Update on Computer Crashing!

Well, let it be said that I have totally missed my computer! It's amazing how attached we become to these pieces of equipment! LOL My friend was able to save the hard-drive, meaning I did not loose 3 years worth of work, so I'm forever thankful for that! He backed everything up for me so I know I have a complete back-up of my computer. I can't tell you all enough, when working with your photographs and art on your computer it is so important to back your system up...it only take about 5 minutes or so...so you all need to make sure you do that because I do not want you guys going through what I went through! Listen to the Crow!!!!! LOL

I'm still searching for a new computer. I thought I would have it by weeks end, but that didn't happen, so hopefully by next week or so I'll have a brand new baby in my studio! Wish me luck!

This is what I'm looking at...Apple Mac Pro Book...I've heard such great things about the Apple Computers! However, they are very expensive, but it might be worth it in the long run...they never get attacked with viruses!

On another note and to get caught up with awards, updated photographs, and works in progress and swaps, this post is going to be a little long....but stay with me...some cool things are about to be revealed:

First off, Caroline from CarolineCrafts awarded me with "I LOVE YOUR BLOG" Caroline and I are in different Ning Groups together. I'm thankful to call her my friend and fellow artist. Thank you Caroline for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to award me with such an awesome award! If you have not visited Caroline yet, please check out her blog over at http://carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com/

Next, I was involved with a Swap being hosted by Missy entitled "Luck-of-the-fae-fairy-swap" My swap partner was Lucy Miller and here is what I sent her. We had to create a Fairy, a Fairy Wand and something Sparkly. This is what I sent my swap partner!

Lucy, I'm so happy that you loved your Fairy and Fair Wand...as for something sparkly, I added a glittered big star in her package. You can visit Missy's (our Host) website over at:http://www.fairychildheirlooms.wordpress.com/ or click on the badge on the right side of my blog.

Now for updates on WORKSHOPS that I'm involved in:

Over at Cloth & Clay Workshop (Click on my Badge for details on the left side) Here are some "Work In Progress" Photographs. I have to attach their arms and legs and I still have to paint. Can't wait to see how these guys come out!

This pictures shows how after you gesso the bodies (that is the key to keeping the paper clay on the cloth) you then start sculpting out their facial parts. This workshop is a lot of fun and if you like cloth (sewing) and working with creative paper clay, then I suggest you sign up for this class. We are actually starting our first challenge and it's Nursery Rhymes. I still have to finish my Dollie here and then I'll be able to work on the Challenge. LOL

Now, another workshop I'm involved in is Nancye Williams Art Dolls. We have just started the workshop, and this one is entitled "Creating a Polymer Folk Art Doll." Here are some pictures of my WIP's of my folk art dolls:

She just came out of the Oven...look at all her little body parts. I can't just make one, I always seem to make 2 or 3 at a time...I just work like that...always have and always will! LOL

These little Folk Art Dolls still have to have their arms and legs sculpted and hair has to be added. I'll be working on those this afternoon.

I'm also working on a new line "Bowling Pin Folk Art Dolls" Take a peek into my little studio and see how these little guys are coming along...they are made out of a Smirnoff Pomegranate Fusion Bottle (my favorite...believe me these are really good, you can even add Vodka to them to give them a little extra kick..LOL). I then cover over them with masking tape and then cover in paper clay...they take many coats of gesso...this is a trick that I have found to help with the sanding process.

I had a little visitor last night...look who was hiding and playing in the tinsel...I tried to be quite when I was grabbing for my camera...but I think I scared her...eeeekkkkk

I hope you all have a creative and wonderful Weekend...Until next time...

CHEERS!

OOPS...My COMPUTER CRASHED!

NEED I SAY MORE?

For all of you out there...and if you haven't done this already...I WANT ALL OF YOU TO GO OUT AND BUY A FLASH DRIVE TO BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM! Staples has an 8GB on sale for $14.99! Take it from me, don't let this happen to you!

I'm sorry I have been missing in action for the past few days! My computer has gone off to computer heaven, and I had to wait until I came into work this morning to access a computer! I will surely miss my old friend. I had that computer for almost 6 years! If I have learned anything from this happening, it's to BACK UP MY FILES ON MY COMPUTER! A lesson learned! LOL!

But all is not lost from what a little birdie told me...so keep your fingers crossed!

Have a beautiful and creative week!

CHEERS!

My Creative Space-What A Mess!

I thought I would post some pictures of my creative space! Now, be warned...the Studio will be going under construction in the Spring, so these pictures will be considered "BEFORE PICTURES" and the "AFTER PICTURES" will be posted Late Spring! It will probably take me a month to move all of my stuff out before I can even begin to have work started in here...but for now, I adore and love my studio for what it is and how it makes me feel! I'm nice and warm in here when I look out the windows and see the snow falling, and it keeps me cool when I look out the windows and see the fields drying up from the baking sun!

