abi monroe

.... so another two months have passed.....

2011-12-16T18:50:00.002-06:00

I blame facebook.

Hello everyone...um, is anyone there?!!

Art dolls. Blythe clothes. Furniture. And a Charity Auction....

LOVE 146 ~ end child sex, slavery, and exploitation. It still happens you ask? hell yes.

Here is the auction, here is the story....Click HERE

A collaboration of artists, wanting to make a difference... my handmade contribution ~

Please visit the Auction page to read and bid!!! ~ HERE ~

I've also been busy making clothes for Blythe... here is my girl Elly showing off...

The necklace to the right was made by the beautiful Ivana of IkaFactory.

Also, Elly is sporting a new pair of eyechips, and boots created by my ever-so-talented friend Wendy. She has a groovy new shop you should visit :O) ~ HERE ~

I also made an art doll recently...

And that's about it!! I've been busy, but not much to show for it!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas... see you in 2012!!

Oh My Gosh! two months & a new shop

2011-10-16T00:10:00.001-05:00

Two entire months without a post - I don't believe it! where has time gone...is there anyone out there?
I have had a good time... my parents came to visit from England, and I didn't want them to leave, I've made a few art dolls, and lot's of clothes for Blythe....

My husband could use some practice with the camera (at least he got more than just our feet in this one ) *snigger*

I miss my parents.

The art dolls..

I have had a fun and frustrating time making clothes patterns for Blythe... unfortunately I have thrown more away than actually created. The learning process is a tough one, but life would be boring if everything was a breeze.

Here are a few...

Well, you get the idea...

My new *Etsy Shop* opens today! yay!

If you'd like to see more of my *Winter Collection* check out my shop ~

Taylor Couture

I also have a new doll... she is a resin BJD Lati Green Senny ~ she is super cute, and the first of many more BJD's I am positive!

She was owned by my friend Lisa Marie who named her Winter Lilee. She arrived a couple of days ago, with her bunny!

I made her a little outfit ~

Toblerone found a not-so-great place to sit and view the new addition.

Until next time...off to catch up on everyone else :O)

{New Dolls, Blythe, & a Brown Widow, not} oh, & an Etsy SALE!

2011-08-14T11:28:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple of ornament art doll busts I made for the ADO mini monthly challenge ~ half & half ~

Harriet the Pig, & Evelyn the Cat

My obsession for Blythe dolls is mounting. I don't know why, I really didn't like them until recently. I blame my friends Wendy & Deb.
I have just ordered my first Blythe, whom I intend to customize. She will be my model for the clothes line I am going to create.

Photo credit ~ Emily Grey

Best photographer of Blythe Dolls I've seen thus far.

We have an amazing Black Widow spider living under the eaves of the studio/sunroom (several in fact!) - I think they are beautiful ~

I couldn't get a decent photo, unlike this one by Rivadock4

The other morning, I spotted a spider on the inside of the window, right where one Black Widow has her nest on the outside. At first, I wondered why she had moved inside - closer inspection realised it wasn't her. I got very excited because I thought it was a Brown widow... alas, it wasn't.

Poor thing wasn't happy about being in a glass jar, so I found her a new home. Outside.

To celebrate my excitement of my new shop (although it's empty right now!) I 'm having a little sale over at my ~ Etsy art doll shop ~

{new dolls & ebay}

2011-08-08T13:34:00.001-05:00

I joined Ebay (was an Ebay.co.uk member) but it's all changed so much - took me forever to figure it all out.
I listed my Zutter machines, since I don't use them, and got the bug for auctions again, so I listed my latest doll ~
Here is the listing ~ Meadow
Feedback welcome - There is still an hour or so on the Zutter machines if you want a new toy :O)

Meadow

and here she is with Seal the kitten :O)

I also made another doll called Noirelle ~

She is in my Etsy shop

and check out these little sweeties ~
I wish they would stay as kittens :O)

Hope everyone has a great week!

~ Dolls & Mannequins ~

2011-08-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Happy 1st August!!
Here is a selection of dolls and jewelry display mannequins I've been working on...

Her name is Philoo.

~ Etsy ~

This is Birdy, with her egg. Gone to live with my friend Cindi ~

Here are a couple of ornament art dolls ~

And some mannequins, to display jewelry ~

Back to work :O) Hope everyone has a great week.

~ New Dolls, Doll Registry, & my kittens :O)

2011-07-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

The lovely Nathalie wanted a doll inspired by the novel The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton. Nathalie named her Delphine.....

Here is my latest Cadabby Pixie called Bella Moo. She would like a new home, since I chuckle at her freckles.

To re-home her, she can be found here ~ Etsy ~ :O)

I have recently joined the International Art Doll Registry, presided by Deb Wood. I recommend joining if you make art dolls - not only can you have your work registered, there is so much to learn, with great tutorials & a fine network of doll artists. I'm hoping I will be able to attend IDEX with them in January 2012.

Finally, thought I'd show my ~~babies~~ kittens off! They are growing too fast. Toblerone & Corky's twisted back legs are perfectly 'normal' now! yay! I must admit, I was aporetic, and didn't think the massage, stretching, bandaging (& splinting for Tobelerone) would work, but hell yes, it did!!

6 weeks old.

~ Wedding Day La Mémoire ~ New Doll ~ Egg ~ Pets ~ WIP ~

2011-07-07T14:14:00.001-05:00

5 years today :O) Good times.
Silvija's Custom Doll ~ Such a gentle & kind customer. Was a pleasure.

This little egg was the only survivor following a bad storm. I put him/er and the nest back in the tree, but the mama did not return :O(

It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Nigel agrees... who lies on the couch in the studio, watching me procrastinate (we do that a lot)

And when I do get working, Ghost comes and plonks his bum in front of me, so I have to stop for a while :O)

And Gizmo, studio helper #3 is feeling much better after her ~ Vet feared she may have Cancer ~ episode. Turned out to be a viscous infection. (Texas, however remains undiagnosed).

& finally a work-in-progress shot~

New Dolls & what's with dying fabric?

2011-06-30T15:25:00.000-05:00

I can't dye fabric the colour I want. Never. Ever. I wanted black, or at least it to look like this ~

But no, I get this ~

Which happens to be an indeliberate, yet perfect match for an outfit I'm making for a custom doll, inspired by this book ~

Oh, I had a split in the glove I was using, and have a beautiful grey blue set of fingers .

I bought these yesterday ~ love the colour.

New Dolls

~ Etsy ~

Second & third Cadabby Pixies

This is Tinker ~

And this is Taylor ~

Tinker & Taylor

Any tips on removing dye from ones hands? would be grateful:O)

New doll, with a Victorian edge...

2011-06-25T10:29:00.010-05:00

Baudette knew what she wanted, which made this doll a joy to work on... I was a bit slow with getting her hair right though!
This was her final hair do of three :O)

second do ~

first do ~

It's amazing how hair can alter the appearance of an art doll.

I didn't get my dolls finished in time for Vanessa's mad tea party, but there are so many great blogs to visit ~ HERE ~

My poor fella Texas

has a mysterious illness....
He has had every test under the sun, & still has dramatic weight loss for no apparent reason. He doesn't appear ill, just skin & bone...that can't be right eh?

And blogger? bugger blogger, it's still playing up....I keep getting ~
"400.
That’s an error.Your client has issued a malformed or illegal request. That’s all we know"

New doll, & a quote I love.....

2011-06-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

Here is a new custom doll. I hope Beth won't mind me saying, since this is so personal... her sister has a degenerative illness, and this doll is a kind of eulogy. I feel so privileged to have created her with Beth.

For more images click ~ HERE ~

One of my art doll maker friends, has authored a book. Patricia of Papillon Blue UK. It's written in English & French, & is an absolute treat!

Lets hope it becomes one of the best selling books of all time, like this one ~

Written by British author Anna Sewell in 1877.

It has a quote at the very end, which encapsulates my thoughts about people and religion, but could never quite word it as I wanted to. Here it is ~

....

".... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham...."

~Black Beauty, Chapter 13, last paragraph.
(I think my mum & dad would agree)

Spot the 4 cats.

