...a special thanks

Well, I don't know how many times I've returned home to a package from one of you great givers. It is such a wonderful feeling. But, a special thanks needs to be sent out to Patti Koosed of Treasure Barn: http://www.treasurebarnblog.blogspot.com/. I haven't, but should have, counted how many wonderful little comfort dolls have graced my door, and been delivered to caring hands over the past year. I can tell you that it has been over a handful. So, just a giant shout out to Patti. Thank you for your dedication to this project.

I also had the opportunity to spread the word this past weekend at our Artisan Open House. I met some wonderful women who are involved in our local shelter, which I admittedly have not yet donated to. (Hmmm, sometimes we need to look in our own back yards to extend a helping hand) They were very supportive of the project and are spreading the word.
Warm and Loving Smiles to All,
Brenda

Another new supporter!!!

Earlier this week I came home to a box at my doorway. I love it when I see a box at the door. Looking down I saw those wonderful words "Comfort Doll Project" and couldn't wait to open the box. Inside, 24 comfort dolls donated by Christine Amaryllis who is co-moderator of the Goddessdolls Yahoo Group. Christine was kind enough to post a link to our site, with her Yahoo group, suggesting that if any little goddesses need to find a new home, ours would be a great place. It's a pretty fun site, I joined, and finally signed up to participate in an ornament swap. I'm looking forward to being assigned my swap partner.  Thanks Christine!!
Smiles to All, Brenda

...sharing 3 lessons

Yesterday I once again had the privileged of listening to Eva Mozes Kor speak. Eva and her sister Miriam were twins who were experimented on by Dr. Mengele at Auschwitz, one of the concentration camps during the Holocaust of WWII. Eva has been coming to speak with our 8th grade class for the past 15 years. I share this with you because what she shared with us were 3 experiences she had, and 3 lessons she learned.
 At the age of 10, Eva  was brought into the camp in a cattle car with her family. As her family was loaded off the train, males went one way, females another. A Nazi shouting TWINS, her mother not knowing if this was good or bad, a Nazi acknowledging  good,  their mother nodded yes and Eva and Miriam were ripped out of the tight grasp of their mothers hand. Within 10 minutes, Eva and Miriam had lost their entire family. Eva described the barracks that the twins stayed. She described stepping over young corpses in the latrine, and making a solemn pledge  in her mind that she and her sister would  escape that fate. She described the injections  of germs and diseases she would be given in one arm, while blood would be taken from her other. She described laying in a bunk so close to death and hearing Dr. Mengele, the angel of death,  said laughing sarcastically "too bad she's so young, she only has 2 weeks to live" and mark her off his list. She described in this death barrack the fact that there was no food, no water, just the wait for death or your fever to break, and her knowing where water was. At 10 years old, crawling, dragging herself across a cold floor, drifting in and out of consciousness  toward water, knowing that she needed that to survive.

Her 3 life lessons were this.
1. NEVER give up. No matter how difficult life is, what your circumstance, no matter what your dream, never give up. If you keep hammering away, your wonderful minds will come up with answers that will work, never give up on yourself or give up on  your dreams, and everything good in your life will happen.
2. Do not prejudge. Prejudice was one of the reasons that Hitler succeeded to rising in power. Realize that everything that we do touches the lives of another. Just as a stone tossed into a still lake makes a ripple out, if two stones are tossed the ripples they make will reach each other. Treat everyone we meet in our daily lives with respect and kindness and judge them on their actions, by doing so we are making a difference in the world one person at a time.
3. Forgive. Forgiveness is nothing more or nothing less than an act of self healing and taking control back over our own life. Having the power to forgive is a power that everyone has that no one can take away. Using your power of forgiveness will heal your soul and set you free. Eva's letter of amnesty  

This was the third time I've listened to her speak. Each time has been inspiring. I urge everyone to be inspired daily.

drifting off to sleep last night...

