What Is Your Favorite Season?

Mine is fall. I love the changing colors of the beautiful leaves, bonfires, crisp air and Halloween!  I am sad to see the flowers fade away and when a big gust of wind comes along - the trees are left standing naked.  I did snip one of the dinner plate dahlias before frost sets in and the tubes have to be dug up.  I will have this picture as a reminder of what a beautiful summer has gone by and will return again.

This is a very vibrant yellow!

I'm Still Here...REALLY!!

What happened to the past 6 months (a YEAR AND A HALF has gone by) and it seems I have sorely neglected my online posting. So, if anyone is still out there and following I thank you very much and I am back!

Although doll making is one of the reasons I started this blog (I am sad to say, I have not made a doll in MONTHS) I also make appearances as the Fairy Godmother at parties and make princess hats that I sell at craft shows here in Michigan.  It has been a busy season. We finished the traveling doll project and if you click here, you can read about the dolls that were created, meet the artists that worked on the project and view the beautiful dolls. Here are a few examples from one of the teams I was on, Team Puppe:

This is RAYNE - She is a total rock star!

This is Rosie Pimlico and she is a free spirit1

Nadia is a Prima Ballerina (and a bit Diva)

 There a SO many beautiful dolls and the artists are all wonderful, take a break and go check out the Art Dolls Only traveling Doll Project! 

Say "Wynn" Team Boneca ADO Traveling Doll Project

Recap:  Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project direct from the ADP/TDP page:

"This project is a collaboration of artists, all working individually on a group doll. This year we have 26 members participating that have been split into 7 teams.

Each doll will take a journey...starting and ending in the same place with a whole new look and story. A journal will travel with each doll that will tell the story from the start, middle, and the end of the dolls adventure."

Finally!  I finished my part on Bari's doll "Wynn" for Team Boneca (please read previous post on Team Puppe and "Rayne" as I am also a part of that team).  Wynn had so many possibilities!  The name "Wynn" as Bari stated was like "Pat" - you know, from Saturday Night Live?  The doll could be either/or -- male or female.  Wynn was more like a beautiful sculpture than a "doll".  Long neckline, strong hands and the face was aged but you could see the past "life" of what could have been for Wynn.  What to do with Wynn?  She moved from living room to dining room for over a week before a decision was made.  My husband said that Wynn looked like Mr. Hoggett from the movie "Babe".  That was such a wonderful movie - you must see if you haven't.  OK - so that is where Wynn began and well, it kinda got crazy!

Here is how Wynn arrived (pictured with "Rayne"):

The story begins here...

Folks who live in small towns out in the country can have lives as complex (sometimes more) than those who live in the big cities.  Same hustle and bustle – just a different kind.  Instead of hustling for money (like those Wall Street feller’s) they’re hustling the cattle, thrashing the wheat, feeding the pigs, chickens and hogs trying to scratch out a living for their families. Wynn is one of those complex folks who live in one of those small, country towns.  Nobody knows too much about Wynn.  Keeps to herself mostly but you can always get a glimpse of Wynn every Tuesday.  Don’t really know why it is every Tuesday but that seems to be the day Wynn has picked for her “ritual” as the towns folk call it.  Same time of day, too:  2PM.  Another one of those mysteries about Wynn I have yet to decipher.

Wynn is always dressed in the same ‘ol hat and never without the scarf she wears around her neck, (some call it a “rag”).   Heard through the local librarian she checks out the same book whenever she stops in, “Emma” by Jane Austen.   Keeps it for months at time and the pages are tattered something awful.  The librarian says it has “stains” on some of the pages – like someone had poured a "bucket of tears" on it.  Wynn always manages to pay the late fees; librarian says she’s gonna order a new copy with all the fees she gets from Wynn.   Another thing I noticed if I get a real close look (which isn’t often) is Wynn always has what looks like a letter in the front pocket of them worn-out overalls she’s always wearin’.  Post Master says he never knew Wynn to ever stop in to mail anything.

Wynn heads out to the same spot way up on the hill that overlooks the cemetery.  It’s ‘sho ‘nuff a pretty site, looking down over all the flowers that intermingle with the tall grass.  Looks ‘specially nice when there is a gentle breeze blowin’ – just enough to feel it run lightly through your hair (if you’re lucky enough to have hair – not like us ‘ol geezers) but Wynn always had beautiful, flowing, golden hair.  Some say she was a real beauty from what they could remember.  Now, she just looks tired, worn and sad…very sad.  In addition to her favorite book, Wynn always carries a blanket to her favorite spot.  I guess so she can stretch out and relax while she is up on that hill.  Ask me, looks like a baby blanket of some sort and bulky, like somethin’ is wrapped up in it . The colors look to have been quite stunning before they got all faded.  I guess it is kinda like Wynn.