And of course ~~my babies~~, the kittens are doing well (apart from the odd eye infection, and umbilical abcsess the size of a quarter (10p size for the Brits)

More Images ~ HERE ~

:O)

Toblerone & Corky :O)

2011-06-12T09:48:00.002-05:00

The four little kittens are 2 weeks old! yay! they are super cute, and have just started opening their little eyes. Toblerone & Corky each have a splint & bandage on their twisted hind leg. Lets hope it works, else we'll have 2 three legged kittens pouncing around.

Toblerone.

Corky.

Pretty sky! we had the most amazing storms last night.. quite scary in fact.

And. Can an art doll be cute and scary? it would seem so...

art by Julien Martinez

Today is the final day for bidding on the art shrines over ~ HERE ~

http://recuerda-mi-corazon.com/

(use Firefox or google chrome browsers)

Bidding closes at 6pm PST today.

100% of funds raised will be going to Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots.

Four exquisite examples....

~ Mita Barter ~

~ Rebecca ~

~ Dean Acton ~

~ Constance Muller ~

I hope you can join in!

Custom Art Doll

2011-06-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed creating this art doll for a fellow Brit... thanks Amy :O)
Amy named her Anais.

I made her fabric bag from a Tilda pattern... downsized the pattern somewhat! Think I'd like a full sized one for me!

There is still time to check out all the shrines in the auction to benefit Oaxaca Streetchildren grassroots Visit HERE

Final bidding ends June 12th at 6pm PST

(browser ~ use firefox/google chrome)

I apologise again for the lack of replies... commenting issues re-appeared, and a vanished follower button - I guess the blogging pixies are up to mischief again.

~ New Doll ~

2011-06-04T12:45:00.002-05:00

I wanted to try something new, so learnt a sculpting technique from the late Hannie Sarris... HERE

The kittys are 7 days old... all doing well, & the two kittens with twisted legs are slowly improving. I could only get two quick photos before mum got really pissed! I was trying to photograph Toblerone, who has a cute little triangle marking on his face, when mum yelled at me, grabbed him, and took him back to her nest. The photo was too blurry, so will try another day. She lets me do physio on them, she just doesn't like the camera I guess!

Corky.

Seal.

Bidding starts 5th June ~ HERE ~

You can view the shrines now, but need to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. Ie. Mozilla/Firefox or Google Chrome!

~ Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots Benefit Art Auction ~

2011-06-01T09:07:00.003-05:00

The Auction site is open for viewing!

Please take a look at all the wonderful shrines.

To view the auction web page, you will need to open the page using either

~ MOZILLA/ FIREFOX

~ GOOGLE CHROME

NOTE ~ Internet Explorer as a browser will not work

100% of the money raised will be going to ~

* Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots *

Auction site ~ http://recuerda-mi-corazon.com/
The bidding comences June 5th - 12th

Please share the link above & the banner below to spread the word

To install Mozilla/Firefox link HERE
Using Apple? link HERE

~ Kittens & Things ~

2011-05-29T14:10:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was an eventful day with one thing and another... but here is one cute fella with a disability, who arrived along with his(or her!) 3 siblings...

Two of the them have this problem....

But, they are nursing well. I am hoping I can manipulate them back to the right position with some light physio.

Grey is doing so well! she must be tired.
Tiger thinks it's all a bore....

The photo of this little guy was taken by Bobby

An Ornate Box Turtle.

I understand they are an endangered species here in Oklahoma. I wonder if the 'counters' have sat on our land... I remove at least 2 a day from the dog yard, and put them over in the field where I set up some little water holes for them. Out of 10 acres, why on earth do they keep wanting in the dog yard? I don't know about endangered, but they are in danger every day they tip toe into the dog part ~ how they do that with a fence all around? I think they are super cute.

The previous owner did a fabulous job of planting aromatic plants! I could sit and smell them all day.
**
Last, but by no means least ~

The viewing of art shrines for the benefit auction starts on June 1st
~ will share the link on the 1st ~

Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots

New Custom Doll & a Catcus

2011-05-27T11:51:00.002-05:00

Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone for not commenting on their blogs, I always like to try & reply, but I can't access the comments section on other blogs (by the sixth time of being asked to sign in, & still being anonymous, I want to throw the laptop out the window, quite frankly!) It is driving me to distraction. I'm so tired of Bloggers errors, I am seriously considering switching to a different blog... but which one?!!...

Anyway, whilst I ponder, here is Miette, a new custom doll.... Thanks Rella, you were so cool to work with.

For more images click HERE

I'm growing a new rare plant. called a Catcus ~

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

BTW ~ see the post for auction update ~ HERE

ANOTHER POST? but this one is so important!

2011-05-24T10:18:00.001-05:00

~ The date has been arranged ~

Auction open for public viewing ~ June 1st

Bidding commences ~ June 5th - June 12th

I will post the link for the Auction on the 1st.

Here is a bit more detail of my entry...

she is called Zizula Cynai, (a breed of a blue Mexican butterfly)

The money raised will be donated to Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots.

I hope you will join me, and the other 29 participating artists :O)

~ New Custom Doll ~

2011-05-21T11:09:00.003-05:00

Thank you Jill. It was such a pleasure.

Watering the garden (yard) & Anna Majboroda's digital art ~

Click above for more images :O)

New Doll, New Cat, New Hair Style :O)

2011-05-10T11:57:00.002-05:00

Nigella is a custom doll for a very special person.

Thank you Angie, I enjoyed creating her with you :O)

*****

This is Moo...

She's a stray too :O)

Well, at least she was. She is addition # 14

There is something I love about her face - but I can't quite figure it out.

I think she is stray Grey's mom. She has just been fixed, since we don't really need more cats, especially since Grey is going to have kittens :O) she was already pregnant when she arrived, so we have to wait until they are born.... I hope she has a small litter!!.. her belly says otherwise.....

They have both settled in very well :O)

The pigs... loving their mud....

Henrietta smiles when she's eating, and in mud.
Isabelle loves it too.....

Aw, I love my smelly dirty pigs :O)

****

Jesse shaved my hair off.. (sorry mum... I didn't mean to give you a near heart attack)

Matching hair do's... oops :O)

20" won't take long to grow back. will it?!!

~ Charity Auction Art Doll ~

2011-04-29T20:35:00.003-05:00

~ DATE TO BE ARRANGED ~

Visit Recuerda Mi Corazon for some sneak peaks

~ Due to a technical hitch, the art shrine auction has been delayed a tad ~

I had such fun creating my entrant, and I hope you will like her, and better still, I hope you will bid on her, or my wonderful art shrine counterparts!

OAXACA STREETCHILDREN GRASSROOTS

100% of donations will go to support the sincere efforts of Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots,

a trusted community outreach facility dedicated to providing a multilayered approach to assist children and their families in skills that ensure their own independence and success.

NEW doll, NEW chair, & maybe, NEW dog!

2011-04-22T15:58:00.001-05:00

Created for the Etsy Art Dolls Only Team 2nd quaterly challenge; Framed dolls ~
Chapardeur has been framed for a bank robbery & is on the wanted list.

She's for sale in my ETSY SHOP

For more images ~ HERE ~

Loopybooby's Beth doesn't like this chair & she didn't want to cooperate. I don't much like the chair either. It was a pain to make, so will be a one off!

This is Ellie, above. She lives about 3 miles away, & seems to have taken up residence with us. Even though she's afraid of our big dogs, she keep returning. I wonder when her owners will give up retrieving her? she settles down by my side, & this morning when she arrived, she wanted to help with the photography of Chapardeur. She loves Nigel & Badger in particular. Nigel has settled in BTW ~

He likes this cushion.

And look at Rosie Boy & Moonface... precious.

Hope everyone enjoys Easter :O)

~ The Latest Addiction ~

2011-04-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

1:6 scale home furnishings!! oh dear, a new "damn too many ideas going on in my mind, it will explode in any minute" obsession.
I think I love making miniature furniture as much as dolls.

