God Bless us Everyone!

These silly snowbaby ornies are finished just in the nick of time to adorn some packages that are soon to be delivered by Santa! Thought I'd snap a quick pic of them first! They were alot of fun and oh so easy to make! But I now have glitter just about everywhere though (yep, there too!) , heehee!

I REALLY JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
HOliday Hugs, Nan

Recycling as gifts?

Now this was a fun, very inexpensive project!
Using tin cans as little "pails" to hold your holiday gifts. You could even hang them on a tree or on the mantle!

I found this project in a craft magazine & thought I'd share it with you. I think it is a marvelous way to recycle and save alot of $ at the same time...
I simply flattened a soup can a bit just at the top (not too much or it won't stand by itself) sanded lightly, painted, embellished and varnished. Make two holes with an awl on either side for the wire handles. Fill with raffia and some small gifts or ornies!

Shoes blues

And here she sits, waiting patiently for her antique high button shoes. Ordered off of Ebay and should be here soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE: Just came this afternoon! Arent't they the cutest?

Well, I cannot say this day was much better for picture taking than yesterday, but I did give it a whirl. I've added a few touches to Queen Anne like a reticule (purse) and some vintage millinery flowers to her tall crown bonnet! It is amazing what a little "hair, makeup and accessories" can do for a gal! She is on Ebay this evening!
Talk to ya soon!

Queen Anne Challenge doll

The very talented group that I am fortunate enough to belong to (CWT) is having a QA doll challenge for the months of Nov. and Dec. - Here is my version...

She was supposed to be listed this evening on Ebay, but the weather just would not cooperate and allow for her photo shoot! Perhaps tomorrow will be a bit nicer?
I've got my fingers crossed! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek!
Thanks for dropping by!

Rag Style Doll

I'm really enjoying drawing these doll faces! Maybe a bit too much? HeHee!
This time I've decided to make a wig for her instead of the drawn on hair. I'll be putting her up for adoption (on Ebay) this Sunday if all goes well. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Her Royal Majesty

Her majesty, Queen Anne, is ready for her crown. She demanded so much of my time and attention as if I were one her loyal subjects! Still, I shall miss her.
Auction starts on Ebay Thur. night, Oct. 18.

Queen Anne Doll

Here is a glimpse at my first attempt to create an Early Wooden Queen Anne. I'm in the process of making a little "wig" for this gal and it is a "royal" pain (pun intended)! Oh and the tiny dots! I would be embarrassed to tell you how long those took ;-)
But I love a challenge!
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Click here to get to My Home Page of my Blog

Just a Rag doll

At long last she is finally presentable! Up for adoption on Ebay....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330173590749&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=014

High button shoes

I have been having fun this weekend experimenting on some realistic looking, high button shoes for my doll. I think I am finally happy with the results.
It's amazing how similar to leather, fabric can look and feel after painting it!
The seperate soles were a trick, but with lots of basting & tons of patience, Voila!

Doll Doodling!

I love to draw, especially faces, and thought I would try to incorporate this a bit more into my dolls. Here is my latest experiment. She is completely drawn in artist's pencils with just the teensiest bit of needle sculpting. This is not an easy task where the hair is concerned! I might have to add a bit of paint to it? Back to the lab & thanks for stopping by!!!!! Have a great weekend too!

Ava Grace's Guardian Angel

Here's a peek at Ava's angel (see previous post). (Please click HERE for the silent auction on Sept. 16)
Now to take some pics and a make a few minor adjustments. Can't have crooked wings on an Angel!!!!

Please help an angel on Sept. 16

Check out Little Ava Grace's Website. But I must warn you, she will steal your heart, as she has mine and so many others!

Being Nice is as Contagious as a Smile!

I'm so flattered, Thankyou sweet Sherrie of "Symple Tymes" for the "Nice Matters" tag!

I've met soooo many extremely nice ladies in Bloglad and find it very difficult to name only 7, but if I must... I proudly and gladly tag,
Tink
Carole
Annie
Pam
Pea
Doreen
Cheryl

AND speaking of nice........... I'm also honored to be a part of something very "NICE" indeed!
There is soon to be a Silent Auction for a very special little angel, Ava Grace.
Please read her Blog to learn more,
and to see the list of some of the "nicest" ladies there are, who will be participating! I'm praying it will be a huge success for this little girl and her family. This auction is open to all those who are designers, crafters, quilters, etc., who wish to participate.

Witch season?

Fall seems to be on many peoples minds, these hot summer days. Mine included.
At 90+ degrees with 100% humidity the relief would be welcome! So I whipped me up a little witch and her pet bat in the spirit of! She will be on ebay this evening.

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE !

UP FOR ADOPTION on Ebay tonight at 6:00 PDT

Ever since I purchased this wonderful book, "American Folk Dolls" by Wendy Lavitt, I have wanted to recreate the cover doll. She is a 30" antique Rag doll , made in the late 19th c. from New York. This is the only info given on this doll. I'd love to learn her history. The careful stitching of the face and the individual fingers are what "make" this doll so special to me. I've dressed her in antique baby clothing, consisting of dress, slip, wool stockings and high button shoes. I will probably darken and age her up a bit more and make her a kitty (like the one she is holding on the cover) or something else to hold. A very good and knowledgable friend of mine suggested that it was likely added later. Thanks Billie, for all your help and advice! If all works out as planned, she will be on Ebay next Tuesday. (fingers crossed) Thanks for stopping by!

All the better to hear you with my dear!

