The Laughing Doll Studio

He Loves Me Not . . .

2012-01-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! And now, as Valentine's Day approaches, I have these Pfatt Marketplace Offerings for your perusal and consideration..... "Loves Me Not" is an 8 x 8 inch canvas concoction bearing a spin for my lonely heart lovelies and "Missing Alice" is as colorful as she is strange.

Autumn Punk! November 2011 Pfatt Art!

2011-11-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

Pfatt Marketplace just released it's fall issue and WOW! there are some fantastic offerings over there. Please stop by and take a look at all the creations made by the Pfatt artists who are in full swing for the holiday season! Here's mine:

MISS WITCH

2011-10-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

This month is moving along way too fast. I have so many ideas and so little time!!! I'm pretty sure all my artist friends feel the same way. We love Halloween and there are so many "creepy making" opportunities out there!

Please visit Miss Witch just listed on ebay.

Also working on this pumpkin man.

Headstart on Halloween

2011-09-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

My Skull Bride listed on Pfatt Marketplace for September has yards and yards of red tulle to make for a delightful day of the dead doll. I thought painting flowers around her eye cavities and giving her artsy eyebrows added to the festive look. (18" tall)

Here are some close ups of her skullacious face (double click for larger images)!

The Pessimist

2011-08-31T09:12:00.001-07:00

I made him a few months ago but I loved his expression so much that I kept him around for my own amusement. Something about looking at his little face makes me smile and not take myself so seriously. But last night I decided to freshen him up by adding vine charcoal to his features, glassing up his eyes and mouth and distressing his block and letting him work his magic in a new home by listing him on eBay. I've been referring to it as "him" but it could just as easily be a "her."

Thursday News

2011-08-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

My site has been down for over a week while I try to fix links and images during a very hectic schedule. I should have it up and running over the weekend. In the meantime, I just finished this little beauty for Pamela. Her name is Rosemary.

Also, I have some items for sale on eBay right now and will be listing two more pieces this evening.

Pfatt Markeplace - July 2011 Offering

2011-07-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here are my three clowns just listed on Pfatt. Colorful and creepy, I LOVED making them.

Happy Thoughts and Thank you!

2011-07-01T10:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much to my friends who sent me emails or left comments regarding my last post. I truly, for the bottom of my heart, appreciate all the kind things you said, the stories you shared and the encouragement. It seems there's a connection to be made, even from negative things that happen to us (no matter how small). That's another thing I have learned. It seems I have a lot more support than I thought I did.

Thank you.........you will never know how much your support means to me.

When Not To Check Your Email

2011-06-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

The other day I received an email from someone I didn't know.

I was eating dinner at a restaurant with a friend. We were laughing and talking. My phone made a noise indicating I had a new email so I went in to check it out. It said they thought my art work was disgusting (and a few other things). It took me by surprise that I didn't have thicker skin to absorb the tiny blow. I let it ruin my meal, and I have thought about it many times since.

I have to let it go. I know this. When you put your work out there to sell or just to see, people are going to have opinions. I mean, this isn't the first time someone has said something negative to me about my work. The difference was that those other times, I was soliciting an opinion and it was usually from a fellow artist or a friend. Not all the feedback has been good. But I believe the negative and positive feedback is what helps us to learn and to grow.

I guess it just feels different when that feedback is unsolicited and negative to the point of feeling hateful.

So what have I learned? Well, I guess to not let it bother me so much. After all, it is just an email (not a Molotov cocktail through my bedroom window). But the most important thing is that I will not let the hateful words change my work. Rather, I will keep making art to express and heal, as I always have. And most of all, I will remember that if I ever have that strong of an opinion, I will not bestow it unwillingly on someone I don't know. You never know what's behind an artist's work. You never really know what the inspiration is unless they tell you. And really, that's the beautiful thing about art. It can be whatever the creator or recipient's hearts want it to be.

Oh, and you should never read your email while you're at dinner.

Heads on Blocks

2011-03-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

A skull for Allan.

Pfatt Marketplace March Offering - To Be Released March 10 at 10:00 AM PST

2011-03-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's raining bunnies! Easter is one holiday I can really have fun with and I have this month with my Pfatt Marketplace page. I say it all the time but it's a really great place to get inspiration or buy some really cool art. Don't take my word for it. Start at the beginning and go through all the artists....you won't be disappointed!!

Eros & Psyche (Cupid's Story)......

2011-02-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Rather than give my commentary, I thought I'd share the story of Cupid (Eros) and his mortal love Psyche......

The most well-known legend concerning Eros details his love for the mortal princess, Psyche, who was so beautiful that people began paying homage to her...homage that was due only to Aphrodite. The Goddess of Love soon found her altars deserted while men turned their devotion to Psyche, the young virgin. Calling upon her winged son, Eros, Aphrodite instructed him to cause Psyche to fall in love with the ugliest creature he could find. But, when Eros set eyes upon Psyche, he himself fell in love and forgot his mother's command. They became lovers...although Eros forbade Psyche ever to look upon him.

Psyche was happy until her two sisters persuaded her to unmask the identity of this mysterious sweetheart. Eros, fearing what Aphrodite might do to him now that his secret was out in the open, departed from Psyche...their lovely castle and gardens vanishing with him...and Psyche found herself alone in an open field.

As she wandered in search of her love, Psyche came upon the Temple of Aphrodite. Wishing to destroy her, the Goddess of Love gave Psyche a series of tasks, each harder and more dangerous than the one before. For her last task, Psyche was given a little box and told to take it to the Underworld, where she was to obtain some of the beauty of Persephone, the wife of Hades, and put it in the box.

During her journeys, Psyche had been given advice on avoiding the dangers to be found in the Realm of the Dead and also cautioned not to open the box, but temptation overcome her and she ignored the warnings. Instead of finding beauty, however, Psyche found deadly slumber. When Eros discovered his beloved lying lifeless upon the ground, he gathered the perpetual sleep from Psyche's body and returned it to the box.

