from these hands...

Year of the Dragon 2012

2012-01-27T07:00:00.003-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

The Dragon symbol of the 2012 year, began on January 23rd, is an intelligent and laborious worker who never puts aside work though sometimes this leads him to excesses. The water Dragon has enough courage to face challenges and easily finds weak points that stand on his way to success.

Industries belonging to the wood (textile, media) and earth (property, construction) elements and will see some prosperity in 2012. Metal (banking) and water (shipping) industries will not be as profitable.

Whew!! for me (textiles) and my husband (property-construction)!

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious (attended by good fortune- prosperous) powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. With this, the Emperor of China usually uses the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power.

The Imperial Dragon was supposed to be made up of nine separate beings. They were the eyes of a demon, the head of a camel, the ears of a cow, the neck of a snake, the horns of a stag, the claws of an eagle and the belly of a clam. His soles were made of the feet of a tiger and his body was covered with carp scales numbering an odd 117. As a result, each picture of the Imperial Dragon shows a winding twisty golden-red colored fearsome creature that is nonetheless very beautiful to look at.

In Chinese daily language, excellent and outstanding people are compared to the dragon while incapable people with no achievements are compared with other, disesteemed creatures, such as the worm.

OoooOOh my!

A number of Chinese proverbs and idioms feature references to the dragon, for example:

"Hoping one's son will become a dragon" 望子成龍

more postings on Chinese Children's Hats here

In fact, China is expecting a huge baby boom this year!

In ancient China, the dragon became a symbol of the imperial hierarchy. At the end of his reign, the first legendary Emperor, Huang Di, was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. Since the Chinese consider Huang Di as their ancestor, they sometimes refer to themselves as "the descendants of the dragon." This legend also contributed towards the use of the Chinese dragon as a symbol of imperial power.

The dragon, especially yellow or golden dragons with five claws on each foot, was a symbol for the emperor in many Chinese dynasties.

Chinese emperors thought they were the real dragons and the sons of heaven. Thus the beds they slept on are called the dragon beds, the throne called the dragon seat, and the emperor’s ceremonial dresses called the dragon robes. It was a capital offense for commoners to wear clothes with a dragon symbol.

The dragon is featured in the carvings on the steps of imperial palaces and tombs, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing.

There are nine ways the Chinese have traditionally represented these dragon each one revealing a different dragon characteristic.

There are dragons carved on the tops of bells and gongs, because of the beast’s habit of calling loudly when attacked.
A second type is carved on the screws of fiddles, since most dragons are fond of music.
A third is carved on the tops of stone tablets, because of dragons’ love of literature.
A fourth is found at the bottom of stone monuments, as dragons can support heavy weights.
A fifth is placed on the eaves of temples, as dragons are ever alert to danger.
A sixth occurs on the beams of bridges, since dragons are fond of water.
A seventh is carved on Buddha’s throne, as dragons like to rest.
An eighth is placed on the hilts of swords, since dragons are known to be capable of slaughter.
The ninth is carved on prison gates, as these are dragons that are fond of quarreling and trouble making.

May you all have a auspicious

Chinese New Year that

exceeds your every dream!

Something New!

I love your questions and comments and they are always welcomed..and I have found most of you like to contact me personally instead of leaving a public comment...so please feel free to use this button...

The Soul of an Art Business

2012-01-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Last week, I talked about the new book of the year (see link to right of this posting) and how my business life is a whirling-twirling merry go round!

I know that I am fortunate to be artist and to have my own studio away from my home. With that comes responsibilities that you would not even think of when running your business, so it is always a learning experience. Which lead me to think about where my whirling business is today and how to create a more enjoyable and less stressful situation for me to work in.

I believe that is the one of the things I do most enjoy about being in business is problem solving- that is in the business itself and in the actual dollmaking. My students are so well versed with my phrase Dollmaking is just creative problem-solving! I find that having a problem and to creatively figure it out is fun- like a puzzle! Of course even better when you can take pieces from another puzzle and fit it in!!So with that in mind, I set out to figure out this puzzle...

I am well aware there are so many business courses out there, business books, CDs, DVD's etc etc. I have found most of them to be very product oriented. How do you reach into your heart?

What about us artists?? I did some investigation and I came across an online class for businesses- more importantly for art business...

Hello Soul Hello Business.

I decided- what the heck, I'll give it a shot, it seems to be exactly what I am looking for...so I signed up!

how will the pieces fit together??

It has only been four days but truthfully, I could not of been more pleasantly surprised at approach of this course. It is a 9 week program and you have a new exercise to do daily (M-F)...if you really want it to work you need to be honest and in a quiet location so you can dig deep...I am very excited to see where this will take my business!!

Book of the Year 2012

2012-01-13T07:00:00.003-07:00

ok...so you all know that I love to have a word of the year to strive for or to reach a goal of being a better person. Last year my dear friend Kathy (aka Peep) introduced me to a book for the year.

I so enjoyed every morning taking a quiet moment or two to read the thought of the day. It was a wonderful way to start the day. Unless you are one of the very few who have figured out how to have a balanced life, we are all thrown into our hectic lives to accomplish, as fast as we can, our goals for the day while being bombarded with more demands from things other that are not on our to do lists...humm- maybe this is tmi or a telling sign of what my life is!?!?!

With this in mind, Peep, shared with me another book for this year...this is help me with my goal of the year...to reach more people with my art while taking time to enjoy a bit of life...

Younger by the Day:

365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit

Since it is the beginning of the year, I have just started it. One of Victoria Moran's suggestion was to read through the book in its entirety...hummm...sister I am going to be lucky to read each day's thought!

This could be a clue for me for my chosen hectic life. I am well aware that I am one of those who live an over-booked life and am well aware that I have done this to myself. I also realize that I am a do-er...I love creating and can't keep up with my thoughts. However I realize I am only one person and do need to look up from my computer or sewing machine every once and while to see the world.

My main goal of the year is to slow the merry-go-round down a bit to have time...

It is a wondrous precious gift that I have been able to make a living being a doll artist, to have my own studio out of my house and fill my classes with my fabulous students. I have worked so very hard to bring this calling to life however, it has now whirled into its own entity and I am holding on...

so it is now time to takes this creation and fine tune it...I am still working on that and will mold this into the ability to reach more people with my art while taking time to enjoy a bit of life...

I need time...just a moment of time...to step off this whirling machine and take a walk to give myself a moment of time to explore and to discover things life has to show us.

You never know what else you can do in life until you get off the speeding merry go round and break away from the herd!!

So stayed tuned there is always more to come!!

Life is GRAND!!

Kitsune- The Fox

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

My friend and supplier of vintage Japanese fabric, Judith of wabisabi wears, brought to my attention the Japanese legend of the Kitsune...the Fox.

Kitsune 狐 is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.

Characteristics

Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers. They are a type of yōkai, or spiritual entity, and the word kitsune is often translated as fox spirit.

However, this does not mean that kitsune are ghosts, nor that they are fundamentally different from regular foxes. Because the word spirit is used to reflect a state of knowledge or enlightenment, all long-lived foxes gain supernatural abilities.

There are two common classifications of kitsune.

The zenko 善狐 literally good foxes, are benevolent, celestial foxes associated with the god Inari; they are sometimes simply called Inari foxes. On the other hand, the yako 野狐literally field foxes, also called nogitsune) tend to be mischievous or even malicious. Local traditions add further types. For example, a ninko is an invisible fox spirit that human beings can only perceive when it possesses them. Another tradition classifies kitsune into one of thirteen types defined by which supernatural abilities the kitsune possesses.

Physically, kitsune are noted for having as many as nine tails. Generally, a greater number of tails indicates an older and more powerful fox; in fact, some folktales say that a fox will only grow additional tails after it has lived 100 years. One, five, seven, and nine tails are the most common numbers in folk stories. When a kitsune gains its ninth tail, its fur becomes white or gold. These kyūbi no kitsune 九尾の狐 nine-tailed foxes gain the abilities to see and hear anything happening anywhere in the world. Other tales attribute them infinite wisdom (omniscience).

