Woodstown Whimsies

ADQ Book Character Challenge!

2012-02-18T18:25:00.000-05:00

I am working on two dolls for the Art Doll Quarterly

Book Character Challenge... coming up in a few months.

I have decided to create the Brownie Twins,

from Palmer Cox's book series: Tutti and Frutti

The body armature is made with deer suede, stuffed with fiber-fill.

The heads are sculpted with paper clay and then I added some

hardwood buttons that I found in my shop, for the eyes.

I need to add a bit more paper clay around the eyes...

then begin to work on their hands and clothes. Ugh!

They are about 17 inches tall, self-standing on wooden dowel legs

and hardboard feet.

Yes... they make me smile!

Thanks so much for stopping by... Daryle

A Week with the Boys!

2012-02-18T08:12:00.000-05:00

We just returned from spending the week with our two

grandsons: Ryan (age 3) and Jonathan (4 months).

We had the joy of baby-sitting; as daughter Naomi

returned to teaching, following her maternity leave.

Jonathan loves to be sung to... (and being held, rocked, cuddled!)

Ryan loves playing on his Les Paul guitar (like his daddy)!

We love just looking into his big, blue eyes!

We are blessed! Daryle & Katie

Healing in His Wings

2012-02-01T17:18:00.000-05:00

Crackled and Completed!

You know I love the details...

For me, the song tucked away for another day,

the 30¢ special delivery stamp,

and the scripture verse from Malachi 4:2 speak volumes!

“But for you who fear My name,

the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings."

-Malachi 4:2

Blessings... Daryle

Angelic Whispers...

2012-01-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

There really is healing in the creative process!

I'm finding that this doll is a shadow of certain aspects

of my journey, thus far, on the road to recovery.

What my oncologist referred to as a "bump in the road"

reminds that I do not always need to see

what is around the bend... sometimes I just need to believe

that it's all going to work out just fine.

Sort of like color schemes and important stuff like that...

Tsk! Tsk! Enjoy your evening... Daryle

A Broken Wing... But Flying!

2012-01-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

In a moment of inspiration, I decided to snap one side of

the wings in two. And then hastily repair it...

with a wooden "splint" and (eventually) some laced twine!

The head and hands have a generous base-coat of black

that I will begin to work over in the next few days.

I'm not sure about my color choices for the wood turnings.

My healing process?

I had a chemo-injection on Tuesday... a higher dosage

than I expected, but with fewer anticipated side-effects.

Now I wait... and let it do its job!

Warm Wishes, Daryle

(quite literally as it may reach 60 here in South Jersey today!)

Spring 2012 Issue of Art Doll Quarterly!

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

"Harvest Moon" can be found on page 75

of the newest issue of Art Doll Quarterly!

He just recently found a new home... in Vermont

with our daughter Emily and Chad.

A New Doll... a Healing Doll!

2012-01-22T19:34:00.001-05:00

Several days ago I began working on a new doll...

my attempt to to work-through some of my journey,

as I began phase one of my cancer treatment two weeks ago.

The head is sculpted paper clay over a styrofoam ball

with inset 16 mm flat paperweight brown eyes.

His hands are paper clay as well.

Both the upper arms and (four) legs are wooden turnings.

The outer body box is a yard sale find... the real treasure

is the inner wooden box! A vintage, grooved slide top

wooden box with the word "fragile" stamped on it.

This was a gift from a dear friend several months ago,

who lives in Virginia. She had filled it with small objects

that I hope to one day incorporate in a new assemblage.

Over the course of the next few months, I anticipate "filling"

this very special box (the heart of this doll) with items that,

will not doubt, reflect part of my journey! The rusty heart

and the square head nails all speak for themselves.

As a w.i.p. I will base coat the wooden turnings in black

and probably base coat the head and hands with black gesso.

The broken, chipped, and worn wings capture the sentiment

that I will put on a coffee stained hang tag:

“But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness

will rise with healing in His wings.” -Malachi 4:2a

My heartfelt thanks to each one who has posted a

note of encouragement or a word of concern over the

past several months... Warmest Wishes, Daryle

A New Year's Sentiment...

2012-01-08T17:33:00.001-05:00

Dear friends of ours kept this sentiment on the wall

of their old stone house... up in Addison, Vermont.

Before moving down here to South Jersey,

I hastily penciled the words on a piece of paper;

knowing that one day I would want them to hang on our wall!

We picked up this worn cupboard panel two years ago,

on one of our jaunts to Lancaster County.

I photocopied the words on manila card-stock,

then coffee stained them... added a primitive fabric heart,

and a nice vintage key... all held together with rusty wire!

It reads:

There is a place that we call memory.

A province by itself, which though unseen...

is home and haven to the heart.

And there, in peace and beauty waiting...

are those with whom we shared our yesterdays.

Your Cheatin' HeART...

2011-12-26T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hank Williams wrote the lyrics to the song...

I just took it to the "next step" with a piece of art!

I'm "cheatin'..." a little here on this new Santos Cage Doll!

Here are a few "before and after" pics:

I was unhappy with the cage doll that I had been

working on; prior to my cancer diagnosis...

and so two days ago just tossed it! Yup! In the trash...

I found this reproduction vintage Santos (left) online
at Tuesday Morning, for a real deal of a price.
After removing the upper body... I did a bit of a "re-fit"
using my original cage doll skirt and wooden wings;

hence the "cheatin" heART!

I love it... the vintage patina I was able to achieve
with a bit of gesso, wood stain, and sanding
sure beats those boring gray slats of wood!

It's nice to be "back"... Daryle

Christmas Wishes...

2011-12-24T17:19:00.000-05:00

Beneath our tree, snuggled in my Dad’s old

handmade tool box,

is our vintage paper maché infant Jesus.

This evening at our 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight services...

a soloist will be singing Michael W. Smith’s

wonderful song: “All Is Well”

Here are some of the lyrics:

All is well, all is well

Angels and men rejoice

For tonight darkness fell

Into the dawn of love's light.

Sing Alleluia!

All is well, all is well

Let there be peace on earth

Christ is come go and tell

That He is in the manger.

Sing Alleluia!

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas!

And please know, that “all is well!”

Daryle & Katie

To Everything... There is a Season!

