...check out these eyes!

I was lucky enough to happen upon this post by Marin Lenz. She shared how she makes "glass" like eyes. So, I gave it a whirl....all I can say is HOW COOL! and of course a giant THANKS. These are my first set of eyes to use in an unknown doll somewhere down the line. Please take the time to check out Marin's blog and her wonderful work!
Smiles to All
Brenda

When The Sun's In Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie, That's A Warning

Please take a few minutes to read this heart felt strory written by my friend and fellow bus driver. Thank you Megan for finding the words to share with us. Smiles and Hugs to you! Brenda


When The Sun's In Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie, That's A Warning

Who's spoiled? That'd be me!!!....nawww

Well, I've done it, I've signed up for another Doll Conference. This time it is in Ohio, which makes much more geographical sense. This time it is two classes, one on faces, and the other stick "puppet" Poppets...very very cool!!!! Plus, since I'm driving, I'll be able to load the van with wonderful embellishments and keep my options open for costuming...Not to mention a cooler full of late night nurishment! The conference isn't until the end of April, so, that leaves plenty of time for me to post about all of my excitement.!!Smiles to All, Brenda

Busy Sunday...

Finished up the Potes that I had going...ok...I still have 4 more that need to be free-motioned...BUT...I was able to FINISH (and yes, those are capital letters, because finishing seems to be such a rarity in my little curious compulsive creative world) 7 Potes.
Next...onto the fact that I am going to be spending many hours in the lovely surroundings of the Minneapolis Airport...what's a crafty gal to do? Comfort Dolls. So, today is all about making as many doll flats that I can. This includes crazy quilting to muslin, drawing faces and then securing them to the flat, wonder-undering words, and then outlining the form itself...I'm hoping to have....I'm reaching into the sky to pluck out the magic number...and the winner is.....5 ready for the traveling adventure...
Also, "the ladies", my wonderful chickens, are going to their winter home today! Dr. Janelle has offered to foster them until next summer when we can be reunited again. I need to work on getting a "2 chicken production pet" zoning law passed in Valpo. I really have enjoyed the gals this summer.
Wednesday is rapidly approaching...3 days!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

The Little Pote That Could!

Here is #3

This is the second "pote": smaller than a tote, structured like a purse.
This time I used a painters canvas as the base structure and pockets...but I'm not starting at the beginning. First, I've painted with your basic cheapo acrylic paints with a textile medium added and watered it down for a softer feel, on cheapo muslin. After it dries, heat set with an iron. Next, more fun! drawing with the free-motion quilting. This part is always a brain shift for me. If I try to "control" what I'm doing, I make a mess of things. Just go with the flow of what you've painted, click those heels together and believe.

Onto the pote construction. Eh...I'm tired of writing...just take a look. I will say, it is pretty cool watching how the pote is evolving and what I'm happy with, and what I don't like.

Thanks for the read.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

NM count down...7 days!!

Tote #2

So, here is the next tote. I learned a bunch from Nancy Baker, we were both at the Culver Farmer's Market together. She designs and makes wonderful jackets and totes, jewelry and diaper bags, just to name a few of the things she does. Her totes use zig-zag stitching combined with a crazy quilting...love it...right up my alley...AND biggest thing of all, helps me loosen up and not worry about doing things "right".

Now I have the next platform to jump from and grab DH's old jeans, three pair have mysteriously shrunk. I'm using these for the stability. I didn't like that about my first tote, I wanted more structure, and denim has definitely provided that. I still need to put a velcro closure on. I cut out the back pocket of the jeans for the interior pocket for keys and cell phone...yes, it's amazing what can fit in the back pocket when your rear isn't filling it up!

I'm looking forward to the next tote...I bought a painting canvas for the interior this time...should help on making a "cleaner" interior for the tote.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Painted Muslin

PA I N T I t B A b Y P a I N t i T! !

Here are the next 5 pieces to quilt. I think that I am going to make these into jean totes. I didn't water down the acrylic as much as I have in the past, so the fabric is a bit more stiff. I think this should add to the structure of the tote. What I have found with the first tote...the testing tote, is that I'm not a lover of the flimsy. I seem to like a firmer construction. Who da thunk it, me, Miss Lucy Goosey, me, Miss GoWhereverThe Wind takes me..structure. I guess I need it in some places of my life.


Smiles,


Brenda


(Kvitova vs.Williams is on...AMAZING athletes)