Restless...

I thought when I re-organized my studio a few months back that this was it. This was the the most workable solution for me. I'll be happy and productive...yeah right. Well I am more productive, but mostly because I'm forcing myself to do things for special purposes: challenges, swaps and publication opportunities. But something just isn't right with my studio. I still feel like I have too much stuff crammed in everywhere and it's wearing on me. I need to clear everything out and start fresh.

Here's my little studio space now.

As you can see there is a lot going on in here. While I was pretty proud that I was able to fit everything in, I realize that's not necessary a good thing. I have 3 large worktables, a computer desk, a large file cabinet, a small and a large wire shelving units, a small file cabinet, 3 large storage drawer bins, 2 walls of shelving, etc, etc.

So I did some space planning online and this is what I came up with.

I'm turning the 2 worktables into a long L shaped work surface and getting rid of the 3rd table. The 2 sizes of wire shelving will stay and a bookcase will be brought in to hold all my art books. The worktable will be raised up to counter height and will have lots of storage underneath. I'll be blocking the door to the kitchen off with either a shelving unit or a bookcase,.but I do that now anyway so it's not an issue

The couch is here because you walk thru the living room to get to my studio and this is how I have my couch positioned. Keeps little nephew from running in and out and in and out. ;0)

I'm sure this plan will change some as I go along. Wish me luck!

Vintage Circus/Sideshow Challenge Piece Is Done

Saturday was the deadline for the Spring Challenge over at ADA Art Doll Artists so now I can show you my finished project.

While I have made smaller dolls than this before I'm not fond of working this small. She fits in my hand and both she and her horse were a huge challenge. I hope you enjoy seeing her. Introducing Matilda and Juniper.

Matilda Tillmann was born into a moderately wealthy family and was one of 9 daughters. Her 8 sisters were great beauties and were much sought after for marriage by handsome, rich and dashing young men. As sister after sister headed off to wedded bliss, poor Matilda became more and more depressed. Her parents were concerned yet practical people who decided to spend Matilda’s dowry on a horse since she loved to ride and honestly knew that they’d never be able to marry off this daughter with that face. “Now Matilda can take care of us in our old age and have a good horse to keep her company” was the thought of her parents. 

Matilda loved her horse and scandalized the village by riding about town in trousers and short riding skirts while standing on her head. Mr. Tillmann worried about ruining his business reputation told Matilda he would have to take her horse away if she didn’t ride like a proper lady. Matilda loved the freedom her horse gave her and decided somehow her life must change. 

A fortnight later a Circus arrived just outside the village. Matilda begged her parents for permission to go but decent people did not attend circus performances. So Matilda snuck out with the household staff and had the time of her life. She watched the trick rider who wasn’t very good and thought “this is for me!” She snuck out again the next afternoon with her horse and showed the Ringmaster what she could do and was hired right away. Matilda became very happy, famous, rich and had many dashing lovers despite her face.

Native American Doll Finished.

Yesterday I finished the Native American Seneca woman doll I've been working on. The Eastern Native Peoples had lots of contact with the European Colonists so had access to cloth and beads long before the tribes further west who wore animal hides for much longer until cloth become more widely used. I did extensive research on the traditional clothing and bead-work designs to be as accurate as possible. I'm not a bead artist at all so it was not easy but I am pleased with the outcome. The weather isn't on my side for final photos so I'm showing the shots I took in my studio last night. WIP to the completion.

2nd set of moccasins. I like these much better the the first ones I showed you.

Male and female member of the tribe wore leggings that were beaded. The women's tied at the knees and were worn under a wrap skirt.

The wrap skirt tied high in the waist and was elaborately beaded all the way around. The design would be smaller but just as elaborate on a real person but in order to show the detail the design is larger on this skirt.

Over the wrap skirt a long sleeved tunic with simpler beading and a collar was worn.

A close up of her face and the tunic beading.

Finished front.

The Seneca women wore their hair pulled back into a long braid.

Finished right side.

Finished left side.

Finished back.

UPDATE: I realized I never posted the beauty shots of this piece. so I've updated this post with those photos that really show off this lovely art doll.

 This view gives you a better idea of the beading on the tunic as well as the doll's face.

 A much better view of the whole piece.

 A 3/4 view.

A close up of beading on the skirt. legging and moccasins. 

I hope you've enjoyed seeing this latest creation of mine. I love comments so please do let me know what you think.

Li'l Red

I recently won a sweet little pattern from Ginger Melon's new Fairy Tale Dolls. I got to choose from several and I chose Li'l Red. I spent some time sewing her up yesterday. 

If I make another one I'll enlarge the pattern cause it's just so tiny and I don't much like sewing so small. It turned out cute and I gave it to my daughter who needed something special to cheer her up. She had a nasty fall over the weekend and scraped her face up, almost broke her nose, has a huge knot on her head and has a mild concussion. I'd show a pic but she refuses to let anyone see her until she looks better.

I have finished my Vintage Circus piece but will wait until my ADA group sees if first before I show you all.

I still have lots to do on my Indian doll and the next ADA Challenge is coming up next month too. I've been thinking about my Wonderland piece and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make it. I don't think I can afford it right now. I'm hoping to still be able to do a piece for Patrick Gill's Vintage Halloween Challenge if he has one this year. This is an extremely stressful year financially so far. Lots of ideas...very little money. So if you are wondering why I'm not posting projects like I used to, that's why.

Wednesday WIP

This is the wrap skirt I'm beading for a doll I'm making. I ran out of beads and major arthritis pain and insomnia stopped me from working on this last week. Then this weekend I dealt with a broken dryer, my ever clogged kitchen sink, a mutant giant ant invasion and a flat tire no one could get off the car. Everything is resolved except the ants and the dryer, we are waiting for a part to be ordered but at least it has a warranty unlike my kitchen drains. I've been a big crabby pants to say the least.

I've really got to get working on this doll. The white paper are patterns I made for checking the sizing of the beaded pattern before I start beading. The beading is taking longer than I thought. I should have known it would cause I'm such a perfectionist. At least the moccasins are done. After this skirt there is an over tunic dress and beaded collar to do. I gave myself till the end of June and I still think I can make it if I don't have anymore distractions. Speaking of which my nephew's will be here this weekend so I probably won't get too much done. That 3 year old is a handful! His mother refers to him as the Tasmanian Devil and she's not exaggerating!

I am still struggling with what direction to take my art in and what I want to do but for now I'm happy doing this doll.