Working

Like many, I have wanted to start more positive habits. Which I didn't a week ago today. It's difficult to try something that is good for you. I have fallen off the creative truck a few times but I tell myself that's okay. It didn't take overnight to create bad habits and it not going to be overnight to create new better habits. In other words, cut myself some slack, get back on the truck when I fall off and keep going. Our brain is one thing we really don't use much. So when I'm working on the new habits or a new schedule my brain just wants to quit. Um... no. I push on. If I'm tired, I take a break. So I've been creating. Working on things started months, years ago, and some new projects.

More work on my gourd heads out of Creative Paperclay. Still making things suck and just seeing what happens.

The clay heads I started. Some are starting to take on personalities.

Bloomers for three dolls.

And stitch work on my pumpkin applique started last year. I haven't appliqued in so long, I didn't know exactly what I was doing. Common thread here. So I worked on it anyway and it's not bad. Now I've got to find a backing for it and finish it. I know now what not to do the next time.

Have a good week.

It's Spring, I Think

Yes, the calendar says spring but we got snow yesterday and I lit a fire in the fireplace. Working on some new habits and I'm doing okay. As long as I don't beat myself up for not being perfect. Starting new habits is hard. It's not so much as how many days you do them to get them established but how consistent you are in doing them. I've fallen off the boat a couple of times. I told myself to cut me some slack seeing that I only started Tuesday. This is what I've been up to.

I finished the faces of these two dolls. It's a little different from what I have been painting.

And I started some gourd heads. Never too early to think Halloween. I drew some sketches of gourds and pumpkins last year and added facial features. We'll see what happens.

When I make myself sit down and work with the clay, how it feels, how much water to use, where to put eyes, it feels really good. So I tell myself to do it more, keep doing it. It's so different from cloth. But this is where my creativity is screaming to go next. I'm hanging in there.

And She's Off

Got to the next step on my new pieces. Making things suck. That way, if they do suck, I won't be too disappointed. If they don't, I'll be pleasantly surprised. Already I'm figuring out how to do things differently the next time around. After dinner I will put in eyeballs.

I also started heads using a foil base. Because of drying time, I figured I'd get a bunch going at a time.

I also started painting two new dolls I created last year. Better late than never. I don't know if I'll make anymore.

So that's where I have stopped for today. At least until after I eat. My stomach is growling. Catch ya later.

Day 2- 31 Days of Halloween

I was going to write a longer post of my very cool weekend getaway but time got away. So here's my drawing for October and I did continue to set up my Bullet Journal.

Yes, I spelled piranha wrong. Whatever. A cross between Audrey and Day of the Triffids. I think. Maybe not.

The beginnings of October. Lots more room to fill in. And my creative muse team is growing. Bailey has a new friend who doesn't have a name yet. He is a creation by the wonderful artist Nicole Johnson of mealy mOnster land.

Also been packing for the doll show this weekend. Gotta get more organized. Later!

#mealymonsterland nicolejohnson

The Best Laid Plans...

Don't always turn out the way you want. Actually, that's not the exact quote but part of it will work for now. Seeing that my list didn't work out, I decided Bailey Magoo Bear needed a scarf. So I knitted him one with some sock yarn I had and now it's being blocked. He'll have to get more clothes later on and will probably have a better wardrobe than I do.

I told myself that just because the day didn't go as planned that I could still do something creative. The scarf was fun and relaxing and I decided to take the first steps to do an applique/embroidery piece. Haven't done that in a month of Sundays. And I got to use my light tablet again. Second time since I got it for me last Christmas. Gotta work on that too.

I am so ready for fall. It was 80 degrees today and still a bit humid. Ugh! I am waiting patiently for cooler temps.

Wow!

It's been kind of crazy the past couple of days. Still putting in more hours on the other job and got to see two of my nieces. I actually took care of them when they were young. One is moving to Seattle, today, but I got to see the both of them. It was fun.

I also got my next weekly spread for my Bullet Journal and started to fill in some of the pages with drawings.

Still working on finishing some dolls and ornaments for the show and I will work on two new designs tonight. I have tomorrow off so I will be in the creative dungeon sewing all day.

Better Late Than Never

I almost have a batch of monster doll pins done. Almost. It seems I get to the end of something and stop. Not a good habit. Maybe I lose my faith, or nerve, or whatever. I tell myself that I'd rather clean the bathroom or do laundry than add hair and hearts to these little darlings. It's amazing how our brain tricks us into doing what we don't want to do and not what really makes our hearts sing.

I did manage to finally get the September front page for my Bullet Journal done. Yeah, yeah, same old thing. A day late and a dollar short. I kind of knew what I wanted to do then scrapped the idea. So I did that wonderful yearly rite of passage. The first day of school. I used oil based color pencils. Walnut Hollow I believe. I do like those pencils and years ago I was getting pretty good with them. Then I stopped. Now it's back to square one. But I shall continue because now I think I have a pretty decent pencil sharpener. One that won't crack the leads or eat up the pencils.

