Little Bit Wired

Finally...

2012-02-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

I finally got back in the studio this weekend. It's been a kind of blue winter for me, not inspired enough to get in and do something.

When I got Adele's newsletter a while back I was flabbergated at Vickie Arentz' Swan Lake, well in fact with all her ballerinas and her tutu's were so gorgeous!!

Vickie shows us how to make her tutu's in Adele's newsletter and I've been so intrigued. I have never made a ballerina before and I wanted to try this! Since I haven't been inspired at all this year and my sculpts haven't worked for me either. I decided to try it on a cloth doll.
I found a pattern in Patti Medaris Culea's book, Creative Cloth Doll Couture that I had been wanting to try. More for the knee joints than anything. So I thought why not try it for this Ballerina I wanted to try out.

SO I started the doll. I'm not too fond of the head. For the ballerina I had in mind I wanted a more narrow face. I loved the fingers though, and once wired, found them to be very expressive. Just what you want in a ballerina. Her body is a little thicker than I'd want and her feet will need to be really squeezed into some point shoes but I'm going to go with it for now.

The next day I took on the costume. An body suit in black satin, and then onto lots and lots of pleating for the tutu. I only had enough for four layers of tutu in the teal blue... back to the stash box for more ideas.

Although I have started the rest of the costume, I'm going to go back to the sewing table for a new head and more pleating before I show you more.

Hope you're enjoying? Please visit the links above to download Adele's newsletter and see Vickie's wonderful Swan Lake art doll on etsy!!! Stunning! Really! It will take your breath!!

New to my shop!

2012-01-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me you love to have a little collection to choose from when you need a stitch marker for your latest knitting project. Because of this insanity I am offering my stitch markers for sale in my etsy shop in pairs rather than a larger number. After all sometimes it's all in the variety!!
925 Silver plated rings fun charms.

Receive two markers. Not four not six. only two.... feed the need to collect all kinds!! More to come... my camera ran out of juice!

New Year, slow start

2012-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

I has some unsuccessful or false starts with my recent projects. Tall and thin wasn't working, she broke on New Years eve. Fell of the table... I think she was doing some extreme dancing or something. The next day I started another. He's turning out to be a wizard.
He's not finished yet, I was still having trouble being motivated. So I had some fun with him.

After seeing the Maxwell house affirmation girl from my earlier post I got up in the morning and decided to sort out and reorganize something things in my studio. I had wanted to move my fabrics into the room. I had them stored in a cupboard in my bedroom so it was just a matter of moving things around again so I could make it fit and make sense.

I still have a bunch of sorting and purging to do but it's cleansing and decluttering always makes me want to create. Maybe my wizard and tall girl will make it back onto the sculpting board again soon!

Motivation...

2012-01-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Starting back in the studio again...

2012-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

I started working in the studio again. Thinking tall thin doll...

I can't remember how many times I scraped the face off and started over. I wanted something simple like my paper clay dolls. After numerous attempts I ended up with this demon like head. That was not the direction I wanted but oh well... I set the head in the oven and will use it another time.

I tried a simpler featured head.
And then I went to my mom's to celebrate New Year's Eve with a couple competitive games of Spite and Malice and some treats as we watched a movie and waited for the ball drop. We never made it to the Ball Drop both of us were tired. I came home and found out that my doll must have had a party of her own. She was on the floor with her knees all bent and broken... I guess now is not her time.

So I straightened her legs and whimpered at her poor brokeness and then cuddled on the couch with my kitty and watched the drop before nodding off. Out with the old.
And in with the new!

So this morning I thought it was going to be a short and squat day. I had a little guy in my head that wanted out. So I began again. I made a head that really didn't look like the one in my head, but I decided to go with the flow.

Then I decided to start a squat little body. I used a stick support while I got his balance right. Taped up a foil ball, added a wire through his body for legs, taped some super strong cardboard to the foot wires and taped it up. Hockey tape is my tape of choice.

I tried his head on for size (hee, hee) and started adding clay to his feet and legs.

Not sure exactly what he wants to be yet... I'll let him stand around arm less for a while and see what comes to me.

Happy New Year everyone, be sure to make your creative endeavours happy experiments. I believe there is a plan, it will reveal itself when it's ready. I'll just be sure to be open and jump in with both feet and bells on!

Bring it on 2012!

Making Christmas Past a part of Christmas Present

2011-12-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time to post . My works lately have been all about creating my Christmas gifts and I didn't want to give away all my secrets.
I must admit I'm not much of a baker. Not that I'm sure I couldn't do it but the only flour I have in my cupboards is for paper mache. Sad I know. I am grateful everyday, that my mom lives a few floors above me. She cooks dinner for me almost everyday. I get to visit and we shop for groceries together. She says she eats better when she cooks for someone and hey I can't complain.She has someone to visit her everyday and I'm grateful for the time I have with her. My dad died over 25 years ago but Christmas is still especially difficult for her.
At 82 she finds her sisters, friends and family passing on and each year she grieves. At Christmas she still tries to capture the very special Christmas' we had. I wish I could do more to capture those things in our Christmas Present. This year she baked and I decorated. We listened to our favourite Christmas tunes, argued about the best way to decorate and she supervised each sprinkle or daub of icing.
I'll share these moments that are very special to me and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Try to make a little of Christmas Past present in your Christmas this year!

Cheers!

Last Posting on the Magical Blog Hop

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Ah, here we are at the end of the Magical Holiday Blog Hop! Be sure and stop bye and tell Katie Cahill's blog for a last word on the tour!

Be sure and stop by and give my Magical Holiday Treasury some love!

Meet a Pink Dreamer on our Magical Holiday Blog Hop

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love my next feature artist PinkDreamer's Art Journaling Kit.

Her art journaling kit-a handmade mixed media fabric blank journal and lots of vintage paper supplies!

all the stuff you need to start art journaling!!! simply add your paints and your imagination and...start creating!!!

the kit includes: one blank journal (with my mixed media art print on or whatever else you might like) with 120 pages of fine quality paper and lots of paper supplies-vintage and modern!

size of the fabric journal: 17x24cm

Her etsy shop eltsamp is full of creative mixed media supplies and projects.

And althugh my translator wasn't working I enjoyed a lovely wander through her blog. Be sure and take a peek!

Magical Holiday Hop: Meet Sharon Rowland

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Bird Rose Bottle Cap Necklace, by Sharon Rowland of Alice's Secret Door.

Sharon Rowland's etsy shop with it's whimsical name, Alice's Secret Door promises wonderful misterious trinkets and it really delivers! Sharon is up next on the Magical Holiday Hop.

She as been have been crafting my whole life. As a young girl she loved to cut little pieces of paper out and create little paper dolls and animals. She says, "As I got in to my teens I began to make beaded jewelry. I enjoyed being able to create earrings that suited my style. Later in college I discovered clay." Today she still enjoys creating jewelry. Especially out of found objects such as bottle caps. "I have always collected little objects that I found in the street or in the woods." She admits she's like a little magpie filling her nest.

Be sure and visit her blog to see her favourites on this Magical Blog Hop!

Magical Holiday Blog Hop continues: Meet Angela Giovanni

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Exile, 8-1/2 x 11" Print by Angela DiGiovanni

Anglea DiGiovanni is next up on the magical blog hop. Angela generally uses acrylic paint, stabilo marks art pencils, gesso, watercolor pencils and even scrapbook papers in her work. See more of her work including my favourite "Exile" print from her etsy shop.

Be sure and stop by her blog, where she lives outloud! and see her favourite picks on the tour. Be sure to grab a cup of tea and see wome of her new work and earlier posts too!

In her own words she is: smart, shy, creative, unorganized, a deep feeler, the last child of 4, A knitter, a bookworm, newbie photographer, and mixed media artist. An entrepreneur. A business owner. A survivor.
A wannabe mother, farmer, and home schooler. I like troll dolls and melancholy music. My dog’s name is Woofie. My husband adores me. Blessed… ".

Magical Holiday Blog Hop : Today's The Day!

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the Day, 12x12" print by Sunshine Barlowe

I'm lucky to be included with such a wonderully gifted group of artists in this Holiday Hop! It's a departure for me as I'm usually involved in Art Doll Collections. So this was a real treat. I've learned alot about the gift we have in being able to use our imagnations and experimenting without fear.

You can see my favourites from this tour here. Please click, click , click away and show them some love!

I'd also like to introduce you to Sunshine Barlowe. She is tomorrows feature artist and responsible for the image at the top of this blo posting. A look through her etsy shop reminded I promised to be greatful for one little thing everyday. Today I'm greatful for being being able to feature her work in this post! Sunshine's mixed media piece entitled Gratitude is shown here on right.

I asked Sun a couple of odd questions to get to know her better.

Q: What are you afraid of?
A: I am afraid of losing people I love.

Q:. If you could be another person for a day who would you be?
A: I have never been asked this in my entire life.. so, this was a hard one. I would probably have to say: Bono (even though he's a dude).

Q: Describe this person in one word.
A: Charitable

Q: What's your worst enemy?
A: Laundry !!

Q: What is your mood in one word?
A: Outgoing

Q. Something you're not wearing?
A: Earrings

Q: What's on the top of your wish list this Christmas?
A: I'm ready to join the revolution and I want an iphone.

Q: What is your favourite place to eat?
A: My favorite place to eat is Thai or anywhere that serves Tapas.

Q: Something that you are not?
A: I am not necessarily the most organized person in the world. For sure.

Q: Your least favourite colour?
A: Pink is my least favorite color. Good thing I don't have girls :)

Q: Your favourite food?
A: Thai, Mexican, or just salad!

Q: Where were you last night?
A: Snuggled up on my couch with my family watching a movie

Q: What do you hoard?
A: I probably have too many Chuck Taylor's

Q: How long have you been doing what you do?
A: I've been creating my whole life but, I chose to SELL my art in 2008!