Last night I fell asleep spooning with my husband, his arm wrapped around my body and then this funny wrap arm thing that we do, he holds onto my wrist and I pull both our arms then close to my body. It's a gesture that says, I am here for you, I won't let you go.
I've not always been able to sleep like this, and some nights, I still can't. (quite honestly the majority of those are due to hot flashes, but I will admit, that some are probably due to past conditioning). I used to sleep on the very edge of my bed, with my two year old son wrapped tightly into my chest.with my ex-husband on the other side. (As I write this a tear has just come down my face...I just realized how similar the "I am here for you, I won't let you go", refrain of life can be)
While drifting off to sleep last night I did drift into memories of the past. I landed on the night I awoke to paramedics banging on my door. My ex-husband had called 911, his intestines were leaking into his body. He'd had surgery a few days earlier and demanded to be released early...now he was dying in our bed, with our third son fast asleep, oblivious to the sheer horror that surrounded him.
What I thought last night was the same horror, fear, and complete detachment from this man who I called my husband then. I'd already learned about detachment through ala-non, through Melody Beattie, through wonderful self help books. I'd already learned that when he questioned my being at church for too long, and called me a slut and a liar, that it was him not me. But still, the words. The words still came in. And somehow, the words still hurt. And I still believed the words.
I write this now, so that you know that you are not alone. I've been there. You do not have to stay there. I've been blessed by wonderful Authors: Melody Beattie's  The New Co-Dependency: Help and Guidance for today's Generation,  Eckhart Tolle's The New Earth, Geneen Roth's, Women, Food, God. All of these books have helped me understand that living my life right now, not the life of my past, or the fear of the life in the future, is the life to live.They have brought me back to trust in the power's that be, you may call It God, you may call It Nature, you may call It Buddha, something in the universe that is larger than yourself, the name does not matter, the knowing is what does. And yes, flashbacks may happen, so I will feel the pain they bring, the disappointment, the anger, the sadness, and feel through it. When I feel through it, it doesn't have the same grip on me as it once had...it's amazing. I've found, like last night, that yes, it may pop back into my mind, and I may start berating myself for being so stupid, so trusting, so....wait....NO...I lived through a terrible situation the best I knew how! How courageous of me! That is what It brings. The ability to stop the abuse, even my own self-abuse.
What I'm learning now is, eh, I'll call it better detachment. The night of the paramedics, and the weeks to follow, I was detached, yes, but I had no empathy for this man. If he died, so be it,  he brought it on himself. Yes, this is true. What a very cold place in my heart. I don't want that place to exist anymore. I think that when it does, it's taking up valuable space that instead could be filled with warmth, compassion and love. That is a sensation that belongs in my heart.  That is what I am learning now. Thanks for letting me share it with you.
Warm Smiles to All,
Brenda

When The Sun's In Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie, That's A Warning

While this article is not directly related to our cause, it is directly related to myself. Please take a few minutes to read this heart-felt story written by my friend and fellow bus driver. Thank you Megan for finding the words to share with us. Smiles and Hugs to you, Brenda When The Sun's In Your Eye Like A Big Pizza Pie, That's A Warning

...Spreading the word during the Popcorn Festival

Well, another Popcorn Festival down. What's that you ask... well Orville Redenbacher was from Valparaiso Indiana, every once in awhile you will see an old commercial with him saying that...so...every year, the Popcorn Festival. Arts and Crafts, food, bands and bees. This year was the first year I have had any flavored popcorn...Watermelon! DELICIOUS!!! I know, you think...watermelon? NO WAY. But think about the crunchy of how carmel corn is, but substitute a fantastic watermelon flavored crunch instead...I wish I had more!

Anyway, I had a group of dolls that I make and donate to the project along with extra cards, and a poster explaining the project. I was very excited to spread the word about the wonderful people who have found and followed this project.

A giant shout out to Chris Larr who has donated another wonderful doll as well as some packaging envelopes. Another fantastic new donation from Patti Kooshed from the "Treasure Barn". You can view her work at www.pchickki.etsy.com and www.treasurebarnblog.blogspot.com . And finally, a huge thanks to Carlia Norton for her wonderful Sprial Kins! You can view her goings on at www.spiralkins.blogspot.com.

Now, if anyone knows where the safe place I put my computer cable for my camera, please let me know!
(I'm sure that once all the frenzy from the fest is cleared up I will be able to find it)
Smiles to all,
Brenda

much too long...but life has been interesting!

Hello!

