UTE & TROLLS

Working on two projects

2012-01-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today I started the day working on a quilt block. One done and only 24 like this one to go. That was this morning.........this afternoon I've been working on my newest Troll. I'm excited she's beginning to speak to me. Oh' now you'll just have to wait and see.

I hate when stuff like this happens

2012-01-21T12:34:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note: Some how when I was uploading some picasa pics to the web I cleaned and deleted some old folders. Well I had no idea by doing this it would affect my blog. So yup guess what, ALL my pics from my blog were blown away. I will try to go through and put some of them back, but it will take some time. ;-(

Road to California Quilt show ~ 2012

2012-01-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the Road to California Quilt show in Ontario CA. It was another great show. So many wonderful quilts, great vendors and of course lots of new ideas rolling around in my head. I didn't take as many photo's as I have in previous years. There was one booth that really captured me though and that is where I took most of my pics. Susan Else was one of the featured Artists, that

more show-n-tell

2011-12-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well I've been working on my new Troll all morning. The kitty thought it was real fun to chase the thread as it was going up and down. LOL Anyways, here is the latest. Now I probably won't work on it any more until after Jan. 8th. My daughter is coming for a visit. ;-) Thank yo so much for looking and for all the kind comments. I've had lots of questions, on weather this will be a pattern

New Troll in progress

2011-12-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

Well, when you get the itch...........you have to scratch it. LOL I thought I would start another Troll in the old year. It's been a while since I've made an open mouth, with teeth Troll. Well matter of fact I've only made one other. Very time consuming, especially since the teeth are cloth too. ;-) Come back to see the continuing progress.

Happy Holidays!

2011-11-28T12:45:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Holiday Season. Thank you so much for all your support.

Emma is now for Sale

2011-11-22T07:50:00.001-08:00

I just listed my little Emma on Etsy, I think she would make a great Christmas present. Thanks everyone for looking and have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. http://www.etsy.com/listing/86799907/emma-the-little-troll-girl?ref=pr_shop

Weeee.......doggie

2011-11-17T14:42:00.001-08:00

Finally I'm finished! Hello my name is Emma. The suitcase will have to be for a different Troll?!? Emma, decided that she likes the doggie. It makes her hair fly in the wind and she can go real fast. Emma is 10" measuring from Head to Toe. I love how she took shape and she definitely has a voice of her own.

2011-11-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here is the new little Troll Girl patiently awaitng her tail and for her hair to be sewn on. Or maybe she's waiting for Christmas?!?

Getting some clothes

2011-11-11T10:44:00.001-08:00

When I woke this morning, I heard a little Troll calling me to get her dressed. LOL Well, to make a long story short I have a stash of old socks. Why you ask.........that's a whole other story. Anyways, the little girl wanted tights and as you can see one thing led to another and now she's even wearing a cute little dress. Well it's pinned. I'm thinking she'll need a Trollish sweater or

Legs, yeah

2011-11-10T14:27:00.001-08:00

I have legs, yeah!

Finally

2011-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize that it was almost 3 month to the day, that I hadn't worked on a Troll?!? No wonder I was feeling out of sorts. This little guy seems to be a little shy or maybe is a bit sleepy still. We'll soon know! ;-) You'll just have to visit often to see what he/she tells me next. ♥ ♥ ♥

Just added lost and lots of pics

2011-10-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Just added tons of pics from the last workshop in Victoria, BC. So much talent in one place oh' my. LOL click on http://utes-trolls.com/PeterthePackRat_Workshop.htm and/or http://utes-trolls.com/Oggie.htm You'll enjoy the fun!

4 Days of teaching in Victoria, British Columbia

2011-10-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Oh' my.........were should I start?!? OK, I arrived Wednesday afternoon. Phyllis picked me up from the airport. My luggage didn't make it, so not exactly off to a good start. We visited Butchart Garden and it was all in fall colors and simply beautiful. My luggage arrived at 11pm on Wednesday Evening. Thank goodness, I was getting a "little" worried. On Thursday was my first two day workshop,

Peter the Pack Rat Troll Class in Victoria, BC

2011-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the end of a two day class. I landed in Victoria, BC Wednesday afternoon. And Thursday we began class. Many great Trolls were born the last few days and here are a few pics. ;-) Thanks ladies I had a wonderful time.

