new visitors

Check out these little cuties!!

I can only guess Beverly from New York had a blast making these dolls.
Some have hats, others pigtails. Most are sporting a lovely addition of bling either a necklace or earrings.
Fantastic work Miss Beverly! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and sense of adventure!!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...zendoodle doll

Hi Everyone!!
A few weeks ago, I was lying in bed spending quality time scrolling through Pintrest...you KNOW that is quality time!!!
I came across a friend zendoodle/zentange. She had pinned fan blades she had made. (This woman is an overachiever extraordinaire) I checked out a couple of sites and thought, hmm that's pretty neat, but it looks so complicated and difficult.
Oh, how looks can be deceiving!

I tried it on my planning calendar...ok that is just funny to even type that...I make great efforts at times to be a "planner" and well, I guess it's time just hasn't come yet...anyway, that is a whole other issue...focus...
After an evening of watching tv and doodling, I got thinking what else..so I tried it on some porcelain faces...

then wait, I've got a box of doll blanks that I haven't used yet.

Doll blanks drying after being painted with gesso or white paint

.

After you prime your blanks they will be rough. Lightly sand them with fine grit paper

 Yep, sometimes if you hold onto it long enough, you will actually use it. Of course, Peter Walsh would have a FIT!

And here we have it:
ZenDoodle Comfort Dolls!!

Don't panic. check out these wonderful sites for instructions and inspiration!
TanglePatterns.com 
This site is amazing!! full of step by step instructions!!
Zentagle:Basic Tangles
Zentagle Instrucions- a gallery on Flickr


Zentangle/zendoodle is a wonderful meditative practice. Plus, it's portable creativity!!
You can download the instructions and pattern here.
I am going to put a coat of clear coat on these as they do get pretty dirty from handling.
Hope you have fun - please share your creations with us on Facebook!
Smiles to All,
Brenda
 
** Q and A** 2/23/2013
Do you have to gesso/paint to seal?
The reason for sealing the fabric is to give a nice smooth surface on which to work.  Try it either way, see which you prefer.

What did you use to seal your dolls?
I had a bottle of Mod Podge Matte sealer, so that is what I used. I am pretty happy with the results. I always find it weird that I am sanding fabric...my brain just gets stuck thinking wood...but giving your piece just a nice light sanding between coats makes all the difference in the world!

Another thing I have thought of was using watercolor pencils to color in your designs if you choose. I took a wonderful class with Natalie Hamade in 2011 and she uses this technique...WONDERFUL!! Just wet your paintbrush and swipe it on the tip of the watercolor pencil...really, so much fun.

**          **        **

...from across the big pond.

Very rarely, but everyone in awhile I will get a package that looks like this.

There is just something amazing that lil ole me, over hear in Indiana, US can get a package all the way from the UK!! Our project reaches so many more than we can even imagine.

And look what was inside!!

These beautiful hand felted gems. Not only hand felted but also wonderful stitching and beading.

A GIANT thank-you to Valerie!!

Smiles to you All,
Brenda

...giving young hearts

Thanks Bella!!
Smiles to you.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Pattern: Yarn Throw

Happy New Year to everyone! Completely thrilled that I am getting this post in the first month of the year! (ok barely, progress not perfection) As I stated in a previous post I am hoping to give little tutorials on different ideas and patterns on making Comfort Dolls.

 Yarn Throw Doll

to download pattern click here

1. Choose your base fabric, it can be anything, but make sure it is subtle enough to be able to turn right side out (RSO) I chose a blue batik fabric for these.
2. on the wrong side (WS) of fabric, trace the outline of the doll. This will be your stitching line. Lay this piece aside
3.On a second piece of fabric lay some different yarns, fabrics, or sew-able textures on the RS  of fabric and secure it with machine stitching.
4. Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together (RST) and machine stitch on stitch line. Remember to keep the bottom open for turning and stuffing. *NOTE: put your stitch length on a short stitch setting, this helps keep the dolls seams stronger for stuffing and turning.
5. Turn piece RSO
6. Stuff softly. I use poly-fil and dried lavender. The scent is dispersed when you hold the doll and it is wonderful!
7. Hand sew opening shut.
I attached a polymer face to my gals.
Now, your doll can be finished or you can really go to town and keep going!
Add beads, charms, sequins. Practice your embroidery stitching. What is wonderful is that all of this care and love shines through!

I hope you have fun!!

Smiles to All,
Brenda

...thank yous

Options

Nivpc StaffComfort Doll Project

23 hours ago ·

We received your Comfort Dolls yesterday, and are thankful for your gift! All of us at the Center want to express our extreme thanks for your thoughtfulness in sending these Comfort Dolls! We have distributed them to our Safe Shelter, our Counselors, and our Child Advocacy Center for children who come to us for our help. Adult victims of domestic violence are welcomed into our safe Shelter, and many arrive with small children in tow. These dolls, and the messages pinned to them, help both the children and the parents in believing that they are important individuals and there is hope for the future for them. Our Counseling Staff see many children, and they, too, are given worth and hope by the dolls and the messages they receive, and have a tangible talisman to hold on to as they face their outside world on a daily basis. And perhaps the most important of all, the children who are brought to our Child Advocacy Center have suffered abuse of all kinds, and these dolls can become a calming anchor to focus on as they go through the difficult process of exams and interviews. The touch of love, value, and hope means more to them than words can tell.

We thank you and the many artists who are involved in your project, and please do keep us on your mailing list for more dolls as they are available!

Sincerely,
The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center
Coeur d'Alene, Id

This is a wonderful facebook post from the NIVPC.

How fantastic that each of us is making such a difference!

Smiles to All,

Brenda

...let's add another 54 to the tally!

I received this e-mail today.

How wonderful.

Local talent, giving and sharing locally!

"I am donating these anonymously to our local shelter, but have attached a

tag with the project info. There are 30 here and my daughter , an attorney,

is making 24 for the shelter were she volunteers. Thanks for the idea!"

Warm Smiles to All!!

Brenda

p.s. I will have this years tallies ready, as well as new tutorials

for the New Year. So excited for what the future holds!