving connection between them. A genuine thankfulness that they still had each other.

And now I understand. Christmas is about relationships and caring. It's about who we are and who we aspire to be -

Christmas is a time to celebrate the gifts we already have.

Merry Christmas.

Two Swaps -And I scored!

2010-12-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

I participated in two swaps - what was I thinking? I had a commissioned piece, end of term papers due - and then some - but I did it - and I scored!! What do you think?

First - the Holiday Ball Doll Swap - Make a doll of the Holiday of your choosing. My partner liked Christmas, so here is what I made for her:

"Merry Christmas"

And I told her I loved winter - so here's what she made for me!


"The Spirit of January"

Isn't she fabulous???

The next swap was an ornament swap. We were told who we were making the ornament for - but we had no idea it was a straight swap! I made a faerie ornament for Waxela:


Dragonfly Faerie

And she made a faerie for me!

I think I get the better end of both deals!!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.......

2010-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season rushes by, whirling around us like
snowflakes in a storm, demanding our precious time and energy,
I find myself thinking about the things that inspire me - the things
that make me thankful to be alive. And I pause a moment......

Boudicca

Bucky

My amazing grandson, Jeremiah

Tulips in the early Spring

Oregon storms

The beach

The woods

Mushrooming with my husband

fantastic brother and sister

Fresh apples

Flowers of any kind

The beach

beach rocks

seaweed

a storm on the beach

doll making

those crazy "arm" pictures

my backyard in the summer

the beach

snow

the beach with my husband, Dennis

rest.

These are a few of my favorite things!

Time to Rest ..........

2010-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have been crazy busy. I had several 6-8 page papers due for school, a doll donation to complete, two swap dolls that needed to be shipped on 12/6, and the two dolls that I started to list on Etsy..... and I had work and class to attend. But it's done. I have a couple of small rewrites to do on my papers, the charity auction is over, swaps are on their way and after I type this blog - I'm listing two dolls. Then, I think I'll ponder what to make next.

Bed time

Bed Time with her monkey

Dorianna - meaning "of the sea" - she is 3 1/2" high sitting

Nereida - the water nymph

Nereida rests on a shard of coral

Non Team Etsy Treasury! Not so Black Friday

2010-11-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cf0049a39b18eef0f23c796/the-not-so-black-friday-gift-list?index=0

Just created this treasure for the Non treasury blog!s It was fun - check it out!

If you want to participate, follow this link for instructions:
http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/

A Year of Thanks

2010-11-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

In the last two years my husband and I have been through a lot. Health, job, financial crisis - Our son moving out of state with our granddaughter, my father's failing health - so many things that could bring us down and make us feel sorry for ourselves.

But we don't.

We have so much to be grateful for. My husband's health is improving and my dad is living close to us now instead of 1500 miles away. We still have our grandson close enough to spend today with us. We have a roof over our heads and a warm spot to sit and do our crafts, talk, and just watch the weather outside. Our bills may be late, but they are paid and we have pretty darned good meals every day. I have an amazing sister and brother with extended family from both of them - I have two amazing daughters and grand kids that are just a text message away - two very spoiled cats that cuddle and purr (most of the time) and a husband that never ceases to amaze me or warm me with his kind and loving actions.

True, our economy is in trouble, our world is at war, but our hearts can be filled with joy if we only look around. There is so much to be thankful for.

It's all about friends and family

sharing a meal and conversation

Yes, even Baxter is invited

"Would you like another roll?"

Happy Thanksgiving today and all year.

Cocoon Sprites are Here

2010-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Just peeking out into the new world from their cocoon! They are sculpted of fimo and sit in hand dyes silk worm cocoons. Their wings are laminated painted lady butterfly wings. Meet Bud, Yarrow, Rosemary and Peat.

Peat

Rosemary

Yarrow

Bud

Nereida - Water Nymph

2010-11-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

A friend works for Transactive Education and Advocacy - They will be having a fundraiser, silent auction

Superheroes for Superkids!
Help TransActive support transgender children & youth!

This lady was made specifically for this event!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=144565692256404

She is a one of a kind sculpt of blended fimo and cernit. Her eyes are mother of pearl beads that are hand painted.

She wears real fresh water pearls and has hand dyed mohair locks falling around her shoulders.

Her base is a piece of coral from the Carribean.

Heads Up

2010-11-22T17:29:00.000-08:00

I've been busy working on two swaps, one donation commission, one tiny doll entry and one doll for Etsy - and so - Heads up - I'm moving!!

Two Etsy Treasuries!