Shapeshifting

A kitsune may take on human form, an ability learned when it reaches a certain age—usually 100 years, although some tales say 50.As a common prerequisite for the transformation, the fox must place reeds, a broad leaf, or a skull over its head. Common forms assumed by kitsune include beautiful women, young girls, or elderly men. These shapes are not limited by the fox's age or gender,^[ and a kitsune can duplicate the appearance of a specific person.Foxes are particularly renowned for impersonating beautiful women. Common belief in medieval Japan was that any woman encountered alone, especially at dusk or night, could be a fox.

In some stories, kitsune have difficulty hiding their tails when they take human form; looking for the tail, perhaps when the fox gets drunk or careless, is a common method of discerning the creature's true nature.Variants on the theme have the kitsune retain other foxlike traits, such as a coating of fine hair, a fox-shaped shadow, or a reflection that shows its true form.

Kitsune-gao or fox-faced refers to human females who have a narrow face with close-set eyes, thin eyebrows, and high cheekbones. Traditionally, this facial structure is considered attractive, and some tales ascribe it to foxes in human form. Kitsune have a fear and hatred of dogs even while in human form, and some become so rattled by the presence of dogs that they revert to the shape of a fox and flee. A particularly devout individual may be able to see through a fox's disguise automatically.

Other supernatural abilities commonly attributed to the kitsune include possession, mouths or tails that generate fire or lightning (known as kitsune-bi; literally, fox-fire), willful manifestation in the dreams of others, flight, invisibility, and the creation of illusions so elaborate as to be almost indistinguishable from reality.Some tales speak of kitsune with even greater powers, able to bend time and space or take fantastic shapes such as a tree of incredible height or a second moon in the sky.

New Year Thoughts...

2011-12-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

It is the time of year when you may turn thoughts towards making changes, of setting new goals, and looking forward to positive possibilities waiting in the coming new year.

There are those who trivialize this by going down the common lists of "New Year's Resolutions"; always made but seldom realized in past years. I believe its important to always strive toward something better and a new year is just the right time to do it!

I find, for me, that instead of making a list of things that need "correcting" (like that ever present pounds that I would like to loose, yes, exercise more etc), I choose to a word that I will help me strive to be an all over better person.

So this next years word is going to be Kobayashi Maru...ok I can hear you now- what the heck does that mean?? In a sense it means: A no-win situation caused by a set of rules that can only be won by changing the rules.

...and yes, it IS a term from Star Trek but still it can apply to life (in the real world). But basically, I believe that is means to think out side the box..get creative!! So we will see where this word takes us this year...and yes, I do have some things up my sleeve where this will apply.

Happiest and Brightest New Year to You All!

and realize your star is in reach...you may just have to change the rules to get there!

Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Pillows for Christmas...

2011-12-16T07:00:00.009-07:00

ok ok...a little crazy here...Most every year I like to make slip covers for my pillows...and not just at Christmas but Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter...

I found this darling fabric online and had to get it...

So went to my local fabric store for cottons and matched it up with these!

So here and there and late at night.. I sewed and sewed and made a bunch of pillow slip covers...isn't it funny that sewing for a living and I still have to squeeze in projects I want to do!!

Started with the couch and made these...adding ric rac trim and velvet jingle bells to the small pillow in front!

Moved onto the two side chairs and made two of these with red cording trim...

So now into the bedroom and made these for the seating area chairs...

And finally I made pillow cases for the two pillows and a slip cover with fabric I had for the long pillow!!

Link here to find instructions for quick and easy pillows cases!!

Let me know if you make any pillow slip covers or cases! Have Fun!!

Swan Lake

2011-12-09T07:00:00.003-07:00

Last week I posted about the ballerina Pointe shoes...this week here she is Swan.

What a pleasure it was to design this doll for such dear friends! I find so much enjoyment when I create for people I know...Debby was a dancer, so her husband came to me with a special request for her birthday- A ballerina doll...we started with the images from Degas and went from there..

Stone Clay jointed head overlayed with Silk Crepe, Silk Crepe body


Costuming of silk, tulle, swarovski crystals, marabou feathers

of course I had to add in a music box to the hand-made stool because isn't that what the ballet is- beautiful visual and audio to float by...Swan Lake . I just love the delicate sound of the tuned teeth of the small little music box. It is light and airy just like this doll.

Detail Photos:

Close up of costume detailing

View from back

Face close up

I love the close up photo, where you can see the texture of the silk fabric and the sparkling painted eyes. I always find this part of my photography sessions with Mark Mortensen, so interesting...and even though I wear super-duper readers the camera sees all, I am always so amazed that things come out as gracefully and accurate as they do!

Fabric lends itself to the softness of the tint of color...I just love working in cloth!!

Stats:

Artist Name: Leslie Molen
Title: Swan

One of a Kind

Year: 2011
Size: 16 inches seated
Description:
Doll: Stone Clay jointed head overlayed with Silk Crepe, Silk Crepe body, costuming of silk, tulle, swarovski crystals, marabou feathers.

Stool: Hand-made wooden stool with music box playing Swan Lake

Pointe Ballet Shoes

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I always find creating dolls as a continuous education. My latest commission piece included ballet slippers...I have noticed as I grow in my work, the details start to become all so important and all of sudden more clear that they are even there!

My eyes have opened to delve further into the details of each piece I create. So when I set out to make these little ballet slippers... pointe shoes where the only ones that would do! Ok...Pointe shoes- where to begin, I knew that they were soft pink or skin tone satin, had ribbons and a toe box...internet here I come!

First off What are Pointe Shoes?
Parts of a Pointe shoe.

A Pointe shoes tightly stretched satin exterior
exposes the shape of its underlying toe box.

The sole is thin and covers only part of the bottom
of the Pointe shoe so as to remain inconspicuous.

Ribbons and elastic band used to secure a Pointe shoe to the foot.

ok, so now we have what they are...

How do you make a Pointe Shoe?
I found this video on making pointe shoes!

With a little modification I used basically the same technique with different materials and came up with Petite Pointe shoes for my doll! It was so fun and challenging to make these wee 2-inch shoes!!

More photos of the complete doll to come later....

Cranberry Sauce

2011-11-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is that time of the year...that yummy time of the year! Turkey, stuffing...and yes cranberries..those bright burst of color and flavor!

Well, a year or so ago, I found out that I am allergic to those wonderful cranberries! Yikes...now that Thanksgiving and Christmas is among us...what is a girl to do...all those foods can't help but be complimented by those round red joyous berries!

So, I am bound and determined to find something that can be a substitute or should I say a compliment...find something that has that sweet and sour pop in your mouth...

ok...so I started hunting around on the Internet for cranberry substitutes...nothing...nada...no good...

Not to be stopped in any way, I put my thinking cap on...

well ok..maybe I like one that has a bit more sparkle to it...

anyway..I thought why not use sour cherries??

Bright and cheery-ful...and use my favorite recipe...Fiesta Style Cranberry Sauce and change out the cranberries for the cherries add a bit of apple for the crunch and reduce the sugar a bit...it is worth a try...

you what they say...

when life hands you cranberries best to make it cheerry!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Technical Difficulties

2011-11-18T07:00:00.004-07:00

Ha! Of the course the week that I am finishing a commission piece and preparing for my once a year Surprise Holiday Doll Class...I had major computer issues!!

But thanks to my wonderful and most heroic husband, my computer is back up and running...only glitch is I did not have time to write my blog this week...

so please stay tuned for next week when I am back and in full running mode!!

Giving Back

2011-11-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you have seen through the years, I join in with many volunteers, to give back through the Salvation Army Doll Tea.

My part may be small, showing my wonderful students and my dolls, but the cause is enormous! The funds raised from the Festival help the Dress A Child program that gives more than 200 at-risk children a back-to-school shopping spree for new clothes and shoes. For some children, it is the first time they have brand-new clothes.