Aphrodite was persuaded to forgive Psyche and Zeus, moved by Psyche's love for Eros, made her immortal, agreeing that the lovers could be united for all eternity. In due time, a daughter was born to them and they named her Volupta, which means "Pleasure."

Open for Business - February '11 Pfatt Marketplace

2011-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Goodies now available for purchase, eye candy or inspiration......

Who are you Inspired by?????

2011-02-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

Facebook is really all the rage right now (and will be until the next great idea comes along) but I miss the blogging days. I just feel like you can have more fun with blog pages, make them look more personalized--just my opinion. Honestly, even though I feel that way, I spend way more time on Facebook these days and less and less on my lonely little blog....... So I just stopped in to say hello to my blog and anyone out there who may be watching. Hello Blog. Hello......

I've decided to start dabbling on canvas and see what I can come up with. Since my strength (if you can call it that) is sculpting and painting three dimensional art, not painting on a flat surface, I decided to incorporate the two creating a partially three dimensional subject on canvas.

Hopefully I won't get too many laughs. But it certainly was fun getting to create with yet another medium. I have a true appreciation and deep regard for anyone who can paint. My all time favorites are (1) my mother (who I have told a thousand times needs to share her art but continues to only share with her family-that's okay Mom), (2) Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions, (3) Lori Davis of The Vintage Palette and (4) Danita of Danita Art. I am inspired by all these great painters.

Who are you inspired by????

Pfatt Marketplace December Offering

2010-12-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Just listed on Pfatt...... Thanks for looking!!

Commission Work . . .

2010-11-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

I love commission work.....I really do. When someone contacts me to make them something similar to a piece already created, I love the challenge of making something already special into something different. Does that make sense? I love the chance to revisit a creation experience coupled with the challege of giving it a new identity. Here is Juliet. Enjoy Michelle!

11/14 Ebay Listing!!!

2010-11-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just listed on ebay, John Pierrot and Mia Feather!

Whistle while you work . . . .

2010-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

I've spent a busy weekend working and trying to get as much done as I can before Monday. I will have two very sweet clowns available tomorrow night on ebay. Here are my in progres pics....

Pfatt Marketplace November Offering

2010-11-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

I seem to have a love affair with clowns. I was looking through some past work and noticed that I tend to make a lot of them. So my Pfatt debut starts with Scarlett which is a pierrot clown. She's about 13 inches tall and it feels so good to have started making dolls again. Now I can't seem to stop!! Visit Pfatt Marketplace to see Scarlett and lots of other yummy November offerings.

Winner!

2010-10-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Creepy Pumpkin Witch was one of the 6 winners in the pumpkin contest today! A personal best for me and I can't wait to look through the gift basket. All the other pumpkins were fantastic --very creative and most were actually CARVED. Thanks go to Victor for conducting the tedious task of spray painting the pumpkin black while holding it by the stem the entire time (good job baby!) and giving me moral support and my daughter, Jillian, for encouraging me the whole time with kudos and "you're gonna win Mom!" This makes up for not winning the past two years in a row!! Now on to finish up some dolls--my real speciality!!

In Concept

2010-10-27T22:31:00.001-07:00

Having A LOT of fun this evening just creating, creating, creating!!!! The first picture is the sweet face of my pierrot clown for Pfatt Marketplace in November (just behind the clown head is my day of the dead skull head which won't be ready until after Halloween--oh well!!!). The second pic is of a mask I created for a pumpkin carving contest I am entering on Friday. My special elf helpers spray~painted the pumpkin black and I will be placing the mask inside a carved out portion of the pumpkin once it's done. Hopefully I haven't taken on too much of an ambitious project. Just carving out the top of a pumpkin is a challenge for me!! I placed the tools on either side of the mask to make sure it will have the correct curve to be placed inside the cutout of the pumpkin. Whew!

I will post pictures of the contest Friday night.

Santa Maria

2010-10-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, my daughter and I went up to visit my parents in Santa Maria. Upon arriving, we were surprised to see the pumpkins my parents had planted a few months ago were now full and ready to be picked (haven't carved them yet--just can't bring myself to do it!!). I couldn't believe how big they were!! We also picked some tomatoes and then Saturday night, we went to see a halarious play at their local melodrama. Here are some pictures of our weekend.

Santa Maria Melodrama--Now Showing--Trudy and the Beast!!

Me and mom at Pepper Garcia's at the Santa Maria Airport.

I'm participating in my company's Pumpkin Decorating Contest so that's what I'll be doing tonight. I'll post pictures of my progress (and also some little heads I've been working on) tomorrow afternoon.

PIG! I need a pig here!!

2010-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

"I just love a warm pig for my aching feet."

It's been raining all week and all week there have been a million things to do. The rain seems to slow me down. But there's nothing like working on some art when it's raining outside and it's nice and warm inside.

I'm off to Santa Maria this weekend to visit my family, see a play at the Melodrama, and shop for fabric (Santa Maria has some really great places to shop for fabric, yarn, buttons, and things I already have a million pounds off but can't stop buying!).

It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow which almost makes me sad. We never seem to have "weather" in California (I can't believe I'm complaining!).

A good friend sent me this fabulously funny list of adult gripes yesterday:

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your
computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize
you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was
younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure
I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the
person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work
when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the
rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't
want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if
I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I
did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to
answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or
Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and
hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and
smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to
prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and
sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,
and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not
know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys
in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey -
but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away,
in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and
the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for
men to realize that their brain is also important.

I'm sure EVERYONE can relate to or at least appreciate these!

This time of the year . . .

2010-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

I just love this time of year! If I had gotten a jump start sooner, I would have had some Halloween offerings. I'm currently working on a Day of the Dead art doll and having a lot of fun making her. Will show in-progress pics soon.

My Pfatt Sisters

2010-10-07T10:19:00.000-07:00

I love looking at all their work and special Halloween creations. Won't you stop by and check them out? Click here to see.

(Super fabulous Art Halloween Hang Tag shown to the left is by artist Lori Davis of Vintage Pallette Art.)

