WINNER OF THE GIVE-AWAY IS.....

"Moriah"!  I must apologize for being a day late (should have been drawn yesterday).  My son Zachary did the honors and pulled a name out of the hat and it was Moriah.  Thank you to all who stopped by and I hope you keep checking back as I think I will be doing this more often in 2010 just because it is fun to give a piece of yourself away to a complete stranger and hopefully, bring a smile to their face.  Thank you and I wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas!!

Doll Project for A Good Cause!

Warning!  Unfinished Doll!  If unfinished dolls frighten or offend...do not enter!!

This is an art doll that has not been finished yet.  Please read on as this is for a good cause and I would like your suggestions. 

As a mini-mini-mini collaboration with a fantastic doll artist, Cindy Sowers, she promptly (unlike myself) make the doll body for this project with a wonderful painted face and shipped to Michigan from Vermont and now dubbed "Naked Alien Doll".

Here is when she first arrived.  A beautifully constructed doll, not a stitch out of place - wonderful artistry. And this is how she remains - a naked doll in my living room (kinda creeping us all out lately - especially the boys!)

This mini-mini-mini collaboration was actually Ms Sowers idea as a way to help raise funds for Foundation for Fighting Blindness or CRF.  If you go to previous blogs - or Sept. 11th blog if this link doesn't work, you will see that my three, teen sons have have a very, rare eye disease that leads to eventual blindness.  There is no cure YET, but the researchers are working on it!!  You know what comes next, they need moola and lots of it!! SO...a couple of thoughts on this fund raising idea:

#1 Dubbed "The Doll Project"  Create a funny, catchy video involving Alien Doll, three teen sons, and send to Ellen Degeneres Show to see if they are interested in helping to raise awareness of this disease.  Offer the audience three different choices each week for hair, hat, shoes, etc. you get the picture?  The audience can complete the doll and then we will auction it off when she is finally done.  (The voting would include giving her a name - FINALLY!)

#2 Clothe and complete the doll and offer at auction here.  To enter, make a donation (suggest minimum of $5.00 - does that sounds OK?)  and when we reach a certain amount (what amount do you think?) the winner would be selected from a random draw by one of the boys. 

#3 Keep Alien Doll and travel around the country until we reach a pre-specified goal amount ($$$$????).  Her travels will be posted here for as long as it takes to reach the set goal.  This would be a bit fun for me as I have a real, wacky sense of humor!

Well, there you have it.  I love my boys and would want to help raise the funds to find a cure for this disease.  It's all in good fun and it is for a good cause. Really, any suggestions at all are welcome so please let your friends know, forward this post to all your creative friends and let me know what you  think (c'mon, not EVERYTHING you're thinking! - just for this fundraiser silly). 

Step Out Of Your Box!!

It is getting a little "weird" to constantly pass by a naked doll in my living room. Sometimes I feel like the Naked Alien Doll is following me with her eyes and pleading "Please cover me up!". Then I caught a glimpse of the Oprah Show where four women were being challenged to step "out of the box" and take on something they normally wouldn't do, you know, "step out of the box". These were women who had had setbacks in their lives of some kind or were just feeling stuck in a rut, were fearful of trying new things in their own lives, etc. Sound familiar? Well, one of the challenges was...skinny dipping! When the women arrived at Black Beach, they had no idea what the challenge was until Ali Wentworth (their host for this venture) starting taking her clothes off. They were mortified! BUT...all but one woman stripped down and ran into the water - freedom! It got me to thinking about Naked Alien Doll. She really is a work of art. She has a beautifully constructed body, curvy, ample bosoms and a bit of "junk in her trunk". Again, sound familiar? I wondered if I would have thrown my clothes off and jumped into the water. I hope that I would have. I  hope that I would have considered my body with all of it's flaws - a work of art!  Celebrate yourself!  Whatever you are doing in your life, at this moment -celebrate yourself and treat yourself kindly. 