2010-11-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

My dolls have been featured in two different Etsy Treasuries this week!

Autumn is in "Timeless Thanksgiving" - and a Sprite Business card is in "Orange You Glad I didn't Say Banana"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce56c33b4796d912c41c2a0/timeless-thanksgiving

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce5b85153326d91741a52b2/orange-you-glad-i-didnt-say-banana

Dotty and Addy

2010-11-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

I just completed two little girls, Dotty and Addy. Both are paper clay. Addy had encaustic medium on her face and hands and her hair is made of soy fiber. It's really interesting to work with! Both are about 8 inches tall and both are listed on etsy.

Self Portrait's Husband!

2010-11-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, after doing my self portrait it was only natural to do one of my husband! Meet Dennis, with his model airplane and stein of beer. The mustache is really from his mustache! He is made of paper clay and encaustic medium with 100% human hair.

My Studio

2010-11-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

Many people like to see other studios - I know I do. So here is a video (really poor quality from my cell phone video) tour of my studio. Hope you enjoy!

A Call for Fantasy Artists

2010-11-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Doll Collector magazine put out a call for fantasy artists. I sent a photo of Morning Glory, but really didn't expect to hear back. I got an email from the magazine asking, since my doll was going to be in the article, did I want to advertise! Woo Hoo!

Land of the Free

2010-11-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank all the men and women who have bravely served our country; past, present and future. We are the land of the free, because of the brave.

And to my father who served in Korea - who still suffers from the events both physically and mentally - Forever may she wave.

Thank you.

What Inspires You?

2010-11-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

I love learning about other artists. Sometimes their work inspires me to try new things - sometimes I stand in awe of the creativity -

And I love to read what inspires? Why do you do what you do? What brings you inspiration and a breath of creative air?

Please share your comments!

I love nature and the sea

I find inspiration at the beach

Inquiring Mind -

2010-11-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am excited at the responses I get on some of my work - and yet I know it is still not quite where it should be. I love to work with the clay - I love to create personalities, and yet I find myself not working as often as I want and wonder why. School takes some time (it's not as easy in the 50s as it was in the 20s) - and trying to find a job is stressful. I do work part time - but that takes less than 12 hours a week. So why am I not creating more often?

I would really like to hear how everyone finds time to work on their art and what inspires them to stay on the course. And how long did it until you felt like you "were there" - that your work had the quality it should?

Acorn Sprites are Available!

2010-11-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

EBay - No. 4

Ebay No. 3

Etsy No. 1

Etsy No. 2

Check 'em out!

Acorn Sprite Business Card Holders

2010-11-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

I got this idea - if I'm going to try to do some shows, I need a business card holder - And if I need one, other people might too - so

Acorn Sprite Business Card Holders - LE of 4

The are made entirely of sculpy and cernit - with acorn tops and real cicada wings.

Good Bye October

2010-11-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

As October comes to a close and the brisk chill of November sets in, I find myself looking forward to those long, snowy days - building little personalities in the clay as Mother Nature dresses the world in white.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a frightfully good day - with plenty of ghouls and scares!

Hive Creative Challenge - Autumn

2010-10-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air. Pumpkins are being harvested, the hay is getting baled and there are leaves covering the ground. What could be more fun than to roll up your jeans and find that perfect, big, fat pumpkin? Draw a face for now, make pie out of it later!

Autumn has found her treasure!

Made of polymer clay and sits about 7 inches high

She has a Name!

2010-10-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some friends, this little girl has a name and identity. Meet Dotty. She's got her lollipop in hand and will be dressed, ready to wander the fair!

thanks for the ideas!

Who is this Girl

2010-10-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

OK - she's sculpted, painted and has hair, but who is she? I look at her face and I like it (although it still needs some smoothing and maybe some freckles). I even like her short hair, but she isn't speaking to me. Who does she want to be? I'm waiting for an answer but nothing is there. Quick, send us a muse!

Priscilla's Christmas Nightmare

2010-10-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Art Dolls only October challenge: Christmas Nightmares Introducing - Priscilla's Christmas Nightmare

Procrastinator extrodinaire!

2010-10-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

I had one busy week and can't seem to get back into the swing. I have five dolls ready for hair and clothes - sculpted, encaustic work done - ready! I keep finding other things to do and can't quite figure out what the block is! I think I need a day at the beach - water has always been my muse.....

Little Red Ridinghood - The Rest of the Story

2010-10-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

Grandma Red, also known as little Red Ridinghood, was so traumatized by the events that day, she spent years in therapy. Not only did the wolf swallow her grandmother up, she was witness to the bloody execution of the beast by the woodsman.

