Still Here!

Yep, still here. It's been rough getting used to being in a new place even though I'm from the state I've since relocated to.  But I am made of some strong stuff and after some creative soul searching, I'm ready to move on. After all, it's my life and I plan on making it special and leaving one heck of a creative legacy behind. I'm still trying to find a blog design that I like and may end up going back to a tried and true one that I've used before. Sometimes change is good, sometimes... not so much.

I've done some more sketches, working on where some things are going but I'm ready to get back to Halloween. That's coming up so fast and I've got an idea for a couple of other projects. Still in the gestational stage but I'm getting a few likes. The little guys below may or may not be totems. I've pulled some fabric and trims. I guess I'll just have to make one.

Missy is so excited about having her school photos taken. She's been waiting a long time.

And I had to sketch out some monsters. Very rough and something more detailed will follow soon. A bit excited about these guys.

Writing is coming along too and I hope to share more information about that. I'll be working on the fourth draft of one short story, third draft on another, and started another. And they are all over the place. Two paranormal and one romantic comedy. More like unusual romance. Yeah, because there may be a body found. That's all for now. Take care.

One Week In

Wow! The new month is off and running. My finger is a lot better. Typing has gotten better. I was able to wash said finger today with soap and water. No bandage. Yay! I was able to do some sketching and painted a picture in my sketchbook. Straightened my work area so that come Monday I can get back to making things out of some Creative Paperclay. I've been writing some and today I will retype a short story. I also want to watch a movie again to look at the costumes because I want to do that too. It will be my take on something. Considering the nightmares and nonsense going on in the world...

I am okay.

These are sketches of forest folk. Just wanting to get into sketching more.

And this is Sania, a zombie, who is ready for spring so she can get some sun.

Acrylic on watercolor paper. Have a great weekend.

A little Bit...

I promised some friends snail mail art. I've got tons of tiny sketches, I now have to put them on nice paper and paint or use color pencils to finish. Here are the first two.

Yee Haw!

Getting settled into the new studio. I've been busy quilting and you can go on over to www.wendybquilts.blogspot.com to see those quilts. I'm still thinking about decorating the place but that may have to wait until after the holidays. You know what? I'm feeling lots better. In most areas. One quilt was giving me the blues, so I took off Saturday afternoon and Sunday to not do anything quilt related. I refused to think about quilts. I watched a series from Australia on Netflix, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, worked on my mitten, and read. I went back into the studio yesterday and finished the unruly quilt. It turned out quite well. But... but, I did something else that I hadn't done in years. I did some sketching on some new zombie Christmas ornaments. It didn't stop there. I made a pattern, got fabric, cut out and sewed five of the little buggers. I stuffed them when I got back to the apartment and will attach heads today.

I can't believe I created something else in the studio that wasn't quilt related. It felt really good to go from sketch to actually putting something together. Usually I just sketch and put them away. Into a sketch purgatory. I should rescue them. So I'm still here. Got a busy day today. Lots of running around. I'll let you know how it turns out.

What Not to Eat Before Bed

Note to self: Do not eat hot wings, have a glass of wine and a glass of beer before bed. I did that last night and I had the craziest dreams. Do not believe anyone who tells you that we all dream in black and white. Nope. Not this gal. It was all in Technicolor with surround sound.

The Dream
I was in an office building and I started hearing gunshots. People were screaming and running. I ran out of the office I was in and saw a woman shooting people and a man with a very large chainsaw, like for very big trees. I ran the other way and up a flight of stairs to the end of a hall and into a room. Some others followed me. We hid in this room that hadn't been used in awhile because everything in it was dusty. The room was filled with old sewing machines and sewing materials, including some large shears. There had to be about eight of us in the room and we were all catching our breaths, waiting for the cops to show up.

The door burst open and in ran a young man in olive green polyester pants. He was screaming. He shut the door but the guy behind him broke through. The guy with the chainsaw. He ran in and started hacking up people. I looked around and no one was grabbing the large shears to throw at the guy. I ran out the door, poly guy and some others followed me.

We got down to the lobby and there was blood all over the place, but no bodies. I continued to hear gunfire. I started towards the door but it was booby trapped with a large homemade hand grenade, grey in color. Couldn't exit through the door. I told myself, "This is not the day I die." I looked at the windows and decided to break one of them. There were a couple of chairs around. A little voice in my head said that I wouldn't be able to do it. I replied, watch me. I picked up a chair and hit one of the glass panes. It fell out its holdings toward the street. Gunfire was getting closer. I ran outside with others behind.