First off, what a wonderful bunch of "bugs" I had at my doorstep the other day. Thank you

Beverly from Heartland Creations. I love these wonderful whimsical little guys. True fun and love coming through loud and clear. You can check out Miss Beverly's goings on at heartlandcreations.blogspot.com. I'll get some photo's posted as soon as I find

my connection cable (ugh)

Next, the doll conference. WONDERFUL experience. I highly recommend everyone go to one if you ever have the opportunity. There is one coming up in Ohio at the end of May 2011. I'm going to do my best to attend that one in the future. Closer to my home, and is held once every two years, so, plenty of time to save up to attend. Now, that being said, I still haven't finished my doll that I started in class. He is wonderful though, and I plan on finishing him over Christmas break, what a wonderful New Year he will bring in. What our class did was all hand work, no molds were used. We sculpted a head, including ears, hands, and feet. Then, we made a wire armature, tip here, Wendy Reinhart, our instructor clued us in on using Bonsai wire for amatures...you can bend it all you want and it won't break.

OK...after the armature, wrapping with batting, and then dressing with doll skin fabric. I've seen all of that in books, but had never done it myself. What did I say before, oh yeah...WONDERFUL experience. (I love learning new things!)

Here are some pics of my work that I did.

Thanks so much for all your work!

Smiles,

Brenda

My Adventure...

Wow, it's been so long since I've posted. Summer is such a different creature than the rest of the year. That being said, I am getting ready for a great adventure. I am heading off on Wednesday for my first ever doll conference. I am going to New Mexico to attend the Enchanted Art Doll Conference http://www.enchanteddollartistsconference.org/edachub.html. I have been wanting to attend for years, and this is the first year that all the stars have aligned and it was possible. (I will mention that I did have a wonderful fairy godmother donation made to help) She likes to say that it is her way of supporting the arts, I say: she's just INCREDIBLE!!!!
Here is the link to the wonderful doll I will be making. http://www.enchanteddollartistsconference.org/rinehart.html I think I am going to be working for a more elderly sage twist on mine, so maybe more off-whites, maybe a saffron robe draped over some books...I don't know yet. I am just incredibly excited to meet and spend 4 days with so many creative artistic, and I'm hoping very like minded people. One thing I know we will all have in common is our love for creating.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Happy stitching!!
Smiles,
Brenda

Ask and it shall be given ye, seek and ye shall find...

The 4th or 74th dozen has been sent to the Crisis Center in Ottumwa Iowa

The 5th or 75th dozen are making their way to the Elizabeth Stone House in Jamaica Plain, Mass

the 6th or 76th to Bethany House in Somerset, KY.

And you out 7th or 77th dozen, enjoy your stay with your new families in Marion Illinois from the Women's Center, Inc.

and finally our 8th or 78th dozen are flying out to Salem Oregon to the wonderfully courageous women at the Mid Valley Shelter.
Once again, I am just in awe of the universe and it's ability to deliver. (not to mention all of you). It is just so much fun going to the Post Office with such wonderful mail. Once again, thanks to all.

Smiles,

Brenda

I'm looking for your input...what are your thoughts?

Here we are already in the last week of June, and unfortunately no dolls have gone out. My situation is this...In real life, I'm a bus driver. No, that's not the situation, I love my occupation! My difficulty lies in the summer, I don't get a pay check, so needless to say, every dollar that comes in is a precious and limited commodity. This leads me to my dilemma of ...no postage. I just can't take out of my own pocket at this time. Now, that being said, and going on the assumption that the rest of us are not independently wealthy, here's my idea for postage. I have a booth at a farmer's market, I sell my gourds there. What would you think of my making up a little ditty about our project and then placing a few of the dolls in a basket, that you have donated to go to shelter's, to be put up for sale. The money then, that was raised by these purchases could then go towards postage and packaging. I know that these dolls were made with the intent of being in the specific hands of those abused, that is why I am asking for your input. You did not make these lovelies with the intent of them being sold. My next farmer's market is July 10th, I'd really like to promote and generate funds in this way, but not without the support of the group. Please let me know your feelings on this solution.
Thanks again for all your support and hard work.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Farmer's Market...

I had a booth in Culver, IN today. What a wonderful little market. I had some of my little comfort dolls, as well as my gourd work. It was so wonderful to be able to talk one on one to people who asked about the dolls, and the project. I'm making new business cards for next week so that I can spread the word through this little community which stretches far beyond it's city limits. What a great opportunity to spread word about our project.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

New Visitors....

Two little ladies stopped by for a brief stay. These lovelies were created by Patti Koosed. Thanks Patti! A couple of quick call-outs for Patti, you can find more of her creations at http://www.pchickki.etsy.com/ and www.treasurebarnblog.blogspot.com . I do LOVE opening up the packages that end up on my door stoop. It's always such a sense of Christmas when you were a kid, full of curiosity, and anticipation. And let me assure you, there is never a disappointing moment when I unwrap the little beauties!! Your love and generosity always come through.

