suesdailyblog

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T15:07:00.000-05:00

Covering a Paperclay Doll Mask with Felt - Part II

2012-01-20T13:58:00.001-05:00

wet sponge, Clover Mini Iron, pray starch

First mask sprayed with spray starch (lightly)!

Iron down 'starched' wet felt fibers on masks with mini iron on medium heat. Clean iron with wet sponge.

Covering a Paperclay Doll Mask with Felt - Part I

2012-01-20T13:33:00.003-05:00

Applying glue to second mask over mouth area. First mask started with applied felt.

Applying glue to eye area of first mask. Stretch felt over glue. Be careful to not apply too much glue!

Pressing and stretching felt into recesses and chin/cheeks/forehead.

Felt stretched and glued over entire mask.

Felt stretched and glued over second mask.

Trim off excess felt with scissors. Clip 'v' shapes around edge.

Brush glue on inside of mask. Glue excess felt to the back of mask.

Both masks completed.

Dip tool into tacky glue.

Press glue into corners of eyes, nostrils, corners of mouth.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

Sketchbook

2012-01-12T16:45:00.002-05:00

I've been playing around with my sketchbook in the new year and doodling like the Sketchbook challenge. Funny where sketches take you. The one sketch with the leaves got me wondering about creating fabric on Spoonflower. It also prompted me to sign up for a class at my local art alliance to learn how to use my Photoshop Elements program. I would like to get color in the sketch.

I love the feeling when I am drawing in my sketchbook. Time stops, I'm on the page, creative gears MOVE! These have been quick sketches, ten minutes or less. What's to lose? LOL!

Reminder about Blueprints in Doll Making Class with CDA

2012-01-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that the Blueprints in Felt Doll Making class is still available on CDA through March lst. If you missed the earlier sign up it is not too late! The Cloth Doll Artistry site button is at the bottom of my blog page. The class is also still available on my 'Catablog' to the right indefinitely. Thanks, Sue

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year....

2012-01-01T13:44:00.003-05:00

from me and my 'doodle' angel friend! Her wings are full of dreams... Got on the Sketchbook challenge page and this month's challenge is to 'doodle'. Haven't done this in some time. Well worth the time!

I want to thank all of you for stopping by this past year and keeping me company. Much appreciated!

I sat down today and wrote up my goals for 2012. Quite a page but a road map which is good for me. I tend to get diverted! I always feel this rush of new creative energy in this first month of the year. Here are some of the things I want to do this year:

1. Start my Reiki practice. (license, set up, business card/license, teaching Levels I and II). Do it!!!!
2. Either finish or quit my BJD doll designs I started in 2009. The technical part has me tangled.....
3. Draw, paint, sculpt, anything creative. Find a group of like minded individuals. Get together!
4. Teach/share 'Van Gogh's table'. Cooking good wholesome food with some color in it! Have a good kitchen garden year - got rained out this past year.
5. Continue to study yoga, exercise, be outside more! Buy a bike, cross country ski.....
6. Add new items to my Etsy site. I think the 9 inch dolls would do well. Looking for cotton chirimin or silk crepe. Anyone have some good leads?
7. Read, write, stick my toes in the sand somewhere! Start a woman's creative retreat? What would you like to do? Where would we like to go?
8. Continue to blog.....

Today DH and I will cook up traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare of roast pork, kielbasa, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. My Mother always told us to eat pork this day to "root in the New Year"! LOL!

Wishing you lots of creativity this year of 'twenty twelve'! See you on the 'page'!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T12:58:00.000-05:00

A Christmas Memory.....

2011-12-24T14:15:00.002-05:00

BAKING COOKIES - S. McFadden 2008

It is a short walk through single lane streets in a small berg in Pennsylvania from my house

to my Gram’s. Today is Christmas cookie baking day! The aromas of vanilla, chocolate,

cinnamon, and sugar wafting out of her small oven flood my brain. My red rubber boots crunch

on cracked, ice covered snow.

I slide up the last block of sidewalk like a knife over sugar icing. I’m dreaming of lard cans

full of sweet, crunchy or soft cookies.

Gram’s kitchen sits on the backside of her old house. The floor boards creak under my feet.

Not a square corner in the place. I’ve heard Mom call it charming. I feel very much at home

here.

Gram is sitting at her kitchen table having a smoke and a cup of black coffee. She rattles her

newspaper as she unfolds it to continue her crossword puzzle. She smiles. I smile.

Winking she says, “Shall we get started?”

Her old fashioned refrigerator is full of cookie dough packed in shiny cold bowls and in

snugly wrapped foil logs. My mouth waters at the various cookie odors. It is just as I had

imagined and remembered on my walk there.

Gram says, “Which one do you want to start with?”

“Sugar cookies, please?”, I reply!

Quickly I unwrap white, stiff cookie dough. Gram pats flour on the top of the enameled,

kitchen table top. I pinch off a hunk of soft dough. Carefully we flatten it with our hands, then

pound it a bit with the side of a heavy, wooden, rolling pin. Gram demonstrates how to roll the

rolling pin back and forth over the dough using a light hand. She stops and allows me to continue

the rolling pin rhythm. Ready for cookie cutters the dough is about one quarter inch thick. I

select an angel cutter to start. There’s something about her wings. I hear them whoosh in flight to

my mouth after the cookie’s are baked. I swoop my angel cutter down into the outer edge of the

dough. It gives way. My cutter makes contact with the table top. I cut again and again through the

dough slab. It reminds me of a puzzle.

Meantime, Gram has preheated the oven and greased cookie sheets. I excitedly peel away the

excess dough from the angel shapes and place them on the cookie sheets. Gram slides them into

the hot oven. While they bake we move onto more dough and Santa shapes. The smell of baked

cookies signal us to remove them from the oven. It only magnifies as Gram opens the door; a

blast of heat washing over our faces. Spatula in hand I move them onto wire racks to cool.