Q: What drive you?
A: I love to blog hop myself! It always inspires me to find other creative people doing what they love. Music is another thing that drives me... I am never in my studio without something blaring..and I am usually inspired by nice weather.. I love to open my studio doors and paint!

From her profile I've learned, lives and works in Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
She says, "I am passionate about color, music, traveling, and the written word. When I discovered my love of pasting, cutting, doodling, drawing and paint ... my world opened in big ways. I'm so excited to be at a place where I'm ready to share my art."

Sunshine is next up on the Magical Holiday Blog Hop and she invites you to enter her world and take a peek at what inspires her! http://www.sunshinebarlowe.com/

Can't Beleive it's only 3 weeks to Christmas!

2011-12-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

I've been crazy busy knitting up some orders for Cowls and headwarmers and mittens for co-workers and can't beleive it crept on me so fast! I was at the library this morning and when they said the books were due Dec. 24th I thought WOW already?

Headwarmers

I have my own gifts to finish making, orders to finish and sold items to ship. It's been a mad rush and I wouldn't miss a second of the craziness that is Christmas! For now though I'll have to leave my knitting aside and get ready for my first Christmas Party of the season!
Time flies! Are you ready?

I'm still offering a 20% discount in both my etsy shops. Just use BFCM20 at checkout and I'll get your package in the mail the next day! Lots of jewelery, shawl pins, scarves, headwarmers, ornaments and puppets and dolls or my!

Sam the Snowman

Leaf Shawl Pin

Cheers! Happy Shopping!

Visit Casa Cantamar

2011-12-02T03:09:00.000-08:00

Tracey Verdugo of CasaCantamar is a must see on this Magical Holiday Blog Hop! Her etsy shop is full of vibrant paintings, prints and pendants are not to be missed.

Tracey is a singer, creator, teacher, mom, wife and quite possibly the most positive person I have ever met... (virtually speaking of course!) You must vist her blog Heartfelt Musings for a glimpse into her wonderful world!

Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today's feature artist on the Magical Holiday Blog Hop is Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. This is not the first time I've come across Alicia's work but I wanted to share one of her Altererd Bits with you.

She is a mixed media artist, web designer, mama and hoarder of cool little tidbits that she used in her altered books, shrines, assemblages, collages and other art projects.

Of course you can see it yourself in her etsy shop along with so many other wonderful pieces.

Be sure and stop by her wonderful blog to see her favourite picks from the Magical Holiday Blog Hop as weel as some wonderful images in her gallery. She offers tutorials too! SO grab a cup of tea and sit down and enjoy her magical shop!

Don't forget! Final shopping dates for Christmas deadline are quickly approaching! Be sure to stop by my shops and

Enjoy 20% saving at check out with coupon code: BFCM20

Puppets, Art Dolls and Ornaments

Jewellery, Scarf Pins, Headwarmers and scarves and More!

And just in case you missed something here's the schedule for the blog hop once again so you can go back and see what you may have missed!

Magical Holiday Blog Hop Schedule

November 25th – Katie Cahill
Blog:http://katiecahillart.wordpress.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieCahill

November 26th – Wini Dougall
Blog: http://www.artloveandjoy.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/artlovejoy

November 27th – Nolwenn Petibois
Blog: http://www.inner-voices.net/
Etsy Shop: http://InnerWorlds.etsy.com/

November 28th – Kristi Parker VanDoren
Blog: http://kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BKDesignStudio

November 29th – Emily Cline
Blog: www.emilyclineart.com
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/RubyShea

November 30th – Jennifer McGee Urbanek
Blog: http://urbanekdesign.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyArtistWithin

December 1st – Alicia Caudle
Blog: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/digit13

December 2nd – Tracey Verdugo
Blog: http://artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CasaCantamar

December 3rd – Nancy Perennec
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancyperennec
Blog: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com

December 4th – Sun B Lewis
Blog: www.sunshinebarlowe.com
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunblewis

December 5th – Angela DiGiovanni Kemp
Blog: http://AngelaDiGiovanni.com/
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelaDiGiovanni

December 6th – Sharon Rowland
Blog: www.alicessecretdoor.com
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlicesSecretDoor

December 7th – El Tsamp
Blog: http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/eltsamp

December 8th – Katie Cahill
Blog: http://katiecahillart.wordpress.com/

Beautiful Whimsical Cards and Illustrations from Jennifer Urbanek

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Urbanek is the next stop on our Magical Holiday Blog Hop.

Her etsy shop is filled with colourful whimsical cards and paintings. I love getting greeting cards in the mail. Oddly enough we don't see enough of these kinds of correspondence anymore.
There is nothing like getting a note from a dear friend by snail mail!

I love faeries so this card set is one of my favourites from her shop.

Be sure and stop by Jennifer's blog to find her favourites on the tour!

Collage work of Emily Cline

2011-11-29T03:46:00.000-08:00

Today's stop on the Magical Holiday Hop is with Emily Cline
Blog: www.emilyclineart.com
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/RubyShea

Emily's etsy shop features wonderful prints of here collage work like this image of her Coffee Shop Buddha.
Really wonderful!

Stop by her blog to read her story and her favourites from the wonderful group of artists on this hop!

I have decided to continue with my 20% off coupon code through this blog hop so be sure and visit my etsy shop www.littlebitwired.etsy.com or www.nancyperennec.etsy.com and
Save big on some Jewellery, Accessories, puppets, patterns, One of a kind Christmas Ornaments and art dolls!
Coupon Code: BFCM20

Black Friday - THE SALE Continues through Cyber Monday!

2011-11-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Since I don't plan on hitting the stores myself this year but I still want all the excitement a great sale brings I'm offering

20% off sale on anything in either of my two shops with this coupon code: BFCM20

Use it in either of my etsy shops during checkout to have 20% taken off your total sale!!

It works already discounted items too! Better than Michaels... well almost!'

Offer expires: Nov. 28th, 2011 10pm

For My Jewellery and Accessories Shop

For my Art Dolls and Puppets Shop

Next stop on the tour!

2011-11-26T14:28:00.000-08:00

Today's stop on the Magical Blog Hop is with Wini and her blog Art, Love & Joy. Please stop by, she's running a contest as well as posting her favourites on the tour.

Wini's also opened a new etsy shop!

Magical Holiday Blog Hop Begins Today!

2011-11-25T04:48:00.000-08:00

A magical tour of some wonderfully creative blogs, and a look at some of the favourite items in their etsy shops begins today with Katie Cahill. Grab a cup of your favourite beverage and sit back to read and peek into the shops and lives of some wonderful artists. Visit Katie's blog and read her first post on the Magical Tour.

Here's the Magical Blog Hop schedule of events, be sure and stop by their beautiful shops and see what sales they might have to offer this holiday weekend!

Magical Holiday Blog Hop Schedule
November 25^th – Katie Cahill
Blog:http://katiecahillart.wordpress.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieCahill

November 26^th – Wini Dougall
Blog: http://www.artloveandjoy.blogspot.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/artlovejoy

November 27^th – Nolwenn Petibois Blog: http://www.inner-voices.net/ Etsy Shop: http://InnerWorlds.etsy.com/

November 28^th – Kristi Parker VanDoren
Blog: http://kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BKDesignStudio

November 29^th – Emily Cline
Blog: www.emilyclineart.com Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/RubyShea

November 30^th – Jennifer McGee Urbanek
Blog: http://urbanekdesign.blogspot.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyArtistWithin

December 1^st – Alicia Caudle
Blog: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/digit13

December 2^nd – Tracey Verdugo
Blog: http://artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CasaCantamar

December 3^rd – Nancy Perennec
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nancyperennec Blog: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com

December 4^th – Sun B Lewis
Blog: www.sunshinebarlowe.com Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sunblewis

December 5^th – Angela DiGiovanni Kemp
Blog: http://AngelaDiGiovanni.com/ Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelaDiGiovanni

December 6^th – Sharon Rowland
Blog: www.alicessecretdoor.com Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlicesSecretDoor

December 7^th – El Tsamp
Blog: http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/eltsamp

December 8^th – Katie Cahill
Blog: http://katiecahillart.wordpress.com/

Coming Soon!

2011-11-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

I've signed up for another blog hop, the perfect season and some wonderful new artists to feature! Stay tuned!

Featured Artist

2011-10-28T04:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was featured artist on the Art Dolls Only Blog. Come over and read my story.

GHOSTS HAUNT THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

2011-10-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

I ran into someone in my elevator this morning who told me they went on a tour of the Exhibition last night to learn about the hauntings. I was amazed, I had no idea the place was haunted. I'll have to try to get down there to check it out myself.
This is an excerpt from a blog post I found.
"The Canadian National Exhibition is notorious for giving people thrills on the midway, but now they’re also sending chills down their spines.
A paranormal research team spent 13 months investigating eight buildings on the grounds and found 24 ghosts recorded on electronic voice phenomenon (EVP). One of the most haunted buildings at the EX is Stanley Barracks, right across from the Direct Energy Centre.
“There were two men in the basement, one was named Bob and the other Dave,” researcher Richard Palmisano, who published Ghosts of the Canadian National Exhibition this year, said. “They were here when this was social housing and they did things that weren’t very good to other people.
“One of our medians was attacked with scratches down her back,” he said. “These are the risks we take.” To read more on the ghosts there and what they do read more here: Haunted Earth`s Ghost World: GHOSTS HAUNT THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

Are there hauntings in your town? I'd love to hear about them.

Needle Felted WIPs

2011-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

My Needle Felting friend Jolene Klassen promised me more WIP pics of some of her work so I can show it off on my blog.

She writes:
"Christmas tree ornaments have been whirling around me for a while. Mittens!
Teddy Bears! Gingerbread cookies! Angels!
What's special about these ornaments, if there are toddlers in the house, needle felted ornaments can fall from the tree and they won't break! Of course they are not toys.

