Art doll only's Traveling Doll Project

Team BBQ: Zeb and Calee, ditch the cirus and go home!

2011-10-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

Finally finished, long over due homecoming as the jump in a box and make their way across the state. From New York to California and every where in between.

The circus was fun but they are ready to get home with lots of fond memories of circus life.

finally home: Ginny 2 of the american pies

2011-10-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

it was worth the wait. Ginny 2 returned home yesterday after 8 months of traveling. she is glorious and i thank my tdp team (jesi, sandie, helen, lisa, mary) for all you did to make Ginny 2 come alive. i've photographed her with sister doll Ginny 1, who returned home back in the spring. these two have a lot to chat about!

Bent Willow Woman Arrives home

2011-10-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

I'm home!

My tired old feet have hit the ground in Niagara Falls, New York and I'm here to stay for a while. My what a whirlwind trip that was!

I went from my birthplace in NY to Florida, where Mary gave me my totally rockin' bod, complete with "ample cleavage" *giggle* I do miss spending the days on the farm with you, the horses, and even that questionable goat. :)

Then I was off to Connecticut, where I hung out with Paula. *Hugs to you and Neiman*

Paula decked me out in my lovely sarong, halter and some groovy jewelry. Boy did I feel the old days slippin back in...

Next I was off to the west coast; Bend, Oregon to be exact, where I spent some quality time with Sandie. She gave me a make over, put some rose back in my cheeks and flowers in my hair -- that just took me back to my time at Woodstock. Thanks for letting me share my stories, Sandie. You're one groovy chick!

Next I did some California Dreamin' with Lisa. And what girl can go to Cali without a pedi? Not I Said BWW. Lisa , that bright green nail polish was just the thing to perk up my travel weary soul. But I never expected the pink shoes. That Dorothy chick thinks her ruby slippers are cool, Honey, she hasn't seen these hot pink numbers!

"There's no place like Cali! There's no place like Cali"

Then SWISH! Back I went to Oregon, but this time to Woodburn, where I spent some lovely time with Helen, sipping rose' wind and wandering through the gardens. Talk about a green thumb! Helen has a green arm! Those flowers were beautiful.

(And that Hunky "Rock Dude" wasn't bad either - *wink wink* )

Helen, I love the bouquet that you gave me. And the medicine bag, well, what can I say? I'll cherish it always. Just remember one thing

Life's to short to drink bad wine.

And bad wine... is NO wine at all!

*Busts out laughing*

Thank you to all the American Pies who opened their homes and hearts to me.

I know Jesi was thrilled to have a little bit of all of you to keep forever

as well as the friendships you've all made.

ROCK ON American Pies!

And thanks for a lovely TRIP!

BWW

Ginny II visits her final destination

2011-10-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Ginny II arrived in Florida at the start of fall. She was surprised how hot it still was. She was tired from her long journey. We were excited upon her arrival. Ginny II told us all about her dancing days. We sat and watched old movies.

Ginny II told me how she loved to watch Fred Astaire dance. She said he just melted her heart. I think she was sweet on him.

Then Ginny II told me how she wished her shoes would sparkle. We added some glitter and she just loved it. Then, we made a base for her to sit upon.

Then Ginny 2 told me how she wanted a special skirt. Something that flowed when she danced. So we found the perfect ribbon, that was crimped, and it made the perfect skirt. We then added some silver trim around her waist to finish it off.

Then, we sat down and finished her journal. Here's a peak at some of what we wrote.

Then, it was time to say goodbye to Ginny II. We enjoyed having her stay with us, but it was time for her to return home. We wished her a safe journey, but will remember our time together.

Mary

Ginny 1 comes home: TDP 2011, Ladies of Liberty

2011-10-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I was so lucky to be on a team with tiffany koornneef and donna cooper in this year's TDP. my doll started out with no head and no legs. just a body and arms and a true story accompanying her in her journal. i got some sneak peeks of Ginny 1 as she evolved at donna's studio in illinois, and from there she was completed in oregon by tiffany. when she returned home my whole family ooohed and ahhhed. what a fantastic transformation! what attention to detail! thank you tiffany and donna for being such great communicators and such enthusiastic, top notch artists. i love everything about the finished Ginny 1. i posed her in a magnolia tree at my daughter's school, then more recently took some other photos of her, including a shot sitting on a doll wardrobe, that most coincidently has been with me forever and has the name "Ginny" painted on it! it seems to suit her, perched on top of it. she is currently residing in my living room near my daughter's dollhouse. i brought Ginna 1 into my daughter's second grade class, and the kids were so excited to (carefully) pass her around and take a closer look at all the fabulous detail. thank you again ladies of liberty. our team rocked.

Geneva is Almost Home

2011-10-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

I have had so much fun in Niagara Falls. The weather had been beautiful! The leaves are starting to turn, and I spent a lot of time just soaking up the sunshine out on the deck by the creek.

When I wasn't out on the deck, I was hanging out in the studio with the "goddesses". Autumn and Gypsy were such lovely hostesses. Bent Willow Woman came home while I was there and we had a lovely welcome home party for her.

We spent the evening listening to Jesi's new toy, a lovely old Victrola. We played music and danced into the wee hours of the morning.

I just loved Jesi's "black hat" with all it's feathers, but I did think it could use some peacock feathers to brighten it up. But then that's just my opinion. Jesi said she wanted to keep it black, but that we could add some more color to me if I wanted.

So we added some peacock blue to my wings with Angelina fibers. That really tickled! Then we did some purple-ish dots on my wings out of fantasy film. Jesi thought that I needed a throne since I was looking like a peacock princess, so she decorated a lovely seat for me so that I could show off my pretty legs and shoes.

I was enjoying my time with Jesi and the "Goddesses" but I was really missing Mary & Florida. So Jesi helped me pack up for my trip home. I have enjoyed visiting all my new friends on my travels

but really....

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!

American Pies~Gossamer Moondancer

2011-10-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Final Chapter
News Flash!!! as seen in the Fairy Newsletter of August 2011...
"Gossamer Moondancer" has been crowned!

Doing the honors was our very own Pumpkin Guy. All were gathered in the Great Hall of the fairy castle and everyone attended the coronation. They came from far and near including Santa and Dracula. This was the biggest gathering of the year.

Gossamer Moondancer wore her finest new dress of lace with her new red shoes and carried her magic bubble wand. Pumpkin Guy placed the crown of silver crochet, white pearls with a big blue rhinestone in the front, on her head and then he sprinkled fairy dust on her.

Gossamer Moondancer could be heard to exclaim "Oh My" this is the best day of my life!

Pictures were taken all around and so was The Great Portrait for the Hall of Fame wall that stands in the ball room. This picture is always taken to commemorate the occassion.

The Great Portrait

Later a reception was held in the Parlor and Tea was served accompanied by dainty Holiday Bites and Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies dipped in Grand Marnier honey chocolate Fondue.

The celebration soon moved outside and standing around the pond in the evening all the guests noticed that the moon was full and the night birds were singing. Soon Moonsparkles were appearing on the water and excitedly Gossamer Moondancer started to twirl her wand and poof she vanished.

Everyone cheered as the celebration came to a close
until next year!

Bent Willow Woman is Heading Home - American Pies

2011-10-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

I arrived in Oregon again - this time in Woodburn located in the rich Willamette Valley. Helen and I taked about where I've been over a cold glass of rose wine.

She gave me the tour. I fell in love with her backyard. Two ponds, a waterfall, fountain and flowers galore! It was a wild and wonderful place!

I met a fascinating bird by the front pond

zzzzzzzzz

And took a snooze in the adirondack chair.

As a flower child I needed some flowers. Helen fashioned a bouquet with this great peace sign attached.

I hung out with some faeries one afternoon.

When I met Forest, he said I needed a medicine bag ~ all wise women have them.

So, after we picked (and ate) some blackberries,

Helen made a golden bag with herbs and crystals inside.

My favorite place was on the deck with Rock Dude. We talked for hours.

Tomorrow I head back to Jesi in New York ~ I leave Oregon with a porcelain purse, a medicine bag and a bouquet of flowers. I've enjoyed my stay.

It's been quite a journey.

american pies/tdp 2011/kitty mermaid

2011-10-15T06:00:00.001-04:00

kitty mermaid arrived just as connecticut was preparing for hurricane irene. some folks were scurrying around buying extra water, putting away their patio furniture, making sure they had enough flashlight batteries, and kitty mermaid just waited patiently for her moment. well, it came in a big way. on the morning of the hurricane we lost power, so paula worked on her by candlelight and created a little friend for kitty to hold in her hands. a friend named irene! meow.... irene is a dazzling felt and sequin cat who will accompany kitty on her journey back to sandie nowell in oregon. as for the other irene, she left us without power for 3 days. lots to clean up in the yard, school delayed till after labor day, and lots of laundry to catch up on. travel safely, kitty and irene. this is my last visitor for the 2011 tdp. it's been fantastic, and i look forward to next year's project!

The American Pies - Gypsy Moonbeam's Last Stop...Bend Oregon

2011-10-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

It is a beautiful evening in Bend as we begin Gypsy Moonbeam's story of her adventures in Bend Oregon.
When she arrived she was already as beautiful as can be so I just wasn't sure how I could enhance the beauty that all of the other American Pies had created with her. So...I turned her loose in my studio to see what she would find...and waaa...la! She found my box of Xtra Cool Vintage Stuff.

This is Gypsy Moonbeam all finished and in her swing...now here is her story while she was here...

She found a wonderful piece of old tatting and we used it to make a pretty little headband for her. Then we poofed out her hair and added a yummy little yellow vintage velvet violet that she just loved...and oooh she liked it even more because it had come over here all the way from an antique shop in Hawaii. Next we pulled her braids back a little so we could see those "real gold" earrings she was wearing. Gypsy especially loved the vintage flowers and found a big orange one that she wanted really bad. I thought it was a little big, but she wanted it so we attached it to her waist . It was pretty stunning I have to say. Then we added a couple of acorns hanging down from it just for fun!

I had this very unique little crocheted and beaded "thing" that I had been hoarding for years. It was just very cool and Gypsy had the idea that it would make a grand purse. I was a little stingy and cut it in half and made her a shoulder bag to carry all of her gypsy treasures in. Since she was part Moonbeam I tucked a little moonstone inside her bag.

She asked me if she could have a little more color on her lips and cheeks and of course I obliged her whim.

Just when I thought we were done, she spotted the purple halo gold paint on the table and asked me to paint her nails....so I did. "Now are we done I asked"..."Nope" she said, "Please add these to my swing" as she handed me some little vintage flowers, a vintage velvet pansy and some orange chinese lanterns...oh and a velvet leaf off of an old hat. Well, While I was madly working on the swing, she sneaks downstairs to hang out with Mr. Spock!