Here is my latest art doll Millésime ~ on the first Chaise Longue I made from paper clay and velvet. I really enjoyed making the removable pillow (cushion) covers - but didn't enjoy stuffing the inserts with Feather down... :O)

My beloved Loopybooby Beth. Colleen, her creator would probably say that Beth thinks the pillows are stupid, and there are too many :O)

Loopybooby shop

I bought an 11.5" BJD in Walmart (!) for scale purposes for furniture. Then couldn't resist taking her apart to see how a BJD works, then decided to paint her white and add hair! Anyone guess what she was originally?

The lamp I made from beads, a door knob, card & fabric roses. The side table is half a wooden candlestick!

I have more designs in the making :O)

*****

NEARLY TIME FOR THE AUCTION......

Please visit the lovely Rebecca for more details. there is still time to join in and create a shrine.

~ HERE~

New DOLLS, New CAT, New FLOWERS!

2011-03-31T21:31:00.001-05:00

I have just finished two dolls inspired by images on Moodboard (you can see all on my flickr page ~ HERE

I had fun making feet! & painting henna tattoos on her feet & legs....

She is in my ETSY SHOP now.

A commissioned Art Doll ~

Our new stray kitty (# 13!)... she has made herself at home, & is totally lovable. Meet Grey ~

This is the first time we have experienced spring in our new home ~ these are three trees loaded with color ~ our lovely mailman did tell me what they were called, but now I can't remember!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

~ Two new art dolls, & Shelter Box ~ JAPAN RELIEF

2011-03-20T20:48:00.006-05:00

Lime is a black doll, Turquoise is a white doll. They are bff, and $25 from each sale will be going to Team Aquatic Angels ~ Shelter Box USA JAPAN RELIEF. If you'd like to help reach the $1000 goal, please stop by the page :O)

They are in my Etsy shop ~here~

For more images ~here~

My adorable friend Rebecca added this quote on the Team page. I really like it.

"IF YOU TAKE CARE OF THIS MOMENT, YOU WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL TIME" ~ BUDDHA

New Doll, Dirty Piggys

2011-03-13T12:22:00.001-05:00

Before I share the new doll and dirty pigs, how about making a shrine/art piece for the charity online auction Rebecca is holding? Rebecca has updated the list of contributors so far... and the more the merrier? The money raised will be going to the Oaxacon Streetchildren Grassroots. Please send Rebecca an email for more information - she would love to hear from you ~ HERE ~

Here is a photo of some of the beauties that will be accompanying my art doll for the auction. I'm going to have trouble parting with them. Andrea of Sheep Creek Needlecraft is their creator.

****

A commissioned fairy art doll by the lovely Pam. She is painted in a beautiful Burnt Sienna.

Thank you Pam. I thouroughly enjoyed the challange. Pam has named her Hotaru.

***

Our piggys have continued to settle in well. They are on a diet, because I was over feeding them. They don't seem to notice the reduction luckily. They were beautifully black & white when they first arrived. I'm almost certain they must have lived in a barn only, because they have been covered in mud since day two of living with us. We are about to put up some more fencing to extend their paddock, and they'll get some fresh grass to turn over.

I love this shot of their big bottoms! LOL

If they are not sleeping, or rolling in their mud bath, they are doing the above... heads down, wagging tails & turning grass to mud!

~ New Art Dolls & A New Shop! ~

2011-03-06T13:49:00.001-06:00

I have been incredibly disciplined this week and managed to remove myself form the laptop, and made three dolls!
The first two are commissioned, & the last one called Mia is looking for a new home via Etsy She is the last of the winter Bohemian/Bo-ho Chic range!

Kathy has named her doll kendal, which I think suits her very well. Kathy knew exactly what she wanted her doll to wear, and I enjoyed the challange to 'get it right'. I also discovered I love making miniature things, & this paint palette & brush was no exception. Kathy also wanted a Black Labrador..

***

Christine wanted a doll similar to Snowflake - it's impossible for me to recreate a doll, but I think I encapsulated some of the features.

Christine, the new owner of this doll, has a cute little pup called Bonny - I think this Whimzy pet takes the part.

******

Mia ~ Etsy

These boots were inspired by the amazing Colleen of A Dollmaking Journey... she made the cutest pair for her doll Truffle... Colleen made hers from leather and clay - mine are made just from clay, stamped and painted to look like leather.. I prefer Colleen's so will try using real leather next time! Thanks Colleen for the inspiration!

****

My friend Natalie opened her Etsy shop! yay! please go & say howdy....Natlalie Creating. Her creations are so so lovely.. look at this cute owl called Coco... totally adorable.

Natalie Creating

~ New dolls, new friends & when I was 18 ~

2011-02-22T23:09:00.003-06:00

Shall start with the dolls....
This is a doll commissioned by a beauty of a woman. Inspiration was taken from an outfit she is wearing on her very own website. Thank you Brenda, such fun, & I finally got to use this fabulous fabric I've been saving for that 'right' doll! :O)

***

My latest doll in my Bohemian collection ~ Henni.

She has her very own Ugg boots and Whimsy Pet.

****

I had a wonderful surprise today.. gifts made by my friend Natalie in Australia, who is so lovely and totally talented. I am thrilled, & wish she would open up an Etsy shop, don't you agree?!

Thank you so much Natalie, you rock :O)

***

Now some reminiscing...

A photo of friends & I (I'm the 18 year old in the middle!) We were all student nurses studying mental handicap, based at Aston Hall Hospital, Derby, UK in 1989.

Aston Hall was home to people who had been removed from society due to their mental handicap status. It wasn't the best way to support people who had disabilities, but that's the way it was in those days. The hospital closed down several years ago, and all those who lived there, now live in mostly small, person centered homes, which I hope, accomodates their individuality, with dignity & respect.

This is a photo of the Mansion... the nurses home was just beyond it... oh what fun we had!!

During those student years, I spent much of my free time, painting the backdrop scenery for the pantomime/play we held twice a year. I recently came across some photos of the now derelict hospital. I'm thrilled people no longer live in such an institutionalised setting, but I was so sad to see these images...

This hall used to be beautiful, with huge arched windows and wooden parquet flooring. Now the stage, burnt and vandalised

The staff canteen/cafeteria...

A corridor in one of the houses...

The Bra shelf!

Key numbers and locations...

Unfortunately the hall, and surrounding buildings where residents lived, are being demolished, but fortunately, the Mansion was pleasingly converted into apartments. One lucky person now owns the room we used to sit in for meetings, & exams!

(photo credits: Trousercowboy, murf2000uk)

***

Still awake? good, because there is just one more very important thing....

Please come and join us to raise much needed funds. All you need to do is create an art piece which will be auctioned on line. Please go and see Rebecca to join in ~ she would love to hear from you.

~ OWOH Winner.....

2011-02-17T10:31:00.001-06:00

Ok, This was a bit more complicated than I thought! I had to remove 2 comments, since one person wasn't entering, and one person had posted twice. I had to add 2, because they couldn't post a comment!

Counting the first 7 is you Wendy, but since you did not enter, because I am already gifting you a doll, I went to the next person, who is.... SewHappyGeek......from England no less!!!

Seriously? How bizzare!!

So... congratulations SewHappyGeek! I hope you like :O)

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to visit - I have met some amazing people along the way.

Fundraising Event & The Woodland Fairy Custom Doll

2011-02-13T14:26:00.007-06:00

** For One World One Heart event, click HERE **

My beautiful friend and articulation mentor, Rebecca of Recuerda Mi Corazon, has gracefully announced the dates for her Auction raising much needed funds for ~ Oaxacon Streetchildren Grassroots. This is a yearly ritual of Rebecca's, and an absolute must.

I am so excited to participate for my second year, and will focus on the Mexican culture this time. Rebecca is hoping to add to her list of participating artists, so if you would like to create a shrine, or piece of art work, or jewelry, which will be auctioned off online, then please go and see Rebecca here ~ Recuerda Mi Corazon ~
The actual auction will commence on 1st May, and end 7th May.
Please come and join us!

*****

Her new owner has named her Emmentine... A woodland Fairy comissioned by the gorgeous Natalie from Australia, who loves Owls :O)

The owl mask was inspired by the paper-cut owl mask by Nikki Salk & Amy Flurry of Paper-cut-project

If you are an owl lover, this is a lovely Blog ~ My Owl Barn

Thank you Natalie, Emmentine was a delight to create with you!