After coming to terms with the memories, the nightmares stopped and she sought out the man that rescued her. A romance ensued and Red and Wally the Woodsman married. They had seven children and eighteen grandchildren.

Red now resides in a house in the suburbs with Wally. She walks around the block to bring home baked cookies to her grandchildren.

works in progress

2010-09-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Got the encaustic work done. Now I need to paint detail, add hair and dress these kids up!

Flock and Fiber Festival

2010-09-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

I attended the flock and fiber festival at the Clackamas Co.

fairgrounds today. It was a mecca for spinners - and for a doll maker like me! I wish I would have bought the yarn made of buffalo fleece, spun and looked like dreadlocks!

There were sheep, goats, rabbits, llamas and alpacas - cotton, soy, silk - fiber made of

so many different things in so many amazing colors!

Self Portrait - Me!

2010-09-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have finished my self portrait. It didn't go quite like I planned. The clothes didn't fit right and when I tried to add whiskers to the cats, the wax chipped. But here I am, in all my glory - finished. Next - I add Dennis!

The Eyes Have it!

2010-09-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

I spent the day yesterday making eye balls! And here is the proof!

Some are manufactured but most are glass bead or fimo and painted.

Art doll only's Traveling Doll Project: Second Annual TDP Final Words Poem

2010-09-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am proud to have been a part of the traveling doll project with Art dolls only. All the dolls are complete and returned to their homes.

Click here

To see the fantastic work by some amazing artists!

Finding my Way Back

2010-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

This doll maker has been in a wild turmoil lately. I have been working for Head Start and loving every bit of it. But state budget cuts eliminated my area of the program and for the last three weeks I have been waiting for the ax to fall. And finally it did.

Yesterday was my three year anniversary with the organization - and my last day. We had to close down the classrooms, pack, etc - and we held our end of the year parent event. It was physically, emotionally and psychologically exhausting. My heart was heavy.

But now I will put one foot in front of the other and move forward. My creativity has suffered and I miss my doll work.

Life throws some unexpected curve balls. But in the unexpected frequently comes new adventures and opportunities - and I am ready for mine.

2010-07-31T19:10:00.001-07:00

After sculpting the doll and cats with paper clay, the doll was painted with encaustic paint. The upper torso, face, hands, legs and feet were done and then left to set overnight.

The eyes were sculpted from transparent fimo and painted with acrylic paints after the encaustic work was done.

The shading and details are done with chalk and soft pastel sticks.

The upper arms are wrapped with self sticking bandage wrap around batting.

The cats were painted with watercolors to ensure compatibility with the encaustic medium. After they were totally dry, they were completely covered with an unpigmented medium.

The hair was glued onto the doll and now, all we need are some clothes!

Self Portrait

2010-07-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a self portrait. I'll be painting the "me" part with encaustic paint. The cats will be painted with water color then covered in encaustic medium. The plan is not to capture the actual me, but more the essence of me - and my cats!

Forest Sprites

2010-07-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

The Sprites have arrived on Etsy!!

First meet Greg. He is in charge of caring for and harvesting the green, leafy vines that all sprites like to wear. Although they don't wear much, no Sprite would be caught without a leaf or two! And it is Greg that sees to it that they have them!

Greg is made of polymer clay with a painted face and laminated dragonfly wings. He sits on a cushion of dry moss and is 4" tall in this seat position.

Greg is the first in a series of Forest Sprites - all ready to come sit on your shelf and give you a chuckle!!

Sy is usually pretty shy. But he just got caught peeking over the mushrooms at the dragonflies - and he got caught!

Sy is 4" tall, but standing on his forest conk makes him 6 1/2"! He is hand sculpted of polymer clay with a painted face. His wings are laminated luna moth wings and his silk leaves were harvest by Greg!

He's one of a kind and loves to bring you smiles!

Stay tuned for more additions to the family!

ADO's TDP - Aiden Comes Home!

2010-07-22T07:53:00.001-07:00

This is what I sent off to North Wales back when the Traveling Doll project started. I had nothing but trouble with my equipment and ended up hand sewing the whole doll!

From North Wales he traveled to Georgia, So. California and Michigan before returning home to me, complete with a wonderful story of dragons and faeries!

Meet Aiden - born of a dragon's egg....

To see more of the work of the team, click on the box on the right and search Team Puppe!

ADO Traveling Doll Project - Rosie Pimlico's final destination!

