Saturday, June 27, 2009

It's a MAD Pink Tea Party!!!

I could get all dainty and Victorian on you telling you that you're in for a delightful afternoon of cucumber finger sandwiches on white bread with the crust cut off, a spot of tea under a shady tree and nice game of croquet. Isn't that what proper ladies do at tea parties? Maybe. . . but not today!



It's a party! Let down your hair. Have a glass of champagne before noon *hiccup* Invite someone dangerous to lunch. Throw caution to the wind and see what life throws back. To help you celebrate the 2nd Annual Mad Tea Party hosted by A Fanciful Twist and Beverly's Pink Saturday I am giving away 1 free invite to the {Paper Doll • ology} tutorial. Just leave a comment here and you will be automatically entered to win. For details about the tutorial, please view the video above.


Now for the party favors! The first 20 students to purchase {Paper Doll •ology} by visiting The Artful Paper Doll will receive $15 off the regular $65 price. This means that the first 20 people to sign up will receive the complete tutorial for only $50.


Door prize and giveaway number 2, is a kit complete with instructions and everything needed (except adhesive and glitter glue) to assemble a fairy paper doll as seen in my work. If you commented on and answered the question in my last Pink Saturday post you were automatically entered to win the drawing to be held on Monday, June 29th.

Happy Mad Pink Tea Party Saturday. Wheew! I dare ya to say that 3 times fast!

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

Friday, June 26, 2009

You're Early!

Ah ah ah! No fair peeking! Yes, this is the place where the Mad Pink Tea Party is being held. It's the place where fabulous prizes will be given and a secret will be revealed but, it isn't midnight on the left coast yet so you'll have to come back later.

Until then, au revoir!

Doll No. 1 Goes Bold and Beautiful in Mexico

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 1 visited Brittany in Southern California and what better way to spice up the day than shopping for a Chica dress and sipping margaritas south of the border in vibrant Mexico! I LOVE the fantastic colors and design work in these pages. Thank you so much Brittany for your bold and beautiful contribution to the project.


Brittany says: Of course we had to make our way to Mexico for some margarita's and shopping. She ended up buying a lovely Chica dress that she wore later that evening when I took her out to some Artist receptions. Next day we went on a few nature hikes and took in some wonderful photo opts. Looking forward to our next visit together !!!!

I know I know, others are so dainty and pretty and here I come bold and big... But that's how I roll!


I would not have it any other way, Brittany. Be sure to check out more of Brittany's bold and beautiful works by visiting her blog, PaperMoonies for more vibrant goodness.

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

To find out more about the Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) project, click the link to go there. To sign up, leave a comment stating so on the TADS Official Sign Up

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Doll No. 2 ~ Puttin' on the Ritz with Glam and Glitz

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 2 arrived safely in Georgia last week where she was treated to a luxurious day of shopping for . . what else, but the perfect "little black dress." What better way to glam up your day than finding something slinky and sparkling for an evening out with your new beau. Thank you so much KeKe, this little number is positively DIVINE!!


After arriving in Paris and meeting the handsome and suave Monsieur, our girl was at a loss for something to wear for a night on the town under the Paris stars.


Kittie loves bling and shiny things and polka dots too! So when she saw this sexy little number, she just had to have it!! Who can blame her really? She will be the star of the evening!


It is absolutely perfect! Be sure to visit KeKe at In My Sepia Studio to learn more about her and her work.

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

To find out more about the Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) project, click the link to go there. To sign up, leave a comment stating so on the TADS Official Sign Up

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Happy Pink Saturday!

Here's a little something direct from the finest boutique in fairyland. Imagine being able to shop anywhere for anything. What would it be?

With petals and blooms she shows off her zest, fluttering the forest in nature's best dress.



The Artful Paper Doll will be launching a new tutorial called Uptown Girls. Learn how to make pretty paper dolls complete with doll hair and miniature roses (no wings on these girls) and mount her in a boutique style setting. Tell me about your favorite girlie things. I might use them in the tutorial and you could win a surprise to be announced during the celebration of the Mad Tea Party on June 27th!

Suggestions will be judged on three criteria: Originality, Girliness and Style. I've really got you thinking now. (tee hee :) Tell me! I'll take suggestions up until Saturday June 27th.



xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

Be sure to visit the lovely Beverly of How Sweet the Sound to find out more about Pink Saturday.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mad Tea Party ~ June 27th

Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist is hosting her 2nd annual Mad Tea Party on Saturday, June 27th! It is sure to be the blogging social event of the season and everyone who is anyone will be there! For details on how you can play or find out more follow the white rabbit.