I'm headed off for SeaWorld, CA this weekend. Can't wait to pet those dolphins. I wonder if SeaWorld decorates for Halloween . . . .

Finished work

2010-10-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Stages of grief masks mounted in frames (H: 9", W: 7") so they would look like they are floating off the background. Made from clay, finished with rusting solution for a weathered look, and accented with gold leaf and every antiquing solution in my arsenal. Would look great in a lateral uniform too. To see pictures in a larger format, double click images below. To inquire or acquire, please click here or contact me.

New IN PROGRESS pics

2010-10-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

A set of four masks represent the stages of grief. Will be finished with unusual patinas and have a separate frames.

Gaby!

2010-10-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Another new member to our family, Gaby. Still unsure of her surroundings but otherwise seems to be happy...... She's a lovebug.

Justice for a Friend . . .

2010-10-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

For my artist friends and clients who live in California, I'm sure you've heard about the crash of Metrolink 111 on September 12, 2008 that killed 24 people (including the engineer) and injured over 100 others--one of those seriously injured was my friend, and it has taken many, many months for her to recover physically including several surgeries and ongoing physical therapy, not to mention the emotional injuries sustained in such an event. She is a wonderful person who has always supported my art work and my dreams outside of our secular jobs. She's also an amazing mom. I'm so happy she is still around to raise her beautiful daughter. But to date, there has been no justice for my friend, the other injured, or the people who lost their loved ones that day through no fault of their own. Most were simply commuting home from work; some from school.

Please visit the attached link and if you feel moved to do so, fill out the form letter that will be sent to key members of Congress. Time is of the essence. And if you read the home page and Veolia's Culpability, it will give you a background on where things stand right now. Then go to the "Send Your Message To Congress" tab and follow the prompts (it only takes a second).

Thank you so much for reading this post.

JusticeandRailroadSafety

Beau!

2010-09-28T22:33:00.001-07:00

Studio kitty!

Cautiously Optomistic!

2010-09-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, I know. Been sorting things out. I recently rebought my website domain and new desk for my studio (thanks Ikea!). I have several unpainted masks and a million more ideas rattling around in my head. Gosh, after two years, I hope my internet friends didn't forget about me .... I have been MIA for so long now that I'm not sure what to expect. I'm just going to create my work and put it out there.

There's a new addition to my little family--Beau. Technically my daughter Jillian's cat, I love this little guy so much. For a while there, though, we thought he was a girl. He still sleeps in his satiny pink bed but he doesn't seem to mind too much. I'll post a picture when I get them uploaded from my camera. My daughter Jillian has taken up the violin in addition to her writing and drawing. She wanted me to rename our little company but I thought it was best to keep the name that brought us good luck before.

I'll be working this weekend and will hopefully have in progress or finished pictures by Sunday.

"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." ~ Henry David Thoreau

New Art Listed: Fireflie Fillies

2009-03-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 9, I boarded a plane from Never Never Land to Glendale, CA (oh God, finally!). Not having been on a plane since Pfatt Pfest 2008, I was a little worried about the turbulence since this was a much longer trip. But once in the air, it was smooth sailing into Los Angeles County and I have now finished these two insects in dresses. It's quite possible I might be on a roll (we'll see).

To see my completed, long time in the making, creepy new-life fledgings, please visit my page on Pfatt Marketplace. And thanks be to all those of you who have hung in there, leaving me those precious comments of encouragement and laughter. You know who you are and I love you for it!

Where am I?

2009-01-20T23:21:00.001-08:00

I have no idea. I think I'm in Never Never Land right now--for those of you who don't know where that is, it's between my ass and a hole in the ground. Going through some stuff and I'll try to finish my fire flies as soon as I can. Sorry for being so MIA.

As a good friend of mine says, "Timer? Why do we need a timer? We're here."

See you as soon as I can manage my life.

Coming soon

2008-12-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of finishing these two pieces.

Halloween Sale!

2008-11-02T12:30:00.001-08:00

I listed the last few Halloween items I had not sold yet. They can be viewed on Ebay.

It's Johnny!

2008-10-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

After a brief sabbatical, I finally have a new listing. This is pumpkin mask Flat Jack. You can view him on ebay. I haven't been hanging out at any hotels built on Indian burial grounds, like Johnny and his family did in The Shining, but it feels like I've been snowed in for months. Anyway, here's a first from my new studio and there are more to come. Thanks to those who have been patient with me. "I'm baaaack."

What the?

2008-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a little break and getting things organized. I'll be back in a few weeks with new art.

Funnt Nunny . . .

2008-08-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

The whole concept of making a nun was a little intimidating at first. Possessed Nuns is the theme and my fellow MRSBO artists did a fantastic job. (If you search MRSBO on ebay you can see them all--I encourge you to stop by because they are amazing.) I decided to add a humorous spin to her name and story to keep it light. To see Sister Fullogas of the Order of the Black Heart, please click here.

Wednesday Nite eBay Listing, 8/20/08

2008-08-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Just listed this freestanding Mask on eBay.

Tom the Killer Tomato, Etc. . .

2008-08-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

Spooky Time Jingles is up and running it's second month and WOW--you should see what everyone is offering. Pictures of my offerings are listed below for your horror or delight.

Halloween Page:

Remember "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" . . . well, if you haven't seen it, you simply must. A "B" movie for all intents and purposes, in my humble opinion, it holds it's own with like movies such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Blob. Anyway, this saucy tomato guy is my version of a fabulous idea. Not sure I'll ever think about tomatoes in quite the same way.

Christmas Page:

Graffiti Nick was made from start to finish without a thought in my head of what it would eventually be. While most of my creations start with a thumbnail sketch, this one was wasn't even a doodle. I can only describe him as artsy fartsy--and so much so that I had to display him in my living room because I think he's so interesting to look at. I'm hoping more of my future endeavors will resemble him.