Now, the people on the street were just walking around like nothing was happening. No cops. Anywhere. Then the lady with the gun, who saw us leaving the building, followed us outside and started shooting people. She ran out of bullets. I don't know what I grabbed but it was big and heavy and I hit her with it. She looked stunned, so I did an upswing and hit her again. She started to wobble and I hit her again and she finally fell to the ground. I jumped her and started shoving her face into the pavement, telling her not to move. Of course she wasn't listening so her face got more pavement. I told poly guy to grab her hands so she wouldn't get away. I had a knee in her back and looked up to stupid people just staring at me. I said, "Will someone call the f****** cops!" Finally heard sirens, then the chainsaw boyfriend came out and started slashing people. The cops arrived and shot him dead. The gun lady was trying to talk. She got more pavement to the face.

My alarm clock went off. I asked myself, what the heck was that? I turned the alarm off and rolled over to...

Dream 2
I was in a school. I had given a presentation earlier and I hear gunfire. I say to myself, 'Again?' I was starting to feel like John McClaine. There's a window with glass in the door of the classroom, about adult height. I look out and see a gunman, dressed all in black heading towards the room with me, a female teacher, and a bunch of scared kids. I tell her to spread the kids along the side walls of the classroom, away from view. The gunman came through the door, the teacher and I slammed the door on his arm, he dropped his pistol. I grabbed the pistol, he pushed through the door and I shot him in the throat. No use fooling around. A male teacher ran into the room and pulled the bad guy out of the way. We told the female teacher to take the kids and run. Half of them made it down the hall and out of a side door, when another gunman came our way. We told the kids to hide in the closet and the male teacher and I started pushing the desk and chairs in front of the door. The gunman broke the glass in the window with a rifle butt and started shooting into the classroom. The teacher and I ducked, didn't get hit with any bullets. The gunman pushed through our meager defenses, saw the male teacher, took aim. Before he could pull the trigger, I shot him in the leg. He went down. The male teacher grabbed the rifle and shot the bad guy in the chest. I asked, "Is that it?" I wanted to add, are you stupid? I then shot the bad guy in the face. Double tap. This guy was a terrorist, probably with a bullet proof vest on. I've seen enough Jason and Michael and zombie movies to know that.

I woke up after that because nature was calling. But what the heck? What does that mean? Besides the fact that I shouldn't have that combination of eats before bed. That my new business venture is off to a great start. That I shouldn't feel down because it's slow going right now. That it's not the time to be a victim but to go ahead, full steam ahead. That what I want is worth fighting for. That I can do it by myself but I'll get help along the way.

I told a friend (the one who took me out to eat last night) the dreams I had this morning. At first he wasn't interested but as I continued the dream (because it was so long, movie lenght), he couldn't believe it. Then I told him the second dream and he finally said, "What the heck was that about?" I said, "Probably to not give up on this new business, don't give up." Then he said, "Or you're tired." He laughed and said, "You're very tired so get back to sewing." Yep, that's a guy for you.

Yes, get back to sewing. I've got a Nine Patch waiting for me. Coffee is almost gone. I may need some more. So, avoid that food combination before bed. Then again, it's... Never Give Up, Never Surrender. Galaxy Quest.

Have a FANTABULOUS day y'all!

Artist of the Month

I am featured Artist of the Month at Olde Mill Eclective at the Bethania Mill Shops. Yay me! If you're in Bethania, NC, stop by and see my setup. It will be up until the end of October. There are other lovely shops in the mill and Muddy Creek Cafe is right next door. Yummy food and local beers. There's parking in the back, and if that's crowded, there's parking at the Bethania Visitor's Center across the street.

Olde Mill Eclective

in the 

Bethania Mill Shops

5455 Bethania Rd

Winston-Salem, NC 27100

336.813.3774

We are also on Facebook. www.facebook.com/oldemilleclective

Be sure to support your local businesses, shops, and artists this holiday season. Thanks!

One Week In

Wow! The first week of October is a wrap. Again, time flies whether you're having fun or not. I did rally from the crushed finger to the leaky kitchen sink to finish some things. Next in line, Frank's Monsters and ghoulish bunners.

Frank Jr, Fagan, Fairfax, and Fabian. They are pin/ornaments.

Buckey and Topher had a run-in with some veggies that have gone bad.

I guess it could be 'Revenge of the Veggies'.

I'm still working on items for the shop. I'm hoping I can start on some more detailed pieces this week.

Cauldron Critters

I love my little voodoo doll pins/ornaments and they now have company. Cauldron Critters, because they're in a cauldron.

 I wanted to put a pumpkin face on the cauldron but that will have to wait.

Some of these critters have a 'Y' incision.

 My latest batch of voodoo doll pins. The green ones are witches.