Proudly I think, one batch done!

When all the cookies are baked we’ll ice and decorate them with thick, butter cream icing and

sparkly, rainbow colored sugars. It’s been a hard wait to this point. I know where that first angel

cookie is headed. Straight to my mouth!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T17:23:00.001-05:00

from me and Mr. Marmy! This is the goal of how I want to look after Christmas! (DH said, "Can't you photoshop those socks?") He may have a point. Then it hit me, that's what I want for Christmas, lots of socks so I don't have to do laundry tomorrow!?

On a more sober point, Mr. Marmy is hanging in there after my Vet's office said he wouldn't be around for the holiday. He's still going much to my delight! He will be 17 this New Year as far as we know as he came to stay with us when he was about a year old. There is a large dairy farm close to our housing development and I think he escaped to the good life...... for both of us!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T07:12:00.000-05:00

St. Nicholas and Krampas/OOAK, Sue McFadden c. 2001

Fae shadowbox

2011-12-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

I'm almost there with the 'Fae' shadowbox. I can't quite decide how I'm going to finish the frame. It's had me stumped. I keep looking and looking at it. It's something I can't force so it will come along. Of that I am sure. I really enjoyed wet felting the background and adding embroidery, beads and silk leaves to the tree. I'm attracted to night scenes. Such mystery there. Enjoy....

Have you been 'Jingled' this Holiday Season?

2011-12-09T09:48:00.003-05:00

Our neighborhood association will be sponsoring, 'Have You Been Jingled?' this year. Attached is the website with instructions. Sounds like a pretty cute idea. I'm game!

Been Jingled

Arthur Rackham

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T06:45:00.000-05:00

bird watching

2011-11-28T07:39:00.000-05:00

This past spring, friends of mine turned me onto bird watching at a local fishery. About every weekend my husband and I have been going to watch ospreys, blue herons and bald eagles. The eagles have a large nest on the mountain ridge above the creek bed. Their young have flown the coup but still in the area. With binoculars in hand we get up close and personal. They are magnificent to watch! The female is actually larger than the male. I can see why they stay there, the holding area of trout is bountiful. Ospreys and blue herons I watch in Florida in the winter time. Now I know they are here in the eastern US in the summer. Being in nature is such good medicine. Now with the cold I'll be sure to bundle up and continue to go. I don't want to miss a thing! My pic is at a distance (even with my zoom on full range) but I think you will recognize my new friend.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a day of warm house, warm food, warm friends and family. In our hustle bustle world it's good to take a day and slow down. Now if you are the one preparing the feast be sure to be good to yourself somewhere in the day. For me it's enjoying the leftovers the next couple of days after Thanksgiving! Today is baking day; rolls, pumpkin and pecan pie. Here is the best ever recipe for pecan pie from the Fannie Farmer CookBook (my savior!). Brother Sam loves it so I must make it (he's not had too much luck with it himself in the past......)!

BEST-OF-ALL PECAN PIE

Basic Pastry dough for a 9 inch pie shell
3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups pecan halves or coarsely chopped pecans

Topping:

1 cup heavy cream chilled

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a pie pan with the rolled out dough and set aside. Beat the eggs in a bowl with a fork or wire whisk until the yolks and whites are blended. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla, and blend well. Stir in the pecans, then pour the mixture into the pie shell. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and continue baking for another 15 - 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center quivers slightly. Don't over bake! Let the pie cool a bit, and just before serving whip the cream, then spread it over the pie or pass separately.

* Whole pecans will float to the top for a visually pretty pie but you can chop them if you like. Chopped nuts will make the pie easier to cut. The choice is up to you.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T14:17:00.001-05:00

Two more new Fav Links

2011-11-14T06:57:00.003-05:00

I've added two more 'fav links':

Marlaine Verhelst - Doll Artist

Pip's Poppies - Helen Priem's Handmade Wool Felt Dolls

I have loved Marlaine's work since forever! She is a master at her doll art and working with Paperclay. Helen's dolls are new to me. Ditto master status for her as well in wool felt. Since teaching on CDA I find myself stimulated more to find other artist's to inspire my students (and myself!). Enjoy..... Also the Blueprints in Felt Doll Making class on Cloth Doll Artistry is still open for registration. The class will be up through the end of December. It's not too late!!!!!

Amazing week.....

2011-11-12T15:44:00.004-05:00

here in Happy Valley, the home of Penn State University. Today's football game with Nebraska just ended and we lost, 17-14. I felt each and every one of the players, fans, coaches, town gave it their all. In light of the sexual abuse scandal and it's repercussions it was the best we can do for now and I am proud of those kids, playing against impossible odds. Two more games to go. I stand behind the school and football team. We will heal. It will just take time. I heard a radio commentator this week say, "Love your life, like your sports". I think that puts it all in perspective. The media wants to paint this scandal as such a black and white issue but it's complicated, messy, ugly, unforgivable; shades of gray never seen before. I must admit I am in a bit of shock, living here all my life.

The two teams praying together at the beginning of the game got me on my knees. I give Nebraska much credit. We here pray deeply for the victims and their families; that they may heal.... all our emotions are raw and run deep.

New Fav Links added...

2011-11-12T08:08:00.003-05:00

I've added two new links to my Fav Links to the right of the blog.

The first is Dot's Doodles by Dorothy Dinnegan. I met Dot through CDA and she is a multitalented artist! She is in 'painting mode' right now. Just love her work!

Dot's Doodles

The second is Felting Lessons - Felting Instruction from Terri Pike. If you are interested in learning how to felt this is a super site! Chocked full of information, videos, links. You name it!

