Cambridge Gifts by Kelly

January 2012 and posting swap stuff from December 2011

2012-01-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Well, not too bad - only a month has passed and I'm posting the doll I made for Kath Davids, the puppet maker and the doll that Aileen Turner made for me. I was so lucky to have Aileen for a swap partner - she makes fabulous dolls!

Take a look: This guy is from Aileen - he makes me smile - he is the cutest and will stay out in my home all year.

And this is Peppermint, the elf I made for Kath. (Pardon the mess of my crafting area....)

December - again

2011-12-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

I don't have pictures to share right now. I do have an elf I just finished last night and mailed out today though - and will post pictures hopefully by tomorrow. Peppermint elf is part of a doll swap I'm participating in on A Dolls Safe Haven. I received my gift from another member - Aileen - she's a wonderful artist. I haven't opened the gift yet - it's for Christmas after all.

I'm going to Texas for Christmas so I will have the holiday with my dad. When I come home in January, there will be a little Christmas for my family here.

My Granddaughter, Samantha, is turning 6 on the 21st and I will be on my way to Texas that very day - so we did an early birthday party for her here at my house. She was a very happy and lucky girl. We had her birthday dinner of "Regular" chicken, mashed potatoes and corn - with a bubbly cider toast - topped off with a Barbie chocolate cake and mint chip ice-cream. All Sammy's favorites.

Tried to remember what it was like when I was 6 - kind of stretches the memory though - I know it was good....

On a roll...

2011-09-10T11:17:00.000-05:00

You'd think that after the storms of the last couple of weeks - not to mention the 8 inches of water I'm trying to deal with in my basement and the leak in the roof - I'd be much too haggard for art. It is helping to keep my chin up. I'm taking a class on A is for Artistic given by Marilyn Radzat. So far I've taken her Head series and her hand and arm series. I still need to add a little to the palm area of one hand and flesh out/smooth the arm areas but thought I would post a picture or two. My thought for this figure is to make her a Herald Angel. She will be a gift for my church.

Second installment - face pendant #2 - not too seriously

2011-09-05T11:24:00.000-05:00

This is the second of the two face pendants that I've worked on this week. It's funny how I make the faces and then it takes so long before I figure out how I want to finish them. This is the second face that I've worked on this week. The faces were finished long ago and I just got into a beading frenzy and finished them. This one really is not taking myself too seriously.

Not too seriously...

2011-09-04T12:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day weekend 2011. As I come into the unofficial time of fall in the northeast, many things come to mind. I've had many happy years here in Cambridge, NY. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived. I plan to be here for a few more years to come. (God willing.)

I've been working on some more beaded face pendants and actually have one done and wonder of wonders - I have a picture to post. I have another one that is well underway and hopefully I will post it by tomorrow.

For anyone who doesn't know, my last two pieces that I placed in an art gallery were stollen - not something I'm very happy about - I learn the hardway.

This is a face pendant that is a tongue in cheek - actually tongue stuck out rendition of "Don't take yourself too seriously". Have a great day and hopefully another photo tomorrow.

March 7, 2011 Another Snow Day

2011-03-07T09:11:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to post my latest creation. It's an Easter type bunny that calls back to my White Rabbits that I was doing back in 2003. Boy how time flies by. I have three orders for these bunnies now for this coming Easter. This particular bunny for is for an Easter Bunny Swap on A Doll's Safe Haven list. I hope my swap partner enjoys this bunny. It's a surprise so I can't say who will be receiving this one. :0)

I'm hoping to start an Etsy shop soon and will post a link here when I put any items up.

Melinda DeRocker singing feels like home to me...

2011-02-05T06:34:00.003-05:00

Check out this link on U-Tube. Melinda is my friend Rob's wife and she has a beautiful voice and this song is just wonderful. Hope you have a lovely day and that things are going well. Today I am going to try and create - something!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wgUDNCT5I0

Ok - so Becky sent me a picture of three cute kids...

2010-11-04T21:19:00.004-05:00

I just checked my email and saw a picture of my other three grandchildren - not in costume - but just cute anyway....

I love them lots too! Now I just need to get those other pictures off the camera....

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T21:07:00.004-05:00

Halloween has come and gone - we had a good time. I have pictures of Becky and the kids on my camera - which I still have to down load but Alex sent me a picture of Zachary that I can just put here - creepy! Becky and company will be added soon - another group to creep us out...except for Kibbles - who was just the cutest furry pirate going - better than Johnny Depp me thinks!!!

Happy Independence Day after!

2010-07-05T18:03:00.002-05:00

The weather has been so beautiful that I think we are all in heaven! (A little humid today - but that's better than cold and raining.) I wanted to catch up on my gallery exhibits with my guilds and things from last month. Believe it or not - I did sell a doll! Happy dance here and Garden Imp has found a new, happy home! I am so happy - I know that Ted would have been saying I told you so - he always had faith in me.

I had two of my dragon bookmarks at City Hall in Glens Falls - they didn't sell, but I bought a beautiful photo of two deer in winter while I was there - so I'm happy dancing for that too. Sometimes things just work out right.

Yesterday I went over to my uncle's and we had a fourth of July picnic. It was nice to sit and visit and EAT! Down side was that my Aunt was in the hospital - but she is doing better and that is a happy thing - we visited her a couple of times and she looked good by the time I headed for home.

I'm working on some stuff for a craft show in North Creek, NY in August. I'm hoping to get a few pendants done and maybe some more of the Viking Knit chain too. Thinking, Thinking, Thinking. Miniature food items might be fun too. You never know where my mind and clay will go.

Well, have a good night - back to work tomorrow.

June 10, 2010

2010-06-10T14:40:00.009-05:00

Well, this is turning into a very busy month for me. I went out to Rome, NY last weekend where my Central New York Doll as Art Guild has a show of dolls running for the month. June 4th was the opening day. The place is beautiful and the dolls all look stunning. I have a few of mine out there and they fit right in. Maybe someone will want to take one home? You never know. Grandfather Cloud walker is out there and looking as wise as ever. A couple of pictures of the ladies and some dolls...

I've been taking an on line course about viking knitting from Adele Sciortino. She does amazing work and has a wonderful online magazine that she publishes quarterly - just for joining her site you can subscribe. I love Viking Knit (it creates the chain for the necklace) and the beading is wonderful. I've included a few pictures of my piece.

This Friday, I go to Camp of the Woods in Speculator, NY for a church convention. I'm only staying one night I think and am looking forward to it. I'll try and take a few pictures. Speculator is beautiful and Lake Pleasant is gorgeous. There is a true paradox where Lake Pleasant and Paradox Lake join. The water meets and creates a small whirlpool that goes counter clockwise. I saw it years ago when I was canoeing on the lake. Don't tell anyone but back then I went snowmobiling on the lakes and in the woods of Speculator too. Not sure I would do that now in my wiser years. (But you never know....) :0)

Have a lovely - I know if I don't start my Patriotic Prim Doll soon I will miss the challenge dead line and that would not be nice - so think good thoughts for me that I get it done. More later -

Long time since the last doll

2010-05-05T18:12:00.004-05:00

It's been a long, long time since I worked on any dolls and it's been a long time since I've blogged about it. I am almost finished with a challenge doll for my guild in central New York - CYNDAG. (Central NY Doll as Art Guild) It's a fairy challenge. We used a fairy name generator and are making a doll for a challenge using these names. My is Hex Elffilter. She's interesting. I have to do a write up on her and am struggling. I can't post a picture yet because I need to do something about her face - just isn't right yet.

