Kim's Art By The Sea

Victorian Fashion

2009-12-21T15:43:00.001-08:00

I just love Victorian fashion, so when I ran across this page out of The Delineator, I just had to come up with some way to use it and this is what I came up with. My intentions were to make it to stand beside some old books on the shelf, but somehow she found her way to the tree. I could do a whole tree in the Victorian ladies next year. I better get to work!

A paper star tutorial

2009-12-18T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have decided to keep this blog going since more people stop by this blog than Sea Gypsy Studio and my Etsy store is Kim's Art By The Sea. So many reasons to keep going with this blog.

Much of this past year has been working with paper. This little snowgirl is all made with paper.

This is one of my paper pixies. The roses are made from paper tape.

I have made lots of coffee filter paper roses

Angel ornaments all made of paper.

Stars made of paper. Lots of Stars! I have a tutorial on making the stars if anyone is interested just click on this link: Coffee Filter Stars

Did you know?

2009-12-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

I do not post on this blog any more. I am now Sea Gypsy Studio.

New Doll

2009-10-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

She is finished! After 3 days of embellishing I have had enough! I have a story to tell about her. She was at one time almost complete, but I did not like her face, so I took a knife and actually cut the head in half and started over sculpting a whole new face( One of the great things about paperclay!). It is hard to get a pretty face (with paperclay), but that can be a good thing if your trying for primitive or rustic look. I am going to have to set up a background and lighting so the pics will be better.Click on pic for larger view

This picture can also be clicked on for larger image

I am moving to another blog

2009-05-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am changing blogs and changing my name! Why? I recently purchased a .com and had to come up with another name so my new blog is Sea Gypsy Studio. I am going to be moving posts from this blog over to Sea Gypsy. I will not be posting here any more, but I will leave this blog up for a while. So when you see Sea Gypsy on your comments, it's me!

2009-05-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am still painting up a storm. It has been a very busy week. The problem I was having with my computer was a browser issue. I have broadband, but it was moving like a snail. Every time I would go to make a comment on someones site my computer would freeze up and I would have to shut down the whole thing. It was very frustrating, but everything seems to be working ok so far. I will go make a few comments and see how that works. It is so funny how the computer has become just as important as a phone. When I started doing this room, it was just going to be a room. But I have decided to make it a workspace. I struggle with trying to keep everything from running into my living space. This is a large area and I think if I am clever enough, maybe I can get everything in this one space. It has gone from a gypsy room to an artsy room. I painted the table last night an ugly gold color, but I think if I take that black curtain panel and make a skirt for it that might help tone down that ugly gold. Black has a way of grounding color. It tones things down a bit.

Inspiration

2009-05-11T05:17:00.000-07:00

I was doing a little web surfing this morning and found this website called Polyvore. So much inspiration! I could spend the whole day looking at all the eye candy. I love this!

An Oriental Beauty (for Neca D.) by Satinee featuring Miu Miu shoulder bags

melancholy blue by little-flower✿ on Polyvore.com

I am wondering :)

2009-05-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

I am thinking. Why not make a room full of pattern and color. Like a quilt. Why not? It may be busy, but it will be interesting and fun to do. I will just look at the walls as a big blank canvas. Maybe I am a little wacky in the head, but lets go for it!

My computer is back up!

2009-05-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post to let you know I am still here. I have not been able to blog due to computer problems. I am still having a few problems but we are working on them. I have made good use of my time off line. I have been painting one of my rooms and will share that in the next post, but you will need a pair of sunglasses.LOL. I have decided after years of keeping it neutral that I am going to just go for it and surround myself with color like the pictures below. I am actually using the first picture as my inspiration. It was really hard to use that green on the ceiling, but I did it and I love it! to see more of this fabulous gypsy style visit Jeanne Boyol

Happy Friday

2009-04-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know how I love to give myself little challenges. Yesterday I thought to myself how tired I am of digging through the really ugly jewelry. This stuff is just plain ugly. I pull it all out on the table and told myself to make something or throw it away.
Waxed linen just happened to be in that same box and that was just perfect.
So I made a pouch out of the waxed linen and then began to embellish.
That little gold piece was an earring.
This is what I came up with. I would by no means call this a masterpiece, but I thought considering the junk it turned out pretty good. I'll wear it! The DH was not to crazy about it, but I never listen to him anyway.LOL.
Have a great weekend!

Did you hear about the party?

2009-04-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

The French Faeries are gathering, the guests are arriving and a sweet giveaway is planned. You will need to go here Kaerie Faerie to find out date and time

Paper Tape Roses

2009-04-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

The tape was sitting on the table, so I picked up a piece and just started playing and this is what came out of my play time. I ended up making four sets of three. I have never seen anyone make these, so I did a search for paper tape roses. I found roses made of crepe paper and duck tape, but no paper tape. I am sure it has been done. I made them like you would ribbon roses, but better than ribbon because it sticks to itself, so it keeps it's shape. I then ended up giving them a wash of color. I needed this color for a project I am working on or I would have tried rolling them in glitter.

What to do on a rainy day?

2009-04-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

It is raining and I am sitting here at the computer finding all kinds of cool things. I thought this was interesting and really pretty accurate

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Easter Tussy Mussy

2009-04-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs and inspiration hit. I had to make a tussy mussy. It is funny how something will hit you and you know exactly how you will make it. I wanted to make it out of wire and Victorian in style. I will be making more of these. I can take everything out and add a little glass bottle and add fresh flowers or silk. I just love it!