By the time I found her she had developed a huge "crush" on Spock..."YIKES" I said, "He is a Vulcan"

Didn't matter to Gypsy...not one little bit. She just loved those ears! Up to this time her boots had been white, but now she wanted me to paint them purple. (I think that this had something to do with something that Spock had said)...so purple they became. I left a little white so the cool little buttons would still show up.

After her boots were done, she wanted to spend some time with Spock and "The Crew" from the Starship Enterprise. I told her that my favorite was Captain James T. Kirk but she just laughed at me and questioned my taste in men.

Here she is reading a Star Trek comic book that my son gave me for my birthday. I think she has become a real Trekkie.

Today Gypsy Moonbeam went to work with me at the retirement community. She helped me do my computer work.

She sat in my office on the bookshelf while I worked and did activities with our residents. She visited with Stripes, Sweet Leilani and Krazy Kat.

As we were leaving my office to come home and get her ready to go home to Lisa, she found my "Kirk and Spock" treasure tin on my table in the office.

"I simply MUST have it" she told me. How could I resist?? Especially when she told me that she would not

get into the box to go home to Lisa without it. So, of course, I gave in and even filled it with a few treasures for her to take home with her. We came home and finished up her journal. Kitty Mermaid had arrived home a couple of days before so she and Gypsy chatted a while, exchanging TDP adventures.

Good bye little Gypsy Moonbeam. You are a treasure! Travel home safely to Lisa, your final trip on your TDP journey.

Victoria in California -BBQs

2011-10-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Poor Victoria had a stressing trip to California. It was 107 out there and she was in a box. She needed some rest and took it easy for a while, in the air conditioning :o)

Later on when we both were ready, I went to work on her and to my dismay, her leg came off!

I thought about options on how to fix her and the solution was to drill both legs and give her new knees.

After that, the rest was fun! She has new make up, fun stripes on her legs and shoes. And the best of all, a black fur stole that she loves.

She is on her way to visit Lezlie in Texas, then go back home to tell Moriah all about her travels!

Big Maggie. Team BBQ's!!!

2011-10-12T06:00:00.003-04:00

Big Maggie came to visit me at my new home in Salt Lake City. We had a great time together picking out the pink polka dot fabric for her new blouse. She also enjoyed loving on my doggie Kona. Thanks for stopping by Big Maggie!

Fuschia Visits Florida Team BBQs

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Fuschia arrived here in Florida and when I opened her book, I squealed with delight. I don't know about you, but it's so hard not to just keep each one of this beauties hostage here with me! Nicole's doll, Fuschia came to me almost completed already. I had to stare at her for awhile to decide what I should add to her. I thought she was perfect just as she was. :)

As I kept looking at her, all I could think was old English maid. I don't know why that stuck in my head but it did and just wouldn't leave me alone. So, I decided she needed an apron and a feather duster!

I don't think Fuschia was too keen on me turning her into a maid! lol She had quite a bit to say about the whole situation too! So, to make her happy and keep her quiet I promised I'd make her some earrings and told her it was just a costume, not a uniform. Then she was happy!

Now she's all packed and traveling on to visit with Shauna in OK! I will miss you Fuschia!

Moriah Betterly

Better Late Than Never, I always say...

2011-10-10T01:09:00.008-04:00

When I joined, I was thrilled to be part of Nicole Johnson of Mealy Monster's doll!!
The thing is, as amazing as it was to see who I got paired up with, it's an entirely different story to actually be in charge of adding a totally different style (mine) to a doll as monstrously mealy as Nicole's!! I love her style. LOVE it. It's nothing like my style.
Not.
One.
Bit.
And so... I started work on Kendra's doll.
And then Gustava arrived at my house in all her witchy glory...
THuNK.
And that.
Is the sound of me hitting a wall.
Here was Nicole's sneak peek before she sent her to Kandra.

and Kendra's collage of the things she tried with the Gustava...

The version I ended up with is the middle photo on the bottom. Her hair had come part of the way off, so I glued that back on, and was feeling stumped. She needed more hair I thought... (and Gustava agreed, that witches should have a lot of hair. Maybe with more than one witchy color involved...) so I got busy adding that. In the end, as fun as her long hair was when it was down, Gustava confided that she rather liked the idea of it being pulled into a luxurious braid in the back.

And her dress. I wanted to add more to her dress, and had the WORST time finding the right material... Gustava agreed that not just any material would do. She liked stripes. I eventually found just the right stripes at the thrift store... in the form of a long sleeved shirt. I made the whole dress from one SLEEVE. :)

The top of the bodice is the cuff of the sleeve.

I also managed to forget that unlike her ARMS, Gustava's head was NOT movable. I broke her neck. So that had to be repaired... and lucky for her, I too know some magic. Otherwise, that may have been the end of poor Gustava's story. However, after her neck was glued back together, and her injuries covered with a bit of a lace collar, I added the jewels I had already bought for her, and had I not told you all, none would be the wiser. :)
And so FINALLY... I feel like she has a bit of ME and my style incorporated into the mealy monstery feel of her face, mixed with the ideas of our other contributor Kandra. :) Better late than never... all's well that ends well... toil and trouble, and all that jazz. :)

Bent Willow Woman~American Pies

2011-08-31T06:00:00.003-04:00

I opened the door and I was looking at a little bent old woman. A wise old woman who was definitely a free spirit. I saw she had
callouses all over her feet...oh my! This gal was definitely in need of some shoes. Not just any shoes, but Custom made to fit her aging feet kind of shoes.

First I treated her to a wonderful lavender spa pedicure and then bright green toe nail polish! After that we set about getting her those wonderful hand stitched shoes. She wanted bright pink shoes with flowers on them!

She was so tickled pink about her new shoes that she broke into song!

Bent Willow Woman spent a lot of time outside laying in the grapes vines. She wanted a California tan!

What a life, flowers in her hair, pink shoes, grape leaves and a tan... For some reason her hands and legs didn't tan!

It was fun to have her here for the short time she could stay she had to hurry to get back to Oregon so she could go see Helen Fern.

American Pies - Ginny2 visits NY

2011-08-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

When Ginny 2 arrived in The Falls,

she was so lovely with her glitter and glamour.

She looked like she could take on the town.

But when I mentioned it, she just shrugged and said,

"No, I think I'll stay here."

Something was definitely wrong with Miss Ginny 2.

I left her in the studio with the other dolls for a while hoping that they might find out the problem.

After not very long, Mother Herb came to me and whispered that Ginny2 was sad that she didn't have legs.

All she really wanted to do was go out on the town and dance,

but she couldn't.

I immediately knew what I needed to do.

I think Ginny 2 was happy with the results...

Look at these LEGS!

In no time Ginny 2 was sitting up straight like Helen had showed her and crossing her pretty legs.

She had a lovely smile and her eyes just twinkled with delight.

She spent a lot of time with Mother Herb,

Twigsprite Sings the Blues and the other dolls just chatting about her adventures with the Traveling Art Dolls.

Just as we were getting ready to box her up to leave, I found out that I had to move. ( A rather quick move I might add!)

So Ginny 2 talked it over with McAnally,

who had become her confidant since arriving.

They decided it was best for Ginny 2 to move with us.

So into her box she want and off we moved.

Well, needless to say, moving never goes as planned,

and Ginny2 spend a lot more time in that box than we planned.

Finally, I got a few minutes to slow down, so I dug her out of the mound of boxes in the studio and set to work on her journal.

Once that was done, McAnally and Ginny2 rubbed noses for the last time and we all hugged her before she hopped in her traveling box to head off to Florida to see Mary

and dance on the beach at sunset!

We'll miss you Ginny2!!

Jesi & McAnally

American Pies - Jeneva leaves for New York

2011-08-29T06:00:00.002-04:00

Wand and I arrived safely back in Oregon - not the upper desert like Bend, but the mid Willamette Valley - Woodburn, the home of the Tulip Festival! Helen opened the box and we flew out! She was amazed at how beautiful we were (and we are!). I told her I was a faerie even though I didn't have wings. I wished for golden, gossamer wings.

Well, Helen went to work with some sparkly angelina fiber and made some gold wings for me. With the help of wand and *PoOF* - I am officially a faerie!

I made friends with Bucky and really enjoyed sitting in the hydrangea bush.

Helen's husband made this wonderful chair! I sat in it all day basking in the summer sunshine.

This is my new friend, Rock

I spent my last day sitting beside the pond - Wand and I watched dragonflies and listened to birds - we really enjoyed our day.

Now off to New York - my final destination before we return home - What a journey!!

Kitty Mermaid visits Florida

2011-08-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

We were excited at the arrival of Kitty Mermaid. We were certain she'd feel right at home. Shortly after she arrived we spent the weekend at Cocoa Beach. She was delighted to see the Atlantic Ocean.

We walked the beach and found this great driftwood log. It had all kinds of nooks and crannies in it. We rested there for a while, then continued our search for shells on the beach.

Later, we sat on a deck overlooking the ocean and drinking fruit drinks. After the sun set, you could see lights from people walking on the beach. We decided to also take a walk on the beach by moonlight. It was wonderful hearing the waves crash upon the beach.

When we returned home, we took the shells we found and used them to decorate a paperclay base we made for Kitty Mermaid to sit. She just loved it, especially the way it sparkled.

Then, we sat down and wrote in her journal. I just loved the paper this journal was made from, it was so natural. Here is some of what we wrote.

Before we knew it, it was time for her to continue her journey. Good luck in your travels Kitty Mermaid!

GYPSY moonbeam/tdp 2011/american pies

2011-08-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

this doll arrived during a rainy time in june, and by the time she left we were havin' a heatwave in connecticut. named "moonbeam" by mary, i ended up adding to her name, as well as adding to her
outfit. she got a fluffy purple jacket, a pucci shirt, and lots of sequins all over her pants. she spotted a stash of sequins next to the couch (my "headquarters") and each time i sat down a bit more sparkle would happen. gypsy was happy to meet ginny 1, who is complete and back home from my other team, the ladies of liberty. the two gals sat outside with a view of the barn in the background, told each other about their traveling adventures, and then we packed up gypsy moonbeam to send her along to sandie in oregon.

The American Pies...Gossamer Moondancer's Extended Stay in Bend...

2011-08-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

When Gossamer Moondancer arrived in Bend, I was very excited. I could see right away that she was "for sure" a fairy. I told her that the first thing that she would be getting was a pair of wings.I had some wonderful fiber paper to work with...but what could dear Gossamer do while I was creating...then it came to me. A movie...so I rented the Wizard of Oz for her and I began to create.

