Monday, September 27, 2010

Monkey business...

Those who know me know that I have a thing for sock monkeys. I love them. I just can't help it...it's almost an obsession, lol! Needless to say, this love has rubbed off on my students at school. They all want to make them!!! Being that I have over 300 students and only 1 sewing machine, well....especially when I need to have some sort of control over the sewing part. Call me Monk, lol!

So I decided to host a 6th grade Art Club called the Kinship of the Traveling Sock Monkeys. I let the kids pick out which colors they wanted for their monkeys (pink, blue, or brown red-heeled socks) and then bribed my friend AJ (mostly with Starbucks and cupcakes...and I have yet to produce the cupcakes, lol!) to help me sew the bodies, limbs, ears, and tails of 30 monkeys.

The best part of this project is that the kids are going to document the life of their sock monkey in a journal (provided by me). They will write journal entries from the monkeys' perspectives, as well as document with pictures of their monkeys in action. Art (stuffies art) and literacy. What a delicious combination.

We're two days into this Art club project and the kids LOVE it! They are having a ball....the room is a-buzz with excited conversations about monkey names and wardrobes, where they are going to take their monkeys, etc.

Here are a few pictures of our monkeys-in-progress. They don't look like much at the moment, but give em a few more weeks. Max the giant sock monkey is overseeing the whole shabang :^)






And my first graders kinda jumped on the bandwagon with little clay monkeys...


And the journey continues...

Candice :^)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Every spare minute that I found this past weekend I sculpted or sewed or stuffed doll parts. And I found myself so desperately looking forward to those little bits of time! Those moments in between loads of laundry or when my 15 month old would take a VERY short nap.

It's the stopping that I don't like, lol! Having to put down my clay (paperclay is my new found art love)and get out of my zone. But realistically, the kids, the hubby, the food shopping, the cleaning and cooking must get done. And getting rid of spiders. But that is a story in and of itself :^)

This all surprises me really because I haven't been able to focus on my art, my dolls, for quite some time. Whether it was lack of interest or lack of time--or self-imposed lack of time or procrastination more likely--I don't know. But something has released within me or I have subconsciously let something go. But my desire to create is back with a sweet newfound force. And I am loving it! So in light of this, I am looking at my day, seeing where I can nip and tuck time per se. Even if I get to fit in just 15 minutes, that makes my heart sing. And I really feel like it keeps me on top of my craft. And creating has been like breathing for me. When I don't do it, I feel a part of me is missing, like I can't breathe.

So, this is a BIG step for me! I am creating time for myself to work, breathing (lol!).....and now looking at tentative dates to resign from my day job. No, I'm NOT crazy!! Lol! In talking with Marisha, I need to physically pick a date to resign and write it on a calendar. If I am willing to release what is not working for me, something else will present itself. Gotta get the ball rolling. Universe, I am VERY ready! In my heart, I KNOW the capacity in which I am teaching is no longer healthy for me. Both physically and emotionally. My goal is to be a self-supporting artist. To be able to work from home and take care of my kids, to teach local workshops, possibly travel around the US to teach workshops as well. This is what I see for myself. I have picked two tentative resignation dates, one in October the other in November. Technically (legally) I need to give my school district a full month to replace me from the date of my resignation. Both of those dates would do not only that, but allow me to leave right before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Imagine starting 2011 in this way???? Yes, yes, yes!!!!

Later on I'll post (hopefully)some pics of the girls I have been working on. I am making 4 girls for the Spring issue of Prims magazine. Whether or not they publish them, we'll see :^) Two of them are early 1900's beach babes, along with their mermaid friend. The 4th is a pretty large doll. She's not sure if she wants to be an angel or not. We'll see where she takes me :^) They tend to take on a life of their own. Also, nearly done, is a little Goth girl named Molly. She has her own skelly plushie and will come in a black, purple satin-lined coffin. She REALLY is a cutie :^)

Saturday, September 18, 2010

And so it begins?





I just pulled the Book card from my Angel deck for the third time in 6 months. Me, write a book? About the metaphysical? Come on. I have bought (and read, not just collecting ‘em here) so many books on the metaphysical that I could build a small house with them if I used the right adhesive. But seriously. How could I compare with such authors as Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Esther and Jerry Hicks, Caroline Myss, and Sonia Choquette? What could I possibly have to say to others that is earth-shattering and life-changing? I’m just a New York transplant-doll artist-art teacher-mom-wife living in Colorado.