2010-07-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Rosie Pimlico arrived in Woodburn, Oregon ready for a new adventure! Her and Helen had tea and strawberries while they talked about what they should do.

Rosie said she would like her boots to match her lovely, sparkly skirt - and so they began the boots - Turquoise boots with golden laces!

Helen painted the boots with turquoise paint and trimmed them in gold -

with golden laces!

And then they talked about the weather.

Rosie, now becoming quite familiar with American food, enjoyed a barbequed hamburger,watermelon and a beer!

Sweet Rosie was quite pleased with her boots and she was having a lovely time in Woodburn.

She told Helen, "I don't mean to be ungrateful, but I was promised a lace scarf and a beaded choker."

That very day, Miss Rosie was given a golden lace scarf to match the gold in her boots, and a pearl choker fit for a lady. Rosie was pleased! They celebrated with fresh raspberries and cream.

And so, over a glass of merlot, Miss Rosie and Helen said their goodbyes. It's been a wonderful tour of the United States, but Rosie is ready to go home. She misses Yve.

Good bye Miss Rosie Pimlico. You will be missed.

Off with Their Heads!

2010-07-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

The queen is finally finished.

It took some time - and the encaustic painting took some re-dos, but she is finally ready to make her debut.

The first step was the hair. Which color

and how to fix it? Hmmm

The queen of Hearts should be a red head, of

course!

Then we selected the fabrics and began her dress. All queens need a scepter - and this queen is no exception. The heart is made of paperclay. It is painted an iridescent red then covered with glitter.

Finally it is accented with red swarovski crystals.

Her grown is silver with white rhinestones with golden hearts topped with swarovski crystals.

So please - help me welcome the Queen of Hearts!

Click here to go to the Art Dolls Only blog and view all the artists that participated in this event! There is some amazing work out there!!

The Queen is nearly complete!

2010-07-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today the Queen of Hearts got her hair, dress and crown. She still needs some embellishments, but she is just about finished.

Make sure to come back on July 8th to see her completed!

Follow the link on the right to the ADO Blog Event, the Wonderland Challenge and you'll find links to all the dolls that are a part of the party!!

The Queen of Hearts

2010-07-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

After many re-dos, the queen finally has her face. I discovered that, while encaustic painting is interesting and really creative on a flat surface, it requires skill and understanding of the medium to use it on a three dimensional surface.

The Queen of Hearts has had many layers melted off and redone. There are drips on the back of her head that will fortunately be covered by hair. I learned it must be perfectly cooled and buffed before adding chalk enhancements and painting the features must be done quickly. It cools and you have what you have!

So here she is - encaustic work complete. Come back on July 8 to see the completed Queen of Hearts.

And please make sure you visit the ADO blog to see view all the other Alice in Wonderland pieces created for this event!

http://artdollsonly.blogspot.com/

Encaustic Painting

2010-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

The Queen of Hearts is fully sculpted and dry. I put the encaustic paint on her and it looked OK. Not as smooth as I would have liked, but it would work. Then I buffed it with the wrong kind of fabric - and red besides - Oh no! There are red fibers on her face.

So out with the heat gun and melted it all off. Tomorrow I'll try again.

Working on a 3D surface is very different than a flat surface. I will get it - And it will be magnificent!

Can a Work that is Grotesque or Primitive be Beautiful?

2010-06-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Most of us have an idea of what should be considered aesthetically pleasing. I grew up with an artist father who believed realism was the only correct representation. To be an artist, you had to be able to recreate the scene precisely as the eye saw it. Line, light and balance had to be completely accurate or the work was wrong. But is that all there is to beauty? Does my eye see things exactly the same way as my neighbor? I think not.

I was fascinated with the work of Gregory Grenon (Genon, 2010). My first impression of his work was that it was unpleasant, and yet evocative. I walked away and then returned. His work is recognizable but certainly not a realistic representation, or is it? Is what the eye sees the only truth in a work of art? This question made me think about my own work as a doll artist. What is it about the unusual that evokes such a strong response?

Nicole Johnson (Johnson, 2010) is a unique doll artist. Her work is not what would be considered pretty, and yet it sells. Her concept of pleasing must be shared by others, and yet when we first look at it, it can be disturbing. Yet more and more our media is bringing us the grotesque – Nightmare Before Christmas, Alice in Wonderland, the Corpse Bride and other Goth style art work. Is it for shock value or is there something fascinatingly beautiful about the macabre side of life?

