Daily Archive for December 26th, 2008

My First Bear

Published on December 26, 2008 in Art. 7 Comments

The deal was if she posted a photo of her doll I’d post one of my little bear so here goes.

This is the very first bear I’ve ever made. She’s made from weathered muslin and is filled with poly fibers.  I think she has a vintage or primitive look to her. I also think I need to go back to the drawing board and figure out a better way to make bears cause this particular pattern needs work.  Even so I’m going to keep her for myself cause I like her. She’s the first and she’s mine, mine, mine.

It is quite possible that I am obsessed with doll making. The other day I found a small wall hanging thing. I can’t remember what they’re supposed to be for but I use it to store scrap materials. I have a small chest full of lace, yarn, ribbons, flowers and all sorts of extras to add to a finished doll. Then of course there’s a drawer full of dresses ranging from sweet to vintage. When I see something that would work on a doll and the price is right I pick it up. I think I may be obsessed but this obsession isn’t new. A very long time ago when I lived in Kentucky I wanted to use my second bedroom as a sewing shop so I could make dolls for therapists. I wanted to make a doll without arms, one without legs, some without mouths and some completely faceless. I wanted to make them to be used in a therapeutic setting. I had the desire to do it but I didn’t have enough therapy under my belt to handle it so the second bedroom was simply a second bedroom. As of 2008 I may need a third bedroom.

I very much enjoy trying new projects such as making a teddy bear or smaller doll but the real joy for me is making the larger ones with a flowing dress, ear rings and big brown eyes.  (I keep posting shots of her because I like her and she’s my first, the one that brought on all the other Charlene Dolls. )  Anyway…from time to time I venture out and do something with a hint of whimsy but for the most part I like to stay with a formal look.

The friend pictured in the photo is now in my Etsy shop . The bear is for photo purposes only … it’s mine all mine all mine.

Update: The doll has found a home. Thanks to everyone who inquired about her. There’s one more coming very soon. Layaway is available.

Austin

A Tree Cut Short

Published on December 26, 2008 in Letters Home, PTSD and Soapbox. 7 Comments

Call it ba humbug if you will, I call it straight up truth. This holiday bugs me. I’ll forgo the whole non-Christian aspect of this and skip right to the other reason it bothers me so much. It is a very deceitful day, it’s the day when people will sit at a table and look in the eyes of the person they resent and utter a few words tradition mandates. “Merry Christmas.” I think I’m angry about this holiday because nationally families in trouble will pile on ornaments and false faces and call it the Christmas Spirit. I can’t stand the falseness.

I’m sure there are families that don’t do this so I suppose I’m not saying this about you. But I guess it gets to me when I know people that tell me how horrible their mate is or how un-supportive they are then turn around on Christmas day and say how grateful they are for that person. Give it a few weeks and they’ll be back to the same undeserving mate. Then of course there are the mates that are abusive and cruel. I suppose a gift from them makes the rest of the year okay. What about the family members who will show up on this day with the excuse, “But it’s Christmas” as if this one day wipes away crimes that would have gotten them stoned in Bible days. Trust me, nothing is wiped away on this day. No amount of songs can drown the real you out. And no amount of wrapped garland can choke out the memory of what was allowed or perpetrated. Continue reading ‘A Tree Cut Short’