*****

And finally, I just wanted to thank everyone for commenting on my blog posts, and giving me wonderful feedback. I always like to reply personally, but I'm a little behind with the OWOH event comments! I just wanted you to know, I'm not ignoring your precious words, and I will come & visit you soon :O)

Cheers!

~ New Doll. New Toy ~

2011-02-05T22:15:00.000-06:00

This doll is called Bo.

Inspiration came from a great website, called Polyvore I can't believe I have not stumbled across it before now! It's totally addictive. It's a bit like creating Etsy Treasuries and scrapbooking all in one! I absolutely need much more practice :O) If you are a shopoholic, I suggest you stay away. If you are an avid window shopper it's perfect!
Here is my first play...

Bohemian by abimonroe featuring a floral belt

Dark Charcoal Melange Fitzgerald Melton Coat
$685 - stylebop.com
Marc by marc jacobs coat »

purely pretty white dress
$63 - shopruche.com
Floral strapless dresses »

FLOWER BELT
225 EUR - mytheresa.com
Floral belt »

Tasha Chiffon Flower Clip
$38 - nordstrom.com
Hair flower accessories »

Trading Phrases Catalog | Wall Decals | Wall Words
$46 - tradingphrases.com

background, writting, writing, newspaper, text, human, letter, write
artpixie.tumblr.com

28346915 - Wallpaper | INK | AmericanBlinds.com
americanblinds.com

Black Photo Corner
pixer.us

There is still time to enter the OWOH event! Go ~HERE ~

~ One World One Heart 2011 ~

2011-01-31T02:00:00.003-06:00

Hosted by A Whimsical Bohemian

My name is Abi, I'm an art doll maker, art doll collector, & animal collector. I used to live in England, but now live in Oklahoma with my husband & growing animal sanctuary.

This event is principally about meeting & greeting! the additional bit is there's a door prize for one winner! Simply leave a comment & you'll have the opportunity to win my handmade art doll, her birdy friend, & wooden keyring. If doll's aren't your cup of tea, I'd still like to meet you! I will use an online random number generator to determine the winner on February 17th. Lisa's image above was my inspiration for this doll.

She's a 17.5" tall ribbon jointed doll, made with paperclay & puppen fimo, painted with professional acrylics. Bamboo viscose hair, vintage & current day fabrics, embellished with a beautiful miniature diamond & saphire style brooch.

Her bird is handmade from English fabric, and sports a brass crown from Sweden ~ Thanks Christina!

The wooden heart keyring was handmade by my Dad in England. I painted it, and added the text.

A global collaboration, ready to be shipped anywhere on Earth!

PS. I'm also giving away a handmade art doll sketch book/ journal over at Art Dolls Only, since we are participating as a team for this OWOH event too.

~ New Art Dolls & Journals ~

2011-01-28T15:04:00.003-06:00

I have just completed a custom doll for a beautiful woman who is also an amazing cloth doll artist, amongst many more talents!

This doll is the first darker skinned gal I have made, and I really enjoyed being out of my comfort zone... I soon realised that getting dark skin results, even on camera proved tricky! I told her new owner that I wouldn't share images until she was with her... but I couldn't resist sharing just a little.... :O)

Here is a little look at the doll I created for the One World One Heart event commencing 30 31 January...be sure to come visit on ~~Sunday~~ Monday, if you want to be in the draw for her and her friend! Actually, you have until the 17th February, so there is no rush!

I'm also donating a prize via the Art Doll Only blog. I will share the link when it's ready.

I've been busy creating journals. Here is a gold spiral bound kraft covered one! it consists of watercolor paper, instead of the sketch paper. I would be making them much faster, but since Epson decided my printer was no longer satisfactory, I have been driven to buy a new one. And wait.

I am making them in a variety of sizes, and thouroughly enjoying it!

~ Art Doll Journal ~ what do ya think?

2011-01-20T18:48:00.001-06:00

Many people have suggested I sell prints of my dolls.... I'm not sure about prints per se, so I thought I would have a play. I succumbed to purchsing a Zutter Bind-it-all (didn't need much encouragement!) It's a whole heap of fun! (except for reading the instruction manual, ugg, I hate that)

Experiment One Your thoughts s'il vous plaît?

This journal/sketch book features Snowflake on the cover. The inner cover details a charming quote. Snowflake and the quote, are printed on Strathmore watercolor cold press inkjet paper, and have a slightly bevelled edge to augment dimension. 6x6", 160 pages of premium acid free 110 gram pale cream paper. Silk ribbon completes.

I couldn't decide on ribbon, so have ordered this gorgeous ribbon as a contrast...

If you haven't met Lillalota who creates top notch printed ribbon in the South of France, visit her shop ~ HERE ~

*Would love some feedback*

I also played around on Etsy, instead of working..... my latest Treasury....called...

"Out of place, but what a beauty!"

Click ~ HERE ~ to go browse & shop!

Be my Valentine? New Doll & Nigel the pillow.

2011-01-17T20:10:00.000-06:00

This is Valentine, and her two love birds! she's now in my Etsy shop.

Nigel has settled in particularly well... he appears to be a pillow for both cat and dog!!

I recently purchased this gorgeous book by Kelly Rae Roberts. It's lush.

I love these Love Birds! Too cute.

~ Nigel ~ our new rescue dog!

2011-01-09T19:56:00.000-06:00

This is probably my parent's fault, since they asked me only yesterday morning, if we had any new waifs or strays. Yesterday my answer was no. Today it is yes :O)

Meet Nigel the Daschund. (a perfectly reasonable Old Blighty name!)

Tonight he chose his bed...and snores. Very loudly.

This rescue is thanks to my sister-in-law. Her neighbours had beaten him, locked him out in the backyard with no shelter, food or water, and went away and are apparently, not returning.

Even though he has lived in an abusive household, he is adorable, sweet natured and loves our other dogs.

~ First Art Doll of 2011 ~

2011-01-07T20:08:00.003-06:00

I have been using Picasa for I don't know how long, and just discovered the create section... thought I would have a play.....

This is Steampunk, with her moving magnifying spectacles and musical movement backpack which plays 'somewhere over the rainbow', no less! - inspired by an image you can see on my flickr page HERE, for the first quaterly ADO Challenge. I love the challenges, and my aim this year is to particiapte in all of them!!

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Since it's the New Year, I thought I would share some eye candy, and my new calling cards which I am thrilled with!

This was custom designed and produced on a Heidelberg Offset press by Julie over at GoGoSnap

They have rounded edges, on a fabulous quality heavy matte, a vintage look, and a lovely decorative backside (now you can't say that very often!) We are now working on the authenticity and care instuction postcards... so excited :O)

These arrived from Papaya Art.. the calender is gorgeous, and the stickers are so fabulous, I can't bring myself to use them!!

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Black Sheep Bijoux

One talented jewelry artist, who happens to be a fabulous friend..... I love this piece so much...but go check out her stunning collection.... HERE

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Imali

Love everything in this chicks shop too! Visit her Etsy shop HERE

Over and Out

~ She's a pig! ~ final art doll of 2010 ~

2010-12-31T11:54:00.002-06:00

This is De Cerdo. I made her for the Art Dolls Only challenge 'Animal Totem'. Naturally, I just had to choose the pig!

(piglet image courtesy of Sharon Montrose)

~ One World One Heart ~

2010-12-28T11:28:00.000-06:00

I'm participating in the event ~ One World One Heart ~ organized by Lisa of A Whimsical Bohemian.

It's the fifth and final event, and is defined as ~ giving all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle, and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met, from all over the world. Each participant offers a 'door prize' and at the end of the event, a winner is randomly chosen from those who visited you.
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I am making an Art Doll for my prize, and also this little chap will be accompanying her.....

The bird, not the cat. Texas thought I'd made him a new toy. I've not made a stuffed bird before, and found this great little tutorial from Becca of Lavender's Blue. I'm not totally overjoyed with the bird, so may try a second.

I hope everyone joins in ~ sounds like fun!

