Girl #3

I've signed up to participate in a craft show on October 25th which will start early in the morning to mid-afternoon. Then in the evening, we're going to a costume Halloween party (haven't done that since the 70s). Between now and the 25th, I will be busy making cards and dolls to sell and Halloween costumes for hubby and I to wear to the party.

Girl #2

I did this drawing with ink, watercolour pencil and pencil crayons. Just a little practice with a brush before I dive into the acrylic paints.

First Drawing of Girl

To prepare for my first attempt at painting again (after a very long absence), I will be posting some of my "practice" sketches. I have tons of discarded, blank on one side computer paper so might as well draw on the paper rather than use it for fire starter.

Look What I Bought!

Just arrived in the mail today is the above painting I bought from folk artist Annie Lane. I want to start painting again myself and have been scouring Internet photo albums and blogs for ideas. That's when I found Annie Lane on the online art gallery www.yessy.com.

I loved this painting as soon as I saw it. Look at the expression on the dog's face and the perked ears. I am so pleased with this work. I think Annie has found herself a repeat customer.

Look What I Won!

The above painting is what I won from Heather of Audrey Eclectic. This is the giveaway she offered to commemorate her first year of blogging. Funny thing is I had only just discovered her blog and her artwork prior to the draw and well, didn't I win. I think Heather's work is really neat so take a moment to scroll through her blog.

Navy and Pink Face Brooch

Presently, I have a couple of unfinished dolls that I intended to work on. As usual, I got distracted and dove into a different project. I read about an interesting swap on Monica's Girl Gone Thread Wild blog that I thought would be fun. Sassy Art Goddess is hosting the fourth annual Beaded Face Swap. The challenge is to "create a brooch/pin no larger that 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches. Anything goes for the face as long as it implies a human face and has SOME beads."

I don't have a problem with the face part but I have stated before that I'm a simpleton when it comes to beadwork. You're probably supposed to use special needles and thread and work with a pre-stuffed form. I use regular needles and thread and work flat.

What you see above is what I came up with. Now I've looked at the previous years' submissions and they are impressive. Most of them are loaded with artfully and skillfully arranged beads surrounding 3D (polymer clay?) faces. My face is 2D on cloth with fewer beads.

I'll have to think about whether or not to submit this. Maybe I'll take another stab at it...or maybe not.

First Prize

I was floored when I learned that this little dolly of mine won First Prize in the Stuffed Doll or Animal category at our local Fall Fair.

Like the man said "It's déjà vu all over again". This is the second time in my life that I've been honoured with a red ribbon. The first time was almost 50 years ago when I took first place in a sprint competition at our grade school field day event. I was very proud of myself back then and after that, I never went on to do another athletic thing. This time, for not being so proud, I hope the sewing gods will continue to shine on me.

Beautiful Art With Vintage Sewing Patterns

Check out the following links if you'd like to see how this talented artist has utilized images of vintage sewing patterns in her art. I think these are brilliant.

Heart Bombs

Splat Went Her Heart

Orange Crush

Simplicity Patterns for the Modern Woman

I'll Fly Away

The artist is Kelly Price-Colston. Here is her website if you'd like to see more of her work. I just posted links to the ones with vintage patterns because I love vintage sewing patterns.

Green Floral Doll

Here's what I'm working on at the moment. She is ready to be stitched. I decided to give this lucky lady some arms. Maybe the next one will get to grow some legs too.

Yesterday, after a long day of work and travelling, hubby came home for a quick dinner and kindly drove me into town to deliver my entry (see previous post) to the Fall Fair. The entries were judged last night. I don't know yet whether or not I earned a ribbon in my category which was "Stuffed Animal or Doll - any medium - with sample - no kits." I've never entered anything in the fair before, so I wasn't sure what "with sample" meant. I was guessing that they wanted to see the leftover cuttings from the fabrics I used to make sure that the work was original. Thank goodness I guessed right and remembered to bring the samples along.

I am very curious to see the other submissions in my category. In fact, now that I am a participant, I will pay closer attention to all the handiwork. In years past, I could usually be found spending an inordinate amount of time ogling the carrots and the beets - maybe because I'm a veggie. This time the handiwork will get equal time.

My Entry For The Fall Fair

This is the doll I am going to enter in our local Fall Fair. Click on the image for a better view. I am extremely pleased with the way she looks in person. The photo does not do her justice.

Blue Goddess With White Hair