I think I would like to try this drawing again. Add a few more things. Then I drew some pumpkins. I was going to make them jack-o-lanterns but I'll have plenty of time to do them next month. I used Tombow markers on this one and a Tombow brush pen which I truly find amazing. You can get a fine line and with a little pressure, get a wider line. Like using a paint brush. Gonna have to work more with that too. I messed up on both with the lettering. I guess I wasn't paying attention but for right now, I'm pleased with both. Because it's fall. Not technically but for me, fall starts right after Labor Day.

Until next time. Have a nice day.

Wow!

After a week of errands, paying bills, laundry, and that goofy hurricane, I can finally get back to creating. Today I'm feeling a little bit sleepy and just want to chill out before getting the week started. I am allowed that. I woke up early and started writing. Maybe that's why I'm tired. But if I didn't wake up at 4 AM to write things down, I would have totally forgotten everything. And that was after I had just gotten back to sleep after a goofy bird started chirping at 2 AM. Seriously? He must have been blown off course and didn't realize what time zone he was in. I made a spinach pie this morning and just got it out of the oven and now have on a crock pot of beans. I made rice yesterday. So now I don't have to cook for a few days. I need a nap.

More of my 31 Days of Halloween. Pumpkin Kid is ready for bed.

Conjure Woman.

#31daysofhalloween #inktober

31 Days of Halloween

Or Inktober. I'm a little behind but I did do 20 voodoo dolls and they have been delivered to their destination. I hope they all sell and find good homes. Here's my ink drawing with a bit of red.

#31daysofhalloween #inktober #redeye #pumpkinman

New Challenge

Yes, I'm crazy. I'm doing a 31 Days of Halloween challenge this month. I want to do a black, white, and red drawing or painting each day in October. We'll see what happens. Here's number 1. India ink with permanent marker.

#pumpkin #halloweendrawing #pumpkinman #blackwhitered

Happy October!

It's finally here! October! I've been waiting a whole year for it to arrive again. We're still getting some warm temps here in the south and I hope that stops soon. And there is that pesky Matthew hanging out in the ocean. Let's hope he doesn't make landfall. Matthew the hurricane.

Aren't these pretty? I took this pic outside Trader Joe's. I'm going to have to get some of the smaller decorative gourds. Sketch them or paint them. I am so excited about this time of year. The adventure is in full swing. This is going to be a busy month for filling up those sketchbooks, Halloween things, dolls, paintings, another challenge, and some stitch work. I will have to do more walking too. Crunch some leaves. Scare some chipmunks.

Nice Day Today

I went to the Catawba Quilter's Guild Show today in Hickory, North Carolina. It was really nice. 278 quilts were judged and on display. I saw every quilt but only took a few pics. And went to most of the vendors. I got some fabrics for upcoming projects. Some felted wool fabric and some cottons.

From the quilt show, I went down the hall to the woodworking show (which was free, can't pass up a free event) put on by Klingspor's Woodworking Shop. Years ago, I used to do woodcarving. I really liked it and want to get back to it. I'll have to figure out how and I did find out there was a woodworking club right here in town. I met a lady who had a table there who just wanted to show people what she did which was making her own rubber stamps. I couldn't believe the detail she got in her pieces. She let me try and I made my first rubber stamp using my own drawing. So many ideas are crowding my head.

Is that cool or what?

#quiltshow #fabric #feltedwool #rubberstamp

31 Days of Halloween - Catch up

Yes, the month just started and yes, it's going by so fast and yes, I'm a bit behind.  Here are four drawings I did with an app on my phone.  I used my finger and I liked doing it even though it was a bit foreign for me.  Still working my way into this century of technology. LOL

I call this one a stitched pumpkin.

This is a... I don't know what this is. Part skull, part phantom.

I love doing skulls.  

This is a young lady who has seen way too much.

And I'm still behind one. Geesh!

In Progress

It's a pain. Catching up, still working on feeling better, getting mentally back on a creative track. It's been tough. I'm working hard on not giving up because I'm so far behind. But then a part of me kicks me in the backseat to do one thing. One little thing. Because there's nothing else I want to do.

Saturday was tough. In my crazy little head, nothing seemed to be going right. Yet in between beating myself up, I managed to get something done. Too bad I can't have more days like that. I started out with this...

The core is a wet felted egg shape that I made for another project that didn't get done. Instead of tossing the egg (there are more) I decided to make something else. And I ended up with this.

He's still in progress. He will have a green cap with a brown stem and probably a red bow tie. Why him? I don't know. He spoke to me and he's determined to get done.

Block 8 of Bless This House quilt. I did change the wreath and am trying to do a little bit each day so I can stay on track.