Little Folk Class Day 2 Pics

2011-09-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend! Thank you so much ladies for a wonderful time. I can't wait to see the finished trolls. Don't forget to send me a picture.

Little Folk Class - Akron OH

2011-09-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

How's This look?!? Today was the first day of the two day workshop in Akron OH. Many great Trolls were born today, I took a few pics. So you'll just have to wait til tomorrow for more pics. ;-)

Troll Time

2011-08-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Time for a new Troll?!? I spent the last few hours making a troll head. The ears are part of the head. As I was sculpting the head, the ears pulled back towards the back of the head as though as if they heard something far away. I love when things like this happen. ;-) Oh' how I wish they could talk! Imagine the stories these little creatures would tell?!?

Old Photos's - Sisters

2011-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love finding old photos of children. Today I found this at the weekly swap meet. I couldn't put it down ones I put it in my hand. So for .50 cents it came home with me. There's no writing on it, so I have no idea who these two lovely ladies are, but the warmth on their faces is very special.

Troll kitty

2011-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love my new little Troll Man "Stanley". He's about 11" tall and reads a daily Chinese newspaper. His kitty, Muschi just totally loves him and if you look close there's even a little Frog trying to get in the picture. Not sure what else I will do to embellish him, but for now, he will sit next to me in my studio. ;-)

Troll Robe

2011-07-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today I spent closing opening and attaching arms , legs and pinned the Robe. Today, I hand stitch the robe. Gave color to the rest of the body. But I'm thinking he needs a news paper and maybe a kitty rubbing up against his leg?!?

Sneak Peak

2011-07-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

It was a great day for creating. The weather was cool and overcast. My book on tape was plugged in early this morning and with that the day started. All that is left to do is the tail and a Bath Robe. LOL Oh' and stitch all the openings closed and attach the parts.

Troll Head

2011-07-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

I love when all is quiet and the mind is happy to listen to a book on tape. While listening to the story I worked on my Troll head not guiding the process to hard. When I do that, things take on a life of their own and that is worth a lot to me. So here is a picture of when that happens. I'm in love with this Troll!! And can't wait to see what's next?!?

New Head

2011-07-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

After a long and fun weekend of teaching at my house I felt like I needed to start a new Troll. So here it is. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head, so we'll see what happens. Stay tuned!!

Copyright Issues

2011-07-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since I've posted?!? Over the past two month several people have infringed on my copyright laws and I know this is an on-going issue, but you DO NOT have permission to take my patterns and post them on the internet or have on-line classes. What is copyright infringement? As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed,

Becka found a friend

2011-06-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday mornings I usually go to the Flea Market and today was no exception. And no I don't need more stuff, but it's fun to go and see what the different vendors have brought. At one of the table I spotted this taxidermy duckling. Brought her home and my little Troll Becka fell in love with our new adopted friend. I got quite a few other things that will someday find their place. Actually I

Recycle and re-use

2011-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to take a leather bag and paint it. And today I did just that. I found this bag at the flea market for $3. I was so thrilled, it's a Gap bag too...............! Today I finally did. I splattered the paint in layers , letting each layer dry. Then I used some of my bird stencils to draw the outline of the birds and branches and painted those with black paint. And here it

Back from teaching in Portland, OR

2011-06-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

I had the great opportunity to teach in Portland, OR this past weekend. The class was held at the Fabric Depot and if you've never been there.............the place is huge. A great time was had by all. I had a wonderful group of 14 ladies. Who made some awesome trolls. So I thought I would share a few pics with you. I can't wait to see them finished. The first day was spent needles

Oggie, steampunked

2011-06-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Here's is Oggie all steampunked out! It was great fun to add a different flair to my troll. Here are some of the pieces I used brass thingy from a floor lamp brass thimble pocket watch parts clock Key I made the goggles using leather and a stiff clear plastic. Those gave me the most troubles. Leather and glue just don't mix. Oh' the hair is the lining from a coat. I will be teaching him

Saw an amazing Exhibit today

2011-05-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Nola, told me about this exhibit. It's at Huntington Library in San Marino CA entitled "Three Fragments of a Lost Tale". It was amazing to see the work by John Frame in person. And it must have been my lucky day because John Frame was there from 2 - 4 pm to answer questions. It was a special treat to hear people ask and then have him answer. When he was done he even signed my book!