I'm also going to try doing a challenge on CDA, (Cloth Doll Artistry) for the Primitive Americana Patriotic doll that I have a link at the end of this paragraph for more information. The challenge is open to anyone who wants to join in - click the button and check it out - the more the merrier. (and there will be prizes...) http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121220704571766

In the meantime - I am having a garage built for my car - this last winter was my undoing and I just want to put the car away and know it's okay and not snow covered or ice encrusted. Anyway - here are some pictures of the progress.

(hole for the Alaskan slab and curbing)

(Dave's back hoe that dug the hole...)

(Fred doesn't have anything to do with the garage - he's just my cutie)

When I get done with my doll I will post some more pictures - hopefully of the doll and maybe the cat again. Take care and have a great Wednesday evening. I'm going to have another cup of tea. K

Happy Saturday

2010-03-20T07:04:00.003-05:00

The sun is out and it's supposed to go to the 70s today! Only March - but spring may be here? Wow (officially yes I know - but almost unheard of reality in upstate NY.) I'm spending the day in Greenwich at a meeting for Vestry members at CTK. The place is beautiful and the people are friendly so it's a very nice type of meeting. I hope to post more later and show some of the progress on my fairy. (Although - as usual - she is not a pretty fairy - more of an impish one...) Have a wonderful Day!

March 13 - Happy Saturday

2010-03-13T12:25:00.004-05:00

This is a gray day - but not a bad day. I am in the last day of dog sitting for Becky. She and Jacquelyn, Cian and Samantha are returning from a road trip to Florida for fun and frolic. The dogs are no trouble and they have kept me company - not to mention making me go outside....

I have been working on some polymer clay stuff - I've even started a new doll for the Central NY Doll is Art Guild I belong to. I will be taking her out to Syracuse in May for our annual meeting. Can't wait to see how she turns out and what everyone else has come up with.

In my last post (January, I'm embarrassed to say); I mentioned having a new front door put on the house. That was accomplished and since then I've also had the two hemlock trees trimmed down as well as the box shrubs trimmed "up". LOL.

not too bad is it?

My next and probably last house project is having a garage put in where I took out the old brown (falling down) shed. It's something that I look forward to for bad weather - no more having to clean off the car in the ice and snow - yay!

This is a faux leather technique that we worked on last weekend at the Adirondack Mountain Clay Guild meeting - we meet just off exit 18 of the Northway at Carl R's Cafe. Shelley taught the technique and mine came out far better than I ever expected it to. Thanks Shelley!

I've been dragging out all my craft stuff and I've even been buying new stuff (shhh, trying not to think about it....)and just wish I could focus on one thing. I'm looking forward to maybe doing a couple of craft shows this year and maybe work up to more in the next couple of years. Hey - you never know!

On a more solemn note, the family has continued to lose loving and wonderful members, all of them were cherished and precious. I was especially saddened by the sudden death of my dear cousin, David Leichenauer. He had a fatal heart attack on March 4th. He would have been 52 on March 6th. So very sad and unexpected. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

I can't wait for Becky and the Kids to get back today. I'm sure they had a wonderful time and will tell me all about it. Until my next post - when I might even have a doll picture or two to share - stay happy and enjoy!

New Front Door!

2010-01-27T11:13:00.003-05:00

Good morning! I am having a new front door put in at the front of my house - they are here installing now! May be draft free shortly~at least I had better be! I'll post pictures when it's finished too.

This is a door entrance that we don't use - well - didn't use - who knows what will happen. Anyway, today I am looking at doll stuff on line and feeling the bug. Have to clean first though - and Friday I leave for San Antonio for a few days. If I finish the little baby doll I'm working on though I will post pictures.

Have a great day!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

Good morning from a somewhat surprisingly chilly Sierra Vista, Arizona. Yesterday was Christmas day and I spent it here in Arizona with my daughter Alexandria and her family. It was a lovely day with great company and good food - just what Christmas should be - in my mind. Zachary and Chad were happy with the gifts that they received as was everyone. The day was bright and sunny and we all just relaxed. Telephone calls to family members were made and received and all was well.

Mike is in NYC filling in on the show Awesome 80's Prom today. Hopefully all goes well - it usually does and I think he enjoys the City in small doses.

Not much happening on the crafting front but I am feeling the bug so I'm sure I will get back to dolls soon. I've only made two teddy bears and a few jewlery items this year and am feeling rather stiff - kind of like how I feel when I've sat too long without moving. Need to flex my creative muscles. (Use it or lose it as my mother said.)

Today is December 26 or the day that I have come to know as tweener day. Ted's birthday was December 27 and so the day between the 25 and 27 is - tweener day. I'm still keeping tweener day and this first one without Ted is for him - Happy Tweener-day!

My next project I think will be to try and sculpt some small baby figures. I find them very intriguing and they will probably keep my interest for a while. I'll post some pictures when I get started. (Which will hopefully be as soon as I get home - unless I find myself in a store that sells clay in the next couple of days.) I am here until January 3rd and then I fly back home. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I don't get stuck anywhere along the way back. Coming down I thought that Salt Lake City was going to be an unscheduled break in my trip. Snow storms and air travel do not mix well.

Have a great day, and enjoy your holiday season!

Happy Columbus Day!

2009-10-12T08:07:00.003-05:00

Well another span of time has gone by and life is chilly here in Upstate NY. The leaves here have colored and dropped quickly. I am feeling the need to go get apples and (surprisingly) missing the garden and Ted's big harvest push. I always grumbled about being the one stuck in the kitchen cleaning and freezing and canning - but now that I don't have that - I miss it - kind of. Life is funny and we as people are funnier. I'm working on a blue teddy bear for my church raffle and will hopefully post pictures soon. I'm also feeling the urge to make a witch and all number of other things - so who knows - maybe new stuff will be coming soon. I can only hope. My little cat, Magic, loves me to sit in my craft room and sew at my machine. She is reclusive and is rarely seen, but as soon as I sit to sew, she is in my chair with me and will stay for hours. Some things remain as constants which I am truly thankful for now. Peace and more soon.

Theodore R Bear for Ronald McDonald House

2009-10-04T06:35:00.004-05:00

Hi - I wanted to post my new teddy bear, named Theodore R Bear. I made him for the auction to benefit the Albany Ronald McDonald House. He is 5.5 inches tall seated and 6 inches toe to toe. I dressed him festively so people will smile looking at him.

Happy August 3rd!

2009-08-03T19:58:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to say hello to August and ask the question so often heard around upstate NY this year - What the heck happened to Summer? Oh well. Saturday was a beautiful day, Sunday was another wet one, today was gorgeous too (although I spent it inside at a desk) and tomorrow is supposed to rain again. One good one not so - oh well - no drought here. Take care and more another time. K

Sunday, June 7, 2009 another day

2009-06-07T10:46:00.004-05:00

This is my daughter Rebecca and her daughter Jacquelyn. In May, Becky graduated from College with a four year degree in Phsycology. This week she starts summer courses to earn a nursing degree to go with it. Way to go Becky - Cum Laude!

Well, a lot has happened in the last six months. Some of it is good and some no so good. The last week has been another not so good but I won't belabor that here. I have been taking some pictures of balloons from my house. This weekend was the annual Cambridge Valley balloon festival and although I haven't gone into Town for the festivities - some of it has come to me.

I've also picked a strawberry from our strawberry plant (now plants) that Ted and our grandson Zachary planted last summer.

After all this time I've also ordered and received some fresh polymer clay - so who knows - maybe a good time to makes some new dolls and things. I need to get my head straight and maybe it will help.

Last July we went to France for Aaron and Annelise's wedding. Her mother Karn is like family. We had such a wonderful time and were very comfortable. Karn is very ill right now and in my thoughts and prayers daily. I hope that anyone who takes a moment to read this blog entry will also take a moment and say a prayer and send some beautiful energy for Karn.