Felting Lessons - Felting Instruction from Terri Pike

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T07:08:00.000-05:00

On Fairy Wings....

2011-11-03T17:01:00.001-04:00

I can't say too much more as the 'Faes' have taken me back into their good graces! They did give me permission to see one way fairy wings are created. With that said I'll post the pics.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

Day of the Dead

2011-11-01T13:01:00.002-04:00

I found this illustration through Dover publications. I never used to like this holiday as it was strange to me but the more I understand it I see it's place. So much Goth in this...... You get to a certain age you learn to dance!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:02:00.001-04:00

Announcement!

2011-10-29T08:57:00.000-04:00

Good morning! Here on the eastern side of the US we are waking up to snow!!!! Yeowza! The leaves are not even off of the trees yet but sometimes this is the way it goes. Kind of pretty on top of all the fall colors! Who knew Mother Nature was so creative! LOL! I digress...

I'd like to announce that my Blueprints in Felt Doll Making class will be available starting on November 1st on Cloth Doll Artistry. For those of you looking at my Catablog you will now find the class in a very supportive place and I am stoked to work with you there! I hope you can join us! It will be a four week class with the paperclay head sculpt, covering the sculpt in felt, making a disk jointed stuffed felt doll body and the wig making rounding out week four. As a bonus I will be adding clothing patterns to this class. If you have ever wanted to create your own OOAK felt doll now is the time! I have taught this class a few times before in the past and I thoroughly enjoyed working with my students. Click on the CDA button at the bottom of the blog and you will find the class offering there.

Fall walks....

2011-10-26T07:10:00.002-04:00

Lordy I haven't posted in ages! I find myself outside walking this time of year on the eastern side of the US. The fall colors are probably at their peak and I love being in them! I am working in my studio and will post more pics of what I am working on next week. You've seen the beginning of the project so now I am in 'quiet mode' until I get it completed.

Here a few things that I thought interesting during my outdoor walk. My artist's/painters eye comes alive with colors, textures, movement!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2011-10-19T18:15:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T10:21:00.000-04:00

Mariska Karasz

My Virginia Neighborhood

2011-10-05T12:11:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pics of my Virginia neighborhood in Arlington. The section of Cherrydale is wonderful to take long walks in. Today we are having a gorgeous Indian summer day; breeze blowing, sun shining, not too hot/not too cold temperature wise. Just perfect! Enjoy my little walk. Perhaps you have been here!

wordless wednesday

2011-10-05T12:02:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2011-09-28T11:53:00.000-04:00

daily bread....

2011-09-27T15:23:00.002-04:00

Pictured are two fairy lady dolls I have had started. I have so many projects started and I have been floundering about not knowing where to start so I just started with what was close at hand! I really became unfocused over the summer. It takes me a bit to lasso myself in and get disciplined in my daily work habits. But I decided today is the day to work out my studio muscles.

Also I have started to rewrite the two piece plaster mold tutorial for a small nine inch doll (that was on my previous Picturetrail site). After two years I've dusted off my Photoshop Elements 8 and decided it's time to work with my images more. I'm fascinated with all the special effects and layering that you can do.

Each doll is a paperclay head and shoulder plate covered in silk crepe or cotton chirimin. I got the idea of a solid head and shoulder plate from Hildegard Gunzel's classic book, Creating Original Porcelain Dolls. I love the soft pebbly texture of both of these fabrics. It's difficult to find them and in the flesh colors I want. With some of my shadowboxes in the past I used the flesh silk crepe and painted over the skin to the color I've wanted. A quick solution and one that works well with these types of fabrics. As you can see with this particular design the sculpture part is creeping down the body of the doll. I think when you have worked in cloth for so many years it's just natural for this to happen. But I can't give up the texture of the fabric. How I love the texture of the fabric for the entire doll!

(late) wordless wednesday

2011-09-15T18:17:00.002-04:00

mold making

2011-09-13T14:12:00.004-04:00

I've been having fun selling doll kits on Etsy. I get a lot of questions about how to make molds for paperclay masks. Pictured are two, two part molding putties. I sculpt my original doll heads/shoulder plates or masks out of super sculpey. I usually make plaster molds but have tried mold putties. The first is 'Amazing Mold Putty' I bought at Michael's Art Supply Store. You mix together/knead parts A and B, press onto your original sculpt and it sets in about twenty minutes. As with plaster you have to make sure there are no air bubbles next to the sculpey sculpture. This takes a little practice. I would start with a small mask until you get the hang of it. It's a bit pricey too but fast! The second two part impression material is PCE. Google 'PCE Impression Material' to find a supplier. I bought mine so long ago I don't remember where I ordered it. Again you knead the two parts together. On this doll I was able to do the head in the round back past the elf ears. Pictured is the paperclay parts covered in a stretchy cotton.You slice the back of the dried silicone material with an x-act knife to remove the original sculpted head or shoulderplate. The nice thing is that it will stretch and open (within reason!). Again you will need to play with it to learn how to use it for your specific project. When both materials are dry you can press mold paperclay in them to make multiple doll masks, etc. They are relatively mess free and I think fairly non-toxic.

This past summer I closed down my Picture Trail site as I felt it was really dated and I had transferred a lot of the doll pictures to my 'Pages' section of my blog. The two piece plaster mold tutorial I am reworking and should have it up on my Catablog page sometime this fall. It was a free tutorial for a long time. I'm working again on the dolls pictured and feel a need to protect the images. I still like plaster the best of all the mold making materials I have worked with so far. I know people get wigged out about mixing it. Again, a trail and error experience. If I have enough interest I will post a short blog tutorial on mixing it and pouring a small mask mold.