Me and the Dolls!

As I walk in to set up my exhibit, I cross through many rooms...the merchant mall with oodles and oodles of good old fashioned hand-made items, re-dressed dolls at a good price (so everyone can go home with something), and of course those baked goods...might as well start the season off with some cookies! I meander through the gigantic set up of the trains and into the exhibit area... I have my place ready and set everything up!


Back row: Folk Santa Middle Row: Etta Front Row: Twinkle Bright

This year I added a display in remembrance:

Our Cowgirls- Boudoir Style

My hope is that I bring a smile to someone as they view our dolls and knowing that not matter how small our part, we have given a piece of our love of dollmaking to help a child in need.

photo collage from Salvation Army

Every Blade of Grass...

2011-11-03T14:15:00.000-06:00

Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it

with a stick, hitting it and whispering, grow, grow.

I was told of this fable in the last week...

The woman who was telling us of this fable spoke that even though the angel is hitting the grass it is not such a bad thing...when you think about it, that is when we grow- when we are faced with our misfortunes, our mistakes, our challenges.

When things are going smoothly, we are pretty much status quo thinking I have got it made...baby!

If we choose, life is there to teach us...to helps us grow and we grow only by stepping out there and into fray of it! Yes, you will make mistakes and maybe even get knocked down...but that is how you know you are in the right place- learning and growing into the most we can be.

So grab your boots and get out there into the muck of it..the world is waiting for the surprises only you hold...

and you never know who you will meet along the way...

Baking for the Troops

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

First off...weather update...

remember ~ last week:

One week later! Whoa!!

Baking for the Troops...
My friend, Kathy, saw in the local paper an event for Baking for the Troops...link here

Grounded in a philosophy that every member of the US Military deserves a homemade care package of baked goods as a reminder of our love, support, and appreciation for their commitment to our country, Baking for the Troops was established in 2009 in Denver, Colorado, by a dedicated civilian with a deep love and respect for the members of America's armed forces...

Our efforts are especially aimed at members of our armed forces who don't have dedicated friends and family at home to send them care packages. That's where Baking for the Troops comes in, as a second family to crank up the ovens and fill the gap so every service member has a taste of home during their deployment...

So, we decided to participate in this event...on the first snowy night of the season, Kathy and I headed out to the location and walked into a very nice building that was donated for the evening.

CADA Building

The smell of brownies wafting from the kitchen put us in the mood to put on our (cute) aprons and lend a helping hand. The CADA Building has a full large kitchen and another large area that Baking for the Troops had all the supplies needed to send brownies neatly wrapped, bowed, and with a hand-written thank you card placed into a postage box and off to a well deserved person in the service.

Kathy and I both realize how fortunate we are in our lives and feel it is a wonderful thing to give back in some way...and giving back to our troops is one fabulous way!

Melissa started this project in 1999 and has been very successful!!

more info here

Even though it was a snowy night, she had a nice turn out, we met new people and enjoyed our experience.

Brownies ready to be cut and packaged


Dishing up the brownies! YUM YUM!

Melissa has this down to a science, so the brownies are wrapped still a bit warm and arrive fresh and moist- imagine what a treat this would be!


Brownies wrapped with personalized card ready to be put into the shipping box

We may not all be able to participate in an event like this but it does at least give you a moment to be thankful for what you have.

Appreciation is the highest form of prayer,
for it acknowledges the presence of good
wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.
Alan Cohen

Fall around ROotie

2011-10-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

As I was driving to work, I was thinking about what to write about in this weeks blog...lost in thought...I "opened" my eyes and noticed all the beautiful colors around me...fall.

Up the street from ROotie

Looking up into the tree

Looking Down at the fallen leaves

Fall...autumn...next to Spring, I love fall- the colors, the food- pumpkin soup! recipe here

It is the time to gather for winter...gather as in projects to do inside...to nest. Sounds like it is time for a little wool needlefelting from my new Japanese Book! more info here

Japanese Mascot Collection ISBN 978-4-309-28168-1

Hummm- off dreaming about felting...back to around ROotie


Three Pumpkins

Beautiful plum-colored leaves within gold

Shadow cast from red leaves


Ha! not Issy, but could this of been any better of a set-up? The world works it's magic!

Cute yellow house under a golden tree

In the school yard, fall leaves shading the planets!

So fall...it is here, we all get so busy pushing through our days, we are so focused on the next thing (I am SO guilty of that)...take one moment today and notice one thing from nature...all of a sudden you will notice how many of your chosen thing is around...I could of taken photos of fall leaves all day!!


Just a reminder to STOP and observe...and another reminder of Mexico- you all know how I love to go to Mexico!!

New Books from Japan!

2011-10-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

While I was away in CA teaching, my dearest friend Dorice took me to a Japanese Book Store...now you all know how much I love love...ok...LOVE Japanese craft books. This was such a special treat for me. This store Kinokuniya Bookstore was jammed pack full of Japanese items, books, and magazines!! Yes- over whelming as I stood in front of thousands and thousands of craft books!!

I have also found they have an online shop (link here) have patience...there is a button for English and it will take some searching but well worth it if you are into this kind of thing!! Also by this site offers these books at approximately a $10 savings!

I have more links below for information and one of my favorite sellers on e-bay and etsy.

Here are the books I purchased:

Stylish Dress Book

Dress Pattern from Stylish Dress Book

Inset from Stylish Dress Book

Dress Pattern from Stylish Dress Book

Another Book: Stylish Dress Book

Jacket Pattern from Stylish Dress Book

Skirt Pattern from Stylish Dress Book

Simply Chic

Blouse Pattern from Simply Chic

Dress Pattern from Simply Chic

Many of you know the very cuteness of Japanese Crafts.

Here is a book I purchased in needle felting little animals!

Mascot Collection

page from Mascot Collection


finger puppets from Mascot Collection-YIKES could this be any cuter!!

as promised...LINKS!!

Pomadour24 Cafe : great etsy store, I have ordered many books from Megumi!

SimplyPrettyJapaneseBeadsBooks : her store on ebay.

Crafting Japanese : Great site for research or ideas of Craft Books

Kinokuniya BookWEB Store : My NEW favorite Store!!

Teaching Ling Li and Chun Woo

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Away teaching this week at Piecemakers in CA!!

I can't beleive I have been going there for over 15 years now...WOW!

We will be creating Ling Li or Chun Woo and a Chinese Carrying Case!

Chun Woo and her sister Ling Li

Chinese silk brocade with handmade pouch and tassles

Chinese carrying case open- lined with silk brocade and tufted cushion

Circles!!

2011-09-30T07:00:00.002-06:00

Circles... I have always loved circles... the continuous shape but always Open to more possibilities.

cir·cle (sûrkl) KEY

NOUN:

A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement: well-known in artistic circles.
A circular course, circuit, or orbit: a satellite's circle around the earth.
A sphere of influence or interest; domain.

Off to lunch with Kathy...from ROotie...down Pearl Street...was just talking out loud...what should I talk about in my blog this week?? Ohh look at these round berries!!...took a photo...

We decided to got to the Black Pearl for a bite (ok -really it was the truffle fries!)

Inside after a yummy lunch...humm what are those things??? Railroad wheel molds...took a photo...

hummm...starting to see a theme developing here- you???

Walking back to the studiOs...doggy bowl

sidewalk art...self made from planters!

pOpped into the Ruffly Rose

Bought a really cute vintage aqua vase for ROotie...

back to ROotie...

cir·cle
NOUN:

4. a complete or recurring series, usually ending as it began; cycle; ...period.

Missoni-Redo: Part 1

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Missoni..oh the fervor...

I headed out with my Peep, Kathy, to Target on the the day (Sept 13th)...needless to say we missed it- ok- by two hours. But not to be discouraged, I said to Peep, this is just a challenge to use our imaginations!

Rapidly we jaunted over to the lingerie section and quickly plucked up a nightgown and a night top...close enough to wear as a dress and a shirt with a t-shirt underneath!