Dolls have been used as playthings and as art throughout history. They were used to represent the human figure, but as an art medium they can explore the human experience, including the dark side. Lisa Lichtenfels was one of the first to challenge what was acceptable and what was not. She advertised her sculpture “Batwoman” (Lichetenfels, 2007) in a doll maker’s magazine. Her ad was highly criticized partly because of the nudity and partly because the subject felt dark to the viewer. Ideas since then have changed tremendously!

Other doll artists that sculpt the macabre are D.L. Marian (Marian, 2010), Shain Erin (Erin, 2009), and Jenny Alcantara (Alcantara, 2010). Jenny Alcantara’s work was featured in and on the cover of Art Doll Quarterly magazine (DeBow, 2010). The work evokes an emotion and curiosity. For me, this is what art is – representing an emotion or evoking a thought – not recreating what is already there.

Folk art dolls do not meet the general consensus of beauty, yet there is an unexpected quality that catches the viewer. What is it that moves us? The primitive forms rarely show the figure as it actually is, but it represents the figure as it seems to be, from the inside. Many primitive cultures used sculptured pieces and dolls as mystical symbols for fertility, health, and abundance. Dolls that do not reflect the physical side of beauty can show the beauty that is in tears and the depth of our emotions.

I have worked hard to sculpt images of the human form that closely resemble the real thing. I grew up believing that was art, and I have failed miserably if that is true. I am drawn to the unusual, the macabre, and the untraditional. The figures that I have created that are most pleasing to me are the beings from other worlds. They represent a place that is secret, a place that requires imagination to enter. My childhood was spent imagining things that could be. I created imaginary friends that only I could see or hear and a world of my own making. This world allowed me to see things as I understood them and could not explain. My art dolls live in this world.

I am inspired by boldness. When someone is able to step out of what is expected and be authentic to whom they are, I am in awe. I aspire to be that bold. For this reason I choose to create beings that tap into my deepest imaginings. I am drawn to the unusual and am convinced that nothing is really as it seems. There are those who understand my vision and those who clearly cannot. At times I am concerned with doing what is expected, until I realize that what is expected is what I place on myself.

Whenever we step out of the realm of what is considered normal, there is a risk. Will people understand the intent? Will they see the beauty in the unearthly images or will they turn away in disgust? I remember the first time I heard someone announce that one of my dolls was ugly. At first I was offended, and then I looked at it again. This baby doll was a bit ugly, but for me she represented a step out of my normal realm. I created her from paper and wax, a whole new medium. She was far from perfect, but I thought she was amazing. She still watches me as I work.

It is always a frightening prospect to bare your soul and be rejected. And yet it is a powerful affirmation when there is acceptance. The first dolls I sold, a jar of homely little sprites, made me excited and sad. There was a part of me in that jar. I had let those little creatures out of my imagination and then allowed someone else to take them away. I was pleased with the sale, and sad for the loss. But they also represented a new beginning. My work had been accepted.

No relation to Mr.Peanut.....

2010-06-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wow - got the arms and head to stay in place! That was quite a feat. The arms did not want to stay in the socket and the head, well, she is the Queen of Hearts.

As she stand, drying at the hips, shoulders and neck, I am preparing for the final sculpt. Her legs will be attached more securely and she'll get some ears. By Saturday, we should be ready to begin painting. I'm really excited. She's not so sure, but then, she hasn't been all that cooperative yet!

I know she resembles Mr. Peanut a bit, be they really are not related.

My work space

2010-06-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

My studio is a huge bedroom in my house. One wall has deep shelves and next to that is my computer area. I don't use the desk top much anymore except to load and print pictures.

The next wall is a long table with a tall shelf that houses beads, tins with projects in progress, paints, brushes and a myriad of other items.

Follow that wall around the corner to the sewing machine and finally a futon to sit on with a closet full of shelves behind it.

Its a cozy place to be and inspiring to me.........when its clean anyway.

Off with Her Head!

2010-06-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oh No!! The queen was sitting on the table drying quite nicely until the crazy kitten decided they should play - now it's not only off with her head, but off with her arms too!! Time for repairs. I will get to the painting part - I will!!!

Encaustic Queen of Hearts

2010-06-22T18:07:00.001-07:00

Trying to get this lady's arms on has been crazy! I've glued the armature into the shoulders and it just doesn't want to dry!

Then her nose fell off - guess I didn't put that on very well! So here she lays while I wait for things to dry. Her legs are quite dry and cooperative, but they are last to go on!

Once the arms dry and I can manipulate them some, I'll cover the shoulders and add her ears. From there the legs will go on.

