This is Claudine! It's been a long winter and she's ready for a cruise ANYWHERE!
Thanks for meeitng Claudine.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
ZELMA, THE WIND GODDESS Cloth Doll
Hello again!
The day ZELMA, THE WIND GODDESS was created, was a Thursday and started off like many other school vacation days; sort of lazy. Raining outside, we cozied down inside and pulled out the fabric box and decided to make an art doll. The doll body developed quickly and so did the weather... heavy rain and very strong winds began to wreak havoc on our poor little home.
After several hours, we realized we were suffering a TERRIBLE storm. Pine trees around our home were bending unnaturally and the rain was pelting against the windows like tiny little pebbles and from what seemed all directions.
9:00p we put our daughters to bed and within the hour, the winds and rain became so strong the girls were forced downstairs with fear, two times. Feeling the same uneasiness, my husband and I decided to let them sleep downstairs on the two couches, in the living room. 11:00, the basement door, back door and windows were rattling so badly, it was like someone was trying to break in, without concern of being heard. Upstairs, a painting fell off the wall. Finally, at 11:40-ish, we (whom live next to our town's safety complex and never lose our electricity) finally lost power for almost 5 hours. Any last touches being applied to Zelma was definitely put on hold. But, I was too afraid to sleep! So Zelma and I stayed up until the wind finally died down to a normal strong blow (approximately 1:45). Finally, I fell asleep downstairs, in the family room, with my husband.
4:30a, the power was restored to our home. Half an hour later, we were awoken by the ringing phone. The caller ID displayed "CIDE RED". Code Red? Who or what is that? Bleary-eyed, my husband answered the phone and we quickly learned it was the town's new emergency phone system notifying us that our town suffered wide spread damage, blocked roads and power outages. Power may not be restored to some homes, for a couple days. WOW!
At sunrise, we surveyed our damage and although we had a few minor limbs fall, we escaped the storm pretty much unscathed. We were definitely protected by someone or something!
Must have been ZELMA, THE WIND GODDESS!
Zelma is an Art Doll with light face sculpting. Colored pencil features give a soft pastel look to the face. Hair is fabric, floss and yarn. I hand dyed fabric a few months ago (another creative project I tried with my daughters) and made some beautiful pieces, which I saved. I used some of the hand dyed fabrics for Zelma's body and for her clothes. Pieces for the legs were not long enough, so I had to cut the pattern at the ankles and make and attach the feet separately. Where the seam shows, I tied a tulle ribbon.
Love sewing and can design my own patterns, so it was easy making Zelma's clothing. BUT for someone who can design and sew clothes easily, I am fashionably-challenged (jeans and a sweater)! However, my daughters are very fashionably creative and think dressing cloth dolls is right up their alley.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
The day ZELMA, THE WIND GODDESS was created, was a Thursday and started off like many other school vacation days; sort of lazy. Raining outside, we cozied down inside and pulled out the fabric box and decided to make an art doll. The doll body developed quickly and so did the weather... heavy rain and very strong winds began to wreak havoc on our poor little home.
After several hours, we realized we were suffering a TERRIBLE storm. Pine trees around our home were bending unnaturally and the rain was pelting against the windows like tiny little pebbles and from what seemed all directions.
9:00p we put our daughters to bed and within the hour, the winds and rain became so strong the girls were forced downstairs with fear, two times. Feeling the same uneasiness, my husband and I decided to let them sleep downstairs on the two couches, in the living room. 11:00, the basement door, back door and windows were rattling so badly, it was like someone was trying to break in, without concern of being heard. Upstairs, a painting fell off the wall. Finally, at 11:40-ish, we (whom live next to our town's safety complex and never lose our electricity) finally lost power for almost 5 hours. Any last touches being applied to Zelma was definitely put on hold. But, I was too afraid to sleep! So Zelma and I stayed up until the wind finally died down to a normal strong blow (approximately 1:45). Finally, I fell asleep downstairs, in the family room, with my husband.