Franklin the Clown - Franklin is my tag for a few of my dolls until I get to

know them, ;) he may become Lippy Later

...and Murphy the Monkey, a wanna-be sock monkey."

I think Jolene's a fabulous needle felter. I wish she was a couple thousand miles closer so I can get her to show me how she does it in person! Thanks for sharing Jolene!

ADO Ezine is out! and it's fabulous!!

2011-10-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

I was expecting this launch at the end of September but couldn't find a link until this morning! I'm so excited! It's gorgeous!

See the ADO Ezine

We're sorry, your browser doesn't support IFrames. You can still <a href="http://free.yudu.com/item/details/411967/Much-ADO?refid=123021">visit this item.</a>, however.
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My latest hand puppet Goarson Loves his horns

2011-10-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is my latest puppet, I still need to sew his arms on, but I'm off to enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner with the family.

More Puppet Making

2011-10-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have some renewed interest in my puppet pattern and almost all the puppets have been bought up from my shop. So I thought it would be fun to post another work in progress as I work to restock my shop along with a puppet tutorial I posted a while back.
You can purchase my puppet pattern here if you want to play along. I'll send it by email if you purchase it so it can be with you in minutes.

I'm making a red monster here. I think.
So far this is as far as I've gotten. I hope to continue with him today. Here is his so far.

And I've changed my pattern and instructions from that of this original tutorial, but generally this is how I make them. Click on each photo to make it larger.

New Pieces Hot off the pliers

2011-09-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've been creating some new jewellery to freshen up my shop, found some great vintage pieces this summer at estate sales that were dying for a makeover.

I also realized, when I was sorting through my shop, that I had sold all my copper and silver linked bracelets so I made a few new pieces.

It's been a beautiful weekend so I tried to get outside a bit too. I went to a movie with Mom and Sis last night. Have you seen Sarah's Key? I read the book a few months ago and had no idea they made a movie about it until my sister suggested it. I loved the movie... I had no idea that went on in France during the war.

I also traded a wicker bookcase for a dvd storage unit with my mom. I'm using the video storage piece for my paints and ribbons! Good idea huh? Fits perfectly under my long narrow desk.

What is it with Fall

2011-09-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

I don't understand why it is that as the summer weather starts to wind down or should I say chill down that I find myself with the urge to pick up my yarns and needles again!
I mean most days it's still hot and sticky and the thought of hairy yarns on my lap makes me shudder but I do sort through my yarns and get them all organized and am usually inspired to create something new.

I learned to crochet a few months back so have been practising that usually with cotton but I made a monkey and lamb hat a few weeks ago. And after a sort and clean up of my yarn truck I was inspired to make this wonderful neckwarmer, scarf wrap. I never know what to call these things... they are so soft and warm and with the addition of some felted wool flowers truly wonderful!!
I couldn't help myself... I posted it in my shop and am making another one just for me!

This is my friend Kate modelling. Kate's a co-worker or should I say traitor. She's leaving our office to follow her career path and grow. Good for her, but I'll miss her like crazy and not just for the modelling!

Finally... More on Sam the Snowman

2011-09-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

I'd been making Christmas ornaments to stock up my shop for the Christmas season. I love the Rudolph Christmas special and the narrator snowman character played by Burl Ives sets the scene and raises goosebumps of excited anticipation everytime I hear it. It really sets up the Christmas season for me. Weird huh? Brings out the kid in me I guess.
I finally found the ribbon I wanted to trim these up with, so I finished them off this morning and listed them in my shop.

It's been a busy week, I've busy knitting and crocheting some headwarmers and scarves and stuff for my other shop. I also did a jewellery workshop at work for charity so I had a lot of preparation for that too.

Yesterday I had had enough with always having to sort through my yarn stash when I needed to find something. Needles and half-finished projects were scattered through out my yarn trunk. Mom came over to help me organize it. It was freeing. Doesn't it always figure though, the minute you clean up, that's the moment that the muse strikes. I'm finishing up something I started yesterday that was inspired my stash! Keep posted!

Crocheting with Mom

2011-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Crochet often said as "Crotchity"... which is funny actually, because I've been doing both with mom over the past few weeks. I've only learned how to do this a few months ago. The crochet anyway, the crochety-ness I've kind of evolved over the years.

Anyway...I finally figured out how to hold the work and the hook and figure out that there is a pattern to when and how often you wrap that yarn around the hook and how many hoops you pull through at a time. Who knew?! I used to pretend I knew what I was doing but now that I actually know what I'm doing it's all coming together.
I totally annoy my mom that I now do it better than her. (I sure wouldn't say that!!) those were her words when I started adding a second colour to my work with this monkey hat. I've even felted it.

She's been working on some snowflakes that she wanted to sell in my shop. She's worked so hard on them and when I told her that I likely wouldn't get more than $3.00 each for them she wasn't phased. So we blocked them and stiffened them with Paverpol, took pictures, wrote copy and put them in my shop. I hope they sell, she'll be so excited!
They can be found in either of my etsy shops.

www.littlebitwired.etsy.com
www.nancyperennec.etsy.com

I also made a cute little lamb hat... couldn't help myself... it reminded me of lamb chop and you know I love puppets!

Heaven's Spectacular Lightshow

2011-08-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Heaven's must have had one heck of a rock concert tonight. Standing outside on my balcony during tonights thunderstorm was SPECTACULAR! It was exactly like being at a concert with flashes going off constantly. I tried to capture some of the fabulous bolts but got nothing but pictures that looked like I'd taken them at 5pm. It was 9:30 pm when I stood out there. I gave up and just pointed my camera at the lightshow and hoped to capture a couple great strikes. I'm about 20 minutes from the CN tower which attracts lightning like crazy of course. So I pointed in that general direction but the lighting was all over the place. North towards the airport and south over the lake, it was behind me to the west and east of me where I pointed. The lightning when sideways across the sky in streaming bolts and shot down from the heavens like a bolt from Zeus's mighty hand!

Luckily the rain wasn't strong on my side of the apartment building or I wouldn't have been standing out there taking these shots. Here's the few shots I captured. I just wonder what that strange orange trailer is? It's almost like that's the extension cord that plugged the sucker in. See how the lightning is like two streams of blue and then the twisted stream of orange. Click on the photos to see them larger. It appears in two shots. How strange? Does anyone know why this is?

RIP Jack Layton

2011-08-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

An important political figure in Canada passed away this week. It's very sad, and seems very sudden inspite of the knowledge of his cancer. God Bless his family at this time.

Jack Layton drew young Canadian's with his interest in their well-being. He brought them into polling stations to cast their vote and changed the political balance in this country. His thoughts on the future of their Canada brought Canadians across the country together. He will be missed.

There is thunder and lightning in the air tonight as live through an impending tornado watch, and I watch the taped proceedings of Jack Layton's lie in state in Ottawa. The ground in front of City Hall here in his home town of Toronto are filled with chalk messages to Jack and his family. His body will return to Toronto on Saturday for a celebration of his life. The CN tower will be flooded with orange light to commemorate Jack.
My condolences to his family, his colleagues and all Canadians on the loss of a man so well respected in Canadian politics.

RIP Jack Layton

Exciting News!! SNEAK PEEK!

2011-08-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fellow members of ADO (Art Dolls Only) have been working diligently to complete our first ADO E-zine with a wide variety of articles, tutorials, interviews and tons of lovely photographs.

They are planning to launch at the end of September but a sneak peek is available!
Click the photo below to sneak a peek at our much anticipated for e-Zine!

Puppet Pattern

2011-08-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I had a sale on etsy. I'm happy to have sent another puppet pattern to a happy buyer. This time to Ireland. PDF patterns are a easy gratification for the buyer. A buyer receives the pattern to work on within minutes! My puppet pattern is available here.
Puppets are as fun to make as they are educational to play with and children can be entertained for hours. Great for storytime when they're very young and fun playtime as children get older.

Trying to get a jump on Christmas

2011-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

With my doll, Red up for auction, and off my work bench I thought I'd get a jump on Christmas. I took an extra day off work this weekend to play on some new ornaments. I'm using paper clay. Here's the results so far.
I've got Swine Lake, the Red Queen and a Santa finished.

And I've started working on a Birthday fairy that was inspired by a card my sister gave me for my birthday.. I think two years in a row.. same theme anyway. "The Bitch is Back"... hate birthdays... Here she is in her wet paper clay start. She has a hole to add wings and a wand.

Then I wanted to do the narrator from one of my favourite Christmas shows. The character was voiced by Burl Ives I think. He's the snowman from Rudolph.

That's it so far... time for lunch.

Red Riding Hood Art Doll at auction

2011-08-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post here right away to auction. Fresh from the sculpting bench so to speak. I hope she gets lots of views and maybe, if I'm lucky she'll be going to a new home. I love to create art dolls and I learn new things each time I do, but I'm quickly running out of space! It will be sad to pack her up and watch her walk off into someone else's life, but its been fun!

Into the forest

2011-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Playing with the photo... obviously I don't have this right. I guess I'll have to take her outside and try it for real.

Well without the wolf!!

Red Riding Hood Completed

2011-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I finally got her cookies made and that completes my Red Riding Hood. Just need to post her in my shop.

Look good enough to eat.

Base for Red Riding Hood Art Doll

2011-08-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

Only enough time this weekend to do the base. I still need something to put in Red`s basket. I looked for a little wicker basket, but couldn`t find anything appropriate in scale. I decided I could make one. I crocheted it from cotton and dyed it to look like wicker. I love the way it turned out once it was all shaped up and stiffened.

The base is wood, with a hole drilled for the leg armature. I added paperclay, gesso, painted it in several coats of paint. Then I added the moss and rocks. Once it has all dried I will add a matte varnish and a felt bottom with my signature tag.