I made the eggs last year.

I hope you all have a very Happy Easter! My Birthday is tomorrow also, so I am off to bake a cake for myself. I don't really need that cake, but I am going to make it anyway. My Mom always made it for me and I am just so hungry for it I can taste it. I found her recipe. Coconut Cake. This coconut cake is a little different. The coconut and sugar are cooked together and it makes a syrup, You drizzle this over the cake and it sinks in making the most moist cake you have ever tasted. My DH does not like coconut, but he does like this cake. I will post the recipe on my next post.

Good Friday

2009-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up thinking about Jesus, so I set out in search of artists who have painted Him. All I can say is, wow! But one artist stood out for me and his name was Warner Sallman. This one of Jesus would be on my top ten list of modern paintings. In my search I discovered that this picture of Jesus head is one of the most popular artworks of all time.
I love all of these!

Victorian Ladies

2009-04-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

I am just so excited with my junking find this weekend. It seems like I have seen these before in my childhood, but I just can't seem to place where. I love all things Victorian. I have been a little lazy this week, so I am just going with it. As much as I love creating it can be exhausting. I have been rearranging things in the studio and doing a little spring cleaning.

Abstract Painting

2009-04-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

I am heading out to do a little junking today. My other favorite thing to do. I am still working on my painting. I am hoping to achieve a very lacy effect in the end. If not on this one maybe the next. I also want to thank you all for your comments and I want to tell each one of you how much you inspire me. I have not had much in the way of support or positive encouragement and sometimes it is hard for me to know what to say, but I do thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I hope you all have a great weekend. I am going to try and have a little fun and I hope you do to. I think sometimes we work too hard. Not only are we all working on art, now we have to learn the computer, learn to network, photography and that darn printer! :)

In The Studio

2009-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Since last week I decided to put down the clay and pick up the paint brush. I have a number of paintings in the works. I do it this way because it gives me a chance to see what needs to be changed. Sometimes I may paint a face three time before I decide it is ok. I am also working on some jewelry, but I am not happy enough with it to share yet. I took one of my dolls that was made of paper clay and sanded the face completely off. It was hard for me to do that because she has so much embellishment going on, but her face just didn't work for me. That is what makes paper clay so great. I also painted a mermaid on muslin. This will be a textile collage. The fairy with the roses is going to be very embellished. A dimensional piece. I hope everyone is having a creative week.

Inspiration ( This is not my work)

2009-03-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we run across an artist that makes us want to try new things. I am not sure why some things hit us more that others, but this artist is speaking to my soul right now. To see more of this talented artist work, click on her name Gerda S- Rijisdijk

More Fairy Decor

2009-03-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

What would a fairy do with an oyster shell?

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am going to follow the sign.

Products Used For Junk Birdhouse

2009-03-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you what was used to make the junk birdhouse. I first painted the house with acrylic. Two coats of paint on what would show. I used sanded grout and buttered each section I was working on with a palette knife. You do need to do it pretty thick to make sure the pieces are embedded securely. If the piece did not feel secure I would pick it back up and add grout to the piece itself and place it back down. I let the birdhouse sit out in the sun most of the day. It really should probably sit up for a few days before the next step, but me being the inpatient person that I am and wanting to see it finished, gave it the antiquing treatment. To antique: I mixed Antique Gold and Burnt Umber acrylic paint with antiquing medium(equal amounts on this project). Wipe off excess with a damp cloth. I took a ceramic class way back in the day, and learned that you can add colors to antique gold to achieve beautiful results. One of my favorites Antiquing mediums is the Antique Gold and Burnt Sienna. A good combination for dolls or when you want a pink tint to a project. It would be so cute to do small birdhouses for a Christmas tree, but you would have to use something like Apoxie Sculpt because the grout would be to heavy for the limbs of the Christmas tree. Just a thought!

Birdhouse

2009-03-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

A wood birdhouse sitting on the shelf. It has been sitting there for years. A box full of old jewelry in really bad shape and not really good enough for most art projects. The really bad stuff! I can not throw anything a way because I might just use it someday. Today was the day it would finally be used and it turned out better than I thought considering the junk that was used.

Another Gift In The Mail

2009-03-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

I went to my mailbox this morning and another giveaway gift was waiting on me. This one is from The Artful Life. If you get a chance go by and check out Tina's Etsy store. I love my necklace! My family often laughs at me because I have a tendency to wear a little to much jewelery. I am sure their must be some gypsy blood somewhere in the tree. LOL. I do have a little of that Native American blood and they also seemed to love adornment, so maybe that is where it comes from. I also have a thing for leather moccasins which I have worn all winter. I exchanged them a few days ago for flip flops. My shoes of choice for the summer! After receiving my gift, it seemed as if the day wanted to be about birds. I walked down to the beach and watched the seagulls and the shorebirds run in and out of the surf. I come home and these beautiful pigeons were in the yard. I have always heard that the male is the most colorful, so I am thinking the one with the touch of color on his neck must be the male. They did not mind posing for the camera at all. Birds are everywhere. I guess they are as happy as we are for a little warmer weather.