4:30a, the power was restored to our home. Half an hour later, we were awoken by the ringing phone. The caller ID displayed "CIDE RED". Code Red? Who or what is that? Bleary-eyed, my husband answered the phone and we quickly learned it was the town's new emergency phone system notifying us that our town suffered wide spread damage, blocked roads and power outages. Power may not be restored to some homes, for a couple days. WOW!
At sunrise, we surveyed our damage and although we had a few minor limbs fall, we escaped the storm pretty much unscathed. We were definitely protected by someone or something!
Must have been ZELMA, THE WIND GODDESS!
Zelma is an Art Doll with light face sculpting. Colored pencil features give a soft pastel look to the face. Hair is fabric, floss and yarn. I hand dyed fabric a few months ago (another creative project I tried with my daughters) and made some beautiful pieces, which I saved. I used some of the hand dyed fabrics for Zelma's body and for her clothes. Pieces for the legs were not long enough, so I had to cut the pattern at the ankles and make and attach the feet separately. Where the seam shows, I tied a tulle ribbon.
Love sewing and can design my own patterns, so it was easy making Zelma's clothing. BUT for someone who can design and sew clothes easily, I am fashionably-challenged (jeans and a sweater)! However, my daughters are very fashionably creative and think dressing cloth dolls is right up their alley.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Polymer Portrait Head Cracked, #2
Aaarg... AGAIN!
Come on Kato, what is the deal? I confirm the oven's temperature. I slowly heat the oven with the piece inside, also pre-heating. In this case, after the head completed baking, I left my head in the oven to cool for over 2 hours. I am so frustrated!
I kneaded the clay for a while. Blending translucent and flesh together, I wanted them well mixed. But, I worked on this for approximately 10 hours (last night and all day) and the layers prior were not going to be as recently kneaded as the subsequent layers... I am not that fast. Would that REALLY make THAT much of a difference?
I really am resisting going back to Fimo clay. The clay becomes too sticky and difficult to model when worked too long. So, I am at a loss. I guess I need to rethink my methods and my approach a bit. Any thought?
Thanks for your continued interest!
-Les
Come on Kato, what is the deal? I confirm the oven's temperature. I slowly heat the oven with the piece inside, also pre-heating. In this case, after the head completed baking, I left my head in the oven to cool for over 2 hours. I am so frustrated!
I kneaded the clay for a while. Blending translucent and flesh together, I wanted them well mixed. But, I worked on this for approximately 10 hours (last night and all day) and the layers prior were not going to be as recently kneaded as the subsequent layers... I am not that fast. Would that REALLY make THAT much of a difference?
I really am resisting going back to Fimo clay. The clay becomes too sticky and difficult to model when worked too long. So, I am at a loss. I guess I need to rethink my methods and my approach a bit. Any thought?
Thanks for your continued interest!
-Les
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
BUMMER! Polymer Portrait Head Cracked.
Hello again!
Well, a lesson to be learned. THE HARD WAY!
Here's a head, almost completed! Took me 2 1/2 days to make it this far. What a thing to have happen. The head was going to be part of a portrait doll, approximately 18". Now, it's on my bummer shelf and I am back to the old block of clay again.
I used a tinfoil core and I thought a far amount of clay. Since the cracking is on the top, across the forehead and around the eye and not the chin area (where the most clay was used), I think the amount I used was too thin. Also think the foil core got too hot and maintained the heat too long. Saw some ideas of using styrofoam, online and will try on next one. (Sounds like a lighter core, anyway. Thought my head was a bit heavy, once the clay was added.)
Weird about the picture, in real life, it's the eye on our left that is the slightly larger eye. Must be the slight angle and close distance of the camera.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
Well, a lesson to be learned. THE HARD WAY!