I added some of the flowers and the heart. Now I've got to cut out bias strips to make two stems. One little bit at a time. Right?

Once again, this year will be the season of the ornaments. They're easy to do and they sell well. They make great stocking stuffers and they're cute. Here's my latest batch of angel ornaments.

I'm also involved in doll swaps and here is my doll for the Stitchin' and Switchin' USA fall swap. She will get a knitted or crocheted hat (because she wants one), a jacket and probably a scarf. Her design is based on a Penny Wooden doll. I love her curly hair but she still wants a hat. Then she'll be off to her new mom.

And wonders of wonders, I finished reading a book. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I really liked it, especially the black and white photos of the peculiar children. It is obviously a two book story and I hope he's working on the second book. It's got unusual kids in it, monsters, time travel and it's about friendship and adventure. I guess I'll have to check out his website to see what's coming up. I do recommend this book.

Bouncing Back

I'm having a tough time bouncing back from my illness. I have so much to do and catch up on, I'm trying not to panic. I am getting back to things slowly because I don't want to have a relapse and get sick again. So I've been taking midday naps because I'm so tired. I guess that's what happens when you're coughing and blowing your nose for two and a half weeks. Non-stop. You get tired. I am starting to get my appetite back, so I guess that's a good thing.

I have two art fairs next month and need to restock the shops that carry my work. Tonight is my last English Country Dance session for the year. I will go for the first part to see people, maybe dance a jig or two then head back home and rest. Lots to do this weekend, along with seeing some gal pals. Next week I'm in the Olde Mill Eclective shop.

Still behind in NaNo but my screenplay is coming along. Here are some things I've got going. Have a wonderful weekend.

This is the start of my latest Bless This House block. I modified it a little, the original had way too many squigglies.

This is the beginning of a stogie chewing pumpkin. He will be needle felted. I did manage to get my art table cleaned off and filed doll patterns I'm not using at the moment. And I've posted a blog. I will try to be a little more consistent. Especially now the holidays are coming up. Take care everyone.

First List of 2012

All right. I said that I would publish my lists for the year. I'll have to do them in stages. I thought I'd start with my quilt and applique list. Seeing that I don't do resolutions, I now have expectations for the year. I try not to start new projects before finishing old ones but us creative types know that doesn't always work. There's always something more exciting to try, and the work in progress gets put on the back burner or in the drawer or cupboard.

I've been working on several applique quilts for the past several years. Yes, I'm shaking my head. I don't know the reason for not finishing them. Maybe because I get bored or it could be that finishing them will take a bit more of the cash than I have at the moment. But I expect to at least have the tops done and when I can afford to get them quilted, I will.

Quilt Tops to be finished:
Southern Album
Hop To It
Birdies
Trip Around the World

Other quilts and wall hangings:
-Double Irish Chain- I'd like to get this top done this year
-Wild Blue Berries- it needs to be put together, I got all the hard applique out of the way, along with over 100 blue berries and I just have to do the easy part
-Bunny wall hanging- needs to have the primitive hand quilting done
-Pumpkin Heads- a design I started before last Halloween, would like to have it done for this Halloween for when I decorate my apt
-Blue and Yellow quilt- I started it because I liked the fabric, then ran out of the fabric but my mom had more of the fabric, and well... got to work on that top
-Cabin wall hanging- it's a repair for a friend

New Quilts: one for a friend for her 40th birthday. I do have the fabric and now I have to cut it out. That's the goal, get it cut out.

That's just the quilts. I haven't touched dolls, or my writing, or anything else I'd like to do. At least attempt to do. I know, it's crazy and I don't know why I think I have all the time in the world. Maybe that's why I do it. I have all year and it's only week three of the new year. One bit at a time, one day at a time. Baby steps get me closer to getting these beauties done. It's all about the journey. The process and having fun along the way. At least, that's what I keep reading. We'll see what happens.

Silas and Manfred

Hello September. I was hoping for some cooler days but they haven't shown up in these parts just yet. I'm waitin'. I'm still a waitin'.

I finally finished Manfred the Maniacal Pumpkin and he's got his buddy Silas the Scarecrow and they're about to head out to a party of ghoulish proportions. Or something. They have been wet and then needle felted.

The leaves are cut out of felt and felted wool fabric. Some of them I embroidered veins on them.

I made Silas's hood and it has been distressed. I made his hat out of upholstery fabric. The tie around his neck was a tie from around a bag of cornmeal from a local mill. I had made my last batch of cornbread muffins and I liked the string that held the bag closed. Re-purposing is great. I painted both candle stick holders black and then used orange, yellow, and gold as accents.

Silas has mismatched button eyes, French knots for his nose and embroidered mouth. He does have rosy cheeks too.

We know which one will be the more responsible one. Or do we?