Morning Glory...Butterfly Faerie

Tiny little butterfly fluttering about

tending the garden 

with a bright morning shout

Morning Glories a opening

raising sleepy little heads

knowing that the morning

brings sunshine to their beds

Tiny little butterfly fluttering her wings

is in fact a tiny faerie 

listen to her sing

She goes where she pleases

and pleases as she goes

Tiny little faerie

shhhhh...no one else knows

My sweet Li'l Morning Glory is now complete. I could keep on rhyming....just look at those cute little feet.  Ok...I will stop or at least I will try. Once I start rhyming it's just so dang hard to stop. There...that last sentence didn't rhyme. Ha!! 

Morning Glory is one of my partial clay sculpted faeries. Her body from waist down and her arms are part of her strong wire armature wrapped in a soft wool yarn. Her chest/bodice is made from clay to look like butterfly wings. As always, she is completely hand sculpted...no molds....ever!!! I used a vintage lace to make her Victorian puffed sleeves. (both at her shoulders, wrist and around the legs of her tiny wool jumper.) Her shoulders and leg cuffs are adorned with glass seed beads. She is hand painted using acrylic paints....even her tiny fingernails and toenails. Her eyes are tiny bone beads hand painted and her hair is made from feathers. The wings are one of my butterfly designs...made from silk ribbon and glass seed beads. Her flower she is holding is made from clay and then hand painted using acrylic paints. She sits at about 5 1/2 inches with her feathery hair. Hey...a girl's gotta have some poof in her do, even a tiny faerie!! 

I used a vintage porcelain figurine of morning glories blooming as her base. I love to find these at estate sales and antique malls. I can remember my great grandmother, grandmother and even my mom proudly displaying their porcelain pieces. I want to find a way to bring them back to life so they can again proudly be displayed.

Without any more words I will just let the photos show you more. Thank you for stopping by to visit...you are always welcome here under the old oak tree. Please come again and again and ..........ya'll get the meaning!!!

Until next time............Hugs, Regi

The Moon is complete!!

I finally finished the moon base for the "Mermaid and the Moon" piece I'm presently working on. I think he turned out very vintage looking. I just love the old worn look of a time long gone past. It takes a bit of time to accomplish this look but well worth every bit of it. Several layers of brown painted on and then washed off and once that is allowed to dry then several layers of gold painted on and washed off. Once the gold has been allowed to dry then a washing of a bright yellow is done and yes wiped off as the other layers were and then allowed to dry completely before sealing the piece.

The block base he is attached to was done in the same paint/washing effect. I think the waves crashing into the pier pylon he is sitting on adds to the piece. I couldn't quite decide what I wanted to go around the base of the wooden block. It looked so empty and was just crying out for something. I started going through my stack of papers and prints and rediscovered (yes, I said REdiscovered...I stick things back in a drawer and so totally forget I even have them. We all do that....ri iight?) an old vintage piece of sheet music I had. It was perfectly named "By the Crystal Sea". I applied it to the base using a decoupage affect. The bottom is covered with felt so as not to scratch whatever it sits on.

I am taking the rest of the day off and going to the State Park to a BBQ with some good friends that are down visiting and staying there. It's sunny, warm and just the perfect day to be outside and with good friends.
Maybe even a late afternoon or early night beach walk....I could use some new shells!!! Hope you are having a great weekend too.

Until next time.........HUGS, Regi

The Sisters

Off the Isle of Southern Breeze, there is a tiny lagoon that in itself is simply breathtaking. Waters so crystal clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. Large seaweed gardens that reach for the heavens and burst into blooms as it rises about the waves. Cliffs that rise in stair steps so that you can spend an afternoon just laying about. Underneath the crystal clear waters lie shells of all sizes....anchored to the colorful coral beds that have completely taken over an ancient shipwreck.

If you quietly lay upon the rocks in the late of the afternoon...when the tide pushes itself back into the lagoon you will see a sight that will make realize that mermaids are indeed true. As the tide pushes and pulls it calls to the youngest of the merfolk that have come to play. A pair of sisters, one a bit older (Navaeh) than the other so she has to keep a close watch on her younger sibling (Gracie). The reason being that Gracie loves to "ride the currents". It's a game that every young one loves to play but one that is full of danger if the right precautions are not taken. Navaeh sits tightly inside one of the big shells anchored to the coral....then she grabs the forearm of Gracie and let's her "ride". It's a marvelous feeling being able to feel all the power of the sea fly past you yet not move from the spot you started in. Navaeh keeping her eyes wide open to make sure her sister doesn't slip from her grip and get slammed into the coral. She can't help but laugh as Gracie squeals and closes her eyes as tightly as she can.