9/11 anniversary

2011-09-09T13:14:00.005-04:00

Our country will commenorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday. God, it feels as if it happened yesterday, the images so deeply ingrained in my mind. On that morning ten years ago I was sitting in my studio preparing to work for the day when my husband called me (which was not unusual as Tuesdays were his travel day to go to Arlington, VA). Back then he was able to fly his small airplane to Gaithersburg airport (the same airport we were to learn later, that had trained unknowingly a few of the terrorist to pilot a small aircraft) and drive into the city to do business so for me that was what he was doing, the phone call letting me know he was getting ready to take off. But he was not to fly that day as all airports were closed after the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City. We live in central Pennsylvania which is about four hours from there so small and large airports were shut down immediately. I had no TV so Bill kept calling first to say the second twin tower was hit, the Pentagon was hit, the last plane came down in Shanksville, Pa. It all sounded so surreal and the real terror was feeling it would never end. Truth is, it hasn't. Our lives were changed forever that day. My husband eventually sold his small aircraft as it became more and more difficult to fly anywhere near the Washington DC area. I remember the weeks after 9/11 when I was in Arlington being so eerily quiet with the only sound of fighter planes and helicopters patrolling the skies over the city daily. Riding the metro has never really been the same since although many of us got right back on to commute and do our daily lives in that area. How can we ever heal this, find peace with our brothers. I wonder.... I think it has made the American people resolute about their patriotism and the realization terrorism is on our soil. I pray for peace and healing for all the people that died that day and their families, colleagues and friends.

"With My Own Two Hands"
(feat. Ben Harper) Jack Johson

I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
I can reach out to you
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a brighter place
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a safer place
With my own two hands
I'm going to help the human race
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you've got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands
With our own
With our own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

Good to be back!

2011-09-07T12:43:00.001-04:00

So good to be back in blogland! The last month whizzed by and I thought I would post countless times but something always seemed to pull me away. Oh well, sometimes absence is a good thing. I feel refreshed and ready to move forward into the fall!

DH and I took a vacation out to my beloved west: San Francisco and Napa Valley in early August. SF has a great vibe. I've been there a few times and I never tire of it, especially the vibrant China town and North Beach section. In early August it was chilly there, say in the 60's. Lots of fog over the city. A ferry trip to Sausilito convinced me I want to rent a house boat perhaps next year. Then on up into Napa (wine country). Warmer as it is inland. So much beautiful scenery, wine and food. A vacationer's delight! I sleep so well there......

Then home for a week with my Nephew and Niece. I talked them into staying with me in PA. Lots of movies, frozen yogurt, golf, french toast, pizza! It amazes me what kids that age can put down! I loved the activity in the house; the cat did too. For an old boy he didn't miss anything. And of course the garden.... lots of good eats.

Sausilito, CA

Muir Beach

Street Performer, Fishermna's Wharf, SF CA

swiss chard and zucchini

Now to land in the studio. After an earthquake and two hurricanes I'm looking forward to some peaceful yet exciting time there. Hope you all had a great summer too. It does go by so fast!

wordless wednesday

2011-09-07T12:29:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2011-07-28T08:22:00.001-04:00

booking again.....

2011-07-20T17:37:00.000-04:00

Sweltering heat on the eastern side of the nation. My friend lent me a groovy book about artist homes, Artists' Handmade Houses. I just kicked back with the AC on today and traveled through this arty book. Just loved how artists make their homes their art too. Check it out at your local library or shop for it online. You won't be sorry....

wordless wednesday

2011-07-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

wordless wednesday

2011-07-13T17:35:00.002-04:00

Fasting by Rumi

2011-07-10T09:04:00.003-04:00

Dining Table, Sarah Parks

There's a hidden sweetness in the
stomach's emptiness.
We are lutes, no more, no less.
If the soundbox is stuffed full of
anything, no music.
If the brain and the belly are
burning clean with fasting,
every moment a new song comes
out of the fire.
The fog clears, and new energy
makes you run up the steps in front
of you.
Be emptier and cry like reed
instruments cry.
Emptier, write secrets with the reed
pen.
When you're full of food and drink,
an ugly metal statue sits where
your spirit should.
When you fast, good habits gather
like friends who want to help.
Fasting is Solomon's ring.
Don't give it to some illusion and
lose your power, but even if you
have,
if you've lost all will and control,
they come back when you fast,
like soldiers appearing out of the
ground, pennants flying above
them.
A table descends to your tents, the
Lord's table.
Expect to see it when you fast, this
table spread with other food,
better than the broth of cabbages.

check it out!

2011-07-08T07:08:00.001-04:00

It's fun to check in on my dashboard to see who is viewing my blog and what they are viewing. I forget to take the time to check out' blogger news' and' blogs of note'. Take the time, it's worth it! I find it a good way to 'get out of the box' thinking about my blog. Hard to put a finger on what makes a dynamic blog but when you look at the blogs of note you see a common theme of gelled expression, ideas and thought.

I've had a quiet spell as of late. But it's ok with me. I find myself 'doing' more than expounding on what I wish I was doing. How are you all doing? haha! cheers, Sue

Charcoal

2011-06-29T14:31:00.001-04:00

Drawing with charcoal today. I haven't drawn with it in many years. It felt wonderful.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T08:46:00.001-04:00

trailer for Cave of Forgotten Dreams

2011-06-24T10:55:00.001-04:00

I saw this film this past week about ancient Rock Art and the Chauvet cave. I was mesmerized and fascinated! If you have a chance go see it at your local cinema or you can rent it from NetFlix.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T17:14:00.002-04:00

A Sunday walk.....

2011-06-20T17:29:00.001-04:00

here in central PA. Sunday I skimmed the top of Pine Grove mountain along the Mid-State trail with my husband. Very rocky walk but well worth the vistas on both sides of the mountain! I'll let the pictures tell the story....

calling all hummingbirds....

2011-06-17T16:22:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T06:13:00.000-04:00

activity....