Ted's Aunt Helen and his older brother. Alan, both passed away this last week. Very sad in a way but in a way okay. Aunt Helen was a beautiful person who lived a long and good life and is now at rest with her beloved Clarence. Alan, leaves behind his beautiful daughter, Cora but I hope that he has found peace. He really needed a rest and I hope finds solace.

Any way, I am going to post some pictures of the house as it is now and some other pictures that I want to share. I hope you have a beautiful week.
This is a little rock waterfall that I built beside the house yesterday. Its running water from a spring on the property.

Thursday night, March 5, 2009 - just a note...

2009-03-05T19:59:00.002-05:00

Time goes on and spring is coming. I am so looking forward to the spring flowers and the green of the awakening earth. The cold this winter has been very disconcerting. I am hoping that March is nice this year and goes quietly like a lamb - but from what I'm hearing on the weather - looks like it's supposed to be a little warmer in the next couple of days and then back to the freezer for us.

I haven't been able to do much with my dolls or other art yet. I want to but I just can't seem to do it. All in time I guess. I am posting here so I think that's a good sign. Have a safe and happy night.

Time, so fleeting and so precious

2009-02-14T19:39:00.008-05:00

THEODORE REYNOLDS BELL 12/27/1947 TO 01/12/2009 Beloved husband and father...

It has been a while since I last posted. As a matter of fact January 11, 2009 was a nightmare day as it turned out. My precious, darling Ted; the other half of me had a fatal stroke and passed away officially on January 12, 2009. I am only posting this because I can't not post it. To not post it would be to ignore his importance in my life - and Ted was an all important part of me. His life was precious to me and a terrible loss that I will feel for a very, very long time - or at the very least, for the rest of my life. The joy of Ted was immeasurable and a blessing that I would not have missed - even for this pain of loss. So I give you this view...
Until we meet again my love.

January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T08:34:00.003-05:00

I've been remiss in posting and have not posted any thing art related in a while. I haven't been totally without artistic ambition though. Angel pin dolls were the subject of December's Pin Doll Alley swap and I made a pin doll for Heera. I am posting a picture of the Pin Doll Angel that I made but sadly, I still have to take a picture of the beautiful Angel that Heera made for me - so that will be up at a later time.

I am working on a crocheted afghan right now - really off pace with doll making, or polymer clay but a needed change I think. Change is good and crocheting lets my mind wander and relax. I think my next project will be some crazy quilting which I do in smaller scale than large piano scarves - but I really enjoy the fabrics and the stitches. I'm thinking of incorporating some of the crazy quilting into my next doll project. I've done that before and I always enjoy the outcome, since it adds such a beautiful depth and dimension.

This is a picture of the Angel that I sent to Heera:

From the ice dome

2008-12-13T12:37:00.006-05:00

Greetings! Today is bright and clear - not like yesterday which was frozen rain, sleet and snow. It is much colder today though and the ice is just as heavy - but at least looks pretty from inside the house. We lost power sometime in the night of the 11th but it was back on by about 9:30 am on the 12th. I am posting some pictures. Last night was a full moon and with a clear cold sky it was absolutely stunning.

with ice/before snow with ice/after snow

Ted fixing the mailbox after the plow hit it - but before the snow came.

and then a brilliant morning...

Our Christmas Tree 2008

Happy Thanksgiving 2008 - wow time does fly...

2008-11-27T08:30:00.003-05:00

Good morning - Happy Turkey Day! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is on today and all is right with the world. I hope that you enjoy a happy, healthy Thanksgiving and have a bright and beautiful Holiday Season. We celebrate Christmas and this is the best of times. Cookies to bake and fudge and other treats to make! Ted started his chex mix batches and even put up one of our trees. The decorations are out and just need to be sorted and displayed. So much warmth even in the cold of late autumn/early winter. We are spending the day with Becky and her family in Vermont. Ted is doing the scalloped corn and I am making sweet potatoes and maybe some jello. Orange jello so that I can use the two mandarin oranges that have been growing on the little orange tree that my brother Jack and his family gave us for Christmas a couple of years ago. They are wonderful little oranges - we had one last January and now we have two more that are looking ripe and beautiful. We also have Myer Lemons rippening on the lemon tree Jack and family also sent another year and those are the best lemons I have ever had.

I hope that you all have a safe, happy, and joyous day full of all the things that make you feel at peace with the world. (Even if that something is football....) (How American is this????)

I made a couple of Dragons for the girls last weekend. Jacquelyn's request was for purple and Samantha's request was for pink. I took some pictures (which is good because Samantha has already damaged hers and is needing repair) and will post them soon. I'm also working on three sculpts (Christmas ornaments) that I can't post yet until the swap is over on BPACG. There is also a Blue Angel in cloth in progress that I seem to be spinning my wheels on. I like her so far but now am stuck. Hopefully I "un-stick" soon. LOL.

Hopefully more later and pictures - I have to work tomorrow and we go to NYC on Sunday to get Mike and bring him home for a couple of months so there isn't much time to do anything. Next weekend is a big one too - we go to NYC on a bus trip with friends and then spend the night in Albany so that we can go to the TransSiberian Light Orchestra concert at the TU Center on Sunday. We plan Christmas shopping for early next Sunday so it will be a very busy weekend. Makes me tired already....

Take care and have a happy.
K

November 2, 2008 Post Halloween

2008-11-02T19:46:00.007-05:00

Time just flies by....don't know where the rabbit hole is but my time is fleeting down there - I just know it.

Mike has gone back to the city after a couple of week break up here. We miss him. Friday, Halloween, Becky and Kevin and the three children came over for trick or treating and the annual Halloween Parade. What fun. I'm attaching pictures and yes - I'm even adding one of me and one of Ted that shows that goofiness doesn't fall far from the tree. (Maybe it's just contagious?) Even the cat isn't sure about the pumpkin???

Crazy just runs in the family...

I also finished and mailed out my pin for my swap partner, Karen Mallory on Pin Doll Alley. The theme was Gravely I speak - ghosts all around...

Thanks for visiting and Happy Halloween!

The October Chill - Halloween is in the air!

2008-10-19T05:37:00.006-05:00

Happy Sunday, October 19th. The three pictures above are from last week. Ted went out to get some pictures in the area we live to send to Aaron in France. We are truely blessed to live in such a wonderfully beautiful place. Now, the weather is crisp and clear, the deciduous trees are starting to shed their glorious crowns of leaves and Jack Frost is back in town. I both love and dread this time of year. I love the colors and the brightness and that hint of how spectacular life really is. I think of baking pies, crisps, cookies, cakes, stews, soups and chilies. We've pulled out our sweaters and heavier clothes. Boots are at the ready-just in case. That's the part I dread - the ice and snow to come. The dark when I awake and the early dark that makes you want to go to bed by seven o'clock in the evening. I don't know how the true north does it - darkness is draining. Thank goodness for the light and warmth of home. I took a picture early yesterday morning as the light was just out so that I can share just what a hard frost looks like. (No this isn't snow - it's just the dampness on the ground as coldness seizes it. The beauty of Jack Frost.

I haven't gotten much farther on my three sisters - although I have begun work on their accessories - no woman or man is quite complete without accessories. LOL. I also came up with an idea on how to finish the little "fiends" that I started last year. Hopefully I will finish them soon and post pictures.

I just put windows live mail on my account so I am struggling to figure that all out. It says I can manage all of my email and photos etc. from one place. We'll see. Well, that's all for this post. I'll put more pictures up as I get things finished. Ted picked a whole box full of hot peppers though and that needs to be taken care of too. I think I may make hot sauces out of these myself and actually can them. Oh - we went to the Adirondack craft show at the Washington County Fair Grounds and bought some jarred butters and conserves. Ted printed out a recipe for Pumpkin Butter so I think I'm going to make some of that too. Hmmm, I think I already know what Christmas gifts will be this year.

