Holidays and Politics

I apologize for the lack of artsy-ness in this blog post. Being a worker in the healthcare field, I had to work today. It was VERY quiet - and I took the opportunity to reflect.
First of all, I want to give a huge SHOUT OUT to all my brothers and sisters who are working during their holidays. I'm talking about healthcare workers, law enforcement members, fire fighters, retail clerks and the countless other folks who have to work at lightning fast speed to contend with the masses and the not-so-goodwill of the season eminating from their fellow human beings. The next time you are in line at the grocery store or waiting in the emergency room during a busy time - try to take a deep breath and thank the people who are taking care of you and not able to be with their families. A smile, a thank you and especially a HUG goes a long way.
My second thought is on the use of the phrase "Happy Holidays". I'm not going to go into my beliefs - they are somewhat convoluted and most of all, they are mine. But I have to comment on the somewhat "forbidden" use of the words "Merry Christmas".
If memory serves me correctly, the United States of America was first populated by folks looking to escape religious persecution. By forbidding Christians to use the words "Merry Christmas" - what's next? Devote Jews will be forced to work on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Pagans and Wiccans will be arrested for the celebration of Samhain, Ramadan will be banned for all those of Islamic faith, Ancestor Day will not be allowed for our Buddhist brethren, and so on. DO NOT MESS WITH A PERSON'S FAITH! I believe with all my heart that a person's relationship with their faith is a personal journey and one that is sacred and precious.
Bottom line - to all my Christian brothers and sisters, have a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings to one and all - no matter what you believe.

The Elfin Traveler

We just got back from Florida - but that's another post entirely.

In an effort to "recover" and get back to normal, I worked on the next doll in our Relaxed Round Robin:

I give you Hazel's ELF!

Now as a creature of the forest, you sometimes run into not-so-friendly beasts who attempt to steal your dinner - or turn YOU into dinner.

What better to give an elf than a magical SWORD!

The chestnut brown suede scabbard is held up with an embroidered belt. The embroidery is leaves - of the elf clan our traveler belongs to.

The belt is also decorated with charms from the other clan members to help and protect the elf on his journey.

Isn't he grand? I just had to photograph him out in the woods. What better place?
Thanks for taking a peek!

Homeward Bound

I have for your viewing pleasure, my contribution to the Body/Costume Swap:

A close up view:

And here he is with his "twin":

Yes, she's butt-naked and still refusing to get off her throne. I was able to antique the back of it (looks awesome), but can't get her off the thing long enough to finish.

Jan - you did a FANTASTIC job on the bodies. He will be in the mail tomorrow!

Happy Holidays!

Have you EVER Seen This?

The latest doll in the Relaxed Round Robin really threw me. A GOURD! I've seen and admired gourd dolls but never, ever worked on one. Well, I have now!
This is Yvonne's doll in all her glory:



I had a tough time working on this girl. The feather boa is WAAAAY too tempting. OH, not to me - to this:

Oh, yes! Feather boas are the ultimate in cat toys.

If you are a boa - enter our home at your own risk!

See you soon!

More Relaxed Round Robin

Work has been getting in the way of play again. HOWEVER, I did finish the latest Round Robin visitor:

This is Velia's doll and the poor baby had her arms in the box AND NO HANDS!

I added hands to her arms and put them on her body. It looked like it needed a bit of "foofing" up, so I added braided trim and lace to her cuffs then also around her neck. A purple jewel finishes off the neckline.

This doll will be on the way to Connie's on Monday. I'm now doll-less. HELP - send more body parts!