Chinese Children's Hats

Many years ago I started creating a line of dolls called Charm Girls. These silk (mostly Asian) dolls wore hats from silk brocade fabric that I purchased on a trip to China. I became entranced with the fabric and then with Chinese Children's Hats.

At the time, information was very limited but I tracked down a book that was no longer being published. Well, this certainly sent me on a quest to find that book- I had to have it! I tried the usual on-line sources- Amazon, Abe, Alibris, Bookfinder, etc...no luck. I finally contacted the publisher and with luck was able to contact the author. She was so very kind to me, after I explained that I was a doll maker and my soul-touched interest in things Asian. She had one that was sitting on her bookshelf in fair condition- I was delighted- so very happy and told her I would love to purchase it. It now sits on my bookshelf with others written by her and her daughter.

So what do I find so fascinating about these children's hats? The Miao and Dong Chinese Ethnic Monorites use symbols to convey their desire for a good life. Most are from moral teachings and legend stories that have been handed down generation to generation. A Mother would embroiderer a baby's hat, bib, or carrier with these moral meanings, wishes, or especially for the young- protection. Every stitch of her embroidery was the expression of a mother's deepest affection for her child. It was a way to embrace her child with a good life.

There are four ways this symbolism is used in their work:
To invoke good fortune.
To outwit the evil forces.
To imply social achievement.
To wish for happiness and longevity.

There are many symbolic meanings of the auspicious motifs, I would like to share one with you-The Tiger! This ancient Chinese animal symbol is an emblem of dignity, ferocity, sternness, courage, and by itself is Yin energy. Also a symbol of protection, the image of a tiger is often seen on clothing or in the home to ward off harm any semblance of harm and assure safekeeping.

All the hats pictured in this blog are Tiger Hats

Does this last one remind you of someone??

My little Tiger- Issy!

Ladybugs!

Artists Trading Card made for a ROotie Class

Ladybugs are a symbol of fire and the Sun. Folklore says that if one lands on your clothing, you will wear a wedding dress soon! If it settles on your skin or hair- good fortune will pay a visit- you will have as many months good luck as the ladybug has spots. A ladybug with seven spots is a Fairie's pet, you can make three wishes before it flies away!

I am not sure when I started loving Lady bugs. I believe it was when I started making the Charm Girl series. I loved the colors I was creating with and the folklore legends of good luck associated with Lady bugs.

Ladybug Charm Girl TM and
her gourd with enameled Lady bug charm...

Since that time, Lady bugs have shown their sweet presence to me in so many various places...in my elevator in the building where I live (in the middle of downtown Denver!?!)...in my room at the John C Campbell Folk School...in places I just would not expect!

Here are a few from my collection- many given to me by my husband and dear friends!

My coin purse and cellphone case from family...


Little jeweled piece with wings that open & felt pincushion...

My darling Steiff fuzzy bug from a friend...

How to leave a Comment

Hello Everyone-

I have several people who visit my blog and wish to leave a comment- with no luck!
I have changed the "comment" format to a page that I believe is now easier to read.

Here is a quick "How to"...
You will see at the bottom of each blog

Posted by Leslie at 7:00 AM 0 comments

1. Click on 0 comments and that will take you to the comment page. On the right side there is a box to

2. Leave your Comment
type in your message and you can leave your name at the end if you wish!
Below the comment box it says

3. Choose your identity
You can choose Anonymous at the very bottom of the list.
Click on the circle next to it.

4. Then Publish your comment You can also preview your comment to make certain you like the way it looks and then Publish it.

[Photo]
What is about those cute little chenille chicks?- they are just so darn cute!! pinch pinch. Fuzzy...colorful...delicate...just cute.

A friend of mine stopped by and gave me these. I immediately took them out of their packaging and set them up for a photo shoot- great subjects-stay where you put them- don't talk back- all those little faces looking so cheery and sweet!
[Photo]
It brings me back to my childhood and Easter time or spring time...also my birthday time of year...a new beginning...a new start...spring cleaning...fresh and full of possibilities! Having the love of cloth in-grained in my DNA...in my soul, I remember as a child getting my new Easter outfit- one comes to mind...Light pink linen-like dress with crewel embroidery of flowers (think 60's) it had an A-line overcoat of a darker mid-tone pink. I had a white straw stylized hat with matching mid-tone pink gross grain ribbon. And most importantly those white patent leather buckled shoes! Ahhhh...pretty fabrics and embroidery...I still remember the feel of the fabrics and the colors...I am sure I was just born to be a doll maker!
[Photo][Photo]

Spring-time brings on new visions and new growth!
I wish you all a Happy Spring!
[Photo]

I would LOVE to here from you (even a "hi there") and
know you are out there reading my blog!! Remember you are My Sunshine!
Leslie

For more info please see this link!
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=42399

Also new- notice the handy envelope "e-mail" symbol next to comment- You can now email that blog to your friends by simply clicking on the "envelope"!

Fuzzy Little Chicks

Round 2... I Accidentally deleted this...so trying it again!

What is it about these fuzzy chicks- they are just so darn cute! Sweet, delicate and so cheery! All those little faces looking up at you!

A friend brought these by my studio and I immediately opened the box and took them out for a photo session...great subjects- they stay were you put them-don't talk back!

They remind me of my childhood and spring...the time of new growth...of fresh and new! Also of Easter time and my new spring-time dresses.

I remember one of my Easter outfits...the fabric. The dress was made of a linen-like soft pink color with crewel work embroidered flowers (think 60's) and the over jacket was a deeper pink A-line style with three covered buttons at the top. I had a stylized white straw hat with a gross-grain ribbon on the darker pink. And of course white patented leather buckled shoes. The color and the feel of the fabric are still with me...I am truly convinced that I was put here to work with fabric...I am lucky to be a doll maker and always to be growing and trying new things!

Happy Spring-time to all of you!
May you find the new blooms in your life!

Camp Experience

Tammy the MC

Life is about sharing...I thought you would all like read about my "Camp Experience"!

This is an organization put on by a local (Denver) woman named Betsy- with help from many others! It is a gathering of woman and I think I can term it even better by saying "souls". It brings together woman in a sharing, loving, and enthusiastic environment.

This was my first experience as a one-day mini camp. I was struck by being greeted with such wonderful smiling faces, no judging, no clicks...everyone there to have a good time- wonderful!

Cathy, Cindy, & me

We had a day (9am- 9pm) of inspiring lectures, networking with other women, delicious food, cocktail hour, and an evening of spa treatments and creative crafts...and most importantly to laugh and to share!

The whole group of 70+ women

It takes someone special to envision and then to create something so special!

http://www.campexperience.com/minicamp