Oh yeah, one of the other challenges was being a part of a women's Roller Derby team. I think Naked Alien Doll would have jumped right in on that one, don't you?

Kreativ Blog Award

Well thank you Abi Monroe-Angel At My Table for this lovely honor!

Here are the award rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them. 

Did you know I:

• Dress up as a Fairy Godmother for princess parties
• Auditioned for Barry Manilow
• Have never seen the movie "Titanic"
• Sang in a Rock Top 40 Band
• Lived in NYC with Miss New York, Sonia Anderson, 1976
  
• Used to deliver singing telegrams-and may have to again if this economy doesn't kick into gear!
• Have four sisters who I love a whole lot!

Bra Doll Challenge for Breast Cancer Awareness DID 2009 Winner!!

It's official...The Imitation of Life Construction Company

has posted a slideshow of the winners for this year's Dimensions in Dollmaking Show in San Diego and  Viewers's choice went to "Carlotta, Ms Cougar 2009"   in the "Bra Challenge" category. Here is a link  for the dolls made for the challenge hosted by Barb and Doug Keeling.

For the Bra Challenge category, you had to incorporate a bra in the making of the doll.  Can you see where the bra is in this photo of Ms Cougar??

The purpose of the challenge was to bring awareness to Breast Cancer.

Carlotta, Ms Cougar 2009 loves her shag rug and is quite proud of her trophy.  Do you know any cougars?  C'mon, you must know a few.  In fact, TV even has a show called "Cougartown" starring Courtney Cox. 

I must have hit on a "theme" because it would never have won a technical award.  This was not the best  doll ever made!  Seriously.  I took many short cuts (glued, velcro-ed and everything imaginable) to hurry and get her out the door.  I was thrilled to win nonetheless and it was for a good cause which made it all  worth it!  My friend,  Cindy Sowers told me it is the idea, the imagination of what makes the doll resonate with people.  She made a beautiful doll Lorelei and I know she has put  MANY MANY hours into making  her, take a look.

See?? Isn't she gorgeous?

I guess there are more cougars out there than we are aware of..better watch out guys,  grrrrrrrrrrr                      

ANYWAY....here's where the bra is:

Fall In Michigan

The weather is quickly turning here in Michigan and the leaves are quickly dropping.  Can you remember raking up a pile of leaves and then jumping in them?  I wonder if my boys will do it this year or if they feel like they are "too old" for that kind of stuff.  I may have to make a leaf pile and jump in myself...I am not too old for that kind of stuff...

ADO Halloween Challenge

I finally finished my first ever Halloween Challenge for Art Dolls Only (a team of Etsy doll artists).  Her name is Frankie.  She is a cloth doll and she has bolts "holding" her together and because she was in such a hurry to get ready for the ADO Midnight Ball, she popped a few springs - don't we all have those bad hair days?  Click on the photos for a larger image.

With Halloween just around the corner, I went lookin' on Etsy for some unique Halloween-themed items and it brought me to the Etsy shop of Spirit Mama's Sock Monkey and Cake Topper.


Not only did I find a bunch of monkey's,  I found these two characters lurking about!  

 

Don't they make a great couple?

They are made out of polymer clay and re-purposed clothing so they are even eco-friendly.

I had to include one of Spirit Mama's Sock Monkey Toppers because I have twins and they do act like monkey's sometimes!  She also has wedding cake toppers, art dolls and lots of really, fun to look at polymer clay sculptures.  This is one of those toppers that is sure to a keepsake for the family - but which twin gets to keep it? Better order two!

Sweet Treats!

Good Day to all!  The sun is finally shining here in Michigan...at least for the morning hours.  Does anyone else have the dreaded sinus problems that usually come around this time of year?  I don't like to take drugs for it but I broke down and took sinus medication - the kind that drys everything up but also makes you real tired.  I'd really like to know if anyone has tried the netti pot and how did it work for you?  I saw a demonstration on TV and although it looked kind of gross, it seemed like it would really work.  Let me know if you have. 