~ Merry Christmas ~

2010-12-24T12:28:00.003-06:00

This is my mum and dad, a long time ago! Tee hee ~ what's with the Christmas Tree eh?

I love you mum and dad, even if I am giggling at your tree!

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Since I've just embarrassed my parents (and insulted their tree, no less) I may as well ambarrass me and my big sister...Love you too Kazzy.

Hope everyone has a lovely time. See ya'll in the New Year X

~ My latest Doll Swap with Michelle ~

2010-12-21T17:41:00.002-06:00

This is my second and last doll swap of 2010! Here is the doll I made super talented Michelle from The Studio at Crow Haven Farm.
Michelle chose to have her doll made up in pink and brown. The fabric and ribbon are all the way from England and she's ready for the Venetian Christmas Ball. I enjoyed making her for Michelle, who named her Peace...

And this is Bethany... the delightful doll Michelle made for me. Nature was Michelle's inspiration. Good choice don't you think?! She is adorable and her outfit is divine.

Michelle made some wonderful mixed media tags to go with her - she is a totally multi-talented artist!

~ Thank you so much Michelle ~

~ New doll ~ & the piggys made me cry :O(

2010-12-18T13:05:00.002-06:00

Here is Conifer, my latest doll. I have been quite productive since I also finished making a doll for a doll swap (I'll blog about that when Michelle has seen her!)

She's in my ~ Etsy ~ shop

~ Piggy update! ~

Isabelle and Henrietta have finally settled in, and my knowledge of pet pigs has evolved. Alot. The reason I cried? whilst searching the web to find a pig image for my calling cards I am having made, I came across an image of a horrific pig factory intensive farm. I felt sick, I really did.

It broke my heart, especially since my pigs LOVE to have their belly scratched... they role over onto their side, they grunt happily and fall asleep, but if you dare stop, they nudge your hand until you succumb.

Here is Hetti saying hi :O)

Please don't tell me any bad storys of factory farms, I can't cope with it... but if you do eat meat, consider the organic free range options. I'm sure any animal liker/lover would wish the animals they eat to have had a non traumatic, fair existence, at the very least?

Ps... I don't disagree with humans eating meat, I disagree with some of the ways it's produced. I hate the person that invented factory/intensive/battery farming, I really do.

~ New art doll bust ~ Decor

2010-12-14T11:30:00.001-06:00

We had snow! ok, it lasted one day, but still, snow is snow, and I like it :O)
I enjoyed making the little Christmas ornaments, so I made one more... she's called decor. It sounded a bit French, since that's where my head is right now (so to speak)

Decor is in my Etsy shop...

And here is a picture of the snow, from where I sit and create...

New doll ~ Snowflake

2010-12-09T18:44:00.000-06:00

It's taken me all week to finish this doll, because of our new additions! Pig duo were so keen to get out of the barn to roll in mud, snout around and lay in the pool, we had to build a very secure fence around the paddock. $1000 later, I think they appreciate it. These were very expensive 'drop off's'!!

She's in my Etsy shop now.

I'm hoping to be more productive from now on!

~ Proudly owned by two pigs ~

2010-12-05T21:06:00.003-06:00

Here's the story....Jesse found a pig in the workshop this morning...we were scared to get too near, thought it was wild and they can be scarey can't they? he was eating a bag of horse feed... caused a bit of havock getting to it!!

I took the photo, then we ran back to the house to figure out what to do! A few minutes later, look who was at the front door...

It was very entertaining watching Jesse decide if the pig was safe to go near.. of course as soon as we saw the eartag, we were pretty sure he wasn't wild!

I gave him some water, which he enjoyed. Alot. We discovered he was a she.

We managed to usher her into the barn, and I raced to the farm shop to buy some pig food. Whilst I was deciding what I should buy, Jesse called me to tell me he had found out that the pig had been turned loose since the owner couldn't sell, or afford to keep. I have many words to describe this person.. freakin idiot is a starter. As I reached home... pig number two arrived up the drive....

They are ADORABLE.

They love the deep straw... that's an ear poking through! She's called Isabelle.

And this is Henrietta....

In Texas we collected stray/dumped cats and dogs who wondered onto our land... here in Oklahoma it's pigs! we've only been here three months! amazing eh.

I know absolutley nothing about pigs, so have been reading up on them.. I also emailed Judy of Pigs Peace Sanctuary who I blogged about last summer. I hope she can fill in the gaps!

New Dolls, Naughty Cats & Dogs.....

2010-12-04T14:25:00.043-06:00

I have a naughty cat, and two naughty dogs.....

Tiger thought I put the glass decoration on the tree for him to play with.... nope, not what I had intended.

So the dogs thought they would get a good 'lets guard the front door' spot on my vintage Rococo (style?) couch, no less, and hoped I wouldn't notice!

This reminds me ~ I still need to put some pictures up - the entrance hall looks naked!

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This is Gold....

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This is River....

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This is Blossoming Almond Tree (Dress by Vincent Van Gogh) she was created for the Etsy Art Dolls Only 'copy the Master's' challenge...I printed the famous painting onto fabric.

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This is Sky. she's another ornament....

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This is Monsoon. Her dress is made from a beautiful dress I wore only once, from a beautiful shop in England called Monsoon!

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I will be listening them later on Etsy. I'm still creating more, but will list them as I make them...

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Thank you Sonia from Creating Vintage Charm magazine, for asking me to be the featured artist in this winter's addition... it is lovely and definately worth owning!!

You can purcahse the magazine from here

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Also, thank you to Nichelle, who featured The Nutcarcker Ballerina, and me on her

Dance Advantage website

Oh how I wish I was a Ballerina!

Tamara Rojo ~ A principal dancer with the London Royal Ballet.

Photography by Joseph Seif

Happy Thanksgiving ~

2010-11-25T21:59:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving..... and don't foget to buy your copy of ~ Creating Vintage Charm ~ It's a gorgeous magazine, and in this winter issue my dolly's get the pleasure of being in it!......

Another Christmas Ornament ~ named Storm.....

By the end of next week I aim to have five dolls ready to sell, along with the five Christmas ornaments I have already made.... I hope you will like them. I'm having a blast creating them!

Angel, Christmas Felt & Eye Candy

2010-11-18T18:45:00.000-06:00

I am absolutely enjoying doll making again... so much so, I have to drag myself away to do other things.... is that a good thing? mmmm, not sure.
I thought I would share a picture of Angel... she is a Christmas ornament. (I needed to make one for our Art Doll Only ornie swap, so thought I would make a few more! no Donna, this isn't your one)

Angel

Above is the gorgeous felt art doll & heart I received from Laurence (check out Laurence's shop- it's breathtaking~ Feltoolala)

Holi is having a sale - she is my favourite artist.

Since I managed to take a break from doll making... time to get back to it :O)

On being published...Patti's New Book....

2010-10-22T14:47:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm not good at 'blowing my own trumpet', I admit it. People keep asking to see the picture of my doll in Patti, Elinor and Barbara's new book.... so here it is ~

Patti asked five of us to make a cloth doll from her beginner pattern... Mine is called Journey ~ she is sitting on her suitcase (middle doll with her legs crossed!)

This was an image of her almost completed. She was the first doll I painted on an un-needle-sculptured head. Journey was my fifth doll.. infact, I haven't made a cloth doll since ~ cloth dolls are just too difficult!!

Anyway, It really is a lovely book, full of handy tips....well worth the money :O)

These are Patti's other books ~ click here

Florence ~ enjoying my new work space too!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend... blogger error free... yay, I have a blog in good working order at last!

~ Shop Updates ~

2010-10-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hey guys.... lot's of lovely people have been asking where my new dolls are, and why aren't they for sale? well, I haven't made any yet! I am sooooo desperate to start, but still knee deep in organizing our new home. I discovered I can not multi-task, at all.

I can't keep track of who wants to be notified, so I have set up a new account where you can leave me a note, if you want info on shop updates. The email is ~ abimonroedolls@live.com

This will be much easier for me to manage!

