Christmas Stubbies

 Valerie has her misletoe, she is ready. Now if she can just get Jimmy Jones to hold still.

You can find more of my Christmas Stubbies here

Jessica

 Jessica loves the carnival. She loves riding the carousel horses but mostly she loved the Freak Show and couldn't wait to get to the big red tent to see the bearded lady and the snake man.



A Lot to worry about at Christmas

 Drake worries that his sister Dolores might have been a little nicer than him this year, he regrets putting that grub in her carrot soup this summer. That whole naughty or nice thing is hard to remember all year long.

The Gift?

I think I shared this interview with Etsy awhile back but wanted to bring it up again as I have been having some reflections on where life has brought me.

I have rheumatoid arthritis, a difficult disease to live with as are all chronic illnesses.  I had a bad day this week and was unable to get up and get moving.  The reflex response is frustration and I have to remind myself that this is my life and I must deal with what it hands me.  I have to remember to be patient and take care of myself.

It's these down days that I sometimes become most inspired.  I've realized because my body has made me slow down it's enabled me to explore my creative self.  I was always a mover, doer, a person that felt compelled to be doing something in order to feel productive.  I now realize it's nearly impossible to be reflective, thoughtful and creative when one is constantly moving.  RA taught me this.

 I do believe life and what happens to us  has a purpose.  So is my illness a gift?  Sometimes I think it is so.  I'm not sure I would have ever slowed down enough to realize my true creative self without it.

Of course I wish I didn't have this disease but there is no sense in lamenting.  I'm grateful for the ability to see what I've gained  from my life experiences.   Life is beautiful, difficult, crazy, fun, inspiring, painful and sometimes very hard but I truly believe that all of that is necessary for us to become and realize who we are and who we are to become.

So when life seems to much to bare, remember there will be knowledge to come from that pain.  To recognize it, learn and grow from it is our task at hand.



Camille

 Camille wonders how Santa can travel the whole word in one night. She worries when he comes to her home in Louisiana it will be too hot for the reindeer and maybe he won't make it to her house this year.

Althea has taken up Voodoo

Althea has taken up a new hobby, voodoo. Her first project is old Ms Hendricks who isn't very nice to her cats. She hasn't seen Ms Hendricks in a few days and is starting to think she may be pretty good as this voodoo thing.

Bigger Dolls

Gabby

Just a quick post to tell you what I've been working on. Bigger thicker dollies and they have boots! I've also learned to needlefelt and these gals hold some of my first pieces. What fun poking away at that wool.

Artists of the Carnival of Saints and Souls Show

I'm assuming if you are follow my blog you are a fan of art dolls, and if so you are in for a treat here. This post is full of photos and links so I apologize to those with a slow connection, but believe me it will be worth the wait. This is the first of two posts.

I recently had the amazing pleasure of meeting some of the most inspiring and creative women in the art doll world at the Carnival of Saints and Souls gallery opening here in New Orleans. I was blessed to be able to remain in my home town and have all of these women come to me for a showing at the Poets Gallery. Showing my work with so much talent was truly an honor.

I'm am more than delighted to introduce you to a few of them.

Here is a photo of Miss Christy Kane and myself and yes she is as delightfully wacky as she appears. Christy curated the show, bringing all this talent together and as well creates the most intriguing cloth dolls I have ever laid my eyes on. Please be sure to check out her work on her Facebook page or her Etsy shop. Friend her, follow her, I promise you will not be disappointed with what you'll find. Below is one of her dollies I hope to own one day.

Saint Agnes of Rome - Patron Saint of Purity

Next up is Lateefah Wright, you can also find her work on Etsy. I have been a huge fan of Lateefah's work for a very long time and to finally meet her was a real treat. Her work is so moving and I have to admit I expected her to be a bit of an art snob and was really nervous but to my sheer delight she turned to be one of the sweetest people I have met in a long time, a real live doll and gentle spirit, though you wouldn't guess it from her work. There is so much passion, power, mystery, otherworldliness, feminity in Lateefahs work, I really don't have the words to describe how her dolls inspire me, though I've obviously tried:)

Sheri DeBow is next. Sheri is what would call a beautiful tornado. She has soo much positive energy flowing from her, it truly smacks you in the face and says "life is beautiful and you must enjoy every moment of it" It's infectious and being around Sheri is truly a gift one must recognize. Her dolls are beyond beautiful. So much detail and little tiny things to look at. Their little faces, well you just want to kiss them. I felt very fortunate to talk with Sheri about what inspires her dolls, her fears and hopes and having done so the dolls speak to me even more so.

and here is St. Flora, who almost brings me to tears every time I look at her

There are more artists that I want to share with you but also don't want to overwhelm you so I will stop for now. Look for future posts with equally amazing artists from the show and in the meantime you can see photos from the show and the dolls for sale at the Poets Gallery Facebook page or here is a link to the artists albums. If your interested in purchasing any of the dolls from the show please write Jeanne Noir, the gallery owner from the Poets page. Shes a real sweetheart and art doll supporter!