Here's a head, almost completed! Took me 2 1/2 days to make it this far. What a thing to have happen. The head was going to be part of a portrait doll, approximately 18". Now, it's on my bummer shelf and I am back to the old block of clay again.
I used a tinfoil core and I thought a far amount of clay. Since the cracking is on the top, across the forehead and around the eye and not the chin area (where the most clay was used), I think the amount I used was too thin. Also think the foil core got too hot and maintained the heat too long. Saw some ideas of using styrofoam, online and will try on next one. (Sounds like a lighter core, anyway. Thought my head was a bit heavy, once the clay was added.)
Weird about the picture, in real life, it's the eye on our left that is the slightly larger eye. Must be the slight angle and close distance of the camera.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Happy Chinese New Year!
Hello again!
Happy Chinese New Year to you and especially the Luy family!
To celebrate Valentine's Day, my husband and I took our daughters for dinner. We went to, Takumi, in Nashua and had the greatest time. The experience was even more incredibly special because we were seated at the hibachi grill with the most wonderful family, originally from the Philippines, celebrating the New Year. We had such a special experience and as a thank you, Jan gave me these beautiful jade Good Luck charms. Aren't they beautiful? So taken by her generous offer, I couldn't think. I so regret not reciprocating, things happened so fast. I hope I have the opportunity to do so, one day soon.
What do they mean?
It is the legend that Budda called all the animals together but only 12 came. The rat was the first arrive, then the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and the pig was last to arrive.
Intrigued, we did a little more research about the Chinese New Year and this is what we found about us!
February 14-February 3, 2011 and it's the year of the Tiger. Because of the track of the new moon changes from year to year, Chinese New Year can begin any time between late January and Mid February. Next year, the year of the Rabbit begins on February 3.
Our New Year gift; Fish. The symbol fish means unity and fidelity. Perfect union. Abundance.
Our New Year gift; Pig. Last one to answer to Buda. Honest, gallant, trusting, passionate,naive, gullible, materialistic... oh, Mr. Pig means a lot. I suggest you google this one! LOL!
I am the Rabbit. My year, the Rabbit ended on February 12. Rabbits are private individuals, a bit introverted and withdrawn. People born into this sign would rather work behind-the-scenes instead of being the center of attention in any situation. Do not misunderstand…the Rabbit is not a recluse. In fact, he is a reasonably friendly individual who enjoys the company of a group of good friends whether at a business dinner or a holiday party. Rabbits just like to be a part of the gang as opposed to the leader of it. People born under the year of the Rabbit tend to be fortunately blessed, strong willed, hate disagreements, careful, unobtrusive, systematic and confident. The Rabbit is one of the most fortunate of all the Chinese star signs. With their live and let live attitude toward life they don't often get into trouble and seldom make enemies. Although they can often put themselves first due to their fondness for comfort, they are considerate, kind and thoughtful towards others. Rabbits are said to be elegant and kindly and the Rabbit is the symbol of long life. They are said to draw their life energy from the moon. Although being graceful, kind and sensitive and leading tranquil lives, they do have a tendency towards being removed, indifferent and somewhat temperamental. In business they do tend to be fortunate but this comes from being shrewd, crafty and hardnosed. On the whole the Rabbit likes an easy, good time and gives sensible solid advice, although they do shy away from commitments.
The year of the Rabbit: is in sharp contrast to the explosive year of the tiger. It is a year of placidity and respite where little will be set in stone; a carefree happy year that will be both temperate and relaxed. Wow, that's pretty much me!
My husband is the Snake. Highly compatible with the rabbit. That's good! Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. This could be taken metaphorically to mean that a Snake could never have a problem with his family starving because he is such a great mediator, making him good at business. Or it could mean that a Snake would be willing to sacrifice his possessions, something the Snake has a lot of, in order to pay for his family’s food. Any way it is interpreted is representative of the Snake’s character and is a measure of the value he puts on his material wealth. The Snake is keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise. Year of the Snake is not a calm year; turmoil. Year of the snake is the strongest, most negative force of all the signs.