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Is anyone else having Blogger trouble? since the upgrade, I've been downgraded! I can't leave messages on other blogs, can't stay 'signed in' and have to revert to the old editor to access images.... it is frustrating the pants off me! I feel bad because I've not replied to any messages... perhaps if I stay in the 'old editor' mode, I will not have issues? ~*

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The new book a collaboration between Elinor Peace Bailey, Patti Medaris Culea and Barbara Willis is on the book shelves....These books are on their way to England for my mum and sister.

Last year Patti asked me to make a doll to be shown in the Gallery section of her chapter.... It was only my fifth cloth doll... and you can tell! Oh how I wish it was an image of one of my recent dolls!!
But, I'm not complaining - it was a real honour to be asked by not only my favourite cloth doll maker, but a 'doll master' at that! Thanks Patti, you are wonderful :O)

Toot Toot, back online....

2010-10-09T13:48:00.001-05:00

Soooo much catching up to do... shall take a while! the move went well, although three of my kitties have gone missing, I hope they return soon. Worries the pants off me.
The house is not to my taste at all ~ 1981 single level, (bungalow as we call them in old Blighty) with lime green and citrus orange walls... eek. The best bit is the acerage and the sun room, which is going to be perfect for doll making mess.
Since this was the only house for sale with land, we had no choice. It's a far cry from my love of converted barns, and Victorian houses, but I think I kinda like it.

Onray loving the empty boxes

Front porch, and first paddock

Stella and Jeffrey

Huge sun room for art doll creations..

Front of house, showing Jesse's workshop, which he is totally chuffed with!

keep finding these cuties everywhere!

Top end of land - the grass is lovely and green where it was cut for hay in the distance

Side view, uncut grass!

Rosie Boy and weeds

Tiger

Onray's fine about the lime green in one of the guest bedrooms (better do something about that before we have guests! nothing against lime green, but it's not particularly restful!)

Must take some more photos, and some of the dogs - Bernard the Great Dane X puppy? huge - he knocked me flying the other day - I swear he is heavier than me now!!

Will spend some time catching up with everyone later....

:O)

~ New doll ~ The Nutcracker Ballerina ~

2010-09-20T14:58:00.001-05:00

The first doll of two ~ this one is from the Ballet production of The Nutcracker.

~New Etsy Treasury ~

UN-DER-STAT-ED

Adjective: Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way. That's Etsy Project Embrace.

Guess what? ~ we are finally moving home! ~

~ will be offline for a couple of weeks as of Wednesday, so will catch up with you all soon ~

~ Take care everyone ~

~ The Hive Creative Challenge ~ Princess Bee

2010-09-14T09:37:00.001-05:00

Over at The Hive, which you should go and join, if you haven't already, Melissa and her crew have posted the first official Hive creative challenge....the subject matter ~ Autumn.

Here is my entry ~ Princess Bee...

Her favourite B pendant is never far from her finger, and the Queen Bee has promised if she can tame her unruly hair, she may become QB one day.

Made for Agah....doll swap

2010-09-09T20:22:00.003-05:00

I met Agah on Flickr a long time ago. She makes the most amazing Tilda dolls amongst other things. We decided to to a doll swap, and I think Agah thought I never would actually get one made for her! (it's been a while!) Well, I never break a promise.
You know what, Agah chose to have her dolls hair like this, but having used the Bamboo Viscose on the last doll, I think I prefer the softer look of the BV!

I made the little box which contains a sewing kit, and she has knitting needles in her hair.

Agah is an amazing artist, and photographer. She also has an Etsy shop.

This is one of her dolls she made ~ I love them.

I can't wait to see what she has in store for me! :O)

I have only just finished Agah's doll ~ it's 3.15 am her time in Poland, so she hasn't seen her doll yet.... I hope she likes her!!

New doll ~ Goose Girl

2010-09-07T21:57:00.001-05:00

I was asked if I could make The Grimms Brothers Goose Girl.... this is she (it's an awful story, although I guess it has a happy ending for the real bride!)

Just need to make the horse's head.....

And another project I'm working on ~ The Nutcracker... great Christmas story....

New Etsy Treasury for ADO, Texas, Tiger and on being a vegetarian!

2010-09-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

Etsy's Art Dolls Only Team meets divine delights...

Click here to visit the treasury

Each week one of the Etsy Treasury team members of ADO will create a new Treasury. Don't forget to leave a comment in support of all these fabulous artists... we want to get to the Front Page :O)

I found Texas hiding in a paper bag.... which happened to still have the contents of what I had just bought in there! a lovely sweater, now covered in hair - well, winter is on it's way!

Remember the kitten who turned up a couple of weeks ago,Tiger? he has turned into the biggest softie ever!

On being a vegetarian.... eating out in Texas is difficult... when I was a vegan it would have been impossible!

Jesse and I went out for breakfast yesterday, the choice was, suprise suprise, a veggy burger or a vegetable omlette. I asked the waitress if the eggs were free range - her reply was "what's a free range egg?" to cut a long story short, she really did not know what a free range egg was! I could not believe it. I still can not believe it, and probably will never believe it.

Fabulous egg and chicken photos borrowed from my favourite animal photographer Sharon Montrose.

Happy Labour Day guys. And dont' forget.... buy free range.... please?

World Art Doll, Texas & TDP Ruby

2010-09-03T12:51:00.002-05:00

This doll was made for the Art Dolls Only Tarot Card challenge. I chose World ~ which has some interesting links to where I'm at in life right now (coincidently, or not?) or, perhaps World chose me - whilst packing up the house for our upcoming move, I found a couple of globes from a previous challenge... I wondered if there was a tarot card with connections to it - and voila... The World Tarot Card.

She is in my Etsy Shop

Texas ~ is always straight in front of the camera - I had to remove him several times so I could get on with taking photos!

He is growing so much! I love him :O)

****Traveling Doll Project has come to an end***

My very first clay doll has been around the world for 6 months, and worked on by 5 amazing artists ~ Cindee, Paula, Sally, Lisa and Nancy.

I must say, the girls did a wonderful job, but what an awful doll she was to start with ~OMG I am so embarrassed, an alien with the most awful hands and limbs!! It's nice to see how I have sort of progressed in 6 months though!

Ruby's accompanying journal was a great read.

To see the entire TDP challenge visit here

It was such a fun experience ~ Thanks guys :O)

Pumpkin

2010-08-31T12:03:00.000-05:00

New art doll just finished. I'm kinda liking this Halloween theme.

She looks like she is sulking!

Etsy Front Page......

2010-08-29T22:22:00.000-05:00

Yeah! Vert made it to the Etsy front Page.... thanks to That Something, who is a fellow member of Etsy Project Embrace.
As well as rasing money for the American Cancer Society through our Etsy Sales, we all love creating Etsy Treasuries!! Just as a side note... our team goal was to raise $12,000 - we have exceeded that goal, and have increased it to $16,000 - how fantastic is that?!!!
If you are interested in joining our dynamic, friendly, fun loving life team... contact Kristin at Loveartworks

Vert the Witch

2010-08-26T19:24:00.004-05:00

My latest dolly... a Witch called Vert, off to a Witches Ball, carrying her pot of Witch Hazel....

She is made from Ladoll stone clay, and Puppen Fimo. Undecided about the Ladoll.. It's better to sculpt with than creative paper clay, but difficult to get absolutely smooth.

She is in my Etsy Shop.

NB = I must remember glitter + polymer clay = never use in the same room :O)

Haiku My Heart....

2010-08-20T09:58:00.003-05:00

It's Haiku my heart Friday with the wonderful Rebecca...

Judy & Curly

Pigs Peace Sanctuary
Are raising funds to support
Their loving pig's home

I think I broke the rule, but hey, rules are made to be broken, right?

Pigs Peace Sanctuary, is one of my favourite places, and I would love to work there. But, since I live elsewhere, all I can do is support their fund raising event, and share their fantastic work.

Albert

They are just in the process of raising funds, so if you are interested in supporting these fabulous creatures, go and check out their website, and make sure you watch the videos... they are brilliant.

Pigs Peace Sanctuary

I am having terrible trouble with writing this... the cursor has become a permenant hand sign, instead of an arrow, and it will not let me cut into sentences to change, or highlight, so I have to keep chopping between 'Edit HTML' and Compose. I have so much to say, but this is driving me nuts!!! why is this happening?!!!!