Now hold on to your breeches -- across town lives a feller and his name also happens to be Wynn!  I know, hard to believe but in this place, “Wynn” happens to be one of those names that is real popular like.  I guess you could compare it to "either or" names like Pat, Hunter, Sammy--you get my drift.

Wynn is pretty much like “the other” Wynn, keeps to himself, no socializing at all.  If you did happen to lock eyes with Wynn all you would get is a cold, blank stare and a creepy feeling that would run from the top of your head through your entire body.  No thank you!    

He never causes nobody any trouble and is never seen out after sunset.  Wynn’s  a hog farmer and make’s a pretty good livin’ at it.  He takes real good care of them hogs, treats them like they’re his own children or somethin’.  Feeds them only the best feed, always keeps the pens real clean and some folks say they can even hear him some nights singing to the hogs in a real soft, gentle voice.  ‘Course, it was after sunset so who knows “who” he was singin’ to.  Could be he had a lady friend that no one knew about.  I doubt it though, icy as he is.  Heard he used to be a real good-looking, kind, thoughtful fella.  Something happened to 'cause him to harden so.

Not too much goes on in this small town, but this is a real mystery.  Yep, we got a  Wynn-Wynn situation here.  Put you’re thinkin’ caps on and let us know what you think is happening here.  Wynn is traveling on to Jacqui at Odddollz, maybe she can figure all this out and let us in on it.  

DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS??  Leave 'em right here in the comments section and then stay tuned to see how this turns out.

Rayne Wants To Rock - Come See What Happened in Michigan..

Rayne came all the way from California from Kaci of Daydream Retreat as one of the participants in the Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project  There are five art doll artists on "Team Puppe" and my doll, Serendipity was sent off to Helen Fern.  (Read the previous post about the mini team (Team Boneca) I am also on.)

Rayne arrived with a clay head and a body with a wire armarature covered with a soft cloth batting.  Her eyes were painted white and she had a dark cherry lip color. 

  

After reading Rayne's journal entries, it was clear she was a girl who liked colors and excitement!  I started with her cream-colored hair (which is actually a tassel but shhhh.....!)  She had a choice of several pieces to compliment her updo and she chose a headband with a couple of simple, fabric flowers.  Noting the picture of the model that was in the journal, I duplicated the eyes - a bright, sparkling blue. Although she didn't have the over-the-top big eyelashes, Rayne was insistent.   Next I added some light cheek color and a pink lip gloss.  She was ready to roll!

How often do you get a backstage peek at a metal band in the making??

Rayne was right in the middle of all of the music making and it was LOUD!

 Rayne didn't mind one bit and took advantage of  every photo opportunity that came along...

Guess who wants to start their own band when they get back to California?  Rayne is looking for some uber cool, looks like a superstar, next American Idol winner type of outfits.  She has been shipped off to her next destination, Helen Fern in Oregon.  She really had fun in Michigan at Fabby Dolls (Deena) but she is ready to quiet her mind so she can concentrate on her music career.  Rayne was really excited to receive a new pair of shoes with a matching purse, a boa and some other sparkly things to pack in her suitcase.    

Yes, a little piece and quiet will do her some good!

Team Boneca Is Off and Running with TDP Come and See!

The Traveling Doll Project on ADO is off to a great start!  WOW!  If you love art dolls and want to see some AMAZING (understated) work, you need to take a look at this link. I am on two teams but I will introduce you first to the team that is currently featured:  Team Boneca with Jacqui of Odddollz and Bari of Baris Fairies.  Each artist starts their doll anyway they wish - headless, head only, dressed, naked - well, you get the picture.  Oh - here are some pictures....

 I started out with this leather skirt that I finally came to grips with the fact that it was not going to fit me again...ever!

Hmmmm....this cage has been sitting on my workbench just waiting for a special project

I love all kinds of trim. I had this really, cool clasp that I had been wanting to use and since I wanted to make everything removable so my partners could work more easily with my doll, this worked perfectly! The trim has beads attached and then I added some feathers - could be used for wings, too....

Add the trim to the torso, the torso to the cage and now the doll awaits her face and hands; and with Jacqui and Bari's excellent sculpting skills, I am sure this doll is going to be EXCEPTIONAL!



I left wire exposed from the head and the arms so they could add their clay to the doll.  Not sure how any of that works - I have only worked with cloth.  I guess I figured they would sculpt the head/hands and poke a hole through the clay before they baked them so they could then slip on the wire I left exposed.  STOP LAUGHING CLAY ARTISTS!!  I don't know how it is done - I was guessing. 

 

Here is the package that was shipped first to Jacqui in Canada.  Our journals were to represent "a direction" for the doll to take but I really had no set path.  I had been "obsessed" with the song "Mad World" (Tears for Fears) after I had hear Adam Lambert's version.  It was such a sad song but his voice and the music is so beautiful at the same time.  It just struck a cord with me that people (teens especially) are so obessessed with looking a certain way, trying to "fit in" to what their peers consider "cool" and how many are ignored, outcast without anyone seeing what is on the inside - which is what really counts, don't you think?  In my high school years it was Janis Ian's song "At Seventeen". 