Quick...ran over to the other departments and picked up odd pieces...when the going gets tough- we use our creative skills and expand our thinking...instead of it being the finished product it is- think of it as fabric... reuse-redesign. Over the next month or two I will be sharing what I did with these odd pieces to create something usable for us!

The Child's Little Dress:

Here it is in a size small- the only one

found it on a random shelf

Reuse the fabric to redesign as pillows!

Needed complimentary fabric for the sides and back.

Here is what I found- a wool with flower print.

It also has a weave of a paisley interspursed throughout.  

Also liked this above fabric because it continues

with the circle design in the dining room rug.

Next cut the little dress into usable pieces.

Trim off the sides seams.

Pieces about ready to be sewn.

Decided to cut off the brown border...

Measured the pillow size for the backing

Marked the additional side piece for the front

(adding 1/2" for seam allowance)

Finished and ready for action!!

School Days

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Do you remember your first day of school? I do- kindergarten and Mrs. McCarrot- yes- really that was her name...young and sweet and had a glorious head of strawberry blonde hair that she wore in a bun!

I remember her sitting at the front of the classroom and all of us children sitting in a semi circle around her cross-legged on the floor. She read to us from a huge Dick and Jane book! I LOVED Dick and Jane...

So now time has passed...and it is Frances' time to go to school. I was fortunate enough to visit Frances' new school as the proud Auntie!!

A Place for Everything

Outside the Classroom

Entry to Frances' Classroom

Bright and Cheery Classroom

so much to see and do!

Helpers of the Day!

The all important-Playground

School Courtyard Statue

Off to lunch wearing Auntie Leslie's sunglasses

and showing here new little HK plaid pouch!

Frances' is one stylin' young lady!!

(btw- where did she learn to pose like that??) 

to paint or not to paint...

2011-09-09T07:00:00.004-06:00

We re-painted the entire inside of our house a couple of years ago...and when I choose paint, it takes me time to see what the color will do in different light. SO I get my samples, choose the colors I like and set them in each room to see how they look at different times of the day. We have large windows and Denver is very sunny, so the light can change dramatically throughout the day.

Another consideration is that our house floor plan is open, so all colors need to compliment one another. Here is what I chose a couple years ago and had all the areas painted in these colors...

So 2 years later I love all the colors...except just maybe...the kitchen color that wraps one wall into the dining area...it goes fabulously with my diningroom rug and the kitchen has black granite and birch cabinets. But the orange (topaz) is starting to wear on me a bit...I am thinking of re-painting but can't find another color that speaks to me.

Option 1:

Re-paint my kitchen..when I find another color I love!

Option 2:

So now I look at cabinets, and you know when you start thinking about it...all these like-things start to come your way! My friend Julie and I were emailing and she mentioned painting her cabinets...my hairdresser, Lisa- the same thing!! Lisa told be of this product by Rust'Oleum. WOW!! the transformations are incredible! Not so sure my husband would be up for me painting our cabinets- sticking this one on the back burner.

ok- they did do a bit more than just painting the cabinets...

Option 3:

Back-splash. This could be it...although I don't want to do tile...something different. The other night Mark and I were out with friends at a new (hip) restaurant- Linger...I was looking around and they had these dividers for the service area. I didn't get up to look at them closley but from a distance I thought they were great- They seemed to be a scene of Mexico, Spain, Italy...somewhat watercolor-like

and painted or printed on either glass or mat plexiglass...

So who knows what I will come up with...maybe a bit of Option 1 and 3...but it is nice to lay it all out and share it with you!

UPDATE: Color possibilities! Not sure where to get this brands of paint..but sure like the colors!
Grey- the new blue...

THE FRESHAIRE CHOICE ORGANIC GARDEN FA064

FINE PAINTS OF EUROPE SILHOUETTE GRAY

4 dolls

2011-09-02T15:09:00.002-06:00

I have found that I like to put myself out there- challenge myself- it inspires great growth...and that can be a gift...and if it comes from the heart, everything will be ok...your care and love will shine though.

This past year, planning and chairing the NIADA Conference was just that...a great challenge. And with that great challenge came an unexpected gift of vintage Chinese dolls from the other NIADA Artists as a thank you. Whoa- I just can't imagine a better sweeter gift...

ok, so I know a bit about vintage pieces, having collected them for years...my guess was Chinese...the ones on the left older- maybe 40's...the ones on the right 50's. I knew they were souvenir dolls...so I set out to find info about them to share with you.

Road block...nothing really (hummm I thought everything was on the Internet!!). Then, I remembered a shop we have here in Denver, Turn of the Century Antiques! Not far from my studio and if I remember correctly they have dolls.

Packed up my little ones and off I went...did I say dolls?? Oh man...I meant heaven...they have vintage and antique dolls of wonderful quality.

I unpacked my little dolls and Sally helped me...not too much more information but a kindred spirit of Asian (Japanese to be precise) dolls. She said my little ones where older- 20's-30's for the ones of the left and probably 40's for the ones on the right. The older ones where made in China while the right ones where made in Japan- makes sense to me because of the time period of Japanese imports at that time.

But what was so fabulous was the sharing of her cloth Japanese dolls, did I say I was drooling by that time?? She showed me the Japanese dolls that she has for sale...1800 to 1940's Friendship dolls (see my posting here). With every adventure comes a renewal...more information to be a better doll artist!

I decided that these dolls needed a little tender loving care. (*Side note: when restoring- check the value of your doll carefully, I would not refinish body or mend/change clothing on any doll of great value.) Since these dolls will probably be with me for the rest of my life and only of tremendous value to me personally, I did restore them- a bit...

gently removed some of the clothing

notice the little squeaker box on his tummy!

carefully re-strung...

My new little ones-

*touched up the chipped paint faces, shoes,

re-braided hair, mended clothing.

I just love them so and am going to have my wood-guy, Gary, make little bench for them to sit upon. I will hang them in my house and just delight in the meaning of friendship in which they were given!!

Who knew when I was presented with these dolls that I would have so much fun trying to find their history that I would happen upon another person with the same great love of Asian pieces!

AND if you know any more about these dolls,

I would love to hear from you!

A drop of water shall be

returned with a burst of spring

Chinese Proverb

Catching up!

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

My Friday posting will be delayed until later today...hummm...

gone for awhile to run the NIADA Conference...
and needed to catch up at home!!

Taking a step...

2011-08-19T07:00:00.003-06:00

"Then give to the world the best you have,

And the best will come back to you."

Madeline Bridges, poet

A year ago I said, "Why don't we have the NIADA Conference in Denver!!??" and this year has been such a great learning experience on how to put together not only a conference but a dollmaking school preceding it.

I truly believe that great challenges give you an understanding of who you are and a strength that you didn't know you had.

So for the next two weeks I will be now in the midst of all this hard work and planning...it will be so very interesting to see what life this conference will take on.

I am so thankful for my local volunteers and for the two NIADA artists, Mary Ellen Frank and Chris Chomick, for being my beacon of light through this process.

My hope is that the care and attention to detail will make a comfortable environment for all to thoroughly enjoy themselves...and yes, I will work very hard at taking a deep breath and not be the helicopter mom that I am known to be...let it live its life...let it bloom and evolve into what it is suppose to be...

So until then, please keep me in your thoughts and I will return Friday September 2nd!

A well-developed sense of humor is the pole

that adds balance to your steps

as you walk the tightrope of life.

~William Arthur Ward ~

Mrs. Suzuki-san

2011-08-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, Mark, Issy and I packed up and away we went to drop me off at my studio where I had left my car overnight. But as traffic was heavy, we took a pitstop at the Health Department for Mark to drop off an important (600 page) document he had just finished! (Yikes and I think my job is hard)...anyway Issy and I waited in the car.

While I sat there, I was just spacing out and my eyes landed on the Russell Stover Candy store across the street...

as I sat there...I thought, isn't it amazing in the busy world that there still is that free-standing store selling candies...which took me further thinking I wonder how much longer it will be there...kind of made me sad. You can pop online and find oodles of candy stores with oodles of a selection, that will be happy to ship to you- with oodles of shipping options. Not to say that I don't take advantage of that, it is just a different time now. This is my observation.

