Just In Time -- a colored pencil and graphite atc that I did this morning. Other than this, not a very productive art day. I was milling around not feeling very creative. Maybe I'll be able to focus more later on this evening. 

These dolls were named lots of "pioneer" names, including Ethel, Velma Mae, Annabelle Lee, etc. They were fun to date and sign. It's like I gave birth to new children. LOL 

This was a pioneer style... gesso base, with painted features, then antiqued with acrylic antique gel. 

Pioneer style, antique finish on face. 

I told one of my art members that I created soft rag dolls with my daughter when we homeschooled together. I couldn't find any photos of the pioneer series that I did, but I'm sure there are pics here in the studio. I've posted some shots of the button jointed dolls that we created. Most of these are similar in style. I just enjoyed painting those faces! Now I have bags full of dolls sitting in trunks, because my daughter won't let me get rid of them. :) She is somewhat sentimental. I'll try to find photos of the pioneer girls... they have a more antique look. 

This was Yukon girl... don't ask, I'm not sure why? I think because it was for a trade to some other doll artist in Alaska! LOL She is hand painted also. 

This soft doll features painted shoes, stitched fingers, moveable button joints and the jumper was hand embroidered. The hair/wig was made from Lion textured yarn. 

A close-up of her painted face and hat. 

My dear husband who doesn't play an instrument at all, spent his day driving us to Barberville so I could meet Elle and listen to her string band play at the festival. He is a dear soul and really enjoyed seeing all the instruments and hearing the fiddle jams that broke out around the Pioneer settlement. The facilities were wonderful, and although the weather was a bit rainy in the beginning, the day turned out quite lovely. Caitlin got into several little sessions for some fiddle experience and also went into the dance area to try some contra dancing while Elle's band was performing. Fun day, and the best part was that I got to meet one of my art members in person. What a treat! 

Elle playing her fiddle! 

Caitlin trying to play along with Elle and other fiddle players in a mini impromtu jam. 

Caitlin and I at the Festival eating honkin' huge hot dogs with chili. Yum! 

Elle's string band. 

More Time For Art---feeling productive in the past few days with art getting finished and house remodeling projects getting started. And hey, today I bought new black waterproof Uniball pens for more journaling and sketching...life always feels good when you get to buy more pens. Go figure! 

Life Can Feel Like A Roller Coaster---entries about Caitlin losing her French Horn mouthpiece and notes about a new Indian Restaurant recommended by a friend. 

Create Write Art----a new spread in my composition journal. 

Bowl of Roses----acrylic atc. 

Beginnings---pen and watercolor atc. 

Pastel Wildflowers---an acrylic atc. 

Sylvia in London---pen and acrylic atc. 

Bali Water Carriers---atc done in pen and acrylics. 

The Bird Lady... a new atc card done in pen and acrylics. 

My first trade with ATCJoe... I made him this card entitled "Many Faces" since he also was exploring face cards this past month.  

"Ocean Life"... another for a trade with ATCJoe. :) 

Today I created a new card for Liz. I used Arches cotton watercolor paper, ink and Winsor Newton Artist Watercolors--this one is called "Blossom Dance".