ADO Elements Challenge

Not long ago, I happened onto a blog called ADO (Art Dolls Only) and was so impressed with the dolls that I had seen there. On one of the days I went to visit, I saw that there was an Art Doll challenge.



This challenge was not only for the members, but non members too (I’m not a member). So I decided to join in on this adventure. My hands have been itching to create dolls again and this was another opportunity to revisit on of my first loves. Most of the dolls that I’d seen on ADO were sculpted in polymer clays of different sorts and were so beautiful. So many varieties and personalities. A little intimidating and envious to say the least since I use fabric and my fingers don’t work their magic with polymer clays (I so wish they did). But I stepped up to the challenge anyways. I tossed and turned between Earth and Fire. Earth won.

As some of you may know, my Muse (and I have a few of them) will take me on a journey only to have me come out on the other side with what you see here. I have a clue and a few items going in (in this case a wood block, and some flowers), but once there it’s another story. I have to say that it’s all good and I would not change the journey one bit. It is a gift given from them and I honor these gifts.

In my earlier post, I teased you with bits-n-pieces of this creation. And I have to give a shout out to my very good friend and best bud, Greg! He took these magnificent pics of her in his back yard. Thank you sweetie!

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Earth Mother. Nurturer, caregiver, provider. She’s 10” tall, crafted in fabric and stands in a base making the overall size 11”.

Her upper body is made from tea dyed muslin
and the lower part from cotton fabric.
Her bodice is made from a maple leaf taken from a fall foliage garland.
Her cloak is green velvet lined in a moss green fabric
with moss green/gold ribbon.

Her beautiful head of hair is made from deer moss, adorned with flowers
and a beaded crown. And for her necklace, she wears beads
representing the seven colors of the Chakras with a glass leaf.

You can’t see it too well, but on each arm she wears four bracelets.

She stands in (she comes out) a hollowed tree stump

and is surrounded by colorful flowers on a peat moss base.

As she came more into focus, I was prompted by my Muse to put a piece of braided sweet grass in her feet (to attract good spirits) and healing Chakra stones at her heart (Rose Quartz), throat and Third Eye (Lapis Lazuli), and crown (Quartz Crystal) of the head as she was being filled. I did not ask why these four Chakras were given, I just moved with it. Now I see why. Earth Mother is here to remind us of the healing that desperately needs to happen within ourselves and with the earth. There is an imbalance and a healing that is way overdue. The earth is the only place we have to call home right now. Lets take care of her.

......Don't forget to stop by ADO to visit the other Elements Blog Event participants (the list is on the left). Some great works to be seen there.

Dolls...new and revisited

Well now, my hands have stopped itchin’,
for the moment at least.
Been itchin’ to create a new collection of dolls.

There is so much inspiration out there. Started on some plushies last month (finished those) but could not get the goddess dolls out of my mind...I used to create soft dolls and toys back in the day when my daughter was in her toddler stage and I was a stay at home mom. Life happened, the dolls were exchanged for other types of creations and I started working outside of the home.

This collection is called Create (that’s what the charm says). Simple, huh? Made to inspire creation for the one who holds her.

Each goddess is 7” tall with a beaded charm necklace.
Their faces are made of air dry clay with a third eye chakra for clarity.

The purple one was made for a personal trade,
and the others will be given as gifts.

The hair is a very soft chenille yarn. The fabric for the body was hand picked and printed from my computer using InkJetPrinting cotton sheets from Jacquard. I added a bit of sweet grass in the feet for healing and peace before sewing them closed.

So now I want to go into the archives to introduce you to some old friends...

The King and Queen, now there’s a pair.
He still likes to hold her hand.

They are 15 years old! See, told you it was back in the day. I made all kinds of dolls and toys then, but these are my absolute favorites. They are 24” tall. I did not design the body pattern, but I did design the matching costumes, hats, and sandals for them. The nose ring that the Queen wears is my original nose ring from 1974/75. Her dress is lined and her duster is reversible. She’s even wearing bloomers. *giggles* I wanted the King in the patterned costume. He wears a two piece set with a sash.

The hair is braided (Queen) and wrapped with gold ribbon to match. You may wonder why they have no faces… at the time they didn't need one, and they still don’t.

There are so many ideas running around in my head for more Goddess dolls. But I will give it some more time and get back at them soon.