It is a time that has gone- the candy store, the shoe store, the hat store...the fabric store...gone. But also gone is that specialness, the process of going to the one store in town to buy your one- two- maybe three pieces of chocolate or ribbons or that hat you have been saving for. Gone is the appreciation for the anticipation of the special place, that one special thing...not by all people but in today's world, few have that understanding for the truly unique- one of a kind.

That is why when Mrs. Suzuki gifted me with two of her hand-made necklaces, I was beyond words- thrilled at the unexpected and moment of seeing the specialness in her gift to me. Created with such tenderness- so beautiful is the process of such great care taken in each bead, the center stone, the color of the chain.

I feel it is important for us to take a breath in this harried world and find one special moment a day ...a week...and be in that moment so as to realize that uniqueness...and realize how wonderful it is to relish our own uniqueness- our own originality!

We are all born originals -

why is it so many of us die copies?

- Edward Young

NIADA Conference

2011-08-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

This last few weeks have been pretty much all consuming

in the final details of the NIADA Conference!

Here are the Events that are Open to the Public!

My hope is that I actually will have a chance to make some pieces for the show- ouch!

I have a new design that I am very excited to create and share at the Conference.

Keep your fingers crossed and send good (more time) thoughts my way!!

John C Campbell Class 2012

2011-07-29T07:00:00.004-06:00

Many, many, many years ago...when I was first starting in dollmaking...I was at a Conference ...the whole dollmaking world was so new to me at that time, all the dolls were a new adventure...a new path.

One of the main speakers was a person who created marionettes...as I sat there, the marionettes were on stage...waiting...patiently...as I was also. The presentation started and the marionettes came alive!! Movement...it was beautiful!

Since then, I have been to many puppet and marionette shows- so fortunate I have been, to be able to sit in on shows in foreign countries, were I may not speak the language but the language of the art reaches everyone.

I had always wanted to make a marionette and needed to research and study this craft. I found it so interesting that it is indeed not a doll at all! The techniques infuse some of dollmaking but have techniques that hold true just to marionettes!

So now many years later, I have been able to create a marionette to share with my students.

I will be teaching this process at the John C Campbell School in NC. Together we will have a week for you to create your very own. For more info click here

some details:

Silk and linen hat with woven ribbon trim

mohair yarn used for hair

silk velvet for vest over-dyed for a vintage feel

linen apron with vintage woven ribbon trim

wool booties with silk ties

So I hope you can join us at JCC, it is a magical time that we have together!!

we would sure miss you if you couldn't be with us!

Chinese Carrying Case

2011-07-22T07:00:00.002-06:00

So I thought...What about a case for these girls??

Something covered in a beautiful fabric...silk... a brocade...hey! I have one that I bought in China...

The interior of a rich silk also...black to set off the red...

tufted interior pillow...

and bound with a pretty closure and woven ribbons...ok!

the final touch a satchel with hand-made tassels-to hold those special thing within!!

and now we are ready to go off to Piecemakers in CA!!

See you in October girls!!

Chun Woo ~ Spring Rain

2011-07-15T07:00:00.004-06:00

Many of you have seen or taken Ling Li Hua (Delicate Pearl Blossom). She was designed for my classes after many commented on my Gallery Pieces- Charm Girls -Story Girls.

Ling Li

Now, I would like to introduce Chun Woo (Spring Rain-Gift from Above)! She is Ling Li's sister. I loved making her and am excited to be teaching this class in October at Piecemakers in CA email here for class info... AND along with your choice of Chun Woo or you can make Ling Li plus their Chinese Carrying Case*!!

Chun Woo 

Costume of Vintage silks, 

with new satin, cotton, linen and brocade silk

Needlesculpted face with glass eyes inset

Fine cotton overlay

Close Ups:

Chun Woo's pocket (bag) 

with rain droplets

Chun Woo's Raindrop Hat

Chun Woo's Silk Pants

with cotton cuff, linen slippers

Ling Li with Chun Woo

Chinese Carrying Case

Next week, the Chinese Carrying Case!

*If you miss this upcoming class in CA, I am having Ling Li~ Chun Woo + Carrying Case here at ROotie in August 2012. email here for info at ROotie- sorry no pattern available-yet!

Lily

2011-07-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

On the 4th of July, my dear husband said her would go to the antique mall with me- but only for a couple of hours! Happy with that...off we went on a sunny and very warm day.

I found her after skimming through rows and rows...on a shelf with many, many other dolls...sitting there quietly, patiently for me to spot her. And I did in a heartbeat and pulled her off the shelf into my waiting arms... I was thrilled!!

After drifting through the rest of the booths, looking for maybe another Bradley-type doll...I came across this little dress..

And then a thought came to me!! Who says I HAVE to have a collection (three or more)...well ok- maybe later on...but in the mean time, I think I will fix her up and make her pretty little dresses.

If you collect and want to re-sell...then you don't want to disrupt the condition of the doll by changing anything...but the monetary value of this doll is not that great- I got her and the dress for $12 with my 4th of July savings of 15% off! What a find!!!...now the heart value is a whole other thing, it is, as they say, priceless and think of all the fun this will be!

So her name...Mimi...Kimi...Lili....Lily!! That's it!

Lily is of Latin origin. Flower name: the lily is a symbol of innocence and purity as well as beauty.

So I must stop dreaming for the moment of Lily's dresses and what could be...I have my dolls for classes and NIADA to make...

...and for now, Lily, will sit quietly and patiently on my shelf and together we will dream of what is to come!!

Reference for Lily's 1960-style dresses:

Barbie Fashion by Sarah Sink Eames

Can't you see it!?!?!?

Check out Ojo Neko- Princess Cat
on ROotie Enews

Big Eyed Dolls

2011-07-01T07:00:00.004-06:00

It all started many years ago with a doll on a pink sewing box! When I came across this fabulous find, I remembered the doll from my childhood and of course was instantly drawn to it because of the sewing box!

It sits on a shelf on my work table in my studio...I was lost in thought when my eyes landed on it...and I thought...who was the maker of this pretty little doll?

These big eyed dolls were made in Korea and Japan during the 1960s and 1970s for the American market.

The doll’s bodies are constructed of wire skeletons surrounded by Styrofoam and/or cloth, with each finger being armatured. Many are mounted on a wood or plastic base so they can be nicely displayed.

Also differentiating them from most other dolls is the fact that their faces are painted on. I love the ones with the stockinette overlay! Big surprise- cloth!

"The dresses are often elegant period pieces, with big hoop skirts and plenty of lacy frills, although their catalog includes such a wide variety of themes and ethnic styles, including a few "mod" ones that have proven to be the most elusive and most sought after."

One of the most well known was manufactured by the Bradley Doll Co.
(as in Milton Bradley) also known under Artmark and Treasured Dolls as these dolls above.I have also found a few manufactored under Herman Pecker Dolls as these dolls below.

Their most defined charateritic is their oversized head and big eyes...made in Japan... hummmm....reminds me very much of today's Japan's animé art and the ever popular ball jointed dolls (bjd)!

History doesn't repeat itself,

at best it sometimes rhymes.

Mark Twain

Family Tree

2011-06-24T07:00:00.016-06:00

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand,

you will see your parents and

all generations of your ancestors.

All of them are alive in this moment.

Each is present in your body.

You are the continuation of each of these people.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Family...that one word can bring so many emotions to the fore front...it can span from love and caring to the other side of the spectrum...

For unknown reasons to me, my ancestry has been not talked about...so many years of my life I have wondered about my family...who where we, where did we come from? My palms were empty.

For me, knowing where you came from lends itself to who you are...it gives you a foundation, a solid footing...I believe with out it you are floating...

Your present life gives you roots...but your heritage gives you the soil in which to nourish and grow. The understanding of what makes you tick!

