Happy New Year!

Hoping for a better world in 2018!

Whew! Finished a Santa Doll in the Nick of Time

Last year I made a Santa doll for my eldest son and his SO. Which, of course, means I need to make one for my youngest son and his family. I've just finished, and with no time to spare as we're celebrating our Christmas tomorrow.

 

This is "Reindeer & Santa" from a pattern by Karen Nieforth of B&K Creations/Primitives Collections. When not seated, this Santa is about 17 inches tall.

 

Now to find a suitable box and get him wrapped and under the tree.

Merry Christmas!

You know, I'm getting pretty good at Photoshopping these vintage cards to tidy up the borders, and removing defects and watermarks. Thought I'd better post this today, as hubby and I'll be working tomorrow.

 

We'll celebrate our holiday next weekend. Hope the weather cooperates, with minimal snow and ice over the coast range. 

 

I'd love to be able to sew a Santa doll for a family member, but the week will be quite full. Most of the shopping is done. This is the first year I had a day to send out Christmas cards, only to find that the box of "30 handcrafted cards" contained just that. No envelopes - so special ordered some that arrived yesterday. Very frustrating.  

Life Book 2017 November Lessons

http://willowing.ning.com/

 

http://melissadinwiddie.com/

http://whitneyfreya.com/

 

https://www.france-papillon.com/

 

  More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Thankful Today

Giving thanks today.

Happy Halloween!

It's a chilly Halloween morning, but at least it's not raining this year!

Great Columbia Crossing 2017

While it's raining and blowing here today, this past Sunday was a spectactular day for the 2017 Great Columbia Crossing, a 10k walk/run that starts at the Dismal Nitch Rest Area in Washington, and ends near the West Mooring Basin in Astoria. Last year's event was cancelled (for the first time) due to a forecasted severe storm.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is 4.2 miles in length, spanning the mighty Columbia River. The uphill portion of the bridge is a little more than 3,250 feet, which is about .61 of a mile. The hill starts about 3.9 miles into the race. The bridge crest is about 4.5 miles into the race. The grade of the hill is 5.62%, or a little less than a 4° slope.

Just check out some of these photos:

 

Taken from Dismal Nitch shortly after we arrived at the start. Nippy (39F degrees). 

Also taken from the Dismal Nitch start. Warming up slightly.

 

Take from the span of the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Washington and Oregon.



Another Year of Life Book

I did it again, even knowing my free time is limited. I signed up for Life Book 2018. What can I say? It's brought me joy, and has taught me new and interesting mixed media techniques. You can find out more about this year-long online course at https://www.willowing.org/product/life-book-2018

I've still got many lessons to finish from the 2016 and 2017 courses, but I'm slowly catching up. I'm only 7+ years away from retirement!

 

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Life Book 2017 October Lessons

http://www.donnamulhollandstudio.com/

 

http://ateliersusanatavares.blogspot.com/

 

https://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/

 

http://agirlandherbrush.com/

http://tracyverdugo.com/

 

http://balzerdesigns.com/

 

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Life Book 2017 September Lessons

http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/

 

 

http://daradines.com/

 

 

http://www.theradiantmama.com/ 

 

http://www.anniehamman.com/

 

http://www.leilanijoy.com/

 

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

In the Studio

I've been itching for some creative time, but have had very little opportunity lately. Today is my one day off before a stretch of shifts and other duties, so I'm hoping to get something done before it gets too hot in the studio.
It's been a long time since I last made some of these little pin dolls/ornies, so I'm hoping to get at least one finished today. Chances are slim since it's already 11 a.m., and I've got a housewarming to go to this afternoon. And maybe a cake to bake to bring with me.

None-the-less, I'd be happy if I can at least get a good start on the wings.

 

Afternoon update:

 

 I'm using my "Heavenly Wings" pattern. You can see a few of them HERE. It's a great way to upcycle - plastic milk jugs provide the base for the wings, and the "feathers" are from silk daisies.

Another Fantastic Summer Party!

The event we look forward to every year has come and gone, and it was a huge success. We weren't sure how many would be able to attend, what with the eclipse, but the turn-out was great.

Due to our frustratingly incompatible work schedules, we were only able to really rehearse for the party a couple of times. Hopefully we can fix that for next year's party. And maybe finally come up with a name for our little group.

Photo by Deborah Cooper

Now we can plan our next big Music Night at our house, more relaxed and open to friends who just want to jam or hang with us.

Blast from the Past

After a whirlwind trip to Orlando for ODACA Day, my husband and I was talking about dolls. He told me he had a couple favorites. Bilbo is one of them. I'd forgotten all about him. He's been in storage since 2003.

I used to belong to an active doll club in St. Helens, Oregon, called the Reigning Dolls & Bears club. We would have challenges regularly, which I loved, as they really pushed our skills. We decided to have a Storybook Challenge, the dolls to be displayed at the Hillsboro Public Library. Bilbo is the result of this challenge. I pulled him out of storage and photograph him again (digital cameras have come a long way since 2003!)

After a number of years, our club lost its meeting place. And that was the end of it. I miss my fellow doll club members, but do get to see what they're up to on Facebook. You can see some club photos HERE and HERE.

Dolls for Sale

Now that I'm home from ODACA in Orlando, I've decided to list some of my finished dolls on Etsy. You can click HERE to get to my store. There are five available:

The cost of the dolls includes shipping and insurance to US addresses. All dolls are signed and dated, and all are from a non-smoking home.

Life Book 2017 August Lessons

http://www.jodiohl.com/

 

 

 

https://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/

 

http://www.gwennseemel.com/

 

 

http://www.jennifermercede.com/

 

https://www.willowing.org/ 

 

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Life Book 2017 July Lessons

http://willowing.ning.com/

 

 

https://www.jamiedoughertydesigns.com/ 

 

 

https://www.france-papillon.com/

 

 

http://whitneyfreya.com/

 

http://journalgirl.com/ 

 

http://andrea-gomoll.de/

 

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE