Working on a canvas background

This is an 16" by 20" gallery wrapped canvas that I bought at Michaels. This is probably the biggest canvas I have ever attempted to paint. I have a few layers of acrylic colors here, using stencils, a sea sponge and some drippage. Some of it is Golden acrylics and some is Adirondack dabbers. I like the super matte finish of the anirondacks-they are easy to use a variety of mediums over. I think this painting is going to be a mermaid. We'll see!

More art journal pages, and another page from Frolicaholic:

1808 Colonial Pinkeepers for sale

These are the actual models for the cover of my cross stitch chart by the same name. Once their modeling session was over they have been languishing in my model drawer, hoping I would remember them and put them up for adoption to a good home! 

Prices are ridiculously reasonable, bordering on outrageous!

They are available at TDIPT Mercantile this month.

xx

~Annie

I'm taking an online workshop for Art Journaling

It is called 21 Secrets and it is super fun!

 There are 21 different artists who share their techniques with videos and PDF's. The whole workshop costs $59 and is available until the end of 2012. 

I think that's a pretty good value for the $. 

Of course I immediately gravitated to the workshop given by Jane Davenport, as I am totally smitten with her work, and she uses a lot of the supplies I am totally in love with. I have also previously taken a mini-workshop with Jane called Draw Happy-which
I totally loved and found inspirational.

SO,

that is one of the things that has been occupying my time lately, in between plans for my newest doll projects. Here is a little peak at some of the workshop work(play) I have done:

AND,

 On another note, 

thank you so much to all who participated in my poll. It will really help me to get a better idea of the techniques dollmakers would like to learn.

So thanks!

xx

~Annie

I (heart) Frolicaholic!!!

More art journal love!!!

I (heart) my art journal!

This one is unfinished, but I am loving the Jane-ness of her!

Finding my way-Part 2

So every time I get myself into this place where I am exploring a new art form, I am racked with guilt because I am creating just for myself and not really making anything to sell. As I have said in my last post I am coming to terms with this aspect of the artistic life, and learning how it is also very valuable.

By allowing myself to explore I have found that the inspiration as to how this is going to fit into my professional life will come.

And it has!

What I have learned from all of this art journaling,

 or rather re-connected with,

 is that I LOVE ILLUSTRATION!

Those who have been buying my doll patterns from the beginning may have noticed that they have become more and more illustrative through the years. I have decided that along with publishing some new doll patterns, I would also like to share my 12+ years of dollmaking experience.

 So I have decided to publish a series of little art-zines all about dollmaking and dollmaking techniques.

These will be very illustrated and cover all sorts of techniques and topics that relate to dollmaking. 

I would love your help!

You may have noticed my poll at the top of the screen. I would love to know what types of techniques you would be interested in. Also, if you have any other suggestions of things you would like to learn PLEASE feel free to drop me a comment! I would love to hear any and all suggestions you may have on the subject.

Thank you all so much for visiting!

 I promise not to be such a stranger!!!

xx

~Annie