My mind flashes back to my first Metaphysical fair in 2008. I met with Chris and Bob Neelin. Chris is an RN and nationally recognized trance channeler; Bob is a spiritual counselor. I was completely amazed at the things Chris was telling me in her trance-like state. Near the end of that first session, as Chris was coming out of her trance, I was speaking with Bob. And I distinctly remember him saying “You have a book in you young lady. Write it.” The whole session was recorded so I went back and just listened to that bit.
Yep. “You have a book in you young lady. Write it”.
In me?!
Okay. It IS a possibility. But what in the heck am I going to write about?

Flashback to September 4th. I went to the Metaphysical Fair in Denver and saw Marisha Diaz. She is a phenomonally gifted channeler. I've seen her before and have had a phone session with her as well. So there I sat, listening to her, or rather, to my spirit guides channeling through her. Tears in my eyes.....and not from anything bad mind you. It was all about my life's purpose (MY ART)and how behind I am with it!! And about leaving my current job. And how my physical ailments have manifested because of the above-mentioned.

So I have been thinking about all of this non-stop. And beginning to look at my art in a new light (which I will divulge in a later post). What does all of this mean you wonder? I have decided to take everything I have learned from these authors, guides, etc. and live it. Authentically. Fully. Deliciously :^) Does all of this REALLY work? Will I manifest the life I have so longed to live?? Will I finally live my life's purpose?? Will I finally get that studio space over the garage that is not built yet???

I invite you to take this ride with me. I promise, it will be interesting, if not entertaining. See my artwork progress, change....heal others??? I'm beyond excited about what is coming....and strangely calm as well. For now anyway, lol.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

I'm in Art Doll Quarterly Summer 2010!!!



I am SOOO excited to share that my dolls are being featured in ADQ's Summer 2010 issue!! And my doll is on the cover!! Woohoo!!! To me, this is a REALLY big deal....and I am just gushing!!! LOL! I'd love for you to take a look at Alice and her friends the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. They are a fun and quirky trio!
If you click on the picture, you can buy this ADQ edition directly from Stampington, or you can also visit your local bookstore, JoAnn's, etc.

I am considering creating a class around these dolls....most likely just Alice and the Rabbit. If you can create Alice, then you can definitely conjure up a Mad Hatter in the same style :^) But I will definitely give you some tips and tricks for a Hatter! So check back for details.

Speaking of teaching, I'm REALLY considering hitting the road and teaching at locations around the U.S. I've been working feverishly on a bunch of girls, some folk art girlies with glass eyes....and yes, I'm back to my fairies again!! I've missed them so!! SO...

If you or your doll group are interested in possibly having me teach a workshop, please feel free to contact me :^)

Life has been dropping lots of surprises on me...some good, some, well, ya know. So I'm making lemonade if you know what I mean :^) Summer's approaching and I'm looking forward to it--especially since I'm a teacher!! I'm craving the months ahead where I can just relax, be with my two little boys, and just create to my heart's content. Sunbathing optional :^) Chat soon!

Fairy dust,
Candice

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Things are a'changin'........

There's just so much goin' on these days!! Good thing I have that leftover Easter candy to get me through it all!!

I have 6 new girls in the works, all standing there, staring at me in various stages of undone-ness :^) They beg me to pay more attention to them and give them more of my time....if only I had a magic wand and some fairy dust...and an assitant, a housekeeper, and a chef! LOL!!

I'm SO happy to share that three of my folk art angels are in the premier issue of Prims magazine. It's a very well put together, very classy magazine. Certainly pick up a copy of it at your favorite book store or you can purchase it online at stampington.com.





ALSO....I'm beside myself on this one....my Wonderland trio of Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit made it into the Summer issue of Art Doll Quarterly! And Alice is going to be on the cover!!! Yaaaayyyyy!!! It took eating two giant cupcakes to help me regain my composure after ADQ contacted me about it :^) I'm not quite sure whether the summer issue will be out in May or June so check back here or Stampington's site in a few weeks :^)