Proudly owned by another two cats....

2010-08-15T21:49:00.005-05:00

And I believe I have the dirtiest soft top in America...

What was once a crisp black hood, is now saturated with white cat hairs! nice.

Jeffrey is a new stray cat... when he arrived he was skin and bone. I found it frustrating because he would stay a week, start to put weight on, and then disappear for a week, and then return. He did this for some months, but this last few weeks, he has stayed put. I am happy about this. I have been trying to get him in the cage because he needs to see the vet... I have yet to be successful. He is a lovely cat, and I hope he stays.

One morning I heard this little fellow meowing very loudly up a tree.... I thought it was Texas, with a lost collar, and an unusual voice...I soon realised it wasn't him! He is very feisty, so I have named him Tiger. He has been cuddling up to the other cats for this last week, so I hope he will also stay.

He has just started letting me touch him.... it's amazing what Friskies tinned food, toys and a back scratch will do :O)

All the cats enjoy the dried food, but tinned food seems to attract them like chocolate attracts me.

5 of our 13 cats are orange (or ginger as we would call them in England!)... oh, 13 cats... thats a worrying number isn't it?

Cinderella

2010-08-11T18:31:00.002-05:00

Made for the Art Dolls Only and Cloth Doll Artistry challenge.... I am moving more toward Puppen Fimo... it's easier to work with, but I need to get the 'cooking' time properly managed! She has had several pairs of legs :O)

She is now in my Etsy shop

I had no idea how 'grim' the Grimm Brother's Fairy tales could be... Glad I didn't realise this as a child... I think I would have been somewhat psychologically damaged!

On with the next.....

New Fairy and Things

2010-08-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

It''s been a while....kittens and puppies have grown, and become more naughty, (well the puppies anyway)....

I made a fairy for my special friend Tania, who I miss so very much it sometimes hurts. She is the ultimate lover of fairies, and the color purple :O)

She'll be heading off to England tomorrow. I hope Tania likes her!

We found a chewed up remote control, and I have now full use of my laptop, since the new lead arrived. Bernard appears to like chewing....everything! Texas in the photo assured me it wasn't him.

We think he may have some of this breed in him...(Bernard, not Texas!)

We will see!

I bought some lovely draw knobs.....

And finally, the Art Dolls Only Traveling Doll Project has come to an end... I sent Cindee's doll back to her this week... She has seen a transformation..six artists from around the world... to read all about their travels visit here. I'm looking forward to seeing Ruby again!

I loved the journal part...

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you fancy a bit of Haiku, don't forget to go see my friend Rebecca....

Haiku My Heart....

2010-07-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

Oh yes, it's Haiku my Heart Friday with the lovely Rebecca.

She sits inspecting

emanating innocent

beauty I admire

Meet Fay, my eldest niece. What I was attempting to say is that she is beautiful inside and out, and I don't think she realises :O)

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Bernard is growing... alot. I still don't know what he will turn in to. He still loves Bear. He also loves Roam..... alot

Roam has settled in very well, and tolerates Bernard.... alot. They play all the time.

They also play with Badger... alot. She was just about to pounce on them in this photo.

Stella, loves the new chair I just bought. I love it because it was an absolute bargain, it looks brand new - cost $95 from my all time favourite antique/junk shop. It's an Ethan Allen chair, a new one would set you back $1200. Don't you just love a bargain? (just for the record, this chair is neither antique nor junk... so it was somewhat misplaced!
Not sure my husband will love it quite so much, pink isn't really his colour. I guess it will be going in my new workroom (studio, if I were to be posh) when we move :O)

County French Antiques

Friday WAS and IS dedicated to Mousey, BUT....

2010-07-16T18:07:00.001-05:00

I received this email today from Paul - The ~~Director~~ President (oops) of Rescue The Animals. Although today was and is dedicated to my best friend Mouse (post below) I wanted to pass this email and photo on to all you fantastic folk, who helped me raise money ~

"Thank you again for your tremendous donation. We spent a good chunk of the money yesterday treating 16 dogs for heartworms. They will stay in our heartworm wing at the clinic for about 6 weeks before they can be adopted.

With the local heartworm epidemic, we have been having trouble keeping up with the cost of the medications. The Brownwood Humane Society sent us a dog last week to treat because they could not afford to. His picture is attached. Your donors have saved his life along with many others.

Say Hi before you split for Oklahoma!

Thanks again,

Paul Washburn

President

Rescue the Animals, SPCA"

Thanks guys... you rock :O)

Also, than you to everyone who is leaving lovely comments about mousey.... I can't thank you enough :O)

Haiku My Heart....

2010-07-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

It's Friday, with Rebecca, my Haiku mentor, over at her place....... go see :O)

He was my best friend

A rescue dog of sixsteen

My friend, I miss you

Mouse....passed away Monday 12th July

xxx

Giveaway Draw Results......

2010-07-12T19:06:00.004-05:00

My cowgirl hat

802 numbers

The Director Paul, and his dogs at Rescue The Animals.. pulls the first number...

200 ~ Summer Smith - Tennessee, USA

Paul dives in for a second number....

240 ~ Stephanie Smith ~ Queensland, Australia

CONGRATULATIONS Summer and Stephanie.

Summer... I didn't know what your last name was, until I just went to your blog to see if it was on your profile... didn't think to do that when I was typing out all the names last night! What a coincidence you both have the same last name, and both fall into the 200's!!!

As we raised so much money, I am giving away a doll from my shop. The kittens really wanted to play with the bits of paper, so when I got home, I thought I would let them.....

Texas picked one up in his mouth..

Texas couldn't watch, unlike Mulberry.....

Soggy paper but, CONGRATULATIONS Shauna Henry 328 - Oklahoma, USA. You get to choose a doll from my shop.

Gosh, I guess 'S' names are lucky!!

Lastly.... another doll from my shop goes to a fellow artist, and a generous friend. You know who you are Pattee :O)

Thank you so much to everyone. I feel so bad everybody didn't win.

Thanks to you all, we raised........ $2240.00

Rescue The Animals wishes to thank you too, and will feature the event on their website, once I get a photo sorted!

UPDATE

Something was 'bugging' me in my head, and I felt the need to give one more doll away... ok, maybe it was the glass of red I just enjoyed, or the fact that why didn't I check to see the name Mulberry had tried to eat?

So, I checked, and 449 ~ Crystal Massuda from Massachusetts.. you are a winner too.

New doggy, poorly doggy :o)

2010-07-11T21:21:00.001-05:00

A little story.....

A photo of Mouse, two years ago, back in England.

........

First thing this morning I took Jesse to the airport... Airforce training of some sort in sunny California for two weeks. I was going to go straight to work, but my 16 year old doggy Mouse was not well this morning, so I thought I would pop home and check on him before going to work....

About a mile from home, I saw a dog limping badly on the road... (ooooh dear I said to myself, actually, I think I swore)

To cut a long story short ~ I stopped, called, she came, she got in the truck, she licked me, she wagged her tail....she's doggy number 9.

She's under weight, has red raw paws, fleas, and a beautiful temperament. I think she is a Red Heeler X Collie of some sorts... who knows!

I can't think of a name for her though.... any ideas would be very welcome? One condition: It has to be a non-human name :O)

Mouses' back end keeps collapsing, and he is acting very odd. Not good, so he is going to sleep on my bed tonight (this is an enormous treat) so I can give him a cuddle. The vets will give him a once over tomorrow, following the doll giveaway draw.....

Oh my gosh, I am so thrilled with the generosity and support you guys have given me.... between us, we have exceeded my expectations!

I am going to feel sooooooo guilty for all those who don't win... I wish I could make you all a doll!

Until tomorrow then....

ALiCe iN WoNdErLAnD ADO blog event.....

2010-07-10T11:29:00.001-05:00

My Aice In Wonderland entry! Go visit all the other fabulous dolls made for the ADO 2nd blog event challenge.

Hey! just two more days left to enter the Art Doll Giveaway... ends 9pm (CT) Sunday 11th.

Texas bought his sister Mulberry over to'help' me. So far, we have 574 numbers to write out on bits of paper to go into the cowboy hat for the draw on Monday.