October - whoohoo

2008-10-05T07:34:00.007-05:00

I have progressed on my three sisters and have done a little more work on two little guys that I started last year. I'm hoping to finish all of these this week. My Wendy Froud project is completed except for the base/setting which still needs a lot of work. Here are some pictures. If at any time you are interested in my things just send me an email and I will get back to you. Thanks for looking and I hope that your day is going along happily.

I also made a pincushion as a September swap for a friend on Pin Doll Alley - Mary Mangini. This is a rather large pincushion with two happy personalities. He will also be a good weight and has a needle book to hold those needles so they don't get lost in his body. (I speak from experience.)

Last Saturday in September - Adirondack Polymer Clay Guild Day!

2008-09-27T06:17:00.002-05:00

Good morning - hope the day finds you healthy and happy. I'm spending most of my day at my polymer clay guild meeting. We're making beads today -something that I'm not very practiced at and looking forward to. Hopefully my beads will come out well since we are swapping beads and I don't want to disappoint anyone. :)

This week seemed like a long one. Days at work drag along and are not very satisfying, but I guess that is the case with many people so I'm not complaining - at least I have a full time, paying job and I work with pleasant people and we get along well. I've been working on my three sisters and the third one is almost complete and I will post pictures soon. I'm also working on a pin cushion for another list and that has come along nicely although I haven't picked it up to finish it and really need to since it's my September swap - and what did I title this post? oh yeah - last Saturday in September.

Well, I need to gather my supplies for my bead making extravaganza and get myself in gear. Have a lovely day and a great week end! Tomorrow I will hopefully make it to a couple of Alpaca farms to visit those lovely creatures and see about getting some of their roving for doll hair. (Oh happy day!)

Good morning Happy Last day of summer!

2008-09-21T06:44:00.002-05:00

Another chilly morning here. Brrrrrr. Today I have to rearrange some of my plantings outside and try to winter them. After that I will work on some polymer and hopefully also get my three sisters finished or at least mostly. Costuming always takes it's share of time and thought. There are so many things to do that it's hard to know where to start - so I guess I'll have another cup of coffee and just enjoy the sun coming through the window. Have a lovely day. K

Three Sisters for 2008 - in progress

2008-09-20T07:18:00.005-05:00

Good morning! It's a very chilly morning here in the Great Northeastern state of NY. Turned the furnace on for the first time this year - very sad day when that happens. I've been working on three cloth dolls that I have named the three sisters. They are still in progress, all in different stages. The first one that is the furthest along is the Green sister, second one is the Yellow sister and the last one is the purple sister. I paint on the bottom of the stump part of the doll and only the purple sister still needs painting. What will it be? I'm leaning toward a black cat. We'll see.

Now for the wedding...well pre-wedding fun anyway...

2008-09-10T19:17:00.010-05:00

I didn't post much in the month of August and so you missed all the info on the Wedding in France! We had such a fabulous time! Annelise's family is wonderful and made us all feel so very much at home. Provence and especially Baume de Transit is very beautiful - the sky, the vineyards, the lavender - all gorgeous. I didn't mention the cyprus and the olive trees and how huge the rosemary grows there. I have tons of pictures - most of which aren't that good because I'm not a great photographer - but they will provide memories for life and that's all that matters. I am going to share a couple of video clips here (if I can get them to post) of the day before the wedding where Aaron and Annelise were the leaders of two roman teams that trekked through Baume de Transit on a scavenger hunt and a good time. Esteve, one of Annelise's brothers, is the creative mastermind and a very fun person who came up with this. Everything was so much fun! The first clip is Aaron getting prepared and the next two are Annelise - she was a much more particular master.

I also want to put up a couple of other pictures just to show the scenery. I think I'll put some up in my picturetrail and also in facebook. Probably not tonight - but soon. Of course there was also the Bell Family Reunion that was held on August 2, 2008 at Tom and Marie's house on Hedge's Lake, which somehow got lost in the shuffle - more to come, and also the post-France-now-in-Cambridge party to celebrate the marriage of Aaron and Annelise that was on August 26th. So much to share and so little time and I haven't even touched on my dolls and art work. Whew!

September - approaching Fall!

2008-09-10T18:10:00.006-05:00

Hello - time is definitely flying by. The weather today said there is a chance of a light frost out here tonight. We have plans to bring in the more tender of the house plants to protect them - such a quick ending to the summer season.

I have been very busy this last month - I've worked on clay and cloth and various house projects and life is good. Ted and I went for a walk tonight. It was the usual walk but with the purpose of taking some pictures of the corn fields with tassels for our grandson, Zachary. Zachary was with us for May and June and part of July and didn't get to see the full grown corn - so here they are Zachary - pictures of the tasseled corn! (And a few bonus pictures - especially of the "wild" asparagus plants that you and papa hunted for dinner. Ones that got away...)

A blue heron lives in the grassy area by the road where we walk, where the stream comes in. I never get tired of this walk.

Now earlier this month (while I was in the house working on a doll) Ted came in and told me to grab the camera and come outside. There in the sky over our house was a beautiful hot air balloon - and it isn't even the Cambridge Balloon Festival time! How lucky can we be?

August - where has my time gone?

2008-08-07T18:23:00.002-05:00

Hello and no I'm not lost - just trying to find time! It's true that the older you get the quicker time passes - can't say the same about the other sayiing that wisdom comes with age....probably can't prove that by me either....LOl.

Anyway, Aaron and Annelise were married on July 26th in sunny Southern France. We had so much fun and the country side is definitely beautiful. A way of life I could get very used to. I still have tons of pictures to go through and maybe even post a few. I haven't been at all creative in the last month but hopefully that will change soon. I did paint the living room floor this week and hope to change out the wall paper this weekend, but dolls are a long way off for me - between work and house and yard I am in a time deficit. (Wow - sounds like government finances...)

Well, I know this was short and there are no interesting pictures but I will try and do better soon. Take care, stay well and enjoy every day. With much Love -

Candy Witch by Kelly

2008-06-28T07:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's day!

2008-06-15T05:27:00.004-05:00

Wow another long stretch without posting - you'd think I was busy! Since Memorial Day a lot has been happening. The weather is nice and the gardens are under way. The flowers are blooming and even more planting is afoot. We have Zachary for a couple of months in his family's transition from living in England to living in Arizona. (Wow is this a happy time!) We saw the moving Kung fu panda - it's hilarious and a fun movie.

Cian turned six years old and my daughter had his party at chili's in Vermont. Lots of fun and the girls were even dancing.

Today is Father's day and so a very happy day to all the fathers out there (especially my dad who is a great and loving father for all of us - and for his grandchildren too - happy day dad!)

We have Zachary, Jacquelyn and Samantha today. The girls spent the night too and we are having fun. They all went in the pool yesterday - didn't get any pictures - we were having too much fun. Happiness on a father's day for Ted who deserves a very happy father's day wish too - he's been very supportive to the family and is great with the grandchildren too - another lucky find in a family man.

I've been working on my Wendy Froud project that some of us from BPCAG are in and I will post pictures of this along with some other pictures of the flowers and the kids.

(I forgot to take pictures of a flower bouquet pin that I sent to Heera for my Pin Doll Alley swap for May - darn!) I have also been working on a couple of fantasy cabochons that we practiced at the Adirondack MT Polymer Clay Guild meeting in Queensbury last month - darn again! haven't taken any pictures of them either.)

Ok - now for some pictures. (Enjoy and have a great summer!)