She was very happy with the idea and loved the movie...she watched it many times as I created her wings. She especially loved Dorothy's ruby slippers and asked if I could give her a pair. Of course I said "Yes" and we applied the first coat of red paint to her dainty little feet as soon as I finished her wings. It was then that my life became a whirlwind of "stuff" and I left her laying on my ironing board for several weeks...and couldn't give her any attention.

A very irritated Ms. Moondancer

Well, finally and at last, my life got back in order and I could give my attention to lovely Gossamer. We glittered her ruby slippers and attached her wings.

Gossamer is very happy with her ruby slippers and wings finally finished

It was after this that she confided in me that she had a little secret. After watching "The Wizard of Oz" so many times, she idolized Glinda the Good...and she especially loved her bubble and wanted one of her own.

I proceeded to make Gossamer a "magic" bubble wand.

This wand gives her bubbles on command...she can ride on them, in them or just enjoy looking at them. The fun thing is that only she can see them. I guess if you live in your own bubble, you might be able to see them. I can.
She was delighted . As we were getting ready to say goodbye and get her ready to travel to Lisa's in California, she told me that she might need some flying lessons and tips on how to use her new wings.

Chloe gave her some flying "tips" as they admired each other's wings!

I took Gossamer outside to practice and look...she is flying in my flower garden and making bubbles with her magic bubble wand.

Can you see the bubbles???
We decided to watch "The Wizard of Oz" for one last time together before she packed up to travel off to Lisa's.

Goodbye Dear Gossamer...Travel safely to Lisa!

Chic Chicks Round 2 ...Tunde goes to Sarah..

2011-08-25T06:00:00.003-04:00

Tunde - Round 2

Tunde arrived & her journal got my creative muse flowing...

hmmmm a besom, a book of spells, a companion & wands!!!

*cackle cackle*

I couldn't wait!!!

Tunde will be on her way to Sarah in London on Monday...yay!

It has been quite a stay for her,

the magic stirred...meeting of new friends ...

& of course wonderful memories to keep :0)

wip pic

Tunde & the mystical new companion...

wip pic

Tunde has a few new items...

be warned - do handle with care,

magic is abound from everywhere!

& most importantly ....

harm ye none

)O(

Love & light

Trace

oxo

Chic Chicks...A new arrival Eugenie... round 3

2011-08-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

Round 3 - Final

Eugenie's arrival

(Aka: Virag, Selina & ?)

Sarah's doll arrived today ...Beautiful!

she is in her home town of London once more,

& soon to be reunited

with her creator!

It did not take long for the dancing, snowdrop loving Eugenie

to get involved with some of the magical workings Tunde & Jasmoon experienced!

Eugenie & Tunde luckily met before the departure....

but only after lots of laughter & dancing was enjoyed into the wee hours :0)

Hmmmm now to choose a name?

What will the final chapter of her travels reveal?

Love & light

Trace

oxo

Chic Chic's Eugénie's got hands!

2011-08-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

I think I have broken a record with the longest stay in a home but you know what? I made soooooo many doll friends and met some doll artists.

My new name is Eugénie, it is a very grand and posh name in French.

I do like it!

Papillon Bleu has chosen to give me hands and to be be honest with you,

I now feel like a supeRstar!!!

Don't you agree?

My next stop is in good old London.

See you!

XXX

Eugénie

Felicity,Chic Chicks round three. In Hungary...

2011-08-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

I t took three whole weeks for Felicity to reach Hungary.

But when she arrived, I think she was not disappointed.

The romantic Gődőlő castle was to host her, the very place empress Sissi used to have her vacation and meet her lovers.....well.....

Felicity made friends of the little girl of the house and her pet...

One day, as they became quite mysterious as they walked through the gardens....

"follow me!" said the fox with its foxy voice,and they jumped in a dark bush.

Next, Felicity was to experiment something really special, she was in a very secret garden!

There was light and air and privacy...
the impression was such that her heart sunk a little as it turned gold, and if it were not for the butterflies flying around and lifting her her up, she might have been rooted in for ever!

As she leaves back for the UK again, she keeps her memory deep inside, under her heart, in a most intimate way.

I wish Papillon Bleu will end up her journey as peacefully and beautifully as she spoent the last days of spring with us.

A Fairy Flies In

2011-07-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

Please meet Apeironia.

When she arrived, she had some new limbs and some pretty fairy wings.

A paper hat perched on her head, and she looked cold.

Even fairies feel the cold so she tells me!

She saw a postcard of an exhibition I went to, and from then on she wanted her very own Yohji Yamamoto dress-mini Yamamoto she called it! We chose the red felt design as it is stylish and warm. The little stripey top is down to her fondness for pirates-I am sure I don't know what she has been getting up to on her travels! She nearly opted to make her t-shirt a hat, but in the end decided to stick with the paper one for now.

She travels in a little wire cage-for convenience of course as it keeps her delicate wings safe from the bumps of the journey. She heard how long it took Miss Felicity Haversham to reach Hungary, and is a bit apprehensive about the trip!

The design and making of the dress was a lengthy process. The felt is hand made.
The dress has been given magic powers and is free standing when not being worn.

Her wings safely re-attached after her dress fitting, she awaits her trip to the post office. Fly safely little fairy!

Lola likes her bling -Team BBQs

2011-07-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Lola arrived to my house with a lot of bling, a fancy dress.... but no limbs. It took me quite a while to decide how to do what I wanted, and also to be brave to drill into someone else's doll.

But here she is, ready to Zumba and Cha-cha.

Her new legs are made out of polymer clay, and her shoes match her dress.

I also gave her a fur stole so she won't catch a cold at 3 AM in the morning, which is the time she's been getting home from dancing the night away, just look at he the circles under her eyes. She is having a blast! Now she wants to visit Texas and see the night life there.

~♥~

Team Bee Bee Q: Big Maggie

2011-07-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

Big Maggie found some legs while visiting mealy Monster land, well and some much needed clothing, a skirt. She is still sporting the topless look but at least she is half way there in the clothing department.

Now off to Emily to find some finishing touches. Maggie has two more stops and then home she goes!!

Team Bee Bee Q - Zeb and Calee Visit Oklahoma

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

After narrowly escaping Moriah’s clutches in Florida, Zeb and Calee made their way to Oklahoma.

Surely no one would recognize them all the way out here!

Travel weary and hungry Calee had to have some of her favorite snack - POPCORN!

While she was munching, she failed to notice Zeb had disappeared!

After looking all over for him she happened to wander back stage at one of the tents. Seeing her wearing a fabulous feather boa, she was handed 2 feathered fans and pushed out on stage. She was mistaken for a burlesque dancer!

Scared and unsure what to do she was saved by Zeb who grabbed her and started running. Along the way she noticed he was missing his pants, and carrying a pair of women's bloomers. Confused by the small size she asked what was going on.

Zeb had found his way into the world’s smallest woman's tent and was almost seduced!

Her husband walked in on them and Zeb turned tail and ran! Unfortunately for him, he grabbed the wrong pants on the way out and now he is stuck with too small woman's underwear!

Zeb and Calee are running for the hills to escape the wrath of the Oklahoma circus folk. Maybe they will be able to blend in better in New York.

Team Bee Bee Q - Big Maggie on Tulsa Time

2011-07-25T05:00:00.001-04:00

Big Maggie came to visit me this month and what fun we had! We went to the local herb and plant festival where Maggie was in heaven. She loves to cook and we found all sorts of goodies! Although I think she sampled a wee too much of the local wine!

Maggie came to me with no skin or feet, and try as I might cloth doll making (at least without a pattern!) is not my strong suit! After a ridiculous sewing adventure Maggie and I decided it was best if we left her body to someone else. We had a good laugh and made homemade strawberry ice cream to console ourselves. I think she might have stolen my recipe though! I can't seem to find it anywhere!

In keeping with the cooking theme, Maggie wanted an apron, and some cooking utensils. I sculpted her a bowl and "wooden" spoon out of paperclay, along with some strawberries to take along with her on the long trip to New York to visit Nicole!

Team BBQ: Madga Visits Florida

2011-07-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Emily's Madga arrived in Florida in 3 pieces and very, very naked. Poor thing. She had been given flesh colored paint and a flower head band before she came here.

First thing I did was give her some eyes and make-up. She was starting to come to life...

Next I wanted to give her some hair so she wasn't touring the country bald AND naked. :)
So, I pulled out some of my favorite Lionhead brand yarn in a blond with pink streaks color and got busy giving her hair.

She's feeling better now. Now to give her a "do"...

Cute little ponytails with pink ribbon bows. Isn't she sweet?

I wanted to do a lot more to this doll but I only had two weeks to work on her and I was swamped with work too so this is all I could do. I so wish I could have had her longer but I had to send her on to Shauna for the next round. :( Goodbye Madga! Hopefully Shauna and Nicole can get you some limbs and clothes!

Moriah

Team Bee Bee Q: Madga Visits Texas

2011-07-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful time I had in Texas with Lezlei of Breath of Art Studios! There was thunder, lightening and tornadoes! We had a few scary moments!

I arrived safely in Texas with my special head adornment prepared by Martha of Ayala Art. While in Texas, Lezlei and I studied the whole "ball-jointed doll" phenomenon . I taught Lezlei a lot - but she was too chicken to try to make me some arms and legs.

Lezlei painted my skin a lovely color using acrylic paint with a little molding paste added to provide extra durability for my skin. She also gave me some eyes - I can see!. Maybe I will get some arms and legs on my next stop!!

Off to Florida I go to visit Moriah of MLB Studios!

Geneva -The American Pies

2011-07-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

I heard knocking at my door and in flew a beautiful extravagant doll with peacock feathers in her hair and no arms. She said her name was Geneva and she seemed to be riding a wand, a magic wand.

As soon as they entered the house they headed down stairs to snoop around the material room. I thought no more of them until weeks later when they came back up stairs with some vintage green velvet material.

Geneva demanded that I make her some arms and hands out of the material because she wanted to be able to dig through the rest of the room downstairs. So That's exactly what she got and beads here and there too. As she was trying on her arms she heard a loud call from the back yard and went to check it out.

There standing on the patio was a huge peacock who introduced himself as Sweetie. He asked if Geneva would like to take a ride with him and off they went up, up, up to the roof where he landed and introduced her to his girlfriend named PT. Geneva kept looking at his tail feathers (she was jealous). Sweetie could tell she wanted one so when he took her back to the patio he handed her a feather and told her to use it as a fan or a mask.

I awoke with a start ...wand was buzzing around my head saying hurry up and pack us up we have to be on our way to Helen's house or we are going to be late. I hope they had fun lost in my room downstairs for weeks.

The American Pies - Kitty Mermaid

2011-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Look Mom, I have arms!!!

Jesi made them for me when I arrived so I could go play in the Niagara River and at Niagara Falls.