Red Riding Hood finally gets some hair

2011-08-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is the moment... When Red finally gets her hair. Will she look anything like what I envisioned?
I start with some Tibetan Lamb in a lovely auburn colour. When I look back and think this must have been the plan in my mind because I actually already coloured her brows and bought brown organza ribbon for her eyelashes. Scroll down to see how I did the lashes. But first her hair!

I use either griip glue or contact cement. This time I'm using contact cement as it seems all my Griip is gone. Must order some more! I coat the head first and set it aside to dry. Then I cut tufts of the lamb, pull out any stray hairs and trim the ends so they're all the same on the glue side. While I pinch this in my fingers I add a bit of contact cement to both sides.

I used more tufts of hair than actually shown here.
I took a pic before I got my fingers too messy.

Once the glue has dried, I start applying to the head in small pieces, starting from the back.

The last bunch of hair is placed with the hairs standing straight up. Before I press into place, I gently separate the strands so they go in different directions, then gently press them into place. You don't want your glue to seep through so do this carefully and set aside. Once it's set up a bit more you can press again and then style.

Ta-da!

Not sure if I want to put it in a pony or not. But the Tibetan Lamb can be kind of flyaway, and it isn't quite long enough to braid. I've just tied it back in a ribbon for now.

Now onto to how I did the lashes.
Here's the ribbon and how I use it. I cut the side of of the ribbon and gently pull the threads away that run lengthwise with a pin. then gently pull them out of the cut piece. I trim the ribbon closer to the edge actually so I'm only working with will actually be the lashes. I think you can get the idea from this demo pic.

Then I add a thin line of glue to the lash line and gently coax into place with tweezers and a pin. In this pic the lash just needs another little nudge.

Red's Cape and hair choices

2011-07-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

After lunch Daisy and I had a walk in the park. She wanted to chase the ducks but it was time to go home and have a nice cold drink!

Wicked hot and sticky today! Not a good day to be in the studio but it's worse outside. I made Red's hooded cape, long train. I love the cinematography in the film and hope to capture some of that with this doll.

Now I'm pretty settled on what colour hair I want to use but here's a sampling of the colours and types I tried.

White blond too anemic

Yellow blonde, much better
but I think I want to go Auburn.

Too short and way too brassy!

The black is nice but a little stark,
not quite what I had in mind.

Yes, I think this is the one I like.

I'd love to know what you would pick.

Too sticky to add hair today. Time for a nap.

Costuming Red Riding Hood

2011-07-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

After my bad morning on Friday I left the doll alone in case I damaged her in the costuming process. Yesterday I started up again. I began with her bloomers. They're not very full, I didn't have much fabric, but with a little silk ribbon they do the trick. You can just see some white ribbon that I used to cover the join between sculpted leg and stuffing.

Then I started her underskirt and over skirt. Both are done the same way just thin chiffon fabric. I also noticed I broke a finger somewhere along the way. (dang!!!) I found it so I'll be able to correct the problem, but I'll wait until I'm just about done with her.

I remembered I has some wonderful silk in a light grey blue that I thought would make a wonderful bodice to the dress. Testing the fit and pinning in place. With a little lace underneath for some trim to the edge. I like it.

I needed to make release cuts under the arms so the bodice would fit properly. It was a tight fit under the arms. That's something that can happen with a bust and shoulder sculpt though. I need to watch for ways to correct this in the future. The arms less close to body perhaps.

. Next the sleeves. I made them rather full, intending to add lace and gather them up in a couple places.

This morning I attached them to the bodice and they cover some of the awardness at the underarm.

The bodice needs a little extra stuffing to fill it out better. I think.

Now onto shoes!! I draw a pattern of the sole of her foot, upper and sides. Don't forget I need a hole for the brass rod when I mark them left and right. Contact cement, while extremely stinky, is my best friend for this job.

A test fit on her stand and I can trim the excess sole away and press the sole firmly in place.

Not sure that I'll get more done on her today though. I'm puppy sitting and Daisy needs a walk and I could use some lunch.

More on Red Riding Hood

2011-07-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Still pretty hot and humid here in Toronto and it's raining today but I've taken a few days off for an extra long weekend to play in my studio and continue working on Red.
I've wrapped her body up in quilt batting and have wrapped that again with some cheesecloth.

Now I'm going through my fabric and leather stash to look for appropriate costume materials.

I seem to be having a bad day though, with my laundry getting stuck in the washing machine and having to call the repair man. Things just aren't going my way. I may have to set her aside and continue tomorrow. I don't want to break something! YIKES!

Work on Red continues

2011-07-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

We're in the midst of a heat wave, like much of the U.S. I guess, so I haven't been working on Red much. She's got some hands and feet, her armature has been added and her pose set with apoxie. I found a wood base and drilled a hole for the armature support. A brass rod runs through her left leg and out the bottom of her foot. I'm not sure if she'll have shoes or be barefoot so I sculpted the feet.

I've also done the face up. I use soft pastels for much of that and use a bit of acrylic for the stronger elements like her eyes. She still needs a varnish and some lashes. I usually paint them on but I think she needs a fine fringe of lashes. Still trying a few things out. Fake eyelashes don't do it for me. I'm still not sure if she'll be blonde or brunette.

Beautiful day for a wedding!

2011-07-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

My second cousin Jenn got married yesterday, it was a fantastic day!

Best of luck to the Bride and Groom!

She wore her grandmothers veil.

A classic car was a treat too, restored by my cousin.

More on Red

2011-07-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Between work and the other bits of my life creeping in, it's been a busy week but I managed to squeeze in some time to get her bust and shoulders done, and some forearms. The bust looks small in this pic, think it's the angle. It's waif like, but not undersized.

Tonight I worked on her hands again, first two attempts.... too big, too small, more like a story of the three bears than little red riding hood, but finally I think I got them just the right size.
I then attached and blended them into the forearms and baked them. I find it easier to bake a forearm and then add a hand, other wise while I work on the hand the arms get soft and wobbly. This way I have a nice strong arm I can attach a hand to and get the movement at the wrist that I want.

I have feet waiting in the wings, but first I had to find the pose. You can't have flat feet on a moving pose it just looks weird. I also will need to figure out what kind of base I want to use before I bake said feet. I might need to insert a brass rod. Well, I will most likely need to insert a brass rod, so I have one taped on for sturdiness in my armature until I decide what I want to use for a base. I just need to figure out what I'm going to do yet. But at least I can move on to the armature for the body and legs to find the pose.

hmm... do I have it yet? Not sure.

Gotta find what I want for to use for my base.

I think I needs to be a dirt path.

But I must find some wood that will work and drill some holes for her armature.

Red: continues

2011-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

I decided I like the head as it was, of course I'm imagining it all faced up, so baked I baked it while I had lunch. It's cooled off and I've started to add a bust and shoulder. She won't be a full sculpt but I do want to show some neck and shoulder when I costume so I thought I'd so just the upper that would show under her costume.

I don't know what I'll use for a base yet so haven't set up the rest of her armature yet. She's just standing in a spool holder I have. In case you're new and haven't seen some of my other WIP posts, I use foil over wire armature to bulk up the frame and like to cover it with hockey tape. It's crazy sticky and has a nice tooth to grab the covering clay and I work on the sculpting.
It's a beautiful sunny day so I think I'll go out and enjoy it for a bit before I work any further.

Red: A work in progress

2011-07-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Since the movie released in March I haven't been able to get this idea our of my head. So I've finally started my version of Red Riding Hood. I hope I can capture the image I have in my head. I rarely start out with drawings, they never seem to capture what I have trapped in my thoughts anyways. I look for images of what I'm thinking I might want the expression to be, or the pose, and even the clothes and colours I want to use. I use them for inspiration while I work, they can be illustrations, photos, movie posters, etc.
So here is Red's head. So far. Might live with it for a while before I bake it. I take photos in different positions, by looking at the photos instead of the head, I may see things I haven't seen working so close to it.

I've decided to paint the eyes in, instead of using glass. I want her to be looking behind her and the glass eyes I have a flat back so that's not possible. They're the wrong size anyway. I want to work a bit smaller for this one as it will be a full body pose, full of movement I hope. I'm really hoping I can capture the fear. It's hard to tell until I start painting in the features. Anyway's, here's the progress pics so far.

Davy's Secret Completed

2011-07-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, the day has finally come. Davy's Secret is complete.

Davy's Secret: The Hair Episode

2011-07-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, finally got down to getting this post up. I've been working on Davy's hair. I've once again used apoxie sculpt, setting it down in layers. I'll need to clean it up a bit with a knife when it's completely set up. I like the gray, so I'll keep it. Looks more like Sam Elliott now, who I was thinking of when I sculpted the head.
I'll add a wash of black and blue to give it some depth and then maybe a coat of light gray. We'll see.

Davy's Secret WIP continues

2011-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted, a lot can happen in a month. Unfortunately not for Davy. He does have his Kraaken companion finished though. I'll work on his hair today after I get my laundry done and maybe a long walk in the park.
My Canada Day long weekend starts today and I'm still undecided about going up to my sisters cottage or staying home to play. It's been a while since I played in my studio and I'm kind of looking forward to some one-on-one time with my clay. Nothing makes me feel more energized than a good day in the studio!

Art doll only's Traveling Doll Project: Manic Moose Final Round - Erik

2011-06-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Art doll only's Traveling Doll Project: Manic Moose Final Round - Erik: "Jade's doll finally arrived at it's last stop in Toronto before his return to Edmonton. He still didn't know what had happened to him. I to..."

Davy's WIP continues today

2011-05-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

After a busy day shopping with mom I finally sat down to work on the rest of the Kracken. I added colour and positioned his last four tentacles, propped them up to set and added his head. Now it just needs to set up before I get back in again. Maybe tomorrow night.