So, all of this had me thinking about my work, my artistic ability, and the precious time (or lack there of) I get to spend on making my girls. I have come to realize that creating my dolls IS my life's purpose....and recently, an amazingly talented intuitive/channeler reinforced that for me. I do believe stronlgy in the metaphysical so what she told me was extremely poignant, exciting, reassuring, and well, rather surprising.
As most of you know, I am an elementary school art teacher. I have REALLY enjoyed what I do for almost 13 years now. But I will admit, for the past year or so, I have considered leaving teaching...at least for a little while. In my heart, I have wanted to focus on my art full time and to teach more adult art workshops. Well, recently (about a week ago), I was told that I had to leave the school I am presently at(the school that I love!!)and am going to be transferred to another school for the 2010-2011 school year. Not sure which one I will be sent to as of yet. I just know that I have to have an entire classroom packed up--13 years of accumulated art stuff, books, etc,--and out by June 3rd.
And you know, strangely, I wasn't mad. Or sad. I can't say I was happy about it, but I almost felt calm in a way that I haven't felt in a very long time. I had jokingly told my husband in the past that IF I ever had to leave my school, then I was pretty much done with teaching in that capacity. I'm wondering if this is the Universe's way of telling me "Girl, there's somethin' good coming your way!! Keep your eyes open!! Be open to opportunity!! Keep making those girls of yours!! Things are shifting in your favor!!" Then that part of my brain that freaks out about steady paychecks, medical insurance, etc. tries to pipe up. I suppose I should stuff a cupcake in her mouth, eh?? Lol!
So, in this odd time of excitement and uncertainty for me, know that I am SOO very appreciative of your support of me and my art...both emotionally and fincancially.
You are all a blessing and I am grateful for you all.

I really think it's time for some caffeine and sugar :^) Ta ta for now. Hope you are enjoying the spring weather and the anticipation of summer!!

Fairy dust,
Candice

Thursday, January 14, 2010



Hello Lovelies,

What better way to celebrate spring than with a plethora of sweet baby fairies.

I am offering a tutorial for those of you who would like to try their hand at sculpting a relatively easy baby fairy. She does not require an armature….just some polymer clay, paints, hair and embellishements. Please note that I do explain how to create a simple set of wings in this tutorial (much like the ones this little fae has).......however, I do plan on creating an indepth wing tutorial in the near future.
The cost of this tutorial is $20. You will receive 3 pdfs via email.....a two-part fairy making tutorial, as well as a "getting started sculpting" pdf. You may print the material out for your own personal use....but please do not copy and distribute any of my printed material. Much apprecitated
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Please click on the Paypal "Buy Now" button below to purchase this tutorial.






Monday, January 11, 2010

A Most Happy New Year....


I have always loved the New Year. To me, it's a chance for that clean slate, to start fresh. And I hold that belief for quite a few facets in my life....my health, my spirituality, and most of all, my art. This year is no exception :^) And I have made it a point to nix the resolutions per say (especially the one about losing weight and giving up cupcakes, lol!). My promise to myself, my main focus--aside from my family--is to put time aside each and every day (sounds easier than done) to work on my art. I have realized over the past year that it is something I cannot live without. My soul needs it.....for my mental health I need it, lol!!


As you can see, my newest creation is pictured above (center picture,bottom row). Little Lukas is now 7 months old and is sweet as can be. Sleep, well, that's another thing.....he doesn't do it very much, lol. This is a rare moment when he actually napped for me (Grandma can get that boy to snooze for hours!!) for an hour straight. Whew :^)
So, putting time aside for my art.....I have a few new girlies in the works. I'm SO excited about them! They will be part of a new line of dolls I am working on called Patisserie de Poupee.....all inspired my my love, love, love for Marie Antoinette and, well, pastries. Cake, cupcakes, I LOVE it all.....and that is one of the only reasons I exercise, lol! I will post my WIPS as they progress.
Currently, I have two dolls for sale on Etsy.....a folk artsy called Little Lovie and a sweet fairy baby named Kelana. I really love to switch back and forth between my very realistic fairies and my folk art/prim girls. Please do stop by my Etsy shop and take a look at my sweeties.
Lastly, I am SO excited about teaching two art doll workshops this coming summer!! I haven't taught adult classes in over 4 years and I have missed it so. So.....if you live in Colorado and are interested in taking my classes, drop me a line and let me know :^) Lots of doll making fun, goodies, glitter and cupcakes! The first class will be a vintage inspired angel doll...


I soooo love making these angels!!! This will be a two day class (so far anyway). The cost will be approximately $80 and students will be provided a materials list. I will have more info come Spring. The second class will be a Marie Antoinette inspired doll....details and pics to follow as I get the dollies finished so keep checking back.
Okay....I said lastly, but I'm not done just yet!! Lol!! I LOVE shopping online for goodies to use when making my dolls. Glittery, yummy, beautiful matierials!! I found some wonderful shops on Etsy so I thought I'd share them with you. These ladies are just a PLEASURE to buy from. Their products are beautiful....and even more so when you open your packages! I was ooooh-ing and aaahhh-ing! Divine!
Here they are....
Sugar Sugar by leesiebella
PaintedbyRenee
PersephonePlus
Luckygirlgoods
PetitePaperieShoppe
Vintagebella
Visit these shops! What eye candy!!
I hope you have a gorgeous year full of love, health, fun, family, art and cupcakes :^)
Fairydust,
Candice