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-26T06:32:00.004-05:00

Goodness it's been a while. Summer seems to finally have jumped the fence and entered upstate New York. Today it is supposed to be in the low 80's F and it is incredibly sunny. Ted marches in the local parade today. He will play either the baratone or the valve trombone. The Cambridge Fireman's Band is the oldest continuous marching band in the United States.

I've been working on a polymer clay project using the Wendy Froud techniques from her current DVD set. Well, okay - some of her techniques. I find that I usually start out with good intentions but go back to what works for me. I'm finding that although it's helpful to watch how others do their art - what works personally is usually the road I take. I've been busy painting the house and playing with my grandson who is here visiting for a couple of months. Life is good and I am very lucky. My dolls are out in Canandaigua for the month and since the month is almost up - I'll be picking them up on June 3rd. It was great to meet the wonderful artists in the Central New York Doll is Art Guild. Wonderful people and beautiful artists.

These are a couple of pictures of my Deep wood Imp that is in progress for my WF project:

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Another work

2008-04-19T17:39:00.004-05:00

I entered a challeng on the beginner's polymer clay group and had a lot of fun making my "Trout Slapped" old fisherman. He is sitting in a twig chair that is guarded by a couple of elves who blend in with the surronding mushrooms and vines. The brown river trout on the line was none too happy at being caught up in his quest for dinner and has slapped the old fisherman a good one - splash went everywhere! LOL.

While I was looking for these pictures I came across a few pictures that were also taken around the same time. We take walks over to a swampy area by our house and look for turtles and muskrats, etc. Spring is around the corner and the Alpaca were out as were the geese, it's a very nice walk.

And last but never least, our faithful walking companion, Doak our bassett hound. He's 13 years old but except for his graying you would never know it.

Bride dolls made it!

2008-04-16T19:07:00.010-05:00

Hi - good night after a beautiful day! Tomorrow is supposed to be our first day in the 70's for the season. Can't wait. I have a cold right now that I think I caught from my two year old grand daughter. Love her anyway. This is a picture of my beautiful granddaughters.

I mailed my dolls off to Suji in Central NY and they arrived safely for our challenge. I was "challenged" by the bride doll - she is definitely proof that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder..." Oh well.

And this is the CAT Bride that I also sent out. I like the way she came out much better. I am not a good photographer - hard to believe that my dad did it for a living. Guess it's not a genetic skill. LOL.

I still have to work on my pin doll for this month. I have the concept and have decided on how but just have to impliment....

Well that's all for tonight. Thanks for looking and have a great night and a lovely week.

Long Day!

2008-04-14T19:48:00.002-05:00

Wow April 14th already. Time definitely flies when you're busy. Tonight I'm boxing up two dolls for a challenge in central New York. I need to work on a pindoll and I have a couple of other projects that need my attention. I also really need to make some place cards up for my dolls for a gallery show with CNYDAG for May. I'm tired tonight and still have a ways to go before I can rest - so for this day - be well.

Right Eye Day

2008-04-02T05:37:00.002-05:00

Seems funny right now to feel that things are in limbo and that eye surgery drives my time. I have projects to start and things to finish but it's like I am not able to move forward until this is over. Very frustrating. LOL. Well, hopefully by tomorrow I will be able to put it in high gear and get through everything I need to do. More after.

Happy sunny Saturday! The last in March 2008

2008-03-29T07:21:00.003-05:00

Good morning. The sun is shining, there are six more inches of new snow on the ground and you can quote me - I AM READY FOR WARM WEATHER - IF THAT MEANS SPRING - ALL RIGHT ALL READY! LOL. I hope your day is a happy one and that your month has been a pleasant one.

Tomorrow my son Mike turns 25. Where does the time go? He is still in the show "Awesome 80s Prom" and if you're ever in the city on a Saturday night - you might want to check it out. He is also my youngest. We (Ted and I) have six children between us and we are so lucky and so proud of each and every one of them. That says it all. We are very blessed people.

Well, today is a catch up on my projects day. Usually by this time I am showing my finished projects for the month here - but I am slow this month. Today I work.

Stay safe and be well.

Post left eye surgery and new work

2008-03-22T06:50:00.006-05:00

Good morning. I'm sitting here seeing better (out of the left eye anyway) than I have in a long time. Computer is a challenge still and reading is a bigger one - but I'm improving. I will have the other eye done at the beginning of April and then (hopefully) things will be amazingly better. (Can't believe they let me drive - I think from what I can tell now - I was close to blind.)

The really good news is that I have been able to work on a couple of things that I had started and they are now finished. Both are gifts for very nice people. As in my previous post, I have been working on coiled dragons. These are also in the style of Christi Friesen.

The first dragon I'm showing is one that I am making for our future daughter-in-law. She is a very nice, very talented woman who I really like. Ted's son Aaron is a very lucky man. (Of course Aaron is also a very nice and talented person so it's a good match.)

Annelise showed me a sketch of the dress she is designing for her wedding dress and told me it would be beige and turquoise. They are getting married in France and Annelise has worked very hard to make sure that Ted and I will have a very good trip there in July. The dragon I made for her is a thank you for all of her effort and hard work. It is a beige and turqoise coiled dragon bookmark that has a turqoise nugget at it's center. The ribbons attached under it's wings are to mark the pages of a book. I'm sure that with all of the talent that Annelise shows she will be able to put this little dragon to good use.

With love to Annelise:

The other coiled dragon bookmark is a black and turqoise style dragon with a black faceted glass bead at it's center. I made this bookmark for a very good friend at work who is moving. Trisha is a really great person who I will really miss seeiing each day. She has a lot of talent and a very promising life ahead of her. I wish her only the best as she moves forward into her new adventures. This little dragon will help to mark her places in either the wonderful cookbook that she is compiling for her own use or any journal of her travels that she keeps. With love to Trisha:

I am working on a challenge object for April 5th on the polymer clay sight I belong to but I can't post any pictures of it until after that closes. I am also working on putting together some dolls for a gallery showing in Central NY in May. I hope that I can make it out to that - I should say that I am going out to it and just be done. Determination.

I am also still trying to come up with a bride doll for this Central NY doll guild for April. Fast running out of time. Really need to just do it - problem is although I love pearls and lace - pretty dolls are very difficult for me to do. Need an angle I guess. (No, that's not angel - although that wouldn't hurt either....)

Until my next post - be healthy and happy.

2008-03-10T17:00:00.005-05:00

One last thing that I've been trying out in the style of Christi Friesen is this dragon pendant. I'm not sure at this point that this is a pendant / jewelry thing as much as a pendant / book mark thing. LOL. The one thing I would change is the stone in the center. It's a cherry quartz donut and is really the wrong color for the work. Oh well, experiment and learn. I love the dragon though. (You can click on any image and it will enlarge in another window if you want to see more detail.) The first one I didnt' use the flash on and the second I did.

2008-03-10T16:22:00.014-05:00

Today is a beautiful, sunny but really chilly March day. I thought it might be a good time to try and up load a few of the pictures that I tried in vain to load yesterday.

These are pictures of my dressform sculpt that is a work in progress. I am having a lot of fun with this one.

I began with gesso on the form and added a topper of shells and pearls and beads - oh my. The next step was to paint it out - just loving it and then I foiled in both silver and gold - life is too sort for just one. Next I worked on decorating the stand with paints, glitters and beads. (If you like this you need to check out Jean Bernard's link that I included in a previous post.) Then came the collar - too cool. The last picture here is a couple of sculpts that I've done that attach to the base on wire. (A sea turtle and a fish so far.) I'm not even close to being done with this one. Hope you enjoy and I will keep you posted.

My Birthday!