I have been so fortunate after so many, many years, to connect with a cousin, Mary. I just can't tell you how my heart feels, I am thrilled and touched. Mary and I share the same Grandmother Ignacita.

I have found out that the generations before and now have been very artistic...that's where it came from! My Grandmother loved to sew...They loved clothing...dresses, scarves, shoes... shoes...shoes...see honey, I can't help it, it just in my DNA...

Mary

can't you see a family resemblance??

I feel that my family tree is within reach, I can see it over the horizon...firmly planted in the soil...

and now I wonder who are we and where are we going!! So many wondrous things to learn and discover! I will share more with you about this discovery as time goes on...

My Aunt Rosanne, Mary's Mother

My family is coming into focus in my palms!

Life is to be cherished...

“Be who you are and say what you feel

because those who mind don't matter 

and those who matter don't mind.” 

Dr. Suess

New Issy Blog!! 
 
New ROotie News Posting 

Shotgun Houses

2011-06-16T07:24:00.000-06:00

My friend, Julie, sent me this you tube video on a family that lives and works in a shotgun style house...

...this prompted me to figure out what is a shot gun house???

A shotgun house is a nickname for a long narrow house with sequential rooms and no hallway. The nickname comes from the idea that if you stood at the front door and fired a shotgun the buck would fly out the back door without hitting the house.

These houses were commonly built in cities before cars made suburbia popular. They also took advantage of lower property taxes because many cities based the tax rate on the lot width so when your house is only 12 feet wide you saved a lot of money. Another advantage was that as families grew more rooms could be easily added.

These tiny houses emerged in the south, specifically New Orleans, but you still see them today all over America from Key West to Chicago to California. In some cities these shotgun shacks are being replaced by urban renewal projects and in other cities they are being preserved.

These wonderful little bits of architecture have brought interest in their history, especially after the New Orleans hurricanes...

This is a video of Larry Sass and his reinvention of the Shotgun House..

And last but not least...if you want to build one...here are home plans! My favorite is the Charity...

Next year, 2012, the plan is for NIADA to be held in New Orleans...my camera will be ready and I will have my walking shoes on to scout out some of these beauties!!

Pencil to Paper

2011-06-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

“The act of putting pencil to paper encourages pause for thought,
this in turn makes us think more deeply about life,

which helps us regain our equilibrium.”

Norbet Platt

One of my dear friends sent this to me this week.
I thought this was so fabulous,
I so needed to share it with all of you!

Be sure to read the 5 important lessons at the bottom of the page.

We all need to be constantly sharpened.
This parable may encourage you to know
that you are a special person,
with unique God-given talents and abilities.

Only you can fulfill the purpose

which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and

think that your life is insignificant

and cannot be changed and...

...like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are,is what's inside of you.

A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL

5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :

1.) EVERYTHING YOU DO WILL ALWAYS LEAVE A MARK .

2.) YOU CAN ALWAYS CORRECT THE MISTAKES YOU MAKE.

3.) WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS WHAT IS INSIDE OF YOU.

4.) IN LIFE, YOU WILL UNDERGO PAINFUL SHARPENINGS, WHICH WILL ONLY MAKE YOU BETTER.

