Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Rarely have I been able to create a doll in a day, but I did this wise old man last Friday with the help of my friend, Bobbi from "LamboArt" . Please look at Bobbi's blog . Bobbi shared her technique of making a wire armature, wrapped with polyester fibre fill and fabric and of course, with polymer clay head, hands and shoes. Bobbi and I have discussed at length whether these creations should be called art dolls or mixed media sculptures?  I was still undecided until late in the afternoon whether this doll in fact was male or female. I did make the scroll later during the night , but I was really happy with this finishing touch, giving the doll some purpose. As for wrapping, while my mother was visiting, I was inspired to try some simple temari from a book she lent me. Here they are - nothing as beautiful or complicated as my mother's or niece's temari, but I enjoyed the whole process of measuring and dividing the ball , wrapping and embroidering.    As promised

 I’m still catching up from the hectic but great time we enjoyed during my birthday “weeks” and family visits. Before my mother left, I finally finished the black bag I promised last Christmas.  I was finally happy with it, and I think it will be good for Mum when she goes out at night, as it is large enough to fit her folding walking stick. It is a “scrumbled” bag, and although I have now made quite a few, the last two – Ruth’s green bag and this one took ages. I started them both with great enthusiasm, and then came to a sudden standstill, just adding a tiny bit week by week without making any real progress, creative or otherwise!. Anyway both are now completed, and feature lots of bullion crochet, fluffy and sparkly yarns in various knitting and crochet stitches. I made this one on a base of tapestry mesh canvas, and I found it a better and firmer base for this kind of handbag than rug canvas. And a happy surprise - I accidentally found a fake suede “cord” which made perfect handl

I recently had my big birthday party - becoming a "senior" is something to celebrate. I think I did get a bit carried away, but wanted to have a special time with family and friends. And it was a special time with my family - my mother, my aunts and uncle, my sister and her family, cousins, nieces, nephews, my own children and grandchildren.... that was only part of the crowd . Old friends and new friends made the day even more special by just coming together and having a good time.     Sisters and daughters Granddaughter wearing my own baby dress (60 years old) with her other grandfather Oldest grandson enjoying the party Friends and family Scene BEFORE the downpour of rain and panic! The sun did shine eventually. FOOD? This was just the dessert, supplied by friends and my daughter-in-law with the fabulous birthday cake made by my aunt. Members of my Rotary Club ( Rotary Club of Wallsend-Maryland) cooked and prepared the main course - delicious roasted meats with accompani