Working on Goggles

2011-05-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

First of all excuse the mess! My studio looks like it blew up. OMG! Today i spent making goggles. So far nothing to show. Glue and Leather really don't mix. LOL But I thought you might like to see the progress of my Steampunk Troll so far. Actually it is the Oggie pattern, I'm just embellishing him differently. Time to go mail some orders and then I may go for one more set of goggles.

Oggie Pattern is ready

2011-05-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I almost forgot to post that Oggie is now ready as a pattern. Oh I had so much fun making him and I can't wait to see what you do with him. He's now available on my website http://www.utes-trolls.com/Patterns.htm scroll to the bottom of the page. Thanks so much for all your support.

Artful Fun

2011-05-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

What a fast couple of days! Went to CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in Costa Mesa, CA. Took a class with Alisia Burke entitled Larger than life. Had a great time creating some large canvases of layered Paint, stencil and other stuff. In the evening I was set up to vend. On the way home Nola and I stopped at this awesome Art Supply store in Westminster. OMG! They had everything! Then headed over

Moving along

2011-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Been working on the "Oggie" instructions and I'm moving right along. Not too much left to do. Yippee!! Thought I'd share some pics. This Troll is made while writing the Oggie instructions, but in the end he may be just a little different. Because his clothes focus more on the Steampunk Era. So when I embellish him.............he will be steampunkish. Plus it'll give you ideas of how changing

Life is good

2011-05-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the last four days with some dear friends of mine. Carol and her husband Bobby are driving across the country and they stopped into see us. We took some time to go to a couple Presidential Libraries. On Monday we went to Ronald Reagan's Library and on Wednesday we went to Richard Nixon. It was very interesting to learn about each one and it was great fun! We shared stories, did a

Silly Troll

2011-04-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Three heads later! Ha-ha-ha.............I guess I'm some what of a perfectionist.

Pattern is well on it's way

2011-04-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Some days it's really hard to stay focused, but the Oggie pattern is well on it's way. As you can see I do lots of pinning. That is one way I get the correct visual and I also take pictures along the way. Because for some reason, seeing you work through a camera lens gives a different perspective too. Today I'm hoping to get the head and instruction for needle sculpting done. Yeah!

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'd Like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!!

Oggie, will be a pattern

2011-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I've posted. Life has a way of moving forward whether you blog about it or not. My son and his little family were here for nine days. After they left I caught a nice cold. That's the short of it. We had a great time! We went to the Zoo, played in the sandbox out back, went on a hike at my favorite place , cooked lots of good food and the Ocean a couple of times. ;-)

Molly and her Chair

2011-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

One thing on my to-do list was to finish this here Troll. She was being most difficult from beginning to end. Today was no exception. This morning I finished her chair. I did have great fun making her chair. I wanted it to crackle but that didn't work out. The afternoon was spent putting the finishing touches on Molly. She has really taken a liking to the forest creatures. I'll have to

Journal Pages

2011-03-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with my journal! Been thinking about a theme for my next one?!? Thinking that a black and white one would be awesome to do, just don't know how hard it would be to execute? Guess there is only one way to find out?!? Also been thinking about my poor troll. What to do, what to do?????????????????

So many Sewing Machines

2011-03-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a great week! My daughter is here for her Spring break from College. I miss her a lot! So when she comes we get crazy and this week was no exception. Not even the rainy weather could stop us. We did a lot of shopping..........and yes I think I'm shopped out for a few days. Yesterday we went to Santa Monica. There's a great new Mall and so much too see and it's right by the Ocean.

Another Journal page

2011-03-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it!!! I look forward the process of creating yet another pages, all of them looking very different but yet the same?!? I can be creative without giving too much thought and some days you need that. I hope some of my fun Washi tape comes in the mail today.

Other creative venture

2011-03-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today I got side tracked with my journal pages. Still being creative, but just in a different way. This process of layering different types of papers, stickers and color is just amazing and very addictive. Since I have taken the class with Kelly Kilmer I have spent a little time each day on my journal. It makes it fun to write in it when the pages aren't all plain and white.

