-------- is to make NO resolutions. But I am going to try to make this the year I learn how to post a photo - on my blog, on my facebook page - anywhere. And I have a couple of dolls started that need to be finished. Of course, I always have sketches of figures I'd like to make, have even pulled fabrics and trims for some of them. I hope to improve my pattern making skills, too. Must check with Jo-Ann's to see if they carry the red "lay out"? tape the designers on Project Runway use. It looks like such a logical way to create a pattern. Goinag to try to get rid of all the paper clutter, too. In a year's time, I must surely recieve a TON of paper in the mail alone. Hope my shredder is up to the job.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Doldrums
As a rule, I start revving up for Christmas when I put the Jack-o-lantern back in the attic. But Jack never made it downstairs this year because I was in Houston on Halloween. Thanksgiving has been turned over to grand daughter, since she has a very large kitchen and a large, custom built dining table. Not to mention a gaggle of friends.
I still retain Christmas hosting rights - my small home can handle the few family members still around. Besides, I have a fireplace and all the Christmas stockings! But this is the year I donate 90% of my accumulated decorations to grand daughter and her significant other. The big wreath over the fireplace and some poinsettias will be enough to brighten my interior.
So I'll do some baking. A neighbor gave me three huge Meyers lemons which will go to make lemon bars. Another favorite I'll make is mincemeat cookies. And as my son said when he was young - "it isn't Christmas until Mom makes Ambrosia". Bags full of free citrus make that easy enough. If you're willing to prep it from scratch. A labor of love in my case.
The pressure of deadlines is off. I've decided competition is just too expensive. I will make custom D&D figures and figures I sketched months and years ago. A doll to-do list of ideas that seemed worth exploring in-depth. But first, we must "do" Christmas.
I still retain Christmas hosting rights - my small home can handle the few family members still around. Besides, I have a fireplace and all the Christmas stockings! But this is the year I donate 90% of my accumulated decorations to grand daughter and her significant other. The big wreath over the fireplace and some poinsettias will be enough to brighten my interior.
So I'll do some baking. A neighbor gave me three huge Meyers lemons which will go to make lemon bars. Another favorite I'll make is mincemeat cookies. And as my son said when he was young - "it isn't Christmas until Mom makes Ambrosia". Bags full of free citrus make that easy enough. If you're willing to prep it from scratch. A labor of love in my case.
The pressure of deadlines is off. I've decided competition is just too expensive. I will make custom D&D figures and figures I sketched months and years ago. A doll to-do list of ideas that seemed worth exploring in-depth. But first, we must "do" Christmas.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
A Gingerbread Extravaganza!
December 1, 2014
Both gingerbread projects have been delivered - always a tense moment since the house is large and weighs close to 40 pounds. The house was last years' project and though it didn't win any prizes, it was very popular so we were asked to protect it and return it to show again.
The drama (and trauma!) began when Mary and I were moving said house from my closet to the dining table. Half way across the living room, my foot got tangled in the plastic cover and I went down - hard - on top of the gingerbread house. It is a tribute to our construction methods that I sustained more damage than the house. The scratches on my face are almost gone as are the bruises on my wrist although the impact spot is still qtuite sore. The house lost a single, small gumdrop which the dog probably got because I can't find it.
As for this years' project, we made it quick and simple - a snowman, a fire hydrant and a wire haired terrier. The title is "Decisions, Decisions".
Tomorrow night is the reception for the artists and sponsors and awards. From December 3 through 23, visitors will be able to bid on the pieces offered for sale. Can you imagine how thrilled the children would be to see a gingerbread house on the mantel or in the center of the dining table?
Both gingerbread projects have been delivered - always a tense moment since the house is large and weighs close to 40 pounds. The house was last years' project and though it didn't win any prizes, it was very popular so we were asked to protect it and return it to show again.
The drama (and trauma!) began when Mary and I were moving said house from my closet to the dining table. Half way across the living room, my foot got tangled in the plastic cover and I went down - hard - on top of the gingerbread house. It is a tribute to our construction methods that I sustained more damage than the house. The scratches on my face are almost gone as are the bruises on my wrist although the impact spot is still qtuite sore. The house lost a single, small gumdrop which the dog probably got because I can't find it.
As for this years' project, we made it quick and simple - a snowman, a fire hydrant and a wire haired terrier. The title is "Decisions, Decisions".
Tomorrow night is the reception for the artists and sponsors and awards. From December 3 through 23, visitors will be able to bid on the pieces offered for sale. Can you imagine how thrilled the children would be to see a gingerbread house on the mantel or in the center of the dining table?
Friday, November 7, 2014
Miss Mardi Gras won - Second place, I think.
The Gypsy Challenge had but three winners, Best in Show and two Judges' Choice. I spent my winnings on a packet of lovely pink fabrics at the Gypsy booth. I envisioned all sorts of lovely (doll) costumes I could make with it. Unfortunately, Flynn Hollysharp didn't win anything but she did loose the tips of her fingers on her left hand, which allowed her bow and arrow to drop. I'll make the repair then return Flynn to her rightful owner - my grandaughter. I've asked her to use Flynn as a marketing tool on the D&D sites.
I've decided I can no longer afford to compete in the Gypsy Challenge. It's just too expensive to mail a doll to Houston and back, an average of $200. + round trip. If the prize money was enough to cover that expense I might reconsider, but a $30. gift certificate, though nice, just doesn't do it.
Despite the hundreds of vendors, I only bought three things; a little iron that looks like a toy but is the perfect size for doll costumes, some bobbins for my sewing machine and the fabric mentioned above. But the holidays are fast approaching and I'm putting the dolls aside until the new year. My friend Mary and I have a gingerbread snowman to build.
I've decided I can no longer afford to compete in the Gypsy Challenge. It's just too expensive to mail a doll to Houston and back, an average of $200. + round trip. If the prize money was enough to cover that expense I might reconsider, but a $30. gift certificate, though nice, just doesn't do it.
Despite the hundreds of vendors, I only bought three things; a little iron that looks like a toy but is the perfect size for doll costumes, some bobbins for my sewing machine and the fabric mentioned above. But the holidays are fast approaching and I'm putting the dolls aside until the new year. My friend Mary and I have a gingerbread snowman to build.
Monday, October 27, 2014
I'm in a holding pattern . . . .
Sister will be here tomorrow aftrnoon - I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning - can't pack another thing until Wed morning, just before we leave. Don't want to start another doll until we get back. I'm in limbo. So I've been cooking most of the day and freezing what I've cooked. Don't want rotten food in the 'fridge when I get back and it will be nice to have a heat-and-eat selection on hand.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Details, details . . .
Okay, the road trip is only about 5 days away and there are suddenly a gazillion little details that need tending to. If the filled-in squares on my October claendar were all social engagements, I would be the most popular woman in town. Unfortunately, that is not so. Most are reminders of those gazillion details.
Will try to put together an album of the trip in a reasonable time. That means my sisters will have to download their cameras, too. DID YOU HEAR THAT, GIRLS?
Will try to put together an album of the trip in a reasonable time. That means my sisters will have to download their cameras, too. DID YOU HEAR THAT, GIRLS?
Plus Two, Minus One.
Plus Two - my dolls The Falconer and The Fairy Queen will be published in the winter and spring editions of Art Doll Quarterly magazine. I received two copies of the winter edition yesterday - published artists always receive an extra copy to share or keep pristine for their archives.
Minus One - the fashion world lost Oscar de la Renta.
Minus One - the fashion world lost Oscar de la Renta.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)