On June 27th I will be celebrating myself silly right here on The Artful Paper Doll with my very first ever (on this blog anyway) blog giveaway! I don't want to spoil the surprise by letting the rabbit out of the hole, so to speak, so mark your calendar for June 27th and meet me here. Only then will you find out what yummy secrets the Mad Hatter has in store for you!



Photos were scanned from a copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland that was given to me by my father when I was a child. This book is at least 30 years old if it's a day. You can see the yellowing pages. What a treasure, and one of the few things from my childhood that managed to survive.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

TADS Official Sign Up


Not to be confused with the "Official" Participant List, it occurred to me that I did not have a centrally located place for people to sign up to participate in the TADS project.

This project is open to any artist world wide and not just my network members. Keep in mind that you could be mailing internationally so if this is a problem, best let this sleeping dog lay and pass on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, don't you think? (tee hee :) That being said, I have a pretty good idea of where in the world my TADS participants are. Feel free to ask me before you sign up to find out if your position would require you to mail internationally if it would, you can always wait for a spot that wouldn't however, it will be your responsibility to follow-up with me.

To officially add your name to the list (which you can see here) simply leave a comment or e-mail me at kreynolds@papercatdesigns.com and I will add you. Feel free to check back often to see when you can expect to receive your doll.

Monday, June 15, 2009

TADS Doll No. 4 ~ Think Like a Queen

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4 spent time with Tristan in Connecticut and found out she truly IS a queen. Thank you so much Tristan, for showing our girl that being queen is not a state of being but an attitude that all of us have within us if we will take but a moment to listen. Please visit Tristan at Enchanted Revelry and be enchanted.

Think like a queen for the queen is not afraid to fail.
I eagerly anticipate my journeys around the world. So many people anxious to meet me makes me feel like a queen.


I am the queen of my world and the master of my destiny. I listen only to the voices of my higher self, echoed softly from deep within my soul. They are steadfast in their knowing that I am the only one who clearly sees that path life's journey made just for me. With joy and bliss as my guiding lights, I will not fail, I can not fall.

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

To find out more about the Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) project, click the link to go there.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Doll No. 1 Pirouettes Through the Desert


The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) is pleased to update you on Doll No. 1 and her visit to sunny Tempe, AZ last week. She brings us tales of crafting with Gail by day and dancing under the starts with the Prima Ballerina by night in a beautiful new gown made just for her. What a romantic picture don't you think? A name has even been suggested for our girl which I very much like ~ Bella Rosa. Let's find out what she has to tell us before she speeds off to continue her southwestern tour in the grand state of California.

Thank you, Gail for being part of the magic. Please visit Gail's blog Cupcakes and Cute Stuff for lots of yummy, vintage finds.




My next journey was to Tempe, AZ. There I met Gail. I introduced myself and told her my name is Bella Rose. It is very hot in the desert southwest so we stayed indoors and played in Gail's studio. We painted, sewed and we even made my new beaded bracelet I am wearing.



My favorite outing was to the ballet. How did she know I always dreamed of being a ballerina?? We went to see Swan Lake and I was lucky enough to meet the Prima Ballerina! After hearing of my love of ballet, she arranged for me to participate in a special performance. What a dream come true!!


I will be on my way to my next adventure. I will always remember my special day and a chance to have a dream come true.


This is such a sweet page. I am truly appreciative for the magical contributions of my participants. M-wwah!

xoxo
~Kitty Kellie

To find out more about the Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) project, click the link to go there.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Rose Garden Promises

I bless your garden with fairy kisses and grant to thee your promised wishes.

A fairy, ornament paper art doll creation.

Happy Pink Saturday everyone! Be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet The Sound to find out more about Pink Saturday and how you can get involved.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Wisteria Dreams: Doll No. 4 Off to Beautiful Connecticut


There is something so romantically delicious about a garden. As blossoming wisteria cascades eagerly around my arbor columns like fairies bursting with a great story to share, I become one with nature's song. She is my quiet, shady retreat where the life force of the soul meets the creativity of the mind. I have had many a conversation with the summer breezes in this sacred place and listened to her secrets being whispered upon the wings of hummingbirds. Here among the vibrant blooms, I have made friends with uncertainty and embraced possibility and in the fullness of my appreciation for the vitality my garden breathes into me each and every day, I offer up my gratitude for the sweetness of all her gentle gifts.


