STEAMPUNKIN & BOTTLE OF BOOS

Two more door prizes for our art show next month!!! I saw the Boos online, and could not resist making..what a fun gift huh? Also since I sent in witch hat for next Just Steampunk Magazine, editor Kelly offered to send some copies to give away, so that will make a nice addition.

STEAMPUNK WITCHES HAT & "HOOT"

Finally finished my hat for our Art Show next month.Wore it to our meeting last night...everyone was impressed..I think, at least they pretended. My biggest challenge was getting it balanced so it wouldn't slide off with that long "tail" I had. I put a couple of keys on a chain on the other side, which really helped. Now I just need to remember to be less animated when I'm talking so I don't have it flying off across the room. "Hoot"my little pet owl will be sitting on my shoulder. I know everyone loves him. He started as purchase at the dollar store, so took a little trimming, but still a great start point. I will be making another for one of our door prizes at the show.

ONE MORE PACHYDERM!!!

I know I said I was going to put them aside for now, but I had already made this guy, and he kept staring at me as I was putting stuff away,so after laying awake thinking about it, I gave in and finished the fellar! One of the things I wanted to do was try using oil pastels blended with water to make a "subtle" design for a background. It worked out pretty well, but doesn't show up in pics...too subtle I guess. But I like it. My big problem is, it's so much fun putting these together!! Now that the last sewn one is done tho, I WILL stop. I'm thinking maybe I'll do some cats for the Holidays. Cat lovers, love cats, so they should be popular. But first I will get my other "chores" done...lemme see...where was I?

PAINTED PACHYDERMS

I need to send National Geographic a thank you for sending me down this path! I really had a great time coming up with these guys. I still have one more technique I want to try, but other things call for a while. These guys are about 13" long and 8" tall. It took me 2 days to design the 7" Mahout, aka elephant trainer. I tried fabric heads, but didn't like the outcome, so messed with a press mold face. Much better. The other challenge was the umbrellas, which were very prevalent in online photos. I woke up at 1 AM with the solution! Again, one of the things I love most: finding ways to accomplish what I want. Now am ready to take my notes and write into pattern, and it's also time to get into the garden chores...then one more pachyderm... oh and I need to work on my Steampunk Witch costume for the Art Thing show next month! So much to do so little time!

STANLEY & PERCIVAL GO MOUSE HUNTING

Percival Pachyderm is 13", painted fabric. I did lots of experimenting on this fellow! Used pill bottles in his legs for weight, but later discovered truck lugs nuts while rummaging through Hubbies "junk". So he has plenty of weight (but don't all elephants?). Anyway thought it best to display on a tray, due to his weight, AND the little 1" polymer mouse which might get lost. Stanley carries a "steam punked" rifle, which was also fun to create. A few weeks ago I came across an article in National Geographic featuring wonderful painted Pachyderms for a festival in India. So I decided they would make a great project. I started putting a few together, again experimenting with different techniques. I was really enjoying them, until I mentioned to my friend Suz, and she suggested I should make a Steampunk elephant for our Steampunk Art Thing show in October. So the fancy elephants got put on a shelf, and I went to work on the new project...I'm so easily distracted! Anyway, am glad I took her advice..and now will be glad to get back to the original elephants. The good thing is I had already gathered fabrics & embellishments, so it's just a matter of putting them together.

SUE & ME

Thought it would be fun to have pics of me with Sue to put her actual size in perspective. Friday & Saturday she and some of my little girls & felted cats will be on display for the Art Walk in Alamosa. Took her in on Thurs. and already got 2 calls from visitors to the Museum..so guess she will be popular.

5'9" STEAMPUNK SUE

Talk about extremes! My last big project were little 6" girls....this one is closer to 6 feet! My Art Thing group's project theme this year is Steam Punk, and we have an Art Walk in Alamosa next month, so since I have been thinking of making a life size doll, I decided it was time! It all started with mannequin legs got at an auction for $2.50. The upper torso is made using some of that plaster wrap tape for making casts. She is made in 2 parts, so I can transport her in my car. I had gone to a workshop on paperclay, and planned to use that for the head, but after several attempts, could not get a smooth enough surface, so went to soft sculptured fabric. After the 4th try finally got it large enough...and I have a cute smaller head which I think I will make into a little elf, later. The main thing about this project is I learned some new techniques to use. I'll put up some of these on my wordpress blog, in case others are inspired to try their hand at making a larger doll. I'm now torn between another Steam Punk Aviator type, or since I have a great pair of cowboy boots from the thrift store, perhaps a cow girl...or perhaps both. Who knows! I always tell everyone I have the mind of a 6 year old..and this proves it!