And when she is finally dry, the cracks will get filled in and her eyes shaped a little better - and finally, a light sanding.

And then the painting - the part I'm really excited about!

So while I wait, I played with a journal page using the encaustic paints, markers and chalk. I keep a journal of the dolls I make - whether they get finished or not. There are sketches and fabric swatches, ideas and remarks. A chronical of the journey .

And then I wait.......

creating the face and body

2010-06-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

The ADO quarterly challenge is Alice in Wonderland. I'll use that doll for my first use of the encaustic painting. And so begins the Queen of Hearts.

First order of business is the head. I start with a styrofoam egg and shape it by cutting away portions. Glass eyes are imbedded into the "skull". The entire head is covered with paper clay, eyelids and a nose are formed and then the surface is smoothed.

Next to do is a mouth. The upper lip is attached and shaped, then the lower lip is added. The lip itself is smoothed into the face. Now it needs to dry a bit.

The body is shaped from a styrofoam egg as well, a slightly larger egg. A stick is inserted at the neck and the back of the skull and more paperclay is wrapped to finish the head and body.

Legs are formed from stick and small styrofoam egg halves. They'll need to dry a bit before they can be attached. I have also shaped the hands up to the wrists.

After it has dried a little, the ears will be added. The arms will be built on an armature and attached at the same time as the legs.

Drying time will take a few days, and then the painting begins!

Which Base Medium?

2010-06-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

The colors aren't quite right yet, but this is the base medium experiment. Which took the paint the best - A or B ? What do you think?

ADO Traveling Doll project

2010-06-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Nadia arrived in Woodburn beautiful, but naked. Since the only thing left was to dress her, the question was, how much? She still has one more stop after Oregon. So, lets figure out what to wear?

Once the decision was made, we got busy with the pink satin ballet top with beads around the neckline. But we had to deal with the dancing legs! Yikes, one fell off!

We fixed all that and now off to North Wales. It was fun while it lasted.

Encaustic Painting

2010-06-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

I have discovered encaustic painting! During one of my Arts Informed Inquiry classes we were invited by Kimberly Kent to learn her art. Her sister was one of the students and she graciously welcomed us into her studio.

Encaustic painting is done with bees wax that is mixed with demar resin. Pigment is added and the painting begins. Each layer has to be "bonded" with heat. My first painting was an ocean sunset. I really got into it! Not the greatest photo, but here's my first masterpiece!

The second was layering the encaustic medium over a collage. As I was assembling I began thinking, how would this work on a doll? I quizzed Kim about bases and types of paints and pigments. And I immediately began gathering the "stuff".

I now have everything except the heating plate to keep the wax hot. But I'll have that tomorrow!

Now, what to build the doll with? I have the new light weight sculpy, which works exactly like regular sculpy but is stark white and extremely lightweight. My other option is paperclay. Tonight I made semi "faces" to test the mediums. After I decide which works best, I'll sculpt the doll and give it a shot.

Are you ready to follow along? Come back on Friday for more!

ADO Traveling Doll Project

2010-05-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

The next doll to arrive in Woodburn was Rayne. She went to the beach with me while I discussed with her what I should do. She had already announced she wanted to be a rock star. I have her arms with a big diamond ring and legs with cool black boots. And off to North Wales to visit Yve.

ADO Traveling Doll Project

2010-05-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

The next doll I received was Serendipity. A cloth doll with an unstuffed head pinned to the body. I saw a dancer in this doll. She seemed like she would have liked to belong to the Cirque de Soliel. I gave her a head, face and hair - then sent her off to Yve in North Wales.

We miss you Biz

2010-04-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful bobcat Bismark lost his battle with bowel cancer.

Forever in our hearts.
Goodbye old friend.

ADO Traveling Doll Project- Aiden

2010-02-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

I've joined Art Dolls Only - Traveling Doll Project - and I feel like I'm out of my league. There are some absolutely amazing artists in this group. I've been working on the design of my doll for two weeks- in between homework, meetings, extra classes and medical crisis with my husband. I finally had a whole weekend to dedicate to my creation - I was motivated!

I made the journal from scratch and was pretty pleased with the outcome!

The original intent was to name this little doll Murel - Irish for "knows the sea" so I used some great handmade paper I found at the beach on the cover. It has a seahorse that fit perfectly.

But my little doll had other plans. After I completed the journal I set out to create. Pattern drawn, I went to my sewing machine. After two broken needles and multiple jammings, I decided this was not going to work. I got out the old treadle machine, but after 150 years of faithful service, it froze.