2011-03-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Well, today I took your advise, dug out some white/grey Karakul (Sheep) hair and made a wig for my troll. This is a very time consuming process, but well worth the effort. And I have to say that I do like her much, much better with this hair than the other darker color. So now I need to let her sit, so that the wig can dry to the shape of her head. When it's completely dry I will permanently

Fur ~ not sure if I like it

2011-03-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spent a few hours on my Troll. Like I said the process is slow. Which is fine! I tried on many different colors and types of hair. This is the one that spoke the most to me?!? It's real fur some kind of Rabbit, I think? As I was cutting it, hair was flying every where. Not sure I like that. I wanted something longer. Her jacket is made from a loosely woven scarf and of

She's Mad

2011-03-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is about her but I can't put my finger on it?!? I have made many of Trolls but she is just plain mad. I wish I knew why?!? Maybe she lost something and is trying to figure out how to find it? I will try to give her some hair today, maybe another layer of clothing on top? I have faith that she'll be coming to life before too long!

What's stopping me

2011-03-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's time............this poor Troll get finished! I've been in my studio since 9am this morning. Amazing how time flies when your in a creative place. But now it's time for a break! My camera battery just died, so while it's charging I will fix a cup of coffee and go out back and throw a few balls for my dog Charlie. I'm hoping that within the next few days this Troll will be finished.

I'm here

2011-03-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flies even when you're not making dolls! February flew by, so I'll try to re-cap some of it for you. At the end of January I went back to Nebraska because my brother and his wife were expecting their first Baby. JessePaul, J.P. came into this world Jan. 31st. 11:34pm weighing 9.1 lbs. All are doing well! My friend Carla came to visit and we spent 4 lovely days together. I only

Stubborn Troll

2011-01-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

This week I proceeded to continue on my troll. She is being very difficult and therefore not done yet. It didn't matter which way I posed her, she just didn't like it. So Yesterday I started a chair for her. The wire armature took quite a while to build. After many hours of bending, poking and even bleeding the frame was done. I started covering it with upholstery batting. That is a job

Road To California Quilt Show

2011-01-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to "The Road to California" Quilt show. This place is so big that you could probably go two or three times and still not see everything. Oh' and take money cause there is lots of cool stuff to buy. It was a great day and I came home all inspired! I have uploaded some pictures, there are a few that are corrupted, I think my computer driver needs to be replaced. But this is

2011-01-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day! I did manage to get the arms done. I have to say that the hands are probably one of my favorites to do. Don't ask me why?!? When I got all done I noticed that the pinkies were a bit short............and that is OK. And there she sits pinned in all her glory. She looks as though she is getting a bit annoyed that it is taking so long.So now the next picture will be when

2011-01-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

OK, finally two legs! I think my brain must have been asleep! The hinge was giving me fits too and today when I put the legs together it was like a light bulb went off. Good thing I can laugh at my self! So now I have the legs done and tomorrow I will make some arms.And as you can see everything is still pinned and it will stay that way til I decide his/her permanent position.

Leg work

2011-01-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

OMG! Today I spent I don't know how many hours on "one" leg. I had an idea in my head to make the foot better looking. I think I made four legs before I was happy with the results. NO, picture..........sorry! I'm gonna make the second leg and pin it to my new troll before I post a new photo. I do have a new doodle for you. ;-)

Beauty all around

2011-01-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

Today I went out in the back yard, the weather is absolutely beautiful here in Southern California. Some of the rose bushes are blooming. I took this one, very close up and thought I would share it with you. Sometimes I think we miss the beauty that's all around us?!?

New Sketch

2011-01-13T14:50:00.000-08:00

My first sketch for the year! Actually I haven't sketched in a long time. I saw "The Sketchbook Challenge" and thought this would be a great way to jump into the New Year and be creative on another level. Thought I'd share, maybe you want to join the challenge?

What I've been up to

2011-01-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's almost the middle of January..........the days are flying. Well, you know last week I started a new Troll, got side tracked by knitting another hat. This one is for my daughter, sure hope she likes it. LOL If not I told her no hard feelings. Then Monday we had some sad news. We had to put our 14 yr old kitty to sleep. That is the hardest thing to do and I hate it. I miss him very

Working on it

2011-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

We are our worst critics!! I spent the morning working on my new Troll head. Wasn't so sure if I really wanted to?!? But after working on him for a while, attaching the ears, adding eyes and eye lids and a wart.......he was starting to look pretty good. First piece of hair was pink and not bad. The hair in this photo is only pinned on and I'll wait til he/she gets further along before the