2008-03-09T21:20:00.004-05:00

Today was a good day and my birthday! I got to talk to all of my family members and it was nice to catch up. Ted and I went out to breakfast. He surprised me with a new ASUS pc. It's a little pc with a 7" screen that weighs less than two pounds. It will be great for on the go. He also gave me a beautiful red begonia. I worked on some of my outstanding projects and just had a really nice day doing things I enjoy doing. Life is good.

I want to share some of my work in progress on the Dressform class that I'm taking with Jean Bernard. This is the project that I won by guessing some of the products/objects she was using in a new endeavor. I'm having a blast and think it's coming out really good. I've also included a couple of items that I've sculpted using the techniques of Christi Friesen. This is a work in progress (WIP) so I will be posting again later as I get further along. (It helps that the weather has been rather wintery/rainy/cold/miserable, so staying in and working on things has been a welcome opportunity to stay warm, dry and happy.

Now for the dressform art. When I started this for some reason I had Ocean/Atlantis on the brain so of course - here is my rendition of the reigning queen of Atlantis. Blogger is haviing difficulty with uploading photos right now and says to try later. I am going to have to try another time. So stay tuned - pictures to follow. Have a happy night.

Happy Last Sunday in February 2008!

2008-02-24T08:13:00.013-05:00

Hi and welcome to another cold but sunny day in Cambridge, NY. It's been a rather drawn out week but a busy one. We had the pleasure of Jacquelyn's company for the week she was on "spring break". I've finished my swap sculpt for Lee on my BPCAG list. This is two good friends sharing a special story. I really enjoyed swapping with Lee.

This is a picture of the Welcome to Bear Heaven that he sent to me -

Lee also makes very nice gliceryn (sp) soap that we are enjoying.

I've also sent a new pin out to my swap partner on Pin Doll Alley, Maureen Thornton. Our theme this month was a mouse and its swiss cheese. I had a good time with this one too. Trying my hand once again at making a free form miniature animal head. This pin is cloth whereas the two best friends are polymer clay. You can't really see the yellow fabric of the heart but it has shaded areas that make it look like swill cheese. This one is titled "The Queen Of Cheese". Cloth and clay are very different mediums to work in, and both have some very exciting possibilities. This little mouse is made out of craft fur/felt. It came out pretty good too if I do say so myself. :-P

Since it's the end of the month of February, all my challenge's are due that I've entered for the month. I have entered a hat in a magazine challenge. It's an edwardian ladie's hat. I really love hats and had a good time making this one.

I guess that's all for this post. Keep on looking up and pressing on. I'll leave you with a picture of my Jacquelyn the beautiful butterfly face. Have a safe and happy week.

YMCA - isn't this cool? Only 1 man! Enjoy.

2008-02-16T10:07:00.002-05:00

Another weekend - sunny and bright

2008-02-16T09:44:00.002-05:00

This was a long week. Valentine's Day broke it up nicely but the weather certainly left much to be desired! More is on the way so I am just going to enjoy today's sunshine happiness. I have been working on various projects and am pretty happy with how they have been working out. I'll post some pictures a little later. I have a mouse and cheese pindoll to mail out to Maureen and another polymer clay feature that I'm swapping with Lee. I've also made an Edwardian ladies hat for the Doll Crafter and Costuming magazine that Judy Skeel is hosting. I am also working on a fairy to put on my shoe from an earlier post and I'm making another sculpt of an older man - I think he will be a fisherman. LOL. Been busy anyway. Well, more later - getting closer to spring! Yippee!

February 9, My Jacquelyn's Happy 7th birthday!

2008-02-09T20:48:00.000-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday to my Jacquelyn Rose! It is so hard to believe that she is already 7 years old - doesn't seem that long ago that we were in the hospital waiting for her! She is a smart sweet little girl and so cute - ok so I'm a little biased. (Very proud Nana, too!)

This was really a lucky day too! I'm on a roll! I took a guess on Jean Bernard's new scultp/art work on her group site and I won! Just thinking about the possibilities of the materials used by Jean really got my mind moving. LOL. I have lots of ideas - for different things - some for bases for my art dolls! I'm working on a figure now for a challenge on BPCAG and have been trying to think of how to seat him. Wonder what I'll put together now? LOL. If you'd like to see Jean's new sculpt - this is the link to her blog: http://www.jeanbernardv.blogspot.com/ Jean has some good classes too - that will open your mind to lots of possibilites - here is a link to lisa's heaven where Jean's classes are: http://www.classheaven.com/ Enjoy!

I've started working on a website. It shouldn't be too difficult - but boy is it time consuming and I jut don't have enough hours to spend. LOL. This may be the longest set up time of any website. I will try to perservere.

It has been snowing all day today and now it's raining. Tomorrow is supposed to be very cold. I am so glad that the groundhog didn't see his shadow - come on spring!

Take care now and stay warm.

Drum Roll Pleeeeease!

2008-02-03T07:51:00.000-05:00

This is an exciting week for me - well actually it hasn't been the best of weeks, weather is pretty bad and I haven't felt that well - but - it all came together when I logged on to my email and saw that I had won the January "Shoe" challenge on the Beginner Polymer Clay Art Guild list! How cool is that , my little green fairy shoe is a winner! this shoe was a lot of fun to make and now I need to make a fairy to go with it - no nothing but a piece of leg in a shoe right now - more to come???

I also made a "Cold" pin doll for Jeri on Pin Doll Alley in the January Swap. I enjoyed making this pin doll - the challenge I gave myself was to make the North Wind and make her look cold and blowing. LOL. It was also a lot of fun. I got to bead and do a little bit of needle sculpting and to use a few additional products to ice her up. What fun in what has been a cold, cold month.

And last but by no means least was my final challenge of the month of January. It is a black and white Challeng on the Art Fest 4 the soul group list. The challenge was just that - an art piece in black and white. Period
No boundaries, no other rules - except of course to post the picture by the end of the month. Ellen and Sallianne will be giving a challenge each month and then when the conference is held in October we will all share the resulting art work in a gallery of works. This is a lot of fun and really helps to keep creativity going. This is a picture of my entry, "Winter Realm - the place where Spring waits"

Last post I spoke of my husband, Ted's Retirement party. I have a few pictures now. I still haven't gotten to the video but I'm looking forward to it. This is a picture of Ted, after his parting presentations, saying what a joy it has been working with various people and how much he will miss them. Ted's adieu:

And here are a couple of more family pictures. One is the family table at the party. Samantha, Andrew, Edward, and Aaron. Samantha is our granddaughter and the three men are Ted's sons.

So January has been a busy month and now it's February. What lies in store? Who knows - but the Ground hog didn't see his shadow - so that's promising.....

The day after Ted's big retirement party!

2008-01-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning! The last few weeks have seen me caught up in all the planning and prep for my dear Ted's party. Ted has had a banner few months. His Red Soxs are World Champions, His Patriots are undefeated, His Celtics are the best record in Basketball, He celebrated his 60th year, his military pension is now payable and he's retired officially from his full time job! I'll be posting pictures of his party as soon as I get some. He was so honored at his party. 172 guests, sit down dinner, band and videographer. Needless to say he was overwhelmed. I am very proud of my husband. He is a loving, kind and compasionate man that I feel truely inspired by. He supports all my artistic endeavors and thinks I am worth more than I can imagine. So today my only thought is about how very lucky I am - oh and of course how jealous I am - he retired but I still have over seven years to work. Oh well, the older you get the faster time seems to fly - and we all know - I'm not getting any younger...LOL.

chilly day but will warm later

2008-01-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Good morning and happy January 5th. Seems funny not to have a holiday to talk about right now. I have been working on a couple of ideas for January. Have a pin doll to do for pin doll alley on COLD. Shouldn't be hard right now as the last couple of days have been well below zero. BBBBRRRRRRRRR!!! Also going to create a black and white something for ART IS...hmmm, lots of ideas. There are also some things coming up locally that I would like to participate in so I guess I had better get my own self moving. LOL. I have to drive Mike back to the train station today to catch a train back to the city for tonight's PROM and then pick him up again tomorrow upon his return. (Why don't I ever have time??? ) Train's an hour away so that two in the car for me. : - (

I took a couple of pictures of the morning sky around 5:30 this morning and what you see is a star and the moon. So beautiful I couldn't resist. I also made a mushroom man (Pictures at the top of this post) last night while I watch Bourne Ultimatum. He isn't finished - but he is baked. Bourne Ultimatum was really good and very action packed.