Enjoy!

I didn't take pics of my painting area...oh Lord...that is a BIG MESS! LOL ...Okay here is the painting area...eeekkk!

Once I get this the way I want it, My Ornament Tree will be right in the middle of my Studio so I will be able to see the treasurers that are on it!

Have a great night and Happy Creating!

CHEERS!

Happy Mondy Everyone!

Happy Monday Everyone...let the week begin tomorrow! LOL I was fortunate to have today off. Our office was closed due to "President's Day" and I spent my afternoon at the Oral Surgeon's Office. What a joke...now I know what I should have done after high school! I should have gone to Dental School instead of going into Law! I have to go back and have surgery on my poor tooth.....ohhhhh I'm afraid! Don't worry, I'm going to have them put it in a jar for me! eeekkkk

I hate going to the dentist, but I know this is part of life and we all must go every year, but it doesn't mean I have to like it! LOL

Anyways, that saga will continue for the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime, I wanted to share with all of you what I created this weekend. However, I can't post my Fairy & Wand Swap until I send it out to my partner, Lucy.

I am a member over at Nancye's Art Dolls on Ning, and we are working on "Wild Woman Wands" which are so much fun to make and create! I have a few in the works and will post when they are done. I will be taking Nancye's Folk Art Doll Workshop which starts March 1st and I can't wait!

If you haven't check out her Workshops yet or the Group, click on the side bar to the right on my blog! IT's not to late to join!

I had a lot of fun making this Wild Woman Wand... Her name is "Martini" I wonder why? LOL

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday and I will see you soon!

CHEERS!

New ADO Team Members & ADO's New Art Doll Challenge

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

ADO is growing, growing and growing! I'm proud and honored to call these lovely artists my Team Members! Please visit their shops to see more of their wonderful works!

Meet Zan Asha...See more of her work at http://www.wildatheartart.blogspot.com/

Amelie Fimocadabra is a French Art Doll Artist. She is preparing for a big show in Paris! Best of luck Amelie! I can't wait to hear all about it! Please visit her at http://fimocadabra.romandie.com/

Meet Deirdra and her amazing dolls. Please check out her blog so you can see more of her amazing works http://deirdradoan.blogspot.com/

We have started our next Art Doll Challenge and it will run for the next 3 months, so be on the look out for updates on how the Challenge is going.

We have chosen our Theme for the Art Doll Challenge, and I personally, could not be more pleased! Have a look below:

Need I say more? LOL Please visit the members individual blogs throughout the next 3 months to catch their work in progress and/or visit our main blog over at http://www.artdollsonly.blogspot.com

Until Next Time

CHEERS!

DRUMMMMM ROLLLLL PLEEEAAASSSEEE and THE WINNNNER ISSSSSS!

What a beautiful event this was and I had so much fun meeting all of you and still need to get over to www.oneworldoneheart.com to check out the other amazing blogs that I did not get a chance to see! Many thanks to Lisa who did a marvelous job being the best HOST of this event! WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!

I want to THANK EVERYONE AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOU THAT PUT YOUR NAME IN THE HAT for MY GIVEAWAY. It meant a lot to me to read all of your kind words and encouragement with my art! So CHEERS TO ALL OF YOU!

NOW FOR THE WINNER....drum roll please... After cutting the many strips of papers and placing them in a clear bell jar with dancing ornaments going crazy...the winner was drawn from the bell jar by my husband and what came out of the bell jar was...

GAIL LACKEY over at www.gaillackey.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS GAIL!

CHEERS!

Weekend in the Studio at Crow Haven Farm

I was quite upset that we are going through a warm spell here in PA...it's not normal in February to have 60 degree weather...it's just WRONG! I want snow, I want snow, I want snow! Okay, I said the chant...so now let's wait and see what happens! LOL

Here are some finished pieces that I completed over the weekend. My schedule is going to be a little nuts for a couple of weeks at my day gig, so I wanted to get some pieces completed before all heck brakes out!

This piece I made for my husband for his birthday...yes, he didn't get it on his birthday! However, he did get it this weekend! LOL
Piece entitled "I CAN'T FIND MY STICKS"
This piece is entitled "Ghostie from Hollow Crow Road"
I have decided that she is staying in my Studio, right next to me!

This piece is entitled "Scream Girl...Please Can I Quit My Job" May be I should keep this piece too!

NOW a friendly reminder if you don't know already. The ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY ENDS February 12, 2009. I will be closing my posts on February 11, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. So if you post after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 it will be included in the drawing. So make sure you post before that time.

