dibbledabble1 dolls

Catching Up and Trying New Things

2011-08-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? By looking at the date of my last post it appears that it has been much too long since I last posted!

Projects, health issues and family drama seems to pull me in all directions with the resulting chaos and a feeling of "what am I doing?" a continual journey!

I am an artist who creates cloth sculptures all hand sewn..and I also added Petite Couture to my business because I needed to find other ways to create when "Mother Nature" deemed what would be a good day or bad day. Bad days find me reaching for pain killers and the sitting and standing for extended time it takes to hand sew dolls has to be replaced by projects that can be sewn on the sewing machine instead.

Projects completed over the recent past include:
Dolls for Discworld exhibits
Tiny doll garments--20 outfits to fit 4" dolls ( a commissioned project)
A doll displayed at AFIC in Columbus, Ohio---a Steampunk doll
A Faery Wreath created for a display at a nearby bank---the display was named "Wall Flowers".
Numerous dresses for my Petite Couture line which are size 3 Toddler...to be worn by either My Size Barbie dolls, 36" tall dolls or actual Toddlers!
Several art dolls which were created for swaps with other doll artists.

And lastly..dreams of finally having a studio built were almost achieved.....land cleared and made level for the structure, plans chosen and a builder just waiting for the go ahead. I have the forms to apply for the building permit as well. The only thing standing in the way for my dreams to come true was funding. Funds that were set aside for the building project have been made not available due to the need to have home repairs done. I'm crushed!!! I want to stomp my feet and scream "NO---I have waited years for this---I have come so close---it can't be taken away---it's my turn to finally have something I need after "doing for others" for at least 30 years---something for Me---it's not fair...for me to put my wants and needs as secondary while I gave and gave of myself to make life easier for others--it was supposed to be my turn for happiness"...........but alas..my needs are set aside again. Don't misunderstand me.....repairs aren't a "non important" issue..but they are things that should have been done years ago----the funds were there but others (no names need mentioning) deemed that vehicles, TV's, satellite dishes, clothing, things for our grandchildren and one of our daughters--were where the funds went. I am not a spoiled child who is having a temper tantrum....I am someone who sees her life advancing into fewer years left in the future and many years behind me. My advancing years will be ones filled with painful days and decreasing mobility---not a maybe---several doctors have told me it is a fact due to my health issues. Is it wrong to seek something that will give me happiness in what years I do have left? Depressing? Perhaps...but after giving yourself to make others happy there comes a time when you ask yourself "when is it my turn?"

I am not ready to give up my dreams!!! I dream of a building with plenty of room to move about...with lots of study shelving to hold my supplies.....a place to "re-charge" my energies with no demands on my nerves, my body or my "inner child".....a place to be free to create with abandon.....my entire being needs this.

Faeries visit the Library

2009-03-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

I currently have a display of faeries at the Canisteo Elementary School. My intent was to take a book and make it alive for the children to encourage them to read and use their own imaginations. These faeries are 4" tall..I used a body pattern by Cindee Moyer...my normal sculptures are in the range of 15" to 30"...something this tiny was a true challenge! Although the same pattern was used for all the bodies..none are exactly alike....embellishments, garments and even their "hair" differ. I used a photo of butterfly wings that was in a coloring book then painted them using watercolor pencils. I have told the children that these sculptures are Art and not Toys...never to be played with but to be admired and treasured because that's what people do with Art. One little girl told me the faeries talked to her.....my reply was well "they talk to me too!" The request for a new display is being considered...it was suggested I do "Alice in Wonderland"....I am seriously considering doing it.....but other promised projects have to be completed first.

Mary Jane Campbell Davis

2009-03-05T05:26:00.001-08:00

Mary Jane was entered in the "Rocky Mountain Sew Festival/Denver Doll Artisans Art Nouveau Challenge recently..the fantastic news is that she was awarded a Blue Ribbon and Best Story Category! She took months to create due to extensive research and the fact that I hand sew all my sculptures. To be as authentic as possible I used antique and vintage materials that would have been used in the 1890's. Her "suit" is deep blue velvet lined with blue twill and embellished with black French lace and trims. To also follow tradition she wears 3 petticoats, a beaded corset, corset cover and bloomers. To compliment her suit I also created two tone high top lether boots, leather gloves, organza purse, parasol with a pewter Celtic motif and her fantastic hat that is adorned with peacock feathers and antique trims. The brooch she wears is an actual photo of the real Mary Jane Campbell Davis who was my Great Great Great Grandmother! Mary Jane was a decendant of Lord John Campbell of Scotland. Her husband was Benjamin Franklin Davis, a Civil War veteran, whose family was from Wales. Later family connections will include a decendant of the Royal Stuart's, Andrew Jackson, and the artistic Douw family of Holland. I started my genealogical research at age 12...who would have known that 40+ years later it would be honored by awards!