Davy's Busy Day More WIP

2011-05-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

After the undercoat of navy, I've built up a green layer, looks kind of algae like now. Actually the real thing looks better than the photos. This is many slow layers of paint, and sponging away. It builds up in some spots more than others and gives it a more natural ageing appearance. Of course then I have to go back and shine up the bits I want to glimmer, like some gems and coins and pearls. It's looking better now, not so souvenir shoppy with all the shells. More old and undersea crusted like I imagined.
As I said, not so much so in the photos.

Here you can see that I have to prop up my tentacles as I attach them to the head of the Kraaken. I decided to give them a quick and dirty under paint before attaching them because there would be no way I could do them justice once attached. That way I just need to paint the attachment bits and the head and touch up the tentacley bits once I get the head of the Kraaken underway.

I must say it's been a rather full day with this one. Only a short break for lunch, dinner and a sip or two of my favourite vintage before I was off and at 'em again. I'll let the piece set up over night and get cracken on the rest of my Kraaken... snort... I know... but come on who could resist the pun!

More WIP on Davy's Secret

2011-05-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

I've built up several watery base coats of a blue for the undercoat and shadowy areas of Davy's Secret.

Davy's Secret WIP continues

2011-05-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Spent some more time today with my apoxie adding it to Davy's base and encrusting it with gems and shells.

Then on to the tentacles. I've done one of each set. They're hanging off the knobs on my drawers so they don't squash. Once they've set up I'll test fit and correct the fit before I do the other side of the double tentacles wires I've set up. Then I'll fit them around my Kraaken's neck and finish work on him.

New WIP Davy's Secret

2011-05-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm working some more on what I think I'll call Davy's secret.
I bought a tutorial from Jessica at Doll Project. Here's a picture of Jessica's wonderful Secrets Bust.

I'm not going to go into detail with my work in progress, because I don't want to give away Jessica's wonderful tutorial. I'll just show you bits of how it's coming along. You can buy your own copy of this wonderful tutorial at Jessica's etsy site. I do mean wonderful, the pictures and descriptions and options are just great! Jessica also works with apoxie sculpt for this project. So if you've been following the blog hop for Kerin Gale's book you can really play with it with Jessica's tutorial. Her work is absolutely gorgeous!

I got the treasure map and altered quote I wanted for the tin. I took it from one of the Pirate's movies but added a little something. Then I added some paint to the treasure box. I added it to the outside too, some gesso and just a bit of brown from the inside. I'll wait for it to dry and then add some apoxie to the back and stick it in place before I run my errands for the day.
I also worked on my "kraaken" octopus which will be hanging over Davy's shoulder. I made the tentacles separate so they will be easier to add the apoxie to. I doubled four wires, shaped them and place them on the octo head so I could get them to fall where I think I wanted them. After I bent the wires into position. I took them off again and foiled and taped them to bulk them out.You can kind of see them all bundled up there in the background.

I bought some shells and gems yesterday at the dollar store. I can't wait to see how he turns out. Not sure if I want seaweed hair or something else. I thought I might do the seaweed with felted dreads. Not sure yet. I'll wait until I get him done I think before I decide.

Making your work stand out is an artists responsibility

2011-05-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

It's too true, and so many questions about success are answered by the very simple phrase "A picture tells a thousand tales".

I've been struggling with photographing my work since I started selling my work on line. I've bought several cameras, took classes and tried different lighting. Knowing that the picture is the first impression when selling online is key to your success and it's a lesson I'm still struggling with. You can write great copy and promote like crazy but remember your online buyer can't pick up your item or look closer so you need to tell the tale with pictures. GREAT PICTURES! Pictures that make you want to click through and look closer and hopefully be so entranced that they will buy your creation.

So, in an effort to knock down that final hurdle to success, I finally consulted with, lucky for me, a truly wonderful photographer. I think he took pity on me and my dollies and graciously agreed to take pictures of some of them for me. I've shared some of his work in my post yesterday but I want to share them all. Everyone of them is a treat for me! They make me take great pride in my work. They are crisp and clean and amazing. They make me shake my head and say wow! I did that? That's my creation?

I take photos along the way as I make a doll, it documents my process so I can share them with your but when it comes to the final finished photos? Well, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Ron's Tips:

"Using proper camera and lighting for portraiture, in this case for documenting different perspectives and details of dolls, is important in order to market the artist's work and relay their vision. Today anyone can easily take a picture, but very few pictures are photographs worth noting. The artist's responsibility is to make their work stand out from others and good photography does just that. If one takes great pride in their work, then it goes that one should take the necessary strides to market that work to potential buyers with beautiful imagery, and beautiful imagery sells."

The following photos are from Ron Jocsak's websites you really must visit to see the spectacular images! Please respect his copyright and do not remove his watermark or reuse the images in any way.

Portraiture http://www.ronjocsakportraits.com

A portrait is about capturing the character or spirit of individuals, which is why having a portrait taken should feel like the most natural thing to do... the result is often extraordinary! I provide portrait photography for home pages, magazines, brochures, corporate websites, families, and special events. My clients receive the portraits in digital format for print and web, and I can deliver print for archive and/or framing as well.
In Business ... "a great corporate portrait is important... it relays confidence and trust, demonstrates approachability, communicates professionalism and expertise, and contributes to brand recognition that translates into sales".
For Personal and Family ... "creative family and individual portraits capture important milestones in people's lives that may never occur again. New arrivals, special occasions, candid moments and group gatherings offer wonderful opportunities to delight in, and later, to reflect back on these special times".

Interpretative Fine Art and Contemporary Landscape http://www.ronjocsakphoto.com

My photography is characterized by simplicity, and clear, uncluttered images.

Nature, with all it's inherent beauty, has always influenced my life. I have unique perspective and understanding of our planet's geography, geology, and geomorphology, having been a petroleum geologist for nearly 25 years. My geologic passion fostered my passion for photography early on and I continue to hone my skill set and vision as a professional photographer. My interpretative fine art and contemporary landscape imagery has evolved through an appetite to explore and document striking landforms, textures, earth tones and ambient light. It is an expression of my respect and love at the land-water-atmosphere interface.

My art can be captivating, symbolic and unique. Nature constantly provides new material for my creative thinking and inspiration. It is always slowly evolving and changing... in a manner not too different for the change and adaptation required in the human process.

Day #6 - Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Book Tour

2011-05-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Okay are you sure you're comfy? Make sure you have a nice cup of tea or if you're lucky enough perhaps a cup of my favourite cup of Tim Horton's and be sure to read right to the end of this post so you catch all the bits about the great prizes up for grabs on this tour!

About the book I was delighted when Kerin invited me be part of her wonderful book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams. She has included my Reluctant Prince in her wonderful book on using resin clay.

Her book is a wonderful resource for all those who have been curious about using this wonderful medium in their work.

Resin clay has amazing properties. It sets up quickly, I smooth it with water, drill it, sand it, add colour to it or paint it I also use it like you would use grout!

It's even super tool around the house!

Inspired Remnants Curious Dreams can open up your world to new ideas! Both the book and the materials she uses should be part of every multi-media artists studio. Easy to follow project instruction will inspire you!

Books and Workshop Deals If you haven't already purchased the book or have wanted to take one of Kerin's terrific workshops she has them in her etsy shop.

You can get both the Resin Clay Pendants Workshop and the Book for $35.00 + shipping. Or Vintage Gentleman Workshop + Book or maybe Both Workshops + the Book

Be sure to send a note to Kerin when you check out with Paypal, tell her you heard about this offer on littlebitwired's blog and she'll give you $5.00 back.

My Product Tips My favourite resin clay is Aves Apoxie Sculpt and I buy it locally in Toronto from Sculpture Supply Canada and Curry's art store.

It has a bit of a smell, kind of like stinky feet but not that unpleasant... LOL
It can be difficult to remove from your fingers though so I keep a scrubby and warm water handy in a little plastic bowl. I also make sure I clean any material from under my nails as soon as possible. Of course you can use gloves but I prefer to feel the clay when I sculpt.
I also find there is a certain point when it is very sticky, which is also a good time to use a touch of water, or just leave the clay for about ten minutes until the sticky stage passes. You can add it to a sculpture that already as been baked or even before it goes in the oven.

Sometimes it can droop a little, plan ahead! It's easy to work in stages or construct parts separately and put them together with apoxie sculpt when the difficult bits have cured. Follow my blog post during February and March of this year for my work in progress posts on my Dark Warrior Angel 'Elena' and see how I did this with her gorgeous boots!

I use Aves Apoxie Sculpt to set my armatures into their poses, create bases and props, and even sculpt with it!

How I use Apoxie in my work

Dryad Barbie was the result
of my first experiment
with Aves Apoxie Sculpt.

Here's a sample of some of the dolls I make visit my etsy Art Doll shop to see more of my dolls, puppets and patterns and be sure and stop by my LittleBitWired shop to see some of the other things I do and some great sale items! discovered Apoxie Sculpt at the Creative Festival in Toronto one year. The next day I started playing with it and my adventure with Barbie began. With the help of the apoxie sculpt resin my Dryad was firmly fixed to her base.

Peep is an egg gourd with wire
and apoxie sculpt.
See him in my etsy shop.

Apoxie and gourds are wonderful things!

Setting the joints in place with apoxie to hold
the dolls pose.

I use apoxie to strengthen my armatures. It keeps the wires together and maintains the pose for dolls that need to stand on their own.

I use it to make the feet of my dolls too. The weight of the apoxie helps keep a figure standing without a base.

A simple brass tube can also be wired and fixed in place to insert a figure into a base with a post set into a base so the figure can be mounted on it through the brass tube.

It works wonderfully to add to a base or to create props like canes, tree stumps, rocks and cobblestones. With the addition of acrylic paints, glazes and little bits of nature stuck into it you can make your bases into realistic settings for your figures.