I have on my Etsy "favorite sellers" list all different kinds of handmade artists - doll makers,  dress makers, etc. and I wanted to share with you  my hallowed ground because I find her charms so cute (and I don't even wear jewelry, sorry).  I am just fascinated by  how tiny these charms are and how ADORABLE!!  I just can't imagine working on something so tiny and having it come out so lovely.  I believe they are made out of polymer clay and Fimo, you'll have to check her site.   I hope they bring a smile to your face and if you have a teen, maybe this would be inspiration to start a charm bracelet.

They look so delicious! 

The only limits are, as always, those of vision. - James Broughton

If you have read about my sons', you will know about the eye disease they have and what they are to confront in the future.  What you don't know about them is the great spirit and belief they have.  If we could all just have a small piece of it.  My husband has taught the boys that they can heal themselves if they can overcome the negative thoughts that have been imposed upon them through society, including us as parents in moments when they were younger.  Please forgive us for that.  He was reinforcing this belief  with one of our son's - that you can heal yourself, you can alter your DNA if your thoughts are adjusted to say, for instance, "my eyes are perfect", "the blood vessels are regenerating and are becoming healthy" and so on.  My son then said he had been telling himself nightly "my eyes are sharper than an eagle's eyes'" and went on to say he couldn't wait until the start of school next year so he could shout it out "I can see perfectly!".  Ian,  you see more clearly than most of us.

Hand Painted Faces Are A Favorite

Take a look at Lorelei, isn't she amazing?  It is hard to believe that this face is hand painted.  The artist is Cindy Sowers.  And the costuming! Black crepe silk, hand-beaded/sequined and slate glass seed beads and machine brocaded silk charmeuse.

She is button-jointed at the shoulders, Swarovski crystal bead and copper wrapped wire joints at knees and elbows. Wired fingers and topped off with a beautiful hat.

That is a lot of work!  But that is what you get when you buy handmade:  quality.

Cindy has a lot more to offer at her Etsy Shop.  She has mermaids, an Egyptian Queen, fairies and - Lorelei's twin!

Shop Etsy , the place for all things handmade and you will be pleasantly surprised by all the fine artists you will find - including Cindy.

Another Day Another Doll...

I hope everyone reading this is in wonderful health and high spirits today.  The weather in Michigan is changing swiftly to fall (my personal favorite season) and I want to enjoy it as long as I can before winter sets in.  I was going to log off but I first looked at Paula Nerhus's Etsy Shop and I just had to post photos of her wonderful art dolls.  How happy someone is going to be when they own one of her works.  Paula sculpts the heads from paperclay and then paints with various mediums.  The clothing is from reclaimed vintage materials.  If you go to her site, she can explain better than I and you can then take a look at her "thinking inside the box" dolls.



Click Click Click to see all of the photos of this wonderful doll!  I would be thrilled to own just the photograph!  I must mention that Paula is one of the ADO (Art Dolls Only) artist's from Etsy.  Paula is so nice, she even takes layaway.  Someone is going to grab this doll as a Christmas gift so hurry and take a look before it is gone!

I love this guy!  He has such a sweet, innocent look on his face.  Paula's dolls take so many hours to create and they are  truly one of a kind.  You will be amused and amazed when you go to Paula's shop and you will surely have a smile on your face after looking at her creations.




Once again, you will find only the best of the best on Etsy where all things are handmade.  Support handmade artisans - all they do they do with love.

Dolls, Dolls and More Dolls

As you can see, I love to bring to this blog the great doll artists from ADO/Etsy - the place where all things are handmade.  I have another treat for your eyes: DuBuhDu Designs.  The dolls are exquisite and I believe they speak for themselves. 

 

DuBuhDu has prints of her magnificent dolls at her DuBuhDu Designs. Etsy is the place for all things handmade.  There is so much to see from wonderful, handmade artisans.  All items are handmade or vintage - no manufactured items.  Handmade dolls are such a wonderful keepsake.  They each have their own story and the artists put their heart and soul into making their dolls.  Support handmade and you will not be disappointed.    