Well you didn't think a river mermaid like me was going to be this close and NOT play in the falls, did you? *giggles*

Me and all my NY friends:
Banjo Billy, Naked Elf, DangItDoll, Oddest Goddess Mini, & Strange Cat Head

I went to the Falls with my new friend, Banjo Billy. He's from a round here and he showed me around.

After the fun at The Falls,

I hung out in Jesi's herb garden and soaked up some sun.

Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Stevia, Marjoram
YUMMY!

Then I wandered down into the studio and

spent the night snuggled up against one of the roots

Jesi has hanging up to dry.

Now I'm rested up and ready to head for

Sunny Florida to see Mary.

Maybe she'll take me to the ocean to see

ocean mermaids!!

I'm on my way, Mary!

Love,

Kitty Mermaid

From Niagara Falls, NY

American Pies - Ginny 2 leaves Oregon for New York!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Miss Ginny 2 arrived in Woodburn, Oregon a bit earlier than expected and had to wait in her box! The first thing she said to me was, "Oh, my aching back!"

Together we read her journal and she told me she needed bones! A dancer stands up straight and her body kept slouching - so we did a little back surgery and gave her a strong, dowel back.

She spotted an old bead necklace and said she wanted it, so we adapted in and put it on. We added a blue satin waist sash and some feathers to her headpiece. Lovely.

Let's go dancing!

All Glitz and Glam and Ginny 2 is ready for a night out on the town.

And now, off to New York to see what goodies are there!

Bye Ginny! Helen Fern

Moonbeam finds her name in Florida

2011-07-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I eagerly awaited the arrival of the postman with my next project. When the package arrived I excitedly opened the box to see my next traveling art doll. This new doll arrived without a name. I began thinking of inspiration for a name. We watched the movie, Sarah Plain and Tall. I loved that series of movies. In the movie, Sarah helped a cow give birth and they named that calf, Moonbeam. We decided that was the perfect name for this doll, Moonbeam.

During Moonbeam's stay, I made her a pair of paperclay boots. I am new to working with paperclay and find I enjoy working with the clay. After making the boots, I painted them a nice ivory and used paint and pens to show the laces. I then made her bloomers from a chocolate colored silk which matched the color scheme that she seemed to be heading towards.

Moonbeam enjoyed hanging out with some of my dolls. She really liked this one.

This one scared her a little.

After planting some herbs it was time for Moonbeam to head to Paula's in Connecticut. We enjoyed her stay and wished her well in her travels.

Good luck on your Journey Moonbeam!

Mary

Starry Nites Farm

American Pies/Gossamer Moondancer in Connecticut

2011-07-18T06:00:00.002-04:00

I was happy to have a visit from Gossamer Moondancer, created by Helen Fern, embellished and named by Jesi Ferguson, then beautifully dressed by Mary Palmer. Ms. Moondancer was going to meet my daughter's second grade class soon after her arrival, so she really needed a pair of panties right away. We got those made, and then like a proper lady she wanted a touch of makeup, so she got a bit of shimmery eyeshadow, red lips, and even a manicure. The art teacher at my daughter's school also met Ms. Moondancer, and was kind enough to loan me some curly faux hair. I made a nice little 'do for her and added a small silk flower to accent her moonbeam curls. She's now on her way to Oregon to spend some time with Sandie Nowell, who I just know will have some fabulous things to show her!

The American Pies-Bent Willow Woman's Adventures in Bend

2011-07-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

When Bent Willow Woman arrived in Bend, she was dressed in a beautiful outfit, but was quite bald...and she so wanted some hair. Along with this request she began to reveal to me, a wild and wonderful adventure that she had experienced. Jesi had written a poem which inspired this wise and wonderful woman...and she truly was this woman.

But...she had a hidden crazy side...she whispered to me that at one time she had been a flower child...a "hippie". As I styled her beautiful long and wild hair, and began to weave a few leaves and flowers into that hairdo, she began to talk of these adventures. She grew excited and melancholy at the same time. She paused..she wanted to see her new hairdo. As she looked into the mirror, she gasped and said it was just what she wanted...flowers in her hair, just like the old days. She decided that she needed a little color on her cheeks, so we got out the makeup. "Ahhh, that's better she told me...

and then continued on with her story. It seems that in the 60's she hung out in Sausalito and Berkeley California with the flower children. These were great times she told me...free and friviolous (just a little out of character for such a wise woman) but she decided to throw caution to the wind. Why she told me that she even burned her bra!! One day she and a group of friends heard of a concert in New York and they all piled into their "flower power" bus and off they went to the "Big Apple"

The Bus

The Friends

Off they went to WOODSTOCK...Ohhhhhh Bent Willow Woman...ROCK ON!!

Bent Willow Woman lying in the flowers reliving "the good old days"

She shared with me, her Woodstock poster and a picture of a few friends that she met there!
Being the "earthy" woman that she was intended to be, why it was only logical to her that she should experience that crazy decade to it's fullest. She also shared with me, her love for all things of the earth, especially the animals. She found some little chenille birds from the 60's that I had collected and asked if she could have them. We put one in her hair, on her wrist and one sits on her belly. This made her very happy. Late one evening she went outside and sat by my frog pond for a while.

The sweet little frogs sang and croaked happily to her as she enjoyed the clear night sky and the scent of the geraniums. Well, the time has come for her to say goodbye and move on to Lisa in California. (oooh...maybe she can catch a glimpse of some of those crazy places she has been). I will miss you Bent Willow Woman and all of your wonderful stories.

Shirley, our kitty was also intrigued with her...I wonder what she is wispering in her ear?? Or could this be a kiss goodbye? I am sending her off with one last gift...a little vial of "patchouli" oil to remind her of those wild and crazy hippie days and of our time here together. Travel well Bent Willow Woman!

Wren and baby Ingrid, Eager Eagels Team

2011-07-09T06:00:00.002-04:00

The day Wren and baby Ingrid arrived in Ohio was beautiful! The sun was warm and the grass had just started to turn green. It seemed that it was going to be a nice visit. Only a few days went by that it was warm and sunny and then the weather started to turn for the worst.

The rain came down, the roads flooded, many people lost things. Wren seemed to do a lot of reminiscing by the rain covered windows gazing into her new daughter’s eyes. One day we were talking and she seemed to have come to terms with the loss she had suffered. She told me how her travels and the things she has seen has made her realize that everything happens for a reason and that you have to stay strong through the fire to come out sparkling.

From then on the conversations seemed to be more light and cheerful. We had a great time picking out the leather for her new boots. She was tired of traveling barefoot. We made a new leather vest to match along with a leather sling for Ingrid to ride in. During one of the few nice days we were able to get out and make a beautiful headband for Wren to wear.

Her travels were coming to an end and she started her goodbyes. She seems so peaceful now and ready to go home to Texas with her new daughter!

-Jenna Frei, from The Land of Honahlee

Violetta. Eager Eagles

2011-07-08T06:00:00.002-04:00

Violetta arrived at our house, a little shy, and maybe a little nervous.

Our house elf took to her right away, and insisted on telling her stories and singing carols for hours on end. Violetta knows "The Night Before Christmas" by heart now.

One of Violetta's favorite things to do while she waited for her new gown and veil was to feed the love birds. They grew very fond of her.

I had decided to make her gown of a pale yellow linen hanky, but there was some rich green chiffon that she had her eye on...for such a shy, quiet little thing, she sure had no problem speaking her mind about this!
So I made a chemise and veil from some gauzy white, then a gown of olive chiffon, a belt of wine and gold for her waist, and a gold circlet to secure the veil over her long, wavy tresses.

She spent the time waiting to go home enjoying some books on calligraphy and illumination that I have around.

Though I mailed Violetta early, she arrived very late. I've never had any trouble with mail, so it didn't occur to me to do a certified mailing. Had I done so, it would have saved Ayala and I a lot of worry and frustration. Maybe one cautionary addition to the TDP is to always mail w/ a tracking number/certified/ something, so that if this happens, it can be traced.

Tshilaba going back home. Eager Eagles

2011-07-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tshilaba is going back home to Ohio with a nice crow mask.
Made with paperclay, painted and sealed with acrylics, she loos transformed and ready to shift shapes whenever she needs to. It was fun to have her visiting!

Fuschia is her name! BBQ's

2011-07-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Nicole's doll arrived to me in parts. The first thing I wanted to do was giving her hair, and after the hair came the name. Just like the color, Fuschia is her name.
So I put the parts together, painted her body in a suitable black color and some lace. It looks to me like one of those old style bath-outfits from the 1800's :o)

Getting the body ready

Gesso, a dolls best friend...

Hair! Finally!


A little hat to match the socks

Good bye Fuschia, have a good trip! She is going to TX next to visit Lezlei

The Bee-Bee-Q’s: Victoria

2011-07-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

Victoria arrived ready for some fun. her new hair in place and her funky hat atop her head, but there was one problem...errrr, she was naked!! This girl knows what she wants though and very sternly let me know so. a little makeup, a corset, and that was all she would allow, she scolded me when I try to add a skirt, saying "three others still have to add to me so you better put the fabric down"

of course I listened, she is one tough chick.

next stop is with Emily, get ready Emily Victoria is on her way.

Team Bee Bee Q - Big Maggie on Tulsa Time

2011-07-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Papillon Bleu UK: My little nurses and lost followers

2011-07-03T07:52:00.000-04:00

I hope you feel better really soon, keep making the pretty dolls, they do look great therapy :o)

Team BBQs: Zeb and Calee Visit Florida

2011-07-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Zeb and Calee arrived on my doorstep and when I opened the box I was smitten. Martha and Lezlei had done a fabulous job on these little cuties and I was dying to work on them. However, they arrived when I had out of town family staying with me so I couldn't do anything with them for awhile. Once I was able to work on them I decided to focus on Calee since Lezlei had done such a fabulous job with Zed. Calee was looking a little bare so I stitched up a green tutu to match her fabulous green boa.

Then I decided she just had to have black and white striped leggings (because I love them so much myself) so I painted those on with acrylics.

Then I decided she needed some eyelashes and make-up. Afterall, what circus performer doesn't have make-up? I so wanted to keep adding stuff to her but I had to force myself to stop so the three people after me could work on her too. :(

The last thing I added as some nail polish on her fingers.

I was SOOOOOO tempted to keep these little cuties here with me but alas, I could not. So, they have now left Dunedin, FL and ar headed to OK where they will meet up with Shauna. I will miss them! Sniff sniff.

Moriah Betterly

MLB Studios

Netty's Journey Ends.