I was going to do a tutorial on the making of this journal page but half way through I forgot to make scans. *sigh* I guess that what happens when you become so involved in creativity. Here is Doll No. 4 and she is ready to make her way to the beautiful state of Connecticut.


For this page I wanted to do a garden theme because I love the peacefulness of a beautiful garden, especially the garden of my dreams which still lives in my dreams until it manifests as reality. Using journals as a visual aid can help you manifest dreams more quickly and so I have captured the essence of how a garden looks and feels to me. I hope you enjoy.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Limited Engagement! A Performance at the Moulin Rouge

Oooh la la! The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 2 visited the UK this past week and was invited to perform at the Moulin Rouge! The talented Amanda Howard of Maygreen Fairies added her magic to the project and I am just delighted with what she created.


"Well Kitty has been having a wonderful time here with me, she arrived in good ol' Blighty earlier than expected so it gave us the chance to get to know each other a bit before catching the Euro Tunnel Train to Paris. Kitty said that she had always wanted to perform with the Follies or Bluebell Girls at the Moulin Rouge, and as I had a friend working there I managed to make her dream come true."


"She visited a Paris Designer to have her Follies Corset Dress made to measure, it is a gorgeous corset made of satin and lace with a peacock feather skirt "Who says feathers are just for birds!" And she had a beautiful feather fan to dance with."



"When she has finished her stint on stage the beautiful outfit can be hung from a swallows feathered wing so it can be carried safely wherever her journey may take her next."



Full details of Kitty's adventure in the UK and at the Paris Moulin Rouge can be found on Amanda's blog. Thank you, Amanda! She is absolutely exquisite. :)"

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Whimsical Dolls of Nancye Williams

The Artful Elite is pleased to bring you the art of Nancye Williams. Click any of the photos to be directed back to their original content.

I have always been an artist. I am an artist because I do not have a choice in the matter. It is as though art chose me as opposed to the opposite. Many times during my evolution I have thrown away all my art supplies only to get employment in the business of art.


I love this statement Nancye and thank you for joining me here on The Artful Paper Doll. Our passions define us and no matter how much we might deny them, they are with us always. I think it is interesting that you were able to part with your supplies. I think I have supplies dating back to the dawn of man due to my packrat nature. Why would you get rid of your supplies and what do you think drove you to try to stifle your art? What kept you coming back?
I am a pack rat as well. But I did throw out my stuff probably due to lack of confidence and just plain giving up. The Universe is tricky sometimes. Just when you think you can’t do a thing anymore and give up there it is right in your face again. I guess that’s why I kept coming back to art. It is what I was suppose to be doing. It really found me and not the opposite. My husband says “We will each do what it is we are supposed to do. It is a certainty.” There is to need to worry, we’ll do just exactly what we came here to do.”


When did you first realize you wanted to create? Your artist statement on your blog, Nancye's Art and Beautiful Junk mentions that you never had any formal training yet you have been blessed with employment in the arts at various times in your life. What made this possible and would you describe some of the jobs you have held?
There was a drive in me since forever but I never thought I could do it. It drove me crazy sometimes. I wanted to create and when you think about it we are always creating. Whether it be a job, relationship, family, home, even cooking a meal or picking out clothes, it’s creating. I often did not know I was creating. I had a hard time focusing because I was a single mom and bread winner for so many years. When my time was more my own I was able to look closely at my life and choose what I wanted rather than choose what was the highest good for all concerned.

I create constantly. It’s almost a curse. I used to have so many ideas that I would become immobile. I couldn’t do a thing because I was obsessed. I would stay awake late into the night but now that I’m older it is much easier. I actually get tired.


My next question may have an obvious answer but as someone who has never worked in the field for which I was trained, I have to wonder how those who have no formal training but love art end up leaving artistic careers?
My art jobs just came to me. I let the Universe lead. I have some very interesting stories that probably no one would believe. I have worked in the graphics field, printing companies. I was an art director and that was when I just really did not like the stress so I began to visualize. I stayed in the graphics field for 20 years. Ugh! I did not know what I wanted at that point. I did know what I did not want.