This summer has been wild in terms of getting the momentum going for my projects. Thanks to those of you who have left encouraging comments on my blog. I can't tell you how much they mean to me (my insecurities run amuck).

The Monster Ball - Pfatt Marketplace Offering for 8/10

2008-08-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm calling these three the Halloween belles of the ball. They were a lot of fun to create. My favorite part is towards the end where everything is coming together. These are the first dolls I've ever made masks for--they are removable which creates a totally different look for each doll. Anyway, it's such a rush to finally see the finished product. These three, in particular, make me feel proud. They are listed on Pfatt Marketplace.

Happy Sunday 8/3

2008-08-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe it's August already! I feel like I was just celebrating last Halloween and now it's upon us again. Not that I'm complaining--Halloween is my favorite holiday, hands down. The time is just flyin'.

My eBay listing tonight is a Treasure Chest Skull.

I also recently finished another queen bee.

Also, recently my daughter finished two special drawings she will list on Spooky Time Jingles on July 13. All proceeds will be going to St. Jude.

Sunday, 7/27 eBay Listing - Black Magic Pumpkin

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

Just listed on eBay.

2008-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

I listed these two items on eBay today.

Also, I finally finished a very difficult and deeply personal commissioned piece today. My heart feels lighter for the experience.

Listings for Spooky Time Jingles

2008-07-12T22:51:00.001-07:00

For my Halloween page, I listed A Modern Skull . . .

And for my Christmas page, A Gothic Christmas Santa . . .

Whew!

Spooky Time Jingles - Released!

2008-07-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Spooky Time Jingles for their debut. All artists are offering FREE SHIPPING!

Red Cat Christmas in July @ Pfatt!

2008-07-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

The artists at the Pfatt Marketplace are offering some pretty neat Christmas art for sale this month. Please stop by to check everyone out.

I've also been working on some art for the new Spooky Time Jingles site being released on July 13.

Saturday, 7/5 eBay Listing

2008-07-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Been really busy with Halloween stuff lately. I'm having a good time. Today I listed The Three Stack--three delightful little pumpkins on a block I destroyed a perfectly good vampire novel to decoupouge. It was so fun though.

Sunday, 6/29 eBay Listing - Grimm

2008-06-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

Grimm

Sunday, 6/22 Listing - Frightful Flight

2008-06-22T15:20:00.001-07:00

My Sunday evening offering on eBay.

Pumpkin Heads Jack~o~Lanterns

2008-06-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

I just listed these pumpkin heads on ebay. (If you can't see them right away, give it a few minutes.)

A Bee for Kat

2008-06-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

More pics.

Sign up for Free Doorprizes!

2008-06-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Pfreaky Pfatt Pfright is going on right now! Head on over to the Pfatt Marketplace to sign up for the door prize drawing (you can enter once a day until July 7 to increase your chances). All prizes are handmade by the Pfatt Markeplace artists and shipping is FREE (within the US).

Looby's Soother

2008-06-09T22:17:00.001-07:00

Just released on Pfatt Marketplace.

Random acts . . .

2008-06-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been filled with lots of wonderful and not-so-wonderful things. I was able to finish a couple pumpkins. One I show here but the other is a secret for the Pfreaky Pfatt Pfright on June 10.

Also, in addition to getting over the flu, we have a new kitty in our home (adopted again from Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue). His name is Simon. I am officially naming him my studio cat because he's already found his place in there. He has the loudest purr I've ever heard and he's bow-legged.

And now our Nellie has a friend.

Tagged . . .

2008-05-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve been tagged by courageous, beautiful, compassionate and timeless Iva of Iva’s Creations to share six unimportant things about myself.

1. My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is “To Serve Man.” (The creepy twist speaks to my soul.)
2. I was born a towhead. I have no idea what happened.
3. I won a sandcastle building contest in Catalina when I was 12.
4. I won’t go in the ocean because I’m afraid of sharks.
5. I can’t drive a stick shift.
6. I’ve been on Jenny Craig since I was 37 (I’m a size “I love popcorn and licorice too much”).

The rules:
1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3.Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4.Tag six people at the end of your entry.

Tag, you’re it!
1. Kathy’s Prims
2. Black Eyed Suzie
3. Vintage Palette Art
4. sam i am creations
5. Zinna’s Art Creations
6. Erika’s Cupboard

Exciting News . . . HALLOWEEN in JuNe!!

2008-05-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Come here, that's right. Lean in a little closer . . . guess what? Next month Pfatt Marketplace is hosting a Halloween in June themed month. Know what that means: Lots of artists displaying their best Halloween art. Can you believe it? I mean, there's a lot of Halloween art out there, but I cannot wait to see what the Pfatt Marketplace artists come up with.

And what's even BETTER is that there will be original, hand made door prizes created by several Pfatt Marketplace artists (one of them a Laughing Doll original). That's right, the main page will feature a button where you can enter to win a fantastic door prize--also Halloween themed.

So don't forget to tune into the one~and~only Pfatt Marketplace on June 10 to see what all the artists are displaying and sign up for your free door prize.

Pumpkin Witch

2008-05-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Just listed this Pumpkin Witch on eBay.

Kay, Sera Sera

2008-05-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Busy demands and unexpected challenges saturate my life this week. While I'm making art in all my free moments, well, those moments are few and far between. But I have not fallen off the face of the earth.

I feel actual PANIC when I think I won't have my wee creation ready to list on eBay or ETSY. I swear sometimes I get heart palpitations over it. I work slowly because I'm trying to do it right; waiting for things to dry properly while the whole idea and concept is percolating in my brain. While this is going on, I'm still trugging off to LA every weekday. Moorpheous(my friend who also happens to be an amazing photographer) put it perfectly today when said "Hey man, you can't sacrifice quality." Isn't that great? I love it!

Excuses, excuses.

