Well it is HOT, HOT, HOT here in Florida! The last few days have been in the upper 90's with the heat index over 105. Between time in the pool and just feeling sluggish I haven't gotten much done. We try( actually prefer) not use the ac. I was soaking wet just sitting so we bit the bullet and turned it on. I did finish 2 critters in the last week. Jessie is available on Bear Pile. I used some vintage lace I purchased at an estate sale and a vintage looking pin I have been holding on to for awhile. The other critter is a new series I have started. It needs one finishing touch before I reveal it. As they say...."Stay tuned"
The week long Black & White Ball at TBACA was a great success. This was the first year for the Creative Design Awards and some wonderful creations competed. The competition was only open to artists from Australasia. Next year it will also be open to international artists and I will definately be competing. Next year will be a Fantasy Ball and the ideas are already churning in my head.
I had some critters in the online show. Felicia the cat has already gone to a new home but Margaret and her dog McGregor are still available. I will list them on my website soon. My other creation Beary Daiquiri is from my series Beary Cocktails and I will post about them soon.
I made the first mini dog as a friend for a bear. Recently, I realized it was the perfect size pet for my Blythe doll. If you don't know what a Blythe doll is go to flickr and put Blythe in search. There is a whole culture of collectors photographing their dolls. Shannon, my Blythe, is an only doll. I am having fun making her clothes and photographing her. Playing like a little girl is de-stressing. I made several mini dogs and they are up for adoption(for a small fee) on Plastic Paradise, a Blythe forum. There will also be some in my etsy shop later. I am working on a pattern for a mini cat too.
Don't forget to visit the Black & White Ball this week. New creations are revealed everyday. Many wonderful Teddy Bears and critters available.
Graduation time again. It really doesn't seem all that long ago(38 yrs!!!) I was graduating from high school. My graduation ceremony was held at Cole Field House on the University of Maryland campus. This year one of my nieces and my granddaughter are graduating from high school. I am excited for them, they have so much to look forward to. The world awaits and even though economic times are tough right now, I see bright futures for them.
My granddaughter, Mandy, will be attending James Madison University in the fall. I made her this little bears in JMU's colors. His name is Jaymu and I hope he will keep her company in the fall.
CONGRATS GRADS!!!!
Just a little more than 2 weeks to the Black & White Ball ate Teddy Bears and Critters Australasia. I'm excited to see just how the online show will play out. It is a masked ball, meaning the artist's name will not be revealed until the bear or critter is adopted. This is so that, hopefully, the purchase is based on attraction to the creation and not a particular artist. The winners of the TACDA awards will also be announced. TACDA= The Australasian Creative Design Awards
This year entries for the awards were limited to Aussie and Kiwi artists. I can't wait to see the entries. Even better, next year, the awards will be open to international entries. I already have ideas for my entry dancing around in my head.
The ball starts June 1 and you can check it out here. Don't miss it!!
Even when you know their time is near, it is still very, very sad when they go. I gave Goober to my brother's family almost 16 years ago. My nephew, Billy, was not quite 2. I was still breeding Dachshunds then and I had named all the pups in the litter after chocolate candy because they were all chocolate & tan or chocolate dapple. I can only remember one other name and that was "Dudley" for milk duds. Goober, the chocolate covered peanut, became their beloved family pet. Even after I moved to another state and many months went by without seeing him, Goober always remembered me. I considered him my four legged nephew. He loved stuffed toys and got a new one every Christmas. The stuffing was usually all over the place before we ate Christmas dinner. His favorite spot was on the sofa with my brother. He would perch on the arm and they would nap together. He had a bad habit of whining, especially when we were eating. I affectionately called him "weiner whiner".
The last few months, he had lost weight, his teeth were bad, his sight and hearing were going. My brother's family were unexpectedly adopted by another dog, a year ago Christmas, so it is not completely quiet. Still, Goober will be missed by all of us.