Dreaming Of Fairy Decor

2009-03-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

It has been so beautiful here. It feels like spring. I have been sitting outside and playing with sticks. Making tiny wreaths out of crab grass. Taking a piece of driftwood and making a place for a fairy to sit. Making little pillows from rabbit fur. Chairs made with shells. I love my little dream world!

Paper Pixie

2009-03-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have received a few emails and one of my bloggie friends wanted to know more about the paper pixie. I will share more pictures of the one holding the heart soon. She is almost finished. I have a little bit more to do on her. I am in the process of making a booklet with step by step instructions. I began making the booklet for myself. I make so many different types of dolls and they are all constructed differently and I wanted to have some kind of documentation of how I did it. I have already used it since making the first doll. How quickly we forget.LOL! She really is completely made out of coffee filters, even the face.
I punched out lots of flowers from wallpaper and decoupaged to the filters.
I love the tone on tone.
I made lots of little flowers to embellish with.

I am making one right now that is totally different. The coffee filters will be painted. I can't wait to see what that one will look like. It is really interesting to me to see how many ways you can change a piece simply by your choice of media. They are so much fun to make! More coming soon!

Gifts in my mailbox

2009-03-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was like Christmas. I went to the mailbox and tiny packages were waiting for me. The first was a gift from OWOH event. I was the winner of this heart ornament from Gypsy Mare Studios. I love her paintings! Thank you! My Paper Pixie( made with coffee filters)thinks the heart is hers, so I am letting her have her way until Christmas and then she is going to have to give it up for the tree. The next package I open up was a gift from Susan of A Walk In The Park I am thinking of using the face for a wildart doll. I love it! I opened up the card and there was one of Susan's awesome drawings. I went and grabbed a frame and put the card inside. I thought the frame might be to much, but I like it! He sits on a shelf in my living room. Thank you!

More Fairy Shoes

2009-03-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

As you can see I am still having fun making these tiny treasures. I have always loved miniatures and used to collect them, so this is just too much fun. They are close to being an inch. They are made of polymer clay. I gave each pair varnish and sprinkled with a little fairy dust.

Fairy Shoes

2009-02-26T16:24:00.000-08:00

One day I was searching the web and ran across a pair of fairy shoes and I just had to make a pair. This is the first pair but it will definitely not be the last. they are two and half inches long. I still would like them to be a little bit smaller. It was just so much fun! I have been sculpting for three weeks. Stopping only to eat and sleep. I have managed to keep up with my New Years resolution of being in the studio by 6:00 am. I am hoping all this hard work will pay off with some new and improved skills. I have pulled out every sculpting book I have and am trying new things.
My tip if the week: After smoothing with the hand sanitizer and before the clay goes in the oven I use cornstarch to smooth the clay a little more.

Tip of the week

2009-02-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

During a week you learn so many new things and so I thought it would be really good to put it in a post on Fridays. I will call it Tip of the week. So here goes the coolest thing I learned this week (by accident). Hand sanitizing lotion is great for smoothing polymer clay. I use a variety of clays and so I tested them all. It worked! I used a fabric brush to apply and smooth. When baking the clay I do multi baking's and so I cover my pieces previously baked with a barely damp paper towel.

Sculpting faces

2009-02-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

This is my two weeks worth of work. I have been sculpting faces and making a few beads while waiting for the dolls to bake. I get so frustrated with how much time things take. I have been trying to come up with pieces that do not take up so much time for selling purposes, but before I know it these simple little pieces end up taking close to a week to make. I guess things just have to cost what they will. The great thing about art dolls whatever the style, they are one of a kind. I see so many doll artist selling dolls way below value. I see dolls in Walmart( a doll) that cost more than some of the Art Dolls being sold. I just don't get it! Maybe it is that age old problem of the artist devaluing their work. I was looking through all of my old Art Doll Quarterly magazines and it dawned on me weather you like the art or not all of the dolls that grace the pages of that magazine are art. It took creativity, time and skill. There are different degrees of skill, but some pieces just shine for the lack of it. This is something else I have been pondering in my little pea. I am so hard on myself and yet I love all types of artist and all types of skills. I heard something this week that has made me think about this subject. Art has never been about perfection. It is the creative spirit expressing itself. When you really get down deep and think about this, it is freeing. Sorry this post is so long.

Mango Paints

2009-02-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

I know I can paint if you will just give me the chance.
I told you I could do it!Are you watching me?

OWOH Winner

2009-02-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

The winner for the OWOH is Liv of Liv Luvs Scraps

OWOH

2009-02-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post to let you know that I will close comments for OWOH at 12:00 tonight. I really enjoyed the event and look forward to it next year! I will plan for it and offer more than one giveaway. I will do a little more searching today, but I was not able to visit every participant. I would find a cool blog and end up staying and reading all their past posts. I think it is probably better just to hit the comment section and then go back when the event is over and read blogs. I am going now and hit as many as I can before this great event is over!