Happy New Year's Eve - boy did we get some snow!

2007-12-31T07:43:00.000-05:00

Good morning and welcome to the day before the night before 2008.

When I woke up this morning, what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a vision of snow and fields of white, candy fluff only beautiful because I'm not going to work! I had to take a few more pictures of this wonderland this morning. Yesterday there wasn't much snow left. It had rained Friday, most of the night in fact and the snow had dwindled. I got up this morning to a refill. LOL. I took the pictures about a half hour ago and it's still snowing. The flakes are fluffy and moderately sized and it would be a beautiful Christmas fantasy out there - if this was Christmas eve/day! Alas - a week late. Anyway, here are the pictures that I took of my winter wonderland, here outside Cambridge, NY. Enjoy! Have a wonderful and happy, healthy 2008!

Hi and Happy New Year's Eve of New Year's Eve!

2007-12-30T10:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to December 30th! What a year it's been. Can't wait to see what 2008 may bring. I hope that we find good health and great peace with in it's bounds. I have been working on a few things and am posting some pictures here. I made an elf from cloth along with a stocking to send him to Yvette Cole in. This one was made as a swap for her on Pin Doll Alley.

I also made an Ornament for Fran Parrington-Mehan as a secret santa swap on A Dolls Safe Haven. I really had a great time making this ornament and using the beautiful magenta taffeta lining fabric that I also used years ago on my daughter Becky's prom dress.

Just before Christmas I started working on a head sculpt. I was trying for a Santa but at this stage it looks more like an ogre. Who knows how it will end up. I kind of work as it comes and many change of directions may occur. I also made a face mold out of this one. Not sure how I will use them but I did make a couple of impressions. (LOL> Only time will tell...)

We spent Christmas at my daughter's house and had a wonderful time. Lots of food and fun and the kids all got more than enough for the year. Mike will be home from NYC for a couple of weeks in January and we look forward to that. He is still working in Prom at Webster Hall and having a great time.

I'm hoping that in the coming year I will be able to branch out with my work and enter a few things here and there.

These are a few pictures from our visit to Prom

The good one of Mike on the bar was taken by our son, Aaron's girlfriend, Annelise. Thanks!

I also want to add a picture of the window decorations in our sunroom and the view of the snow on the horse field from the windows. (Horse has been long dead and the fence taken down but it will forever be "the horse field". God Bless Gaucho.)

Happy December!

2007-12-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wow - can't even believe how fast the time has gone. Almost Christmas and so far so good. This has been a rather laid back December (relatively) for us. We got our decorations up and have made some treats for the neighbors, shopping is mostly done and wrapped and the long distance things are mailed. My wishes for you are a safe, healthy and happy season - for me it's a Merry Christmas - for you which ever holiday you embrace should be the happiest one ever! May you have peace, hope, health and prosperity and great love in the coming year.

I have been working on some things also and will post some pictures of the completed (and not so completed) shortly. I did take a few pictures of the holiday decorations we put out and will post some of those too. Hopefully tomorrow as it will most likely be a snow day. We got pounded with snow, sleet and freezing rain for the last 24 hours and tomorrow is supposed to be windy. Since it's all heavy and wet it will take us a little while more to dig ourselves out. LOL. Home and hot chocolate all around.

So more tomorrow - have a peaceful evening. Whoops - looks like it's tomorrow already - so have a great day.

Finished two beaded art dolls and a pin doll

2007-11-18T18:34:00.000-05:00

Hi, Just posting a couple of pictures of beaded art dolls I've finished. Both are from classes I attended at ArtFest for the soul. They were instructed by Annie Hesse. I had a great time with them. The pin doll is for a black and white swap on Pin Doll Alley. I named her Pearl and she is going to live with Carolyn in Ohio. Now to get busy and start, (yes start) all those Christmas gifts and December swaps I will be owing. LOL. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Lost a day

2007-11-12T05:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day (celebrated) and Good morning! Back from NYC and Mike's show. Whew - know I'm getting older but Saturday was so hectic (and long - didn't get back home until 3:30 am) that I totally lost Sunday. Good thing that it's a long weekend for us. Today is a day to reflect on the liberties that we as Americans possess and thank the brave people who protect our freedom every day. Most of my family has served in the military in one form or another and we are very proud of our country and what it stands for both in protecting and serving.

NYC was beautiful. We walked around Times Square - Macy's windows are being unveiled next Sunday, November 18th - some stores are decorated (including Macy's inside) and the weather was gorgeous. Still too many people in one place for my comfort zone - but all were extremely nice and very helpful. NYC is not mean and crazy so if you get a chance to go and see what a big city really is - I highly recommend it - but bring a ready cash supply because there is a lot to see but most of it costs $$$. We used the subway and found more friendly, and thankfully helpful people there. Mike's show was good - loud and very interactive. We all had fun and it was a definite "experience". Really enjoyed our time out but now very glad to be home and quiet for a while. I'll post a few pictures of this when I get a chance too. Camera did not like the lighting or the "theatrical smoke" in Webster Hall so not many pictures of the show are salvagable.

Well I have things to do and should get myself moving. Until next time - hope you dance.

November - dare I say it - already!

2007-11-10T06:09:00.000-05:00

Hi again and welcome to my what appears to be "montly" blog. LOL. Just can't keep up. Today we are going to NYC to see my son, Mike's show. He's in the "Awesome 80s PROM", as the character "Nick Fender". Can't wait. Here's the link if you want to check out the website. http://www.awesome80sprom.com/

We will take the train down and back, go to dinner with friends and family and then we'll go to Webster Hall. Won't get back until the wee hours but I love to visit the city and seeing Mike in a show will just be....wait for it....AWESOME...LOL.

I have my doll Garden Party done and ready to Photo if I ever get the time. Mersea is also almost ready, although I have come up with a few more "beading" ideas and want to change her "top/vest" piece. I did get my deposit mailed in to go to MMM in Tennesse in April. Will be anxious to see everyone again and see what kind of techniques will be learned. Here's the link to Annie Hesse's site where Magic, Mischief and Mayhem resides...maybe I'll see you there. http://anniedolls.com/

Well that's all for today - long way to go before I sleep...Stay safe and be happy.

Wow! October is almost over....

2007-10-27T06:51:00.000-05:00

Good Day! Wow I can't believe that October is almost over and that Halloween is less than 5 days away. A lot has happened here in October. The sad event of Ted's dad passing began the month. The family got together though and lots of memories were shared. The following week my dad had chest pains and was taken to the emergency room - but thank goodness through tests it was determined he was okay. (Get that Cholesterol checked everyone and control it!) I did a craft show in Center Buskirk and met some very nice people. The next day I went to Proctor's Theater in Schenectady and Participated in the show - "Tony and Tina's wedding". This was an improve type of play/show that was very interesting. Still trying to figure out how much I liked it - or not...