2011-11-21T17:29:00.001-05:00

About four weeks ago, I (Daryle) was diagnosed

with having a slow growing type of cancer.

Never the news you want to hear, but for this... I am thankful:

It was detected early and the prognosis is very encouraging!

I continue to have no symptoms and am feeling really good!

So good... that we're going to spend this week of Thanksgiving

with our whole family... gathered up in Vermont! How fun is that!

When we get back from Vermont... I will meet with the oncologist

and together, we'll make some decisions about treatment plans.

I am in good hands... and believe with all my heart the truth

expressed in Roman 8:28

"And we know that God causes all things
to work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called
according to His purpose."

My game plan is to take some time off, here at Woodstown Whimsies
and just take care of myself for a while!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...
Blessings to you and yours, in this season of much joy! Daryle

Santos Cage Doll... Comin' Along!

2011-11-11T15:55:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had "one of those weeks"...

that too quickly turned into "one of those months"?

I found some time today to finally apply a coat of paper clay

over the duck cloth fabric armature!

I did manage (two weeks ago) to stain and add several more

decorative features to the wooden cage.

The arms are articulated... jointed at the shoulders,

elbows and wrists. I will apply paper clay to them,

and add fingers eventually. I hope to work on her face

this weekend. Those are German bead eyes in the sockets.

I have cut out a metal mesh Victorian corset, using an

old window screen... it is soaking in a vinegar and bleach solution,

to give it a worn, rusty patina. The plan is to hand stitch the

parts of the corset together, add some dribbles of paint

and give it that "old world" appearance... a vintage "find" from

another time and place. Blessings... Daryle

Artful Giving & Spirited Surprises... a juried show!

2011-11-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

I just heard several days ago from the folks at

Riverview Renaissance Center for the Arts...

that two of my book faeries will be in the juried exhibition

at the gallery in Millville, New Jersey

November 18th through December 30th, 2011

I couldn't be more excited!

This is a celebration of fine artisan furniture and furnishings

from the tri-state area: Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.

I invite you to stop by and/or take a look at the gallery:

http://www.rrcarts.com/index.html

Newest Issue of Art Doll Quarterly...

2011-11-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you will take a moment to look at the newest issue of ADQ...

I had the joy of having an article that I submitted published:

"Folk Art Dolls That Are Functional!"

You'll find the article on pages 58-62...

Warm Wishes during these, crisp, cool November days!

Daryle

Santos Angel

2011-10-23T19:49:00.002-04:00

With this Santos... I have decided to sculpt clay of

over cloth. The cloth I have chosen happens to be one of my

favorite fabrics. It is a rugged 10 oz. duck cloth cotton canvas,

that is unbleached. Duck cloth and I have a "long history" of

working together... going all the way back to our earliest days

up in Vermont. Kingdom Krafts... which was the name of our

little registered cottage industry became associated by name

with "canvas folk art." When folks heard "canvas folk art"...

they often thought of Kingdom Krafts.

Well... having said that; that was then and this is now!

I just plain enjoy working with a sturdy duck cloth!

The fabric is nailed with 9/16 tacks to the wooden cage frame,

also a squirt of Elmer's wood glue here and there for strength.

I'm hoping to introduce some old rusty screening by fabricating a

metal corset over and/or into the paper maché and paper clay.

Happy Sunday evening... Daryle

Friday's Favorite... rachel whetzel

2011-10-21T07:47:00.001-04:00

It's going to be a perfect autumn day, here in South Jersey...

boatloads of sunshine, a bit of a breeze, and we're approaching

peak color as the maples, ash, and sugar gum trees drop their leaves.

It's also a perfect day to stop by and visit rachel whetzel...

at her blog, website, and shop!

http://www.minetothine.com/

Her dolls have been published and featured in
PRIMS, Art Doll Quarterly
and other wonderful publications...
rachel's blog: "Memories of Mine to Thine"

is a good place to start...

You'll love her steampunk doll found on the October 7th post!

Have fun and tell her that I said "Hi!" Daryle

Perfection...

2011-10-17T14:14:00.001-04:00

This past Friday morning the car was packed and we were ready to
walk out the door... leaving for a wedding in Olean, NY.
It would be a seven hour trip from Woodstown.

The phone rang... it was 6:00 a.m.

"Hi Dad! The contractions are coming every five to eight minutes...

we're on our way to the hospital!"

And at 12:55 p.m. our second grandson was born!

Jonathan... "a gift from the Lord"

We arrived in Olean, well before the wedding rehearsal on Friday.
The ceremony on Saturday was a testimony to the glory of God,
and the reception that followed was a hoot!

Katie and I danced the night away... returned to the B & B in Allegany
and enjoyed breakfast the next morning with the groom's family.
We arrived in North Jersey by mid afternoon on Sunday...
(more than ready to see that family of ours) and just in time to snap a pic

of big brother Ryan holding little Jonathan for the very first time!

We think they're going to be best friends!

Life is good... Daryle & Katie

Santos Cage... Body Beginnings!

2011-10-11T18:56:00.000-04:00

Focus... "to concentrate attention or energy"

This Santos has helped me to once again "focus"

and move forward!

I have added a "finial" of sorts...

to the inside of the cage for interest.

Perhaps something will eventually dangle from it?

I added a halved styrofoam ball, to provide some shape

for the doll's hips... soon to be covered with a fabric armature.

I do so much better "visualizing" with a paper representation...

I like the proportions. Her long waist will drop when I actually

"tuck" the fabric and attach it to the wooden upper base.

Santos Angel... Has a Cage!

2011-10-10T20:50:00.000-04:00

"floundering"... a verb: to struggle, to make mistakes.

Goodness, that says it all! I feel as though I've been

floundering in the aftermath, the past few weeks.

Perhaps "wallowing" would be an even better word choice!

Having "wallowed" long enough... I started working on the cage

for a new Santos Angel!

I used some poplar furring strips, over-laying them with

decorative pine moulding that I attached to a basswood base.

Her tiny 4-3/4" waist base is pine. Some drywall screws and good

ol' Elmer's wood glue seems to be holding it all together! This Santos

will be quite large; the cage is 19 inches high. I'm thinking that will

make the doll close to 36 inches tall. Happy Trails! Daryle

A New Doll... in the Works!