Anyway, I had to take some time to clean out the unbelievable mess of old paperbacks (over 100!), bills, receipts, plastic bags, empty water bottles, several unmatched socks, an empty frozen TV dinner dish and an accumulation of a really unhealthy amount of dust bunnies over the past several months on my side of the bed. What I now have is a CLEAN and organized space in which to store my favorite art and reference books, sketch pad for doodling (please, I CANNOT sketch) and a coffee cup filled with Prisma pencils. It's sparce but peaceful. The whole time I was cleaning I kept thinking, why, WHY do I let it get this bad!

Yeah, I have no idea.

Then tonight I had to tackle the closet my husband and I share because we're camping this weekend and I will need to pack clothes. Simple, right? No! Again, I was thinking that I might really have a problem here. My husband, a stay-home-dad, cleans the common areas and does a good job but when it comes to one's closet, it's hard to determine what to throw away or to organize crap that's not yours. So by the time I got around to actually organizing my clothes, I was faced with a dresser piled so high, I swear it would have measured six feet. It's organized now but how long will it last, I ask myself? I think I might need to contact Dr. Phil for some intervention. My mother raised me to be clean so what happened?

So to all you packrats and people who procrastinate organization, I say to you, I UNDERSTAND there is a PSYCHOLOGY to keeping things neat and organized. If you are challenged, you are NOT alone.

Amidst all my challenges (psychological or otherwise), I AM actually working. Scout's honor.

Juggling Skulls

2008-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

My newest Pfatt Marketplace offering.

So I have to share my daughter's take on this doll. She said she looks like she's doing a magic trick! And she does--kids! So insightful. Juggling is pretty magical though (in my humble circus opinion).

Then I asked her if she wanted toast for breakfast and she said no and here's why: it's either too toasty or too soggy or too buttery or too crunchy or too warm or too cold---she went on and on. I had to laugh. I guess she just doesn't like toast anymore.

The Smoking Skull

2008-05-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

I just listed this skull sculpture on ebay.

Works in Progress for May 2008

2008-04-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Things are moving somewhat slowly around my place this week. Had to replace both the washer and dryer so that's two nights this week spent shopping and getting things ready for my new appliances (this is a new experience for me--never had a new washer and dryer before!).

So I want to share my works in progress which include two clowns, an insect and a very special commissioned heart project. Can you guess which is which? LOL!! Probably not . . .

Oh, and I have two art scenes slowly coming along but not in a photographable format right now.

So much to do, so little time. Vanna, instead of buying a vowel, can I buy some more time?

Halloween in April?

2008-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've been bitten by the Halloween bug early this year and offer one reworked doll and my first piece of what I call "scene" art. I love that I got a chance to create a world for one of my dolls. And since I just love walls, well, this one pratically made itself--it was that fun. Both are listed on ebay.

The Evils

2008-04-13T20:03:00.001-07:00

I just listed this art doll group on ebay. They sure were pfun to make . . .

I left my heart . . .

2008-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back from a wonderful trip having made some fabulous new friends and gleaned a ton of inspiration from rubbing elbows with them. We went to Oakland/San Francisco, jam-packed as many things as we could into each day starting with a trip to the Winchester Mystrey House, Napa Valley for wine tasting, Alameda for treasures, Berkeley for the shopping ambiance, San Francisco to visit Britex (an amazing fabric/embellishment store) and to hang out and bond with my new pals. I was so sad to go.

These people I got to meet but had already known through the internet made me feel welcome; made me feel like I belonged there. I can't describe the feeling except to say that when you finally meet others who share the same interests you do and get excited about the same things you drool over, like buttons and yarn and paint and glitter, new ideas and just creating all the time--it's like coming home. That's not to say my family doesn't understand because they really do try and support me in an amazing way. But one can feel so isolated in one's craft until the element of commanality is introduced. All of a sudden, I feel more validated and more determined to go on.

Thank you to all my new friends. I love you all and miss you already!

So I'm back, and just knowing my sisters are out there supporting me makes me feel rejuvinated so I've got a lot of new ideas and it's time to get to work!

Just listed on the Pfatt Marketplace is "A Disturbing Silence" which is the first of three pieces from my Circus Under the Stairs idea.

Don't forget to browse all the artists when you visit Pfatt Marketplace--you'll be amazed at all the treasures you'll find there.

An Enchanted Week

2008-03-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

This week is so special to me. After a really long wait, I'm attending "Pfatt Pfest" in San Francisco and will be meeting and rubbing elbows with some really talented people.

In addition to packing, I've been trying to finish up some projects in my VERY messy studio. Unfortunately, I'll probably only get to finish one before my trip.

I'll be back next week to share stories and pics.

What the? A p h o r i s m . . .

2008-03-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Aphorism: A brief saying embodying a moral, a concise statement of a principle or precept given in pointed words.

Ernest Hemingway was bet $10 that he couldn't sum up his life in six words. He won that bet when he wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn."

Flora Dora, the inspiring, multifaceted and talented artist of Bonehead Studios tagged me to do this very thing about my own life.

So I sat, staring at the wall, contemplating my navel and finally asked my husband (a very smart man with a clever mind--is it cheating to ask him?). Well, he actually wasn't very helpful so I had to come up with something on my own:

WONDER ABOUNDS, CONSISTENCEY ELUDES, LOVED ANYWAY

Now the rules are:
1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag five more blogs with links
5.Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

These are the taggies:
1) Joyce-Enchanted Productions
2) Kat-Scaredy Kat Primitives
3) Erika-Erika's Cupboard
4) Michelle-The Art of Michelle Steele
5) April-April Harres Folk Art

No pressure to play my sistas, but I'd love to see what you write if you do.

MOORPHEUS ROCKS

2008-03-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

My buddy, H. Baldwin, also known as Moorpheus just sent me his latest art photo called "Drainage." Just thought I'd share because this is simply an amazing shot. To photograph something reflective like this and have it come out so excellent cannot be easy. But, as with all professional photographers, he gets to tweek it at home and make it even better! Click here to see more of Moorpheus's works of art.