Thanks again for sharing all your hope with the rest of us, and then sending on to very courageous women, who have found that the world can love, and that pain does not equal love.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Some of your work!!!

Like I said previously...hoarder. What this last bit has taught me is that I'm going to be changing how I post your work. I feel like I'm somewhat short changing you as I end up mixing your work and loosing track of who makes what and where it goes....

That being said, I will be posting pics with artists names when you dolls make it to my doorstep, and then, take a photo of the dozen that I send out as a group. This picture will not include your name, you know which ones you made, but it will include WHERE the dolls will be going. I think this set-up will insure that everyone gets credit (I know that is not why you are doing this...but I'm a lover of "gold stars") AND alleviates some of the stress of keeping everything straight for me.

Thanks for your continued support.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!

Oh my goodness, it's been too long since I've been here. It's so nice to be back. First off, a flood of dolls have been making it to my door step from EVERYWHERE!!! France, I can't believe that, Indianapolis....and as far west as Washington. This is just thrilling!
I will tell you that over the past month I have been a bit of a doll hoarder. Why? you ask...is it laziness...or is it pure promotional genius? (I'd love to say the latter, but I think it hits somewhere in the middle) Remember, I had posted about being contacted from a mag in Australia. Well, I wanted as many artists to be represented in that as I could. So....Hoarder. I took individual shots of your work, and then I took some shots with all the little lovelies in a giant basket. So, hopefully when the article is published, it will give a great overview of all the wonderful talent and generosity that is given by all of you.
So, now, time to package all of these sweethearts up and send them on their way.
Once again, thanks to everyone for your generosity of time, love and talent....it speaks volumes!!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Happy Thursday

What a wonderfu week this has been. I had on CDP artist complete two more dolls, she wrote me saying that the experience is being very cathartic for her. She would be sitting at her machine, pleased with her doll, and then in the next moment, crying, because of the simple "need" for that doll. It can be sad, if we choose to take that look at it. It can also be extremely powerful. The more women are able to find the courage to walk away from their abusive situation, the more inspiration it gives to others.
I also recieved a package from another doll artist, 12 wonderful little dolls. Enclosed was a beautiful Arizona landscape card with thankful words for me.
This project is giving me so much. So much, what? Well, I think words of encouragement. I didn't realize how much encouragement can help. (I didn't think I needed any, and maybe I didn't need them) Just a pleasure to receive, kind of like that front parking spot when you really don't feel like walking, an unexpected gift.
Smiles to everyone,
Brenda

Beautiful Spring Thursday!

Can you believe it is already MAY! It's hard to fathom that there are only 18 more...eww...maybe 17 more schooldays left in this school year. Incredible.I'm thoroughly loving this years spring, I think my magnolia tree has been blooming for the past 3 weeks, I kid you not. (there are still buds and blossoms on)
We are so much like the springtime too, full of hope of the newness of the life to come throughout the year. I can say that today. I'm optimistic today. I generally am, don't get me wrong I have plenty of pity party days too, although, they have no real justification.
How far I've come in growing, very far. Right now at 46, I can say I'm thrilled to have grown the way I have. Does that mean that I'm grateful for verbal abuse that I have taken in the past, well...I'm grateful that I have learned and grown from it. I don't know who coined the phrase "sticks and stone can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" "but I'm going chime in right now and say he was either the most mentally strong person in the world, or lived in a world of painful denial....cause OUCH!!! Words do hurt. There are no two ways about that. However, there is a choice to be made, we can change that soundtrack any time we want. Can it be difficult? You bet, but we can do it. I know, because I have. Do I still have to do a little "re-grooving" so that that needle doesn't slip back and play that old tune? You bet. It can be done. (Now, I realize that I've dated myself with the "record" analogy...for you youngins' out there, it was how we listened to music, it involved a record, a record player, and often a penny taped to the arm of the needle to keep it from skipping).....(sorry, I digress...but what fun it is!!)
Remember to pat yourself on the back, and while you are doing that, reach around with the other arm and give yourself a hug. You deserve it!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Giant thanks to the "Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Group"

I finally had a chance to sit down and careful unwrap the wonderful gems that came to my house to visit. (They arrived on Saturday, I'm a terrible hostess) How amazing...one after another. I know when they arrive at their final destination, they will be so loved. Once again, a giant thanks to Kelly of Mystical Entities, she made the large doll, and Beverly of Heartland Creations. If you'd like to see more of their work: ksgp on ebay,

http://www.mysticalentities.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindredsistersgatheringpostblog.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindredsisterssellingblog.blogspot.com/ and http://www.heartlandcreations.blogspot.com/

Looks like I will have some very special dolls to send out this Friday.