More Saints

I've been working my hiney off for this show (well not literally though I wish:)

It's been a strange process as I was originally looking forward to the theme Carnival of Saints and Souls, encouraged by the opputunity to do something a little different. As time went on and no light bulbs of inspiration were going off I started getting nervous. I can't deny that I was also feeling anxious about the degree of talent I will be showing with and felt I needed to come up with some of my best work.

I researched Saints and found it a very interested topic but still nothing came to me so with the clock winding down and the deadline looming I just decided to start sculpting and see what happened. What came out is what I do best, desperate souls. I found myself identifying with the people that needed these Saints more than the Saints themselves so I created some needy ones as well.

I did try some new techniques and am happy with my collection so far. Here are just a few pieces. These pieces will be available in my Etsy shop if not sold at the show.

Blogs Of Note

Oh my poor poor blog. I have been so busy of late with the gallery show coming and the busy Halloween season upon us that I haven't even looked at the poor thing in over a month. Well you can imagine my surprise when this morning I decided to tend to my little space on the web to find a huge increase in traffic, comments and new followers.

With the help of google I discovered Blogs Of Note and found that my blog had been featured. Please check out the site there are gobs of great blogs to check out recommened by blogger.

So I'd like to thank all the new visitors for your comments and for choosing to follow my blog. I typically post more frequently that I have been in the last month or so and hope you'll enjoy my artwork and various meandorings on life.

As mentioned I've been working on Halloween pieces and below you can check out some of what I've been working on.

Somebody I've been working on

Just somebody I've been working on. Admittedly a bit different in style for me.

Summers End

Summers end? Well not by most calendars but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know most of you northerners look forward to warm summers but down here in the bayou it is so blistering hot and humid I fear at times I'll need to adapt and grow gills to survive.

Yes I have been in the land of the missing, spending time with the kiddo, going to the beach and now a last minute vacation up north to see my family. It's been fun, and it's been grand but I am so ready to get back to normal. Clarissa here is the last doll I made and she was made over a month ago.

I have some exciting things happening in the fall that I am very much looking forward to. First is a gallery opening with a number of my very favorite artists from across the country. The theme is Carnival of Saints and Souls, it will be held at the Poets Gallery right here in New Orleans. More on that later.

As well the Halloween season is approaching, one of my favorite times of the year. I have some new design ideas in my head and am looking forward to creating for the creepy season.

I foresee a lot of creating in my new future and I am just itching to get at it.

Lost in Wonderland

Have you ever dreamed of an adventure in Wonderland? Tea with the Mad Hatter or perhaps a toke of the hookah with Mr. Catapillar? Well this weekend you can take a stroll through the magical land with the participants of the ADO Blog Challenge. Be sure to view all participants entry by clicking on their blog links on the sidebar of the ADO Blog

Lewis Carroll's magical story and in depth characters are an artists dream as far as inspiration. I myself made many Alices and to really challenge myself made the Queen of Hearts.

So don't miss out in the adventure. Be sure to check out all of the aritsts interpretation of the characters of this timeless tale.

Eyes

I have a confession to make. A few years back I discovered totally by accident how to use my secret element to make eyes. When this happened I was thrilled as the truth is I've never felt very comfortable painting eyes. As it would happen the eyes of my dolls have made them my own and I'm grateful for this accidental discovery.

But I can't deny that I'm always so impressed and intrigued by peoples ability to make such life like eyes and thought I'd give it a whirl.

With a little help from one of my ADO team mate, Susie McMahon I've managed to give my last two dollies some hand painted eyes. Please take the time to check out Susie's blog and work, she is an amazing artist and just a wonderful person as well. Susie is an accomplished artist with great knowledge and she is so willing to share with and help her fellow artist. I feel privileged to have come to know her through the art doll world.

I will certainly still be using my regular eyes for most my dollies but I'm feeling a bit accomplished in having actually painted eyes. I've been telling myself for years that I can't paint eyes and well...apparently I can:) The funny ways we limit ourselves....

Grimms Fairy Tales

Hansel and Gretle

I've been spending some time getting inspired by reading some of the original Grimms Fairy Tales. The original brothers stories are nothing like the stories that our parents read to us a children. They are much darker and were actually written for adults of the time.

Lil Red

I've been having so much fun reading these stories I have to remind myself to stop and actually make a doll!

Greed and the Gulf Coast

Our Mother Earth has a gaping wound and continues to bleed because of greed.

No dolls in this post and no images of the subject because we've all seen them and frankly they only make me cry.

Of course because I'm from New Orleans I have a personal interest in this current man made disaster. The last time it was mother nature and though the wrath of Katrina was devastating, what we are facing now I fear is far worse.

Our wetlands and wildlife will suffer for years to come. Our local economy will not be the same for a very long time. Animal life, people, the earth... we all will suffer.

Though I blame BP and feel they are responsible, I can't help but feel a bit of the responsibility lies on my own and each of our shoulders. I've begun to rethink mine and my families need and use of energy, plastics and oil. Changes have been made and we will continue to make an effort to reduce our reliance on these companies product. I hope the rest of the world will give this some thought as well.

