I'm Still Here!

Sorry for the blog neglect....it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post! Life has been busy and we are trying to get our bearings and get into a routine as we start a new school year.
Thank you for checking in on us with emails...it is sometimes my only adult connection to the world!

I have had a few evenings and weekends to be creative, (being able to create keeps me sane...and that benefits everyone in the family!).

Here are two new items for TDIPT's update tomorrow, September 1st:

~Little Autumn Acorn~

Autumn is an original paperclay creation. Her acorn head, and chest are hand-sculpted onto a muslin body. She has a real stem on the top of her head and a painted muslin fall leaf is wrapped around the stem with rusty wire. She has a weighted bottom and can sit easily.



Autumn's little mary jane shoes and off-white stockings are painted onto muslin legs. Her face and head are hand-painted and sealed. The sleeves and skirt are stitched onto her body, but the apron is removable.
Autumn is a dainty girl and measures 17 inches long and can be displayed throughout the fall season.

~Vintage-style Thanksgiving Postcard~

I've been inspired again by vintage postcards and greeting cards! I love the style and nostalgia of these little works of art. This original painting measures 6 1/4 X 8 1/4 in the leaf and flower embossed frame. I've painted the frame black over pewter then distressed and sealed it.
The back has pretty vintage paper covering it and a hanger is attached.





In the works:

I've also almost finished another doll, this one is a girl/black cat... I still need to paint on her shoes, and decide what she will hold in her hands....any suggestions?

Here is a sneak peek:

By the looks of these offerings I must seem like an eclectic artisan who can't decide what she is going to make from one month to the next! I have to admit, I don't know what I'm going to make from month to month...I wish I were a little more organized in that area! But the fun of creating is the surprise element, I guess! For those who've asked about portraits, thank you. And yes, I have several in process for the "Poppets, Portraits, and Playthings" debut on November 1st. (see info in sidebar)


Hope everyone has a nice Labor Day!

Left-Brain, Right-Brain....and Lana's Giveaway!

Well, it happened. Our school started today, here is a link to our online K12 school:

K12 Online School

This will be our third year to home school with the online curriculum, and it has been a great fit for our family.
But, now I have to think about things like Algebra, Grammar, Vocabulary, Composition, Literature (actually, I love that subject), Physical Science, Biology, US History, Music, and Art....and Game Design! (My oldest decided to choose "game design" as one of his High School electives!.aaaaaa!)

So, our summer is over and it is time to dust off the left side of my brain, which doesn't get as much use in the summer.

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A Giveaway is being held over at Lana's blog....she wants us to list some icons/motifs we like, and use in decorating.
Yes, I had to use my brain a little, but it was a nice warm up for the beginning of the school year!

Click on over to join the fun and sign up for a chance to win one of Lana's original creations!

Honeysuckle Lane Giveaway

Just a few things....

We've just returned from a quick trip to Portland, OR. We stayed 2 nights and spent a day in Portland with my in-laws. They made the trip down from WA and we met in the middle.
We had so much fun at the OMSI . The boys really enjoyed all of the hands-on science exhibits, and they were able to tour a submarine. Since my husband grew up in the area, my in-laws have their favorite spots. The weather was beautiful and we strolled in a few of the historical neighborhoods, ate at a favorite restaurant and even stopped in an antique shop.

Part of our trip was celebrating birthdays. August is a big month for birthdays in our family. My mother-in-law's, mine and my son's. We exchanged gifts and my mother-in-law blessed me with some books from her library! She gave me two volumes of Godey's Lady's Book Vol. 39 July-Dec. 1849, and Godey's Lady's Book Vol. 77 Jan-June, 1869. And a Arthur's Home Magazine, 1969.

(we were driving down the highway and were already in OR when I realized I had forgotten my camera!!! So, no photos of the trip to share,Grrrrrr!.......I did remember to pack the children though!)

Here are some photos of my birthday treasures~ Thanks Nana!

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The Primitive Gathering will be updated on the 15th (or late in the evening of the 14th).
Here are a few pics of my new offerings.


I took a vote among family and friends and the consensus was that the new pumpkin head paperclay doll (see a few posts below) looked more like a boy after I painted the face than a girl! So, I'd like to introduce you to Peter!~

Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had a wife and couldn't keep her.
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
and there he kept her very well.

(An English Nursery Rhyme)

(guess his wife must be in the pumpkin he is holding!)




....and I'm finding inspiration in the vintage postcard images again this season. I've painted a watercolor reminiscent of a fall vintage postcard. It is hand-drawn with my own design, then hand-painted onto stained heavy watercolor paper. It is framed in a lightly distressed off-white frame. (81/2 X 6)



Here is a link to my page on The Primitive Gathering:

Me on The Primitive Gathering

.... (just refresh the page if you still see silhouettes!)

"Masterpieces"

It's been a busy week and I can't believe the summer flew by so quickly....school starts in just a little over a week and that means I REALLY have to get organized!

The "paperclay-class-at-the-kitchen-table" worked on their creations this week, and I think they are all pleased with their results! The final step will be sealing them.
Here are a few pics of the "Masterpieces".......



My youngest wishes we would buy him a bunny of his own, so every art project he does has to involve a bunny! ......and as a rule, no bunny should be without an extra set of whiskers!

My son's therapist sculpted a turtle and painted geometric/Aztec designs on the shell, which I think turned out really well. Then we "antiqued" it so it wasn't too bright.

And my older son finished sculpting the face of his giraffe. Then he painted it and added spots. He really put a lot of time into it and it shows.

Thanks for letting me show them all off!

And thanks so much for the birthday wishes.....all day I was "trying" to forget I was turning a year older! Oh well, it's better than the alternative!