Do you believe in Fairies?...how could I have forgotten

There have been talks about some who do not believe in the Faerie Folk and other little ones that share our world. That's fine if you don't. But I certainly believe in them. The little glimmers of light that touch my eyes now and again assure me that they are indeed here. The magic is definitely strong. If you are open to them.

When we are children, we see this world with such clarity and feel the magic like a soft breeze on the cheek. As we grow older, our daily lives tend to take us further away from the magic. Leaving some to reside in a cold shell of a body that has lost the childlike magic. The loss in the beliefs of Fairies, Sprites, Elves and the like are shorted out and never to be seen or thought of again. I am grateful for the reminders myself.

These playful, some times mischievous little cutiepatooties have been around for ever. I see them in gardens and sometimes when walking along the Marina they are playing in the tall grass. They remind me of the sweet things in life and why I need to keep my heart open. I also create them and have passed them on to the good homes of those who still believe in them.

Captured Fairies

These tiny beauties were captured unharmed, and sent off to the loving homes of those who would cherish them. Had a heck of a time trying to capture them too.
Hand beaded. They stand about 3"
Created in 2007

Wish Fairy

These were made for two swaps done over the holidays....12 Days of Christmas, and 12 Days of Festivus. Each fairy was handmade and personalised for the individual intended. About 3-4" tall.
Created in 2008

~Masquerade~ Paper Doll

Going to the Masquerade Ball.......and here she is, the last in a series of paper dolls created for JoyFlower's Mixed Media Paper Doll swap over at ATCsforall.

I wanted to make Harlequin paper doll and kinda pulled it off. Sometimes it's hard getting the idea out of my head and onto paper (I want it just like I can see it in my "minds eye"). Anyways, I cut strips of patterned paper to create her costume 'cuz I wanted to feel the texture (I'm a texture whore, I admit it). The collar and skirt are crepe paper that I sprayed with water color paint, pleated and sewn. She is poseable and stands 9" tall.

Caught this little beauty swimming around the Bay today and had to show her off. She's made for the Paper Doll swap hosted by Joyflower over at ATCsforall. She is 8.5". The lower body is an overlay of blue/green vellum that I cut into strips, and dipped them in pixie dust. She is sparkly. The arms, lower part of the body, and tail are done with eyelets, making them movable. One more to do. Will post it soon.

Another vision...Kimono Paper Doll

This latest creation is based on colors that I saw in a dream that I had the other night. Where I walked into an empty room being painted in blues, greens and other colors of the sea. These were not solid colored walls but a combination of brush strokes in shades of blues and greens. Almost like a Monet painting kinda thingy, but big, on the walls of this empty room. It was beautiful and I felt a sense of oneness being in that room.

I woke up with an urgency to find these colors and make them come to life somehow. Something about the dream moved me to try and recreate the colors in this piece. I went through my gathering of colors and textures and played with many of them. This feels right. Yeah, it is right. Papers were collaged together to create the kimono. The arms are movable. She's about 9.5" tall.

"Oh Oz never did give nothin' to the Tin Man.....

...that he didn't, didn't already have." I finally got started on my paper dolls for the swap over at ATCsForAll . Introducing, the Tin Man. He's a poseable lil' dude and stands about 8.5" tall. I wanted to do something unique so I used flashing tape over paper and embossed the pieces. Used eyelets instead of brads. Two more dolls to go. I have an idea for the next one, the other hasn't come to me yet.

Kokeshi Babies ~Second Edition~

I've worked on these little cuties over the past few days.
Introducing, the Second Edition of Kokeshi Babies.

Born: February 2, 2009
Weight: less than one ounce
Length: about 3.5"
Dressed in their finest garments.
These little darlin's will make someone happy for sure.

Akiko

Chou

Hitomi

Midori

Natsumi

Sora

Lil Seedlings

For some reason Art Dolls are on my creative radar these days. My Muse is gifting me with all sorts of visions. *bows in thanx* These are my Lil Seedlings, born earlier this week. As you can see they are very small, being just born and all. They represent a new beginning in growth for me. How timely they are. Fashioned in seed and micro beads, jewelry findings, wire, Paperclay faces and poly clay beads.

Blue Seedling

Yellow Seedling
(PIF to Monarch)

Pink Seedling

All Dressed Up

This little Princess started with an ATC card that was done for a background tutorial I'm working on. I added paper scraps for arms and legs, lace, other findings. She stands a tad over 8".