2011-10-02T20:55:00.000-04:00

My excuse? Well, our downstairs is still waiting for new flooring,

following the carpet soaking waters of Irene!

Two weeks ago we finally pulled the last of the old, original tile flooring up...

(the carpet went four weeks ago)

The new flooring will be delivered tomorrow, acclimate and be installed on Tuesday.

My workshop is a disaster: furniture piled, stacked, jammed and junked all over the place. Being a bit "over the top tidy"... (Yup! basically O.C.D.)

I struggle to work in a "less than well organized" environment.

This evening I decided to venture into that very same space and at least attempt

to "work on" the base for a new Santos! I am defining "work on" as taking a photo of potential materials to be used in the base of the new cage doll. Sad, huh?

And so it goes... Happy Sunday evening! Daryle

Friday's Favorite: Abi Monroe's Dolls!

2011-09-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

If you have never stopped by to visit Abi at her blog or Etsy Shop...

please do!

Very simply put: Abi is designing some of the most incredible dolls

that are out there.

You can find her at: http://abimonroe.blogspot.com/

Stop by and tell her "Daryle sent you!"

Our Finds: Four at Four

2011-09-24T06:25:00.000-04:00

We found our newest favorite stop for special "finds":

The Annex Marketplace in Wilmington, Delaware!

http://www.annexmarketplaceonline.com/

And what was the "fourth" find?

A beautiful "flag throw" (blanket) from the Museum of Fine Art, Boston

depicting fifteen historical American flags. It came in the original zippered bag

with tags and the museum card. Yup! It too was: $4.00

Happy hunting... Daryle & Katie

Congratulations... the "Guardian of Hope" has found a New Home, in Canada!

2011-09-23T16:02:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to "Pink"... from Pinkglitterfae Art...

earlier today, our daughter (way up in Vermont)

picked Betty's number from the hat!

We couldn't be happier!

Daryle & Katie

Fall Equinox Give-Away!

2011-09-15T20:13:00.000-04:00

We love the fall season!

The cooler temps, putting our gardens to rest,

and the long shadows that dance across our lawns.

We are so blessed... and want to share that blessing!

What better way... than a give-away!

And so "The Guardian of Hope" featured on page 65

of the fall issue of Art Doll Quarterly...

will find a new home on Friday, September 23, 2011...

the first day of Autumn!

Just drop us a note, here at Woodstown Whimsies...

and we'll put your name in the hat for the drawing!

Blessings... Daryle & Katie

Birdhouse Shrine: "A Window of the Soul"

2011-09-12T16:43:00.002-04:00

Fini... with a little help (actually a lot!) using

DecoArt One Step Crackle Medium...

I decided to use a blending of raw sienna and burnt umber

for my "fill-in" color with the cracks; as I wanted a richer contrast

against the light, porcelain-like- finish of the skin tones.

Don't you just love paper hats?

For me... they rekindle warm memories of my grandma,

who lived with us. Occasionally, she would make me a paper hat,

fold after fold, using a sheet from the Milwaukee Journal.

Remember WHAT he started out as?

(sometimes it's nice to go back to where it all began, isn't it?)

Yup... that funky two-tone wooden birdhouse on stilts!

He stands about 23 inches tall from the top of his paper hat

to the soles on his shoes...

I'm hoping to enter him in a juried exhibition this October

at the Riverfront Renaissance Center Gallery in Millville, NJ.

Happy thoughts... Daryle

Craftsman Style Doll... (definitely a W.I.P.)

2011-09-10T13:51:00.000-04:00

I just returned from a quick trip over the river

(o.k. "and through the woods...") to Delaware,

making a stop at the Farmer's Flea Market in New Castle.

I came across this craftsman style architectural piece...

It just spoke to me... and for $3.00 with a bit of bargaining;

came home with me! The seller said it is an old mantle clock case.

It only stands 9 inches high... and is heavy for its size (2+ lbs. I'm sure)

After a damp cloth cleaning (I am thinking that it is walnut)...

it certainly has the makings for a whimsical doll!

I cannot find a single nail in it; the four square columns

are pegged on the bottom of the platform.

And don't you just love the vintage brass tag that I found...

It has "snook 260" stamped on it; in red.

Happy hunting... Daryle

Friday's Favorite... Folk Art Dolls!

2011-09-09T17:45:00.000-04:00

They remain my first love:

(in the doll world...)

FOLK ART DOLLS!

Please take a minute to stop and see what Jan Conwell

is creating these days... Her blog is J D Conwell Folkart Dolls.

Use this link to stop by and say "hello!"

http://jdconwell.blogspot.com/

This is one of her dolls, that I found at the

Primitive and Folk Art Doll Group at Etsy.

On the Brighter Side...

2011-09-02T07:56:00.000-04:00

We hunkered down in Vermont,

in Chad & Emily's first home

as Irene came through... the pics tell all...

Our whole family was there... Chad and Em had us,

as well as Naomi, Steve, and little Ryan

for their first big sleep-over!

The house was full... our hearts were even fuller!

Yes, we know we are blessed...

Upon Returning to Woodstown...

2011-09-01T07:40:00.000-04:00

We were thankful, upon returning to our home in Woodstown

late Tuesday evening... to find only some large limbs down in

the backyard and water in the basement.

We weathered out the hurricane, up in Vermont with Emily & Chad.

Much of Vermont was devastated by the storm...

with entire towns cut off by mud slides and/or washed out roads.

Our family and friends were spared. We hunkered down in our kid's

new home (circa 1860) as the storm came and went;

leaving so much destruction behind its path.

Parts of South Jersey were also hit really hard; as was North Jersey.

It took us hours just to get to where our oldest daughter, hubby,

and grandson live... due to neighboring towns that

had flood waters and are dealing with washed out highways.

Some of you were praying for us... thank you for that!

With heartfelt gratitude... Daryle & Katie

Through My Lens...

2011-08-20T16:36:00.001-04:00

I have complied a few pics of my Birdhouse Shrine Doll... still a W.I.P.

His paper hat (with metal grommets on each side) is full of illustrations

and music from a vintage German children's book.