2011-06-22T23:24:00.000-04:00

Netty came to me as her last stop before heading home. She had beautiful new silk clothes, but no face - it had worn away long ago. So my first job was to give her a face, some hair and some shoes. And then, because it is pretty cold here in Tasmania, she needed a warm jacket and hat.
Here is her diary entry:
"Gentle hands put me back in the box and my long journey continued. I don't know how long it took, but it felt like many days. I don't mind the darkness, because I have lived in the dark since I lost my eyes so long ago.
Gentle hands removed me from the box again..............a tickling sensation on my face! What WAS it?
I see a glimmer of pale light.........still the tickling continues!
I CAN SEE!
I CAN SEE!
I HAVE EYES!
After so many years in the dark, the world is bright and new again.
The sky!
The trees!
The water!
I see them all again.The tickling goes on until I have a bright new face, hair and shoes.
The gentle hand sewed me some new clothes because it is cold here - much colder...........and so, I think I have come home.

"I told her we would be together forever", said a kind and familiar voice as she handed me to small soft hands.
"Oh Mummy! I love your doll!" said a younger voice as she hugged me close.
"Well, she belongs to you now, darling. Look after her, won't you? She's very special to me".

So once again, a small voice whispered into my ear:
"We will be together FOREVER!"

My life has come full circle.

Xanthe and Netty have a chat before Netty heads off back home.

(Kailee and Grace - I had such a ball working on your dolls - what amazing characters! I love how Xanthe turned out - I had no idea how her life was going to go! Thank you both.)

Kooky-Burras Final Round - Xanthe goes home!!

2011-06-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

Xanthe blossomed at art school and fell in with a group of existentialists.

They travelled to Paris, but Xanthe soon tired of western philosophy.

She travelled overland to India and found transcendental meditation.

Several gurus later and running a small café catering to western tourists in the foothills of the Himalaya, Xanthe can still be found wandering misty morning mountain paths in her father’s now much worn brown cardigan.

What a joy and challenge it has been working with Netty and Xanthe, thanks so much to Susie and to Grace for your master storytelling.

Kooky-Burra's Team, finale round: Grace Garton, Little Bones In Hobart

2011-06-16T09:07:00.001-04:00

Little Bones portrait

My garden apparently held some hidden treasures!

We made a collage together of paper cut outs of animal and human bones!

I also found out that Little bones had been to Egypt looking for bones and bits of pottery!

Little Bones collection of bones sea shells and poetry...the poem is by A.D Hope titled 'Meditation On A Bone'

inspecting a bird skull

Little Bones came to me after just being to Susie McMahon's studio where she received a wonderful painted face, hands and feet plus an awesome hair-do! But her poor cloth body was naked and cold! it took a while for me to get a character happening for her but after looking through the journal it was obvious to me that Little Bones was something of a Cryptozoologist, one who studies mythological creatures! So a slightly eccentric personality..one who wears clothes for comfort not fashion. Her stripy to was made from a WASHED favorite sock it was stitched onto her body. her paints are tailor made, baggy with braces. Her socks are made from another pair of WASHED green favorite socks and the scarf is knitted with sock wool on tiny needles with a simple garter and drop stitch pattern!
Sadly it is back to Western Australia for her...I'm sure Kailee will be waiting anxiously for her return, Thank you to both Susie and Kailee for the pleasure of working with your dolls.

Traveling Doll Ada...Round 3 and Heading Home to Oregon

2011-06-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

Ada was made by Tiffany Koornneef. She is a clay , beautifully sculpted BJD. She came to me from Paula Brinkman who had her second. Paula fitted Ada in a gorgeous antique lace slip, and an equally as gorgeous antique dress. Paula was also nice enough to pass along some coordinating fabrics for me to work with in case I needed them.

So when Ada arrived in Chicago, she recieved a face, some tights, a travel bag, and a few hats ....for when she felt like changing her look !

I also gave her a crackle finish , which fit in perfect with her story that dates back to the early 1900's.

Tiffany did an awesome job of laying out a great story line for Ada....Paula continued the story, and gave it a VERY interesting twist....and for me....it was a blast finishing Ada's story up, and completing Ada's journal.

Tiffany will have lots to read in the journal, and with Ada having removable costumes and hats...Tiffany will be sure to never run out of a new look for Ada.........

Ladies of Liberty TDP 2011 "Mia"

2011-06-14T06:00:00.003-04:00

Mia the fairy arrived early at my house. this year i am on 2 TDP teams. the smaller of the teams is quite the speedy and talented group. (lucky me!!) mia was created by donna cooper. she's got a wonderful rainbow colored cloth body and a highly detailed magical face. after a visit with tiffany koornneef she then got a hoop skirt, bodice, and wings. there was an extra bonus goodie bag that included more wings, a tiara, plus a pair of tiny shoes made by tiffany. for a moment i thought "wow, what more can i do to this doll? she's perfect." having teammates like donna and tiffany really raises the bar on creativity. even mia's journal is a sight to behold. it's jam packed with images, textures, sparkles, feathers, poetry...it's all in there! i decided that what mia needed most was some sort of great hairdo. i set about this task using colorful wool roving that i braided and formed into a towering shape that some have playfully compared to marge simpson's. i also gave mia the little bit of extra sparkle that complimented her body and outfit: a pair of crystal earrings, a necklace, rhinestone bracelets, a sparkly silver flower to hold, and last but not least some great golden buttons to accent her shoes. before mia leaves connecticut i am adding my touches to her journal. in doing so i have already gotten an idea in my head for what i'll do for next year's Traveling Doll Project!! Here is mia before and after she visited my special hair salon....

Ladies of Liberty: Final Results for Paula Brinkman's Doll, Ginny

2011-06-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

"The Ladies of Liberty" are now on the third and final cycle of the TDP, which means I am currently in the process of finishing a doll, Ginny, originated by Paula Brinkman. Ginny arrived to me looking fairly complete, but she needed some finishing touches to make her shine. She also came with a journal, and an interesting story. Paula created the doll after a real person, the journal explains, a beautiful and inspiring lady in her town who owned a dance studio, and continued her passion up until her death at age 94.

Donna had already completed her costume, but she needed some hair. I gave her some blond mohair and a gold sequence band with a black feather to give her a flapper look. I also gave her a beaded choker, a blue and brown maribou boa, and a floral pin on her bodice. That was nearly enough bling, but I decided to go ahead and embellish her skirt as well with some gold sequence. Finally, I sewed her arms and hands in place, and painted her long, ropey legs with metallic paints.
Here are a few photos of the classy Ginny and her colorful journal:

Now for her journal. I was touched by Ginny's real-life story, so decided to compose a little tribute poem for her, which reads like this:

Welcome to Oregon, Ginny!
Take off those traveling clothes,
and unpack your many suitcases
full to the brim with treasures

Of beautiful girly things,
like silk brocade robes
& dress shoes with bows,
of feathered hats. . .

& violet-scented perfumes,
& diamond rings,
& memories
of the glory days. . .

When You were the Belle of every Ball. . .

& the apple
of everyone's eye,
donned with glitter
& glamour
from head to toe

Some Girls Dream. . .
And some Girls Do!

Dance On, Ginny! Dance On!

PASSION
Thank you for teaching us
how to dance. . .
how to love. . .
how to dream. . .

but more importantly,

How to LIVE

The American dreamers: Berenice in Iowa

2011-06-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

When Berenice arrived in Okoboji, Iowa she was quite a party girl, she had the monkeys in my studio swinging from the rafters! After some peace and quiet near the wetlands she mellowed some, and became rather introspective for awhile.

She took some dance lessons, and decided she wanted a frilly look, so she got a floral addition to her dress, a fancy hat, and a purple boa that matches her highlights perfectly!

After spending so much time in nature she befriended a little bird named Bacho who decided to stay with her and when she went home to Vermont.

Berenice got some tips on meditation from our resident garden Buddha.

It was lucky for everyone that Jasmine arrived home a few days before Berenice was set to leave. They had such fun sharing stories of their adventures and reading Tarot cards!

We were sad to say goodbye, but Berenice was excited to see Cindy again on her return to Vermont.

Love and Peace,

SpiritMama

Funny Elin Goes to Tea - American Dreamers

2011-06-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Funny Elin! She so wants to be a grownup. I sent her back home to Marina with a bright pink wool tophat and a black linen afternoon tea hat. From me she got a hot pink silk velvet scarf, a brass necklace with a bright turqouise bead to match her eyes, a pair of high heeled black patent leather platform shoes and a pink poodle purse. She tells me she is going to tea with the ladies at 3:00 and she won't be late. It's a very important date! Have fun, Elin. Say hi to the "ladies" for me and do enjoy your tea. It was so much fun. So glad to have been a part of your creation. say hi to Marina for me. -- Cindy

The American Dreamers: Jasmine is going back to Iowa

2011-06-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

Time to go.....

Jasmine arrived in Florida 3 weeks ago.
She truly looked stressed out and without a hair on her head!
Lovely dress though......
She needed rest and she definitely got it here! She brought along her comfy armchair and she sat there for most of the time.
I gave her a book of spells that she probably read 3 times already and a deck of tarot that she has been practicing with.

Her hair grew back, black and strong and I gave her some blingy bracelets and a gold necklace.
She also wanted a sort of tiara to look like a royal in her field........ well, this is probably more like a crown than a tiara........ but she loved it! Now she feels the real tarot Queen she yearns to be!

She got a new "Sparkle" in her eyes.....

Meanwhile Elin came back home too and Jasmine was so happy to hang around with her again! She was thrilled to see the transformation that Elin did during her travel up north!

She can’t wait to go back home to Waxela now. She says she wants to read her fortune too........

Manic Moose Final Round: Raphael Finds His Wings

2011-06-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Raphael really surprised me when he showed up in my mailbox...the last I had seen him, he had long flowing hair and no clothes. He certainly had changed during his visit to Jade!

Raphael was still without pants, so I fixed that issue for him. It sure was an ordeal making pants that would fit over his big feet! Raphael told me that he was a fallen angel and that he would do anything to get his wings again. How could I refuse?

So after fitting him with a new pair of wings and a sword for any obstacles he might come across, I am sending him home to Nancy in Mississauga. Thanks for all the fun, Jade and Nancy, I have loved being a part of the Manic Moose team!

Manic Moose Last Stop Pretty Girls Like Pretty Things

2011-06-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Elsie stopped by my place today and *gasp* she was topless! Very curious, I asked her why she arrived the way she did. She let me know that it was a hot trip to Edmonton and this helped her from over heating. Silly girl! I gave her a fan to stay cool and said we would go shopping soon for some new clothes.

The next day we went and got her a rose colored top and some fun highlights to match. Loving all of her pretty new things, she wished for a pretty new hat as well. Sooo, we went shopping again! She picked out her favorite one, a top hat with flowers.

After her long visit with me, Elsie started to miss home so she’s now on her way back. I had a lot of fun with her and she will be missed!

Manic Moose Final Round - Erik

2011-06-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Jade's doll finally arrived at it's last stop in Toronto before his return to Edmonton. He still didn't know what had happened to him.

