Marie Leveaux

Every once in a while, a project that I've seen in my head--for weeks!--takes a u-turn at some point, becoming itself instead of what I'd envisioned.

Such is the case with Marie.  What I had envisioned, believe it or not, was a droopy-faced sad clown, a bewhiskered hobo type, reminiscent of the 70's black velvet fellow with his bowler hat and shabby coat.

But at some point during the sculpting process, Marie showed up.  She's a sweet old soul, for all she's green and warty.  With a fondness for sparkles and fou-fou fashion, Marie still makes time to doll up every evening (she sells love potions and charms at a French Quarter sidewalk stand) and knows for a fact that her customers never truly believe her when she tells them; "Be careful what you wish for, Chere."

Made of a large and a small papermache egg, with lots of wooden bits for arms and legs, paperclay for hands and feet (and face and shoulders), Marie has a heavy bottom (don't we all?) and like a Weeble, she wobbles but she won't fall down.  She'll be coming with me to the art show in a few weeks.  Maybe she'll sell a few charms to the doll collectors there.

Have a great Tiw's Day!

Lookie what I got!!!

When Sheri Farley, at Little Cabin Creations, posted this doll, I had to have her.  As common as that is to hear, I don't say it often, because my practical side keeps my mouth shut on that kind of thing in general.  Being a "starving artist" (meaning my biz pays for itself, but doesn't come close to paying the mortgage) I can't justify buying every doll I want.

But there was just something about this one that had me ready to break my own budget to have her.  Sheri and I hit upon an idea: a doll swap.  How perfect is that?  So I sent her Lucy, whom Sheri will dress with her spectacular hand work and costuming skills.  To be honest, I'm a little jealous of Lucy, not only because of the dress, but also because she seriously gets to live in the woods in a beautiful cabin in Missouri!

Taney Butternut, w/ brooms and tiny wax cabin.

Yes, that's cartridge pleating on her dress skirt. 

Sheri sent me Taney.  Photos cannot convey how satisfying it is to hold this doll.  For one, she's stuffed with cedar sawdust (which turns out to be more like a super fine shred, not dust like on a woodshop floor) so she smells incredible.  But she's heavy in a way I didn't expect, with an antique-doll's lovely combination of floppiness and firmness of limbs.  She and her clothing are all stitched by hand--Sheri doesn't use patterns, so every doll is truly one of a kind, with clothes that fit...well, as if they were made for her.

If you were to research antique rag dolls, you'd see just how wonderful a reproduction Sheri has in this little doll.  If I were to have a collection of antique dolls, you can bet there would be a gorgeous "granny made" example or two in the mix, because they speak to me of that American Folkart tradition, of making do, but making art, too.  Taney is my constant reminder that tradition, and I am so pleased to have her live with us. 

When the big box came, I was shocked to see it, because Taney's only 14" tall.  But Sheri'd also sent a couple of little straw brooms (tomorrow you can see who was overjoyed with THAT little gift) and this tiny log cabin made of beeswax.  The wax is to treat hand-sewing thread, keeping out tangles--I have already used it and it works really well, but it's hard to make thread cuts on that cute little house.  Last, but definitely not least, Sheri sent two big bags of cedar stuffing!  My house smells incredible.

Just about the last thing I need right now is incentive to start a new doll, but just as soon as the August doll show comes and goes, you just hide and watch me.  I'll make a cedar-stuffed cloth doll (or dog? or bear?) to keep Taney company.

I hope your weekend was lovely and the coming week brings you pleasant surprises.

Goodbyes and helloes.

Goodbye to a couple of wee friends...Diego and Lexi are on their way to Florida.

Diego

Lexi

I set up my doll show display in the floor of the family room yesterday.  This always amuses my husband, because I make a HUGE mess with stuff strewn everywhere, but it helps me visualize the set-up, and correct things before it's actually time to set up.  Plus it helps me see what all I need to finish.  This time it also helped me see how well my new back drops and display props will work.  (Pictures after the doll show, of course.)

Hello to Pumpkin Jack and Friend, who are newly listed on Etsy, and to several others as I get A Round To-It.  (yeah, that joke is old, but I like it.)

Pumpkin Jack and Friend

He's like our foster cat...always waiting for food.

 Also: I just bought 128 pairs of eyes this morning.  How many people can say that?  I love my job.