Thank to All and Smiles,

Brenda

A Great Thankyou!

New Arrival of Lovelies

I haven't had the "proper" time to sit down and look at our wonderful new arrivals. I unwrapped 2 of them, and ...let's just say, they are wonderful. I will post more later today, I just wanted to say that they have arrived and thank you so much ladies!!!
Smiles, Brenda

A Couple of sock creatures

I ran across this book, "Stupid Sock Creature" by John Murphy...wonderful! These won't be comfort dolls, but, may bring some sort of inspiration if not a smile to your face.

Smiles,

Brenda

New Comfort Doll..still in progress

My DF Susan turned me onto freemotion quilting. She has a fantastic jumbotron mega monster...but that's her gig, so that makes sense...myself...my little machine with my cool new table I made last week, and all the great products I bought for myself (sorry family, beanies and weanies for dinner this week)

This is the wonderful result for the project though, Base Quickies!!!

So... what I have done here is this: take a top piece,quilt batting and muslin back and outline freemotion syle the body. Continue and define the head and legs. I then defined the arms.

OK... then I tore a "dresslike" piece of contrasting fabric and stitched it on. (I'm not real thrilled with that, but oh, well...there will be more dolls!)

Next I cut around the figure, probably about a 1/4" or so away and placed that on the back material, switched out my thread on the machine and stitched away again. I left an opening on the bottom to insert lavender and polyfil. I've found if I just grap some lavender with my hemostats and stuff just like I would with polyfil, it is much faster. (I was using a "funnel" system which was just really slow). Then, just put her back under the machine and stitch her closed. She is either ready to send out like this, or you can spend some more time on her with embellishments.

I'm going to have to bead her somewhere...I just love the way it feels.

What is wonderful about this doll, is that she is really portable for the recipient, as well as quick for me to make, and as I said, I can now spend as little or as much time with the embellishments.

I hope this has given you ideas!!

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Phew...I'm back

OK, that last post was a bit "In your face". My husband asked what I was thinking, and didn't I think that was a bit too heavy? Well, maybe, but I had been wondering to myself, "what really am I trying to do here"....and, "Is it time well spent." The answer to the first is: help others, so the answer to the second question would be: most definetly YES!

A friend turned me onto this wonderful blogspot : freemotionquilting.blogspot.com This is Leah Day's blog and she is just amazing. I started my inquiry because I want to interpret my son's photos into quilted totes. Then, I got to thinking...why not do some free motion Comfort Dolls? I don't know...but, I won't know unless I try, so that is my next challenge doll for myself. I will post what I come up with.

Once again, thanks to everyone who is visiting this site, your comments, your dolls, and your support is turning this "baton hand-off" from Pat into my own . So, thank you very much.

Smiles and Hugs to All,
Brenda

Reality

Today, when I took my 11 minute, safe, reflective, and warm shower, 110 women were abused. I went to work for 2 hours and during that time 1,200 more women suffered under someone elses domineering hand. I came home for lunch, a delicious toasted tuna fish sandwich, with apples and walnuts, it took a total of 17 minutes to make and eat (I was hungry), lets add 170 more women in physical and mental torment. Now, it is One oclock in the afternoon, I'm warm and at home on my layover from work. I am safe. My point. What we do is important and so needed. Thank you for all that you do. I've had a bit of a lul in dolls coming in, as soon as I receive more, I will be able to send more out. By, the way one, of those woman, has already lost her life today. There will be 2 more by the end of the day.

With Sobering Smiles,
Love to All,
Brenda

Pretty Exciting News

Hello All,
I have some pretty exciting news to share with you. I have been contacted by Nicole McDonald who is the editorial assistant for Creating Country Threads magazine, an Australian country crafts magazine published by Express Publications Pty Ltd. She has asked to do an interview about our project for the magazine. Of course, I said yes. How wonderful to get more word spread about all your hard work. Just wanted to share the news.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

What a wonderful day.

Let's just pretend I'm posting this yesterday....what a wonderful day I had. My DH and I went to Michigan, boots on and ready for the field...I went and got gourds. I love getting gourds...stinking, moldy nasty things, but I love it. We were lucky as the rain in IN hadn't made it there yet so it was just crisp out. I ended up with 60, that should keep me busy for a while.

Then we went to visit our friends in Niles, how wonderful and giving they are, not just generous, but generous of heart. She is a wonderful watercolor artist, and the peaceful view, just sitting in her family room, drinking Pete's coffee (try it WONDERFUL), and look out into the woods with a beautiful pond and cascading water garden...tranquility at it's finest. I love finding moments like that. We are very lucky. AND she generously let me pick off her wall a painting of my choice.....it was like CHRISTMAS all day long, but better, there was no expectation of the day, it just was, and wonderful it was at that.

I did find time to work too, in the truck on the drive, I'm almost done with 12 of my new little gals.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

3rd Dozen - Look at us go!

These gals are headed to Ft. Collins, Co.

Sorry about this photo.

Thanks go to this dozens donors:

Ann F.

Sherry E.

Patricia W.

Brenda H.

Patti K.

2nd Dozen

Alrighty, this next dozen is going to Salem, OR. What wonderful creations!

Donors are:

Sherry E.

Ann F.

Chris L.

Brenda H.

Patricia W.

Patti K.

1st Dozen - Colorado

Thank you for the donations. I'd like to honor Ann's mother-in-law Terry. Her birthday was in February and Ann sent even MORE dolls, this first donation is sent in her name.

this dozen's donors are:

Paticia W.

Ann F.

Brenda H.

Patti K.

tired thursday eyes

Once again, I cannot believe another Thursday is here. I had a wonderful birthday this week on the 16th. Full of joy and kindness. AND...with age I have discovered the wonderment of "uneventful" and how fullfilling it can be!!. I do have enough to send out, just need to phot and pack them up, also, print out the new cards to go with each doll. I will post as soon as my rear is in total gear. Smiles to all. Brenda

I slept with my window open (just a smidge, but open)

Happy Thursday.

First off thanks to Saucy Chick for the great comfort dolls! It looks like I have enough to send out. YEA!!!

Yesterday I saw my first Robin of the season, I actually saw 3 of them. For those of you who don't live in the Midwest, that is our signal that Spring really is on the way. Nothing like the uplifting feeling the sight and the song of the Robin.

I was thinking about the Project last night, I had a wonderful evening with a dear friend. Somehow we got on the subject of being emotionally sensitive. I'm not talking about the crazies, I'm talking about that some people are more in tune with emotions and feelings that others are. It then led me to the phrase that (and I'm loosely quoting) "We are not human beings pursueing a spiritual life, we are spiritual beings pursuing a human life" It makes me wonder. If I look at it like that, then how wonderful this opportunity to be human can be, and should be, and it's my responsibility to be my best. No one else's best, just my best. Just thoughts that I have had in the past couple of days.

Spring..it's so fun to come out of hibernation. I've included a pic of the glob of things I've been working on...I don't seem to be able to work on just one thing at a time...the creative curse...love it!

Thursday and it's Sunny in my neck of the woods

Hi all,
I have just been busy. (Not really with the comfort dolls, just with my life)I am busy finishing up the last batch of dolls I started working on. I decided not to start the art doll project until I cleaned up this last work (a foreign concept for me, actually finishing a project before starting a new)

I have not sent out our first batch, as I really want to send out a variety of dolls when I send out. I will say, Ann, my gosh! She has sent in, let me count.....over 45 dolls, they are wonderful...I'm waiting simply for variation. I hope you understand....Come on folks... Ann is kicking our bootees.

Smiles to all
Brenda
I think I will make Thursday's my "Definetly joining to Post" Day

the bug is gone.

Hello, hello...boy, time flies by. I didn't realize it has been since the 16th since I posted anything. I've been busy working on Peace Dolls of my own, and now, my neighbor girl (who is now a grown woman) (I'm not aging) was looking at the Art Doll Quarterly magazine, and are thinking about some funky corpse dolls, and altered dolls. Not in my comfort zone at all.

But, that's one way to learn. So, I think I will give that a whirl right now. I will keep you posted with pics and progress as well as info on techniques and tools I'm using.

Should be fun.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...don't click on the green..(kind of like not walking into the light)

It seems that a stinky popup has attached itself to this blog....I don't know what I did, in my blog viginity, I may have just gotten pregnant! I'm working on getting rid of this. I didn't sign up for "making money" on the blog...any clues?
Smiles to all, Brenda
PS...those of you who are trying the pattern, how is it going?

This should help some people..

OK, some people were having a little problems printing out Abagail. So, I'm hoping flipping her to her side will make it so she prints out on your computers. Let me know. All the feedback is very helpful in this learning process. Smiles to All, Brenda

Just a quick note about the pattern: Please, feel free to make as many of these you wish if you are going to donate them to the Comfort Doll Project. I am not granting permission for the use of this pattern for your own monetary gain. Thanks. Brenda

And then there were 30!

How amazing that 30 people have already found their way to the new site. WONDERFUL!! I added my address to the Specs page above so that it is always easily found. I was asked to make instruction for Abagail. This is my first try at directions so...good luck, and I'm sure I'll be modifying it for clarity. Let me know how it is working. Thanks so much. (I'm confused on how to make this into an 81/2x11 download, but that's suppose to be the size if you are wondering the scale.)

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Christmas stopped at my house today!

When I opened my front door today, I was thrilled because it was the beginning or a long 4 day weekend with my boys, and my husband, who was home early from work...just a nice feeling. Then I looked on the kitchen table. And there they were....the first delivery of Comfort Dolls. Two boxes just waiting to be opened..
How exciting it was to open them up and see the creations. Thank you Ann and Patti! I also recieved a hand delivered doll from a co-worker, Chris. She is joyfully jumping on this creative and giving bandwagon. Thanks so much Chris.
As soon as I have my first 24 together I will be sending them out to CO and OR (12 each) in tribute to the states who were first to arrive in my hands.
If anyone has a shelter they would like to be added, please let me know.
Thanks everyone and enjoy the long weekend.
Create and Smiles,
Brenda

She's Done...

Here she is. Abagail: Fountain of Joy. Abbey had gotten to be a bit too big, just 6 inches, but, not really travel size, as that really is what she enjoys doing. So, when putting her into my purse, I did a quick fold and noticed that she created her own little wrap. Not only that, she then became 3 1/2 inches. She is now awaiting her friends to come join her on her first big adventure.

Smiles and Hugs to All

Brenda

Meeting Pat

Hi All! I hope you had a great week with time for relaxing, working and playing...the best of all worlds. I just got done meeting with Pat for the first time. I'm lucky to live only 15 minutes away. Let me just say, I can see why it has been so easy to participate in this Project, she is so open and full of gratitude. She shared the two GIANT binders of all your works, pictures after pictures.
Thanks you from all of you, and from all the recipients. One word "Inspirational"

I am so looking forward to my first shipment out...as well as completing my first doll...Have a great weekend.

Smiles and Hugs to All,
B.

I've Started...progress...

OK, I'm eagerly awaiting my first delivery of dried lavender. I can't wait for my workroom to take on that great fragrance!!

I've also started on my first Comfort Doll.

I have to say, I'm so thrilled to have this new endeavor, so ironic that I am typing this while Oprah has the children of Elizabeth Smart's kidnappers on her show.....ironic...coincidence...it makes me so grateful for what I have in my life.

Physical and emotional abuse is just such an evil (I don't ever use that word, but it fits) and the long term devastation that it can create....yeah...evil is the correct word.

I think that I am the one who is going to benefit most from this journey.

Thank you.

Smiles and Hugs to All.

B.

OK, Here we GO!!!

I've made a cozy spot for the ladies to stay when they come for their brief visit to Valparaiso before moving on to their final destinations.

The new address for sending the Comfort Dolls:

Brenda Hutchings
303 McKinley St.
Valparaiso, IN 46383

(how exciting!)

B.

Passing the Baton

Hi, I'd like to take a moment and introduce myself to all who are visiting for the first time. My name is Brenda and it is my privilege to pick up where fellow artist, Pat Winter of Chesterton has left off. By "luck" or guided angel, you pick, I was introduced to Pat via my backyard neighbor....I was admiring one of the dolls she made in Pat's class and well...that quickly led me to pick up this wonderful project.

I can't wait to get started, and I look forward to our future of helping women to move out of the darkness and fear of abuse, into the light of hope and courage.

Smiles to all,
Brenda