There is still time to go buy! There are 11 tickets left in my Etsy shop... I've paid the listing fee, so please go buy them... and if you want more: my Ebay, or click on the button top far right of my blog!

Can you resist these cute little eyes? Mulberry is saying... Please go buy tickets... kittens like us who were abandoned and now live in the shelter over at Rescue The Animals, need your money :O)

Thank you so much everyone... couldn't have done this without you :O)

Hey it's my ****100th***** post today!!!!!

Our Wedding Anniversary!

2010-07-07T18:26:00.001-05:00

It's our 4th today! Jesse is soooo patient with me... here I am blogging, and making ACEO's for the fundraising event! tut tut. We will be going out to celebrate tomorrow though :O)

Giveaway update.....

Paul the Director of Rescue The Animals, is gong to pull two numbers out from a cowboy hat on Monday 12th July. I am sorry for the delay, which I was expecting...but I hope you don't mind too much. I will take my camera to take some shots of the event!!

I will post the results on my blog that evening, and let you know the grand total we raised :O)

There is still time to buy a $2 ACEO if you would like to contribute to the funds (will end Sunday 9pm CT)...all money raised is going to Abilene's 'Rescue The Animals'

I will send an ACEO, and also email you the numbers (the cards won't reach you by the draw date)

If you would like the chance to win one of these two dolls and their carousel horses, you can buy cards

Here: ETSY

Here: EBAY or,

the button top right of my blog.

Azure

Amethyst

For more images, please see previous posts.

Thanks everyone... couldn't do this without you guys :O)

ART DOLL GIVEAWAY.....

2010-07-06T00:21:00.003-05:00

To ~ all you lovely, kind, caring folk out there who have bought ACEO's (tickets) for my art doll giveaway to raise funds for our local 'Rescue The Animals'.....

You will be getting an ACEO (ticket) in the mail. I am making them as fast as I can, and my little helper Texas here, keeps slacking on me :O)

I will also email the number/s to you, so you have them in time for the giveaway finale!

I still need to confirm where, when and how this will happen, but I'll let you know shortly.

After I took the photo of him slacking...he moved to a more comfortable location... taking with him this ACEO, so whoever has the card with teeth marks on it.. you know who the culprit is :O)

For more details on the giveaway event.. check out all the posts below......

Cheers everyone!!

Thanking you for your support....

Etsy Treasury & Art Doll Giveaway with a Twist...

2010-07-04T16:56:00.003-05:00

My latest Etsy Treasury features artists from two teams I proudly belong to....

Art Dolls Only, and Etsy Project Embrace.

Art Dolls Only is a team of Artists who make OOAK Art Dolls. We support one another, champion one another and promote the Art Doll medium (amongst many other things!)

Etsy Project Embrace is a collaboration of Artists whose purpose is to create awareness and support for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and donate a percentage of sales from their Etsy shop. Here is the link to our fundraising page of The American Cancer Society

To view the shop of each Artist click here: TREASURY

......ART DOLL GIVEAWAY......

I'm raising money for our local Rescue The Animals, by selling $2 ACEO cards of the two giveaway dolls shown below. Each ACEO has a unique number. On the 10th July (TBC with the Rescue Center) two numbers will be picked... the owners of those numbers get the giveaway dolls and their horses.

If you buy more than one ACEO, I will only send one, with any additional numbers added, unless you request otherwise.

You can buy from here: ETSY

here: EBAY

or on my blog top right button.

The ACEO cards are approx 3x4" Strathmore cardstock, vellum envelopes and silk ribbon to complete.

Thank you so much for supporting me, and thank you to those of you who have blogged, facebooked and twittered... all this help is so appreciated!!!

Happy Independence Day

My HAIKU & ART DOLL GIVEAWAY with a twist :O)

2010-07-03T01:01:00.011-05:00

My beautiful friend Rebecca, over at Recerda Mi Corazon has began a 'Haiku my heart' feature. This is my (somewhat poor) attempt!!

Buy a card from Abi
To raise money for rescued
Animals today......

and here is how...

Every purchase of an ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) as shown above, will have a unique number. Every ACEO purchased will give you the opportunity to be given one of the above two dolls and their carousel horses.

The cost of the ACEO is $2.00

The more you purchase, the greater chance you have of having the 'giveaway' number!!!!

You can buy AECO's here: ETSY
or here: EBAY
or there is a button top right of my blog!

If you purchase more than one, I will send only one, with all the additional numbers on, unless you request otherwise.

The giveaway will be finalized on 10th July, however, if Rescue The Animals are able to identify the number, the date may need to change (TBC) They have a Dachshund Race that day!
100% of the money raised will be going to Rescue The Animals of Abilene.

I am paying for the listing fees, paypal fees, postage, and of course, I handmade the dolls, and 'altered arted' the horses!!!

Amethyst & Good Fortune

Azure & Harmony

Please see previous posts for more images.....

(kitty cat image courtesy of Sharon Montrose..Thank you)

abi monroe

.... so another two months have passed.....

Oh My Gosh! two months & a *new shop*

{New Dolls, Blythe, & a Brown Widow, not} oh, & an Etsy SALE!

{new dolls & ebay}

~ Dolls & Mannequins ~

~ New Dolls, Doll Registry, & my kittens :O)

~ Wedding Day La Mémoire ~ New Doll ~ Egg ~ Pets ~ WIP ~

New Dolls & what's with dying fabric?

New doll, with a Victorian edge...

New doll, & a quote I love.....

Toblerone & Corky :O)

Custom Art Doll

~ New Doll ~

~ Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots Benefit Art Auction ~

~ Kittens & Things ~

New Custom Doll & a Catcus

ANOTHER POST? but this one is so important!

~ New Custom Doll ~

New Doll, New Cat, New Hair Style :O)

~ Charity Auction Art Doll ~

NEW doll, NEW chair, & maybe, NEW dog!

~ The Latest Addiction ~

New DOLLS, New CAT, New FLOWERS!

~ Two new art dolls, & Shelter Box ~ JAPAN RELIEF

New Doll, Dirty Piggys

~ New Art Dolls & A New Shop! ~

~ New dolls, new friends & when I was 18 ~

~ OWOH Winner.....

** Fundraising Event & The Woodland Fairy Custom Doll **

~ New Doll. New Toy ~

~ One World One Heart 2011 ~

~ New Art Dolls & Journals ~

~ Art Doll Journal ~ what do ya think?

Be my Valentine? New Doll & Nigel the pillow.

~ Nigel ~ our new rescue dog!

~ First Art Doll of 2011 ~

~ She's a pig! ~ final art doll of 2010 ~

~ One World One Heart ~

~ Merry Christmas ~

~ My latest Doll Swap with Michelle ~

~ New doll ~ & the piggys made me cry :O(

~ New art doll bust ~ Decor

New doll ~ Snowflake

~ Proudly owned by two pigs ~

New Dolls, Naughty Cats & Dogs.....

Happy Thanksgiving ~

Angel, Christmas Felt & Eye Candy

On being published...Patti's New Book....

~ Shop Updates ~

Toot Toot, back online....

~ New doll ~ The Nutcracker Ballerina ~

~ The Hive Creative Challenge ~ Princess Bee

Made for Agah....doll swap

New doll ~ Goose Girl

New Etsy Treasury for ADO, Texas, Tiger and on being a vegetarian!

World Art Doll, Texas & TDP Ruby

Pumpkin

Etsy Front Page......

Vert the Witch

Haiku My Heart....

Proudly owned by another two cats....

Cinderella

New Fairy and Things

Haiku My Heart....

Friday WAS and IS dedicated to Mousey, BUT....

Haiku My Heart....

Giveaway Draw Results......

New doggy, poorly doggy :o)

ALiCe iN WoNdErLAnD ADO blog event.....

Our Wedding Anniversary!

ART DOLL GIVEAWAY.....

Etsy Treasury & Art Doll Giveaway with a Twist...

My HAIKU & ART DOLL GIVEAWAY with a twist :O)

Oh My Gosh! two months & a new shop

Fundraising Event & The Woodland Fairy Custom Doll