Apoxie Base detail for Reluctant Prince from
Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams
(the base not shown in the book, but is worth a look).


Charlie Chaplin was a one of a kind commission featuring apoxie over a wood base, apoxie hands and shoes.

My elderly Satyr has apoxie feet base and cane. I'll have more on Ron Jocsak's photography tomorrow.

I've also used it to embed things like mosaic and the apoxie can be tinted with acrylics or dyes while mixing or before applying your mosaic tiles. It can be stamped into and with powders or paints the textures can really pop!

Journal cover for Travelling Doll Project 2010

Apoxie covers this chair armature and creates a wonderful work of art!

I also sculpt figures with it. My Reluctant Prince was in Kerin's Book.

More on Ron Jocsak's photography tomorrow.

My Dragon Girl Amelie uses several different technique using Apoxie Sculpt.

More on Ron Jocsak's photography tomorrow.

Apoxie can be applied to anything to create wonderful boots and shoes. The boots for my Angel Warrior were built in stages, the heel was added to the sole and the boot uppers were built up into fabulous boots!

Elena my Angel Warrior was based on a book cover by Nalini Singh.
She uses apoxie in her armature her wings armature, sculpted upper body,
arms, handsand of course her fabulous boots. She's brand new in my
etsy shop today. More on the wonderful photography in tomorrow's post.

My Ent was also made with apoxie, head and hands were sculpted with it and pine cones were attached with apoxie.

Kerin has organized a whopping 108 prizes for this blog hopping book tour!

Just leave a comment on my blog post for an entry to win and at the end of the tour I'll be picking six lucky winners for one of the following prizes!*
When you leave your comment just say where you posted (facebook, twitter, your blog, etc.) Each post is worth one entry in my drawing!
Prize drawing extended to May 26, 2011. (Please be sure your blog profile has an email address where I can contact you if you win. You don't have to post it here for security's sake, If in doubt try contacting me through my etsy page.)

1. Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Book
2. One Aves Power Pack (selection of their most popular formulas) from http://AvesStudio.com
3. Fluid Chalks Online Workshop by Lesley Venable on her The Art Of Altering site which features many other awesome online workshops http://theartofaltering.ning.com/group/fluidchalksbackgroundsbeyond
4. Two Digital Collage Sheets by Alicia Caudle of Altered Bits. You can see her very unique and cool collection at http://alteredbits.com/digital-collage-sheets.php
5. Sample pack of Silputty 40 silicone putty mold mix from Silpak. This is the formula Kerin recommend in the book that has the longer cure time. 6. 1 OZ ICE Resin and a mixed metal bezel from http://www.iceresin.com/

But wait there is even more!!!!

7 Grand Prizes For Book Reviews*

Write your own review of the book! Any reader that writes a review ~ however short or long~ of Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams on amazon.com or amazon.ca or amazon.co.uk before July 31, 2011 and sends an email with the title “Inspired Remnants Review” to remnants.art@gmail.com will be entered in a drawing to win one of these prizes.
Please note that your honest opinion is wanted on this review.

A) The art piece featured on the cover of the book, “Sacred Totem”
B) Power Pack plus extra Fixit Sculpt clay from Aves Studio http://avesstudios.com/
C) Frozen Charlotte Doll with digital tutorial “How To Crackle Charlottes” from Alicia Caudle of http://alteredbits.com
D) Resin Clay Pendants online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com
E) Vintage Gentleman online workshop by Kerin Gale from http://MixedMediaArt.ning.com
F) Choice of any one workshop being taught by Kerin and Charley at Art Is You retreat in Petaluma, CA. The registration fee and workshop cost are both waived. http://www.art-is-you.com/mysitecaddy/site3/generalinformation-westcoast.htm
G) One copy each of Jen Cushman's book, Explore, Create, Resinate and Susan Lenart-Kazmer's book, Making Connections plus ICE Resin and a selection of bezels all from http://www.iceresin.com/
Here are the rest of the tour stops be sure to stop by each day:

May 7

Jen Cushman, ICE Queen Zine
http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8 Happy Mother’s Day

May 9

Beth Robinson, Strange Dolls

http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10

Brenda Schweder, Brenda Schweder Jewelry

http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11

Esther Verschoor, Vanessie Art Dolls

http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12

Kecia Deveny, Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy

http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13

Rachel Whetzel, A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal

http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14

Shannon LeVart, MissFickleMedia.com

http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15

Marlaine Verhelst, Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls

http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16

Lisa Jurist, Mud Hound Studio

http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17

Michelle Bernard, Yesterday’s Trash

http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18

Kerin Gale, Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature

http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19 Facebook Party!

Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_15815967756276

* Please note SOME prizes include shipping to U.S. addresses only.

ah, ha

You've read to the very end of my blog post so a special treat for you!

Here's a little photo demonstration of how I make my own buttons with Apoxie Sculpt.
Leave a comment about the buttons for your chance to win the six buttons shown.

Each button is about 3/4" wide.

Hope you enjoyed today's spot on the
Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Book Blog Tour!

Good Luck on the Prize Draws!

The Wonderful World of Scott Radke

2011-05-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful doll artist to feature! Enter the wonderfully dark world of Scott Radke who also works with apoxie sculpt. I am so intrigued with marionettes I couldn't help but feature some of Scott's work.

Be sure to stop by all the artists involved in Kerin Gale's blog hopping tour for her new book Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams. Today's official stop on the tour is with Seth Apter, The Altered Page http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

Another wonderful Apoxie Art Doll

2011-05-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days and over the next couple of weeks I will try to feature artists who use apoxie in their work. This is all part of a blog hopping book tour that is happening because of a wonderful book by Kerin Gale. Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams is on tour!! See my previous posts to find the list of sites you can visit and be sure and stop by Kerin's blog for more inspiration.

Today I want to showcase another wonderful Doll artist on etsy who uses apoxie sculpt in her work.

Secret Apothecary is an original handmade art doll bust by Jessica Hamilton. She is one of a kind and has been entirely hand sculpted in polymer clay and apoxie sculpt. She stands at 11.3 inches (28.7 cm) and is over two pounds! The base of the bust features artist signature and title of the piece, "Secret Apothecary."

The bust features a secret compartment at the front hidden by a decorative wheel face plate. Here you can hide special notes, secrets and treasures. She'll keep them safe for you. The compartment is a recycled candy tin measuring 3" wide by .75" in depth (7.5cm by 2cm).

The face is entirely sculpted in polymer clay. She has large amber hazel eyes--the centerpiece of a sad, wistful countenance. Her features have been colored with artist pigments. Her bright red hair is fine mohair.

She wears a hand-pieced leather and vinyl hat on her head. The hat features a vintage watch band strap that nestles around her chin. The hat is not removable.

The bust is highly ornamented and costumed in miniature hand dyed blown glass bottles (filled with colored papers), faceted crystals, tarnished chains and metal rings, hand dyed vintage laces and trims, paper pulp lace, vintage netting and designer leather. The face plate for the secret compartment has been hand sculpted and painted to resemble an old wheel or window frame.The inside of the compartment has been lined and sealed with acid free archival fine Italian paper.

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Tour

2011-05-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until my post on Friday to show you some more things you can do with Apoxie.

Zoe Thomas of
Curious Boudoir Dolls on etsy has this lovely art doll for sale.

Her hands are wonderful and guess what they'e made from epoxie putty!

Take the tour and extend your journey to some of these other wonderful artists who work with the same materials Kerin Gale uses in her book.

Chris Chomick and Peter Meder http://www.chomickmeder.com/

Brenda Gebhart http://romantic-decay.blogspot.com/

Liz McGrath http://www.elizabethmcgrath.com/

Alan Rogerson— http://www.alanrogersonart.com/

Rebecca Schumacher – http://www.rebas-art.com/

Michael DeMeng http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/

Judy Anderson http://mixedmediaart.ning.com/profile/JudyAnderson?xg_source=profiles_memberList

Although not featured in Kerin's book the following artists also do some really wonderful work with resin clays.

Zoe Thomas http://www.etsy.com/people/CuriousBoudoirDolls

Tracy Rapier http://tracyrapier.wordpress.com/

Laurel Skye http://web.me.com/laurelskye/Laurel_Skye_Designs/Laurel_Skye.html

Scott Radke http://www.scottradke.com/

Linda and Opie O'Brien http://burntofferings.typepad.com/

Jessica Hamilton http://www.dollproject.com/

Pamela Hastings http://www.pamelahastings.com/

Patricia Dusman http://patriciadusman.typepad.com/

Jean Bernard http://www.jeanbernardart.com/

The Tour has Begun!

2011-05-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Be sure and stop by Kerin's blog Remnants of Olde today to see what it's all about! Her inspirations and wonderful work like ther glass terrarium!

One more day until the Book Tour!

2011-04-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for the tour to start? If you want to enjoy a few hours of incredible inspiration have a broswe through the work of these incredible artists who also use resin clay in their work. Artist like Rebecca Schumaker and her wonderful detailed Gargoyle Girl.

Or perhaps take a class and learn some of their techniques?

When I first started out in doll making I took a Jean Bernard's Dragon Wings Class at a conference and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities!

Now Jean does online classes so you can take her classes wherever you are. Be sure to check out all she has to offer and get yourself inspired!

Jean Bernard offers this amazing free Fibre Optic Wing Tutorial on her site.
Who knew kleenex, fibre optics and of course Jean's famous glitter could be so wonderful!

Chris Chomick and Peter Meder http://www.chomickmeder.com/
Brenda Gebhart http://romantic-decay.blogspot.com/
Liz McGrath http://www.elizabethmcgrath.com/
Alan Rogerson— http://www.alanrogersonart.com/
Rebecca Schumacher – http://www.rebas-art.com/
Michael DeMeng http://michaeldemeng.blogspot.com/
Judy Anderson http://mixedmediaart.ning.com/profile/JudyAnderson?xg_source=profiles_memberList

Although not featured in Kerin's book the following artists also do some really wonderful work with resin clays.

