Where Did February Go?

Even though there was an extra day this month, February blew by. And ending with a snowstorm in the Midwest. I have some really cool news that I'm waiting for the go-ahead to tell everyone. Something I can cross off my Bucket List. Lent is now on and I will be working it. Not necessarily a religious thing for me but a time of reflection, get back to eating healthy, get back to exercising on the regular, get old projects done, new projects started... basically, work on me.

The first two months of the year and new decade have been okay. A few downs but mostly ups and I'm feeling fine. Haven't been able to say that in awhile. Going out on the limb to try new things. Getting back to enjoying the process of creating. Realizing that some projects just won't see the light of day. And that's okay. I've got a cargo ship load of ideas. But so far, the year is on an even keel.

Kept up with my 29 Faces art challenge. Have one more face to do. Maybe. Previous years it's been 28 faces but this is Leap Year so I guess I'll do one more. For the heck of it.

I'm thinking about turning some of these into dolls. Working on a size and what to make them out of. Air dry clay, polymer clay... not sure just yet. And all are from the same basic face I started with. Not bad I'd say. The next 40+ days might be a challenge. My plan is to complete 20 pieces of work. We'll see how that goes. Stay tuned.

Still February

Working hard to get back in the groove of blogging. It's a way to get my feelings, ideas, and dreams out of my head and into the world. I think I will attempt a post every Monday. See how that goes. Waiting to hear back on a job but if nothing happens by March 1, the search will commence. Starting to look for another place to stay. That's so difficult when what you get paid, doesn't afford a one bedroom apartment in a decent area. Praying that my truck stays well for another year. It turned 20 almost two years ago and has over 220 + thousand miles. Love that truck. Praying that my laptop keeps working for another year. He's old and cannot take any new programs. Old programs are having a hard time updating and some have stopped.

I am not a patient person. I'm working on that. Now that I know what I want to do with myself, it is sometimes hard to just keep working on what makes me happy and feel content. It's been a struggle to get back to being creative after my knee surgery and all it entailed the end of last year.

I am back to working on dolls that were started some time ago. I have a doll show in April I would like to attend. I have new ideas for dolls, if I can just stay out of my way and play. Play with new materials and just see what happens. I have several ideas for big projects too. I have started learning new things such as weaving on a pin loom, and working on embroidery and applique.

Still working on the 29 Faces art challenge for the month.

Doll skirts for some dolls that have been sitting around forever.

A pin loom I got myself for Christmas. I have a project in mind for the weaving but needed to know how this thing worked. So fat so good. I practiced with yarn I had on hand and now I need to find what I think will really work for what I want to do.

My first woven pieces. The top are the latest ones. From left to right: The two lilac ones are worsted yarn. The pink, red, and dark purple are cotton. Bottom row were the first ones I made. From left to right: The two dark red and blue are 100% wool and the green ones are a wool, silk, and alpaca blend. I can also say I've started Christmas gifts.

I also did a thing last month that I can't talk about right now but it's exciting, and as soon as I can tell you about it, I will. Have a great week.

February 2020

Yes, it's been awhile since my last post. Working on finding some kind of balance in this one life I have has been daunting to say the least. Anyway, lots on the table this year. This decade. My knee is getting better from surgery last year. I'm back at the job and I'm looking for a new one. Which is another job. Wish me luck. Working on more exercising and eating better. That will work out when Lent comes. I will be able to focus on what I put in my body. I have finished up some projects and still working on others from last year. The last decade was full of heartache, turmoil, and frustration. So here's to the new decade and year.

So far:

• Submitted two short stories for possible online publication
• Finally tacked down the binding of my Double Irish Chain quilt that I started in 2016
• I've been doing little sketches on a regular basis, will turn some into better drawings
• I've been writing on a regular basis, working on editing a pile of stories
• Got a pin loom and I'm learning how to weave on it. I have other plans for the finished pieces. Don't know if it will work or not for what I have in mind but I've got to start somewhere
• Learning more ways to applique and embroider, also for future projects
• Participating in the art challenge 29 Faces for the month of February

From last year been working on some Frida Kahlo dolls.

Also from last year, Christmas ornaments for co-workers.

I bought myself a Wattle & Loop (out of Australia) embroidery/applique kit. I have lots of ideas but wanted to see their process.