5.) TO BE THE BEST PENCIL, YOU MUST ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE HELD AND GUIDED BY THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU.

~~~

Radishes

2011-06-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

My newest class is Ruby Radish...and I thought what does a radish look like??...how would it make a nice head for a doll??

So I set out to find images of radishes...beautiful ruby red radishes...

In my search, I found this fabulous recipe for green beans with radishes. I made it the other day and changed it up a bit with grilling my green beans and instead of dressing used this wonderful Tuscan herb olive oil ...it was easy and really yummy! (Also like this olive oil as a dressing- by itself- for those of you with the yeast-vinegar sensitivities)

So...back to the doll...I needed ruby tipped fabric, so I dyed some nice wool felt using procion dyes.

I looked at the shape of the radish and had to think of it more three dimensionally.

It took me a few tries but finally got it! I had to have a seam down the front for needlsculpting and needed more roundness in the back, so added a gusset in the back to fill out the back of the head.

Here is the final...Ruby Radish- who ,by the way, is Pumpkin Girl's best friend!!

Pattern ready for sale Wednesday June 15th
email me to pre-order $10 + shipping.

Pumpkin Girl

Orange!

2011-05-27T07:00:00.002-06:00

Most little girls love pink...pink...rose...isn't the old saying "seeing the world through rose colored glasses"...

Having a positive attitude lets you see things from a different perspective.

Looking through "rose-colored glasses" is an optimistic way of viewing the situation or the world.

I know that I have always been a bit off of center my whole life...seeing the world a bit differently. To me the world is so full of colors, sounds, tastes, smells...so visual. As a little girl my favorite color was orange! I think it all started when my best friend, Janet Knudsen and I went to the (then new) McDonald's..what a treat that was and I had my first orange soda...what a burst of sunshine!

That started my whole love of orange...

Next a friend of the family made my sister and I these darling corduroy skirts with complimentary crocheted vest...yes, mine was orange!!

granny square vest...way before boho was even thought of being a word or a style...

and I wore my beloved my desert boots with it...

from there came wanting to paint my room orange!

My Mom's response...well not going with it...but how about orange sherbet??

and that is what I got...happy!

So when you find yourself a bit off center, it is ok...listen to it and be who you are.

...and remember life still looks pretty darn good looking through your own orange colored glasses!

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is orange. I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life, just burn an orange candle for 7 nights.

A New Era...

2011-05-20T08:59:00.000-06:00

“The only thing constant in life is change”

 ~François de la Rochefoucauld

  ~Quote from my Dad to me as a child

ok...yes...I am starting to realize that life is about change. Over the years here, locally in Denver, I have seen major landmarks change, the Cooper Theater now gone and Barnes & Nobles in its place...Cinderella City now The Englewood Center...Celebrity Sport Center now Home Depot...life changes...

I remember as a young school-aged girl having to share the tv with my sister- yes black and white- during the summer break we would rotate from my favorite game shows to her favorite All My Children. Needless to say, by the end of the summer we were both hooked and watched AMC exclusively! 

Over the years, AMC has come and gone through my life...and...ok...I would admit that I am probably a fairly steady fan, you can miss weeks, months, and maybe even years and jump in back into it and love, laugh, and live with all the folks of Pine Valley...sounding a little scary here, but take this in the manner it is given!

When working in my studio, I invariably have AMC on during my lunch time and have worked to time my  hand sewing to happen at during the show..I did not realize how much that schedule was ingrained into my day until I started thinking about it missing from my day. In many cases, it was used as background, but a friendly background.

So when finding out that AMC is canceled with the last show in September 2011, I was stunned! It has been a "part" of my life since the 70's. It was not so much that I was a Soap junkie but the fact that it has been a real constant in my life and a nice childhood memory of my sister and I watching together.

Life changes and we have two choices; to be flexible and change or hold fast and be rigid, fighting against it. Change points out our frailness and weaknesses but it can also show us our strengths and our willingness to grow...and being a creature or planning and organization, I will say I am kicking and pouting a bit, but will try to grow from this change!

Link to more info of All My Children

Susan Lucci, star of All My Children.
Ms. Lucci has been portraying
Erica Kane since the shows beginning in 1970.
© 2010 ABC Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

All My Children - History

In the early 1960s Agnes Nixon, then head writer for The Guiding Light, tried to sell a property called All My Children to NBC, then CBS, then NBC again through the auspices of sponsor Procter & Gamble. Despite her Guiding Light success and sponsor support, it was not until the start of 1970 that her brainchild finally aired.

Agnes Nixon strived to create a soap that was topical, and could illustrate social issues to the audience. She wanted all this while also injecting regular humor into the script, something that had not been tried by other soap writers before. To keep the action more real, she allowed the audience to locate her fictional "Pine Valley" on a map: situated just outside of Philadelphia, it was a mere hour-long train ride from New York City.

AFIC part dos-2

2011-05-13T15:02:00.000-06:00

As I have been cropping and adjusting these photos from AFIC, they all bring back such great memories, which I would love to show you in more detail. There are so many, from so many different events! And of course it comes down to space...so in this posting I would love to share my two classes from AFIC...but fear not- I will have more photos and close-ups in my next ROotie E-News- out the end of this month!

Santos Maria- Cage Skirt Doll

2 day Class

My twelve girls- they were fantastic!

We laughed and had such a good time!

The doll torsos...just about compete.

 All the cages in a row 

and painted!

some of the beautiful dolls

Techniques learned in Santos Maria: overlay of a face form, painting and shading features, assembling and painting the cage, Body construction with armature and jointing, costuming with weaving of fabric, skirt construction...and so much more!

The Madonna

1 day Class

Again- what a great group of students, 

we had so much fun together!

Some of the the dolls

Blogger- OOPS!

2011-05-13T12:11:00.001-06:00

Well....it looks as if blogger had a big error....my posting for this week is GONE!!
Will have to re-write it- YIKES.....

AFIC part uno-1

2011-05-06T07:00:00.004-06:00

Just returned from the AFIC Doll Conference in OH...I am still catching my breathe and reeling from the joy!

I find this conference to be so well run and inspirational, thanks to Cyndy Seiving...she is a genius at these kind of things and if you know me and my thing about being organized- she is indeed of like mind and can I admit...maybe even just a touch more so than me!?!?

A small glitch happened in the first day because of the hotel (totally understandable) so I was a little in the "yikes" because of my class room being used until 4pm that afternoon, so my set up was delayed...and of course I like to have things arranged and ready to go asap! So my dear friend Dorice saw that I was starting to pace the floor like a wild cat...and rushed me off for an emergency pedicure...thank goodness for friends like Dorice...

So after we returned (and I was much more in the zen, especially since my toes match my outfit for the banquert) And with Dorice's help, we set up my teacher's table and classroom into tidy order and went to get ready for the evening! I was excited to see my students- my friends...

Now at this banquet you must, yes must have a hat...some even went as far as to create an outfit..Miss Judy Skeel in SteamPunk...

Here are photos of more hats ( or in my case- crown)...

if you could see them..you would notice my toes did indeed match!

my friend Dorice laughing!

She came from CA

and yes, prizes were given to the most creative hats!

Next, on our agenda was a challenge to make a doll from one of those muslin rag dolls. At each table was a teacher who was now the CEO, her/his duty was to assign the rest to certain tasks but only though instruction- and NOT touch the doll! Of course it was timed...

Here is our table's creation- a little bear...with his two friends! We were very proud of our little creation!

Dot Lewellen was our master story teller. She did a fabulous job of our "old" but not forgotten Steiff Teddy Bear! Notice the button in his ear...

All the specially created dolls were then sent to new homes with children in need!

So ends our first evening of AFIC...we all bow to the Queen- Cyndy...

The next few days brought the classes and many more actitivites.

Next week I will share my class' creations with you!

Crown for AFIC

2011-04-29T07:00:00.004-06:00

If you remember several months ago I found this photo of a crown...and thought...hummm great idea for my crown for AFIC!!

So here is what I came up with using fancy paper as my base sewn together for length adding ribbons on the ends...and then loads of butterflies and pretty flowers!!

So I am off to OH for teaching with some of my very favorite gals....
More to come next week!!

Away in the Ocean

2011-04-22T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

This year has brought with it many challenges...hence many lessons to be learned...with that Mark and I realized that we needed a break to re-group.

So this week, we are away clearing our heads and

refreshing our spirits in the Ocean with our buddies!

hermit crab

arrow head crab

little manta...about the size of a quarter!

Talk with you next week...

AFIC Gallery Pieces

2011-04-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

I wanted to create something special for the upcoming Gallery Section of the AFIC Conference in OH...what to do...what to do...

...for awhile now I have had the urge to create a doll that spoke of "being true"...someone that has precious words to tell you...wise...true.

...and I kept being drawn to my beloved stash of my vintage laces and trims...each shows the love in which it was made...from the heart.

Each piece of lace, fabric, trim tells a story...each has a past tale to tell and so, my figures were created to give you a hint of what they hold sacred in their hearts....true heart...

I wanted to create something that had a base of wood...earthy and grounded...words of wisdom rounding the base and opposing that, use the lightest most delicate laces and pieces of treasures.

My second piece...

Beautiful Postcard

2011-04-08T07:00:00.003-06:00

This past week I received a surprise in the mail! It came wrapped in a pretty bright pink envelope....hummm....from my friend Linda in Kentucky!

I opened it to find nestled in tissue paper a beautiful hand made postcard...from silk with very special embroidery and trimmings.

Now if you know Linda she is very adept with a needle and knows how to embellish her projects with a fine and delicate touch...just lovely!

Linda was in Denver visiting fairly recently and brought a project that she was about to start...the kit was so well put together with a wonderful palette of colors! She shared her finished project in her facebook photos and I did drool over this sewing kit!

Linda told me she did enjoy this kit and learned some new techniques...which speaks highly of the project for a veteran embroiderer as Linda.

For more of these exquisite projects visit Colour Streams from Australia.

Storms...

2011-04-01T07:00:00.024-06:00

There are some things you learn best in calm,

and some in storm.

Willa Cather

If you are out there living life and in the big flowing stream, life will always hand us lessons to be learned. My Dad recently was diagnosed with lung cancer. The good news is that after his surgery they got it all and his prognosis is very good...He has been a trooper and has had a great positive attitude, it will be a long recovery but he will recover and get back out on his beloved bike.