Zoe Thomas http://www.etsy.com/people/CuriousBoudoirDolls
Tracy Rapier http://tracyrapier.wordpress.com/
Laurel Skye http://web.me.com/laurelskye/Laurel_Skye_Designs/Laurel_Skye.html
Scott Radke http://www.scottradke.com/
Linda and Opie O'Brien http://burntofferings.typepad.com/
Jessica Hamilton http://www.dollproject.com/
Pamela Hastings http://www.pamelahastings.com/
Patricia Dusman http://patriciadusman.typepad.com/
Jean Bernard http://www.jeanbernardart.com/

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Online Book Tour Starts This Sunday!

2011-04-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Kerin has organized a whopping 108 prizes for this blog hopping book tour!

Just leave a comment on my blog post and at the end of the tour I'll be picking six lucky winners for one of the following prizes!*

Tour Starts tomorrow!!

May 1

Kerin Gale, Remnants of Olde
http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2

Alicia Caudle, Altered Bits
http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3

Lesley Venable, Flatwoods Folk Art

http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4

Christine Lehto, Lilly Bug Studio

http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5

Seth Apter, The Altered Page

http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6

Nancy Perennec, Little Bit Wired

http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7

Jen Cushman, ICE Queen Zine
http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8 Happy Mother’s Day

May 9

Beth Robinson, Strange Dolls

http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10

Brenda Schweder, Brenda Schweder Jewelry

http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11

Esther Verschoor, Vanessie Art Dolls

http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12

Kecia Deveny, Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy

http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13

Rachel Whetzel, A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal

http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14

Shannon LeVart, MissFickleMedia.com

http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15

Marlaine Verhelst, Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls

http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16

Lisa Jurist, Mud Hound Studio

http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17

Michelle Bernard, Yesterday’s Trash

http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18

Kerin Gale, Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature

http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19 Facebook Party!

Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams Online Book Tour Starts This Sunday!

2011-04-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone involved is so excited!!

Have you seen the book?

Have you bought it already?

Inspired Remnants and Curious Dreams by Kerin Gale, is an incredible resource and filled with ideas and projects and tips for using resin clays like Apoxie Sculpt which is my favourite! Kerin Gales Blog posting here!!

The Online book tour starts this Sunday May 1st and will run for 19 days ending with a big facebook party on May 19th. Be sure to check every single day of the tour to see what these great artists have to show you and talk about this fantastic book, Kerin's wonderful project instructions, the inspirational pieces and why they love using these wonderful products in their own work!

Here's a list of the tour dates and the blogs on the Inspired Remnants, Curious Dream Book Blog Tour Be sure to stop by them all for inspiration, tips and tricks perhaps, comment or write a review and earn the chance to win some wonderful prizes!

May 1

Kerin Gale, Remnants of Olde
http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2

Alicia Caudle, Altered Bits
http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3

Lesley Venable, Flatwoods Folk Art

http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4

Christine Lehto, Lilly Bug Studio

http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5

Seth Apter, The Altered Page

http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6

Nancy Perennec, Little Bit Wired

http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7

Jen Cushman, ICE Queen Zine
http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8 Happy Mother’s Day

May 9

Beth Robinson, Strange Dolls

http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10

Brenda Schweder, Brenda Schweder Jewelry

http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11

Esther Verschoor, Vanessie Art Dolls

http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12

Kecia Deveny, Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy

http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13

Rachel Whetzel, A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal

http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14

Shannon LeVart, MissFickleMedia.com

http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15

Marlaine Verhelst, Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls

http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16

Lisa Jurist, Mud Hound Studio

http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17

Michelle Bernard, Yesterday’s Trash

http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18

Kerin Gale, Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature

http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19 Facebook Party!

Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

Elena Warrior Angel WIP

2011-03-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Work on Elena continues, nearly see her finished. I had not been able to find feathers that work, they were either too big or too fluffy for what I wanted it to look like. I kept thinking of this fabric I have that I've used for hair in the past. I thought once cut and draped properly it would make nice wings so I tried it out.

Sorry the photo is so blurry, but I just wanted to show you want I did. I cut two pieces of fabric for each wing, then draped them and attached them to my wire wing frame. I used GRIIP glue to attach them to the frame. Once set I used Paverpol to stiffen the fabric. When I say stiffen, paverpol makes it hard! I have a clear version that works for all kind of things.

Once dried, I painted and attached them to the doll through holes drilled in her back. The wing wires are still posable but I'll leave them for now as they will give me more access to her bits.

I decided the blouse I made for her was too much, I still wanted to cover her arms though so I went with a full sleeve in the net fabric and added leather arm guards that will double as weapons holders. Also attached a leather strip around her leg to hold something. Still working on weapons.

So here is Elena now. Her face will need a little more work I think. The colour is a bit too soft.

Elena Warrior Angel WIP

2011-03-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Elena has some hair today, her boots are painted, the heels in silver... all the better a disguised weapon. Her eyebrows redone. They were too dark, I thought she was going to have black hair but it was too much black for her. She's a blonde in the story, so I went with tibetan lamb.

I'll glaze her boots to give them a high sheen and will make a blouse before I attempt her wings.

Rainbow Auction Fundraiser - Needle Felted Art Doll by Jolene

2011-03-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

I started my first real art doll while working with a friend in Winnipeg. We went to conferences together and tried new doll making techniques together... still do actually... just provinces apart from each other.

My friend Jolene and I have different favourite materials. For instance she's a needle felter and has really become so good at it that she now teaches locally.
I'd love to feature more of her work here if she'll let me, she doesn't blog herself.

She was teaching a beginner needle felting class at her local wool shop. She says it was a simple project... this little leprechaun. I don't think there is anything simple about it myself.

Jolene works at a local museum there and she said that a request game along from the Association of Manitoba Museums for donations for their second annual ‘Trivia Night’ fundraiser.

This year it's - March 12th and with St. Patrick’s Day a few days off she decided to offer up this magical little leprechaun as an item for their Rainbow Auction. It was happily accepted. I hope they are as awed as I am with this wonderful piece.

I hope their event was a huge success and that the lucky winner knows what a lovely piece of art work they have.

With millions of little stabs at those tiny fibres it takes a lot of patience and more than a little DNA to complete an art doll like this and I really love Jolene's work.

Here's a picture she sent me earlier... when I saw that mischievous face looking up at me he seemed to be saying "oh, no now missy... don't you be trying to get a look at me lucky charms!"

Elena Warrior Angel WIP

2011-03-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

So work progresses with my Angel Warrior female version. I was inspired by the character Elena in Nalini Singh's book Angel's Consort. I love to read Urban Fantasy on the subway on the way to work. Nalini is one of my favourite authors.
I have done some of the face up work, it's nice to begin to see what she's going to look like. I've done some more work on her costume and have tried once again to put leather on her boots, no luck, it still looks so bulky. Look's like I'll be back to apoxie. I need to work on her fingers too. They've gotten squashed somewhere along the way. I guess I was too impatient and didn't let them set up properly.
Oh well, maybe after lunch. I took off a couple days vacation so I could play in my studio. I find this time of year so depressing and I needed a little boost.

I also got Cayleigh's doll in the mail, so I've got some work to do on my travelling doll project. I also have a couple other projects on my mind. I've ordered some German glass eyes and some more living doll clay and I'm just waiting for them to arrive so I can begin "Red" and another project as yet unnamed. I'll keep you posted!

Traveling Dolls 2010 Featured

2011-03-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Once again The Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project for 2010 is featured in a publication.

This time Soft Dolls & Animals March 2011 issue. A whole new doll making audience gets to see the journey.

Thank you to Scott Publications for helping us get the word out there on our wonderful club, its' talented and versatile artists and our wonderful Traveling Doll Project.

The people involved in the project love to see their creations in print!

Angel Warrior Latest Art Doll Continues

2011-03-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

I've been working a bit more on my latest art doll this weekend. I think I've decided she's an Angel Warrior, similar to the male doll that's now on it's way to Jade in Edmonton as part of the Travelling Doll Project. I guess I couldn't get the theme out of my head.
I don't usually do female figures, and as this one is more aggressive than delicate, I suppose she's not that far a stretch either. I love the pose, and so far she still stands alone. Or rather crouches on her own, no additional added support or base at this point.
I got her heels on and after working out how the leather would work and finding it still too stiff, I decided to use apoxie for the upper and I think I'll only add the leather for the top part that goes over her knee. Some chain or leather straps should hide the join. I'll have to see what happens.
I've added some black knit leggings and have sculpted some more on her torso, arms and head over the weekend.

I've also started playing with the acrylic washes for her skin colour. I don't sand a lot with the paper clay. I love the texture of it with the acrylic wash and pastel chalks that I'll use to do her face up. Not for me the smooth finished piece for my paper clay work. It's rather like a watercolour with a little tooth. Appeals to me for some reason, not as plasticky... if that could be a word. Kind of old Venetian wall.

And here is my cat Peeper's who loves to watch me work, but gets bored after a while.

My Travelling Doll For 2011

2011-03-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Travelling Doll Project that I has so much fun with last year is starting out again. In fact I just shipped him out today.

This year I'm collaborating with two other wonderful Canadian Doll artists with talents as diverse as our wonderful country. Jade Perez and Cayleigh Milne-Keeley are just as excited as I am to see what's in store for our dolls as we begin the 2011 Travelling Doll Project.

Yes, once more it's a male doll. Well, the idea was for a hero, protector, angel and warrior but we'll have to just see how Raphael turns out at the end of his journey.