I took him with me to the city one day for a little sight seeing and at one stop it all started to come back to him!
When we entered the theatre he heard an auctioneer:
"Lot 666, then, a chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera, a mystery never fully explained."
At this first declaration by the auctioneer, Jade's doll just about fell out of my hands!!

The voice continued. "We are told, ladies and gentlemen, that this is the very chandelier which figures in the famous disaster. Our workshops have repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light."

Jade's doll groaned and dropped his head to his hands. Bending over he looked like we was going to be sick! He kept moaning and muttering.

"Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentleman?"

I leaned closer to hear what Jade's doll was moaning. It sounded like a name. "Christine... Christine!"
He looked up at me and said "I remember. I REMEMBER!!" He shook his head as if to clear it of the last of the fog. He must have lost his memory when the chandelier fell to the stage floor.
"My name is Erik", he said. "I have to find her! I have to find Christine!"

We searched the theatre, and scoured the city for signs of his beloved.

Erik at the Royal Ontario Museum screaming her name! "CHRISTINE!"

Erik at the University of Toronto. You can just
see the CN Tower in the background. "Christine! CHRISTINE!"

While visiting the Royal Conservatory of Music,
his madness growing, Erik starts composing.


The lyrics of his song show his increasing madness,he sings: "Sing once again with me, our strange duet, my power over you grows stronger yet and though you turn from me to glance behind The Phantom of the Opera is there inside your mind!"

While Erik falls deeper into madness, I add some mohair for a new hairdo.

And a hair cut!

As I work he mutters,
"That fate has condemned me to wallow in blood
has also denied me the joys of the flesh.
This face, the infection which poisons our love

This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing

A mask my first unfeeling scrap of clothing"

Erik finally dons his mask and cape.

and finally unites with his love, Christine!

I hope you enjoyed the way I evolved Erik's story, it's been a blast! Truthfully I had no idea what I was going to do until with him until I went the the theatre. It and the doll being in the same place made me think of The Phantom's story and I thought it would be perfect! This was a short travel project as it was only the three of us involved. It was nice to work with my contributing artists this time out as our styles were so very different. Now it's time for Erik to return to Jade! Good bye Erik!

Ginny - The American Pies

2011-06-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pretty little Ginny showed up with a back ache. She did seem to be bending over quite a bit when I first took a look at her. She sat around for about and week and when she finally stood up I had to help her. So up she got and to me she seemed to be getting taller or was she just stretching?

We found wonderful vintage velvet fabric with inlaid rhinestones that my grandmother had used to make a dress for my mother with. We took a sleeve apart and turned it into a long almost floor length cape for her. Oh... it went so wonderful with her head dress she was wearing and that great material she had on.

It was at this point that the bottom of her fell out. Oh my gosh what to do...cardboard? Wires? Yikes! What! We finally decided on more stuffing in the center and then we stuffed the bottom (sock) back in and whip stitched it shut. There, now she seemed to be 6 foot tall and just look... her cape had turned into a jacket!

Just as she was about to go out the door she eyed a vintage crocheted bag I was putting on Etsy and wanted one just like it with a rhinestone closure... of course. So, in black yarn we whipped one up and lined it with some left over lining material I had from the sleeve we had used to make the jacket from.

I hated to see pretty little Ginny go but, I think her backache was finally gone.

American Pies - Earrings and Swings and Other Things

2011-06-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

The mail man dropped me off somewhere, but I wasn't sure where it was. Helen had said I was going to Niagara Falls, NY, but who knows where you might get dropped off when you are traveling "postal"!

I waited for someone to open the box and finally the lid came open. I was in a studio with a lot of other dolls and all kinds of strange roots and twigs. Ah! I must have made it to Jesi's! Great!

Jesi was taking to me as she took me out of the box, but I had no idea what she was saying. She looked at me really odd when I didn't answer her, but she quickly figured out why... I didn't have ears!

She immediately started to fix that problem. Jesi stitched a very cute pair of ears for me and boy was I happy. I could hear all the other dolls chattering about different things. But Jesi said we weren't finished yet. She had something special for me since I had waited so long for my ears...

I got real gold earrings!!! Aren't they lovely!!!

I was so excited about my earrings that I just had to show them off. Here I am talking to McAnally about my earrings and the things I should do while I was in Niagara Falls. McAnally is a really nice cat...very helpful with social activities, I must say. He's a real cat about town.

So I took Mac's advice and wandered outside. (He says it's the place to be when you are here)

The magnolia tree was in full bloom. Who would have thought there would be magnolias in NY!?

I checked out the bird's nest in the pine tree. Mac seemed very interested in this. The baby birds were cute but I didn't find it as interesting as Mac let on it would be. Perhaps we have different taste in entertainment. *giggle*

It was such a beautiful day that I just lay back in the grass and enjoyed the sunshine. Jesi wasn't very happy about my playing in the grass. she said I might get dirty after all the rain that had been happening. But I wanted to stay outside and enjoy the sun. So Jesi came up with a great idea for me & she said I could bring it along when I traveled...

I have a SWING!!! Now I can hang around where ever I want and not get dirty! I'm so excited to travel on and get some clothes and perhaps Mary can give me a name. I'm so tired of being called " that doll". *sigh*

Niagara Falls was fun, but now I'm off to sunny Orlando, Florida to get my tan on!

Kitty Mermaid gets a Face - the American Pies

2011-06-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Kitty Mermaid arrived in Woodburn, Oregon with no arms and no head. It was quite clear that a head was in order. Not working much in fabric, a head was fashioned from paperclay and secured to the neck.

She gets her name from the feline friends she has found along the way, and this stop was no different!

I have a secret!

She also met a few other mermaids - it was a mermaid party!

And then, Bon Voyage! Off she went to Niagara Falls, New York

American Pies; Another doll arrives in the Sunshine State

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

I excitedly opened my next traveling art doll box and much to my delight I received another doll that would challenge my abilities. Unlike my last doll where I received a head only and decided to make a body, this time I received a complete body which also included a head. I decided I would make a magical dress for this doll and found the body shape to be a good challenge for me. I would have to design a dress specifically for this doll without the use of a pattern. She sat on my dresser staring down at me and I wondered, what type of dress could I make to give her a magical appearance.

Once it hit me I started. First, I made a bodice from a shimmery red fabric. Then I took antique lace and made an overlay. Her sleeve puffs were made from a satin ribbon and her sleeves were finished with the same antique lace. Then I used an antique white glittery tulle and made her under-skirt.

Then I began to go through my collection of antique hankies and thought I would incorporate some into the dress. I cut the hankies to form a dress, using antique buttons to hold the hankies together at the sides. I then finished it off with some organza ribbon around her waist and attached it to the front of her dress.

The result was a very unique and magical dress. Just don't peak underneath, she still needs undergarments. Now, she's off to Connecticut for her next step in her journey.

Mary

TDP 2011 American Pies/Bent Willow Woman

2011-06-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Bent Willow Woman arrived in all her wrinkly and very naked glory. Her head was created by jesi ferguson, and mary palmer stitched up a womanly body to attach to the head. I have been sharing the traveling dolls and their journals with my daughter's second grade class about once a month. when i saw bent willow woman's rather ample boobies i definitely thought i needed to give her some sort of covering so she would not cause a ruckus in the classroom when she came in. good thing i had some luscious silk charmeuse in my stash - PINK no less, and i was able to create a nice halter bra type of thing for her. then i had one of those full moon evenings where everything i touched just worked so well - the necklace for bent willow woman is compiled of bits and pieces of stuff from people i love, and suits her perfectly. her sarong is the sleeve of a shirt that my niece once wore. her outer shawl is some sort of silk or rayon that i got a large amount of from a friend in key west, and that too just seemed like the perfect thing for this doll. she took on a much more regal personality with the colors and the drama of the fabric. she is happiest when posing outside, and i know when she goes on to sandie nowell she will continue evolving into the goddess/spirit woman she truly is.

apparently jesi's cat rubbed and loved the journal that accompanies bent willow woman. one of my cats discovered this and any chance he gets, he's sniffing and rubbing the book too! this is making me think maybe bent willow woman needs a kitty of her own....hmm. i'll leave that up to the rest of my team!

American Pies-Geneva and Her Wand

2011-06-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

A beautiful fairy wand and a gorgeous head arrived on my front porch one snowy day in April here in Bend Oregon. Unfortunately for them, it continued to snow all of April (It was supposed to be spring) and they were housebound and in my studio for the entire month. A few times it was a little spooky, since when I would go upstairs to my studio...there would be this head and Wand floating around...looking for fabric and lace and jewels and the like. I was so busy in April, I just let them have the run of the place and they found some "fab" stuff for me to create with. It was nice too, cuz I had help from that magic Wand.
Geneva's head and her Wand chose some 15 year old peacock fabric for her body. Body style was a bit of a dilemma, since we needed something to fit just exactly with this beautiful Spirit Doll head that Paula had sent to me. Aha...the Wand solved the problem...of course...a fairy body with long beautiful legs. I told them that she would have to have some bloomers since I didn't feel right about sending them off completely naked.
We added some silky greenish gold bloomers, and now...what to do for lace. Geneva had found some old gold metallic lace from France in one of my bins, but we needed something to set it off. The Wand found some cream Venice lace and "poof" just like that, we had a dye bath of aqua mixed with metallic paints. The finished product was perfect. Geneva was coming together! We dotted the edges of the lace with some Austrian crystals. Geneva was delighted with the added glitz!

Geneva and her Wand in my studio

The "Wand" asked that I not give Geneva any arms. It just felt that they were meant to be added further along in their journey. Someone else would have the inspiration for the perfect arms and hands to hold this fabulous Wand.
Paula had attached a wispy and whimsical piece of aqua fabric to Geneva's head. We gathered it up and turned it into wings. Miss Peacock shared some of her peacock feathers and we added those to the wings.

Geneva hanging out with her new fairy friends...Miss Peacock, Chardonnay and Miss Peony
in front of the fireplace on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Bend, Oregon

I had gone on vacation and had been sick before that, so Geneva was late in getting sent off. So, in mid May on a rainy day, she said her goodbyes to her new friends.

Geneva visits with Frog and the Chameleons before she packs up.

But I had one last suprise for her. A mysterious box had been left on my front porch. I asked her if she would like to help me open it and of course she said "yes" and was very excited. Fairies love mystery and surprises. Imagine her delight when out of the box popped "Bent Willow Woman", my next doll in the TDP.

Geneva chats with Bent Willow Woman

Bent Willow Woman is a very wise old woman and she and Geneva chatted for hours. She had many tales and deep secrets of life that she shared with Geneva...but that story is for another time.

