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Wednesday, August 13, 2014

I just Joined Yarnigras 6th Annual Halloween Swap


I just joined Yarnigras Swapper Spot's 6th Annual Halloween Swap! I am so excited! Val at Yarnigras hosts some amazing swaps and this one looks to be just as fantastic as her previous ones! We'll be swapping handmade Zombie dolls based on animated zombie themed movies, for instance Scooby Doo's Zombie Island, if you like zombies then you may just have to check it out. I've been part of this group for a while now and have always been so impressed with the quality of the swaps I've received, and let's face it, who doesn't like to receive a new zombie for their collection??

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Beads and Bezels and Chains – Oh My!

As I delve more and more into the business side of art I have studied what I buy, what I look at online, what details I am drawn to and so forth and as I hone in on what I like I have taken classes and asked some of the amazing, talented women I know for direction on how to add that special touch.

One of the things I love about figurative sculpture, which I’ve stated often, is that I can use so many different mediums and techniques on a single piece. Lately, as I gear up for the arts and crafts fair season, I have really started focusing on those tiny details, the ones that you don’t think about but that really make a difference.

For instance, now that I know how, I have to add beads to my figures costumes. These tiny little embellishments make such an impact. They can be subtle, adding a finishing touch to a hem like I used on Indigo

Indigo

Or they can be bold by forming a focal point or major design detail. Beads can be used for jewelry, head pieces, trim and even used to form props. Doll makers often use jewelry findings for details. I’ve seen tiny pocket watches made from a loop necklace clasp; in fact I made one myself for my Hatter in Zombieland figure.

Hatter

Beads are so versatile. I use them for eyes, embellishments, focal points and even for crowns as shown here on my almost finished – just need wings – birdcage fairy:

Birdcage Fairy

As anyone who creates knows you can never have enough bits to play with. About a year ago our area got its first large scale bead shop which was so cool! The people are fantastic, the selection is great and the prices are much better that when I had to fly to Las Vegas to visit a similar store :0) but they don’t have everything I need so I do shop online. The bummer of that is I have to wait for my stuff and I really don’t like waiting.

However, one of the coolest places I’ve found online for beads and findings is Auntie’s Beads. Their selection is unbelievable and their prices are about as close to wholesale as you can get without having a business license. I was so excited with the quality of their merchandise and the super fast shipping that now I don’t worry quite so much about waiting.

Soon I’ll be showing you what I’ve done with my latest Hatter. He is almost done. Here is a sneak peek of his in-progress hat:

Hatter

Soon he will have a jacket, shirt, cravat, pants and so much more! I can't wait to finish him. Once he is complete I’ll show you the details I’ve added that I think make him super special!

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Santa Fe, New Mexico - WOW

At Casa Chimayo, Santa Fe, New Mexico

I have been really busy since my last post. I went to New Mexico with one of my best friends from school - we were born on the same day, in the same hospital and met in 6th grade - we've been friends ever since, I spent a long weekend in Portola, California with my local friends for an artist's retreat and this week my lovely daughter has been visiting from Florida. All in all it has been crazy, hectic fun!

I've also been doing a lot of thinking about life in general during my crazy summer, about things that are important to me, things that I want to do and things that I need to do. Sometimes you get complacent about life and work and art. That is where I've been and unfortunately that is no longer working! Soooo, over the next few months I'll be starting the next chapter of my life and while I am really nervous I am also super excited. I'll keep you posted as things develop :0)

This summer has been creatively inspiring and New Mexico was stunning. Santa Fe is such a lovely place. The scenery is breathtaking, the people friendly and the food - AMAZING! It is not surprising that I have gained about 10 pounds over the course of this summer LOL (Yes, I see lots of gym time in the near future) but it has been worth it!

Here are some of the views in Santa Fe that have rejuvenated my creative spirit


Chili Peppers 

Mountains

Farmer's Market

Rio Grande

Courtyard Window

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Hummingbirds and Bee at the Black Mesa Winery

Saint Francis Cathedral

I have more pictures to share, lots of fun new projects from the studio and then some musings on the next chapter in my life, which I am heading towards much sooner than anticipated, it is scary and exciting all at the same time! I'll keep you posted!

Thanks for stopping by

Debbie