It's all about Compromise...

Like any successful marriage, or relationship in general, communication and compromise is key. Such is the case between dolly and maker.

I was leaning toward the Marie Antoinette up~do. This little pretty had other ideas.

So we settled...she got her way with the hat...I got my way with the Marie Antoinette summer house style dress.

We are both winners !

Can we talk?

Naked dollies lying about isn't a good thing. We need to figure out who you want to be and what you want to wear. Come over here and let's have a little chit chat.

Now...would you like a fancy up~do like Marie Antoinette? I'm really liking the pearls and feathers in the hair. What do you think?

Oh...you are leaning towards a wonderfully floppy hat with a fantastic bow made from old silk ribbon. I like it too.

Are you thinking you might want to be a French lady?

Or maybe something different.

Well let's get started and see where the road takes us.

Deadlines...

Deadlines can be a beautiful thing. They get my rear in gear...they inspire me...they equal progress.

As I have been working on these little ladies I see them grouped together and I think "sisters". I think I have "sisters" on the brain because of Lana and Pat. These two sisters were in my classes last week and they are 2 of 6 sisters. Can you imagine 6 girls in a family??? I can imagine 6 kids. I am one of 6 kids but we have 3 boys and 3 girls. Can you even fathom all the hormones of 6 sisters? Just think if they all had "their time" at the same time !! Oh their poor poppa.

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Thanks to all those gals who have been waiting so very patiently to see my new studio. I promised pictures a long time ago...but it's just not ready. It's great...I love it and I get lost out there for hours on end. It's bright and sunny and oh so inspiring...just not ready for it's reveal yet. So here are a couple of pictures to give you a bit of an idea of what it is like.

LOTS more open shelving and less hidden behind closed doors.

I promise to take some shots....soon.

Sunday Fun

What a wonderful way to spend a very warm Sunday. Seven creative women sharing stories, laughing and creating art.
Tina and Cheryl were troopers...traveling very far to join us. Irene, Pat and Lana were repeaters and I was so glad to see their smiling faces again. Dalia and Sally's projects turned out fantastic !!

Once again we gathered within the inspiring walls of Tangerine.

We sculpted, painted and did some sewing. These women take to new mediums instantly.

Thanks for a wonderfully, warm, creative day. I was so busy enjoying this group I hardly took any pictures. But you can see more on Cheryl's blog.

(Photo of Tina's finished project)

I look forward to our paths crossing again soon ladies. xoxo

Quality People

Last night I had the privilege of working with 5 wonderful women who gave me the honor of teaching them The Flower Queen at Tangerine.

We sculpted, painted, antiqued, played with old flowers and Dresden. Each project turned out unbelievably fantastic.

We munched on brownies and truffles while we sculpted fancy hairstyles...

And then we dressed each girl in pink finery and topped her off with a gold crown.

I can't believe it but some of these gals are even coming back on Sunday for more !!
Irene, Claudette, Pat, Debbie and Lana...thank you so much for sharing your time with me and allowing me to get to know you. You guys are the best !!

It's here...It's here !!

The long anticipated "Marie" by Stampington has hit the bookshelves. It's so exciting...the artwork is simply incredible. This is the real deal people...just flipping thru this magazine will knock your socks off. There are mixed media pieces, crowns, cakes, a number of collaborated projects, jewelry, art dolls and more! Here is a little preview. I can't show you too much...you need to go buy the magazine. It is one you will look at repeatedly and keep by your bedside table. I promise.

Here is a romantic mixed media piece by Iva. Simply divine.

And of course...what would a Queen be without a glittery crown. This phenomenal shadow box is by the sweet Donna O'Brien. There is a 5 page spread with more artwork of hers. I told you...you want to own this magazine.

And a Marie doll made by me. I have to shout out some credit on this piece. Originally, I had NO intention of making a Marie doll. The husband was recovering from his illness and I was so busy playing nurse. I had just moved my studio and wasn't quite settled and to be honest...I just wasn't in the mood. But Mz. Iva. Oh that Mz. Iva...every time I chatted with her it was Marie this, Marie that...aren't you going to make a Marie doll? no...no....NO! But she was so excited...constantly. After hearing about this "'Marie magazine for days on end I figured what the heck. And bless her heart. It was exactly what I needed to get back into the creating groove after the husbands health scare. I had so much fun making her and I used fabrics and trims from some great trips I have taken that have wonderful memories. So thank you my dear sweet friend. You are the best!
I also want to thank the team at Stampington. After looking thru this magazine I am dumbfounded that they would include my piece. I am so honored to be included with this caliber of artists.

This is one of my favorite pieces in the magazine. That rich ribbon and gorgeous lace. I just want to eat it up. Artwork is by Holly Abston.

And another incredible art piece by Heather Kowalski.

So there is a little sneak peek and some of the impressive artwork within the pages of Marie. Now get to the bookstore!!