Navaeh and Gracie are the newest Southern ooaks in my mermaid series. They both have a strong wire armature underneath their fully sculpted clay bodies. The have been painted with acrylic paints and fine MICA powders were used on their tails to give them an amazing glimmer/wet effect. Their hair is dyed wool yarn and the pearl headpieces were made from a vintage wedding headdress. (I just love bringing old treasures back to life) The base of this piece is glass which has been adorned with natural shells and coral. This piece sits right at 6 inches.

Gracie squealing and closing her eyes tight.

Navaeh holding on to little sister tightly.

This piece is listed in my Etsy shoppe. I do hope that you will stop by and have a seat under the old oak tree and take a peak around. Until next time.............Hugs, Regi

Wordless (Mermaid Bases) WIP Wednesday

Jumping up and down with Excitement!!!!!!!!!

I am sooooo excited. I received an email this morning from Doll Collector magazine. My sweet gal, Batilda...the Batty Witch Faery is going to be featured in the Fantasty Artist Round-up article in the Feb/Mar 2011 issue.  What an honor? Did I tell ya'll just how excited I am? Well, OMGOSH...I am just sooooo dang excited my ears are burning. Wait.....doesn't that mean someone is talking about me? Let them talk...nothing can bring me down today. ^_^

Until next time......BIG HUGS,
Regi

Let's visit some of the Faerie's rooms!!!!

It has come to my attention that there are a few folks that only look at the pretty pictures on the post they open first.....LOL!! There is a whole world in here to explore. Get that cup of coffee or hot tea and come sit a spell and spend some time with me and my whimsical characters. We oh so love company!!! Today we are going to peek into some of the faerie's rooms.  The link under the picture takes you to the original post.....make sure you read AND look at the pretty pictures. I promise...you will smile or even chuckle!! 

Charme...The Faery Races

Gypsy...the Blackberry Thief

Lovie..Love bug Faery

Mariska....mommie to be

Travis...the BeeKeeper

These are just a few of the faeries from my whimsical world. So happy that you stopped by for a visit today. Come back again and often. Until next time......

Hugs,

Regi

Southern Ooaks Recap...Mystical and Magical Realm Characters

Travis from the Honey Bee Clan!!

This is Travis...of the Southern Honey Bee clan. The Honey Bee clans are divided into territories....North, South, East and West. Honey has a different taste depending on the territory it's from. The clan's major job is to make sure that the wild fields and gardens are tended to. With the flowers being taken well care of, the bees are drawn to them...each flower beckons a visit to come gather the pollen. With all this work from the faeries, flowers and honey bees the honey always taste delicious.

If you are given the opportunity of seeing one of these busy workers you will always know which faery belongs to this clan because they proudly wear a tiny sterling silver honey bee pin on their vest. Travis knows the he always has a resting place here at our home in the Southern territory.
On some occasions he even shares a bit of the golden honey with us. Such a joy and treat!!!

Travis is one of my gently poseable ooaks. His face, hands and feet were sculpted using Super Sculpey clay without the use of any molds. They have been detailed using acrylic paints. His eyes are bone beads with the iris being painted with acrylic paints. He has a strong wire armature underneath a wrapped body of dyed wool yarn. His vest is made from felt. His hair (head and chest) is made from an old Teddy Bear fur material. His half socks are made from a sock top. Faeries like to feel the earth, water and plants they land upon but even they need something to keep a bit warmer. His belt is an antique piece of crochet material with a tiny sterling silver belt buckle with two tiny glass beads. His wings are made from Fantasy Film and adorned with tiny silver beading.

Travis stands at 7 1/2 inches. As I stated earlier, he is poseable. You can have him stand outside his beautiful iron cage or perhaps have him climbing on it. He is such a character and loves any attention given to him when he is in a human's care.

