Laura Ingalls and Her Legacy

I love the Little House on the Prairie books, all of them! I read them years ago, have read them several times since then, and confess that even now that I am much older, I still like to take them out and read them. Being an avid history fan of almost any kind, anything related to the way of life and adventures of various pioneers always captures my attention. Laura Ingalls Wilder has left us a treasured legacy in the telling of pioneer life as it was when she was growing up!

She was a most interesting author and I do believe I have read just about every biography book about her and her family- which is what inspired me to create some of the family members themselves.
Charles and Caroline, her parents, were recently finished this past week,



I added Laura and Almanzo based on photos taken at their time of marriage,



and I had to do a little miniature of Laura as I pictured her being a young girl.




Stay tuned, because I may just add some more characters to this theme, that's the fun of doing the art work that I do- I never know who I will get a fancy to make next!

A King Henry VIII Christmas

It is a cold and snowy Christmas morn at the castle. Once again, King Henry and his 6 wives gather
about the toasty fire and exchange heart warming gifts that bring tears to their eyes.

(Nothing like a gift that
touches one's heartstrings...)

To each of his wives Henry presents a copy of a book entitled, "How to Not Lose Your Head", and a framed picture of
himself with the caption, "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I am angry".

(Fair warning Henry, thank you...)

To Henry his wives present two special books entitled "How to Make Your Marriage Last", and "1001 Ways to Curb Your
Temper".....not that you need the help Henry, mind you...


Well, that's it- a small glimpse into the lives of the Tudors on Christmas morn...kind of gets you right in the heart, doesn't it?

Just Do It!

Today I was looking over some of my first art doll characters that I made- ugh...you can tell I was learning! But you know, everyone had to start out somewhere, right? So I kind of smile when I see those, and I like to keep them as
a reminder of how far I have come.

I used to only make female dolls because making male dolls scared me since the clothing was much more of a challenge. I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I avoided pushing myself to learn....but that bugged me.
So, I forced myself to get past my apprehensions and do it anyway...I don't know
how many made it to the trash bin, but I am sure there were quite a few that did!



I guess the moral of the story is, it is a good thing to stretch yourself. To try things that sound tricky, or hard. It feels good when you set a challenge and then
realize that if you try hard enough, you will see the reward.




Do I still try things that are new and potentially difficult? Yes indeed I do, and I will always try to do something new if I can- as a matter of fact, I have a book I keep new ideas in for me to try,(if I ever get around to it!).

If you are toying with some ideas to try and are scared to do it, my advice is to
go for it, you just may be surprised at the results!

The Artist Behind the Art

I love to sometimes take a step back and look at all my art work that is carefully
displayed in a four level glass and oak case. I think about all the hours it took me to get the characters finished, and wonder how I found the time- especially with having 3 teens, 1 college student, and a husband underfoot!

But you know? As anyone who enjoys doing any sort of favorite activity, we find the time to do what we want. So that explains how I have dones hundreds upon hundreds of characters. If I didn't enjoy it, I sure wouldn't be doing it. If you can't find me doing the laundry or cooking, you will most likely find me amidst a pile of assorted fabrics, paint, and bits of wood and doodads- watching episodes of Andy Griffith, the Waltons, or Little House on the Prairie...or maybe watching Les Miserables or The Count of Monte Cristo.

I enjoy my artwork, and I really enjoy the creative outlet it provides-hope you have one too!

http://www.uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

Just For Fun...Jedward!

I meet some wonderfully nice people through my online art shop. Just recently I had a lovely gentleman all the way from London, UK purchase some items and he mentioned to me that I ought to try making the twin sensations "Jedward" from the talent show,
"X-factor".

I am not up on those things, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to look them up. Well, I must admit they certainly are an interesting pair all right. They don't appear to sing, but they do seem to have something about them that is causing quite a stir...is it the dancing? the showmanship? or maybe the hair?? I don't know why some things become suddenly wildly popular, but at any rate I thought I would give them a try- one thing is for certain, they do have a look all their own!

Susan's Cinderella Story

Once there lived a young girl in Scotland. She lived a very simple life, and grew up facing many obstacles. Throughout her life, the girl harbored a secret dream that some day she would sing for the whole world, and for years she kept the dream inside of her. One day her chance came- and despite many who gave her a hard time , she kept going…. and sing before the world she did! And the world is glad she is sharing her beautiful voice, and will hopefully do so for years to come!

This special character is in tribute to Susan Boyle’s strong will to keep going even though many gave her a hard time for doing so. I created her in a black sequin dress, wine velvet cloak with fur trim, and a small silver crown upon her new stylish hair do. She stands a petite four and a half inches tall and is a perfect gift for the Susan Boyle fan- or as a little self reminder about what good things can happen when you keep trying!

Susan Boyle's Interview

For those who may be interested, here is Susan's latest interview where she recieves the gift I made for her...I am so happy she got it, and seemed happily amused to get it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CcceeZhEhE






I look forward to her upcoming CD this fall!

What??

(Susan's New Look)

I have to say this week has been one full of surprises for me...I got a call from my mother in law this past Wednesday morning telling me that she had just seen my Susan Boyle miniature I had made in honor of Susan's outstanding accomplishments on a clip of the Today Show. I was shocked because I had no idea that was going to happen!

The full interview was on America's Got Talent that evening.,...and I was so happy that I got to see Meredith Viera give Susan the little miniature and that she looked happily amused by it. I love Susan Boyle, she is a lovely person and I cannot wait until her CD comes out, I will be first in line to get it if I can!

At any rate, I have enjoyed getting to watch Susan become an outstanding success- I just know she will do wonderfully in the months to come. I wish her all the best!!