Last week I attended the conference for artists - ART FEST 4 THE SOUL in Cromwell, Connecticut. It was organized by Ellen Purtill-Legare and Sallianne McClelland among many other helper souls. I took two classes on beaded art dolls from Annie Hesse. I had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I highly recommend these retreats to refresh your soul if at all possible. I'll post pictures of my dolls when I have them finished. (Promise.)

Today it's raining and gray. We are going to Saratoga to test drive (and perhaps buy) a Toyota, Prius. I've heard that these are great cars and since I commute an hour each way five days a week for work - I need all the gas savings I can find.

I will be trying to set up a website and start to be more active with my dolls and art. Life is short and we need to do the things that bring the most joy. Sappy but true.

Well, I had better end for today and get going on the day. Hope today finds you happy, healthy and doing what you enjoy most.

Like I said - Lots to catch up continued....

2007-09-08T07:03:00.000-05:00

I have been sculpting in polymer like a mad woman, working on this year's wicked witch. She is titled, "Candy my pretty?" She hangs out at dusk with her cat, Sly and tries to tempt little children and unsuspecting elders with her goodie bag. I don't think I'd follow this old crone home.... Candy is about 13 inches tall - just a perfect number for a Halloween witch - don't you think? Her base is supported by four winsome halloween pumpkin heads and the cape that she's wearing is removable and lined with a patchwork of halloween fabrics. The cape's button closure is a little "silver" witch riding on her broom. Candy's knarled old arthritic hands were a hoot to make. I can see now that I lean toward the old and crooked in sculpting. Seems my faces come out male or elderly. LOL - guess that's what my "vision" is...

Lots to catch up...

2007-09-08T06:53:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that it's September already! Time really flies when you're having fun. LOL. I participated in an insect and lizard swop on Pin Doll Alley in August and sent Connie a Cicada bug pin and a bag. The cicada is not a pretty bug and I think I got a little carried away with similarity...LOL. Oh well, I had a great time making this pin - the black, beaded wings were a lot of fun to work on. You can't really tell but the little clear beads at the top of the wing intersection are swarofski - thought it might give an otherwise pretty dull bug a little bling. Some things I guess you can't dress up! She does have a face on the front but it was all about the bug!

Nice matters - Tagged by Connie

2007-08-19T06:52:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged with a 'Nice Matters' award from my friend Connie McBride Johnson of http://clothmatters2.blogspot.com/ I am to nominate five people who qualify for being nice to other people. My nominees are:

Kat Lees http://designsbykat.blogspot.com/
Sherrie Nordgren http://sympletymes.blogspot.com/
Karen Mallory http://karensdollsandstuff.blogspot.com/
Heera Prabhu http://heerasdolls.blogspot.com/
Kerry Seymour http://atticrosecreations-kerry.blogspot.com/

Now if you would like to go forth and be nice - you can Copy the "Nice Matters" banner and place it on your blog and nominate five of your friends. (I was a little slow at this - had to catch up as usual!) Hope you all have a great day! (I would have nominated more people but just out of time - again - as usual!

Deer in the back yard

2007-06-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while dong dishes I looked out the window and saw a beautiful young deer looking right back at me. I called Ted and he and Samantha (our 16 month old granddaughter) came out to see too. The deer was curious and didn't even run when Mike drove in. Mike joined us at the window and the deer just kept watching back. I got a few pictures of it. When it turned to walk back into the woods, Samantha just pointed and said, "Oh, oh, oh, oh!".

Memorial Day Parade

2007-06-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

The Memorial Day Parade in Cambridge was a lot of fun. I'm adding a picture of the Cambridge Fireman's band. My Sister-in-law and her daughter are carrying the banner and her husband is the band director. My husband is also marching in the band. What a beautiful day!

Two Pictures added of me, my daughter and Warwick Castle, England

2007-05-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

It's about time I added some pictures of our trip to Alconbury, England to visit Alexandria, Scott, Chad and Zachary. We had such a great time and took so many pictures! I'll try and find time to figure out flickr and add some extra pictures.

Today is kind of gray but at least its stopped raining for now. The grass is growing as are the weeds but it's been to wet to do much about them. Will be moving furniture and refinishing the floor in the living room soon. (Hoping for today but trying not to get my hopes up...) I will be painting a little bit on the one bookcase wall and doing some trim work on the cubboards. I also bought some beautiful (at least I think beautiful) fabric for sheers and a valance. I'll do some befores and afters and post them (hopefully). Stay tuned...

Hello again

2007-05-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

Well, three posts in one day....amazing and the dog is still waiting. I didn't re-tag people who were previously tagged - but I thought about it...

I was tagged by Kerry and now you're it....

2007-05-09T18:52:00.000-05:00

Tag, you're it...

I have to post 7 Random facts/habits about myself and pick 7 people to tag...
1. First random fact - I don't have 7 blogs to tag....oh well...the thought is there.
2. My sense of humor is a little off - I really amuse myself mostly...
3. I love green - in all flavors
4. My dog is waiting for me to go in and sit on the couch so he can jump up next to me and go to sleep. : - )
5. I enjoy black velvet and gingerale and have also been known to like a cold Carona myself Kerry.
6. Creating is a life blood and I think I even dream about it.
7. Even though the dog is waiting - I'm really a cat person - but I'd deny that to the dog.

Here are the rules:
You have to list 7 Randon facts/habits about yourself and pick 7 people to tag. You leave a comment on their blog to tell them they have been tagged and to read about it on your blog.

Tempest Fugit!

2007-05-09T18:50:00.000-05:00

Wow, my last post was April 1st! That was forever ago now. We went to England, saw a castle, tall clock, parliment and gardens as well as Buckingham palace and we're home. Seems like a dream. Back to work and home and all that comes with it. The weather is great now though. It was in the 80s today and wonderfully sunny. Couldn't have asked for better. Well, more later and hope to post some pictures.

April 1

2007-04-01T13:11:00.000-05:00

Beautiful sunny day in upstate NY. We've had warm - 62 degree weather today. Haven't been working on dolls much. Trying to get ready for our trip to England. We leave Thursday evening. Bought a couple of new suitcases and making lists. Is this fun? Oh well - the trip will be great. Can't wait to see the family. Tomorrow is Zachary's 9th birthday - Happy Birthday to my Zack-man!

Happy day after the wearing of the green...

2007-03-18T05:21:00.000-05:00

I was up early today. I hope that I can get my craft room straightened up. I'm working on a pindoll that needs to get done and I'm very happy with the way it's coming out. I'll post a picture after my partner receives it. I realize more and more that I have enough stuff in one room of my house to stock a craft and hobby store. Can't move in there and that is changing this weekend. I'm pretty happy with my progress and will hopefully be able to post a picture or two soon. Ted and I will be going to England to visit our daughter and her family in a couple of weeks and we can't wait. I've been to Germany a few times but never to any other countries. England will be interesting - but then seeing our family will be even better. Take care and have a great day.

2007-03-04T07:26:00.000-05:00

2007-03-04T07:17:00.000-05:00

The other doll that I've been working on lately is Flutterby. He is really not quite finished yet. I need to do more on his face and perch him on a butterfly house with some butterflies, hummingbirds and friends. He is holding butterfly seed in his hand which he pulled from his pouch. Whistling for butterflies appears to be working...

Latest dolls

2007-03-04T07:04:00.000-05:00

I've been up since 2 am and feel a little punchy. It's seven now. I've taken a couple of pictures of dolls I've been working on. The first is Grandfather Cloud Walker. I started him in May of 2006 in a Jack Johnston workshop that was held in Albany, NY. I made the entire doll including the clothes. (People always ask...)

2007-02-19T07:42:00.000-05:00

This is a work in progress. I'll be adding to it a little at a time. Please check back and see what's up.