I designed a line of handmade jewelry and that is when I met my now husband. We both worked part time for the same company. His profession was a jewelry rep. Need I say more? That is how it works. So I made jewelry, he sold it. Then I designed a line of handmade cards and a woman from New York who owned a handmade card company found one of my cards at my friends store and called me to sign a contract with her. I then designed a line of gifts and asked my husband to show them at a gift market he was attending. At 11:00 am the first day, he called me and said if it weren’t for my line, there would have been no business at all. They were in line ordering. That may seem like a good thing but bear in mind that I had to make all these things that he was taking orders for. I did it though. Then I was asked to do some higher end boutiques over Xmas. I was so tired from producing that I almost did not do one. They called and begged so I did a few things for them. An art director for a gift company saw my things and bought every single piece there. Then he called me and asked to meet with me to discuss a contract. Well, as it is in life, nothing is easy. At that point, two other companies came calling as well. After many weeks of nerve racking waiting. I signed a 3 year contract to design lines to be produced in China. In other words, I only made one piece of each instead of every piece that sold. I worked for them for over ten years until the world started changing.

I’m a free spirit and training really never interested me. I love to learn but testing makes me freeze. I am better behind the scenes.


I noticed from your blog that you are doing some mixed media art as well. Did the mixed media come before the dolls or vice versa? How has your art evolved over the years? What medium did you first work with and what lead you to try others?
I have always done some kind of art. I do everything. As far as what came first...I don’t know. I love texture, mismatched things, color and feeling. I intuit what I do and as long as I’m working with my hands I’ll be fine. I don’t know what medium I started working in...probably paper and clothes. I’ve always loved paper, making it, layering it and just having it. I used to design my own clothes. I drove my mother crazy. She was always laughing at what I wore. What lead me to other mediums is just that I get bored and don’t focus well.


Tell us about some of your favorite mediums and why you like them?
I like what ever I’m attracted to at the moment. I do so much and as for evolving that’s what we are suppose to do. I just can’t get stuck and I want to know and do it all.


I am constantly amazed and dazzled by artists who can sculpt the human form. You are now creating some beautifully whimsical dolls like the one pictured here and even winning awards. How fantastic and I wish you sincere congratulations. What was the spark that lead you to begin sculpting dolls?
I began sculpting dolls just because I wanted something to do. I took one class in polymer clay and that is all she wrote. From then on it’s been dolls, dolls, dolls. All kinds and all mediums.


I know some sculptors recommend a basic knowledge of anatomy before trying to sculpt. Did you ever pour over anatomy books to get proportions right or was there something else that you found more useful?
I do not use any anatomy books because I think my dolls are rather whimsical. I don’t want them to look real. Even though I’m getting really attracted to the realistic look. Who knows?


What kind of clay do you use most often and why? Have you tried others that you no longer use? What made you stop using them?
I use polymer clay because I’m familiar with and it comes easy for me. I do work in low fire, air dry and paper clay. I also use paper mache and fabric. As I said before, I go back and forth depending on my feelings a the time.

Do you sew your own costumes for your dolls or do you glue them on the doll?
I sew and glue the costumes on my dolls.


What do you currently use as hair on your dolls? If it is mohair how did you learn how to use it and did you find it difficult to use at first? What do you like most about using it? Do you teach methods for using it in your tutorials?
I do use hair on my dolls, but all of them. It, once again, depends on my mood and the doll. I use all kinds of hair. I use real hair, from the kids, I use wool, mohair, and various other things that look like hair. I took a class on making a baby fairy a few years ago and she told us how to apply the mohair to the baby, so I just did it in a bigger vein. There are plenty of tutorials on the web on hair. All you have to do is look.


I sometimes find that no matter what my original plan is for a piece of art, sometimes the art takes on a life of its own and decides to become something different from what I had in mind. Do you also find this to be true when you create your dolls? Barring the interjection of her own will and personal style, how long does it normally take you to complete a doll? What inspires you to begin creating a particular doll?
What inspires me to create a particular doll? I usually start with something totally different in mind and then the doll takes over. I’m just the hands of the organization. It takes as long as it takes. Simple dolls take about a day and then if I have something pressing on my mind the project could take forever.


Do you do commission work? How might one go about commissioning you to do a piece?
I was just asked yesterday to do a commission piece. I really don’t like to do them because in the past, I have had people decide that they do not want it after many hours of work. But in this case I’ll give it a try because it is an Angel and I already feel it.


