Gothic

I recently explored my more gothic side when I needed a Halloween costume.  I have always been inspired by the Japanese Gothic Lolitas (if you aren't familar- Google it- some of the outfits are amazing!) and decided I would go as a Gothic Lolita-esque version of Wednesday Addams.  While imagining my costume, I decided a needed a doll- dressed exactly like I was dressed- to finish the costume.  Here is the result:

I was pretty pleased with the result but decided I would peruse Etsy to see other variations on the same gothic theme.  I came across VagabondCafe and was instantly in awe: 



Helen



Claudia



Idette

I truly love how "awfully" cute they are- and just the right amount of twistedness that I felt instantly drawn to them.  I might have to start a little collection...

I'm back!!

I know it has been quite a long time since I have posted- and I truly apologize.  I have been caught up in the real world- interviewing for a job and starting it last week.  Now that I am somewhat back to normal, I hope to begin posting more and feeding my creative side.  Just for a starter- I was perusing my favorite Chicago store (Praha) yesterday and found this photo.  I fell in love IMMEDIATELY!  Mildred (that is actually her name as it is written on the back) has just the kind of sassy attitude that I wish to portray with my dolls and their stories: 

I find her truly inspiring!!  Talk to you again soon!

Ebay Find- Blissartwork

I know it has been a while- and I apologize.  Nothing is worse than sitting down at your computer and getting a blue screen.  Needless to say- it wasn't a big deal- and we are all fixed!!

I couldn't sleep the other night so I did what most insomniacs do- peruse Ebay.  I always look for artwork by original artists, and I have been lucky to find some great finds over the years.  On this little late night adventure, I ran across the artwork from Blissartwork and I was intrigued.  I am always drawn to the more 'folksy" artwork- and the more colorful, the better.  Below are a few of the pieces I discovered- all reasonably priced and very interesting...

Animals

Women

Mouse

Red Bird

I know it's Blue Monday...

But I am going to use this inspirational day to share some pictures I have come across lately that inspire me (many of which do include blue).  They are the newest additions to the "Inspiration Board":

First off- I found this picture in a magazine and it looks just like my dog (Iggy) when he was a puppy (I'm reeling you in with the cuteness factor- how could anyone resist this?)

I am always inspired by interior design magazines- after all- I did go to interior design school.  Lately (for the past year or so) I have been particularly drawn to Swedish design although, I must admit, I am not necessarily sure that I could live in a home where white is a main factor (refer to cute picture of The Iggyness above):

So white and clean!!  And- someday- I will own a Mora clock...

Don't you just love the tile floors?

I truly love the use of color in the next room- I have always been drawn to the combination of red and blue (I know- how can I love the simplicity of Swedish design and also love the boldness of this room?  Welcome to my mind...)

 And finally- my other favorite- the beach house.  Who wouldn't want to live here?

May your Monday be filled with puppy thoughts and beach house dreams...

How to Be Alone

                                      How to be Alone

Fabric-palooza!

One of the most difficult things in making my dolls different is the choice of fabric for the clothes.  I am drawn to more of the home decor fabrics- which are usually the most expensive (between $20-$40 a yard).  In discussing my dolls with a friend, I was delighted to find out that she had a garage full of decorator sample books that she had inherited from her mother (who was an interior designer).  And when I say a garage full- I mean it literally!! 

She graciously allowed me to go through the stockpile and pick what I wanted- and I could hardly contain my excitement!  These sample books are just enough material for the dolls I make...

And this isn't even half of them!  Here are a few of my favorite patterns:

Thanks Jamie!  I cannot thank you enough!!

Blue Monday

For today's Blue Monday post (where we celebrate all things blue) I am posting some  pictures of my hometown of Grand Haven, MI.  This week residents are celebrating that wonderful time of year known to all Grand Havenites:  the annual Coast Guard Festival. 

 Picture courtesy of Wsilver

Perhaps my love of blue was inspired early in my childhood by Lake Michigan- the way the cerulean sky (remember last weeks post!) melds into the blue waters. 

      Picture courtesy of Daniel Marchese

I used to spend a lot of time in cottages along the lake- and I still remember how I felt connected to the world just by listening to the methodic sound of the waves hitting the beach.  I have tried to recreate the feeling with my "environmental sound" alarm clock- but it isn't the same.  I now live on the other side of the "Big M" in Chicago, but deep down I am still a Grand Haven girl.  And I will always have a spiritual connection to this place...

Picture courtesy of RKramer62