Ute and Trolls

Last week we went to the Zoo

2008-04-26T21:15:00.003-05:00

The weather was perfect! I can't think of a single thing that wasn't?!? Miles, and his two kids. My grand kids, I never thought being Grandma would feel so good! Thought I'd share.

Puppet

2008-04-25T12:31:00.004-05:00

Today I finished my Puppet. Liz, from the Pin Ella P's doll club in Kansas taught a mini-workshop. So I made a little road trip and took the class. It was good for me to get out of town and learn how to make this little puppet. And "NO" I did not enlarge the nose. It just came out that way. LOL I had a great time, thank Liz. If you want to see some of Liz's puppets go to her blog.

OK, now to finishing that "vest"!

Crow Mother will be available May 1st

2008-04-22T13:30:00.004-05:00

Well, I've had quite the request to release my Crow Mother as a pattern. So today I decided that I will go ahead and release her as an Instructional CD, available May 1st. You may pre-order her today if you like. Just know that the CD won't actually be shipped until the first. She is really fun to make. And the CD has step-by-step photo's to guide you through the lesson.

Thanks for all your support as always.
hugs,
Ute
utes-trolls

Female Troll Finished

2008-04-15T11:26:00.003-05:00

OK, I'm the first to admit, that I can get really anal about the finishing touches sometimes. Today I finally finished the female "Little Folk" Troll. She was being very stubborn about being photographed. You would have thought she was shy or something. I'm please with the results. And may take some more photo's another day. But for now here she is

You gotta see this

2008-04-13T20:13:00.007-05:00

Today my friend Susan e:mailed me the link to her blog, featuring her version of Shortie. All I have to say is that it is awesome. Run don't walk, you for sure want to see him.

I've been working on my second Little Folk. After making those awesome boobs...I just hated covering them up and it was quite the challenge to add clothes without loosing that aspect. She's almost done, hopefully I'll have her finished in the next couple of days. I'll keep you posted!

Ahem........Tooting my own horn

2008-04-10T20:30:00.006-05:00

OK, gotta toot my horn here! I just can't stand secrets! Anyways, today I got notice from the ODACA informing me that I have made it through "phase #2". Oh' my garsh I could not believe my ears, when my daughter said that something had come from ODACA.

I'm totally, I'm mean totally thrilled. So you can see why I HAD to toot the ol' horn. Wooo-Hoo!!

On, another note, I've been working on the sencond "Little Folk" troll. I'm proposing to teach this at next years AFIC. To top things off my brother called this evening with word that he got engaged. What a day!!!! Life is Good!

I've been tagged

2008-04-04T16:07:00.002-05:00

OK, I've been tagged! Supposed to tell 5 thing about me?? Hmmmm, let me see!

1. My favorite color is Orange.
2. I love Gummi Bears.
3. I'm a "LITTLE" on the crazy side.
4. My family is #1.
5. I'm happiest when I'm creating something, anything. ;-)

Now you know!

New Pattern

2008-03-11T18:58:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that "Shortie" is being released as a Pattern. He is way cool. His head wobbles, he has needlse sculpted features and he wears recycled clothes.

Materials Girls Retreat Weekend

2008-03-10T14:49:00.007-05:00

What a great weekend! There was tons of laughter, stories and dollmaking. I don't even know where to begin! So, I arrived in Houston about 2pm on Friday. Nancie picked up and we had a nice 2 hour drive to La Grange.

The rest is pretty much a blurr!!! No I'm just kidding. We felted little bags on Friday eve. Saturday was spent creating new versions of Fiona. The evening was finished off by roasting marshmallows and peeps at the Camp fire. I hear Peeps are very tasty.

Sunday morning went by fast. We had just enough time to learn about color using chalk and then how to make a paper towel template for the wig. I had a great time and I for one can't wait to see some more finished trolls. Thanks ALL!!

Dolls

2008-03-06T19:35:00.004-06:00

I'm always amazed how no two dolls ever come out the same! My bags are packed and tomorrow I head out to Houston, TX. My first time to TX and I will get to spend it with the Material Girls Doll Club. We'll be felting little pouches and then we'll be making Fiona. I can hardly wait to see all the awesome dolls. And it'll be nice to be in warmer climates.

Getting ready for Class

2008-02-15T20:36:00.004-06:00

I bet you thought you were the only ones working to get ready before a class. Not so! I have spent the past few days working up Fiona to make sure everything fits and works like it's supposed to. And tonight I have parts!!

Almost Finished

2008-02-11T21:32:00.000-06:00

Well, here is the latest update! Just a few finishing touches left on this "Little Folk". I don't have a name for him quite yet, but I really like how he's turning out. Things seem to take longer to get done then they used to?!? Maybe I'm getting more particular?!?