Did you take classes from others to help you develop your personal style? Is there a single artist who continues to inspire you? Would you talk a little bit about how you came to find them and what inspired you about their work?
I have taken classes from others earlier. I did take the Suzi Blu Les Petite Doll drawing class. I have signed up for other Ning networks but like most in this economy I can only do so many classes. I create art for a living so you know how that goes...feast or famine.


The internet and video has opened up enormous possibility for the crafter today which has allowed us to begin sharing the knowledge of our art and personal style through online venues such as Ning which is how I came to find you on Nancye's Art Dolls. How do you like being the administrator of one of these marvelous networks? Is it anything like what you imagined it would be?
The Ning thing is a lot of work. I love it though. I have no help with any of it. I design the class, write the lessons, record the class and download and upload the lessons. I take care of the network, the members and pay pal. I would do so much more if I was single without children. I raise grandchildren you know. Up until recently I have had five of them here. It takes a lot to have such a big family, time, energy and money.


Do you have any classes you are planning that have not appeared on your network yet? Could you give us a sneak peek hint at what we might expect in the future?
I do want to do some more classes but I know people get busy in the summer time so I will lay low for the summer. We do have a Virtual Dolls on the Move group going on right now but it is closed as of the 1st of June. It should be fun. Go to the blog and watch us go. Virtual Dolls on the Move

I have a lot of classes that I’m getting ready for. For instance there is the Unique Box Doll class, The Little Vintage Dollie Class, father Christmas, an armature class, and using heat set paints class. These are just a few. I am working on some paper mache ornaments to do a class around as well closer to fall. I’d like to bring other aspects of my art life but I don’t want to step on other artists toes so I’ll just stick to dolls.


I started another Ning network that is a “paid for” network. It is just getting up and running. Creating Vintage Looking Dolls which can be found at Creating Vintage Dolls.

I am also teaching my Frida Doll class on “That Creative Place” and “Deb Company and Artist Workshops”



If we want to purchase your work, what venues are you currently using to sell your finished pieces? Is your Ning network the only place you currently offer tutorials or do you teach locally as well? If so, where might someone in your area find you teaching?
I do sell on Ebay as artandbeautifuljunk and Etsy as dollsbynancye. I am working on another venue that allows students to visit my in home studio and take art doll classes. I also do three or four Gallery Shows here where I live. I am thinking about joining the board.


Nancye, I want to thank you for your time and for being part of the magic that is The Artful Elite. I wish you best of luck with your artistic ventures and most of all, I wish you success in making your dreams reality. This has been a pleasure.
Thank you so much for asking me to be the feature for June. I appreciate you interest. nancye


Disclaimer: All images posted in association with this post remain the sole property of Nancye Williams. Any reproduction or distribution either wholly or in part without her express written consent constitutes copyright infringement. Please respect her art!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Doll No. 1 Spends Quality Girl Time in North Dakota

Enjoying ice cream straight from the carton, pillow fights and pajama parties, doing each other's hair, telling secrets. These are a few things girlfriends enjoy and our Doll No. 1 of the Traveling Paper Art Doll Symposium (TADS) was no exception. She spent a perfectly delightful time with Anita in North Dakota who made her a fancy frock, lavished her with a crown and baked her sweet treats to take with her on her journey. Be sure to visit Anita's blog Praierie Papier Ponderer for more on this story!


May 20, 2009
Dear Diary,

I arrived in Beulah excited, a bit tired and without luggage! Yes, you heard me. My clothes . . . all gone! Even so, I had a fantastic time with my new friend, Anita . . .she is sooooo funny and she made me laugh so much! We talked until the wee hours of the morning and ate chocolate ice cream. She eats it right from the carton . . how fun is that?!


We worked in her studio and she made me this special dress. I love it! She was going to make herself a matching one but she ran out of paper. And the occasion? Her birthday!!! I am so happy I get to celebrate it with her! We had a great time and I'll miss her. I hope she keeps in touch. Until next time . . toodles!



I am just thrilled with my fancy new frock, the argyle journal background and the gorgeous colors of this magnificent contribution. Thank you so much Anita, for being part of this magical experience. I absolutely love it!

Our girl is now on her way to sunny Arizona. Oh, what wonders await her there.