I just couldn't figure out why she was being so uncooperative!
"Excuse me Miss" she said one morning, "perhaps it is because I cannot read lips so very well?"
Ugh, I just cannot stand it when they are right!
Okay , so now I have corrected the problem by adding tiny little ears to my Milliner's Model and I hope she is quite content with them. She is much more obliging now when I ask her to stand up straight so that I may attend to her clothing and finishing touches! (I really should listen a bit more) ;-)
I will be listing her on Ebay on July 10. Thanks for visiting!

Plain Jane

A very cherished, handmade from bits and peices & handed down for generations. (The look that I was trying to acheive anyway!)
Thanks for visiting!!!!!!! :-) Nan

To be listed on "TheHumbleArts" tomorrow. Please see "favorite websites" at left.

(JANE IS GOING TO MARYLAND TO LIVE WITH ONE OF HER SISTERS! THANKYOU PAM)

Update on Milliner and angel

Thanks to a gentle nudge from a friend, I have taken a pic on the progress of these two. Slow progress indeed, but as you can see they have been quite busy with the new addition to the family ;-)

Talk about tiny stitches! Fray Check by Dritz is my new best friend!

Now to get some clothing on these poor darlins'...

Yet another Izannah!

Today I'm just putting on the finishing details of my next photoface IW. Should I age the white dress a bit more or not? hmmm. It's such a pretty antique fabric I almost hate to, ya know what I mean!

Lucky Me!!

See what my guys Paul, Nick & Eric bought me for Mothers Day? I know I know, but don't be jealous, you can have one too (or one of her adorable critters) & I would recommend highly that you do!!!
Pam of Kingfisherfarm (see her website on the left) made this amazing pinkeep and now it is all mine! An heirloom peice if ever there were one! I will cherish it always! Thankyou Pam for doing such beautiful artwork!

Milliner's Model

I haven't gotten around to doing this style doll in a while & was getting the itch to do so. I first created a new pattern for the body/head. I've also added "curves" onto her dowel legs and arms with plaster. The tiny shoes of clay were giving me fits! I think I am finaly happy with them ;-)
Now to Work on the head! That is by far the most fun for me!

Can you say "Rejuvinated"? !!!!

I'm back & had the most fabulously relaxing vacation ever! No computer for a week was definately challenging but well worth it! I recommend it to all. Sometimes we just need to spend quality time with the ones we love without alot of distractions. It was most liberating!

Feeling so rejuvinated, I decided to dust off a couple of projects that were on the back burner. The first , a cage doll. She is a labor of love. I may actually keep her as she and I have become very close!

I'd love to hear from other artists about peices they chose to keep for themselves! This was a first for me!

The next was intended to be listed in time for Mother's Day. Well that didn't happen obviously, lol. She still needs a baby & arms to hold it!! She is done in artist pencils. Such a loving expression she has on her downcast face.

Going to Florida - Hurray!

My hubby & I are headed to Florida this Friday & we cannot wait to get out of Michigan! We have had such unseasonably cooold weather! I'll be back on April 30. ( Hoping to bring some sunshine back with me)
I've even decided to leave behind the computer, to totally relax & hopefully get inspired!
I'm finishing up a couple of gals to list when I get back (one for ebay , the other for TheHumbleArts) .

Small glimpse of Me , Yikes!

A FEW OF MY FRIENDS, OLD & NEW!!




Okay, at last I feel a little more comfortable with this whole Blog thing. I just figured out how to add other bloggers and Web sites to my blog, pathetic, I know. Lets just say I take baby steps when it comes to this computer business!

Anyway , I realized by checking out other's blogs, I should probably share a bit more about Me.
Here goes nothin' (or everything!): Born & raised in Michigan since 1961! You do the math! Married to my best friend Paul, for 23 years. I have 2 college age boys, Nicholas & Eric. The loves of my life!

My passions are, antiques (the shabbier, the better), crafts (have tried my hand at almost everything) & of course, last but not least, doll making. The latter has become more than just a hobby for me, it is an obsession!

Once introduced to the world of early primitive, folk art dolls, that was it! I desired to own the Izannah Walker dolls, milliner models, antique woodens, cage dolls, Bruckners, etc. & since that was not likely..$.. I (in my crude attempts) try to create a similar style & feel.

I hope to share more in the future. I see how this can become completely addicting!! :-) Off to the sewing room!

Forlorn Little Black doll - Done at last!

What a face! Makes me want to hold her and tell her "everything will be allright."
I used paper clay and plaster over fabric to mold her face.

She will be for auction on Ebay Mar. 27 (That might explain her sad expression) :-(

My latest Izannah Walker Doll

Anyone who knows me, also knows how much I adore Izannah Walker dolls. Most definately my fave of all the dolls of old.
It is such a challenging doll to try and interpret. The clothing alone on the originals were works of art!
Every time I make one, I learn something & try something a little bit different. This gal is on Ebay starting Mar.7, 2007. click here to see my ebay offering

Grand Opening for THE HUMBLE ARTS !!!!!!!!!

Grand Opening for "The Humble Arts" is today!! Take a peek....
http://www.thehumblearts.com/

Here's what I have offered on this site,




LITTLE RED RAG DOLL I have currently listed on EBay until 3/4/07

Mrs. Mc' Hare ~ Currently on Ebay ~

You can find Mrs. Mc'Hare on Ebay starting Feb. 18.

She is One of a Kind. Handmade by me, using my own patterns & techniques.
30"

Please email me at Papernan@msn.com with any questions.