I've recently made a donation of one of my dolls to a shop on Etsy that is a collaboration of artists, vintage and supplies sellers that have come together to raise money for the clean up on the Gulf Coast, Help the Gulf Coast. 100% of the proceeds go toward helping with the clean up.

If your an artist, perhaps you would like to donate to the cause. Or perhaps you'll find something of interest within the shop that you can't live without. Every little bit each of us does helps.

As I've stated many times in my blog New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region is very near and dear to my heart and this recent series of events has my heart aching, but it's not only my personal home that I cry for it's the earth and the horrid things we do to her that really has made me so very sad. I do hope this is a huge lesson learned and that all of us will take the time to stop and think about what we are doing to this beautiful planet we all call home.

Hedgehogs

Heidi

Just a quick post today to include a couple of my new Hedgehog dolls and to wish everyone a wonderful long weekend.

Today is the last day of school for the lil squid so doll making slows dramatically around here. Although it's frustrating not to be able to create at will I do look forward to some time with NoraLeigh. Spending the summer with her is sure to prove fun and inspirational.

Hector

Bella

Saints

I've recently been invited to participate in a gallery show here in New Orleans in October. There will be some other amazing doll artists there..but more on that later.

The theme of the show is Saints, which rather threw me at first as it's a subject I know nothing about. Well I've been having some fun doing some research on the topic and have found that there is a Saint for everything under the sun, in many different religions and regions of the planet. I guess we all need someone or something to turn to in times of trouble.

I made Isabella with this theme in mind. Kind of a practice fun for the show. I'm happy with her Saintly look and am looking forward to creating this collection.

Sammy and Sally

Well I've spent the last couple of days trying to make a 1960's suit with drainpipe pants for my little Harold to no avail. This could prove more of a challenge than I bargained for.

So I decided to move onto another challenge saving the suit for another day. This challenge was for ADO's MMC, themed Circus Sideshow. Sammy and Sally came about.

Harold and Maude

This weekend the hubby and kiddie went on a camping trip leaving me alone to a quiet house and movies of my choice. I came across the cult classic Harold and Maude and thought I'd give it a go. Okay, I have no idea how I have lived 45 years and not seen this perfect movie. I watched it three times this weekend and cannot wait to watch it again.

If you've not seen this movie, I cannot recommend it enough. The character of Harold speaks to me like no other. I won't give the plot or story away, but Harold is a young fellow so desperate to be seen and recognized by his overbearing mother that he continually fakes his own suicide. 50 times, he tells his therapist, that he has hung himself, slashed his throat or shot himself in the head. Each meticulously planned theatrical attempt is seen by his mother as quite an annoyance to her busy life.

Harold eventually meets the most beautiful woman and falls deeply in love...please be sure though it is not your typical love story. The Cat Stevens soundtrack is just the icing on the cake of this amazing movie.

So today I feel completely compelled to create Harold in a Loopy way.
The ideas are swimming and it' exciting to be so inspired. I will need to learn to make a 1960's suit which is a bit daunting but I'm determined, this is a character that I must create.

Judy and Bethany and Jazz Fest

Judy

It's Jazz Fest time in New Orleans which brings lots of fantastic music, food and outings along with more guests. This year I'm blessed with the company of some very old friends from Michigan. It's so good for the soul to visit with people you've known for so long. We are having a wonderful time. Plus I so enjoy sharing my favorite city with people. I get to see it all over again through fresh eyes.

Going out to the Festival tomorrow for some sun, booty shaking, good food and all around fun. If you've ever been to the New Orleans Jazz Fest you are aware of the magic of the event. One of my very favorite things in life is getting lost in the groove of some funky live music and I plan to spend pretty much the entire day in that state of mind.

In all the commotion I've managed to make a couple of new dollies that I'd like to share with you.

Bethany

Edward

Edward wanted to go to wizardry school. He was quite certain he had natural talent, for instance sometimes when he got angry the wind would blow very hard.

Billy

Meet Billy

I don't make too many boys. Not sure why, I guess I never was really been around lil boys. I have a daughter and I had two sisters. I did have a little brother but when we were young he mostly just bugged me. (I do love him dearly as an adult I assure you:) Perhaps it's because boys wear boring clothes, no pretty frilly dresses.

I do like Billy's little outfit though and would much like one in my own size. You may recall a while back the argument between me and my sewing machine, well it seems my sewing machine was just old and has finally bit the dust. So I had to sew Billy's clothing entirely by hand. I do a lot of hand stitching anyway so it's nothing new but I can't say I've ever sewn an entire suit from hand, thank goodness it's only 6" in size:)

I must be getting old as the thought of hand sewing this outfit by hand 10 years ago....well I just wouldn't have had the patience. Now I find all those tiny little stitches to be quite relaxing and rewarding. To be honest it didn't take nearly as long as I would have thought. I think there was more fighting with my sewing machine than actual sewing. Every time I would get it out my blood pressure would go up in anticipation of the trouble that was about to ensue. I guess that explains why the hand sewing was so relaxing.

Anyway, I have another little boy I will be working on today. I will be hand stitching his clothing as well and I'm actually looking forward to it.

Dear Sewing Machine - RIP