The gold heart hangs in one of the open window panes,

near a reproduction metal keyhole on the door.

I really love the sentiment "forget me not"

and often incorporate it in my assemblages and dolls.

It is on coffee-stained paper, enclosed by a metal frame.

The small, gold heart that hangs in the window frame is paper clay.

Inside the door are my quail eggs...

I found some vintage doll stockings that fit perfectly

on his skinny, painted legs!

The vintage shoes were one of those "finds"... though I had to

add some shoe buttons that had been lost over the years.

The birdhouse shrine is finished... now, to work on that head of his!

Excuse the "spill-over" on the photos but I hated to crop or downsize them...

Wishing you wellness, in the week ahead! Daryle

Friday's Favorite...

2011-08-19T07:37:00.000-04:00

I hope you'll take a minute to visit Julie Howe

at "My Curious Tea Party!"

Here's the link: http://mycuriousteaparty.blogspot.com/

Julie is one of the most creative, kindred spirits we know...

she recently posted some wonderful dolls, at her Etsy shoppe!

Daryle & Katie

ADQ Bottle Doll Challenge!

2011-08-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

Ol' "Harvest Moon"... is off to California!

After much debate... I decided that his

funnel hat would not travel with him... sigh!

My thought... give his lovely old crater head

every opportunity to shine! Tsk! Tsk!

He stands only 10 inches tall...

but his smile fills a room!

A "Rule" to Live By!

2011-08-05T06:58:00.000-04:00

We have been collecting (Oh, tell me it's not "hoarding")

these vintage wooden rules (or, if you insist: rulers) for years.

A hammer and wood chisel easily pops them apart...

but boy-oh-boy does it do a number on the chisel tip!

The vintage lens that I found along the way... just "fits!"

His hat is heavy manila card stock that I photocopied

images onto, from a vintage German children's book

of monochrome illustrations and songs.

Then I (surprise factor) coffee-stained it!

I love his red wings...

I'm thinking of incorporating some coffee-stained and tattered

cotton canvas fabric strips along the front panels of the door,

some vintage slouch stockings... and I have to begin thinking

about finishing his head!

Wishing you a restful weekend... Daryle

Friday's Favorite!

2011-07-29T12:48:00.001-04:00

I hope you take a moment this weekend to stop by and visit kali at:

water.scissors.paper

You will find her work delightful, whimsical, and always thought provoking!
Here's the link:
http://waterscissorspaper.blogspot.com/

A Home for Harriet...

2011-07-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

"I had reasoned this out in my mind.

There was one of two things I had a right to-liberty or death.

If I could not have one, I would have the other."

-Harriet Tubman

My "Miss Moses"... a tribute to Harriet Tubman

has found a home, here in Swedesboro.

She makes her new home

with a woman of equal strength and godliness.

"Her price is far above rubies."

Birdhouse Shrine Doll... Day #2 and-one-half!

2011-07-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

I decided last night (at about 10 p.m.)

to add some papier mache shingles to the roof,

giving it a bit more interest and definition.

And he has wings... of course!

We found this carton of real quail eggs

at the Philadelphia Flower Show three years ago...

they have been sitting on my work table all this time; waiting!

Some are whole, some are broken... some are missing!

"The window of the soul..."

I cut the wooden arched window using 1/4 inch craft plywood

and inset it, after cutting the opening with my scroll saw.

I love his little vintage shoes!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Daryle

Birdhouse Shrine Doll

2011-07-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

On our drive into Salem this morning, we stopped at the

ARC Thrift Store... this four-legged birdhouse was in the window.

I walked out of the store... empty-handed!

After lunch... I came to my senses and we went back

and picked it up!

My question is: "Where do these ideas come from?"

I mean, really... I took one look at this birdhouse on legs

and saw a whimsical, winged, celestial messenger!

This paper clay head has been shelf-sitting for about six months

and I just picked up the vintage shoes in Pennsylvania this week!

WINGS... this guy needs a pair of wooden wings!

Joy in the journey... Daryle

Growing Corn... South Jersey Style!

2011-07-22T16:03:00.001-04:00

I took the photo this morning, on our way to Salem...

Each day, the sunflowers "follow" or track the sun

so that by end-of-day, they face the other direction!

For the record... it is 100 degrees in Woodstown at this moment!

Smile... and say: "Vincent!"

A bit of artistic license...

thank you "Picnik" (free) photo editing!

Happy Anniversary... Us!

2011-07-20T19:07:00.001-04:00

Our 37th Wedding Anniversary today...

the card I found for Katie says it all:

We ~~danced~~ dance when we ~~could~~ can.

We ~~laughed~~ laugh more than we ~~cried~~ cry.

We ~~messed~~ mess up daily.

We ~~got~~ get a few things really, really right.

We ~~loved~~ love our families.

We ~~were~~ ARE blessed.

Harvest Moon... nears completion!

2011-07-20T16:43:00.000-04:00

The dilemma is:

to wear the funnel hat...

or not to wear the funnel hat?

He finally has hands to hold the cracked

terra cotta clay pot that lay in the foreground.

His coloration is, well... like the harvest moon!

And as you can see... he is making a "spectacle"

of himself (pun intended!) Tsk! Tsk! Daryle

Gourd Doll Challenge!

2011-07-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

The newest issue... Aug/Sept/Oct of Art Doll Quarterly

arrived yesterday... and on page 65 you'll find:

"The Guardian of Hope"

I couldn't be happier with the article and photography...

The editorial and photography staff at Stampington & Company

are the best! My heartfelt thanks to them... Daryle

A Day in Philly!

2011-07-18T21:30:00.000-04:00

Our Vermont daughter and son-in-law-to-be took us to the

Philadelphia Art Museum on Saturday...

helping me celebrate my "60 is the new 40" Birthday!

(that's them in the foreground...)

We walked up the front stairs to the museum

("Rocky" fame) three times! Chad ran it once... Ugh!

Later we went back into the museum through the "back door"

where we found this Jacob Epstein bronze that represents:

compassion, destiny and death...

We spent several hours at the Franklin Institute...

enjoying the new "Where's My Mummie?" exhibit...

We even found time to stop by Independence Hall

and the Liberty Bell... then had a late (very late) lunch at GiGi's!

