Work Table Round up..............

welcome to this weeks peak into my creative space:

Lots of WIP here. The painted doll is nearly complete, but unfortunately I have to devote some time to getting ready to returning to work, so crafting time will be limited this week. On the upside, if I am ubber organised for work before returning my crafting time doesn't suffer once I am back at work, so a few days sacrifice is worth it for the long term benefit.

Hugs............................Leanne

I've been.....................

playing with clay :-) I have become totally addicted to sculpting and am continuing to develop my style. I am in a happy place ~ feeling very creatively satisfied.
So a quick rundown:
* I've sculpted a few more paperclay heads
* been working on completing a pair of dolls (they are nearly done, just need a few finishing touches)
* revisited polymer clay and sculpted a head and limbs
* spent way toooooooooooo much time surfing the net (guess that's what holidays are for!!) but I have found and joined some amazing sites:
Cloth Doll Artistry
Cloth and Clay Dolls
The Fairy Society Academy of Art
In an attempt to keep myself on track I am going to do a post each week showing what is on my work table. Hopefully each week will be different meaning previous projects are completed and I am moving onto the next.
So last week, my work table looked like this:

I am pleased to say that the limbs are finished and attached to the dolls, and the dolls are now just awaiting a few finishing embellishments. The styrofoam ball is now a sculpted head.

Okay, off to play and surf some more, my holiday is rapidly drawing to a close :-(

Hugs...........................Leanne

Finally......................

she's done:

I am really happy with the result. Still a little tweaking to do, but I am on my way.
Now awaiting the arrival of my new swing tags, and then I'll list her for sale.
Off to play with more clay

Hugs..............................Leanne

Big Plans...............

were in my head to get started on a doll today ~ to turn a vision into reality. Well, that didn't happen (luckily there is always tomorrow!! I got caught up in the cyberworld searching for vintage images to create a new swing tag ~ sure got the cart before the horse there!!
However, I now have a gorgeous swing tag ready to be printed, but no completed product ~ note to self ~ get sorted!!
Anyway, this is what I created today (spent some time reintroducing myself to photoshop)

Absolutely love this and am very happy with my efforts.
Now to get a doll made. I have made a start on the head sculpt tonight................................................

Hugs..............................Leanne

Happy Birthday...................

to my gorgeous boy ~ 11 years old today

I love you..........................

Hugs..................................Leanne

Been Playing....................

in clay.  I 've been buried away experimenting. I tried my hand working with polymer clay ~ jury is still out on that one. Think I prefer paperclay - it is more forgiving as it can be more easily sanded after curing. My first 2 attempts in polymer clay:

                                Ready to be baked

                                Painted and antiqued
Next I experimented with wrapped wire armatures

            The structure wrapped in batting

       Velvet ribbon and thread wrapping over the batting

     Polymer head attached to wrapped body. She will be a fairy soon!!
Back to playing with paperclay:

                        The painted sculpt

                  Antiqued. This girl will be a fairy soon also.
So, where to now ~ definitely papewclay for now.
I think I am ready to take the plunge and start an actual doll........................

Stay tuned...................

Hugs...............................Leanne

2012 ~ Bring it On..........

Click on the image to read the sentiments.
Better late than never.
A quiet New Years here. A time for reflecting and planning.
On reflection I am so very grateful for:
* being very settled, content and happy in our now not so new house. Totally loving living out of town.
* good health
* fabulous family and friends
* being happy and satisfied in my professional life. So many opportunities during 2011 that will continue in 2012
* an amazing boy who makes me swell with pride constantly
* a partner who understands that sometimes the need to create is greater than the need for houseloving chores
* freedom to pursue my create path

In 2012 I am planning on the following:
* developing and maintaining an effective self, family and work balance
* taking a new path in my creative journey
* pursuing promotion at work
* finishing the list of yard related tasks that is decorating the fridge door
* being the best mum possible

In line with Ali Edwards' One Word concept, I have decided my word for 2012 is going to be BALANCE

2012 is looking good, so bring it on!!!!!

Hugs...........................Leanne