Travis is happiest when he is tucked safe and sound inside his little home away from home. His cage is metal with metal ivy leaves and honey bees surrounding it. I have lightly brushed the honey bees with a gold color and then sprinkled them with fine MICA flakes. The bottom is covered in a natural moss. The cage can be taken off the holder and stand alone. When Travis is sitting he is a mere 4 inches. He has a tiny little faery honey pot that he brings with him so he can have a bedtime snack. His honey pot is made from Super sculpey clay and then hand rubbed with acrylic paints. The honey is a special mix of clays and then sealed with several coats of varnish. My artist symbol is stamped on the front of the honey pot.

Thank you for stopping by and looking at my newest little ooaks. As with all my ooaks, Travis is up for adoption. If interested please leave me a comment with your addy or simply email me with his name in the reference line. Until next time......

Hugs,

Regi

In the studio....

I have been busy working in the studio the past few days....designing more ooaks for the "Captured Faery" series. I have collected a nice variety of temporary homes. I say temporary because those with faery sight know that they never inhabit one place for long...such an adventurous assortment they are.  My muse has been whispering that one should even be a mermaid faery.  Keep checking in as I start to place the wee ones in their temporary homes.  Until then......

Hugs,

Regi

Magus...the Magi/Wizard

Magus, the Magi/Wizard is complete. He was originally one of the Resyculbinz clan but I think that he has inspired a collection of wizards and healers series. When rummaging through all my stones, gems and crystals, I came across a box of crystals that I friend had sent me some time ago. She even went to the extent of bathing them in the moonlight for me. For those that aren't to familiar with crystals it is believed that "bathing or cleansing" them periodically will remove any negative energies that have been captured in them. It also rejuvenates the crystal's healing properties for future use. They can be bathed by holding them under gently running tap water and if you are using the crystals healing powers then this is something that should be done on a regular basis. The BEST way to bath or cleanse them is by leaving them out in a safe place in moonlight overnight – a full moon is ideal for this. Even an inside windowsill that will get the moonlight would be fine. The powerful lunar rays will clear all crystals thoroughly. This is of course how you would cleanse the one's Magus is holding. Simply let him enjoy a night sitting in the window on a full moon.
Magus is holding a large clear quartz crystal that is topped by a small rose round cut quartz. The clear quartz is believed to help aid in ear and hearing problems. The rose quartz has healing properties of calming, heals emotional problems and feelings of vulnerability. Around his neck is a necklace that is made from man made beads and the center bead is made from amethyst, a beautiful purple crystal that is a member of the quartz family. This crystal will calm overactive emotions. Attached to the amethyst is a sterling silver PEACE sign. This let's everyone know that Magus is a healer.
I made a wrist band of cut crystals for Magus to wear. There is deep blue celestite, a wonderful enlightening, uplifting stone whose properties help to allay anxiety, fear and worry. It can open up a connection with the Universe, the Angelic realm and assists those who wish to astral travel. On the physical side it helps the digestive system and can speed up the elimination of toxins from the body. There is also a rhodochrosite, a beautiful pink crystal which is excellent for helping one accept life's ups and downs, strengthens courage, heals past life traumas and is a wonderful tool for meditation.
With life's stresses and pressures who couldn't use a Magus sitting on a shelf watching over them. This ancient one would love to come live with you.

Price: $90 plus Travel Fare

Magus is coming along....

My muse started singing way to loudly that she wanted big feet exposed on this ooaks. I just had to let the toes curl over the wooden stand. Magus is such a chubby, tenderhearted soul that it seemed appropriate...LOL!!! Someone once asked me if the light bulbs would break. As you can see in the WIP pics they are well protected. I wrap them in green or brown florist tape...give a good coating of craft glue all over......then comes a covering of batting...then a body glove...and for this chubby Magi an all around covering of yarn...20% of which is Mohair so it feels so good. Magus is adorning "Sprinkles"..the color of the yarn. It has beautiful hues of greens, purples, violets and blues. Such a beautiful aura that Magus must cast. Now I'm off to finish this lil ancient one. Hugs, Regi

WIP pics of Magus, the Wizard Magi

OMGOSH...he kinda looks like a beatnik...LOL!! As you can see I finished with the face painting and the EYES. His hair is all done and his tiny chin beard. I used feathers...I love to use feathers. They look so airy and fluffy and when the character is sitting and a breeze blows on them you would think that it had come to life. You might have just seen it move and out of the corner of your eye you caught a glimpse. But you know it was just the breeze and the feathers, of course. Or was it????

