I am really rather proud of this doll - an Erte inspired purple Dream Star Doll being made on commission. She's nearly done, although I had a couple of days when I couldn't do too much because of the wretched flu. But I'm back working now, and she is looking beautiful, if I do say so myself. I'm especially happy with her face. Today I'm doing her beaded and embroidered skirts, and I expect to be putting her all together by Friday for mailing. Did I mention that I've been using the ScraPerfect Embellie Gellie to help with the beading. It really makes a remarkable amount of difference in the speed of the process. Glass beads and faux freshwater pearls

Well, after two days at the Uptown Village Market, I have come home with one commission (yay), a small amount of cash, but all the art dolls I took with me other than the big seller, Wish Dolls. I stayed up late last night (Friday) making a second batch, and I'm glad I did because they all went. My stall, Roya's spot and Sacred Waters Soaps (sorry about the blurry) The organizers are to be commended for keeping their promises. The vendors actually were all wonderful artisans and higher end local crafters. There were no mass market imports or factory made items amongst the sellers, and a quite a few fine artists selling prints and originals. I count myself in that group of fine artists. They gave us tickets for drinks both days, and lunch on Saturday. The organizers promised a mix of products, limiting the number of each type of offering. While it is true that there were plenty of jewelry makers from which to make a selection, they were all of different styles, and the fai...

I have decided to offer a pair of very special Dream Star Dolls for sale this weekend at Uptown Village Market . This pair of one of a kind dolls were made for a contest and show, with the theme of Art Nouveau. I based the designs on the beautiful figurative sculptures and costume & fashion illustrations of Erte . My mother had a collection of illustrated plates with his designs that she treasured. Both dolls are heavily encrusted with beading, and have custom made beaded skirts. The fabrics are reclaimed vintage and the faces are of course individually hand painted. One is white and gold with a beautiful swirled beading and swoosh shaped skirts. The other is a darker foliage inspired with exotically shaped petals and hanging beads. Both have yarn hair and paper beads. I'm pricing them at $60 and $70 respectively. I should add that the dolls did win blue ribbons for artistry.

...for your viewing pleasure. Three more beautiful one of a kind in a series Dream Star Dolls that will be available at the Uptown Village Market in a mere 2 days. Cost for a unique and gorgeous gift: $50 (+ tax). Here is Believe Zodiac, with beautiful silver charms and lively zodiac print fabric. She looks out serenely on the world with azure eyes. Her hair is adorned with blue paper beads wrapped in cording - lots of fun. Follow Your Heart Paisley wears rose petals and ribbon roses on her skirt. Her body is made from a vintage wool blend paisley twill that I love. Her wavy edged paper beads, wrapped in cording, remind me of cork (but they aren't!). Her charm reads "Follow Your Heart", and offers the good advice to "Love Life, Live Life" on the other. Homespun Gingham is made from this wonderful black and brown woven gingham that I found in my late mother's stash. She is full of love and hearts - sequinned and felt. Her charms include mor...

Here is the first batch of Dream Star Art Dolls for the Uptown Village Market. Each is one-of-a-kind in a series. Green Batik My beautiful beaded 8 1/2 inch Dream Star Dolls appeal to people on an emotional level. Somehow, magically, you will be drawn to one. I can't predict which doll you will like - it just happens. You will just feel called to her. You will pick her up, turn her over in your hands and enjoy the soft hair, the little surprises of the paper beads or the charms. Sometimes the words on some of the charms will be the clincher. I never know which will be claimed first. But somehow they all eventually go out into the world to inspire dreams of beauty. Bright Batik Some people keep them on their mantels, others by their bedside. Lots of people tell me they keep theirs beside their computer. Maybe you will tell her your troubles, or just feel grateful that there are beautiful things and beautiful people all around you. Orange Lady Charms Maybe you will see...

Here are the two gorgeous Asian themed Dream Dolls (14") with Kabuki mask faces. The first is a Kimono doll with charms and flowers ornamenting her dressed hair. She is made from a selection of new Asian printed quilters cottons, while her obi is silk from a reclaimed vintage kimono. Her kimono is lined with vintage silk. Her friend is wearing Shinto inspired wrap pants of a linen blend and a Shinto style headdress - a wrapped pony tail with flowered headband. I was so happy with the beading, which includes mother of pearl shell beads. Despite the vividness of their face paint, I get quite a serene feeling when I look at these two girls. I rather love them, and I hope they will inspire dreamy thoughts . I'd love to see them go to their new home as a pair - but destiny will determine that. The Asian Inspired lovelies will be presented at Uptown Village Market for $90.00 (+ tax) each.

As you know, I'm going to be at Uptown Village Market in Booth 45 (Top Left of map), as is my good friend Royaboya  - Friday Dec 2 (5-10pm), Saturday Dec 3 (10am-4pm) in Long Beach. Meanwhile my other friend, Studio Litha , will be selling her gorgeous Art Sock Monkeys at a backyard craft fair, Saturday Dec 10 (3-7pm) in Torrance. These are not your usual mass produced critters. Fairy Sock Monkey by StudioLitha

Here are some WIP shots of some of the Dream Star dolls I am making especially for Uptown Village Market next Friday and Saturday. The Kimono and Shinto style pants for the one of a kind Dream Dolls have worked out very well. The Dream Star dolls will be $50 with bonus doll stand (while supplies last) while the gorgeous Dream Dolls (14 inches tall with wire armatures) will be $75 including stand. Also available will be a new batch of Wish Dolls, which make a sweet gift and few other bits and pieces. I'm hoping to have some original collage art mini-canvases ready too. BTW, check out the review about to be posted on my Dolls: Crafting and Collecting blog about the very beautiful "Embroider Everything Workshop" by Diana Rupp. In summary - a great resource for beginner embroiderers!

My most recent web column for Natural Life Magazine includes a tutorial for making circle based ornaments out of old holiday cards with scissors and a bone folder. Here's how I use my beautiful Martha Stewart Scoreboard and a Recollections Three inch circle punch to make it just that much easier and FAST. Rather addictive actually! Here are the tools. Best Glue Ever dries very fast. Use sparingly. Trim off excess as needed to center the image you like. Three inch round. You need 6 or 8. Place your round flush to the top left corner. Score at the half-inch mark. Score again at the 2.5 inch mark. Fold up one score line. Turn the circle 90 degrees. Place the fold flush against the rim of the Scoreboard. Score again at 2.5 inch mark. Score again at half-inch mark. Fold all four sides upwards (towards right side). Here are some more cut and folded rounds. Tiny dots of glue are all that is needed with Best Glue Ever.  Best Glue Ever dries quickly, with just finger pressu...