Toronto's Ice Storm

The city of Toronto (where I grew up), Ontario, Canada had the worst ice storm in it's history just a few days before Christmas.  My siblings sent me some pictures that I thought I would share with my friends here in Victoria.  Luckily all my family had power for Christmas and I hope that Ontario Hydro is able to restore power to everyone in Greater Toronto in time for the New Year's celebrations.

New Teddies

Well I am happy to say that I have been busy making some adorable mohair animals for the Coast Collective gallery.  To date I have a wee chickadee, a sweet elephant named Emily, a giraffe named Gerome, Emma, and a funny little bear that wants to be a duck!

Emily's BFF, Suzy Q.

Emily loves the colour green.

Gentle Gerome with he's buddy Marcel the monkey

Going "Quackers"

His sweet face under the duck cap!

Emma and her Christmas Teddy

A Dragon is Born

It is Christmas day and just in time, a new dragon is born! This dragon is for a very special lady that lives here in Victoria, BC.

Dragon lore is found in the history of many world cultures ranging from the Egyptians to the Celts, from the Chinese to the western world.  In western lore, dragons are metaphors for the battle against self doubt and the triumph over one's internal chaos.

Close up of the body showing the gold painted scales and the "yo-yo" embellishments

In China and Japan dragons are emblems of royalty and guardians of the ancestral spirits.  Cultures the world over speak of dragons when explaining the creation of the earth.

The dragon is a composite creature, part snake, part bird, part horse, and part fish.  It's beard is a sign of wisdom while its horns represent royalty.

The dragon is born in the water, breathes fire, inhabits the air, and guards the earth's treasure.

In making this "fire dragon" I was drawn to the richness of the orange and red tones and the sparkle of the eastern jewels (his belly is beaded by hand and outlined with purple/red beaded trim).  I used Melinda Small-Patterson's design for this magnificent dragon.

I am sure he will be a fierce, loyal household guardian.  His name will be chosen by his owner!

Christmas Eve Day

We started a new tradition this year-visiting the "Habitat for Humanity" gingerbread houses and the Christmas tree display for a local Children's hospital.  The pictures speak for themselves.  I hope everyone in the Greater Victoria area gets a chance to visit the Inn at Laur'el Point (gingerbread houses) and the Empress Hotel (73 Christmas trees) this year.

Chef sketch for "Steampunk Cinderella" seen below

Happy Holidays

Well, this is the season for reflection over the events of the past year. I have much to be grateful for; good health, a family that I love and that loves me, a wonderful husband, many good friends, and a happy retirement life. 

I have been selling both my art dolls and my teddy bears at a local gallery, the Coast Collective and have sold and displayed my dolls at my local salon, R place in Vic West.  I have been approached by a home decor shop in Sidney, BC to display my dolls in their window, in the spring of 2014.  All in all, an exciting wonderful year. 

 My philosophy, regarding the selling of dolls, is that the more art dolls out in the world, the better.  There is room in Greater Victoria for more than one of us to sell our art dolls.  Dolls bring a smile to many faces and bring only joy to the world.  I say bring them on!

To all my family, followers and friends I wish you a very happy holiday season, Merry Christmas, and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

My Christmas Tree

Well baby it is cold outside, for Victoria, BC, that is (0 degrees celcius) so a great day for baking and putting up the tree.

Angels on High

Well, tis the season so I thought I would share some of my latest angels.  This first angel, Archangel Ariel, is quite large (25" long).  The angel has a cloth over paper clay face and a body that is fully wired.  The outfit was a dream to create as I used some of my treasured fabrics all in a soft rose colour.  The sleeves and the hem of the garment has beaded fringe! The second angel is all in purples and gold (based on Arley Berryhill's pattern, about 18"long). "Harold the angel" blows the trumpet to announce the blessed holiday season.

The final angel was inspired by a painting in a book of angels.  "Gloria" is a classic angel with majestic wings and a soft ivory tunic in chiffon and a true red pop of colour.  Enjoy!