Here are my zombie bunners in progress.

 This picture looks like a bunner mugshot. They were caught with a carrot still.

There's more coming.

Bat Heart Ornaments

Something new for Olde Mill Eclective. I will put them in the shop this week for the Black Walnut Festival and will make more for the month of October. Need some things with a lower price point that won't take a lot of time to put together. They were fun to do.

Here are more ornaments in progress. Right now I'm calling them Cauldron Critters because they will be displayed in a cauldron. Makes sense to me. They are another version of a voodoo/zombie/undead thingy.
I have some fancy yarn for some of the guts.

I designed, cut out, sewed and stuffed these little guys yesterday. Got tired around 11 on the PM. I was going to stop around 9 last night but something, probably Good Wendy said to keep going. I really like how I can make my own schedule. I'm getting a late start today but I feel good creatively because I'm finally getting things done. I do have the rest of the day and night. Tomorrow will be different because I have to have a plumber look at my kitchen sink and who knows how long he'll be making noise. It's all good. Gotta have a functioning sink and I'm getting better at creating when things interrupt me or go wrong. That's a good thing.

Catching Up

It's been a rough summer and I'm glad it's ending this week. I'm so ready for fall. I don't do well with hot and humid temperatures and it makes me sluggish. Creativity was at an all time low. Now it's getting cooler and I am ready for that to be a bit more consistent too. I am working on projects that are almost done and finishing up others before starting new ones. It's like keeping my studio and apartment straightened to keep creative energy flowing properly.

My latest Bless This House block, #6. Done on time. Here's my quilt/applique list for the rest of the year.

• complete all Bless This House  blocks
• finish the last block of Hop To It from last year's quilt and put all blocks together
• buy fabric and finish my flannel Trip Around the World throw

 I'm also working on my latest batch of voodoo doll pins and I will show a pic of them in the next couple of days. I had started two zombie bunnies and they will get done by the end of the week.

I am going to be featured Artist of the Month at Olde Mill Eclective next month. I am the go-to person for Halloween. I am working on pieces for that too. Not a lot of little pieces but nicer one-of-a-kind pieces. Something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I have been sketching and now it's time to have those sketches become something 3D. And I'm almost done with my short stay. Eegads! I have a skellie pirate vest I want to make too. October 1, I pull out the Halloween stuff. Well... I have some of it out already but it will be time to bring it all out. Have a great week all!

Sorry!

Yes, I'm still battling some wicked anti-creative demons. They will not win. A friend suggested I do an 'Elephant Day' when things get really bad and the fear and procrastination set in. An elephant day, she said to get an elephant. Not a real one. But any kind of stuffed, or clay, or I could even draw one. Put him in the center of my living room and visualize taking a bite out of him. With each bite, I do something creative. Of course Bad Wendy stepped up to the plate and said we couldn't try it because we don't have an elephant. Good Wendy gave her the side eye. She also said that once I got back on track, to put the elephant away until next time I get a block or the battle seems dire.

Here are a few things I've finished and have been working on.

Finally got my mini plush monsters done. They will be for the Krankie's Holiday Craft Fair.

And I got another zombie head done. She could be a ghoul. I guess she'll tell me later. I have been writing too. Got another chapter to my mid-grade book edited. My goal is to finish this last edit and start looking for an agent. I have also been sketching and will try and get some pics up this week. It's also getting to be a busy time for me with Halloween coming up and then Christmas but I will try to do a lot better. I still owe you a list for the month.

I'd like to welcome Machelle Benson to the party.

3 More Heads

I've started three more paper clay heads. Two Males and a female. They haven't told me if they're going to be zombies or ghouls. I'll have to check to see if there's a big difference. They could be distant relations. You know how families are.

The co op I'm a member of opens September 1, 2012 at the Old Mill Shops in Bethania, NC. Our shop is called Olde Mill Eclective and it represents a group of eclectic artist.

Zombie Couple Done

I finished my first commission since I started on my new creative journey. A zombie wedding couple to be given to a husband by his wife on their wedding anniversary. Hubby likes zombies. It works for me. I'm pleased by the way they turned out and their new mom loves them. I also go another commission.

In Progress

I was having fun this past weekend.

Pictureless Post

Yeah, I know, another pictureless post. This month has been kicking my butt. Part of me wants to run and hide, the other part of me wants to continue to share. That maybe through my journey, I can help someone else. Or give them a good laugh.