Rockin' in the parlor

2008-01-07T09:11:00.001-08:00

and giving the dog a bone. Kicking back..check out the footwear..and this old lady seems happier than her pooch! Another entry at gallery show with the AC/DC theme.

Money Talks

2008-01-07T09:07:00.001-08:00

BACK VIEW...this shows what his tricycle cart holds.

Money Talks

2008-01-07T08:53:00.001-08:00

Some people have money to play with..I use play money for art! This is another sculpture created for the show....another one inspired by AC/DC.

Hells Belles

2008-01-07T08:51:00.001-08:00

BACK VIEW

Hells Belles

2008-01-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

Created for my gallery show...inspired by my favorite rock band AC/DC...this sculpture gives new meaning to the phrase..'belle of the ball'

Lotus shoe challenge

2008-01-07T08:20:00.001-08:00

I created this sculpture using the body pattern from Michelle Munzone and then my muse took over and I designed the garment and created life size lotus shoes. Note the traditional make up and colors used. I also used jade and pearls for embellishments..the kimono is made from silk and I "bound" the feet as is also traditional. Also to note is the hair style and head dress.

Insiration board

2008-01-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is my inspiration board showing the elements I used when designing my sculpture...a faery.a patchwork bird..a clock..vivid color...somewhat distorted head and body shape..and of course his painting of an acrobat. I hope I paid him a compliment with my work.

AFIC entry

2008-01-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

This is the sculpture I entered in the AFIC 2007 show....my "Chagall's Acrobat". This sculpture is handsewn..my own design...has elements which are found in Chagall's paintings. I needlesculpted and handpainted the faces...wired the bodies for posability...and created the stand which resembles a circus tent.

Mermaid Business Card Holder

2008-01-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

I created this mermaid to hold my business cards while they were displayed at the gallery show along with several of my cloth sculptures....I also make these card holders to be purchased on special order...real shells are used for embellishment...the face is hand painted..her body is wired and weighted for posability.

Goddess Brighid

2008-01-07T07:52:00.001-08:00

At almost 3 foot tall...Brighid is totally sewn by hand...her body is wired for posability.....her face is needlesculpted and handpainted...she wears genuine stones and beads..celtic armbands...and her garment is made from vintage fabric I cut from an old wedding gown. I created rings for her fingers and she lights the way with her "flames".

Farey Princess Erin

2008-01-07T07:49:00.001-08:00

A full view of my faery shows more details

Showing more of my creations

2008-01-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

This is my faery princess Erin...she is a cloth sculpture who enjoys wearing her vintage tiara and has her frog to watch over her.

I love what I do!

2007-10-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

I created this to represent my wish for an end to childhood disease. The head and torso were a pattern by Sherry Goshon for a challenge to create an angel's wish for the new year. I sewed a bandana on the infant's head to symbolize chemotherapy. The angel doesn't have a strongly painted face as I wanted her to appear spiritual...I also used bright cheery fabrics that children like and her lower body is actually a coin bank for saving donations for a cure.

Cloth Artistic Sculptures

2007-10-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

My Sunny maypole faery was a commissioned creation. The tidbits I was given were that the doll was for a person born in May..loves yellow...and has ash blonde hair....................so Sunny seemed to be perfect for the doll. I am pleased to report that she was bought "sight unseen" and that she now has a new home in New York city....and the new owners report she has received glowing critique from all who have seen her! I handsew all my creations and her display stand was also created by me.......her needlesculpted/handpainted face shows she is having the time of her life as she plays in the sunshine..don't we all want such a fun carefree life!

The Geisha

2007-09-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

I created this doll for a challenge at CNYDAG ...we were allowed to use black/white/and one other color. This doll later was on display at the Ontario County Arts Council ATA Gallery in Canandaigua, New York for the month of May 2007. The show was also a sale of our sculptures..some dolls sold..alot of business cards were taken by visitors to the gallery..hopefully for future purchases.