I'm working on his body today. Applying the batting to fill him out. Then making a full body glove to cover that. I have all the materials picked out to make his outfit. He is going to be holding a healing crystal and a staff. What well respected Magi wouldn't have his staff. Next will be his hands....hummmmm I think that I will make those first and then work on the body while they are baking and cooling. I see big chubby hands...they would have to be to contained all his mystical powers he holds. Oh yes and what about the feet. I have two ways being "sung" to me. One is just big old feet and toes, the other is soft felted boots.

Like I've said before....designs are always changing!!! Check back soon for more. Hugs, Regi

Magus, Wizard Bulb'z

Every mystical, magical town needs a Magi, or wizard. This is Resyculbinz one and only. He is an ancient one and quite shy. So to be able to capture a glimpse is a magical moment in time.
These are WIP pics of Magus before he is baked or painted. Look...I remembered the ears...LOL!! He is made from Sculpey clay and is designed without the use of any molds. I was going to do his eyes a bit different and had them done but I saw on a friends profile page a character similar so I decided to change Magus up a bit. Ya'll know me, I like to keep mine unique and quirky and like no other.

I'm going to put him and Santa in the oven to bake and hopefully get them painted and have their hair done by this afternoon so I can start on the hands and feet. Check back to see how they turn out...I'm excited because I never actually know myself until I start on them. I learned a long time ago....you might start out with a design in mind but it never stays that way. Each character has a mind of it's own and I have a muse that is constantly singing. Hugs, Regi

Another Starving Artist way of doing things ;)

After spending a few days on Santa's body......so he can't sit and look at me and sing..."Iiiiii ain't got no body".....LOL.....I finally finished with it. I do my soft bodies a bit different than most doll artist....I think. I don't use a body glove...which is a wonderful item to use when doing the soft bodies....I have used them....but having to save pennies these days I just don't have the fabric to make any so I use what I have. For some reason I always seem to have batting laying around..LOL!!! So that's what I use. Wait...wait.....let me explain.....please stop that laughing...listen now...you use what you have on hand....ROFL!!!!!!!!! I make my wire armature first....then I take loose batting fibers and place them on the armature. I usually start with the torso. After I have all the batting in place I stitch it in just a few places to hold it on there. I then take a whole piece of batting (like you would use for a quilt backing) and place it over all the loose batting. I then stitch a few places to hold it in place....now...here is the tricky part (or maybe I should say...sticky part if not careful) I needle felt the full batting to the loose batting. Yeah...I know..it's a bit weird and unusual but then again I am weird and unusual ;) It makes for a really strong soft body when you finish the needle felting. Just for me as you can see in the photos I try and do some detail work. No one will ever see it but I know it's there and it makes the clothes fit better....well to me...but then there comes in the weird and unusual thing again...LOL!! After I finish with the torso I work on the legs...doing the same thing. After the legs are complete then it's on to the arms. I needle felt a bit more loose fibers on the shoulders so that any shirt or sweater that I make will fit like it is suppose to. Just thought I would pass on another starving artist's way of doing things!!!!!

Look Santa has a four pack and a tummy....now where else can you find a MAN like that to love.

In this next photo he looks like he is waving at you but he isn't...well...I guess he could be BUT he isn't...LOL!!!!! I have his hand placed where it will be when he is completed. He will be holding Chester up. Chester was designed by the elves for a little boy that asked for a playmate. Chester is almost as tall as the little boy he will be going to stay with. So Santa will be holding him up and Chester will be sitting on the arm of the chair.

OMGOSH....Santa is trying to climb over the chair....I don't think he likes me showing him to all the world.........NEKKID!!!!!! Really I just wanted to show you his cute lil hiney....HEY...he needs that hiney to make his pants fit right ya know.

I hope my little notes on how I do some of my doll making is helping others. I love to share my knowledge and yes of course my weird, unusual and quirky ways. I think that's one thing that makes the artist community so wonderful. From the starving artist to the famous ones....we all believe in sharing our gifts with one another. That's a good thing.....you never know what that sharing might just spark our muses to start whispering about. Just the simplest thing can spring a new idea into forming.....from a few words that had no idea that it was hidden amongst them.

Happy Doll making....I'm off to dress this poor nekkid man!!!!!!!