June Dog: Jolene

A friend of mine, a fellow Tart's member, sent me a picture of her workmate's dog and asked if I would make a felted figure of her- Jolene. Here is the picture:

What an incredibly beautiful dog! Also, such a challenge for me- the black becomes literally blinding after a while when working with it. Sounds crazy I know, but I had to keep repositioning it while working because all the black tended to obscure the details. Anyway, enough excuses, here is my interpretation of Jolene.

May Dog: Beagle

I just made it under the wire. Here is my May dog of my "dog a month" challenge. He is a cute beagle. I hope you like him too.

 And here he is in my hand so you can gauge his size...  

 I never realized a beagle's tail stood higher than its head until I researched them for this project. I guess you learn something new every day.

Possibilities

Please welcome my most recent figure: Possibilities

As I am just now venturing out into the world with my figures I feel this wall doll represents my current place in time. She is a strong figure with her high top laced boots and lambswool hat. She also wears a bit of body armor for protection from the more cruel elements she may face in the world. But she is fearless in her draped plaid and ready to try new experiences.

Possibilities
24 inch Wall Figure

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

Wonderful News! I am now an official juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and I couldn't be more proud!

 https://www.nhcrafts.org/index.php
 
 Last Wednesday I participated in a jury session at the League Headquarters in Concord NH and was accepted. It was a wonderful experience although I will admit to initially being extremely nervous. But I needn't have been because I could not have been treated more courteously.  I was asked to bring examples of the range of my work and these pieces were examined by a group of members in the textile fiber field. They asked me about my process in creating the figures, my history with this craft, and my plans for the future. Although the interview lasted an hour, part of which I was not in the room as they consulted, the time flew. By the end of the day I had three pieces -dogs- in the League of NH Craftsmen shop in Concord. What an exciting day!

Long Tall Sally Finished

I completed my version of Long Tall Sally today.  And, the amazing thing is, she still actually stands!

Basset Hound: April's Dog

I have managed to continue my "dog a month" goal with a sweet basset hound.

So far this year:

Bulldog, Mixed Breed, West-highland Terrier, Afghan, and Basset Hound

Long Tall Sally: Peggy Wilson

Textile Tart's, the doll group to which I am a member, decided to each make a "Long Tall Sally" doll by doll-maker Peggy Wilson. This is an unusual fabric doll in that she stands nearly 14 inches tall on the skinniest legs imaginable. And yet stand she does! Yesterday at our monthly meeting, each group member constructed their doll and was successful in getting her to stand on her own tiny feet. Below is mine- naked except for a pair of very fashionable black boots topped in velvet. I need to have her finished and ready to present at our next meeting in early May. Much work to be done but it will be great fun to see how each person has costumed their doll. I love it when each doll looks very different yet each is constructed from the same pattern.

WIP's:  I have a vacation coming in just two short weeks so I have been looking over the few characters that sit waiting for me on my work table.  Although I will be traveling a bit this vacation, I plan on choosing one of the characters below to finish. But which one??

Warrior Wall Doll

Elderly Gentleman

Shore Elf

I have a pretty clear picture of who I wish the lady on the right to be- another wall doll. Of course she needs more wool added to the top of her head as she appears to be brainless at the moment. And my blue haired elf must have some connection with the seaside. But who is the elderly gentleman on the top?? I've no idea- but it should be fun to figure it out.