Picture Tag

2009-02-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have been picture tagged by the very talented Sue of barton originals. I am supposed to go into my picture files and pick the fourth picture in the fourth file. I am then to tag four more bloggie friends. I feel like I got lucky on this one! My fourth file is called " blog ready" This is one of my rose paintings. You will be seeing this piece again because I just printed it on fabric a few days ago with the intentions of using it in a textile collage. The four very talented bloggie friends I tag are: Pinkglitterfae Art
A Walk In The Park
The Window of My Life
Kaeriefaerie

My Doodle Journal

2009-02-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

I have a journal that is just for doodles. When I started the journal I thought it would be filled with colorful pages. My doodles are just that, a doodle. Each night before hitting the hay, I grab my pencil and begin putting graphite on the clean white pages. I look forward to this quit time of pencil in hand.

Inspiration is everywhere!

2009-01-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

I like to try to post at least twice a week and because of this I post pictures of things in the works. After this doll, I am going to start working on some jewelry. Six months ago I bought everything needed to do a little soldering and I am itching to get started.I just love her little hairdo! I thought it might be cool to see where the inspiration came from. I am reading Kelly Rae Robert's book, "Taking Flight" and she has a painting on the cover and her girls have hair like this.
Also in keeping with the theme of collage from the book, I decided to make the dress out of paper cloth. I was going to do a little painting and stamping on the fabric, but I liked it so much I decided to leave it alone. The collage elements seemed to go together. I will add a little embroidery and maybe some crochet and let it go at that. Keeping it simple. I have decided she will hold three balloons, so now I have to figure out how I will do that. Wire and styrofoam is what I am thinking.

Driftwood Angel

2009-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

I just love her! The pictures really do not do this piece justice. I may do a little more embellishment, but not much. I have been just fascinated with embroidery of late, but knowing I wanted to take this old craft and give it a little modern twist. What really made it pop for me was taking a pencil and shading the face after doing a very simple back stitch. It gives a very organic feel to the face which goes so will with the natural materials. I am sure this is just the beginning of much more exploration. I am going to have to start taking my daily walks just to find more driftwood.

Folk Art Fairy

2009-01-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Another little folk art fairy. She is only 6 1/2 inches. I love doing these because of the primitive type sculpting. They really come to life because of the painting. It is hard to paint something so small. I will get the hang of it before long. I have decided if I can paint a little rose on a tiny button. I can paint a face the size of a quarter. I laugh as I say that, because my eyes are not what they used to be. Every work area I have has a magnifying light. I never had this problem until I turned forty. I did use a liner brush for most of her features, but I think I still need to go to a smaller brush than what I am used to for a little finer detail. Live and learn!

One World One Heart

2009-01-19T04:22:00.000-08:00

" Comments are now closed "
One World One Heart My gift for the event is this little Folk Art Fairy.

She is 7 inches tall. She is made with Super Sculpey. The wings are painted on watercolor paper and coated with paverpol. The hat is made from a coffee filter and painted with acrylics. The face and legs are also painted. She holds a heart symbolic of the event.
If you are a blogger you are eligible to participate. Just make a comment on this post and I will have a drawing on Feb 12th. To see the list of those participating just click on the link above.

Embroidery

2009-01-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

I just thought I would post a few picks of the things I have been working on this week. I begin each face with just drawing right on the muslin and then with three strands of floss and some very simple stitches begin coloring with the floss. I have yet to make the pattern for the body, but that is how I work with all the dolls. First comes the face and then I worry about the body later.

Folk Art Whimsy

2009-01-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

One of my New Years resolutions is to be up and working in the studio by 6:00 am. I am up at that time, but it takes two cups of coffee before I am up and moving around and that means I do not get into the studio until around 8:00. I am a morning person and with that in mind, I need to take advantage of the morning hours. I needed a little whimsy to begin the new year so I made this little fairy and she also has eight sisters who will be joining her if I can just keep up with my early morning resolution.

Rag Doll

2008-12-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2008-12-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

I have already made my New Years resolutions and they are many. This will be my last post until after the New Year and I wanted to let you all know how glad I am that you stop by and leave comments. It really does make my day! I have been blogging for a year now and it has been a blast. I enjoy stopping by your blogs and seeing what each of you are doing with your creative talents. You all do amazing work! See you next year!

Gifts Only God Can Give

2008-12-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful He came and that He is my comfort and strength. This past year He has given me strength when I had no more. He has given me peace when there was nothing but turmoil. He has given me laughter when my heart was breaking. His words are truth even when we can not see it. He did not say we would not have troubles, but He did say He would be with us while we go through them. He has been right by my side through some very difficult times, so this Christmas, I am just feeling very thankful He came and that He is in my life. I can not imagine a world without him.

The Reason For The Season

2008-12-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

I climb into the attic to take out the decorations, but nothing is as special as this one. My mother gave it to me. She bought it as green ware and had it fired in the kiln and then she started painting on it and gave it to me and I have been finishing it up.

One more to be painted. They all were antiqued and then dry brushed with acrylic paint.

Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

I thought if I wanted to share a few of these ornaments, I better get to posting. I made these a few years back and I just love them. I was hoping to make some more this year for my store, but time slipped up on me. I will be more prepared next year (I hope). I will put them in my store next year in October.

