In Progress

Working on getting out of this funk and back into the creative saddle. It's hard when you've had the rug pulled from under you several times in a row. You start to question and doubt things. But you get up, dust yourself off and keep going. Last week wasn't very productive because I was in that pity pool. Then I got sick over the weekend. I did manage to work on a few things.

Here's another Moli Doll in progress. She's screaming for a sweater and I've started two that haven't turned out. I guess I'll try again because she's not budging.

These are sunflowers for my Bless This House quilt. When I'm feeling low, I applique. The repetitiveness of the stitching calms and soothes me. I know that sounds weird but it does seem to help me get back into creative mode.

Another thing I've discovered about me and maybe other art types out there, is that I think too much. Coming up with an idea is one thing. Then there's prep thinking, which is okay too. But then you go into overdrive and start thinking about what might happen and you end up not doing anything. Or you start something only to look at it midway and say it stinks, when you haven't even finished the darn thing. How do you know it's not going to work if you don't finish it? At least when it's done, you can say what went wrong and where you can improve with the next one. But to not finish and then get mad at yourself because you started to think is a horrible thing.

Today, I'm not thinking. I'm just doing. I got up this morning with that in mind and right after breakfast I took these pics. Now I'm writing this piece on my blog. I will pick up a project and get going. No thinking until tonight.

Mini Pictureless Post

I know, I'm not doing well posting on a regular basis. I've had another deal go south and it sent me into an emotional downward spiral. This bunny hop type dance is getting old, especially since it's not in my favor. I didn't pull my hair out but asked why and what's going on? I did cry. Not buckets but the alligator tears did escape. I allowed the fear to slam dunk me. It wasn't good.

Then I started thinking of looking for another job. Doing what, I asked? Anything I'm remotely interested, and by that I mean taking a vacation on a remote island with an active volcano, I'd have to go back to school. I've done that. I've had the jobs that were available, the ones people thought I'd be good in, the ones people knew I should be doing because I was so nice. What do I do because the mean life sucking bills are walking up the street to my place. I worked myself up into a good frenzy to the point of being paralyzed, and did nothing. So I went to bed early last night. Didn't fall asleep until after Samurai Jack made his exit.

I am an artist. That is my job. I have an opportunity to show my creative stuff to the world. Bad things, stupid things, things that don't work are going to happen. Will I get upset? Yes. Will I cry again? Probably. Will things get better?

Yes.

I opened my eyes this morning. I thanked the universe, my higher being, and my ancestors for being here. Right now. In this place. And the little voice, very deep inside me said...

"Try again."

Krankie's Summer Craft Fair

Okay then. I was at the Krankie's Summer Craft Fair yesterday and it was a success. I worked hard and made enough money to pay bills and get some groceries. It's a great start. There was a very good and steady crowd. They were buying. Not lots but they were buying. I will believe that this is a good sign. I'm not going to listen to the goofy people in Washington, or those who do poles because they don't really ask the real people real questions, or any doomsday depressing people. I am excited about the holiday show and will start working towards that. This is just the beginning for me.

I have new ideas for figures. I'm no longer calling them dolls. People have an unusual idea when you say doll. And when you really look at my work, they aren't play things. I will start working on pieces that will be able to go in finer galleries and start working on getting into juried shows. Continue expanding my online presence and get more items on my Etsy shop.

This is a fantastic journey I'm on. I keep getting reminded that I am human and not perfect. But I'm also getting stronger in knowing who I am as a creative individual. I have to create. It is like breathing and this is how I will make a living. One step at a time. One figure at a time. One day at a time. There will be lots of planning and doing this week. Lots swirling around in my head.

Stay tuned!

Pictureless Post

Ack! Sorry that I don't have any pictures. I was enjoying the brief break in the heat this past weekend. Now it's getting cranked up again. Yuck! I am so looking forward to fall. But right now, it is what it is. Hot. Summer. I went to my local farmer's market here in town and picked up veggies to make Ratatouille. I've always wanted to try it ever since watching the animated movie with the same name. I found an easy recipe from a pal on Facebook and decided it was now or never. I do have to say that all the prep work and cooking time was so darn worth it! My apartment smelled oh so yummy. Now I just have to find an easy bread recipe and make my own bread. This will most definitely be added to the fall soup and stew line.

I will have things ready for the fair tonight and take pics for a post tomorrow. Once again, a teaching job fell through. I asked myself what the heck is going on? Yes, I cried. That was suppose to help out with bills in the fall. But I got over it. So for right now, I will put teaching on the back burner and concentrate on making figures. Just dive right in and do it. After Saturday. I am getting stronger and more determined to succeed at my art.

Oh, by the way, I got my second commission since quitting. Yay me!

Bless This House Block 4

There is no pic of block three because it is very complicated and not done yet. It's coming.

Watermelon slices.

Jeepers! I forgot the Doll!

Just getting a wee bit excited about my upcoming day and forgot the picture of my latest doll. She's the second in my limited edition of Moli Dolls. Her name is Tamarlyn and she's a goth hippie with an attitude. She's also on my Etsy shop. I'm getting more work on there. Slowly but surely.

I just love her belly button bead. And her mole. Don't mess with her.  Okay, I'm going now. My stomach is growling.

Wonderful Wednesday and a Doll

Hello! It's a glorious Wednesday and it's raining. Yay! Still gotta work on the humidity but it's a lot more comfortable in my apartment and studio. I may be able to be in my studio a lot longer today. That is so fantastic. I'm doing better at enjoying each moment of my day. I'm also getting better at enjoying what I do each day instead of what I didn't get to on the list that can go around the world. I now giggle when I think about what I've accomplished for the day. It's pretty awesome. That feeling of being in the moment.