OK - now what? I got out the needle and thread and sewed this baby the old fashioned way - by hand!

I got her all sewn and cut and ready to turn.

After some struggles with stuffing, I realized, the head was not going to work! I had to make a new one. I played and stuffed, sewed and re-sewed, until, I finally reached success.

But because of the problems she gave me, her name is now Aiden, meaning "little fire". She certainly gave me a run for my money! I hope she's gentler to the next person who will be working on her!

The Bob Lives on!

2009-11-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

In previous post I spoke of our sadness in saying goodbye to our old bobcat - But he has proven cats do have nine lives! He has recovered and is back to his old self! He gets into trouble, runs around like a kitten and seems to be back in good health! Thanks to all who kept us in their thoughts and prayers!

The Body Count

2009-11-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

What does a dollmaker do when there is so little time? She starts lots of dolls! First the faces are made, then the body. The face starts tell me who this being is. He or she? Sophisticated or primative? The sculptured pieces are baked in the oven - so any unsuspecting guests are exposed to "the body count"!

2009-10-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

How does one create time? Time is fading, it is elusive, it is sometimes far beyond our reach. Try as I may, I can't seem to make the time stretch or increase, or even cooperate with my needs. So how does one create?

Organize, organize, organize - but that takes time. If I spend time organizing, will I have time to do? To create? Is time constant or does it vary? And as we age, why does it seem to be more fleeting?

Judy Collins once sang a song - Who knows where the time goes - Can anyone answer that question? I don't know where it goes, but it certainly goes somewhere!

So now I will go and ponder these questions. If I am lucky, I'll find the answer and my muse will return. The half baked creations will again come to life - and time will again be "on my side", as Mick Jagger so solidly declared.

Hard to be Creative

2009-08-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

It's been really hard to get into my creative mode. There are three creations waiting to be given life and I can't seem to get myself motivated.

The last two weeks have been wrought with sadness, hope and then sadness. If you're not an animal person, you probably won't understand. We've had a wonderful half bobcat for 12 years. He's been our friend and a part of our family, and he's sick.

At first they thought he could be fixed. We've given him so many drugs and blood tests - and all for naught. It appears he has cancer and is leaving us. Not sure when, but soon.

My heart is breaking and my creativity is on hold. Anyone reading, please hold us in your thoughts and prayers and know, it is appreciated.

He's the one in the front.

Negative Energy

2009-07-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm struggling with friendships that create negative energy. Our lives are so filled with problems and worries, why do we pursue friendships that only feed into an already stressful environment? If I get inspired to create, it's never because I've just listened to a bitch session about how mean so and so is and why do people act like that? It's these moments that suck all the positive energy from our spirit. How can you create when the only thing swirling around in your mind is negative and ugly?

So I have decided I no longer need that negative essence in my life. I want to surround myself with positive forces, sparkling vitality that permeates my deepest conscience!

And when I so much as ponder on this new wave of intentional zest, I am inspired! The beings I ponder come to life and new creations take form. I am ready to move again!

Positive excitement, bright sunshine in my soul and my mind is once again fertile ground!!

The making of Margie

2009-07-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

I imagined this old lady, ready to go for her morning swim. I bought the fabric and sat and sewed every stitch by hand. Not having a sewing machine with me, that was all there was. It was relaxing and fun.

Although she isn't Maude - and she still needs her bag and towel, Margie is just about ready.

Once she is complete, we'll visit awhile, get to know one another, and then she goes on Etsy!

What a wonderful thing a vacation is!!

Summer Time - and the living is.......

2009-07-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Great song.. summer time, and the living is easy...Too bad it isn't always true. Struggling to pay bills and not knowing where the next batch of cash is coming from can be quite stressful. Having to deal with issues at work that sting and pull and push and slap only add to the turmoil.

And then there is vacation. Thanks to dad, I'm in California visiting him. The weather is warm and I got a nice sunburn - and the summer cold is almost over - but I'm loving it! I very intentionally left my worries at home. I did what I could before I left and the rest can simply wait. It is liberating!

As I lay floating in the pool, a pool that is part of the retirement community, I watch the blue sky with fluffy white clouds and the palm trees with fronds that spread like a feathery green umbrella. I floated on my back with my ears in the water and I all heard was the steady beat of my heart.

And my mind came back to life!

I envisioned Maude - dressed in her bathing suit and cover up with grey curls under her big hat. Her eyes hidden by the big sunglasses. She had her towel and water noodle and kept her feet cool in rubber sandals with flowers on the toes.