Rag Doll or Pillowcase Doll or Holiday Doll

2008-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

It all started with this little tree. I thought, I will make a little rag doll to go with the rag tree. Then I grab a vintage pillowcase and I decide to make my version of the pillowcase doll. I make the doll and then my inner child is telling me to dress her for Christmas (I am making six of these at one time). But they are not finished because now they are becoming a Holiday Doll. I wonder how she will be dressed for New Years and I will need to make a cute little box to hold all the little holiday treasures and dress that will accompany each doll to it's new home

Felting and Fibers

2008-12-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite things to do. Grab a bunch of stuff and just start making it work. I can't wait to see how this turns out. I have lots of things I am working on this week, such as trying to finish up on some of the things in progress, but that is how it works for me. I think it's because I just enjoy so many different mediums. It would be terrible if I had to choose one.

2008-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

I made this little cat out of cotton. He is missing his little red ball. I guess he needs me to make another one.

I just love her little face!
Sweet little vintage angels

I laugh when I look at the tinsel dripping over the mirror. I told my Mom, "I will never have that stuff on my tree". A good lesson in never say never.

Christmas

2008-12-12T04:40:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look like Christmas. I just thought I would share a few pics from around the house. I have a thing for gingerbread. Run Run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man. I loved the story as a child and still do today.

Crochet and Embroidery

2008-12-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We finished up on the leftovers yesterday. I need to really get out of my zone and go shopping. I really am a hermit. I made this sweet little cuff a few days ago. It will be going in the store. It's been a long time since I have done any embroidery work and I must say it was fun. For those of you following the reconstruction, I had a little set back and need to do some seam ripping. I cut up the arms of the sleeves with the intent of inserting another part of a sleeve from another shirt. It was a flop, so I will be working on that today to fix it. I have also started a new blog called My Spirit Cloth Journal

Thanksgiving Tree?

2008-11-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, It is a Christmas tree decorated for Thanksgiving. I do this after Halloween because Thanksgiving Eve I decorate the tree for Christmas. This way it is up and ready and in the mean time I have enjoyed the tree decorated in all the fall colors.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Artful Clothing

2008-11-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

I think it is finally beginning to click about this artful clothing. The best thing to do is really get in there and begin layering. I did not start seeing this until I began cutting apart pieces of clothing. It seems like you need lots of pieces to really make it start coming together. I even like the little quilt blocks hanging there with the bright colors. I did end up using my vintage dress form and that did seem to help to have something to pin and tuck on. This is really lots of fun! I like things that are a little wacky.

Crochet Edging

2008-11-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

I think I have found that something that will give my reconstruction some color and pattern that it so much needs. It is a scarf. Now I just have to figure out how to drape it, so it looks good. I really wish I had a good dress form. The kind you can adjust to your measurements. I was watching the DIY network and on one of the shows they made one by wrapping the person in duck tape and then stuffing the form. I can just hear my husband now as he tries to cut me out of the tape.LOL
Yesterday I decided to do a little crocheting around the collar. There was a part of me that wanted to go with bulky yarn, but the shirt is a gauze type material and I felt it might be too heavy
It seems these days I have a need to crochet. I have a lot of scraps, so a month ago I started cutting out 2 inch squares and stitching around the raw edges and then crocheting an edging around the square. The light weight quilt will be reversible

Reconstructed Fashion

2008-11-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

I have just been itching to try some reconstructed clothing. I had two shirts hanging in the closet and never wearing because of being to short. My thought was why not take the most comfortable shirt and let it be the main piece. I am far from finished, but I thought it might be a cool idea to show the progress. Everything at this point is just pinned in place. I want to add another fabric. I like the idea of three. I need to rummage through the closet and see if I can find something complimentary to go with what is going on so far. The leopard shirt that was used was a peasant blouse. We will see what happens!

Homespun Christmas Tree

2008-11-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

Idea! I will make a Christmas tree out of rags. I go to the rag bag and there is no green, but I am in luck there is green fabric.The shredding frenzy begins.
I begin assembling and all the while hoping my time is not waisted. The tree begins to take shape, but I am wishing the fabric had been tea stained first. I love things that are tattered, torn, aged and worn.
Now I need to make two more in different sizes for a grouping. I am making tiny rag balls to hang on its branches. A little homespun fun!

Soft Doll Santa

2008-11-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas will be here before we know it! I have been itching to pull out the scrap bag. At first I was going to make jewelry, but I guess Santa was on my mind because before I knew it I was wrapping scraps around a wire armature and this is what happened.

Studio

2008-11-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

I took a little break this week from the doll and got back to work on the studio. I covered the top of a small dresser with broken dishes and painted cabinet doors. I am getting ready to antique both of these pieces. I found the sink in a salvage yard and had it restored. It will be a great sink for the studio.

Doll

2008-10-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Two days of embellishing and much more to go . She is still changing with each passing day. I am taking these pictures at night, so they are not the best in the world. Today I embellished her hair with beads. In my world the fairies love to wear their finds wrapped in their hair. I also added sea glass going down the front of her dress. I have wrapped beads with wire until my fingers are raw. This is the part I love, yet it also the part that tries my patience. I will have lots of fun with the crown, I can't wait to get started on that. I am getting ready to take a few days and sculpt. I decided to purchase Wendy Froud's sculpting DVD. I saw a little clip of it today and just can not wait for that to arrive. Another doll artist told me about it. I hope everyone has a great weekend. My son is in a surf competition, so I will be on the beach. I have also been invited to attend a doll club in my area, that should be fun! I just received my dolls back from California and will be taking them to share with the group.