Red Bug

2008-03-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

Just listed this bug on ebay:

Downtown LA - KGB Gallery

2008-03-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I'm staring out the window on the bus dreading yet another day toiling away in an office when I'd rather be creating at home when I see this amazing graffiti on an abandoned building. I couldn't stop thinking about it and the fact that the bus was going by it so fast and that I couldn't get a really good look at it was bugging me. So today I dragged my best friend back over there (and let me tell you--it's not the best part of town so she's a REALLY great friend for going with me) and we took pics. We didn't realize until we were getting ready to leave that we were parked at the KGB Gallery which features Fine Art Giclee Print artists and other multimedia art. So I think someone who has shown at that gallery or who works there must have painted this. So that was my day--it was fun. Thanks Anita.

PFATT Marketplace for March 08

2008-03-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Troll & Pony just listed on PFATT. Extra heavy on the creepy . . .

GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY . . .

2008-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kat for honoring me with this sweet award (you make my day too with your humor and take on life. You help me not to take myself so seriously!!).

I feel blessed by having these friendships in my life that enrich me EVERY single day!

I pass this "You Make My Day Award" to...drum roll please....
Joyce-Get Enchanted! (Enchanted Productions)
Lori-Village Palette Art
Michelle-The Art of Michelle Steele
Sandy-sam i am creations
Flora-Bonehead Studios

You all make my life a little sweeter and give me inspiration in spades.

Raspberry Bunny

2008-03-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

more pics . . .

Work in progress

2008-02-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

He should be done this weekend and other ideas are flooding into my brain for more.

What happened to the puppets? I have a handful of sculpted heads rolling around on a shelf in my studio just waiting for bodies.

Where can I buy more time--anybody know?

Here's a face half finished. Was that a creepy chill I just felt. Uhhhhh . ..

I recently opened a My Space account because I noticed so many artists seem to be doing so and having fun networking.

Banana Bunny & Dark Chocolate Bunny. . .

2008-02-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

I'm totally done with bunnies now. Up next, TROLLSVILLE! Just listed these new bunnies on ebay and etsy.

Art Prize & Award . . .

2008-02-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

Wow! This week, Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions bestowed upon me the Art Prize & Award. Seeing as Joyce is the Doll Creation Queen, I feel so honored! Please take a moment to check out her blog. I promise you'll "Get Enchanted."

So here's what this Art Prize & Award is all about ~

"This prize has arisen from the daily visits that I dedicate to many blogs which nourish me and enrich me with creativity. In them I see dedication, creativity, care, comradeship, but mainly, ART, much art. I want to share this prize with all those bloggers that entertain me day to day and to share this prize with those who enrich me every day. Doubtlessly, there are many and it will be hard to pick just a few, the people I will name today deserve this prize, as do the very long serious list of bloggers I enjoy to read, but I will name the first 6 and will leave the rest of the work to all the bloggers that visit other's blogs and are nourished by them."

The rules of passing on this award are as follows ~ post award in your own blog: [Post who gave it to you] - indicate its origin and link to the site.

Verily, here is my list of award recipients that I pass this award onto:

Black Eyed Suzie
Coppermouse Dolls
Rebecca Miller Campbell Designs
CC's Whimsies
Odd Dolls
Lesley-Anne Green

Chocolate Bunny

2008-02-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Just listed on ebay. I've got this hanging on the wall in my living room -- the pictures just don't do it justice! Tons-o-creepy on this one . . .

Ode to Andy!

2008-02-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

So I don't have anything new to report but I wanted to share this really funny bio I came accross while sitting at my "day job," on break (of course), surfing the net while contemplating my navel. It's from Andy Kehoe's (aka, Amazing Artist) site. When I read it, I just about pee'd my pants.

For those of you who don't dig profanity like I do (Daddy, I'm so sorry), there's a wee-bit-of it in here . . .

Here's goes:

"The ridiculous and completely true story of Andy Kehoe who now lives and works out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Andy Kehoe was the son of a sea merchant that was killed by pirates when he was just three years old. His father barely had time to throw his son overboard before the cargo ship that usually carried pickles and kittens to Spain, carried the burning corpses of his father and all his closest friends to the bottom of the ocean. Young Andy endured three days in the ocean before washing ashore on the Galapagos Islands. There he was raised by iguanas and learned much about the world. Like how to lie in the sun to raise his body temperature and how to swim underwater for 15 minutes to get to the yummy green algae on the bottom of the sea bed. Andy even swam like an iguana… head forward, arms at the side and legs hanging still. How he did this without a tail is still a mystery. One day, Andy found a gloriously warm spot and lay out comfortably on his belly under the sun. To Andy’s surprise, this spot ended up being on a cruise ship and his naked, sleeping body on the main deck caused an almost violent stir of shrieking women, crying children and the anger of men not so secure with their own sexuality. Cruise security quickly came to carry the upsetting, naked boy below to the ship’s holding cell. Andy knew he had been swimming in the cold ocean all day and his body temperature was not quite high enough to fight back… so he allowed himself to be quietly carried away without the usual frenzied struggle. Here, he was stuck in a cell with a shirtless, red-faced man that had gotten drunk and slapped a woman in the pool. As a strong male iguana would, Andy battled this man for alpha male status and dominance of his territory by flashing his green-stained teeth and slapping the man wildly with his arms and legs. Andy was soon shackled and hidden away from other people. Slowly, he began to learn some English. The first words he learned were, “Shut the fuck up you fucking freak!” and “You better back the fuck up!” That meant he should stop his high-pitched shrieking and stop running madly at the door when people showed up at it. The crew soon tired of Andy and secretly dumped his body overboard in the night off the coast of California. Over the years, Andy experienced a lot in America and endured many, many beatings. Eventually, Andy Kehoe somehow found himself in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania making art for a living and the days of lying in the sun amongst his iguana friends are a faint and fading memory thanks to many years of forced therapy."

Well, I thought it was funny . . .

One of his prints:

I've got paint on my PJs

2008-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Little Cyrano just listed today.