It was a thoroughly exhausting... fun-filled day together!

Bear in Mind...

2011-07-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

Every now and again I need a bit of "inspiration"...

(that is to say... a proverbial "kick-in-the-pants!")

Thank you... Jan Conwell from the Hermits' Garden!

http://twoconwellsplaying.blogspot.com/

She and I have been talking teddy bears in recent weeks...

and I decided to take a few pics of some of my bears!

And the "kick-in-the-pants"?

Well... I am supposed to be working on a magazine article

about my bears! So... now I just need to sit down and start typing

(as opposed to blogging... Tsk! Tsk!)

Here is a "group shot" of some of my favorites...

all my original patterns made with German or English mohair,

using glass or vintage shoe buttons for eyes.

Each bear is fully jointed using traditional crown joints

(cotter pins and discs)

Some are stuffed with poly-fill, some wood wool and some kapok.

This is "Bruin"... who stands at 21 inches tall...

though he always seems to be sitting!

This is "Gunther"... his name means: bold warrior!

(he's a big softy at heart)...

This big boy is made with curly, distressed English mohair.

He stands as the "sentinel" of our dining room...

(he takes this job very seriously!)

Well... as "seriously" as a bear wearing a crown of berries

and an infant undershirt can be taken!

This little guy is a small version of "Vinny"...

The original "Vinny" was published in the Workman Press

Teddy Bear Calendar... back in the late 90's

And this is (my alter-ego?) "Milo"...

he's always clowning around, making you smile!

He's made using German glass eyes and mohair,

that I lovingly distressed and aged.

Now I must make haste... and get to work on the teddy bear article!

Warm Fuzzies... Daryle

Friday's (Fabulous) Favorite!

2011-07-08T09:48:00.000-04:00

Just this morning I was visiting Paula Nerhus' blog...

her dolls and photography always inspire!

She is a member of Creative Souls... this Friday's Favorite:

http://creativesouls.ning.com/

God Bless America!

2011-07-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

"Harvest Moon"... all cracked up!

2011-06-29T17:59:00.000-04:00

I am a huge (I mean really big) fan of

DecoArt One-Step-Crackle-Medium...

What's the saying? "A picture is worth..."

Hands... for Harvest Moon!

2011-06-27T15:31:00.000-04:00

After adding some deep smile lines

to the corners of his mouth...

I worked on his hands!

But what should he hold?

What do you think a romantic, ageless

Harvest Moon would gently hold in his hands???

Bottle Doll Challenge...

2011-06-24T17:21:00.001-04:00

I finished his man-in-the-moon paper clay head today...

He still needs a couple coats of gesso

and then all of the "fun" painting begins!

Some wired, paper clay arms are in the works...
Thank you for sharing this moment!
Daryle

Friday's Favorite!

2011-06-24T17:17:00.000-04:00

Stop by and visit Teresa at A Magical Whimsy...

her blog is new, fresh and fun!

You will find her at: http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

We are both members of Cloth and Clay Dolls and MAIDA...

Art Doll Quarterly Challenge... I'm in!

2011-06-19T15:22:00.000-04:00

The spring 2011 issue of Art Doll Quarterly

invites doll-makers to find an unusual bottle

and then incorporate it in the creation of an art doll!

I have challenged my friends at Cloth and Clay Dolls

to join me in this creative venture!

After living in Vermont for twenty-eight years,

one of the things I miss most are the sugar maples in the fall,

with a full harvest moon rising over the Green Mountains.

When I recently came across this wonderful dark amber,

veined maple leaf bottle at a Goodwill Store (marked $1.99)...

I knew I had found my bottle for the challenge!

“Harvest Moon” is dedicated to all those romantics out there,

who love to sit under the light of the harvest moon!

Let the challenge begin... Daryle

Friday's Favorite... Susie McMahon!

2011-06-10T09:03:00.001-04:00

This week... I would like to invite you

to stop by and visit Susie McMahon's blog:

Susie McMahon Dolls

You will find her work at:

http://susiemcmahondolls.blogspot.com/

Susie is a gifted doll artist, sculptor, and instructor

who makes her home in Tasmania!

Stop by and you will be inspired and amazed, by her work!

Funnel Hat Book Faerie Has Found a New Home!

2011-06-08T08:35:00.001-04:00

Dear "funnel hat" has found

a new home in Scottsdale, AZ!

(Thank you Kitty... for sharing this photo!)

Book Faeries... Are Finished!

2011-06-04T19:37:00.002-04:00

These guys have been

so much fun to work on...

I hope to post them at Doll Town

in the next day or two!

Each doll has articulated arms with wood ball-joints,

a "crackled" paper clay head, wooden checkerboard stenciled wings,

a vintage book, and thematic accessories...

Enjoy this day! Daryle

St. John's Wort...

2011-06-03T14:02:00.001-04:00

Our St. John's Wort is in bloom...

We put this in three year's ago;

it loves our shaded backyard, near the house.

"Miss Moses"

2011-05-30T18:12:00.001-04:00

"Miss Moses"... as published in the spring 2011 issue of PRIMS!

This cage doll (santos) is my tribute to Harriet Tubman

and the Underground Railroad Movement.

So many details: vintage shoe button eyes, articulated arms,

vintage lace and button trim, and a warm, "crackle" finish...

Her skirt is an inverted metal container that holds

an 1894 copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" published in Philadelphia,

a vintage quilt square (its story is told in the PRIMS article),

and some rusty, vintage keys.

This OOAK cage doll stands 21 inches tall,

her wings are just under 17 inches wide, from tip-to-tip.

Her head is sculpted with paper clay over a wooden ball.

Her bodice is hand-painted canvas duck cloth.

Her lower arms and hands (with opposable thumbs) are wood.

Her upper arms are articulated and made with duck cloth.

The metal cage skirt is removable from the lower wooden base;

allowing you to easily remove the book and vintage quilt square.

"Where Art Thou... Blog Followers?"

2011-05-27T17:52:00.000-04:00

Like so many other "bloggers" out there...

my list of "followers" has "disappeared" from view!

(along with the posting of your "recent comments")

Sigh... there is comfort in knowing;

many of you.. my "favorites" out there

are experiencing the same issue

on your blog as well.