Finish what you start

2011-01-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

Today I spent some time on a new Troll head. Right away, I did what I always do and in my head was changing this and that. And yes, I talk to myself when new trolls are born. So I stopped my self right away. This head is much larger then what I usually work with, but I will............"Finish what I've started". I have no real mental picture yet, so you'll just have to check back to see what

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

The first day of the new year has come and gone. I thought about a New Years resolution? Couldn't really think of anything that I wouldn't break in the first month. LOL So instead I will finish some UFO's and I will try to make "something" to gift once a month. Notice I said "try"?!? In the middle of November I always have good intentions and may get two or three hand made things done before

The last present

2010-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I knitted for many hours. The first hat was almost done, when I decided I didn't like it. So I pulled out the needles and rolled up the yarn. Started another and I'm much happier with this little hat. ;-) Now since I couldn't try it on as I was knitting it, I sure hope it fits?!?

The Quilt top is finished

2010-12-25T15:22:00.000-08:00

And all though I don't consider my self a quilter, I do feel a great sense of accomplishment with this quilt. It was a good design and easy to put together. Well for the most part. LOL It's not perfect and not all the seams match perfectly, but it brings a smile to my face. And I know it will bring a smile to my daughters face.

2010-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Been working on the quilt top

2010-12-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I worked on the quilt top. Well actually Sunday I cut out the pieces, yesterday I started sewing and surprisingly so it's coming together rather well. Knock on wood!! The top two rows are in sewn blocks and the rest still needs to be sewn. I'm really liking it so far. ;-) I will make it a little longer, I don't want feet sticking out of the bottom. LOL

Collecting for the next project

2010-12-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Well as we all know............that sometimes I make other things than Trolls. So I'm collecting for the next project! This will not be my only project but something to keep my mind occupied. So.I bought some plain colored fabric yesterday, brown, turquoise, light blue, olive, gold and Khaki green. Guess what I'm getting ready to start soon? I bought this book several months back and

Sketchbook Challenge

2010-12-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to join the group of Artists who are doing a Sketchbook Challenge. What a great way to start the new year. To learn more http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/ Should be fun!

Just a new Picture

2010-11-19T15:49:00.001-08:00

Finishing touches

2010-11-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today I put the finishing touches on the girl! The weather has been amazing here in California, so I thought why not take some pictures outside?!? And don't these two look like they are having quite the chat? I picked the berries that you see in her basket on my walk with Charlie the other day. I must find out what they are! Hope you enjoy the little Trolls as much as I do!

I got hair

2010-11-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Finally!! Shoes and hair. She still needs to be accessorized and I see needs hair on her tail, but she's feeling pretty good about them there new red Polka dotted shoes. ;-) I worked on her off and on and can't seem to keep my fingers off her. LOL Now it's time to go do something else........like fix myself a cup of coffee and think about what to fix for supper. Or maybe go play with my dog

Working on another Troll

2010-11-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Troll Girl I've been working on another Troll. Same pattern as Oggie, but I made the nose a little bigger on the girl and changed her ears. She's been very fussy!! Doesn't like any of the hair I showed her and wants Red shoes. Don't know what will be first the hair or the shoes, but I'll keep working on her. Maybe she's be more co-operative tomorrow.

Here's Oggie

2010-11-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

See you didn't have to wait to long. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. He's feeling really good about his big Acorn and is thinking hard of what to do with it. Shall he hide it or shall he plant it?!? He measure 8" and is made from Buck Suede fabric. Needle sculpted features, opposable thumbs and inset eyes. His clothes are made from recycled clothing and his shoes

A new week

2010-11-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

It's a new week and I hope to get my little troll done in the next few days. As you can see, he still has lots of pins sticking out of him. I must say starting with the body is quite different and worth trying. I'm very please with how my little man is coming together. And his hands are actually big enough to hold his treasure. I have to make his tail yet and of course pants and shoes. So

Rolling along

2010-10-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today was the day were things just clicked! Don't know why?!? Anyways, I re-worked the legs and added wire, so that he'll be able to stand better. Yesterday I sewed the arms which I finished today. And this afternoon ............the head. I thank Steffi for showing me the cool eyebrows. Oh' I'm sure he'll under go a few changes before it's all said and done, but for tonight..........