Cupid's Faery ~ Valentine Art Doll

2008-02-02T22:47:00.000-08:00

Greetings!! I'm currently working on two chocolate bunnies for PFATT and a wee Cyrano de Bergerac (Cyrano I plan to list sometime tomorrow night). Today, I listed a re-worked piece that I've loved since her inception but which needed a bit more work (deepening of antique colors and adding some depth to her face). Here's a pic and you can see more on ebay.

The wind is blowing up a storm this evening and it's so nice to lay in bed and listen to it. I cherish the fact that I do get some free time to be lazy and still get to support my family AND create. It's such a delicate balance, but achievable if your expections are reasonable. For now, it's enough.

The Twins

2008-01-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Just listed these purdy gals. I loved that I could incorporate an old doll-sized Windsor bench I just happened to find in an old box of things I had been going through. I honestly don't know where it came from--mysterious beginnings I guess. Anyway, these little ones were a joy to make.

All Fix-ie

2008-01-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished Court Jester in love. You can see him on ebay.

I'm currently working on "The Waiting Room" and my marionette project is still ongoing (gosh darn it those things take a while to make!!).

The Sewing Machine Blues

2008-01-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

So, have you ever had this happen to you before? Your sewing machine goes on the fritz, so you go to pull out your back up sewing machine and you can't find the pedal? I s'pose I'm lucky for actually having a back up but it doesn't do much good when you can't find the attachments. I guess I need to get more organized. Perhaps I should just start sewing by hand . . .

A million things half baked. . .

Here's Nelli keeping me company pre-sewing machine meltdown. Now I'm watching CSI (it's on all day you know) and calling it a day.

Raining Hearts - A Valentine Doll

2008-01-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

My lastest Pfatt Marketplace offering is Raining Hearts. While you're there, don't foret to visit all the other artists (who are absolutely amazing).

2008-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's been a very busy first couple of weeks of January. Lots of stuff going on. Still, I'm chipping away at my marionette project one piece at a time. It's such a learning experience because while there is information about how to create them, a lot of it's older info and doesn't seem to correspond with more recent puppetry that I've found. I guess I'm just making up my own design as I go along and hoping it works in the end. But I'm really enjoying the process.

I was going through some old boxes last week and found a doll-sized, old fashioned Windsor bench that I cannot wait to incorporate with my simultaneous doll project. I'm having a lot of fun. I am so grateful that I have a supportive family who doesn't think it's unusual to find me in my studio at odd times, sculpting, painting, ironing, cutting -- walking back and forth to the kitchen refilling water dishes (for paint) or coffee staining my fabrics.

Oh, and I joined the whole New Year's resolution bunch at work to lose 20 lbs so I've been getting up a little earlier to work out before heading into Downtown. I'm not sure how long it will last but I seem to have more energy---curious!

Another thing I'm so excited about this year is an artist retreat I get to go on with some outstanding fellow artists I just can't wait to meet. I feel so blessed to be able to go. Maybe some of their good creative vibes will rub off on me!!

2008-01-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Gosh, it's been a while since I posted. I've been on vacation ~ 11 glorious days spent on the homefront ~ but I still got a chance to squeeze in a couple new dolls.

I just listed Unrequited Love on ebay and Raining Hearts will be listed on PFATT on January 10. Here's a peek at her very detailed Mary Janes.

Also, I've been tagged by Robin of Outside the Box Primitives to list 5 things people don't know about me. I'll think on this and get back. Probably it will be nothing new. I'm pretty boring. : )

The Work of Joyce E. Brown

2007-12-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a picture my mother painted. Isn't it fabulous!! She is a phenomenally talented painter. I just wish she would paint more. Let me know what you think and I will pass it on to her.

Another Tag . . . I love these games

2007-12-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

This one is called the MeMe Game (Joyce Stahl and Brenda Ostrowski tagged me ~ thanks girls!). This one's a doozie . . .

8 things I'm passionate about:
My family (including newest edition, Nellie, just adopted from Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue)
My art
Singing
Mexican food
Fabric and yarn at stores/outlets
Antiquing (looking for that magical piece)
Camping
Reading (wish I had more time!)

8 things I want to do before I die:
Watch my daughter grow up
Be able to give my daughter something large (like a house or a big wedding) that she really wants
Retire and travel across the counry with the hubby in our motorhome
Ride an elephant
Visit Scotland with my daughter when she's grown (hubby won't fly)
Sing a song at a Christmas party while people dance
Be able to meet some of my PFATT fellow artists in person
Move to Colorado

8 things I say often:
Fab-u-lous!
You have GOT to be joking!
HE-LLLLOOOO
Oh no, not the boar worms!
Bye, I'm headed to Jo-Ann Fabrics. . .
Jillian, brush your teeth.
Are you gonna eat that?
This computer is SO slow.

8 books I've read recently:
(Now I get to read on the bus to work when I'm not sleeping but I've read these over the past year (except the Art Doll Quarterlies--those are must-reads right away).)
Dead to the World
Dead Until Dark
Twelve Sharp
Lean Mean Thirteen
Winter 2007 Art Doll Quarterly
Autumn 2005 Art Doll Quarterly
Dark Highlander (for the third time)
Over the Line

8 songs I could listen to over and over again:
Bleed to Love Her ~ Fleetwood Mac
Take the Long Way Home ~ Supertramp
Hedwig's Theme ~ John Williams/Harry Potter
The Colours of Choloe ~ Eberhard Weber
The Girl From Ipanema ~ Laurindo Almeida
Dog & Butterfly ~ Heart
Two Lights ~ Five for Fighting
Levon ~ Elton John

8 things that attract me to my best friends:
Compassion
A listening ear
Tolerance
Sense of humor
Shared intrests and common ground
Spirtuality
Honesty
If you want to carpool with me!

8 people who should totally do this MeMe game:

Marie (Andrea) of Ordinary Life of a Mom
April Harres of April's Folk Art
Flora Dora of Bonehead Studio

. . . Oh no, everyone I know's been tagged! I can't wait to see everyone's responses.