The face has been repainted

2008-10-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped. I fixed the face and these colors will look better in the end. She was just too pale looking for the color palette. I had to go on another gathering mission. I an trying to decide if I want her to have feathers. I thought the feathers might be cool as the hair, but I can't seem to make up my mind. I will sleep on it and decide tomorrow. I did do some beading today. It is all the tiny details that take up so much time.

Doll update

2008-10-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I managed to get her to this point. Another layer. The color combination is coming from a necklace I made not to long ago. I wanted to share that, but it could not be found. I'll keep looking. I am realizing with each doll that is made that I need to skinny them up a bit because of so much embellishing. Another thing I am realizing at this point that the face is going to need to be changed and that has to be done now before I go any further. I have also been thinking about future dolls. I need them to have more movement. In my head I know what I want them to be, but am having a hard time making it happen. I have purchased a few new products and will be working on that in the weeks to come. I love paper clay, but I am thinking of switching pack to polymer because of dry time. You can put paper clay in a low temp oven for faster drying, but it can look dry on the outside, but still be wet on the inside, so even though they are put in the oven, they usually sit a week before any painting takes place, just to be sure. I've rambled on enough for today. hopefully I will make more progress. I am still working on the studio and it's starting to come together.I work on the doll and then switch gears and work on the studio.

Progress of doll

2008-10-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Before talking about the doll, I have some exciting news to share! My dolls will be in the winter issue of Art Doll Quarterly. I already have the magazine and they did a beautiful job with the photography. The cover is a doll by Marilyn Radzat and it is gorgeous! There is a funny side to being in the same magazine with her, because she is the very reason I started doing Art Doll. Before making art dolls, I made soft dolls and bears. I saw her dolls and went out immediately to buy clay. I am a huge fan and just really admire her work. I have her as a link on my sidebar.
Time to embellish! My favorite part! The gathering has taken place.

The first layer is on and can you guess what it is?
Did you guess wrapping paper?

Not Again!

2008-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

It took a little time, but I have changed my blog template again. I would have kept the other one, but I was not able to change the colors. I also decided to delete my other blogs and just work on this one and that is the reason some of you are seeing the dolls again. I transfered the doll posts from my other blog to this one.

Fairy Dust

2008-10-26T07:42:00.001-07:00

FAIRY DUST:
Ground Rose Petal
Ground Lavender flower
Ground Violet
( the above should be dry plant materials.)
For every 1/4 cup of combined dried flowers mix in 1 heaping tablespoon of china or white clay or rice powder. ( this helps to blend the mixture and keep it dry and easy to throw and dust around) Sift together and then add a bit of fine glitter or mica. you can add gold, blue, silver, or any color you like. Add a few drops of essential oil of your choice and blend.
Author unknown

2008-10-26T07:03:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T07:00:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T06:59:00.001-07:00

This is Star. She is an angel of the sea. She is sculpted with creative paperclay. Her body is cloth over a wire armature and the face is hand painted. She is dressed with a collage of textiles, beads, fibers, feathers, vintage findings, and bought and found treasures of the sea. Her crown is a large shell and the shell is embellished with small shells. She is holding a beautiful piece of driftwood and it is embellished with shells and pearls. I made the wings with coffee stained cheesecloth.

2008-10-26T06:58:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T06:57:00.001-07:00

2008-10-26T06:56:00.001-07:00

This is Sandy. A beach fairy nestled in a mermaid crown. The mermaid crown is made from the abundant wild grapevine that grows along the coast. This little fairy is very happy because legend has it that if you should happen to find a mermaid crown, which is very rare, you will receive the gift of enchantment and and an eternal youthful spirit. This little mermaid is fully sculpted using paperclay. She sat around in the studio for a long time. I had painted her, but was not happy with the results, so I decided to make a sand sculpture and that did not work either. Again, I put her to the side and a few more years went by. Then one day I thought -If I could just get all the sand off her, so I took a heat gun to her in hopes that it would help me remove the glue. It was not easy, but it looked kinda cool, a little paint coming off with the sand. It worked for me so then the embellishment started and here she is.

2008-10-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

2008-10-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Some dolls I have to keep and this is one of them. She is a medicine woman to the beach fairies.

Angel

2008-10-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

2008-10-26T06:47:00.001-07:00

Sculpted with Super Sculpey

2008-10-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Paperclay-twenty-four inches tall

2008-10-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is Seaglass. She is a beach fairy. She is sculpted using creative paperclay. Her face is hand painted. I wanted her to have long eyelashes, so I took a natural hair brush and cut some of the bristles and used them for lashes. She is really embellished. I did a little free form crochet, wire crochet, and beading. I painted and dyed the fabrics she is wearing. The wings are made of wire and fiber. She is embellished with beads and findings.

Halloween in the Studio

2008-10-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

First came the wreath filled with spiders and not knowing what to do next, I flipped open the magazine right on this page. A sign to make these little birds. Be warned these little things are addictive! You can not make just one. This is link to the designer and her blog- Mattie's Social Circle

This is Daisy and she is another Woodkin, I thought she wood fit in perfectly since she has that witchy look about her
A freaky snake! I just had to share this wonderful creation because it was made by my youngest son. I must first tell you that he does not do things like this. He is half fish and half man and can not sit still for more than fifteen minutes. He has always been this way! LOL. He came into the studio while I was working on the dress form and before I knew it he was picking things up and making something. I Love it! This is him doing what he loves most.