Friday's Favorites!

2011-05-27T08:59:00.000-04:00

If you love teddy bears and whimsical dolls (who doesn't?)... then you MUST stop by and visit Paola Zakima! From her free tutorials to her weekly posts... she provides a feast for the eyes and your creative spirit. Her bears, dolls, and paintings will inspire you. I purchased one of Paola's bear patterns two years ago, making a "first teddy bear" for our grandson.

You will find her at: http://www.paolazakimi.com/

Enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend... and remember: "We will not forget..."

New Doll Series: "Book Faeries!"

2011-05-25T18:03:00.000-04:00

I have been "puttering" with a new doll series

incorporating some old, vintage books...

along with paper clay, textiles, wood and other "finds"

The result: "book faeries"

Whimsical "odd-dolls" that are bit off the plumb line!

Though they are still WORKS IN PROGRESS...

Each one is already taking on its own personality!

Thank you for taking a look!

Mid-week well wishes... Daryle

A Bit of a Slump!

2011-05-20T12:23:00.000-04:00

Like these little guys who are sitting on the shelf...

I'd say I've been in a bit of a slump; distracted.

In these moments I am reminded that,

much like them...

I too am a work-in-progress! Daryle

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-05-13T13:16:00.001-04:00

It is a bit overcast this morning, here in South Jersey...

a perfect morning for taking a few pictures

and sharing with you, part of our little corner of the world!

Here' what's in bloom:

Two varieties of Columbine...

Coral Bells with some decorative grasses and creeping Phlox...

and a second year soft peach bush variety Rose (18 inches tall)

Johnny Jump-Ups and my all time favorite:

Jack-in-the-Pulpit!

Bearded Iris... and Spider Wort

Another favorite; Hen and Chicks...

Geranium (untouched color!)

And I had to snap a few pics of our

next-door neighbor Annie's Roses and Bleeding Heart!

Enjoy! Daryle and Katie

Friday's Favorite!

2011-05-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

One of my personal favorite blogs to visit is "Small Stories Studio"...

hosted by the very talented Cheryl Kuhn!

Katie and I are fortunate enough to own one of her wonderful stories"...

a delightful box with a vintage photo of a boy... and his dreams!

Cheryl creates moments in time that capture the joy found in traveling on life's journey!

Please stop by and visit her at: Small Stories Studio

Cheers! Daryle

O.O.A.K. Doll: SOLD!

2011-04-30T09:27:00.002-04:00

Nancy's Blog Shoppe (one of our Friday's Favorites) is posting my newest, one-of-a-kind fabric over-lay and wood art doll at her grand re-opening, tomorrow... May 1st! I hope that you will stop by and take a look! It is an angel that is both funky and fun...

Here is a "sneak peek" pic of part of this newest art doll:

Here's the link, Nancy will post the doll early Sunday morning:

http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com/
"This and That Angel" has sold... thanks Phil!

Friday's Favorite!

2011-04-29T07:52:00.000-04:00

A new feature... here at Woodstown Whimsies: We are going to try our best to share with you some of our favorite blogs and websites, several times a month!

A "new" favorite is Nancy's Blog Shoppe: http://nancysblogshoppe.blogspot.com/
Nancy shares her creative spirit and space with a number of "guest artists" over the year. May 1st begins a new season at the Shoppe! She also shares some recipes and culinary wonders on one of her other blogs. Stop by and see her!

Another favorite... is visiting our friend Rafael, at My Tiny Studio. He creates some of the most whimsical and appealing folk art that we have seen! Take a minute to visit his studio at: http://mytinystudio.blogspot.com/

Enjoy this beautiful day! Daryle & Katie

Reluctant Has Found A Home!

2011-04-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

SOLD: "The Reluctant Messenger"

I posted this whimsical messenger

at Doll Town

yesterday early afternoon...

He is headed for his new home with Kate,

in beautiful Pennsylvania!

My heartfelt thanks...

Dogwood in its Glory!

2011-04-20T13:25:00.000-04:00

Our dogwood trees are cloaked in their spring finest...

here in South Jersey!

I took these photos today, just outside my office

(these pics are not enhanced or touched-up in any way)

Oh Glorious Spring!

Wishing you and those you love...

a Blessed Easter!

Katie & Daryle

"le messager hesitant"... The Reluctant Messenger!

2011-04-01T15:18:00.000-04:00

Well... my (not so) little misfit messenger

is finally coming all together!

He stands 23 inches tall (without his top hat)!

He wears a waist-coat made from a very fun, nubby

wool fabric remnant that I found at a resale shop.

Underneath is a vintage crochet lace vest...

and he holds a small box

with two vintage "special delivery" stamps affixed.

TO DO LIST:

paint and crackle his head and hands...

give him a proper gentleman's paper collar...

attach some old bone buttons down that vest...

and add some laces to his shoes.

Did he say "Laurel and Hardy?"

2011-03-29T18:25:00.001-04:00

Two new angels that I am working on...

The taller of the two: "le messager hesitant"

Translated: "The Reluctant Messenger!"

Doesn't he look a bit reticent? I thought so...

And then the second angel: "dieses und das"

Translated: "This and That!"

He is literally made from a little of "this" and

a little of "that" (left over's) from other doll failures!

Thank you for stopping by, on this brisk March night!

Daryle

Music Box Angel Assemblage... Coming Along!

2011-03-27T18:14:00.001-04:00

I have base-coated the doll's head

and just for the moment, added some vintage

millinery flowers to a netting and ribbon "hat"...

The lyrics to Brahms Lullaby have definitely given

some momentum and direction to this doll assemblage!

An added element of surprise:

the door hinge and door-key-hole...

I had this vintage photo in my stash of "long lost souls"

It seemed to fit perfectly!

Details... details... it's all about those little details!

Here's a look at where I am heading with this doll assemblage!

I have already changed the printed letters for "angel"

with some old, warmly worn scrabble letters!

Thank you for stopping by...

Wishing you and yours a blessed week! Daryle (and Katie too!)

A New Angel Assemblage: A Music Box!

2011-03-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

What does a reclaimed music box with a key,

a repurposed doll head with a cloth-overlay,

and a vintage key-hole share in common?

