ATCs, I've been remiss

I've been remiss in not posting about the ATCs I received in the December ATC swap.  So here you go:

Here is "Sweet Temptation" by Lynn Parker and "Mountain Glistening" by Heather Mentzer.  Both include seed bead details and terrific layered backgrounds.

the Pink Lady is by Jeane Walker-Sliney, a great example of using tiny scraps, and "Cutting Out a Love Nest" by Sanna, which tells a whole story in its layers.

The unamed piece on the left, by Donna Jones, is made up of different textures and has a very rich luxuriant feel.  "Seascape 7" by Deborah Bonner has fiber trapped behind irridescent tulle and real seashells.  I wish I could get a better pic of this, it shimmers and glows so pretty!

I've also received cards from Maggie Diamante, Rachel Mcollough, and Satu Leinonen, but I need to retake the pics, so I'll post those later.

I've been swapping ATCs for a few years now and I find it a wonderful way to meet and remember other artists.  Its also a good use of scraps and practice pieces and a way to motivate when the muse just isn't speaking.  They'er simple, fast and fun!

My Shelly doll is completed

In September I was lucky enough to take a class with Shelly Thornton on needlesculpting heads.  I usually don't complete a class piece, preferring it to work as a learning tool, but this little girl spoke to me, and so I created patterns for the body and worked away.  Four months later... well she was worth it, I'm very pleased!  Just found out Shelly is teaching hands, boots and ribbons at NIADA next September.  Think I'll take the class and do this again!  Let me know what you think of her.

Doll Club Christmas Party, 2011

The best part of Christmas is time spent with family and friends.  This year I'm especially grateful for my dollclub friends who have given me so much emotional and practical support during this difficult year.  Love you guys!

Needle felted Santa ornament

Doll club today - yipee! And this years Christmas present is a brown bag santa under 6".  I love to needlefelt, largely because it is fast.  I'd read somewhere to use a styrofoam ball as a base and I tried that this time.  I was not pleased with using it for the head as I found it hard to get a really smooth look to the head AND it dulled my felting needle!  Last time I try that one! I'm off now to bake brownies for the meeting.