This past week (or 2) I have found lessons raining down (ok pounding down) on me! My reply was ok ok- enough already...I don't have time or patience for this...

and even worse I forgot my umbrella!

When entering into this deluge, I never thought about others...under stress. It is a time when some have their best come out and some have their worst come out.

And that is when you realize that it is time and patience you need...so you can learn your lesson(s).

Water can be the giver of life but uncontrolled it can do great damage. It can seep into areas that you are not aware of and do harm.

I know one of my best (or worst-depends on who you ask) traits is that I am a lot like a border collie- hearding people. So I took that and used it to organize the people I knew could help guide the flood waters.

So as of today...things seem to be more managed.

My lessons learned was that ask for help from those you know will follow through, give exact tasks to those who need guidance, and above all be thankful...

that your loved one made it through...whew!
you had the skills to prevent a complicated situation from happening...
you had the people come to help...
and most of all to your ever supportive husband oxoxoxox!

SOooo- next time life rains down...

I will remember these things... and bring my umbrella!

After every storm the sun will smile;

for every problem there is a solution,

and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.

William R. Alger

UPDATE: My Dad is home now from the hospital. As we have been talking we both realized that his riding his bike is what saved his life. "They" say how important exercise is...and this is a point were it is proven!

Little 40's Rag Doll

2011-03-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

My friend, Barb, brought in this little wool rag doll to share with me.

Her question was about replacing the clothing because being old and being wool there were some moth holes in it.

I have seen this pattern before, it was a well used pattern of the 40's...in fact I have a doll that is a larger version of this one but made of cotton fabric. The design of the pattern was quite popular and many makers design their dolls with this basic body-type.

My take on vintage or antique pieces is to keep them as original as possible. Once you replace or even mend it, the value lessens. Sometimes, the value is not the issue and restoring it to stabilize it may take precedence for it to remain a precious keepsake.

For this little doll I thought it was in excellent condition and the moth holes, I believe, just added to the charm of the doll.

close up of face

notice the eyes and mouth 

+ stitching is all intact

Little Flower embroidered on dress

Little purse-

notice the precious hand-sewn stitches

Boot-nice detail with different colored sole!

Who ever Edith and Priscilla were, 

they had good design and nice color sense

These dolls mostly made by home sewers are still available and I find, charming. The style and quality varies depending of the skill of the maker...but isn't that what dollmaking is all about?

If interested you can search for vintage cloth doll on ebay or other search engines, you will probably find another doll that drags you away and into another search...it is all interesting!

The 40's rag doll patterns are also still available and come in many different sizes. One company that keeps popping up in my search is Laura Wheeler and here again...much to find and pull you in another direction!

If you are adventurous and would like to make your own here are some links for patterns:

Free pattern and directions from: HawkCrossing

More vintage patterns from sewfunpatterns.com

If you decide to find a pattern and make - let us know!!

John C Campbell

2011-03-18T07:00:00.013-06:00

You know something really touches you when it stays with you even after you have been home for awhile...as always this is the case of the magical experience I have when I visit John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC...yes magical.

I find the trip there long but that drudgery of the hustle bustle of the airport and catching the shuttle in time fades as I stepped into my cozy room at the Farm House. Quiet and charming...peace at last.

My space where my class is held is in the quilting studio- talk about space, I bet I could fit 20 students in there comfortably, and large windows to overlook special views.

View from window overlooking the Barn

Fluffy cardinal branched during the rain

Morning comes and my walk down the wooded path to the Dining Hall is wondrous. It is one of my favorite things about the school- the paths. As I walk, this time if the year I find textures everywhere- very moist and very un-like my mile high dry climate.

Wooded path from Farm House to Dining Hall

Mossy tree

Mossy stream

I find the time my students and I have together very special, for the time. We have the time to talk, to create, to learn from start to finish- all those little tricks I can show them, time to enjoy the nature around us, time to eat- yes great food, and time for music and much laughter.

Yes indeed ~Magical...

more photos to come to ROotie News first part of April!!

Away teaching this week

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone-

I am away teaching this week at

John C Campbell Folk School in NC!

It will be fabulous time, the woods, the food,

and most importantly my students-

it is a wonderful experience to spend a whole week with them

and create this doll from start to finish!

Will return next week with my adventures from there!

The Doll I am teaching...

Santos Maria

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-03-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

No...not the actual cake but the doll- Strawberry Shortcake!
ok yes, you all know that I love sweet- but not too sugary...

This sweet doll group was a little after my time of actually "playing" with dolls. But they still speak to me in their darling way...

I believe my collecting started when I happened upon a Strawberry Shortcake at an antique mall while looking for something else...there she was in the case no hat no shoes no pet...so lonely...and yes, I did get her....and then the hat, shoes, and finally her pet...

Strawberry Shortcake w/ Custard the Cat

...and then you know how that goes...ebay...other antique malls...searching...searching...and now I love my little collection that sits on my top shelf above my computer desk area...all sweetly smiling down at me spreading their sunshine with their happy little faces...just nice.

My dolls in my little collection (to date):

Orange Blossom w/Marmalade Butterfly

Blueberry Muffin w/ Cheesecake Mouse

Raspberry Tart w/ Rhubarb Monkey

Lemon Meringue w/ Frappe Frog

Crepe Suzette w/ Eclair Poodle

Lime Chiffon w/ Parfait Parrot

Almond Tea w/ Marza Panda

Lem and Aida w/ Sugarwoffer

I had to pull out my collectibles book to reference the names of these precious little ones...and came across my list of the ones I wanted to collect...and believe it or not- there where still names on my list! Hummm....ebay here I come-

we need more friends!!

Oh kitty....

2011-02-25T07:00:00.001-07:00

Most of you know or at least know of my kitty Issy- that is Isabella Sunshine Conchita Little Havana Brown Molen- and most of you who have had the "privledge" of meeting her you know she is every bit of that long name!!

Mark and I adopted Issy from our local pet shelter 9 years ago. We are pretty sure her Mama was a feral kitty because Issy has some...well...shall we call it...very unique personality traits. In other words Issy likes Mommy and Daddy and that is just about it.

So when I believed that she might possibly have a urinary tract infection (uti), I was very nervous about taking her to the vet. A little more background...when she was a little kitty and being the dutiful parent that I am, I took her to the vet for her vaccines (she is an indoor kitty) and she almost died from these vaccines- very scary...for us all!

Time has passed and we have a new vet- they are aware and ready for Issy...so in we went and basically she had to be sedated for her exam and urine draw- we had a blood draw at the same time. We really like our vet- Dr. Madi

After all this, Issy did not have a uti, but something called FlutD...feline lower unrinary tract disease.

Which basically has all the charactertics of a uti...in Issy case, mostly caused from stress. Her symptoms were peeing in the tub and on the tile by our shower. Also being just more aggressive than usual just wanting to play.

Our vet suggested that we could put her on an anti-depressant...hummm. I am not quite there...so went up the street to the Whole Cat, more homepathic remedies- they suggested tinkle tonic and it has worked out fantastic. We also have her on Bachs flower essences special mixture for calming and feeling secure. And something that we have in our house always is the Feliway air fermones.

I think my little munchkin also was getting very lonely since both Mark and I work long days. I have been bringing Issy to my studio just about everyday- she is much happier and so is Mommy!

You know they say in a household happy wife- happy husband- well we can certainly add to that happy kitty-happy Mama- happy Daddy!!

You may think- geez- all this for a cat...but I feel blessed that I can have her in my life- for she brings me such happiness and comfort too!

My Village

2011-02-18T07:00:00.003-07:00

As we started this year here at ROotie StudiO, my girls decided that it would be fun to do a on going project throughout the year. We thought about several different things and then came up with a journal type project that included embroidery and applique.

After rolling this project and our group around in my head, I came up with the theme of My Village. I thought that fit this group wonderfully!

Here is our line up of My Village for the year:

My House

House of Heart

Flower Shoppe

Fruit & Vegetable Shoppe

Candy Shoppe

Favorite Number House

Sewing Shoppe

Bakery Shoppe

Birdie in the Garden

Song Shoppe

Box that will house My Village

I thought about the shape of our monthly endeavor...and then came up with a house shape.

I asked each student to pick out one fabric from which to create their village from...using those colors as the palette for the year. The front of these pieces will be designed using the theme of the month and the back will be a coordinating fabric that we can choose to write something on. In the end they will stand in an accordion style and we will create a box for them to nestle into!

We will use cottons, felt, velvets highlighted with ribbons and ric rac.

Center is my theme fabric 

Fabric to the right with printing is my backing fabric

Each month we will cover a matte board shape, pad it, and add a fabric overlay. We will applique certain hand-made items on to it and finish it off with different embroidery stitches.

 January- My House

February- House of Heart

and the year will go on with more to come....

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T07:00:00.002-07:00

My most favorite Holiday!

Wishing you all my LOVE for Valentines Day!

Chinese New Year Table

2011-02-11T07:00:00.002-07:00

As you all know from last week's posting, 2011 is the Year of the Metal Rabbit!

The color of Metal in Five Elements system is related to White, Yellow or Golden. OR we can say 2011 is a White Rabbit, Yellow Rabbit, Metal Rabbit or Golden Rabbit year.

My stone rabbit that I have on my patio- 

I would say at this point it is definitely

the Year of the White Rabbit!

Flowers and my Bamboo Steamers on my counter. 

I served the appetizers in the steamers!

Some of my Paper Lanterns

hanging over the counter and from my chandelier!

The table...

notice my napkin rings 

I made with the Golden Rabbit

How I set my table..

Traditional Placemat bought in 20 pack from our local Asian Store

Gold Chargers

White Dishes

small as liner for soup bowl

large as dinner plate

Napkin

with paper napkin ring

Soup Spoon

Silverware and Glasses

Inside the napkin ring is the forecast for the New Year

In Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Not to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, cooperation, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

Flower in Chinese to go Boxes

one of the candles in a gold glass

I wanted to throw in a bit of Valentines, 

so between dinner and dessert (red velvet cake!)

we served oranges-cut and put back

into their half shell with tea

I feel that the Chinese New Year comes at a nice time of the year, if comparing it to our New Years.

Things seem to be a little more calmed down and the food menu is fun! And how can you not celebrate a year associated with an animal or in this case ~ a rabbit!?!