I will be announcing the winner on my giveaway, Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. I can't wait to get it all ready, take pictures of the drawing and POST the Winner!

I want to thank all of you for the wonderful responses that I have received from so many talented people. I've had a wonderful time meeting new bloggers and artists out there and look forward to getting to know all of you better. If I did not get to your Blog, please forgive me and know that I will be visiting all of the blogs that participated in this event. I'm so glad that Lisa is keeping the post up for 6 months, so we can all visit each other. I hope you all had a wonderful time and I look forward to participating in this event next year!

CHEERS!

LOOK WHAT I SCORED!

Ok, I usually don't put two post in one day, but I can't help myself. I want to share some unbelievable pieces of artwork that I have been fortunate to score!

Marie Patterson over at http://mariepatterson.blogspot.com/ makes wonderful whimsical folk art. I couldn't resist getting this adorable flower for my ornament tree that I keep in my Studio! You can also visit Marie over at http://www.spookytimejingles.com/.

Thank you Marie...I love her and will be ordering more! I want a PINK one! LOL

Now, if you haven't been over to Misty's Creations...well you need to visit her. She is an artist out in Arizona and creates amazing, magical artwork! She made these custom lighter cases for me and I have to tell you, I can't stop holding them in my hands!

You must visit Misty over at http://realitysuckspeanutbutter.blogspot.com and she has set up an Etsy Shop at www.mistyscreations.etsy.com.

THANK YOU MISTY! WE LOVE THEM!

Now, I have to give a shout out to Debb George over at http://debksg.blogspot.com/. Debb was my Skelly Swap-2009 Partner and here is my Skelly Ornament she made for me!

Debb, I absolutely love this little guy! Thank you so much for being my Partner! He will be going on my Ornament Tree in my Studio for all to see and be with me all of the time!

Dani~ THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HOSTING THIS EVENT and I can't wait to see your next SWAP! COUNT ME IN! LOL

ADO TEAM MEMBERS ARE COMING IN DROVES!

Well, in the past week, ADO has welcomed a bunch of unbelievable ART DOLL ARTISTS. We have decided on our new challenge, which will be a 3 month Challenge to make an Art Doll in a "SHAKESPEAREAN" Theme. I can't wait to see the process of every one's Art Doll and what Play they have chosen. I'm still undecided on my Art Doll. I'm going to be spending time re-reading some of Shakespeare's plays, which I haven't read since college, so this will be fun and exciting for me. As for some of our recent members joining ADO, here are 3 more talented, fabulous Art Doll Members. ENJOY and make sure you visit their Blogs and Shops to see more of their amazing work!

Sarah, "Black Eyed Suzie"http://blackeyedsuzie.typepad.com/

Christine, "Du buh du designs" http://www.dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com/

Sleetwealth...http://sleetwealth.blogspot.com/

CHEERS!

TAGGED - OH MY!

I've been tagged by 3 different, amazing, talented, beautiful, fabulous Artist's and I feel completely honored that they took the time out of their crazy schedules to TAG ME! So, with that said...whooohooooo!

The First Artist that tagged me is Sue, from Barton Originals, you can find her amazing art dolls over at http://www.bartonoriginals.blogspot.com/ Here I have to list 6 random things about myself! eeeeekkkkk I'm afraid! LOL

1. I always put my tea bags in the kitchen sink instead of the garbage can! This drives my husband crazy, because the garbage can is right next to the sink! LOL

2. I'm terribly afraid of heights, however, I love jumping out of helicopters with my snowboard attached to my feet! LOL

3. I have watch the BBC program "As Time Goes By" about a MILLION TIMES and will continue watching it until my DVD's blow apart! Which reminds me...I need to buy another complete set before that happens! LOL

4. I talk and sing in my sleep...apparently my husband tells me I love sing out "Little Red Rooster"....what.....rosster...what.... I guess I must have this secret desire to own some Red Rooster's... But, if that is the case, they better look like Pattee's! hehehehehe (ADO Team Members will get that one!)

5. I cannot go to bed unless the house is organized, the dishes are done and the coffee is made... I know, I know...this why I probably get 3 hours a sleep a night and have brain farts at work! LOL

6. I sing, I dance, I laugh, I love the color PINK, I giggle, I paint, I sculpt, I sew, I play, I cry, I eat spinach, I hate peas, I love hot dogs and sauerkraut, I love pizza, I love BEER, I love WHITE WINE, I absolutely adore Vodka and Cranberry Juice, I love watching old movies, I love black and white photographs, I love GLITTER, I love art magazines, I love ART DOLLS, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING IN A COMMUNITY FULL OF CREATIVE SPIRIT, ENERGY, AND LIFE!

