More Journalling Fun

Another journal spread using some of my favourite colours and techniques but combined in ways I haven't necessarily done before. It's very freeing just to play with materials and see what happens without there needing to be 'art' at the end of it!

Doll Face

 

A bit of whimsy today; two ACEOs I made from odds and ends I had lying around on my desk plus beeswax to hold them all together. I adore these little doll faces I got from Kris a while back. Art cards are both fun and challenging to make as you have such a small space to work on but they are perfect for experimenting with and for showing off small treasures.

 

Kokeshi Mini-Me

 

If you've not already noticed, I have quite a few obsessions and one of the top ones is for all things Japanese. So when my lovely girl got me this kokeshi for Christmas I was all kinds of thrilled!

She chose it because of its name - dancing girl - so of course I was bound to love it, but just take a look at the whole package. The doll has her own little inflatable carrier for protection and even the box she was in is beautifully designed and printed. And that is one of the reasons why I adore Japanese design whether classical or kawaii. There is so much thought put into every aspect of presentation, making unwrapping a gift as much a real treat as the gift itself. Bliss!

Blythe Spirit

Lucille is all ready for a new spring wardrobe so I made a few clothes for her and then was enjoying fiddling with tiny bits of fabric so much that I made a few more which I put up in my other Etsy shop.

I am noticing the passage of the years though. I now find it much harder to thread a needle or to work on dark fabric; these old eyes aren't what they were. The black and white dress was a particular challenge as it's thin, silky fabric made me decide to hand sew it rather than risk my machine chewing it up. But that black was not easy I tell ya! Still I like the super cute result so it was worth it.

Dolly Daydream

More clothes for the girls today, a summer tee and skirt modelled by Lucille. I'm on a bit of a t-shirt making spree at the moment and these are like instant gratification as they're tiny and cute. They, and lots of other dolly clothes, are available in my Etsy shop.

I am also delighted to have had the honour of being featured in DharmaDesigns blog. Click here to see the interview and have a good look round while you're there at all the excellent features she does on Etsy artists!

Happy weekend!

Konichi-Wa

I've been working on a bunch of commissions lately which I absolutely love. There's something really exhilarating about creating things specifically for a customer; perhaps it's the process of communication and discovery, but whatever, I do find it fascinating.

This is a kimono I designed and made for my friend Adrienne to fit a new addition to her family. The fabric is a Kona Bay one (I think) from my quilting horde which I often look at longingly. If there were only more hours in the day...

Knit Wit

Another bit of Blythe couture today. This is a dress I designed from scratch, the first time I've ever done that, and I'm pleased with how it turned out. The nice thing about making doll clothes is if you make a mistake it's not a big deal to pull the work back and correct it!

A Bit Dolly

So I mentioned in a previous post that I was making doll clothes. Well I have recently acquired a pullip doll - Korean designed 'big eyed' dolls made in Japan - as company for my Blythe. I know, dolls huh?

Yes well for years I didn't 'get' them at all. Then one day I did. Can't explain it other than to say I've heard many other Blythe devotees make similar comments, plus I am just a bit obssessed with all things Japanese. Anyway both my girls were starkers when I got them so naturally I had to make them something to wear. And I may have got a little bit carried away with the cute factor, so I decided to start offering a few bits and pieces on my website and etsy before the dolly wardrobe bursts at the seams!