Yes, it's the Year of the Rat. These two were commissioned after I drew and showed one for the front page of my Bullet Journal for January.

The mending of my favorite pair of pants that I've had since forever. Like almost 30 years. Cotton twill and they don't make pants like this anymore. Mending the holes, then covering them with hexies. I will stitch hexies all over the pants. I'm also going to work on one of my favorite sweaters that has seen better days. Going to try not to buy more clothes but get back to making my own.

First four of my 29 Faces.

And my Double Irish Chain quilt.

I have missed blogging. If only to keep my wits about myself. I don't know if anyone will read this. Or if they get anything useful out of this but I will keep going. Life is truly a journey if not a very wacky trip. Have a good rest of the week.

Another One Bites the Dust

I more ways than one. Two years ago I moved back to Michigan. There were many reasons for the move and today I really want to bury them. I do miss the south. I never thought I would say that but I do. Would I move back if I could? In a heartbeat. But that's not going to happen right now. I battled severe depression. Not knowing what I was going to do. Not sure of anything. I kept going, struggling to keep my head above water and I found some work. Last year I got back to doing doll shows. I was able to have my work in a stage production. Travel a bit up north with an old friend and a new one. There were lots of creative stops and starts. Nothing concrete, nothing serious, just going through the motions.

Two years. I keep telling myself that they weren't wasted. That I had to rediscover me again. Figure out what I want to do the rest of whatever number of days I'm given. It's hard. Being nice to me. Figuring out what I want and telling myself that it's okay to go for it. I'm looking for another job. The work that's out there and what I can do don't match up. That is unfortunate and the struggle is real. But I'm in a better place than I was two years ago. I gotta live for me now. Create some kick butt art. Learn how to play an instrument. Sew for me. Make really cool things for me and the people who love me. I'm not done yet. Just heating up.

So today I wrap up February. The first two months of this new year have been quite challenging. But the days are getting longer and spring is coming. I did manage to finish the art challenge 29 Faces. I was determined to do so. Now I've got to put that determination in other creative areas. Cow pies happen. You step in them, they're thrown at you, dumped on your head and you ask the universe, "Really?" But then you can mix those cow pies with mud and make a hut. Paint it with pretty colors and have a garden out front. It's all how you think about things. Here are the rest of my faces.

I will continue to do faces because they are part of a project that I want to do. I will pack up books I'm not using, straighten my work area for projects old and new, draw and paint more, and work on a nice summer wardrobe for me. I started writing down places to go for day trips this spring and summer.

My journey continues.

#29faces

More Faces

The one thing that I'm staying abreast of is drawing these faces. So here are some more until Monday when I can really get back to creating things.

I also bought fabric for aprons for mom's church ladies. That's all washed and ready to be cut out.

This has been the weirdest month and a half for a new year. I don't know... the Polar Vortex probably messed up things. Can't truly trust forecasters because when they say things will be clear, there's more snow. Being stuck in has given me some time to think about where to permanently reside. That's a tough one.

#29faces

Today

My first day off to be creative and I got a little ahead on my art challenge. Faces 9 thru 12. And I got the last batch of cloth dolls stuffed and ready to get faces on. Probably tomorrow. My goal is to have them finished by the end of the week.

#29faces

Onward

Well it looks like Google+ and Blogger are changing up things. More reading I guess. Kind of hate change but what are ya gonna do? Okay then...

I'm working on keeping up with the art challenge 29 Faces and I'm up to 8. Seems like the guys are getting more attention than the ladies. That's all right, I need to practice on male faces anyway. I have no idea if there is any direction with these guys or things are just happening. We shall see.

I like guys in most beards. LOL

#29faces

Getting Started

Yes, getting started. I finally got a chance to watch Puppy Bowl. The puppies up for adoption were so cute. And the puppy sports commentary was hilarious. There were even baby kangaroo cheerleaders. I was able to get two faces done for the 29 Face art challenge this month. I don't have a style or subject I want to stick to this time around, so I will just do some faces.

I do think I will try more male faces. I really need to practice those. That's it for now.

#29faces

Hello February!

Where do I start? First off, February is going to be my start month for 2019 because January kind of sucked. It was very weird, starting day one. I came into contact of 2 Debbie Downers and from there, everything just went downhill. I didn't produce much of anything. I was in a void and I didn't know what was going on. I blame all the lunar events that were happening. Blood Moon, Wolf Moon, eclipse, and then to top it off with the Polar Vortex thing... UGH! And so many friends and acquaintances also suffering from creative stagnation and just being ill. Things breaking down. Like I said, January sucketh.

But now it's February. A new month. A short month. I'm feeling better but I'm a bit afraid to do so. I've got plans. I've decided to go all out to make totally different things. I will still do cloth dolls but a different variety of cloth dolls. I'll explain in the future. I'm truly going to give myself permission to make whatever the heck I want. If people like it, great. If not, that's okay too but the little monsters are crowding my tiny brain. Yesterday, I started some new pieces. I have no idea what I'm doing. I didn't have the right materials for one group and used what I had. Really going to have to improvise a bit and that's okay too. Stop stressing and overthinking and just make something. You know.

Two different groups going on in the top photo. I have an idea and they're works in progress. The goal is to have them done by the end of the month. And that's Boris in the back with his nifty red and white scarf on.

I want to participate in the art challenge 29 Faces this month too. I've been practicing last month on the refrigerator calendar. I think I will try more male faces. I do need to practice those.

So I'm off to a start of a very busy month. A creative month. Because spring is coming. I know we have to get through February and March (we could get more snow) but spring will eventually get here.

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.

I Am A Work In Progress

Yes, I am. I've been busy and finally got something done for this week. I also got back to working on my male bed dolls and continued to work on a free doll pattern from another artist. These things should have been done last month but they are getting done and worked on now. So that's a good thing. I finished ten Cauldron Critters. I will do a better pic later.

I am also a bit behind on my 29 Faces but I will work on that today. Have a good day!

Day 2

This is all I have for right now. Got sidetracked by some family business that needed tending to.

I may have to do 2 versions of her. One in black and white and the other in color.
#29faces

Hello February!

Well... January was a bust but that's okay. Sometimes you need a fake start to get to the real one. I pray that the universe will be kind this month so I can get some things done but who am I kidding? So here's the first bit of art for the month. Oh, I'm also attempting 29 Faces this year.

#29faces

A Rambling No Pic Post - September

Eegads! Gazooks! Heck!

It's September y'all. A brand new month. We're in the third quarter of the year. The older I get, time just doesn't seem to like me anymore. But that's okay. I'm tough. Most of the time. I'm in a 'Never give up, never surrender' mode. I think. I did say this was rambling. So many disasters happening around the country right now. I say my prayers, send goddess vibes, and do what I can to make things a little bit brighter. Because right now, that's all I've got. Smile at a total stranger when I'm out and about. Wave greetings to people. Call a friend I haven't spoken to in years to just hear their voice because time goes on.

I am here in Michigan. I've come to the conclusion that I will be here for awhile and things will be okay. My Tribe is a good size and they believe in me. I'm ready to start believing in me... again. And I will continue to do so because life can throw some nasty things at you. Two more months until that wonderful time of the year. Halloween. Already leaves are changing colors overnight. The temps are staying south of 80, way south most days. We'll probably get and Indian summer in October. Or maybe not. But I'm ready for my first northern winter in eleven years.

So what's on the docket for the month? First I'm finishing up some doll dresses for another artist. I'm almost done with a witch doll and Raggedy Ann just needs a new dress. I will be participating in 29 Faces this month and get going on some new witches and Halloween things. I rewrote a draft to a mid-grade story that just wasn't working out. One more short story is ready for another draft. And a friend has invited up north to her dad's cabin. By a lake. Ha! That's so Halloween. I'll let you know how that goes. At first nothing was really going on in my life. Now, I'm out to change that, so expect a few more posts than usual. And I've got to make something for Halloween. I've been invited to a party. Hang in there peeps. I am.

Challenge Complete!

I finished my faces for 29 Faces - September 2016. Yay me!

And I longarmed another quilt.

Onward

The adventure is still in it's baby phase and that's okay. One day at a time. Got the binding stitched down on five more mug rugs and two more faces were added to my 29 Faces challenge.

The mug rugs below show each side.

The same with these. Bears on one side and bear paws on the other.

29 Faces

Number 26 of 29 Faces.

And my latest mug rugs. The top is the back and the bottom is the front. Or vice versa. Whatever floats your boat.

29 Faces Continues

I'm almost done with my 29 Faces for the month. I may continue to do them for October too. So here we go...

#29faces