Black and Orange Spots!

Holy Candy Corn, Batman!


Wow, what a WEEK! I had wanted to post here much earlier, but as usual, there seems to be a mind-boggling myriad of things to do around here!  So much news and so little time.

Firstly, it should be noted that the title of this post actually describes what I've been seeing ALL week long--that's because I've been trying SO hard to finish up the last of my Halloween goodies, that I've literally spent the last three days furiously painting and painting and PAINTING...and you can guess the color scheme, right??

So, is it a bad sign if, once you stop painting, that you're still seeing black and orange spots wherever you go? Hmmm...I thought so!

Nevertheless, for all the interesting side affects, I DID manage to get 90% of my goal done, and that's more than usual for me, so I'm sort of proud of myself (and a little dizzy from lack of sleep, too)!!

So, here's the latest Vagabond News:

See these two Munchkins?

I'm pleased to say he, and two of my Halloween ornaments are now being sold at New York City's Dinosaur Hill Toy Shop!
Pam, the owner, is an absolute gem and I am humbled that she chose my work to be featured amongst other handmade dolls and toys from around the world. Dinosaur Hill has been around for at least a quarter century and offers ONLY quality handmade toys, antique toys, hand knitted and sewn children's clothes and quilts and puppets. It's a treasure for "kids of all ages."  If you live in New York or are visiting, swing on by East 9th street between first and second avenues in Manhattan ---and while you're there you get extra brownie points, you know...if you happen to BUY my little creations, but I wouldn't blame you if you found yourself distracted by all of the other magical items.
You can find more information about Dinosaur Hill HERE

I may also have my little published kitties put into yet ANOTHER NYC handmade store, so feel if you're so inclined, feel free to adopt these two now before they pack their traveling bags for a temporary home at a toy shoppe!

In the meantime, new creations keep springing forth!

See these two wee witchen
(yes, I am fully aware that witcheS are the plural here, but these are no ordinary witchen,you see!)....

If you think they look quite identical, you would be correct: they were actually made of the same pattern, but with slightly different techniques:

The closest to my true idea for these witches is the one on the RIGHT....

My original pattern called for a "bat hat" of sorts. Betty the Batty Witch was actually made in "repose"--which is a term I like to use for this little technique of taking muslin, painting it fully in fray guard (so the edges don't fray), staining the piece in a dark color and then sewing both sides of the doll RIGHT SIDE OUT--in that, the doll never gets turned inside out. The doll is then stuffed and painted. Here, Betty gets a bit of glitter on her bat hat, and fancy buttons galore!
You can find more info, including purchase info HERE

Meanwhile, the doll on the left--Wee Witchy,  is my smallest witch yet!

She stands at a little under 5 inchesand is a dwarf to the other wee witchies! She was made with the same pattern as Betty, but in turning her, the opening area for the actual bat was too narrow to properly turn it, so I readjusted the hat, and now she has a pom-pom top!  She doesnt seem to mind, however! She is fully painted with a teeeny weeny brush and has a button at the back in case you want to hang her as an ornament!
You can find her information, including purchase info HERE

 Here is a nice group shot of all of my Witchen, up for grabs! So grab yours for Halllowwwweeeeennn!

 

Next up...

See this? It looks like a cute Halloween painting, you'd be half right--this actually will be the first painted
PINCUSHION I will be offering!

and I hope to finish it by tomorrow, so it might go to at least SOME last minute Halloween person, or someone who likes cute and creepy stuff all year round. The bottom half is painted and the "roof" of ye old haunted mansion will be made of felt, so that's where the pincushion will go. I conceived of the idea LAST year but this is the first year I've dared to try it!

Now, if you notice the dark pin object on the right of the cushion in the top picture--well, that's the "fun" part of the piece (although I think it's ALL fun!)....

TA-DA! These are my  BAT pins! They are made of shrunken plastic material heated on the pin (yes, really, it works!)...this will be colored fully black and ready for mischief, along with a group of batty friends...

I am working on these  as we speak--so, as I mention, this should be up in my Etsy Shoppe Bright and Early tomorrow!

Finally, I haven't forgotten about Halloween! Here is my offering!

A Magical Spooon!

 The back of the spoon!

The front---emblazoned with the word "MAGIC"...perfect for kitchen witches and imaginative types! This is sealed with food grade mineral oil and CAN be used to cook--or just to adorn your magical kitchen walls!

LOTS of woodburning work and details!
This should be up THIS AFTERNOON  in ye old Etsy! Or email me if you're interested in any of these goodies!

Until next time, friends--I'm off for a NAP!

Spotty Eyed Cats and Other Madness....

Alrighty Friends!

  Firstly--WOW! Thank you for all your kind comments on my last post...I wasn't even sure if anyone was even following this little blog anymore!! I feel very grateful that you all seem interested in keeping up my humble spot on the interwebs!

Having said that I am happy to report that my little published dolls in PRIMS have now made their way safely back to me, and are ready to find a home with ONE OF YOU!  They have tons of work and TONS OF LOVE put into them....

Here they are in their magazine debut!

...so if you are interested in providing these lovelies a home, you can find them HERE

In the meantime, those two spotty cats seemed to have brought out the Spotty Eyed Cat Brigade (or just confirmed that I have a Spotty Eyed Cat problem)!  Here is the evidence:

THIS little spotty eyed wonder...

Comes with a Halloweeny friend! 


THEY BOTH ARE LOOKING FOR HOMES...

So find them HERE if you are looking to adopt!

And more Spotty Eyed Cats to follow....

This fellow is SLOWLY getting finished. Just when I think I'm done, more things need to be worked on!

But THESE two ornaments have already been completed and have found homes!

As well as this little guy!

If I'm not careful, I may soon be over-run by Spotty Eyed Felines!

However, I have now counter balanced them with a few NEW WORKS! So stay tuned to my Etsy Shoppe TODAY AND TOMORROW...and hopefully you'll find something to enchant you this Fall !~

And now...it's time for me to go back into the hovel and create more items!

Take Care, Friends!

Yoooohooo!

Well HELLO There!

Wow, I know I've been a STRANGER here at this particular blog, but so much has been going on!

I thought I'd update you on a little bit, and hopefully explain what I hope this blog might be!

First of all, most of my little journeys can now actually be found at BEYOND VAGABOND. I'd love for you to join me there!

What I had originally intended for this blog, before it became quite hectic over the Summer,  was for it to be a simple sales page. However, it look like my art friends are continuing to follow me here....

And exciting news! This LITTLE DUO is NOW featured in PRIMS Magazine (thanks PRIMS!)...you can pick up PRIMS on  your newstands right this very moment! Besides myself, there are amazing doll artists showcasing some wonderful work!

....so, NOW I think what I might simply do is continue to feature my art AND objects for sale HERE, while giving you a bit more detail on the background of my work, and my life, at BEYOND VAGABOND.  I might also continue the lovely doll swaps that I usually host here (yikes, if I have time!)...

Hopefully, that makes sense?  Again, thank you to all my online friends and family that continue to support my art and work. Most of you are in the same boat--the one listed as "artist"--and so it's wonderful that we can all support each other!

Thank you,  Friends, for this amazing little creative community!