I sure hope I did this right! giggle, giggle, giggle!

The Second Artist that tagged me is the beautiful, whimsical folk artist, Marie Patterson, you can see her whimsical charm over at http://mariepatterson.blogspot.com/

This is what you have to do when getting tagged: You must take the 4th picture in your picture folder on your computer and post it! After you do this, list 4 other bloggers and their blog address on your post and notify them that they have been tagged with the 4th picture tag! So here are my 4 Bloggers I tagged:

1. Sheri at http://www.ostrichgirl5.blogspot.com

2. Cindy at http://www.oopsdesperateblogger.blogspot.com

3. Caroline at http://www.carolinecrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com

4. Chris at http://www.designsbyck.blogspot.com

The Third Artist that tagged me is the crazy, brilliant, coolest chick, Jacqui from http://odddollz.blogspot.com/ has tagged me to post the fourth picture in the fourth file in my computer! So here it is:

The idea here is just to have fun and tag 4 other unsuspecting people to do this as well.

The four Bloggers I tagged are:

1. Dani~ at http://www.ambitionsdesign.blogspot.com/

2. Cheri at http://www.polkadottoadstool.mycdhm.com

3. SpiritMama at http://www.spiritmama-art.blogspot.com

4. Michelle at http://www.3rdeyemuse.blogspot.com

Thank you all for thinking of me and sharing your worlds with me!

CHEERS!

EEEEEKKKKKK...New Magical EBs and Other Magical Creatures

Meet Seamus McBrew...The Irish Barleyman! He was quite upset with me when I took away his bottle while shooting this photograph! LOL

Bewildered - The Cautious Steptaker Bewildered was quite surprised when I took him out to get some sun over the weekend! I wanted him to catch some rays before the storm blew in!

This piece was created for the "Skelly Swap" that Dani~ over at www.ambitiondesigns.blogspot.com is hosting. My partner is Debb from http://debksg.blogspot.com/ I will shipping my skull to her tomorrow...I hope you enjoy it Debb!

This is the "Deranged or Misguided" Bunny. I completed him over the weekend! I believe he is trying to tell me that he would like to make a visit over at 3rd Eye Muse for awhile! hmmmmm I wonder if Michelle has been sneaking secret messages his way! LOL

Until we meet again...I have to get some work done! LOL

CHEERS!

WIP's & ART WORK -DESIGNS BY CK

Good Morning everyone! I wanted to stop in and show you some WIP's that I have been working on. Before I show you the pictures, I want say that it's "FREAKING FREEZING" here in Pennsylvania! LOL I hope you all are staying warm and having a creative weekend! I'm sitting here with the News on, arrrrghhhh and apparently we are getting a big storm on Tuesday through Wednesday, so may be I'll get a SNOW DAY on one of those days where I don't have to go to the DAY GIG! Keep your fingers crossed for me! Pleaseeeeeeee!!!!!

I hope you enjoy the progression of these pieces...they are so not done yet, but I'd like share with all of you what is going on in the studio!

He has gotten a body, feet and hands! Check out his smile...I believe he is happy to have these body parts added, especially his body!She has gotten hands so she could hold her little Crow! Her head was cold , so for the time being, I gave her a little hat!

This bunny isn't saying much...he hasn't decided if he wants to be a mute or just a misguided bunny!

This Skull is being created for our "Skelly Team" that Dani~ over at www.ambitionsdesign.blogspot.com is hosting for several team members the "SKELLY SWAP". I can't wait to finish this piece and send it to my partner!

Now, I have to mention this fabulous Artist, Christopher Klinger from Designs by CK (www.designsbyck.etsy.com) I found him by visiting some of my favorite blogs and I kept seeing his avatar in Blog Posts....hmmmmmm I have to check this person out! Well, it was love at first BAM! His artwork is so different, creepy but whimsical, (which I'm all about), and I wanted to get my husband something different for his birthday. Needless to say, I bought a couple of pieces from Chris and they were a HIT! My husband just loved them and now Christopher has a devoted Art Collector. However, his work is extremely popular, so I can see some bidding wars going on for certain pieces! Make sure you check out his work over at www.designsbyck.etsy.com ! YOU WILL ALL FALL IN LOVE WITH HIS WORK AND HIM! Such a gracious, talented, kind, warm human being! He makes me giggle every time we talk! I love the fact that he is just so freaking adorable and humble!

Check out this artwork! Website: www.designsbyck.com; Blog: www.designsbyck.blogspot.com; Store: www.spookyck.blogspot.com

"Beatrice"

THANK YOU CHRIS FOR BEING YOU AND ALL THAT YOU DO! YOU MAKE ALL OF OUR LIVES A LITTLE HAPPIER!

CHEERS!