2011-06-09T17:11:00.001-04:00

into the next step of my renovated studio. I've started 'expressive' drawing. It's been soooo long since I have been on the two dimensional plane! A big 'whoop' burst inside of me. A delicious feeling of 'coming home' to my authentic self. I put the PVC pipe extensions on my work tables. Like the easel the elevated tables encourage me to work standing up. I feel so much more energy when I stand to work. One table is for pouring moulds, the other for my wet felting. Now to keep the momentum going! I'd also like to share the project sketchbook my felting teacher gave me. It is blank paper on the top with lined paper on the bottom. A perfect workbook for sketches and written instructions (for a not so great memory!).

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T13:27:00.000-04:00

new arrangement

2011-06-07T14:01:00.003-04:00

Sunday I started exchanging materials from the studio to storage and vice versa. It felt soooo good to get my painting easel into the studio and my drawing table out of the back corner. Today I stored fabrics, felts, yarns in the storage area of my basement. I experienced sadness and anticipation doing this. Many of the materials I have collected together for over twenty years but I also realized they have been just 'sitting' there, stagnant and creating mind clutter for me; guilt too that I wasn't using them. BUT, the studio suddenly feels like it is breathing and I know I will catch my breath and get used to it. I'm going to go over to the building supplier today and get 10 inch cut PFC pipes to elevate my two working tables for wet felting. My instructor taught me that so when you are busy rolling the felt you do not hurt your back. We'll see how things go, morph, etc. I know it probably doesn't look all that different to you but to me it's a sizable change and a good one. For once in my life I'm concerned about function over the clever arrangement of my working space. It's a 'leap' for me! Judi Ward and my chiropractor turned me onto sitting on a large exercise ball when seated at my sewing/work tables or desk. Very good for strengthening your core and back muscles!

Courage.....

2011-06-04T12:43:00.006-04:00

Hi! I've been missing. Missing in the gardens in my yard. With all the rain we have had this past spring the weeds were taking over! Many perennials needed divided, some shrubs needed replaced, mulch, etc.... you get the idea! I've tried to give you something with the 'wordless wednesday' pics. I've really come to enjoy doing that. I'm always snapping pictures, thinking, "isn't that interesting....". LOL!

I sent my little felt doll, 'Rey' to a niece for her high school graduation. Abby is all grown up now, hope she is not too grown up for one last doll. Bittersweet to see them grow up and go on, happens so fast. Really a miracle. I've not been blessed with my own children but have been surrounded by nephews and nieces on both sides of the family. Many of our restaurant employees have grown up with us too. I consider myself blessed and challenged a time or two!

Through all this sentimentalism I'm screwing up my courage to bring out my painting easel, sculpting stand and art supplies in full view in my studio. I'm putting away fabrics and felts I'm no longer using... I tell myself just for the summer. I have the urge to 'mine for a vein of gold' as Julia Cameron says in the Artist's Way. I've been longing to return to earlier pursuits. I think I am like a lot of artists, the muse changes gears on us now and again. It's our job to listen and I'm really going to listen and act this time. I'll share this summer of 'art' with you if you please. The dolls will be intertwined in there too somehow.

When I am creatively restless you are now aware I go on book sprees. Three of the books pictured I bought at Bud Plant's website - Bud's Art Books. Check out his clearance page! The Heather Jansch Diary I just had to have and found it at her website listed to the right. (Click on book pic to enlarge it to see titles). I'll get a pic up of the studio when I get it rearranged this week. Come along with me. Bust out your supplies! Let's explore our creativity! A word comes to mind: FEARLESS!

Mr. Marmy is my muse for the day...... meow!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-01T07:30:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T06:41:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T13:02:00.002-04:00

CDT post for 'Two Peas" class

2011-05-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

For those of you looking for more details about the May21st Two Peas In a Pod Class at the Rock Hill Schoolhouse, scroll down to the older posts and you will find the information in the May 2nd post. Contact me if you have any questions! :-) Sue

*post script* - Due to lack of response the Two Peas In a Pod workshop has been cancelled/May 21st at the Rock Hill School House. If you are interested in a later date, contact me. Thank you!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T13:17:00.001-04:00

Sunday Afternoon Tutorial

2011-05-08T13:08:00.003-04:00

I thought I would share a quick tutorial on how to make a pressed Paperclay mask with your plaster molds. (There is a complete tutorial on how to make plaster molds on my Picturetrail site/to the right in Fav Blogs & Links). Your mold may be made out of polymer clay, resin, mold putty. This method should work for them too. With a soft brush dust your mold with talcum powder. Blow off excess. Open your Paperclay and pull off a small hunk. Knead a little and form into a ball then roll a pointed end on the ball. Insert this tip into the nose portion of the mold. With your thumb or fingers gently push the paperclay into the mold. Excess clay can be pinched off or spread out over the edge of the face mold. Allow to dry thoroughly. For me it's a day. With your palette knife, lift the edge of the dry mask and lay out to dry on a plaster batt to absorb excess moisture. That's it. Now you are ready to start your very own doll making factory! LOL!