Now for the funny thing... My older daughter is a Rabbit and my younger daughter is the Snake. My older daughter was born on a Tuesday, as was I. my younger daughter was born on a Wednesday, as was my husband!
Jan, so glad we met you and your family. Thank you for the wonderful gifts and for the fun evening and all the activity it generated when we came home! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Very sincerely,
your New Hampshire NEW family and Leslie
Happy Chinese New Year to you and especially the Luy family!
To celebrate Valentine's Day, my husband and I took our daughters for dinner. We went to, Takumi, in Nashua and had the greatest time. The experience was even more incredibly special because we were seated at the hibachi grill with the most wonderful family, originally from the Philippines, celebrating the New Year. We had such a special experience and as a thank you, Jan gave me these beautiful jade Good Luck charms. Aren't they beautiful? So taken by her generous offer, I couldn't think. I so regret not reciprocating, things happened so fast. I hope I have the opportunity to do so, one day soon.
What do they mean?
It is the legend that Budda called all the animals together but only 12 came. The rat was the first arrive, then the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and the pig was last to arrive.
Intrigued, we did a little more research about the Chinese New Year and this is what we found about us!
February 14-February 3, 2011 and it's the year of the Tiger. Because of the track of the new moon changes from year to year, Chinese New Year can begin any time between late January and Mid February. Next year, the year of the Rabbit begins on February 3.
Our New Year gift; Fish. The symbol fish means unity and fidelity. Perfect union. Abundance.
Our New Year gift; Pig. Last one to answer to Buda. Honest, gallant, trusting, passionate,naive, gullible, materialistic... oh, Mr. Pig means a lot. I suggest you google this one! LOL!
I am the Rabbit. My year, the Rabbit ended on February 12. Rabbits are private individuals, a bit introverted and withdrawn. People born into this sign would rather work behind-the-scenes instead of being the center of attention in any situation. Do not misunderstand…the Rabbit is not a recluse. In fact, he is a reasonably friendly individual who enjoys the company of a group of good friends whether at a business dinner or a holiday party. Rabbits just like to be a part of the gang as opposed to the leader of it. People born under the year of the Rabbit tend to be fortunately blessed, strong willed, hate disagreements, careful, unobtrusive, systematic and confident. The Rabbit is one of the most fortunate of all the Chinese star signs. With their live and let live attitude toward life they don't often get into trouble and seldom make enemies. Although they can often put themselves first due to their fondness for comfort, they are considerate, kind and thoughtful towards others. Rabbits are said to be elegant and kindly and the Rabbit is the symbol of long life. They are said to draw their life energy from the moon. Although being graceful, kind and sensitive and leading tranquil lives, they do have a tendency towards being removed, indifferent and somewhat temperamental. In business they do tend to be fortunate but this comes from being shrewd, crafty and hardnosed. On the whole the Rabbit likes an easy, good time and gives sensible solid advice, although they do shy away from commitments.
The year of the Rabbit: is in sharp contrast to the explosive year of the tiger. It is a year of placidity and respite where little will be set in stone; a carefree happy year that will be both temperate and relaxed. Wow, that's pretty much me!
My husband is the Snake. Highly compatible with the rabbit. That's good! Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. This could be taken metaphorically to mean that a Snake could never have a problem with his family starving because he is such a great mediator, making him good at business. Or it could mean that a Snake would be willing to sacrifice his possessions, something the Snake has a lot of, in order to pay for his family’s food. Any way it is interpreted is representative of the Snake’s character and is a measure of the value he puts on his material wealth. The Snake is keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise. Year of the Snake is not a calm year; turmoil. Year of the snake is the strongest, most negative force of all the signs.
Now for the funny thing... My older daughter is a Rabbit and my younger daughter is the Snake. My older daughter was born on a Tuesday, as was I. my younger daughter was born on a Wednesday, as was my husband!
