The dolls are rolling in and out again

It is so interesting to me how some beaded dolls sit there and refuse to give you a clue as to what they want, and others just jump into your stash of beads and fling what they want at you!

I know this is figuratively, but really-some you can just stare at for weeks, then you pick what YOU want to put on, but don't really know if you are happy with what you have done, or not.

Others seem to whisper into your intuitive ear, and the design flows.

Aline's Persphy, a felt doll, had that wondrous flow. She came with her grape leaves about her face, but they were a bit floppy. Folks at the retreat enjoyed seeing her, but were hesitant to hold her with the loose beads. Sherry noticed her face cabbing was loose, and then the face just popped off.

I reglued it, but the cabbing threads had been part of the same threads for the Czech pressed glass grape beads, so they were loose. Plus, they were not permanent finish, but just gold galvanized, so the gold coloring was coming off to show the clear inside. Used some lapis colored size 8s, then 11s in Toho permanent finish gold, and finished with transparent purple and dk bronze 11s to tie the face to the grapevine design.

That grapevine was the fastest design that ever happened for me. Used a sharpie to do a basic outline, used 6s, 8s and 11s for the base, then went over it with 15s to create the twisted look a grapevine has. Added the grape beads with a separate thread, in case they break it (used 6# Fieline) and went through each 3 times. Sort of kicked myself for not doing to greens swirls under those grapes first, but they actually went very smoothly, not catching on the beadwork except once or twice!

All in all, she is a wonderful Grape Harvest Goddess, and I am happy with how we collaborated on her designs..off she goes in the next round of this RR! The pics show before and after. As always, clicking on them makes them full size.

Yippee! Yippee!!

I finally got to hold the Bead and Button magazine with my Herringbone Highway bracelet project- pg 80, Dec 2011! They did send an advance copy during the retreat, but it got shuffled under things and I didn't come across it til this morning. Now I have a magazine to send to my Godmother, Aunt Bunny. She always supported any of my creative ventures, and I am proud to be her God-daughter!
I couldn't have done this without the help of the editor, Stacy, as she took my step-by-step photos and written instructions, then created wonderful illustrations that should help you make one of these slinky bracelets for yourself!
Woo-hoooo!

How the Time does fly

Though it feels sometimes like a snail's pace at those same moments. Finally getting to drive a bit was certainly freeing, but the payment was in aches and pains later. This, too, shall pass. It does feel good to get out and around; to be able to go where I need to go without having to impost on friends and family for needed ventures!
And it's funny- I feel guilty for being home and healing, while creating in my beady world, are excited about going back to work a bit outside the home, yet, like a horse that hasn't been ridden in awhile, are a bit barn sour. Just want to plant my feet and say NO! But, like the carrot used to get the horse to come to bit and saddle, that extra money to pay off bills and allow even more mobility are coaxing me out.

Today I will try my leg and body in this mode by volunteering at the Marianna Friends of the Library Bookstore....4 hours with only a stool for rest. If that goes well, then I will be most open to seeing where the Universe thinks I best belong on the next part of my journey!

These are a few of the things I have done while at home, healing. There are more, including many things that needed fixing. Nothing like time to get to those projects I kept putting off!

The Mermaid in the boat necklace was for BFAC. Had a devil of a time getting a photo of her!