They said their goodbyes, and now Geneva and her Wand leave Bend, Oregon, with a body and wings, delighting in what will come to pass at Lisa's. Off to sunny California they go...send some sunshine up to us in Bend sweet Geneva.

The Kewpie Dolls: what is behind the mask?

2011-05-23T23:42:00.000-04:00

a lost soul

arrived faceless, searched to find herself.

she has found a face.....but is it her own? seems strange, not right, but there. peeking out behind a mask, ill fitting, disconnected, uncomfortable in her skin.

I hope she finds peace in her travels before the darkness take over.

one stop left before she returns home.

Gustava... a Traveling Witch.... Flies off to Oregon!

2011-05-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

NEWS FROM TEAM KEWPIE DOLLS!

Nicole Johnson's Doll arrived in Texas with no clothes, no hair and no NAME!
She immediately got to work giving Kandra Niagra instructions. First off, she informed Ms. Niagra that she was a bona fide Witch (a good witch of course) and, since she had a body made from a glass bottle, she would be requiring a full-body mud-pack- the kind of mud-pack that hardens and stays hard!
She's a game girl!

Afterwards, she needed some reinforcement in the ARM Department, and a stripey little Witch-Dress.
At this point, Kandra really couldn't go on without knowing her name. She did not want to tell her name, since a Witch never gives her full name to anyone, but she allowed Kandra to know thtat her first name is Gustava. (derived from the word "Gusto") (a Witch on her mother's side)
But Gustava was just so blatantly Bald, that it wouldn't do to send her on without HAIR!
So Kandra found her some very cool fringe and just kept layering it on til she had enough.
NOW she was ready to go!
But first! She had to check out the Wee Peeple Doll Village, where she met a nice little cow and a very large colorful chicken, and visited with the Bird-Lady in her Basket-House.

On her way to the Doll Village, Gustava stopped short when she noticed her own image on the computer screen. She exclaimed that she would be checking into this kind of magic a LOT more in the future.

So It was good to have you here, Gustava. Happy Journeying to you! We'll all be waiting to see what you look like after your visit with Rachel Whetzel in Days Creek, Oregon! Bon Voyage!

Team BBQ from California to Texas

2011-05-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

I gave her a big sunflower headband to give her a sunny disposition. Have fun little doll, I hope you find happiness in your travels! :o)
By now she's in TX with Breath of Art

Bee Bee Q's the nameless head!

2011-05-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

Nicole's amazing doll head came to me and immediately I thought of the mother from "Corpse Bride," which in turn made me think of the Victorian Era. Since she didn't have any other body parts I chose to give her some arms and legs. Since I make ball-jointed dolls, I chose to start her feet and hands with a ball-joint. And since I don't know what her core would be like I needed to make them able to attach to anything, so I chose to end it with a wire loop. I used an air dry clay, then sanded and painted them. I modeled her shoes after a Victorian Era boot, and gave her black and white stockings for a fun funky vibe. Now she's off to Ayala Art!

The Bee-Bee-Q’s: Lola

2011-05-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

Lola is getting ready to move on.

She arrived as a plain Jane to mealy monster land.

Once here I gave her a base coat of flesh color and went to work on giving her some new features.

I can not tell if she is looking to have a mermaid tail or some fairy wings but I know she is screaming to me that she wants to be magical. I stopped with just paint and hair so I can be sure to leave room for my team mates to add to her.

She will be heading out to Emily Jane Hamaker-Olsen where her transformation will continue.

Team Bee Bee Q - Victoria visits Tulsa!

2011-05-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Victoria came to me from sunny Florida so imagine her surprise when she felt the blistering cold we have had in Oklahoma this year! (and to make matters worse, I didn't let her have any clothes!)

Victoria is a woman who knows what she wants! When she saw one of my daughters Liv doll wigs she had to have it for herself! Pink is her color she said, and no one else was allowed to have it!

To go along with her wig, she decided she needed a fabulous hat. Victoria adores the steampunk style, so a top hat and feathers is what she got!

Victoria is now on her way to visit with Nicole and her wonderful monsters in NY!

Team Bee Bee Q: Big Maggie Visits Moriah in Florida

2011-05-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Lezlei's (Breath of Art) Big Maggie arrived in Tampa Bay Florida and wouldn't come out of her box! I tried to bribe her with chocolate but she still refused. I begged. I pleaded. Still.... she would not come out of her box! Finally, completely exhausted, I asked her why she didn't want to come out. Did she not like me? Was she afraid of our kitty cats? Were the kids too noisy? She answered no to all of that and broke into tears. I felt so sorry for her. Finally, in a faint little voice she whispered that she was too embarrassed to come out. "Why?", I asked.

She said, "I have no legs, no feet, no hair and no clothes! You'll make fun of me!"

Poor thing, broke my heart to hear her so upset. After lots of reassuring words and a promise that I would give her hair and make-up, she slowly lifted the lid of her box.

I made quick work of reading her fabulous journal because Maggie was getting really impatient. She was not happy about me taking her picture in this state either! I assured her that when her trip is finished she's going to be so fabulous that it would all be worth it. She seemed to calm down and started wandering around my studio until I was ready to work on her.

She stopped and talked to a few other dollies in my studio who were unfinished like her. They made her feel a lot better about the whole situation. Some of these dollies have been unfinished for WAY longer than Big Maggie and they were okay with it.

Then she picked through my dollmaking supplies asking what this or that was for. She played with my minis collection too. Maggie really started getting comfortable here and we laughed and cracked jokes all evening. We even played a game of Euchre too!

I was finally done with my work for the day and it was time to work on Maggie. She was so excited she barely sat still for the first 10 minutes. She said she wanted long pretty hair but wanted it pulled back away from her face so I got busy gathering materials and started working away. Maggie was so happy when I showed her her finished hair-do! She threw her arms around my neck and gave me the biggest hug. Then we started talking make-up and Maggie picked out some pretty purple eye shadow, some lip gloss and blush. I suggested that she use some eyeliner too and she agreed.

Maggie squealed when she looked in the mirror. She was so happy and was twirling all over the studio. She ran over to my fabric stash and started pulling stuff down! Whoa whoa, Maggie! What are you doing?

Maggie wanted me to make her a dress too! I had to sit her down and explain to her that I couldn't. I explained that I had to leave some things for the other great doll artists to help her with. She was a little disappointed but she seemed to understand.

Without further ado, I present to you.... Big Maggie!

Now big Maggie is back in her box and ready to travel on down the road to see Shauna next. I'm going to miss Maggie and her big personality. I hope Lezlei is as pleased as Maggie is!

~Moriah Betterly
MLB Studios

Team Bee Bee Q: Zeb and Calee in Texas

2011-05-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Zeb and Calee Learn More about the Circus: They talked a lot about other famous circus people while visiting Lezlei in Texas. They learned about Daisy and Violet Hilton, famous circus twins from Texas whose life was documented in a movie. They learned about Baby Sun, the youngest clown on record and some REALLY tall circus guys. They collected some souvenir “faux cabinet cards” of the performers they learned about in Texas. They talked about clowns – Lezlei loves them! She made Zeb a little clown nose to wear so he might be less afraid of them.

Zeb Decides to Become a Ringmaster: Zeb was most impressed by the famous ringmasters. They are in charge of the center ring and look very handsome and commanding as they directed the performances in center stage. Off-stage they were equally commanding with their waxed mustaches and impressive grooming.

Calee Trysts with the Trapeze: As usual, Calee was attracted to all the beautiful shiny costumes of some of the women in the circus. Lezlei told her about some women trapeze artists from Gainesville, Texas. Calee tried the trapeze, but decided that the wires were too high from the ground and no one would be able to see her beautiful costume. She kept the costume, but decided to look for another circus job closer to the ground.

About the changes in Texas: Zeb and Calee were created by Martha of Ayala Art. They arrived in Texas safely with their faces sculpted with Paper clay over a soft body and painted with acrylics. The pair had minimal detail in order to protect their identities as they had left California with somewhat “tarnished” reputations. They made some changes in Texas to change their looks as they began to build their new careers in the Circus. Calee really missed Tobias and wished he had come along on the trip.

First Lezlei gave Zeb and Calee matching blue-green eyes and added a few shadows to Zeb’s face. Zeb learned of the very famous Ringling Brothers and noticed that they all had mustaches. So Zeb also received a mustache and a pair of stern eyebrows so he would look more like a ringmaster. Calee laughed at Zeb’s mustache. Since Lezlei had sewing experience from years of making clothing first for her dolls as a child, then for herself, she made Zeb a shirt and a little red jacket with tails like a real ringmaster.

Zeb told Calee, “We’re going to be famous!”

Round One, Patricia's doll....

2011-05-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Felicity Haversham meets Apeironia..

Of course the pair soon became great friends :0)

Apeironia's eyes widened as she entered the gates of the Rookery.

'What a beautiful, quiet distraction from the world'

Apeironia beamed.

There were mini waterfalls, tall trees, flowers releasing

sweet aromas...and a wishing well!

'Lets make a wish Apeironia'

Jasmoon handed Apeironia a coin,

both closed their eyes and gently tossed the coins into the well.

Upon making the wish, Apeironia felt herself lifting ever so lightly from the ground.

She opened her eyes, and saw Jasmoon smile,

'Take care Apeironia, they will take time to get use to.'

Apeironia felt a slight flutter as she giggled upon realising her wish had come true immediately...her dream of wings!

'OOoo Jasmoon how am I to travel to my next destination?

Shall I fly?'

'I think perhaps we can find a cage, only as a place for you to protect your wings,

I think you may need some skill to navigate on a journey so far'

'What a wonderful idea, I can pick up some things to decorate it, maybe make create a mobile home ...

add some things to remind me of my travels?'

'Sounds great, lets collect a few bits for y

ou to take with you'

Apeironia & Jasmoon enjoyed the rest of day at the Rookery,

holding hands so that Apeironia did not flu

tter about too much.

How quickly time passed,

Apeironia climbed into the cage that Jasmoon got for her,

'I will miss you dearly my friend,

please say hi to Felicity when she returns .

Thank you for enabling my mobility & for showing me the well of wishes....

I am almost speechless, take care my friend,

please remember to write'

Jasmoon smiled, 'Of course I will, your magic will always hold a special place in my heart my friend'

Both waved each other goodbye...

'I wonder what awaits me on my new travel ?'

Beamed Apeironia.

----

It was extremely enjoyable and a pleasure to work on Patricia's doll,

I will follow her progress eagerly :0)

Love & light

Trace

oxo

Aurevoir Tünde...

2011-04-30T06:00:00.001-04:00

Having Tünde with us at home was an extraordinary adventure. It took her quite a while to arrive as it is a long distance between Hungary and England, but when she arrived, here is what happened:

After such a party, the dolls had to rest for a while.