"Folk Art that is Functional"

I have started working on a new doll...

The Music Box Angel Assemblage!

The Funky, Functional Folk Art Angel is Finished!

2011-03-25T18:40:00.001-04:00

Tick... Tick... Tick... goes the wee vintage clock!
I love the fact that the the name
stamped on the clock face is: "united"

I added the rusty heart, a vintage time-piece gear

and a brass key... Sigh!

Meet "Miss Moses" in the spring issue of PRIMS!

2011-03-23T13:31:00.002-04:00

"Miss Moses" is my tribute to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Movement. The complete article is on pages 82-85 of the spring issue of PRIMS.
My heartfelt thanks to the editorial and photography staff at Stampington & Company for the joy of being published in their spring issue!

I've include some collage pics of her "journey" from a wooden ball and some paper clay, to an inverted wire container!

The copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is a publication from 1894, out of Philadelphia. I found it at a local Goodwill Store! The vintage quilt square has "a story" of its own... all retold in the PRIMS article. Enjoy and blessings... Daryle

Folk Art with a Function...

2011-03-21T16:18:00.000-04:00

I made the decision to add several washes of acrylic paint

to the head and then use a one step crackle medium.

(I'm hooked on that stuff...)

And a clock it is! a.k.a. "functional" folk art!

I purchased a quartz movement clock kit that

I will attach to a wonderful old clock face

that Katie and I found at a local flea market.

My Bruin... Her Brunette!

2011-03-20T08:50:00.001-04:00

Katie and I spent some time at the

New Castle Farmer's Market yesterday afternoon...

and we came across this 23 inch tall doll.

I picked her up, the vendor said "$10.00"...

and I put her back down!

Then he asked; "How about $5.00?"

She came home with us!

While cleaning her up (her face was a mess!)

I noticed that stamped on the back of her head

was the name: "Jane Zidjunas" and the date 1991,

as well as the doll's name: "Elise"

She wears a drop waist dress, pantaloons,

a full length slip, long stockings, and leather shoes.

She has a mohair wig and (scratched) glass eyes.

We think she looks perfect sitting next to one of the

mohair teddy bears I designed and made, years ago...

(even with his crooked, wire-rimmed spectacles!)

Angel Assemblage... Day 3 or is it 4?

2011-03-18T12:09:00.001-04:00

Have added some color to both the canvas and the wings...

verdis green, terra-cotta clay and metallic gold! Yikes!

And now I am thinking... after Judi's post (Olde Time Dolls)

that perhaps I should

add some FUNCTION to this piece of FOLK ART!

What about a funky, fun clock face right in the center?

Hmmmm... I'm loving it Thanks Judi!

What do YOU think? Let me know... drop me a note!

Warm Wishes (70's here in south jersey today!)

Daryle

Angel Assemblage... Day 2!

2011-03-16T16:47:00.000-04:00

I dedicated several hours to working on this angel today.

With a dry base coat of flat black over the entire piece,

I then began layering and gluing some scrap-booking papers.

Next... I recklessly painted gesso over the entire piece:

papers, doll head, wooden legs, etc. (getting "brave" in my old age)

Then... I immediately wiped it off using a rag dampened with water.

I am so pleased with the effect;

sort of a weathered, white-washed look!

I am planning of painting the cloth over-lay head,

adding something to the wooden wings and also

some color to the legs... I originally had thought

that I would add wood finial and paper clay arms...

now I'm not so sure.

Thank you for stopping by... enjoy this day! Daryle

A New Direction: an Angel Assemblage Doll!

2011-03-14T21:38:00.000-04:00

I began working on this assemblage doll

late last night... applying cotton stretch fabric

over this thrift shop find doll head.

I've had the 9x12 inch chunky artist's canvas

sitting in our workspace for about a year

and figured that it was time to use it!

The PLAN:

I am thinking that I will base-coat the canvas, head, wings,

and wood turnings in black... and then begin to add layers

of papers and textures... and some of the "found" objects

that I temporarily tacked on for this photo!

I just love his skinny little articulated legs!

(Hands! He will need some paper clay hands!)

Cheers! Daryle

The "new" us!

2011-03-13T18:57:00.000-04:00

We just found this adorable vintage photo

and had to post it here... as the "new" us

on our profile! Daryle & Katie

(the ears give me away...) Tsk! Tsk! Daryle

Pennsville Flea Market

2011-03-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Katie and I stopped by the Pennsville Flea Market

again today... much to our delight!

One of the vendors has perhaps a dozen tables

set up with cardboard signs ($1, $2, etc.)...

He is one of our favorite vendors!

Today we picked up three vintage doll dresses,

a pair of pink little doll shoes

along with three pair of stockings,

the wonderful antique clock-face hand stamp,

a hand tied table runner, a beautiful doll head

(that I will use for making a mold)

and eyes that will find a new "home"...

And in the background a "perfectly well-worn"

leather coat that will soon be repurposed

into teddy bear pads and doll shoes!

Do You See What I See?

2011-03-03T15:40:00.002-05:00

I see a Queen Anne Style cage doll...

an attic set-aside santos, small waisted

with pale completion and glass eyes.

I found this wonderful vintage birdcage

at a new flea market, about six miles

from our home...

It has a spring-loaded door and the bottom

tray/door is hinged and flops open too!

And the color... is it perfect, or what?

Katie found two 19th century color

lithographs by German illustrator,

Fedor Flinzer... they were 25¢ each!

Here's a peek at a section of one:

Grand Opening This Sunday Evening!

2011-02-25T08:23:00.000-05:00

OOAK, handmade art dolls...

Come over to DOLL TOWN

this Sunday evening, February 27th

for the Grand Opening... @ 7:00 p.m.

Yup! I have three for sale...

"The Guardian of Hope!"

2011-02-21T21:08:00.003-05:00

In the still of the night

on the far side of the slope...

shrouded by the darkness

stands the Guardian of Hope...

Waiting in the shadows

watching and seeing all...

cloaked in autumnal splendor

not a single nest can fall...

I have finished all of the details

(including the addition of this original poem)

on this gourd doll... for the

Art Doll Quarterly Gourd Doll Challenge.

She will be mailed off to California on Tuesday!