Jan, so glad we met you and your family. Thank you for the wonderful gifts and for the fun evening and all the activity it generated when we came home! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Very sincerely,
your New Hampshire NEW family and Leslie
Friday, February 12, 2010
Kato Clay Is Here!
Hello again!
So excited I had to share! I received some Kato clay for my birthday and I just opened the package! Not in one description, in neither books nor online, did I read about the smell... oh, it reminds me of a new doll I would get when I was a little girl. That wonderful brand new smell......
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
So excited I had to share! I received some Kato clay for my birthday and I just opened the package! Not in one description, in neither books nor online, did I read about the smell... oh, it reminds me of a new doll I would get when I was a little girl. That wonderful brand new smell......
I am trying Kato because I really am not happy with the Fimo clay. Despite the fact I built an armature for my figure it still suffered cracking and breaking, even after confirming oven was baking at the right temp. The most frustrating place where the figurine broke was around the ankles, even though the wires went all the way down through the clay base and onto the wooden base. Aaarg, wobble wobble wobble.
I was also discouraged by the color change with the Fimo. By the final baking, the skull of the figurine was very dark (probably because the tin foil core got so hot, each time). The problem wasn't critical because the hair was going to cover that bad area, but even the arms and legs were discoloring with each bake, giving the piece an uneven tone until the final bake.
The Kato clay claims to not discolor and is a lot stronger. And with a more sturdy wire for the armature, I am sure I'll have better luck.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come again.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Me and Hazel! A Cake Topper....
Hi everyone!
I have been playing with polymer clay for a long time but this is the first time I've ever tried to do a figurine (a somewhat realistic one).
It's a cake topper. Have been seeing some really nice ones online and thought it would be fun to give it a try. Although there is much I'd change with this one, overall the experience was fun and I'd like to try another one.
Hope you like the close up views. The pics are terrible but you get a good idea of what they look like.
Thanks for looking!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Millefiori Night Glow Bowl
My first polymer bowl. Needs a little refinement (ok, a lot).
I just wanted to see if I could actually do one! The underside of the bowl turned out well because it's shiny from being pressed onto the bowl I used as a base,
My daughter wants me to make her one, so hopefully that one will be successful and look a little cleaner, too.
This one's fun because it will actually glow in the dark. Whatta trip, man!
Thank you for dropping by.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Rose Tutorial Demonstration How-To
Hello again!
Holy cow! I did it! I finally completed the rose tutorial. It's pretty large so instead of loading the blog up with all the photographs, I thought I'd include a link in this post (below or click on the rose photograph). I will also have a link in the right sidebar, on this blog.
I hope you all find this to be helpful. It's not too different from most rose polymer clay how-to guides, but there are a couple things I do uniquely that make this demo worth a look, at least.
The Rose Tutorial
Thank you for visiting and reading the demonstration! Please tell me what you think.
Holy cow! I did it! I finally completed the rose tutorial. It's pretty large so instead of loading the blog up with all the photographs, I thought I'd include a link in this post (below or click on the rose photograph). I will also have a link in the right sidebar, on this blog.
I hope you all find this to be helpful. It's not too different from most rose polymer clay how-to guides, but there are a couple things I do uniquely that make this demo worth a look, at least.
The Rose Tutorial
Thank you for visiting and reading the demonstration! Please tell me what you think.
Polymer Clay on Blown Egg
Hello!
Sorry I haven't completed many projects. This small piece was the last of my china blue millefiori cane and wanted to do something different (for me, at least).
This piece is polymer millefiori canes sliced and applied to an actual blown egg. Shown unpolished. Small, but it was a fun project and good practice at cutting canes better.
I have been graciously been asked to write a tutorial on how I make my roses. Thrilled, I spent the weekend busily working on simplifying my notes so it can be a good blog post, although the tutorial may be a separate link.
Thank you for visiting!
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