Fabric Fun

2008-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

I always have lots of projects in the works, this morning I decided to start another wall hanging. I picked up this black and white fabric and just started putting differnt colors with it. It was amazing how many things do go with it. I might just have to do decorate a room in the studio with this black and white fabric.

Spiders

2008-10-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am really loving spiders this year.(LOL) I was at Walgreen's the other day and they had some really big ones, so I am going to go and pick some up and see how many ways they can decorated. Who said spiders are creepy? I think they are going to be pretty. I am having fun getting ready for the party. It's beginning to feel like fall. There was a little coolness in the air this morning. It has really been very hot. When the hurricanes start out in the Atlantic the winds stop coming off the ocean and only reappear when they get closer to land, it's as if the storms suck all the wind as they gather strength leaving us with still, hot and humid temperatures. I can almost tell when one is out there just from the changes in the atmosphere. It will be nice when hurricane season is over and the weather is a little cooler. The change will be good.

Halloween Party

2008-09-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

Mixing up Spells and PotionsAdding a little sparkle
Putting them on the shelf

Vanessa of " A Fanciful Twist" is hosting A Halloween party, so come and join in on the fun!

Another Sunrise

2008-09-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

I really do enjoy my morning walks on the beach. The beach is always changing. A shrimp boat. They are often off the coast in the early morning hours.
Lots of seaweed washing up on shore. Here today gone tomorrow.
The birds run in out with the waves almost as if it's a game.
A little crab watching my every move. Ready to retreat into his hole at any moment. I keep my distance, so he runs to the waters edge and then back to his home. He does this over and over again. I keep thinking the water will get him, but he seems to know just how far each wave will break
It is so quite in the morning. An occasional tourist wanders up with coffee in hand. A surfer or two will come out to check the waves and many will catch a few before starting their day. It is never boring living by the sea. Everyone has their place of comfort and this is mine. I find inspiration here. I found myself totally taken with the seaweed. It is really beautiful. I am thinking of a piece of jewelry as I study this plant lying in the sand.

Another Doll In The Works

2008-09-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Another doll in the making and she wants to be finished. I keep asking her what she wants to wear and I get nothing back. I do know that she wants to be natural with her pail skin, so lets go with that!The gathering has taken place.

Now we will see how much of this stuff will be used. I thought it might be fun for some of you to see if she turns out the way you think. I have an idea, but that means nothing. Last year around Christmas I was just taken with all that glitters. That is my idea! Glitter!

Freeform Crochet

2008-09-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

There is just something about freeform crochet. My grandmother taught me to crochet around the age of seven. I remember it like it was yesterday. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world to take a hook and string and the stitches would make a fabric. I would sit for hours playing with the yarn. My dolls were all dressed with my creations. I did not care that some stitches were lose and some too tight. I thought is was beautiful and Barbie never looked better. "LOL"

The basket in the background is getting a freeform makeover.

Angel Painting

2008-09-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was hit with one of life's big trials, the kind that makes you question your faith and wonder if the faith that you have will be enough to overcome the challenges that are ahead. A good cry and lots of asking "why", all the things you do when the heart is breaking, but the weeks are fading one into another and God's promises are at work. The faith of a mustard seed is all we need! I have missed keeping up with all of my blogger friends, I look forward to reading what you have all been up to. It's time for me to get back to work, so I am off to a few craft stores for supplies. See you soon!

A little of this and a little of that.

2008-08-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Could it be a city sitting on the sea? Here I go again, letting my imagination run free!
I wish there were better pictures to share, but thought I would give a little preview of things to come.
I have been busy doing a little of this:

A little of that:
I think it needs this:
I am getting tired of working on that, so I am going to work on this:
meditative painting is what this is.
This is going to take some time!
I have had enough of this , so it's back to working on the studio!

Now, It's Finished!

2008-08-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

I did this textile collage back in April. Before I put something up for sale, I like to live with it, so it was put on the wall. Something was just not right! A month went by and I just could not figure out what was bothering me, so I mentioned it to the Dh and he knew right away what needed to be changed, so I asked him why he did not mention something sooner and his reply was, I am not the artist! It is sometimes hard to decide (for me) when a piece is finished. The piece on the fur was removed and placed a little higher up.
What a difference that made!

A Little Flower Power

2008-07-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

I painted another dresser for the studio. I am making some progress with the organization. It was a crazy around here this past week. One of my little puppies(Belle)was out in the yard playing and for some unknown reason just started yelping like I've never heard before. This happened in the evening so we had to wait until morning to get her to the vet. That was one long night! The poor little thing was in so much pain. Her leg was broken and she would need to have surgery. My vet does not do that kind of surgery, so we had to take her to another town about seventy miles away. She had the surgery, they put a pin and some screws in her little leg. She has some stitches and is not walking on the leg yet, but is starting to use it to hold her toys. The vet that did the surgery said this is common. She just came down on it wrong. I am just so glad she is doing better. It is very challenging trying to keep the two puppies apart. They have to be separate for 4 weeks. I painted this dresser with Belle's supervision. She loves to go to the studio.