I learned the truth at seventeen

That love was meant for beauty queens

and high school girls with clear skinned smiles

who married young and then retired

The valentines I never knew

The Friday night charades of youth

were spent on one more beautiful

At seventeen I learned the truth...

Still relevant today....sad but true.  ANYWAY....I guess it was appropriate that I sent my doll off into the world without a face - I will love the face I see when she is returned to me.

Now take a look at Jacqui's started doll. She said Ginny was a bit nervous but was reassured by Jacqui  that all would be well on her travels.She is such a sweet pea AND she  DOES look nervous!  How do you do what you do Jacqui???

She is so sweet!  I so look forward to her arrival in Michigan.  She will be treated quite nicely and handled with loving care!

Bari's doll is, well I do believe that is left up to Jacqui and I to determine (which is one of the exciting aspects of this Traveling Doll Project!).

In Wynn's words:

"Well, this is certainly awkward...I’m naked and apparently quite bald. For that matter I’m not entirely certain of my gender. When I expressed my concerns to the woman I’ve been staying with, she said ‘all things come with time’, and left me in her guest room to entertain myself..."

It does bare repeating:  fantastic work!  I am in awe of my Team Boneca partners!  This doll certainly leaves the door open for so many possiblities..."If you did all the things in life you were truly capable of, you would astound yourself" (Thomas Edison)

HUGE Give-A-Way!!

One World One Heart

What's it all about Alfie?  In a nutshell, it is a way for bloggers to get to know other bloggers, find out what they do/write about and showcase the great talent that is out there. There are SO many artists offering some fantastic art - it may take you a few days to sign up for all of it!

I am giving away a cute ornament on the Art Dolls Only site.  Go on over to see it - it's only one more click!  Really, she's quite cute.

Everybody LOVES Buddy! Come See Why...

Meet Buddy - aptly named as he is friend to all (even the strangers who come and knock on the front door - being out in the country, we don't have a lot of people coming up to the door so it does give me a heads up.)

Buddy has been a part of our family since 2003.  We met Buddy at the Detroit Adopt-A-Friend event held every year (I think twice a year) at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Michigan.  While the boys were looking over all the oh-so-cute puppies, Buddy was patiently waiting in his cage enjoying the occasional visitor.  You see, he was what was considered "an older dog" at almost a year.  He had been adopted by someone once and they returned him - he was digging  holes in their backyard.  He might have uncovered a treasure - your loss!    

Buddy caught my eye because he was so calm and friendly.  The staff person from the Humane Society was doing a real number on me: Buddy was a mixed breed with mostly lab, already house-trained, gentle, great with kids, etc.  I told her we would be back after we had looked at all of the dogs and then she stated his time at the shelter was "running out" - you know what that means.  After circling around for about an hour - back to Buddy it was.  All three boys and my sister agreed - Buddy would make a great new addition!

The first order of business on the way home was Buddy's first meal - WHITE CASTLE!  Who doesn't love White Castle (once or twice a year).  He has been a FANTASTIC pet from the very first day we got him home.  He loves to join in on all the boys' antics...I even took him to school that first year in a cape and underwear - dressed as Captain Underpants!  The classroom even fell in love with him.  As for digging, the only time he does that is to find the moles!  We live on 10 acres and mow the 3-4 acres that are around the immediate house and my husband is always amazed (dare I say proud?) that Buddy always does his biz in the woods!  What a dog!  By the way, he name was originally "Adam" but we knew he was gonna be a "Buddy".

Does This Angel Make My Butt Look Big??

The word "angel" and "butt" should NEVER be used together (it's just so wrong) but the sun is shining here in Michigan and I am SO HAPPY about it I just had to get out there and play in the snow!

Since I was out and about - I had to snap this little angel.  Winter, summer, spring or fall - his expression never changes.  He is sassy don't ya think?  He should be smiling next week - the temps here are suppose to be in the 30's for a few days.  HOORAY!  Go on, go out and play and make your own angel.  Spread your wings and spread a little sunshine to all you encounter today. 

You'll Want To Stay Tuned In For This One!

I am SO EXCITED to be a part of  the Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project! 

This project is in it's second year and this is my first time participating.  This is a collaborative effort among teams of doll artists worldwide!  This year there are 28 participants and I feel honored to be one of them. It's like musical chairs but with a twist...after your doll has made the rounds of the group she is in - she will end up back at home with a whole new look!  The doll will travel with a journal so all of her travels can be recorded.  You can read about my doll's travels right here beginning Feb 1st which is the first ship date.  You can also click here to read more about the first TDP, participating artists and the dolls' travels for this year.  Start the music!