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-08T07:25:00.000-04:00

Poupee de Pouche - 'Rey'

2011-05-06T19:16:00.002-04:00

Poupee de Pouche - Rey, Sue McFadden 2011

Funny thing about making dolls. They have a mind of their own! Just when I think I can't see 'it' anymore I allow myself to play and by the grace of something larger than myself a doll gets finished. This small 9 1/2" ball jointed doll took some twists and turns and I decided to not get twisted by the process but to just 'follow'. Sounds weird I know but this is how it happens every time I make a new doll. I still want to get these little ones technically on better ground as far as the stringing goes but I am so encouraged to keep going. I had a blast wet felting her flower skirt and printing Jacquard 'Extrav Organza' from an image scanned on my computer. The sheerness of the organza is just right and gives Rey a bit of mystery don't you think? Thanks for taking a peek. I really don't know what kind of flower fae she is...... you can tell me!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

Workshop - Two Peas in a Pod - May 21st, 2011

2011-05-02T20:36:00.005-04:00

I'm going to offer this workshop again on May 21st from 10AM to 3PM at the historic Rock Hill Schoolhouse at Linden Hall, PA. The cost will be $65.00 (includes kit to make two dolls and the pea pod). If interested e-mail me and I can give you more details. The level of doll making skills would be beginner to intermediate. In this class you will learn how to refine and cover a paperclay doll mask (awake and asleep mask) with felt, paint facial features, machine sew and stuff a soft felt body to attach the mask to, wig and felt bonnet and pea pod construction. The finished pod plus two dolls measures around 10" in length. Perfect project for the Spring season. If you are a member of the Rock Hill School House I will offer a 20% discount. You will need to bring your own sewing machine, know how to operate it and also bring basic sewing supplies. I look forward to working with you! Sue

a Little Inspiration....

2011-05-01T20:38:00.003-04:00

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

Take what you've got.... make it very, very GOOD!

Liberty of London Beefeater/Yeoman Warder doll

2011-04-29T18:33:00.002-04:00

With today's royal wedding I remembered I have a Beefeater doll dressed in red felt made by Liberty of London. He's all of ten inches tall and packs in a lot of detail. His face is softly sculpted cotton and very expressive. He's missing his staff but all in all he's a cool doll!

The royals really know how to put on a beautiful wedding. Princess Catherine looked just spectacular. I really didn't caught up in it all until I watched the rebroadcast of the entire wedding this afternoon on WETA. I wish the new couple much happiness and a long, long marriage!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T17:40:00.000-04:00

Etsy

2011-04-24T11:50:00.002-04:00

Today I'd like to announce that I finally got my etsy shop open! You can find the link on the 'Catablog' page and right here.

suesdailyblog etsy site

Old Lilacs

2011-04-23T17:14:00.001-04:00

Old Lilacs

Through early April cold,
these thin gray horses
have come near the house
as to a fence, and lean there
hungry for summer,
nodding their heads
with a nickering of twigs.

Their long legs are dusty
from standing for months
in winter’s stall, and their eyes
are like a cloudy sky
seen through bare branches

They are waiting for May
to come up from the barn
with her overalls pockets
stuffed with the fodder
of green. In a month
they will be slow and heavy,
their little snorts so sweet
you’ll want to stand
among them, breathing.

- Ted Kooser, from Delights & Shadows (2004)

Happy Easter...

2011-04-23T10:39:00.001-04:00

everyone! I've always loved this holiday. A significant one for the Christian religion and for me the heralding of Spring which always feels like the New Year to me instead of January! We are still battling out the wet weather. I did get out to turn over my kitchen garden on Thursday and prune my roses and butterfly bushes. It felt so good to touch the earth and feel the wind blow through my hair. I guess I have a bit of the pagan blood in me! haha! I wistfully think of my Easter outfits of childhood, hats, crinoline dresses, patent leather shoes, white gloves. I gladly forfeited my tomboy ways for that one day of glam! Whatever way you celebrate I wish you and yours a joyous and peaceful holiday!

Speaking of diet I've been discovering the diet of 'gluten free' and sugarless the last month (could that contribute to my crankiness!? LOL!). I found some knock out sugarless chocolate in a company called Amber Lynn chocolates out of Utah. Fine begian chocolate, dark, my favorite kind...... You can buy it online or at Costco in the States. 'Truvia', made from the stevia plant, is not a bad sugar replacement. As for the gluten free part I am still adjusting my tastebuds to gluten free products. Two companies I like are Foods by George (english muffins) and Glutino (bread and crackers). Always something new to learn. My dietician has asked if I could develop gluten free pizza. My first try from recipes I found on the internet were not too good. Weird taste, nice texture. So I went to the bookstore and picked up a baking cook book from the Culinary Institute of America. It looks like it's all in the different gluten free flour mixes. Will let you know how it goes.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Insight and small miracles....

2011-04-19T13:38:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I woke up in a deep funk. Perhaps you have been here. Creative people are not very happy when they are not creative. But I had to realize I have not been responsible for my creativity. I had been allowing everything to rush in before giving myself time to stay in touch and be active in my creative pursuits. I told myself maybe I just need to daydream more. Give up my pushing and competitive ways. Be more receptive.

The Swan Girl

As I was making my morning tea I noticed how brightly the sun was shining in my kitchen window. It was reflecting off a green plastic pitcher I use to water my plants. There on the side of the pitcher was a beautiful, miniature rainbow! Wow, I thought. Maybe something is trying to get my attention! As I went through my morning I checked my tomato seeds I had in my basement, sitting in the dark full of moisture and taking their time to germinate. I really didn't think they would as they were year old seeds but there their little heads were, peaking up through the damp dirt. I think you could have heard me yelp into the next county! You have to understand that we have been having a very dreary, damp and rainy April here in the eastern, Mid-Atlantic states. I'm very much like my plants, I NEED LIGHT! And I'm itching to get out and garden! The third mini miracle occured last evening as I was falling asleep. I have been taking an introductory yoga class and it is heavenly to go to sleep after it. There in my inner vision was a magnificent dark horse with a white star on his forehead. It hit me! This is the character Starlight from a children's story (blog entry December 5, 2009) I wrote about his birth during a tornado a few years ago. He was telling me my imagination is alive and well, just waiting for me to return. How simple, huh!? Today I'm going down to the local library and to the local farmer's market. My hunch is the next step will be waiting.

Creative seesaw.......