Don't We All Want A Little Fantasy in Our Lives?

I couldn't let the day by by without showcasing Vania Cruz-Perez and her wonderful Fantasy Whispers art dolls. Vania created these wonderful ladies with polymer clay. The colors are so stunning and isn't her costuming awesome? I love the way she made sure they were PG for websites! Click above to visit her blog and be amazed! Just one more reason to visit Etsy where all things are handmade. Enjoy...

Fall is Here, Halloween Can't be Far Behind! Take a Look at The Fun and Fantastic Polymer Clay Artist Loopy Boopy...

Soon all the ghosts and goblins will be out searching for all kinds of treats but I have one for you today! Take at look at these UNIQUE polymer clay art dolls by ADO Etsy artist Loopy Boopy

This is actually a cake topper - a must for your strange, creepy (but loving!) wedding affair. Isn't this couple adorable?!!

All of the creepy, odd and strange people are handmade using polymer clay and there are more people and ornaments (yes, this guy is an ornament) available at Loopy Boopy's Etsy Shop

Justine is my favorite. Please take at look at
Loopy Boopy's Etsy Shop and support handmade artists! All of the artists on Etsy work very hard at their craft to bring you unique, quality items that you will not find in any commercial store - these are usually one of a kind, limited editions and many artists offer custom work.

Get ready to enjoy your journey into the world of handmade, you're gonna be amazed!

SASHA Has Found A Home!

What a nice surprise today to find out that SASHA has found a home with a lovely lady that donated to my charity (see story below). I know she is going to a warm, caring home and is going to enjoy her new owner. Who couldn't love someone who has such a big heart? She is one of the handmade art dolls that you can find on my website Fabby Menagerie.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the lovely lady who made the donation.

SASHA was adored by many because of the spiritual countenance that always surrounded her. It didn't hurt that she was wearing a beautiful silk dress in such a deep, rich burgundy. She will need the hat and muff where she is going because the weather there is COLD!! Thank you so much for your generosity and SASHA is on her way today. Bye SASHA, don't forget to stay in touch.

Today's ADO Doll Artist Is: Deanna Hogan

If you love the sweet look of this doll, you need to go ASAP to Deanna Hogan's website Blue Heron Dolls! Deanna has quite a collection of these adorable girlies and she also has some fabulous, in-depth tutorials for beginner to advanced doll makers. She is a member of the Etsy ADO team and is a doll artist who loves to share! Please support all the handmade artists at Etsy.

More Fab Cloth Art Doll Artists!

Presenting another one of the great artisans you can find on Etsy, Cindy Sowers. Cindy makes absolutely fabulous cloth dolls and if you know of someone who is getting married in the coming year, this would be a totally excellent gift! You MUST see her other dolls (I command you!). This is an art cloth, one of a kind doll. What could be a more perfect gift for that once in a lifetime wedding day? Here Comes The Bride


Cindy also creates lovely fairy dolls like this one: Zenae the Sorceress

Etsy Friends - Where You Can Find All Things Handmade

This is just one of the many fine, handmade items you will find on Etsy. This is by Abi Monroe and if you scroll down the page a bit under the title "Etsy Treasury", you can click on her shop, An Angel At My Table.

Abi also makes dolls and is a member of ADO (Art Dolls Only) on Etsy. ADO is a group of doll makers in all kinds of medium: clay, cloth, mixed media.

Handmade is a bit more expensive, but what you may not realize is how many hours go into making something really special! These are not manufactured, machine-stamped items..you get those at the dollar store. All of the items are handmade, usually one-of-a-kind.

When you are looking for something really unique for a special gift or for the upcoming holidays, please go to Etsy and support the artists! The person who receives your gift will appreciate your taking the time to find that unique piece and the artist can buy groceries!

Why Am I Here?

Singing and acting were (and still are) a passion and a way to make a living for many years (meeting my bass playing husband was a bonus, too).