Raphael is starting out as a polymer/cloth combination over a wire armature and features some amazing Tibetan Lamb Hair and over sized feet to help him stand on his own. His boots are sculpted from apoxie sculpt and are over sized to help him stand on his own. I'm hoping he'll get some great wings that will also balance him but we'll just have to see how he turns out!

Follow his story, as he falls from heaven to protect us on earth.

He was inspired by the many wonderful Urban Fantasy authors that I read on the subway each morning as I commute to my "real" job. (I think of my mother every time I use the quotes on that word!)

Hope you'll enjoy following his journey as much as I will!

Pretty this morning

2011-02-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

We had more snow overnight, light fluffy stuff that looks so pretty covering the trees.

I've been working on a couple things now that my travelling doll is all packed and ready to move on. More on that next post. Don't want to post until it's in the mail.

I've got a knitting lunch and learn at the office on Monday so I've been pulling some things together, needles, odd balls and samples for show and tell. Of course that brings out the unfinished pieces I've had hidden away since before Christmas.

One of them a felted bag for my laptop. I had a bunch of odd balls that I decided to knit up an oversized bag. I finished the last of the knitting on the bag and felted it.

But realize in my rush to get it done that I didn't add handles. I'll have to knit those separately and sew them on. I think once I add the handles I'll felt again to see if I can get it to felt a little more.

I've also been working on another doll. A female. I'm thinking high heels, crouched, in black leather and heels, with dark wings. So I've worked up the pose and will set the joints with apoxie so her limbs stay where I want them. I use a lot of hockey tape when I've bulked out a bit with foil. I still want to use some paperclay on the upper body I think.

Here I've set the joints with apoxie, and added her hands.

After I've set the pose for the foot and it's hardened, I also add the heel. I've made the heel separate so it's hard when I put in in place and doesn't go all droopy. I've added polyfil to the legs. I'll need to sew on her pants and make her boots. Still scoping out my materials stash for the perfect thing. I think I'll need to work on her upper body though first or I'll have a big mess on my hands.

Some early work on her face. Paperclay.

i been having the weirdest dreams lately... i dreamed i was...

2011-02-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Wonder Woman Sock M... SpiritMama $42.00	Fishy Fish OOAK Cro... knotbygranma $90.00	OOAK Crochet Art Do... knotbygranma $250.00	Dreaming Bunny Pink... jdconwell $60.00	Titania- Fairy Quee... chatnoirstudio... $400.00
Hand-sculpted OOAK ... nenufarblanco $200.00	AgathA mealymonster $165.00	Loopy Art Doll Feli... loopyboopy $28.00	art doll THE BLACK ... paulanerhus $750.00	Time Traveller - Re... ozlemakin $62.50
OHMAR a baby mouse ... trolltracks $24.99	Kite Boy Indiandollartw... $300.00	Ent Forest Spirit nancyperennec $235.00	discombobulated bla... littleblackcro... $90.00	ooak cloth art doll... ToadstoolsNTre... $76.00

Travelling Doll Project 2011

2011-02-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Travelling Doll Project is starting again for 2011. My team this year The Manic Moose will be Jade Perez www.newagedolls.com and Cayleigh Milne-Keeley daffidolls.com .

It will exciting to watch our diverse group put their twists on each others dolls as our styles are so different. Stay tuned for more! Watch the whole Travelling Doll Project progress at http://adotravelingdollproject.blogspot.com/

Work Published in new book by Kerin Gale

2011-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

I just found out by my good friend Abi that my Reluctant Prince Art Doll was published in Kerin Gale's new book, Inspired Remnants, Curious Dreams. I just ordered my copy from Amazon! YAY!

Can't wait to see all the tips and projects she has in here as well as the gallery of completed work.

Here's a pic of my Reluctant Prince.

Potions Passions and Wicked Desires Treasury

2011-01-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

I just put together a wonderful treasury, which, when I started was supposed to be about Love and Valentines Day, but ended up being a little darker but no less wonderful.
There are some really talented artists on etsy.
Come take a peek! Find the treasury here.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a pretty busy lead up to the Christmas Holidays and I must say I am glad it's over. Phew! I made it though another one!
Don't get me wrong I love Christmas, trying to make or find the perfect something for someone with a limited amount to spend is not easy. I thought I was pretty creative this year. Made Guitar Picks for nephew, hair bands and groovy pillows for the nieces, used points where I had them and Ornaments and or head warmers for the sisters and close friends.
I had some sales on etsy and at the office which really helped my Christmas budget and even got me some new clothes to start off the new year.

On Christmas Eve my sister called from Regina with a big surprise, she was coming home the next day! It was a wonderful few days, full of laughter and family with a little food, wine and song (Yes, Karaoke was involved!) I think if I posted the video on youtube it might go viral... lol it was a lot of fun! There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling of spending time with my sisters!

I have two resolutions for 2011:
1. dress a little spiffier,
2. dress my dolls a little more creatively.

I don't know what direction my work will take this year. I attended the Tim Burton Exhibit at the Bell Lightbox with my sister while she was here. I was astounded with the drawings and maquettes and costumes! What an inspiration! I'd like to stretch my creativity with some bizarre creatures like that but am not sure that it's really up my alley. I might try a few heads sketches and see what transpires.

If you have opportunity to visit the exhibition you really should go! Without giving too much away, you'll follow this creative filmmaker from his early years through out the making of his wonderful films among them: Batman, (the one with Penquin and Cat Woman, easily my favorite), Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas (another favourite), Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland and just WOW!

The next few days will be my time to relax, put away the decorations and perhaps sketch a little, perhaps start a bit of a exercise routine, surf the web and otherwise be inspired. It's a busy time at the office so I want to be well rested when I return.

Wishing all of you a Creative and Happy New Year! Cheers!

Addition for the Gingerbread House Competition

2010-12-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a gingerbread house at work for a competition to be judged at our Christmas Party. I didn't have time to finish it with the rest of the team so decided to make an addition tonight. It was a difficult day at the office and I needed a creative outlet... so this was my outlet.

okay, yes a couple glasses of wine were involved but not during the concept stage... I decided the gingerbread house needed a hot tub and deck. I was originally just going to make some people. But was suddenly inspired. SO my elves are on the deck, in their hot tub with some evergreens around them singing Christmas Carols... Fa la la la la la la la la!
I hope I get a picture of it out of the box and attached to the house tomorrow! Here it's packed up to take to work in the morning.

Getting Ready for Christmas with Beaker

2010-12-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Travelling Doll Project Published in January's Doll Collector Magazine

2010-12-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see four of my teams dolls (including mine) published in the January issue of Doll Collector Magazine. Doll Collector published the start of the project in their July 2010 issue so this is the conclusion.

The dolls turned out so beautifully! All of them had quite an adventure!

New Listings in my Etsy Shop - Lots on sale!

2010-11-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

I've been busy preparing my shop for Christmas, listed lots of new jewelry and a couple more puppets. I organized it into sections based on price... not sure that I like it that way but it should help people find the deals they are looking for this season. It seems more disorganized to me that way.

I've used the Etsy On Sale tool to add discounts of 25 and 50% on items and so far so good.
Some of my jewellery on sale

I've sold a bunch of jewellery at work, and some patterns and accessories on etsy.

And two new puppets! Billy Bob and Emma Lou who make wonderful traditional toys and companions that inspire imagination and are great for story telling. Also a blast to make! I have a puppet kit and puppet pattern on sale in my shop too!

Chaplin Mission Complete

2010-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

All signed and ready to go. Just need to find a big enough box to fit him and some bubble wrap!
I'm definitely proud of this one, and I got to try a few new things, like felting the hat. There are some thing I would do differently too. I got away from fleshing out the body fully when I'm doing costuming like this, but this guy could have used more butt.
I think he took a full 7 days to complete when I look back although with working full time and life getting in there I managed to stretch it out to a month.

I hope that Lyndsay, the receiver of this commission loves him as much as I did working on him!

Working on my Charlie Chaplin - His Cane and Base

2010-11-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

I've added apoxie to the wire cane, drilled through the wood box, inserted the cand and applies a thin coat of apoxie to the base for the textured ground he'll be standing on. The paint bottle is just supporting his cane in position while it dries. Excuse the mess on my table I've got several projects on the go.

Well Charlie is finally standing on his own. Well the help of his cane any ways. Just need to paint them up and they'll be ready to go.

More WIP with Charlie Chaplin His Hair

2010-11-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

Finally Charlie has hair. My friend Jolene in Winnipeg had the perfect curly locks. SO she sent them in the mail. They arrived Thursday and I couldn't wait to get at him this morning. I've used straight mohair for the main coverage, the shorter bits round the sides and back of his head and the curly wool for the top. It's a dishevelled look that's perfect under his felted bowler.

Now I need to find a base for him and make his cane. A few touch ups to eyes and nails and he'll be ready!

Work on Charlie Continues

2010-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've shortened his vest, pressed and hemmed his jacket and tacked down the lapels. He's looking good. Still needs some hair and a cane. I'm about done for today I think.
I need to work on some other projects I've got on the go... but first a nap I think... isn't that what weekends are for?

More WIP with Charlie Chaplin - Jacket continues

2010-11-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

Okay it really needs pressing and I've got some finishing work to do, like the lapel and collar... Oh yeah, and the vest is way too long, I'll have to shorten it. I am happy with the progress. Once Charile gets some proper hair and moustache and of course he'll be on track. Of course he still needs a cane and some finesse with his pose. I think today is a good day!

More WIP with Charlie Chaplin - Jacket

2010-11-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today's the day I managed to sew back to fronts and inside out, so I pulled them apart and started again... then I sewed the sleeve in backwards... take it apart and start again. This fabric frays like crazy and I'm not a fan of fray check it gums up the needle. Take a break... and lay off the coffee...

Speaking of needles did I mention I broke two? You didn't think I do it right the first time did you?
Here are my progress pics.

Now to hem it and try it on to see if I got the size anywhere close to being right.