I don't know if she'll be Maude when I finish - she may tell me I got her name all wrong!

All I know is - the muse is Back!!

Blog Blocked!

2009-05-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Not making a living on my dolls, I find making a living often interferes with my dolls. My husband is recently on disablility - for how long we don't know - and the claim has not yet been approved - and I have a demanding job that doesn't pay enough to cover everything - hence stress. You would think this is the time I would emerse myself in creativity, get the kinks out of my mind and let me soul run free. But I don't. I sit and wallow and wonder why nothing is moving forward.

I've also discovered that when I journal, be it here or in my book, my mind is freed of clutter and I get excited about working with my art. But life creates a blog block. What do I write? Do other people really want to read what I write? Should I care if they want to read it? Hmmm.....

Well, in making myself get onto my page, put in photos and meet new friends I have come to several conclusions.

First- I need to just move! Create random writings that clear the clutter and free the imagination. I promise myself to blog at least four times a week - here, at my blog AND in my private book! (sorry folks, somethings are just not meant to be read!)
Second - Maybe others out there are blog blocked and having life crisis and hearing about someone else just might give them the freeing conclusion to just move! Maybe my random writings can help someone!
Third - Am very lucky to have the life I have and the friends that are in my life. So many times we get caught up in the "making a living" we simply forget to be living!

Happy to be Alive!

Babes in a Box

2009-05-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

My muse is back! I started the paper dolls a few days ago and have had no interest in finishing them. I had some thoughts, but no excitement or motivation. Last night I filled my tray with goodies, the dolls, a glass of iced tea and off I went to relax on my bed with my "stuff". Once I got started on the faces, I was hooked. I set pieces off to the side to dry and could hardly wait to move to the next step! I was relaxed and unhurried. My worries of the day seemed to fade away. I was content - and happy. I can't wait until tomorrow to present the "Babes in a Box" to my sister - and I have ideas for more!!

And so it Begins.....

2009-05-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Everything has a beginning. I find myself in a time where circumstances are trying to quelch my passions. I have been allowing them to flow into my world and take over. Well, no more! This is a new beginning. Circumstances cannot be controlled. I do what I can and then I need to let go.

I got home yesterday with circumstances swimming in my brain. What will we do? Where will the money come from? And then, my husband reminded me of the celebration we had ahead. Twenty five years of marriage. The ups and downs, the lulls and the soarings, twenty five years of friendship and passion. We shared some champagne, talked about the past and the future and came to the conclusion, no matter what the future brings, we have everything we need. Our life is good.

The joy gave way to relief. I didn't have to worry any more! No matter what, we have what we need. The rest of the evening was spent with comfort, peace and the awakening of my muse!

I have my sister saturday in five days. I started the paper doll I had been thinking about in the days before, and then scrapped the whole idea! I've attached the prelimary work on the box of babes! I saw the idea in a Paper Doll book, was going to copy their idea, but decided I wanted to make them my own art!

And so it begins a new phase in my own development - a new morning - bring on the muse!!

Dollmaker Time

2009-05-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

As a full time child care administrator with a newly retired husband, time for creativity and private time seems scarce these days! This morning I got up early to write in my journal quietly in my studio - and in comes Dennis. "Do you want the light on" - "Did you know....". After 15 minutes I gave up.

My sister and I have a "Sister Saturday" every month. We exchange paper dolls with each other as a way to stretch our creativity and indulge in our passion. I got home last night ready to play, excited with the ideas bouncing in my head, only to meet with the lonely man looking for company!

How do others do it? It used to be so easy. I had energy and enthusiasm. My muse seeems to have taken a vacation!

I'll be taking my "artist's date" this week as a walk in the park, alone, with my sketch pad and my camera. I may stay awhile. I may take a nap or see if the clouds have become something new. I may just sit and wait for my muse to return. I may just stay.

Brand New Day

2009-05-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

It's a brand new day and a brand new blog. Although I've never blogged before, but there is no time like the present!

I am a dollmaker. I make dolls that don't look like dolls. They are not toys. Each one has it's own persona and takes into itself a little bit of my soul. We communicate and exchange thoughts and words as the creation leaves my hands and takes it's own form. And when it's finished, it refills that portion of me it has taken with a sense of wonder and excitement and sends me off to a new quest, to discover another creation to share my soul.

As I embark on this new adventure, I'll be sharing my thoughts and musings. As each new creation comes into being, I'll post photos and inspirations. My hope is to inspire others to find their own creative souls and to connect with them and others like them.

And so it begins....