DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DOLLS

Was waiting to post pics of these as I had one more I wanted to make, however with Holidays, hand problems, and the fact I have moved on to another project, probably won't complete her until later. BTW cats were so popular at Bazaar, I wound up making more! Cat lovers know no restrictions or seasonal requirements. For these ladies I started with a head where the center seam had gone berserk at the forehead. (Never toss anything away!)As by the time I filled with gesso, and painted that little mistake was easily fixed. She is the one in black with purple ruffle. Naturally, I was inspired to make MORE! These are all stump dolls as their costumes are their main feature. That too is such fun to do, so am sure I'll be getting back to it next fall when it's closer to the Holiday.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS GATOS

During our Art Thing show at the Museum a colleague talked about her fascination with Dia de los Muertos, a (mostly Hispanic) holiday honoring the dead, which takes place Nov. 2 right after Halloween. I knew the basics, however after checking into it I too am enamored. Faces are painted white with lots of decorations, and costumes are in a wild range of colors and styles. My friend also stated she is a cat lover, and I am also, so that is where I headed on this first plunge. It was challenging coming up with not only the designs, but the process of how to work on black fabric. Naturally this meant having to do more than one...as if I could not. And now that I have my litter of cats, am thinking about more dolls in this same genre, as again there are so many possibilities! BTW I do have written instructions for cats ready.

CLAMITY MERMAID

Garage Sales are such fun! Found a sea shell towel rack...perfect for a mermaid to sit on when turned up-side-down. Clamity is a bit different: She has a fuller figure than most; is constructed so she sits up (sometimes hard to do). She has cool hair made of homespun yarn,ultra long eyelashes, and looks real cute sitting on her shell if I do say so myself! Pattern is available.

PIRATES MADE COVER OF SD&A

It's always a thrill to see my efforts in print! Also love the way the Magazine takes my basic stuff, and make it into a real "work of art". Patterns this time are for Jack, and Sadie. Rosalee (with big hat will be in next issue).

SOMETHING FISHY

The Art Thing group chose "water" as the theme for this years show. Pirates will of course be part, and fellow artist John Patterson who does the most wonderful metal sculptures is making a pirate ship to display with them. With all the hype about "fish" movies I was moved to make some. In the 60's living in Puerto Rico I had a salt water aquarium populated with fish I caught while snorkeling.I loved my little menagerie and was heart broken to have to leave it when moving back Stateside. So with that in mind I proceeded to create a sea scenario in fabric. Original plan was a mobile, but instead used a box decorated to look like an underwater scene. By hanging the fish with invisible thread, any little breeze makes them bob and move, so it almost feels like a real aquarium! SD&A will feature them in spring 2017 issue.And I will have pattern available as well. Am also working on a "follow up" with some fancier fish, which could be used as pins. Later on that.

SADIE POSTER GIRL FOR ALMOSA ART WALK

Honored again to have one of my creations chosen for posters and pamphlets for annual Art Walk. This year son Greg & daughter Rachel were here too. Always fun showing & sharing doll making. I usually take unfinished pieces so others can try their hand at some painting a face for themselves. Young girl (9th birthday celebrating)has already made reservations for next year!

ROSALEE A VERY SPECIAL PIRATE LADY

While in Pirate mood, husband suggested a gal wearing a hat with a long feather. Brilliant idea! Found a picture to go by, and not only had the hat, but a super long coat. So got busy and designed Rosalee. Like my other dolls she is made to stand alone...balancing on her hi heel boots. She has wild, wind blown hair: Of course that's how it goes when you're on a ship. Like her pirate buddies she carries a sword and wears lotsa jewelry. Immediately got request for her pattern, so got busy & wrote. BTW these pirate patterns include making the sword. I'm thinking would be handy for characters like musketeers?