OK, I opened the door

2010-10-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the comments to open the door and let the creative spirits in. They can be such brats!!! Today I spent the day working on a body and legs. Well not one.........but this is the one I'm most happy with. I think I will need to wire the legs so that my troll can hold his treasure without falling over. I placed a quarter next to the acorn, so you can see just how big it really is.

Creative spirits have left

2010-10-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

In the last two weeks I have made 10 heads!! A couple ended up in the trash, all the others are in a basket. None of them spoke to me. Then I started a Christmas present for my Grandson, can't say what it is just in case, but that too was not flawless. I've also been working on a pumpkin and I can't say that I love it. What to do?!? I want to start on my new Troll, but someone or something

Some times it's just a bowl of heads

2010-10-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Some times it's just a bowl of heads!! I'm not feeling the Mo-Jo...........so these heads will probably roll into the trashcan. Maybe I'll work on something totally different, in hopes to get inspired. Don't get me wrong. I like the heads, they just don't speak "Steampunk" to me. LOL

Creepy Face

2010-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well, in the last couple of days I have made three heads and I'm not happy with any of them. This one happened today. Yup! He is really creepy!! This is what happens when you just go with the flow and when you let the doll talk to you. LOL I'm gonna have to take his eyes out! Or maybe I should add some color to the face and give him some hair, then see what he looks like. Yikes!!!!

Horst and Harvey all the way from Germany

2010-09-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

I love it when I get mail! These two precious Trolls were sitting in my email in-box this morning. OMG! They are the best. Thank you Steffi for sending them. ;-)

Another Peter the Pack Rat

2010-09-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Finally finished proof reading my lesson for an upcoming class. And just finished the photo shoot for the second Peter the Pack Rat Troll. I'm always amazed and how much time goes into creating, writing and editing the instructions. Plus this is an instructional CD so I literally took hundreds of pics. But all well worth it, because when you take picture of work in progress it gives you a "

Don't forget - Peter the Pack Rat Class

2010-08-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder that there is still room in my upcoming class held Sept. 18 & 19th at: Piecemakers Country Store 1720 Adams Avenue Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA phone (714) 641-3112, fax (714) 641-2883 email: mail@piecemakers.com Reserve your spot today! Kits for pre-class homework will be sent out next week! Click >HERE< for more Class Information!

Steampunk Troll Doodle

2010-08-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

Wow, when I signed on I noticed that this is my 200th entry!!! Anyways, I've been toying with the idea of making a "Steampunk" Troll. I have some ideas rolling around?!? Not sure how it will all work out and how the Troll will dictate what the outcome will be. But I thought it would be fun to share the doodles with you. And I guess you'll just have check on the progress every now and again.

Cactus Bloom

2010-07-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I noticed that there was a bud on my Cactus. This morning when I woke up and looked outside the Cactus was blooming. What a beautiful sight. So I quick grabbed my camera, so that I could capture it. The bloom only lasted til about noon and then it was gone. I'm always amazed at the amazing blooms of a Cactus. So I thought I'd share it with you. Thanks Dianne for giving me this

Embellished

2010-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired!! I got out my Felting Machine and played. The piece was larger when I started. It was great fun to do something different. And as usual things always look easier then they really are. This piece measures about 5" x 6" I'm not sure if I'll add something else or leave it the way it is. Maybe I'll just hang it on my Bulletin Board for inspiration. Maybe I'll find a little frame.

I went to the Long Beach Quilt Festival

2010-07-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

Friday I went to the Long Beach Quilt Festival, met up with my friend Dianne and spent the entire day looking at the most awesome Quilts. Well, OK not the entire day we did do some shopping too. There were so many wonderful vendors, it was real hard not to buy from every other booth. One good thing about my move..........since I just recently unpacked my stash of goodies I knew I didn't need

Have to share

2010-06-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's always great fun when a friend writes from a far, but I think this Blog tell it all. http://terradeduendes.blogspot.com/ Check out the awesome trolls. Thanks Regina!!

Work in Progress

2010-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

More progress being made on Peter the Pack Rat. It feels like it's going real slow, but I am taking digital pics of each step. And that can really slow down things. Yesterday it got quite warm in the studio, but no complaints here.

