Splendors by Angela: 2007

Catalina and Camelia w/ bunny

I made these two dolls for sisters (friends of my daughter) who celebrated their birthday not too long ago (Feb. 08). The eyes are painted - first time I have done this - because one of the girls just turned 2 and I didn't want to use button eyes. The outfits are not coffee stained - because I knew the girls would appreciate the pure pinkness. I made two bunnies - and I completely changed the nose on this bunny after I took the picture - I will post an updated bunny picture. The doll and bunny pattern is from Sweet Meadow Farms. I am making a set of these dolls for myself - complete with grubby-pink-coffee-stained outfits. I really like the painted eyes, but this picture doesn't capture how cool they truly are.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Christmas Stars

The stars I have pictured here are the Christmas gifts that I made for my co-workers. Each card has something written on the back and the "hook" is a beaded wire I strung through the card so that it could be hung on a tree or just hung on a tack. I made at least 20 of these and they were very well received. I know my pictures are not the greatest - my camera is about five years old. The card is water color paper cut in the shape of a star, I used artist chalk to cover the star with color then painted it with Modge Podge and then generously covered the glue with art glitter. Next I adhered a nice sticker in the middle, added some ribbon or other fibers and attached a beaded wire at the top. I loved making these.

Piku and Googoo

"Piku" and Googoo" were so named by my daughter Amelia. They are both funky rag dolls made by me using a free pattern posted by Missy Ballance at http://www.missyballance.typepad.com/ where I also got the pattern for the bears I did as well. Missy has some great ideas, wonderful teddy bears and a great spirit. Check out her spot.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I have been looking through other people's sites and getting so inspired! I love the art, the sentiment, the stories, the art, the pictures, the adventures, and the art. My goodness we are a bunch of grand creators let loose in the world to uplift, inspire and to add our own uniqueness to this vast and glorious earth.

I have a confession. I never really thought of myself as an artist. Yeah sure I enjoyed learning to create things here and there - but not true art. It started to change for me about 12 years ago when I led an art therapy group for women in recovery from chemical dependency. I began to witness the transforming power of art in these women's lives and the lives of their children. The way the women would take a hold of a given project and pour their soul into it. It started to rub off on me. I began to explore all sorts of creative outlets. I still not sure I would call myself an "artist" - but the lines are more blurry for me on that one. No, I know that I am a creator. The power of art is such that I am learning that just like a lump of clay or a skeen of yarn - I can mold and build and form my life into something creative, funky, inspiring and fantastic. And that's fun.

I am posting here for a number of reasons, some of which I know consciously and some are deep and hidden. I am naturally an introvert and using this format feels safer than dealing with people face to face (yikes!). I have been so inspired by other creations done by countless other wonderful creators that I wanted to contribute my own piece into the community. I am hoping that I can tap into a growing and evolving community of people who can share ideas, inspiration and heartache as we each build and celebrate our life paths.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy my artwork and please feel free to write me.

peace, joy and yummy food-

Angie