So we showed Tünde her bedroom which she absolutely adored!.

We had to put her hair up as sh kept on hitting Aliénore accidentally with it.

The day after, Tünde was asked to choose some material for a dress.

She has a dress in 3 pieces, the dress, a removable corset and a blue ribbon to make sure everything holds tightly.

We also added some ribbons in her hair and she felt like a true lady.

On the 17th March we went to a local Pub to celebrate St Patrick's Day!

That was real fun!

Then Tünde visited the magnificent Kentish countryside accompanied by some of her new friends. Spring offered such glorious colours!

Now it is time to part our sweet little friend. We hope we will have news from you very soon.

Next stop: Jasmoon Butterfly in London !!!!

We are going to miss you.

chic chicks team, Selina, second round by FELTOOHLALA

2011-04-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

And here is Selina, Sarah Wallis s doll.

Sarah wished that all the members of the chic chicks gave her a new name, in order to compose something new from us all.

And so I thought of Virág,which means flower.

And isn't she like her beloved snowdrops, just as they come out from the dark and cold ground, at the edge of the winter!

Anyway, She had a blast in Budapest: just after arriving was a feast here, people, music and dance, and she appreciated the lights and decay of the city..."quite beautiful "she says...with a dreamy look....

And as she already makes carefully her luggage, I just see she got this heart, sign of a sweet lover ,

and I also found this in her stuffs....

So..., bon voyage, Selina- Virág, and maybe you will come back, you are sure missed here in Hungary!!!

Good bye my sweet, and have more adventures at Papillon Bleu s in the Uk (I am sure she will!)

Miss Felicity Haversham Attends a Ball

2011-04-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Miss Felicity Haversham, of the Chic Chicks team, who you may remember from her introduction here, arrived in London ready to attend a ball at a haunted castle. She needed a hairdo first, and to wake up from her travelling sleep.

Felicity arrives in the dining room.

She met Aiko near a lamp covered in shells.

Barney and Little Red keep her entertained in the picture gallery.

A charming couple, but later on Felicity began to have her doubts about them!

This couple seemed to think the ball was fancy dress.

They discussed plays, woods and fairies. Felicity met the snake charmer in the kitchen.

She was a little scared at first, but the snake was very well behaved.

In the play room these three little girls were very sweet and made Felicity laugh. She went to get a drink but they had disappeared without a trace when she came back. What was that story they were telling her about ghosts?

This lady was rather intense.

The circus girls were fun, and tried to persuade Felicity to try the trapeze set up in the garden.

She declined on this occasion. The bird didn't stop talking!

Before going home, Felicity was interviewed for the local paper. The reporter asked her about her cage, and the heart that was inside. Felicity explained that she was searching

for love and freedom, and that coming to the ball had been the first step. When she met the right person, they would unlock her heart and she could fly! She had a paper skirt made from sheet music, and it had a tune on it that she just could not stop singing. Her love would know the tune too, she thought.

Mermaid Kitty by the American Pies

2011-04-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Her name is Kitty but I call her “Mermaid Kitty”just because she is!
When she first arrived all she could shout about was wanting a face, eyes, mouth and arms. But scanning her naked top I decided before she got eyes and a mouth she needed to cover up that top of hers. I mean can you imagine how embarrassed she would be to have eyes and see she had no top on? That mouth of hers would be really going full time then and I just didn’t want to hear about it!
So off we went to the fabric store to see what we could come up with. Three hours later…this gal wanted everything Halloween she saw! Bought it too! LOL

Well anyway, we got white lace trim which after looking at it for a week was just “too white“! So I painted it with watercolors to kind of blend with her tail. I chose a stretchy fabric to go around her body so it could be moved down to allow the arms to be attached easier for someone else. But again it was just “TOO White”! So I tinted it to match the watercolors in the trim. Ah there she looked lots better!

Kitty kept insisting we go to San Francisco to see the golden gate bridge…but soon the ulterior motive showed up… she wanted a piercing. Someone once said you cant come to California without getting a piercing. Mermaid Kitty chose a fish named Sam and pierced her tail so he could hang on it.
Now Sam will be hanging around for the rest of her trip around the US.

Just before she left she got her picture taken with the Original Miss Kitty. Mermaid Kitty was thrilled!

I can’t wait to see her finished she’s just great!

American Pies - How do you like my big blue eyes?

2011-04-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

I was so thrilled to get out of my box when I arrived at Jesi's house in Niagara Falls.
Helen had packed me very carefully so I wouldn't have to deal with bumps and bruises.
But it had been a long dark ride and I just wanted to look around and stretch.
When Jesi opened the box and lifted me out I was shocked to realize that I still couldn't see!
Jesi told me not to worry, that we would correct that problem shortly.
I just needed to rest up from my trip.

So I spent a few days relaxing in the studio.
There was an elf who was afflicted with the same sight problems as I had,
so we spent a lot of time sitting on the shelf chatting about how the studio smelled of cinnamon and candles and how every thing we bumped into had such interesting textures.
The dragons and other dolls said that was because there were lots of different materials in the studio
that Jesi used to help us become ourselves.

One day, Jesi took me off the shelf and said it was time!
She sat me down on the desk and began to touch my face.
Before I knew it she pulled her hands away and... well...

How do you like my BIG BLUE EYES!?

I took a while to get used to my new eyes.
I was looking all around the studio at the other dolls and I noticed that my arms and legs were.. umm... bare. So Jesi wrapped them with a lovely cloth and then took me to the tanning table.
There she gave me a brush on tan and did a very natural makeup.
I like the natural look. * giggle*

The frog who was watching us from the table said it was quite becoming.
I just blushed and said thank you.

I wanted to find some clothes, but Jesi said that I had more people to visit
and they would help me with my clothes and hair... and maybe some extra goodies!

So I busied myself learning about all the gems and herbs that were on the shelf. .

I fell in love with a moonstone sphere on a silver stand. It just touched my soul.

That is when I remembered my name!

I am Gossamer Moondancer!

My job is to create the moon sparkles on the water at night.

I love the forest and
I can only be seen when the moon is full and the night birds sing.

It's all coming back to me now...

American Pies - Still Nameless

2011-04-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

And now she's off to Niagra Falls, New York

The American Pies - Bent Willow Woman

2011-04-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

The bent willow woman arrived safely at my house. I was so glad to let her out.

She needed to breath!

She had a long journey, but arrived at my small farm in Central Florida. She gained much wisdom from her journey through life and was ready to learn about taking care of animals and see all the unusual sites around our home.

The horses were glad to see her. They love company. Especially those who bring treats! She liked Kaiya the best. Kaiya seems to be everyones favorite.

But some of the animals scarred her a little. She thought this goat wanted to eat her! Duncan the goat said he wasn't going to eat her, but I wasn't too sure.

There were some beautiful things to see as well. They had the most colorful birds in the most vibrant colors. We peaked in on one. If you look closely you can see a nest.

And there were some unusual things there too. This skull made the Bent Willow Woman a little nervous. She didn't want to end up like this, but we assured her she was safe.

Now she has left us onto her journey to the north. We wish her good luck, and hope she finds some clothes! Happy Trails Bent Willow Woman!

Mary

ADO/TDP 2011 American Pies

2011-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

when i opened my TDP package from mary palmer, i was having a candlelit pizza and wine dinner with good friends while our kids played in the next room. there's always such excitement when a new box arrives in the mail, so it's fun to share with friends and family if i can keep myself from tearing it open RIGHT AWAY. mary's journal told of a vision near an oak tree in her yard, a misty morning, fairies, and a little mystery. i was expecting to see a doll in the box, but instead there was a dazzling magic wand! funny but true: not more than a week before receiving the package, i had actually stated that i thought i needed a magic wand in my life. i asked, i received! i was inspired by the color scheme of this particular wand and it was a blast to dig through my pile of fabric and goodies to find the right start for the fairy who will be lucky enough to hold it when our team of 6 is done. the head and face i've created is one of my original spirit doll heads that has been oomphed up with more dramatic makeup and some gorgeous turquoise wool roving for hair. now, off she will fly to see sandie nowell in oregon.

The Doll Maker part 1

2011-04-22T19:20:00.000-04:00

you can stop my music to listen to this little clip ....its....different..lol

The American Pies - Ginny 2 - Adventures in Bend Oregon

2011-04-22T06:00:00.003-04:00

Ginny 2 arrived safe and sound in Bend, with journal in hand, ready to tell me all about her beginnings and how Paula had created her out of a beautiful piece of a dance costume once owned by a famous lady in Conneticuit who was also named Ginny. Ginny 2 explained how much more exciting it was to become a beautiful doll, that it was to sit around just being a part of a costume that wasn't being worn anymore. I knew from this moment that she was quite the gal, and that she was ready to see the world. She was so happy that Paula had given her a gorgeous body embellished with silver sequins and wonderful long arms trimmed with fluff and beads, but now she wanted a head and since she was rather flat in the chest area, she wanted me to give her a bosom...thats what she said. Ginny 2 is a gal who knows exactly what she wants. She wanted black hair and blue eyes and so I went to work. As soon as she had those big blue eyes, I gave her full reign in my studio. She found a most awesome piece of vintage beaded trim that I had been hoarding for some time, in fact it had traveled to Hawaii and back with me and until now, I had been unable to part with it...but when I looked into those big blue eyes...well I knew she just had to have it. We framed her face with the trim and used it to tie up her wild black hair. She took one look at herself and asked me to take her to a party! Imagine that...well it just so happened that I was giving a party for the residents at the place that I work, so I took Ginny 2 along with me that day. It was an Irish Pub party and Ginny had quite the time and made a big hit!

Ginny 2 enjoying a Guinness Draught with the guests.

At the party a local entertainer named Mark Kershner was performing there. He was quite taken with Ginny 2 and asked if he could sing a special Irish love song to her. He is very handsome and Ginny 2 was very smitten with his good looks and charm and accepted his offer.

Mark croons an Irish love song to Ginny 2 and later told her all about his life in Hollywood. She loved it!

When the party was over, Ginny 2 was quite overwhelmed with the adventure and reclined in the grass with the little leprechauns.

Ahhh, what a party!

Before we left the party, Ginny 2 gathered several shamrocks to take with her on her journey. She plans on giving one to each of the gals that she will be visiting to bring them good luck and of course will bring one home to Paula. When we returned home, Ginny2 and I spent a lot of time together reminiscing about the wonderful times we had spent together and I told her that she would be going to Lisa's home in California. I told her that Lisa would make her even more beautiful and would really show her a great time. Ginny 2 had made friends with all the fairies and mermaids around my house but she had grown closest to Miss Peacock.

She gave Miss Peacock a good bye hug and I tucked her safely in a box and sent her on her way to Lisa's.

Party on little Ginny 2...I will miss you!