27 years, 3 teenage sons and one rescue dog later, I discovered the joys of sewing and doll making. I am still a work in progress but I found my true purpose in life which you will find below.

My sisters and friends were really impressed the first time they saw my dolls; guess they thought I was just another pretty face (LOL!). Why dolls? I don't know. I looked through doll books and was awed by the beautiful dolls people had created. All kinds of dolls!! Mixed media, cloth art, clay, altered and the list goes on forever! As I said, I (specifically skill/technique-wise) am a work in progress.

Last year my three teen sons were diagnosed with choroideremia. This is a rare eye disease that results in progressive, eventual vision loss. If you have kids, you know how devasting this kind of news can be. No cure. Yet. That is where the dolls come in...

I have a fund raising site set up exclusively for donations to the Choroideremia Research Foundation. Visitors can make any size donation (they all add up!) and if people make a donation of at least $100.00, they can choose a doll from my Esty site. AHA! That's why the dolls!  The site is http://www.firstgiving.com/fabbydolls.com.

I wondered why I started making dolls and now I have the answer:



It is hard enough in this economy to get funding and this disease is so rare - it does not get a lot of funding. Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend!

It's A Beautiful Thang!

Well, that is not a very original title but I am still waking up. I wanted to share a photo I received from my sister. It is a picture of an iceberg from top to bottom.

This came from a rig manager for Global Marine Drilling in St. Johns, Newfoundland. They actually have to divert the path of these things away from the rig by towing them with ships! In this particular case, the water was calm and the sun was almost directly overhead so that the diver was able to get into the water and get this shot. They estimated the weight at 300,000,000 tons!

Can you imagine how the diver must have felt seeing this beautiful image up close? Not many people have this kind of opportunity.





I wish you all well and hope you see the beauty in each day we are here and send good thoughts to all.

Carlotta, Ms Cougar 2009!

Carlotta is a doll I created for the Dimensions in Dollmaking Show in San Diego. I found out about the show through Cindy Sowers (thank you!) and although I was late they let me contribute. I was able to come up with Carlotta over a weekend and was happy I could get her out the door. The theme of the show is "Make Me Laugh" and since I have a couple of friends (who shall remain nameless of course) who like the younger guys, it did make me laugh! I must confess, though that my hubby is 5 years younger than me so maybe I am a "cub".

The lamp was made out of a bra for the Bra Challenge - to bring awareness to breast cancer. I cut the cups out, glued them together, added fringe on the bottom, glued a battery-operated twist light to the inside (it really lights!) and topped it all off with a pull switch. She is relaxing on her favorite chaise and still loves the look of a shag rug! Perhaps Carlotta would like to keep the lights low for now.

The DID shows runs from September 16th - 19th in San Diego (wish I could go). If you live in the area, take a look at the quilts and dolls as I am sure you will be amazed by all of the talent and imagination of the artists!

Etsy Treasury

I was surprised (and honored) to find "Little Amy" on the Etsy treasury created by the lovely Abi Monoe!

Click here to see The Treasury


Thank you Abi! You can find Abi's shop on Etsy AnAngelAtMyTable and you will want to check it out because she has some very sweet items in her shop!

If you want to buy handmade only, Etsy is the place to go! When I was at Mackinac Island this summer, I found some great shops with beautiful, handcrafted items. The sad thing is, there were many more shops who churned out manufactured products that could be found in shop after shop after shop. It really made me appreciate handmade items so much more and I gave myself a pat on the back for being a part of handmade!

Fall is near!

I love fall in Michigan! It looks like it may be coming a bit early here. The trees are starting to turn colors, the air is a bit cooler and I look forward to pumpkins, gourds and mums appearing on everyone's porch!

This is Little Amy, one of the dolls that is currently for sale on my Etsy site. She looks like she is dressed for fall: all gold, brown and cream colors. She was inspired by the Charles Dickens novel, "Little Dorritt". She has a very serene countenance on her face but I do wonder: what is in her little handbag?