2011-04-17T17:52:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted in a few weeks. Seems like I was traveling to Virginia with my DH and niece a few weeks ago and here I am on the last couple of weeks of April! In the winter months I completed all the old projects I wanted to (some small dolls, catablog and the Blueprints class). Now I find myself at a standstill and wondering what direction to turn next. I realized I have been making felt dolls since 1986 and by the end of 2007 I was coming to a standstill. I have to admit the past three or four years have not been some of my most creative. Why this is I can't tell you. I have started countless dolls but I just don't finish them. I've decided to not be sad or angry at myself about this (as I would have done in the past). I have plenty of interests, I'm very busy. What is hard to digest is the fact that I just may be finished with doll making. I'm trying other creative things but I'm not landing in the 'land of creative mojo'. Seems the more I chase it, the more it alludes me. My interior voice says to "be patient". And so I will.....

I been doing some very interesting reading, The Collected Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn. This is a quote from her book, The Secret Door to Success. Very uplifting..... talking about wonder, intuition, miracles, desire to create, words as wands......

"The idea of a bird was a perfect picture in divine mind; the fish caught the idea, and wished themselves into birds. Are your desires bringing you wings? We should all be bringing some seemingly impossible thing to pass." - Florence Scovill Shinn

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-31T07:07:00.000-04:00

fuel for doll making......

2011-03-29T16:56:00.004-04:00

OK, doll artists don't run on fumes! Sharing a few coping techniques for long, enjoyable days of working alone. A body needs to be fed. Viola! Reheated pizza (from Luna 2). I found this tip on the back of a California Pizza Kitchen frozen pizza. Reheat your leftover pizza in a skillet on low heat with a lid. You'll be amazed at how good it is! Crispy on the bottom, gooey cheese on the top. No need to kill it in the microwave....

A different kind of fuel I love. Books!!!!! Yikes, I can't control buying them. Especially when they are this good! I allow all my interests to be met when buying a book that inspires me. Good cross pollination I say! I saw a segment on the Today Show by Jane Pauley for AARP called Finding Your Life's Calling. Last fall she did a segment on expressive drawing for the not so young. It knocked my socks off! I had to find the book by Steve Aimone called Expressive Drawing. It is excellent and I plan on working through his exercises. Never had a class this good in art school. Then I discovered his book on design for craftspeople. We all can use more education in design. Been so long for me that I have forgotten a lot of it and how important it is. Through Coloulicous I discovered Gilda Barron and her unbelievable embroidered flowers (my hunch for embroidery is working.... heh, heh). The last piece of soul food came from Japan, Yoshida style about making paperclay ball jointed dolls. Exquisite and way beyond my abilities right now (written in Japanese...) but the pictures really inspire me. Well enough of my wanderlust and over eating today! What's turning you on today? Every day I ask myself, am I living my truth? If nothing more, that is what blogging has done for me........

Let's Talk Dolls....

2011-03-25T14:01:00.012-04:00

Ronnaug Pettersen felt dolls

close up of R. Pettersen felt doll-1930's

Lenci doll

side close up of Lenci felt doll

felt Lenci doll/body construction

Child Lenci doll

This post is for my students and anyone interested. I'm posting some photos of dolls from my doll collection in an attempt to let you see what the old doll masters were doing before we even dreamed of making cloth and felt dolls. These dolls and many more were my teachers. Today I'll feature Ronnaug Pettersen from Norway and Lenci from Italy. Notice the face painting, body construction (the Lenci is stuffed with excelsior), head and wig construction. These two doll artists produced and sold commercially so they had to figure it out. Sadly my Lenci is moth eaten in places but the essence of the doll is still there. He was given to me by a dear friend over 20 years ago! I just had to adopt him. I've posted a picture of a pristine Lenci from the book, Lenci Dolls in Full Color, Toys for the Rich and Famous, 1920 - 1940 by Helen Nolan. Ronnaug Pettersen produced later. Supposedly wartime thwarted the ability to get certain doll making materials such as porcelain so these gals had to be inventive! Just fits in place with my philosophy of using what you have and giving it a good punch of your creativity! LOL! Enjoy.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

Listing of Materials for the Blueprint Class....

2011-03-20T20:46:00.000-04:00

can be found to the right under 'PAGES'. For those of you interested this should give you an idea of what is involved. This is not a quick class and something that I hope you will take your time with. That is the beauty of working on your own, you can do it when it works for you. Materials and style of working can be flexible. I show you a traditional way of working to make an original felt doll but after learning these techniques you can take it anywhere you like. My intent is to stretch your skills with this class..... Some students in the past followed the class to the letter. Others with more experience branched out into their own style of working.

AFIC and Susie McMahon

2011-03-20T18:24:00.002-04:00

Artist - Sonja Delauney

Petite Sonja - Sue McFadden

I had the great pleasure of being invited to submit a one or two page doll pattern for the AFIC doll conference booklet. Quite a challenge but it propelled me to work a little more on my word processing skills and pattern making. My pattern is a small 4 - 5" felt doll inspired by artist Sonja Delauney. I used to produce these for shows a few years back. It is a chenille stem armatured body with a cloth or felt covered face (optional) and felt costume. I always like a doll with a smaller dolly. Traditional but the pattern could be used in so many ways.

The conference looks like a winner for sure! Cynthia Sieving keeps making them better and better. It is in Columbus Ohio April 28th - May 1st, 2011. . For those of you looking to work with sculpture and cloth doll making at the artist level check out Susie McMahon's classes. Her dolls are incredible! I can only imagine how great her classes must be! She graciously did a feature on me yesterday (blush). Thank you Susie!!!!! Here is the link for Cyndy Sievings blog on AFIC and all the artists teaching there this year. Susie McMahon's link is to the right in my fav links and blogs and right here too. Gosh I'm an information nut... love passing it on!