2007-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Just added a new doll-- she's on PFATT.
I am in the process of creating some puppets right now. It's one of those things I need to do to see if I like it. I might not have anything new for a while as they are time consuming. I will post my progress as I go. Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. Got all your Christmas shopping done? Yeah, me either.

Check This Out . . .

2007-12-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this video to me. It's an amazing compilation of 500 years of portraits of women in art.

Video

2007-12-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

About a week ago Marie (Ordinary Life of a Mom and Blue Print Sketches) tagged me to list 7 weird facts about myself. Okay, here goes . . .

1. I can't eat meat if it looks like what it used to be (i.e., half a roasted chicken, ribs, things with bones in them). You'd think I'd be a lot thinner than I am because of this but I'm not.

2. I can wiggle my ears.

3. I name everything (i.e., my car, my house, my Kitchen Aid mixer, house spiders, house plants, my alarm clock). Regarding the spiders--I am deathly afraid of them and I find that if I give one a name during the time it takes to summon my husband to take the darn thing outside, it adds humor so I can cope.

4. I can't eat popcorn without a licorice chaser.

5. I love, absolutely love, vampire novels, movies, contraband. The more humorous, the better (i.e., author Charlene Harris).

6. I just removed my acrylic nails which I have worn since the 9th grade and discovered that I love the way the inside of my nose feels!

7. Oh gosh, only 7! Okay, and this one is from my husband~not sure how weird it is~I love to watch movies in real time. In other words, if I have the DVD and the movie is on TV, I'd rather watch it on TV with all the commercials.

I'm not sure if anyone actually reads this blog, but I'm going to tag the following:

Joyce Stahl ~ of ~ Enchanted Productions
April Harres ~ of ~ April's Folk Art

Reborn . . .

2007-12-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

I just listed this reworked doll on ebay. Originally she was very sweet looking but she didn't sell. I gothed her up a bit and gave her a friend. We'll see what happens. If she doesn't go this time, I have the perfect place here at home for her. I love bees and collect them because (supposedly) my name means "Bee."

The doll on the left below got a sculpted body this weekend but she's still not done yet (waiting for the clay to cure takes FOREVER when you have ideas you want to see play out). I will hopefully have her done by my PFATT listing deadline . . .

2007-11-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of some dolls I'm working on. Not sure what these will be yet.

2007-11-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a rough pic of a santa I'm going to list on Ebay tomorrow. Spent all day pefecting him and he turned out almost exactly the way I envisioned him (not normally the case). Tomorrow it's on to a snowman and then back to figures and larger dolls with Valentine flair. Oh, if only there were more hours in the day . . .

2007-11-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

I spent all this weekend (well, besides a play date for Jillian and an evening with friends)working on some new creations and finishing up a few. Unfortunately, I'll be chained to my secular job desk until 8:30 tonight so won't have any time this evening to list but I will try to get a few items on EBay by Wednesday.
My latest is Santa (see pic below). I think the background I used was a little too dark but he's got so much detail. I loved making his beard.

My studio is an absolute mess but the creative energy is flowing! Thank the Muse! I don't want to upset her too much so I promise to work a little tonight and tomorrow night when I get home.

Is it Halloween ALREADY?????

2007-10-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Halloween is here. My orange paint and thread is almost gone and I think I've done a good job this particular season--I've never made so many dolls in such a short time. It's been so fun but I don't think I can stop already. Oh I'll make angels and stuff but I'm gonna have to slip a Halloween creature in there once in a while.

I just made this little guy for a special friend at work who always brings me packing popcorn from all her purchases. Boy does she save me a bundle. It also happens to be her birthday tomorrow so I hope she likes him.

I've got some Christmas gothic dolls I'm working on at the moment and can't wait to see how they turn out.

Mark and Jillian have been sick with the flu and so far I've only been a little under the weather. Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way (you know, versus getting worse). Y'all get your flu shots, ya hear!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time

2007-10-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

I was going through some things the other day when I found the first doll head I ever made. I can't believe I kept her! I named her Imogen (don't ask). Once upon a time she had a body, arms, legs. I remember I sewed her by hand because I didn't have a sewing machine yet. At some point along the way, she got disassembled and put away in a box with fabric remnants (I keep eveything!).

It was a nice reminder to me that improvment is inevitable and that we are all works in progress. If you keep trying, you will succeed--whether it's karma or just old fashioned hard work, it pays off. I thought I'd share a picture of her.

Anyway, speaking of works in progress, here's one face I'm finishing up tonight/tomorrow. I don't want to say what she's going to be because it isn't clear to me yet.

And lastly, here's our pumpkin for this season. I know--only one this year. I plan to carve at least three . . . next year.

Cheerio!

Home again, home again, jigiddy, jig

2007-10-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

We got home around 10:00 this morning. I was ready. Too many ideas, not enough stuff to create with. But it was so fun getting away with just the family--so relaxing.

When I started working today, I realized what was supposed to be an angel, really wanted to be a clown. I'll be listing The Clown Bride on ebay this week.

I'm a believer in the old addage "the secret to success is showing up." So many times I get down on myself because I have so many ideas but never enough time to create them all. Now I've decided that I'll use the time I DO have a little more wisely, create the things I can, relax and try not to get worked up, and hope for a little success. At least I'm showing up . . .

Kumbaya . . .

2007-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's so beautiful here. We camp here all the time but each and every time I am amazed by the beauty. The only thing that changes is the weather ~ this is one of the few places in CA near LA that actually has "weather." We woke up to 45 degrees and our after breakfast walk lasted only about 30 minutes. Burrrrrrrrr!
Lucy (bless her old bones) doesn't really like the cold but we took her out for a walk anyway. She is now resting comfortably on the couch in our motorhome. Jillian's watching TV. Mark is doing guy things outside the motorhome (thank God for him because I have no idea what to do when it comes to the outside of our RV).
I'll wait until everyone's asleep tonight to start on some drawings (it's hard to create to "mom, I'm hungry" and "deb, where'd you put my shoes?"). Speaking of hungry, everyone wants lunch. I'd better get to work.