In the studio

2008-07-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

I gathered some upholstery fabric and started tearing 2 inch strips. Today I am sewing the strips together to make a skirt for the table. This is the kind of thing that happens and takes me off my track of organizing. It's like the creative bug never stops and I just have to give in! I love it!

In The Studio

2008-07-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

If you are new to my blog these pictures will be new and if your are a regular blogger friend you know that I lost my blog a few months ago. I am going to be adding some old pictures. I will be getting rid of the other blogs because with this new layout you have a way of searching for say: Art dolls and every post I have ever made will come up with that search, but not yet because I have to put my dolls back up on this blog This is a dresser that was painted for my sewing room. All the furniture painted for the studio is just freehand. I make it up as I go along. Don't think just paint!
A little wacky, but I like it!

In The Studio

2008-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would give a quick update of whats going on in the studio. This week was spent painting one of my main work tables. I have been wanting to do this for a long time. I painted the top of the table to go with some material that I purchased a while back. I am going to skirt the table so I can hide things like canvas and stuff waiting to be painted. It will be nice to have a painting area. I will share more pictures when it's finished. I have also been moving shelves and have started filling them with stuff. They look empty right now, but that will soon change. There is a chandelier over the table just waiting to be altered.

Messy Studio

2008-07-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! The week went by so fast! I am still here, but I wanted to let you know I will not be posting again until August 1. I am re-doing my studio. Things get to be so messy I can't work. I know you all have the same issue (stuff). It seems to be an on going battle for us all. I have an upstairs and downstairs, so I am going to switch and work where I am now living. It is a little bit bigger. I hope this will help me to get more organized and if this does not work, I will pull out my hair! Talking about hair, I am thinking of doing dreadlocks. Most of my family thinks it will look great, but the DH does not want me to do it. I wonder? Take care and I hope to see you all soon.

Happy 4th

2008-06-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

There she was sitting on the shelf (Betsy) and I just knew what she was thinking: You bought me at a yard sale and I do nothing but sit here. I watch you as you work and hoping someday you might do something with me. OK, I told her, but it's got to be quick. I am very busy. I have been packing up a few dolls and getting them ready for a journey to California. They will be in the winter issue of my favorite magazine "Art Doll Quarterly" I am just so excited that they will be taking this trip. Seaside Santa is also going and he should be back just in time for his big day. I better get back to Betsy because she has waited along time for this day. I got it! You can help me celebrate the 4th. I grabbed the decorations that usually go outside, Wow! This will make a great skirt and look at these bows, It will probably only take three, 1 large and 2 small. This is just the kind of quick I was talking about.
I will just pin everything in place, add a little sparkle and she is good to go!

I hope everyone has a great 4th. I will be going to the beach, art show, parade, and just having a little fun and I hope you all do the same.

Blogger Award-Thank You!

2008-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tina from The Artful life presented me with this beautiful blogger award and I am so thrilled to be included in this awesome group of bloggers that have been nominated. Thank you Tina I will put it in a special place on my blog. I started blogging in January, so this is really special.
The award is for creativity, originality, and contribution to the blogging community. Many of my favorite blogs have this award. I am supposed to give this award to five people: These places are extra special and I always enjoy my visit!
A Walk In The Park
Nancy's Art And Beautiful Junk
Shabby Accumulations
The Mum and the Rose
Ro Bruhn Art The guide lines are to pay it forward:
1.)choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity,design,interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogging community.
2.)Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.
3.)Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that presented the award.
4.) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the "Arte y pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5.) Please post these rules.
Thank you again Tina for this wonderful blogger award!

A Victorian Seaside Santa

2008-06-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

It all started with a head I sculpted years ago
a coat with lots of handwork!
A little more detail
A bag full of goodies

2008-06-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

His boots are made from a vintage pair of gloves
The little bear needed a cover and pillow
A few more toys waiting for their place
A piece of driftwood to steady his load It won't be long now!

A Victorian Santa

2008-06-23T06:09:00.000-07:00

This is a coat that will go on a Victorian Santa. I thought this piece would never get finished. I get so frustrated sometimes because I want to do simple and quick pieces, but one thing leads to another and this is what happens. I started another paper pixie a week ago and the same thing happens, way to much time spent on one item . I will just have to keep trying for less.

Have a beautiful weekend !

2008-06-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

2008-06-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to make another post. I am working on a few things, but they are all in the finishing up stage. I have been making patterns and instructions to sell on Etsy. I am also putting together a few kits. I am hoping to do a show in October, so I am working on some christmas items. We have really enjoyed our puppy Maggie so much that we will be adding another member to our family Belle. She is the same age as Maggie, so it should be lots of fun. Mango is not getting much attention these days, but he is a good sport about the whole thing and he seems to enjoy the activity. Yesterday, I packed up a few art supplies and umbrella and spent the whole day at the beach. It was a grrrrreat day! I really need to do more of that. There is nothing like being outside. Maggie
Belle
Mango

Results

2008-06-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

The test results are in and NO cancer. Thank you for your prayers! If you ever need a prayer partner, please let me know. I believe in the power of prayer! It Works!

Daisy ( Paper Pixie )

2008-06-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Every now and then one of my bright ideas comes to life and this is one of them. The whole doll is made from coffee filters! I had a blast trying to figure this one out. I have journals filled with my bright idea and many do not make the grade, so I was just so happy this worked.