The shoes were a bit challening, something I for sure want to play with more, not tonight. ;-)

The head that almost wasn't

2008-01-31T21:22:00.000-06:00

Today I worked on several troll heads. I wanted to make something a little different for my puppet. Made this head and almost threw it out. There were too many interuptions and initially I didn't like the look. So tonight I went back in the studio to add more wrinkles, three moles, some ears and voila. I love this little fellow and only he/she knows what he/she wants to be. Play often!

Troll Head

2008-01-29T15:52:00.001-06:00

Well, the feet, hands and head are done! All that's left is a body for the troll puppet. I have no idea yet how I will put it together and it may not work out at all in the end. But I love the idea of a puppet, and it made me step out of my comfort zone, to try something new. I'll keep you posted on the next few steps. Keep your fingers crossed!!

One Foot

2008-01-25T19:31:00.000-06:00

Today I made several feet! Finally got one that I liked and think will work. This is very exciting and I hope that it keeps moving along just like it is. LOL

Hands

2008-01-23T13:54:00.000-06:00

I started these hands a while back. I've got tons of ideas running through my head, so today I decided to finish the hands. This brings me to my next delima! I've been wanting to do a puppet type troll for quite some time now. And this past weekend while teaching in California someone brought a chicken puppet. So I may give this whole puppet thing a try. Check back for my progress.

California Girls

2008-01-21T20:13:00.001-06:00

I've been home about 2 hours. Spent the last five days in California. It was nice to leave the freezing cold and go to warmer climates. Thursday and Friday where spent with the Flying Phoebes, we had a blast creating Crows and babies. Saturday and Sunday were spent with the Gals and Dolls, and we played with Mini-Whisper. I had a great time with both groups. The above photo is of the group who made Mini-Whisper. We had two of them that finished and I can't wait to see more finished dolls.

Now I'm back in 12 degree weather and snow. Life is good!

Felted Piece

2008-01-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

My Janome Embellishing machine came yesterday. Most of today was spent getting ready for next weeks classes. But this evening I set up the machine and embellished my first piece. I can see where this is going to be very addicting. I can hardly wait to play with it on a piece of clothing.

Happy New Year

2008-01-02T10:31:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year ~ 2008
It's hard to believe that 2007 is gone and a new year is upon us! I don't usually make any resolutions, but this year I will try to eat healthier and will try to keep up on my business paperwork.

In just a couple of weeks I'll be off to teach in California. I'm really looking forward to that.

And to start the new year off right, I bought myself a Janome embellisher. So watch out!

Journal Cover

2007-12-14T19:03:00.000-06:00

Today I finished the pages and cover for my Journal. This is my third one, that I made myself. I color the pages with watered down Acrylic paints. I love the personal feel I can give to both pages AND cover. Now I just need to be more disciplined about writing in it.

Studio Time

2007-12-12T08:17:00.001-06:00

Well, as we all know, not all time spent in the Studio is creative. Sometimes, getting a new toy such as a "Serger", requires us to clean and do a bit of re-arranging. Just as I did yesterday. And while doing so, of course I found little treasures that I bought and stuck away. So it was a good thing! Now these treasures are out in the open and they'll get used sooner.

I hope to use more of my collection of goods this upcoming year. No, it's not a New Year's resolution, just something I'm putting to the fore front. Today I took an small "old" wardrobe took off the door, cause it was broken. Added four shelves and when I get another crazy moment, I'll paint the whole thing. I'll post pictures when it's all done.

OK, that's it.

Christmas Quilt

2007-12-06T16:29:00.000-06:00

Today I finished this little quilt, for someone special. I can't say who....just in case. I had fun doing it. So I thought I'd share.

Painted Suitcase

2007-11-30T18:45:00.001-06:00

Well, I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. As some of you may have heard, I fell in Sept. and sprained the top of my foot. Well, at the end of Oct. my back starting acting up. So to make a long story short, I've been doing physical therapy to get things lined up again. This is the first week, where there was no pain and no heating pads. What a relief!!

So I've been painting a "Snowman" suitcase the last couple of days. Pattern by http://www.plumpurdy.com

It was a good feeling to play and create. I have a few presents that I want to make and then hopefully a "new" Troll.

One Sweater and two bags

2007-11-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

The last couple of days, I've been working on some bags. Took apart a 100% Wool sweater, sewed my first bag (the smaller one) and shrunk it in the washing machine. Today I made the larger bag. I'm thrilled with the out come and this one! When the bag is dry I will have some added embellishments and then I'll add a lining with various pockets and voila, will use it. ;-)

Daughters, Grandson & Gourds Growing in my garden

2007-09-27T16:31:00.000-05:00

Life is ever changing! I love watching my little girl turn into this wonderful young woman, blooming like a flower in my garden. My grandson Marion is growing leaps and bounds. He's changing every time we see him. I love his red curly hair and I can't wait until he utters the words "Oma".

The gourds seem to like this weather this year and are also growing leaps and bounds. These dipper gourds are huge. I have no clue what I'm going to do with them yet. But I know I'm having fun watching "everything" grow