Artistic Figures in Cloth Blog

Susie McMahon Dolls

Felicity - Susie McMahon 2011

In Memory.....

2011-03-18T11:51:00.001-04:00

of my friend Alicia who passed. She was a beautiful and gentle lady. She loved anything pink, bassett hounds, her family and friends, anything beautiful and good. I will miss her so very much. Angels sing......

Online Class - Blueprints in Felt Dollmaking/Creating a OOAK Felt Doll

2011-03-15T08:29:00.003-04:00

body construction

felt wig cap for mohair wig

tibetan lamb skin wig

foot construction

felt disk jointed body

Today's the day to announce my online class opening, Blueprints in Felt Doll Making!!!!! The details are listed in my Catablog to the right. It is an ongoing class of four lessons to learn how to make a OOAK felt doll with a flange neck and disk jointed body. The cost is $55.00 for the four PDF form lessons and patterns for the body and three wig styles. This is a technique class and I have taught it before on Dollstreet. Former students have done very well with the class and I offer e-mail support to help you along your way. If you have any questions or want to sign up for the class, e-mail me at smfeltdoll@aol.com. I've also added some value pricing to the blended felt I offer on the Catablog too.

Here are some of the many photos and illustrations that make up the class.

Preparation to cover PC head with felt

gluing felt onto the PC sculpt

Another Artist

2011-03-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

While I am getting myself unpacked and back in the groove I thought you would enjoy my Brother Sam's website. He is a wildlife photographer and has lived so to speak with the grizzly bears in Alaska for the past twenty years. He also is a published author of children's books and an amazing teacher. Take a chance and look at his work. He is a very dedicated artist and human being! So many of you do 'Wordless Wednesday'. Shashi told me she liked my 'critter' pics in Florida..... here's a bunch more for you!

Wilde Image - Wilderness Adventures Photography

Helen Redmond - Birthing the Crone

2011-03-10T17:09:00.005-05:00

I invite you (upon Helen's urging in a current e-mail) to view Helen Redmond's website, Birthing the Crone. I have found her journey of womanhood fascinating and I think you will too. Her site is listed in my Fav Links to the right or right here.....

Helen Redmond - Birthing the Crone

pics and drawing for today.....

2011-03-09T12:25:00.001-05:00

sketchbook

2011-03-07T15:39:00.001-05:00

Nothing like a sketchbook and pencils on vacation.....

Winter Break

2011-03-05T08:08:00.001-05:00

MOre....

2011-02-24T18:04:00.001-05:00

See the 'MOre' above! I added more pictures and illustrations to my 'Pages' section.... my eyes are about crossed! That's about all I have for right now. Please remember that my images are copyrighted and should only be reproduced with my permission. Enjoy them please. It's been a long road and I look forward for more to come! Double click individual images to see them more closely. The composite pictures are from 35 MM prints. In the past 15 - 20 years the technology of photography has changed so much!

Request

2011-02-23T07:47:00.001-05:00

Per request I have posted some more photos of my dolls in the 'Pages' section to the right. You know I've made so many dolls over the years that I've forgotten them! The past couple of years have not been productive ones for me but with the new year I have felt my creative sap rise. Where I'm headed or my doll work is headed I don't know. I've also taken this time early in the new year to finish up some projects I had started. Still working on two more of them. This is what happens when you have many ideas!

Welcome to....

2011-02-22T07:39:00.001-05:00

my new blog design! I wish I was better at all of this blog design stuff but sometimes you just need help. Yep, that's me! I found Kulesa Designs while browsing the net. Melissa Kulesa did such an awesome job! Thank you Melissa! You can find her web address below. Check her out!

Kulesa Designs

Rock Hill School at Linden Hall

2011-02-19T17:16:00.004-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to tour the Rock Hill Schoolhouse in Linden Hall. Now and again you find a building that speaks to you and this one has to me for quite some time. On a hunch I decided to inquire about renting it for teaching felt dollmaking classes and it is available! I have been trying to rent another facility with no luck for dates. Here is a picture I took of it before it's renovation. Click on it's name below and you can read about it's history and current status.

Rock Hill Schoolhouse at Linden Hall

Dorothy's "Jack Horner"

2011-02-15T17:31:00.002-05:00

I'm so proud to present Dorothy Dinnegan's OOAK felt doll, "Jack Horner'! Dorothy worked proofing my rewrite of my Blueprints in Felt Dollmaking class this past year. Thank you so much Dot! I plan on offering this class in my Catablog soon. Previously I have taught this as an online class on Dollstreet in 2005 and 2007. I'm always amazed by my students. As I always tell them, the doll is inside of you waiting to get out; just like when Michaelangelo carved David out of marble. I can't wait to see what Dot comes up with next!!!!!! See how nicely the flange neck turns in the disk jointed all felt body. Heaven!

Back home......

2011-02-11T12:17:00.005-05:00

The most wonderful package was on my front porch yesterday when I came home from Virginia! It was the 100% wool felt and it is very nice. I've updated the Catablog page (bottom item) so check it out if you are interested!

Happy Valentine's Day All!!!!!! 'Come ride with me My Valentine(s)' on my blog journey...... :-)

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

After the ice storm....

2011-02-03T17:07:00.002-05:00

a postcard

2011-02-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

from the blog JMD Designs. Cute!

Postcard of HopeI was thinking today about the well known saying
"a stitch in time saves nine"
I decided I've done a heck of a lot more than nine stitches in my life,
so it is time to do something about that.
So I decided to send a postcard to the person in charge and see what happens.
I have put a copy of it here for you to see. You are welcome to put it in your blog for you, 'in hope'.

Ooops!

2011-02-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

I've been experimenting with different backgrounds the past few days. Sorry if my blog appears a bit skitzy!