It's a slow progress

2010-06-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Writing instructions is probably my least favorite thing to do! I would much rather just make dolls and not think about each step and what I just did. But slowly the instructions are coming together. I'm also taking digital pics, to take along to class. Well to the local classes, as I'm taking my slide projector so that students can see each step on a larger scale. Something new I thought I

Love all the pattern pieces

2010-06-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!! Today I started with the instruction for Peter the Pack Rat Troll. I'm always amazed how much thought and time goes into making the instructions. I'm taking pictures as I go, cause this may just be an on-line class too. Does and don'ts............mishaps that happen along the way. Some good, some not so good. Others ...........well, I always call them a happy mistake. Pattern

Great Rewards just keep coming

2010-05-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

The rewards just keep coming. These two trolls live far away. Actually closer to where I was born. How cool is that?!? Technology has really come a long way and I so glad. Both of these pics where sent via email. I love when people take my patterns and run with them. How cool is that?

Norman will be part of the Petaluma Art Center Exhibit

2010-05-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah.........I just found out that one of my three dolls submitted for the "Art of the Doll" Exhibit at the Petaluma Art Center made it. I feel honored to have one of my dolls as part of that exhibit. Norman was selected......what a lucky guy!

Feeling the need to be creative

2010-05-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I won't wait until the Studio is all organized, because I'm afraid if I do I may go crazy!! It's been a while since I have made something. I'm feeling restless and a bit grumpy and that is how I can tell that something needs to be made. I'll post as soon as I start.

Great rewards

2010-05-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things is to receive pics from friends who have purchased my patterns and then send me pics of their finished dolls. Just like today! Regina has made several of my Trolls each one is better then the last. Regina lives in Italy and so when the emails come it's even more exciting. So I thought I'd share her latest creation.

Fun times with the Stuffits

2010-04-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

April 16th I flew to Atlanta, GA for a weekend of teaching. The Stuffits doll club from Seneca, SC invited me to come teach the Little Folks pattern. Saturday was spent sculpting the face and whatever else we could fit in. Sunday we worked on the legs and shoes. We ended the day with a demonstration in using Decorator Chalks to color the face. As folks were starting to leave some had put

Time for a new look

2010-03-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

Change is hard, even on my blog. Nothing is where I was used to having it. So we'll give it try see how I like it. My Laptop has been giving me fits lately. Sometimes it boots up and sometimes it doesn't. So I have a feeling it's dieing a slow death. Sad, because it's not that old. So I'll continue messing with the new look.

Getting my Groove back

2010-02-26T15:30:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that I've been here in California for just about six month! And even though we don't have a house yet. And I really don't feel a we're any closer then six months ago, things are starting to feel a little bit familiar.Unfortunately I can't say the same for my stuff. It is now on a Semi Truck...........and I hope the driver is driving REAL slow and maybe by the time they get

A picture is worth a thousand words

2010-02-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

Another great Flea Market!! I'm always amazed at the stuff you find?!? Wondering if there was no family to pass on the precious pictures. Today was no exception the weather was perfect. And there were tons of vendors. Some that want way too much money for their stuff, others are just happy to get rid of it. I'm one of many who will gladly take something off their hands.I bought a box of old

Stare at something long enough

2010-02-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

Stare at something long enough and you start to see things. That is just what happened here. So you know this piece of fabric will have to stay this way. I just love when things like this happen. I'll stare at it a while longer.........who knows what else may appear?!?

Patients is a Virtue

2010-02-20T14:45:00.001-08:00

Being patient is not one of my strong points! Today I released my fabric from the bag of rusty stuff. And as we all know "rust never sleeps". I also read somewhere that it can be bad for your health if breathed in large amounts, so be careful.I rinsed mine out with Baking Soda. It took a long time for the water to run clear. I will try it again this time leaving it in even longer. Maybe

Rusty things

2010-02-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

While in Lincoln the last time, my friend Roxann showed me some awesome rusty fabric. I could so see one of my Trolls wearing something made from some rusty fabric.So today I checked out the rusty things I bought yesterday. Soaked a piece of muslin in Vinegar wrapped a couple of these items in the muslin and stuck it in a plastic bag.Now I wait! I think up to 2 weeks! I can't wait to see

This and that

2010-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Not much new here! Last week we went to Lincoln to help the movers pack our house. It was unfortunate that two days before we left we found out that the title company found a lien against the home. Who knows with this being a short sale how long that will take to resolve?!?It was 7 degrees the day we arrived and got into the mid 30's while we were there. But when the front door is hanging