Even though I had won a skirmish, doubt, fear, loathing, and friends queued up to give me a thorough bashing. I did go to that place of darkness. It was not fun. I don't know what was going on. Probably that damn meteor shower messing with my frequencies. I asked myself what I wanted and that was to be at a particular con next year. I asked myself what I needed to do to get there, and I told myself to finish this zombie couple for a friend. Then something happened. Good Wendy told me that my integrity was at stake. My word. I told my friend I would have the figures done as a gift for her husband. I care for my friend and I care for me. So I put my Kevlar underpants and bra on and got busy.

I'm working in a new medium, air dry clay. Yes, I thought that I was so wonderful that works of art would spew forth from my fingers. Um... sure. I had to keep reminding myself that with anything new, there is a learning curve. Unlike cloth, this stuff is wet when you work with it. You have to keep unused clay covered so it won't dry out. I had to figure out which tools would work and for what. Remember putting glue on your hands and then peeling it off? Like that but messier. There's something about starting with a piece of foil, mushing clay, and creating a face. Do they look like I wanted them to look? No. But that's okay because they have their own personality. They were very happy that I didn't give up on them. Are they perfect? No. But I like them. They are my new creations. I will grow creatively with each new piece.

The past two weeks are gone, as well as yesterday. I'm back on track. I am still afraid but that fear is now pushing me forward because I know what can be. I will work to have some pics in progress tonight. Thanks for reading.

Works in Progress

Sometimes you just have to get away and I'm so glad I have great friends in my corner. They shanghaied me yesterday. This month just isn't going well. Maya was going to take me to Mt Airy but her car protested so she took us (Amanda too) to the movies and we saw the latest Ice Age. Wonderful flick. Then she invited me over for dinner. I needed to get out of the apartment so that I could breathe and laugh. I needed that.

I have been more consistent with my writing and editing. I really doing a great job on edit #4 on my Map Hunter manuscript. The goal is to write new material and edit old material everyday, no matter what. Even if it's just for 15 minutes each. Map Hunter is the adventure I wanted to read when I was a kid. The main character looks like me.

I also managed to cover more heads with tape.

And a pair of lower legs. The tiny ones will be covered with polymer clay, the larger heads with Creative Paper Clay. That's what I'm using now. I've tried other air dry clays, but I have this on hand.

Ready for a Paint Job

Busy, busy, busy me. Working very hard to stay focused on these dolls for the Quinlan Convention Show & Sale. I'm so excited. And wouldn't you know it? My brain is overflowing with new doll ideas. Say what? All I can do is write everything down and do lots of sketching. I feel great. I feel alive. I feel at peace.

Works in Progress- April

Oh my! Missed Friday's blog. Sorry. I was in the emergency clinic all afternoon. My knee had swelled, I was in a lot of pain and it wasn't pretty. Got checked out, a prescription for inflammation and pain and a knee brace. Just when you think things are going great, the universe tests you by throwing banana peels, marbles, and whipped cream on the floor in front of you. Yes, it was frustrating and annoying because it was another bill. Six years ago I would have crumbled up and cried my eyes out and asked, "Why me? Why now". But because I'm stronger and more secure of who I am, I cried only a little bit. Took a deep breath and kept going. Heck! I'm going to the Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Convention, Show and Sale.

I did have a lot of catching up to do because I was in pain and when you're in pain, the brain just says 'no'. So here's some of what I've been working on. I still have a week to get things done for the show. I am very excited to be going and a part of that show.

Here are some of the Prim Dollies I will take. They still need some decoration and their hair.

And here are my zombie dolls and bunnies. Initial paint job. Still sewing and will be getting other dollies dressed today. I also have more voodoo doll pins in the works. Thanks for stopping by.

Zombie Blanks

I'm calling my dolls that are put together but not actually done, blanks. I think I may have to have a finishing marathon soon. Here are my regular and bunny zombie dolls. I can't wait to get started on them.

I'm working on being more consistent with my blog postings. I'd like to post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Here we go!

2 Very Large Dolls

I rarely make large dolls. One, because I live in an apartment and don't have a lot of space; two, because it takes so much stuffing. I didn't mean to make these two so big but it happened. and they seem to be happy. I may tweak the pattern a bit but I already have more ideas for them in the near future. I probably won't be making a gazillion of them but a few more in in queue.

As you can see, they have very long legs only partially stuffed so that the legs can dangle or be posed into a cross legged position. They have big feet. I wonder what that's telling me? The flap that was made makes a nice bottom. I have a pouch of pellets there and then I stuffed very well. I want to make some Mardi Gras ones or a zombie or two.

I really like button eyes and they have fabric noses and embroidered mouths and eyebrows. They may get rosy cheeks and I'm still waiting for that distress stuff. They will have fabric strips for hair. Gotta work to get that on today, along with their dresses. Well, I've got to get going. A few errands await and then back to the grindstone.

Have a happy day.