The Secret

How do I get so busy. Someone cursed me when I quit my job last June and said I would be busier than ever...and so it is. Since my last post I've been busy in the garden redoing, pulling stuff, whacking off unruly things and replanting. I also tackled a job that both of us have been trying to ignore and avoid for years. A simple job but one that is a pain in the butt. I decided yesterday, that "today is the day" and I got to it. I dug and dug and moaned and groaned and the result is...??  I filled 5 buckets of rocks from an area that is no more than 4' X 3'. Each of these buckets is the same kind that they have at the ice cream shops, about 2' tall and no, before you think, "good god, did she eat all that ice cream", no we didn't. I bought the containers for $.50 each.... ;0-)  I couldn't believe it, they just kept coming. I should have maybe stopped digging, but no I kept going. The end result was this area is now weed and grass free, no more rocks and another "project" is checked off my list.

In between all my yard work, I've been busy working away on my Leta Benedict doll. We're supposed to bring our finished dolls to the doll club meeting next month, so I better hop to it.  Here are some pictures of where I'm at. The top, the sleeve features, the head and shoulders and a front view.. Enjoy.

Treasures of the Deep

Haven't I been lazy at keeping my blog up to date, but I do have a good excuse and in another post I will tell you about it.

One thing I've been doing is finishing testing Colleen Babcocks newest design on time for her schedule. I really enjoy doing her designs as every one is different. She adds a unique touch to every doll which for me, keeps the interest alive. This doll she has given two options for doing the bodice. One way is to sew a fabric bodice, the other is to sewing on individual sequins and beads and create scales. I went for the sequins just because it was a new thing for me to sew a whole shape with sequins and beads and because my muse was poking me in the shoulder and telling me to go with the more challenging option. I've done individual ones, but this was a great learning curve.

The hair and the seaweed on the base, is done with knitting yarn which is always an easy thing to find if you don't have anything like Tibetan hair or other choices or just want to try new things. The base uses a wool sweater which I found at a thrift shop for a couple of dollars. The shell embellishments and sequins can be found at the dollar store, and don't overlook the thrift stores as  I often  find things to re-purpose when needing something different for a project. I've seen beaded clothes that could be easily taken apart. Over all I really enjoyed working on this doll. She has such a serene face and seemed to approve with what I was doing.

Thank you Colleen for giving me another opportunity to test your design. I am a happy girl... ;o)