The Leprechaun and the Faery Princess

2007-09-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Such sweetness.....and yet Nana knows what the little imp has in mind for later...spoiling from Nana..and if you ask him he'll tell you that too!

A newer view of the princess

2007-09-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

The faery princess awaits her Nana's spoiling....and of course she gets spoiled many times on a daily basis too!

A peek at a faery princess

2007-09-15T23:02:00.001-07:00

Proud Nana and her faery princess.....in this view only a couple of weeks old. Not a flattering view of myself with the neck brace...but time doesn't wait and baby's grow fast and their looks change overnight!

More animals

2007-09-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

They're such hams and love to pose! Our black lab is about 7 yrs old and claims everyone's bed as her own! Mr. Sebastian...the totally graceful puss...is so laid back that he sleeps on his back..belly exposed for all to rub and demands it quite often too! Who could resist the little beggar saying please...my little foxy boy...his mouth is bigger than he is when anyone pulls into our driveway or drives by on a motorcycle.....what a sassy tough guy he becomes!

A view of my deer and me

2007-09-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

The deer isn't frightened..it had just nibbled a flower out of my pots and I was just petting it and it wanted to be petted some more.

Animal Friends

2007-09-15T22:35:00.001-07:00

My new friend is shown here bidding farewell after our first encounter. This is not a pet but truly a wild animal that decided I wasn't a threat. It had walked right up to me and let me scratch it's head and pet it....stayed a while..then wandered back into the woods behind my house. It has been back to visit at least 4 more times with the same results....we have a nice chat..it nibbles on my weeds and flowers that are past their time..nibbles on the apples that have dropped off our old tree..then wanders around..peeks into the house through the sliding glass door ( acts like it would go inside if allowed) then slowly makes its way back into the woods!

Goddess Brighid

2007-09-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

Inspired by a painting by artist Mickie Mueller...my goddess Brighid is almost 3' tall. She wears celti bands on her arms ans a genuine stone in her pendant.

Hells Belles

2007-09-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

She seems to be in control of things, she was another doll I created for the gallery show.

Money Talks

2007-09-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

This problem child seems to have found out that money talks..he wonders what you'd do for money....sounds dangerous yet tempting doesn't it? This doll was one of the dolls I had on display at the art gallery.

Artists of different times and mediums

2007-09-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

Chagall's Acrobat..............................This doll was for a challenge at Doll Street Dreamers. To create a doll influenced by certain artists..If they were making this doll what would it look like. I used common themes in Chagall's art....clock/faery/bright colors/a patchwork design bird. This doll also was sent to Columbus, ohio...AFIC show...what an honor to be there with other doll artists who are very talented and well known.

Gallery Atr Show

2007-09-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

May 2007 I had the honor to have a display of some of my sculptures at the Ontario county Arts Council ATA gallery in Canandaigua , NY .....The dolls I displayed ranged in size from 8" to 30"...all handsewn. I needlesculpt and handpaint their faces..and most of them are wired for posability.

Expanding oneself---different cultures

2007-09-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

A recent challenge , sponsored by Patti Culea at Doll Street Deamers. was to create a doll in the style of the "hungry ghost" celebration. It also was to show the tradition of foot binding. As you can see by the background..I spent more time on sewing than on housework.

Introducing myself

2007-09-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

I created this funny little doll from a pattern by Mary Tressler called Suzy. I had fun mixing and matching fabric and trims to give her a festive look. I want this doll to be a compliment to Mary for her great pattern and a tribute to Susie O......may her memory inspire others to keep doll art alive.

Cloth Artistic Sculptures

2007-09-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

If one could put a voice to my muse that others could hear.....it would be light and fantasy with sweet celtic sounds playing softly. There would be friendly creatures who stop to play and frolic through the meadows...yet find when it's time for a rest one needs to follow the pungent earthy smells of the forest, a cool stream and a playful waterfall to lull us to sleep.

I create sculptures made of cloth. I needlesculpt and handpaint their faces and they are totally handsewn. Their garments are also handsewn and I use new and vintage materials and embellish them with natural stones, crystals, beads, silk flowers, lace and anything my imagination leads me to use. I create mostly fae but do create other characters as inspired or commissioned.

Enjoy your visit into my world where peace abides.....and the creatures tell "ye harm none" "so mote it be".
Hugs and Blessings
Debby