The poem is my feeble attempt to help "explain"

the whole idea of this guardian, the nest,

and of course: "hope!"

Her head is a photo transfer on fabric
with a bit of paper clay underneath the nose
to give her face a little depth and dimension.
(she looks like my grandma!)

Enjoy... Daryle

Gourd Doll Challenge!

2011-02-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

Art Doll Quarterly will be publishing the Gourd Challenge Dolls in their Fall 2011 issue... I am hoping to finish "The Guardian of Hope" in time for the entry deadline (coming up quick!)

"The Guardian of Hope" is made from a photo transfer on cotton knit fabric, using a vintage photograph from my stash of long forgotten souls! I stretched the fabric over a basic paper clay form that I built up, intentionally trying to form the "smile lines" on either side of her mouth. Then I hand colored the details. Her paper clay hands STILL need to be painted and distressed. She looks like she's wearing white gloves at the moment! Tsk, Tsk!

Her body is a "birdhouse" gourd that is hollowed out, cleaned, and then I layered it (the inside) with paper-toweling using a white glue & water mixture for added texture. I still need to add a wash of color to the inside...

The outside of the gourd is covered with a paper napkin, using the same white glue & water mixture. The natural finish of the gourd shows through the translucent single-ply napkin nicely. I cut the little bird from a piece of pine, added wooden dowel legs, and placed him on the wire & wood perch.

Each Day is a Good Day... to Share a Little Love! XO XO

2011-02-14T07:45:00.001-05:00

Shhhhhh... Don't Tell!

2011-02-12T08:36:00.000-05:00

We are trying to keep this

"under our hat"...

but it would appear that

SPRING is on its way!

We spotted these daffodils... where once there was snow!

Warm Wishes... Daryle & Katie

The Fable... is Finished!

2011-02-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Aesop was a master storyteller...

"The Man and the Satyr"

teaches a moral worth remembering!

(see our January 22 post for the fable)

He was so much fun to work on!

This was my first ever

"cloth over clay" application...

what a "stretch" ( Ha! literally)

Cheers! Daryle

The Fable Unfolds...

2011-02-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

My favorite part of the fable

of the Man and the Satyr...

is when the man blows cold air,

in an attempt to cool his porridge.

And the satyr exclaims;

"I'll have nothing to do with a man

who blows both hot and cold

with the same breath!"

I found this set of of small, rusty

spoons and bowls

at the Ranch Hope Thrift Shop...

the same day I began working on this!

Here's a close-up of his wool felt

waist-coat jacket and vintage crochet lace vest.

Then and Now... the Memory Keeper!

2011-02-05T08:47:00.001-05:00

Work on the "Memory Keeper" began back in mid-November... starting out with a three-drawer jewelry box.

I finally have found the time to add some scrap-booking papers to the box "body" and sculpt that paper clay head he's been waiting for!

His eyes are a pair of vintage black shoe buttons. His black derby is molded felt. His upper arms are wooden craft finials... he is patiently waiting for his hands!

I had this old pocket watch in my stash of "stuff." It seems to suit him and the whole notion of a "Memory Keeper"... as time goes by.

His head needs to be gessoed and painted. He will wear a rather dapper Victorian paper collar, and his hands need to be sculpted... and then he's just about ready to hold some memories!

Aesop's Satyr is SLOWLY Coming Together!

2011-01-28T16:27:00.001-05:00

His arms are just pinned in place, as I work on

painting him. I used some thinned down

burnt umber for a base-coat and then added

a bit of blush around his face.

I will begin to layer translucent coats of

color to his head, neck, upper body, legs and hands...

I want to build up the color... and when he

says; "I'm done..." then I'll be done! Daryle

Aesop's Satyr Has Hands!

2011-01-28T16:19:00.000-05:00

His hands are sculpted with paper clay

and wrapped florist's wire... then glued

to the wooden upper arm craft finials.

Thunder Snow... in South Jersey!

2011-01-27T10:40:00.001-05:00

It was both wild and a little unnerving... the "thunder snow" that we had overnight. The sky would lighten up with flashes of lightening and then (house shaking) claps of thunder! The trees that are gently bending and touching the snow in the background are some of our 12-15 foot cedars; this morning a bit "top heavy" with snow! But like the rest of us; they will "bounce back" in time! Solomon, in his wisdom was right: "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

Our boxwood is hanging low, under the weight of the new fallen snow...

We're staying home today... Warms Wishes from the new "snow belt" in South Jersey! Daryle & Katie

Aesop's Satyr...

2011-01-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a new doll... based upon Aesop's fable of the man and the satyr (half-man and half-goat). For me, the moral of the story reflects some strong, biblical principles. More to come... you can be sure!

Remember Aesop's Fables? Here's my favorite!

2011-01-22T17:40:00.000-05:00

As a child growing up, I loved reading Aesop's fables. As an adult, one of my favorites is told about a man and a satyr. It goes like this:

A man had lost his way in a woods one bitter winter's night. As he was roaming about, a satyr came up to him, and finding that he had lost his way, offered to give him lodging for the night, and guide him out of the dark woods in the morning light. As he went along to the satyr's home, the man raised both his hands to his mouth and kept on blowing at them. "What do you do that for?" asked the satyr. "My hands are numb with the cold," said the man, "and my breath warms them." After this they arrived at the satyr's home, and soon the satyr put a bowl of hot soup before him. The man raised his spoon to his mouth, and he began blowing upon it. "And what do you do that for?" inquired the satyr. "The soup is too hot, and my breath will cool it." With that, the satyr rose from the table and said; "Out you go... for I will have nothing to do with a man who can blow both hot and cold with the same breath."

And the moral of the story is...

"Phaeton"... basking in the moment!

2011-01-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

I love this photo of him...

it was taken with the sun setting;

creating these wonderful shadows

as a backdrop!

"Sufficient" is in the Spring 2011 Issue of ADQ!

2011-01-21T12:54:00.002-05:00

What an honor, to find myself (well, "Phaeton" that is...) in the same issue of Art Doll Quarterly as dolls by artists like: Ankie Daanen, Catherine Zacchino, Marina Lenzino, and my all-time-favorite... Marlaine Verhelst!
This was one of those "Wow!" moments for me... Daryle