Okay, today is going to be busy because tomorrow I'm going to a museum and movie with the gal pals. This will be one of the long days I'd been talking about. Remember? Have one or two knockout, creatively killer days during the week. Or at least one. I think this will be it.

• I've got to work on an applique block. Getting behind again. 
• Work on another Moli Doll, they seem to be happening right now after being unfinished for over a year.
• Post a blog, which I'm doing.
• Work on my short stay. I can't make the real thing until the mock up is done. Can't make a Jane Austen gown until I have a short stay.
• Continue on my latest collection of voodoo doll pins. Ran out of buttons and was going to go to the store today but patterns are on sale next week at JoAnn's, so I guess I'll wait. I will work on their skirts and red hearts today.
• Get my 500 words in.
• Play with some clay.

Yeah, sure. I'll check back in with you on that list. Ha, ha, ha! But I'm feeling quite happy and I'm ready to get going. Right after breakfast. Have a wonderful day all!!!!

Works in Progress

Things are moving along. Still not where I think I should be but at least I'm moving in the right creative direction. These pieces are for an upcoming local craft show. Like two weeks from now.

More voodoo doll pins. They seem to do well. I do have ideas for new ones. They will be evolving in the near future.

Angel ornaments that are being transformed into faeries. Don't you just love the colors? They may also be getting a new design soon.

Something totally new. Foil forms for polymer dolls. Scary, yes. It's not like I haven't done polymer dolls before, I'm just not confident in doing them. I have sold two since I've been here in North Carolina, so this may be a good thing. I'm putting it out there so if you don't see any progress within the next week, you have permission to bug me.

I guess I'll go do something creative now. Have a great day!

One Step

I'm late, I'm late. So sorry. It's just been so horribly hot and the brain was malfunctioning a bit. Getting back into form though. Last week I had one step back and two forwards. The step back was one of the shops I have my work in isn't going to be carrying crafts anymore. It is what it is. She has to do what's going to get more business into her shop to stay viable. I get that. I didn't fall into a vat of poo or despair, or get upset, or angry. I'm getting a lot better with disappointment and deals falling through. I told myself that something else would come up, even though I really didn't believe it at the time. Bad Wendy.

Two steps forward. I was asked to put work in a new gallery in Rockingham County. I'll get a contract in the mail. I was told that they didn't have dolls at that particular store. Great! Yay me! I will have to come up with something unique for the holidays. The other step forward, I got Smitty's Notes 2012 Best Local Artist, Runner Up Award. I couldn't believe it when a friend told me. Yes, I jumped up and down and squealed. I hope I didn't scare the neighbors. Who cares, they have been known to be overly loud at times.

So, I am moving forward. Still working on a schedule of some sort but really working to enjoy the moment of creating.

I designed a new angel ornament for a workshop to be scheduled for November. It's larger than my regular angel ornaments and a bit more time was needed to get these little beauties done. But that's okay, it's for a class. Others will be able to enjoy making and giving these as gifts. They are about 7 inches high.

I love Egyptology and I'm going to get started on Anubis. Did some research and started sketching.

I'll work on his armature in the next couple of days. It should be fun to see how he turns out. If he is a success, I may have to add a few more.

Moli Doll - Peach

I started a group of dolls a million years ago when I was going through a stripe phase. I finally got one done and her name is Peach. The doll is an enlarged version of my voodoo doll pins. She had always wanted a hat and shawl and no matter how much I tried to put at least a vest on her, she protested. As you can see, she won and has a hand knit hat and shawl with a leftover Halloween candy button. I think she's cute. I know, still with the cute stuff.

She will be on my Etsy shop today. Have a wonderful day!

Works in progress

I have a craft fair coming up in three weeks. I'm making easy things and things that aren't very expensive. It's summer time and people are on vacation. I get that. Enjoy the family and kids. I was about to lose my mind about what to make and Maya suggested I turn my angels into faeries. Now why didn't I think of that? I'll keep the angels for the winter holiday. I will make a few more voodoo doll pins, fish ornaments, some alien plushies, and a couple of hand puppets.

I'm back to having fun after a small disappointment yesterday when some kid's camp classes were canceled because of lack of interest. It was a small blow but I rallied back and told myself to keep going. I didn't break down and fall into a pit of despair like I could've done, I made faerie skirts, and cut out my next Regency project.

I will have 20 of these little ladies.

I'm making a mock up of my short stay. A friend was kind enough to let me use her pattern. Unfortunately, she's smaller than I am, so I've altered it a bit. Yeah, it's larger. I want to make sure it will fit before I make it out of the good fabric. This should be fun.

Life happens and I told myself that I will make dolls. Halloween is coming up and I have to keep going. Then later this morning I got a call from another place where I can teach classes. These would be scheduled for the fall but the kids will be back in school and gifts will need to be made. Handmade holiday gifts can be awesome. As a matter-of-fact, I should start my own. A friend has also told me that she is expecting. I get to make a baby quilt, and toys, and dolls, and bears, and stuff.

I like how I have this 'not giving up' attitude. That's not what the next 10 years are going to be about. I'm a creative crazy person and that's cool! Have a wonderful Independence Day all.

Hello July!

This year is just zooming by! What's up with that? No matter. It was a good day today. Got two hand puppets with working mouths done as samples for kid workshops. I was bound and determined to do so. I also got my 500 new words in for the day and now I'm going to sketch. Lots to do still but off to a good start for the month.

I really like these guys. Aliens! And they are ready to enjoy the summer.

Yesterday I finished reading a book. Wonders are starting to happen. I started the book last year. It's really amazing and a good feeling. I'm working of finishing one for this month. I've got quite a few stacked up to read. I'd like to finish one a month for the rest of the year. We'll see what happens. I'm already laughing.