AMERICA

My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the Pilgrim's Pride.
From ev'ry mountain side
Let freedom ring.

Rev. Samuel F. Smith

This Patriotic Santa is a one of a kind handmade art doll. He has a styrofoam armature and is made from paper mache. It is only fitting that he come out at this time of year to help celebrate Independence Day, and to honor all the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. Pray for all those who defend us today and bring them safely home to their families.

2nd Annual Mad Tea Party

Today is the day for the "Mad Tea Party" hosted by A Fanciful Twist. I put on my "party shoes" and headed out the door. It's going to be so much fun. You can start to party with Della Rae then party hop from blog to blog.

The first guest to greet me was the Cheshire Cat's cousin, "Green", you know they say the cat is always greener on the other side of the fence, but I'm not so sure that's true. He had that pleased little smile on his face, so I know he was having a good time.

The "Birthday Princess", was serving tea from a tea set my mother painted for my birthday twenty-seven years ago. I didn't know how much it would mean to me at that time. Now it is a cherished heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

She poured a cup for Dolly, who has lived with me since I was five. She knows all my secrets and I know hers. I'm glad she is only drinking tea.

What's a party without a clown? Rock 'N Roland is here to entertain. He really is a funny guy. He just looks a little scary.
I think someone spiked the punch. I don't know who this fellow is but it looks like the wine has gone to his head.
The Frog Prince is here looking for his princess. From the size of that rock, it looks like he is loaded. No tea for him, he brought his own bottle of Dom Perignon.
You always need music at a party. "Mr. Blue", will play you a little toot, toot, toot, on his flute, flute, flute.

I guess it's time to move on to the next party. I hope you had a good time while you were here and that you come and visit again and again.

"Nothing is a waste of time, if you use the experience wisely" Rodin

Much ADO About Art Dolls

TODAY IS THE DAY!Much ADO About Art Dolls challenges you to make an art doll along with us.
Sign up starts today and will run until July 16th. To sign up simply email artdollsonly@hotmail.com and let us know you want to participate. You don't need to be a doll artist....try your hand at something new. Please include your name and a link to your blog, then get working on your doll!!

Your inspiration is the elements, air, earth, fire and water. We challenge you to make an art doll using one, two, three, or all four of the elements as your inspiration. On Friday July 17th participants will post their art doll to their blog. Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th begins the fun of seeing all the art dolls that have been created! All participants will be listed on the ADO sidebar for easy visiting.

Any and all artists are welcome to participate, including non members. Here is your chance to explore the wonderful world of art dolls. If you are a first time doll maker, old hat, or have not created in awhile, we welcome to join in on the fun!

Du Buh Du Designs

Welcome to the wonderful work of Christine Alvarado of Du Buh Du Designs. Christine started her blog and opened her art doll business in the late fall of 2007. Since that time she has sold over 100 dolls. I love the beautiful, sweet faces of Christine’s dolls. They give me a peaceful serene feeling. Each doll depicts a different nationality and each has her own distinct personality. You can view Christine's other amazing dolls at the following places.
http://www.dubuhdudesigns.etsy.com
http://www.dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dubuhdudesigns/

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm

Meet Calliope from The Studio at Crow Haven Farms, created by the talented Michelle. Calliope is a gossip girl. Can't you tell by those eyes that she has lots of juicy gossip to tell. If you lean in real close, she will whisper it in your ear. Calliope is hand sculpted out of polymer clay and painted with numerous layers of acrylic paint, then crackled and antiqued. Her hand sewn skirt and belt have been coffee dyed to give her that Folk Art Doll look.

Please go and visit Calliope and the other gossip girls.......you can find her and her friends at several different places.

ETSY store
http://www.crowhavenfarm.etsy.com/
BLOG
http://www.thestudioatcrowhavenfarm.blogspot.com/
WEBSITE
http://www.artsaflutter.com/
FLICKR
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crowhavenfarm/

Sweet Sharonda

Busy Weekend

I had a really busy weekend. I worked at the Athletic Boosters Danny Ellis Golf Tournament on Saturday. Boy was it hot. I was the photographer for the event. Sunday afternoon I went to the Gem and Jewelry Show in Kissimmee. I found some nice beads to use on my dolls. I also got some beautiful dichroic glass that can be used for eyes on some of the dolls. I used dichroic glass for the eyes on “Sweet Sharonda” my half snake woman I made for the April Mixed Up Challenge for the ADO group. I didn’t have too much time to work on my other mermaid doll for the Under the Sea Swap. I did get her sculpted and painted with gesso. She looks a little funny bald.I can’t wait to see who my swap partner will be. This is a great way to add to your art collection, exchanging dolls with another artist. I almost have my mermaid the right size. This one is only eight inches tall. I don’t think anyone will mind if it is a little big. I think I am going to use a completely different color scheme on this doll. Maybe I will use red. I haven’t decided on a name for her. They usually don’t reveal their name to me until they are almost complete. I am having so much fun making dolls.