Swimin' With the Fishes ~ TADS Doll No. 5

he Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 5 recently visited Susan DuFresne here in Washington sate and got to swim with the magnificent creatures of the sea. She takes with her a plethora of gorgeous memorabilia from her journey. Susan really outdid herself with an array of beautiful art work. I am truly in awe of the colors and style of these pieces. Due to the large number of photos taken, I have put them in a slideshow for your enjoyment. Viewing these will truly take you to a place of Everyday Bliss.

Susan has named the mermaid in this piece Marina and what a perfect name for Doll No. 5 who, up until now, has been nameless. I think Marina is absolutely perfect!



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 All images appearing as part of this post are coprighted by ©Susan DuFresne and any duplication without her express written consent is prohibited.

Spring Break Fun in California

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4 aka Queenie played in the surf and sun over a Spring Break vacation with Gloria Carson and her son. I can only imagine what Queenie's response might be to her recent trip. The words that come immediately to mind are "What a rush!"


Queenie writes this from her travels to Capitola: I decided to accompany Gloria and her son on a spring break vacation to Capitola, California. Seriously, if you have never visited this part of California, it's awesome! Location, near Santa Cruz, California, beach, ocean, surfing, skate boarding, great restaurants, and the most beautiful scenery. I tried my hand at both skate boarding and surfing. I must say spring break was really action packed. . . .


Sounds like our Queenie had a blast. Gloria, please give yourself a hug and a big heartfelt thanks from me for participating in the TADS project and for showing are Queenie such a gloriously good time filled with exciting new experiences.





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 All images appearing as part of this post are coprighted by ©Gloria Carson and any duplication without her express written consent is prohibited.

Are you Cinderella or the Queen?

It is our own attitudes that determine our station in life and has nothing to do with what anyone outside of us thinks. Who are you and which one of these sounds more like you? Are you Cinderella, often putting the needs of others before your own and allowing them to dictate your life purpose? Are you a princess or prince, worthy but still, somehow not quite good enough to have it all? Or, do you think like the queen/king you came forth into this life to be? You need neither a crown nor subjects but you are indeed the queen/king of your life. You are meant to live a joyful and abundant one.


I had an experience this week which made me realize just how powerful imagery can be. Please see the Playful in Pennsylvania post for a photographic journey into one of Bella Rosa's (TADS Doll No. 1) recent visits. Because this doll has my face on her, it had quite an effect to see myself staring back at me from the loving hands of a child. A woman about to give birth, took the time to knit a little dress entirely from ribbon for the doll. She also shared the journal with her art students so that they might know how other artists are sharing with the world. How priceless is this? I truly feel like a queen, rich in love and tender care.


Imagine you are the queen/king this month (and beyond). Walk like you have a cape and crown on and believe yourself worthy of every good thing. Say it silently to yourself throughout your day. Nobody has to know what you are doing and this exercise will go a long way in helping you shift how you think about yourself. Notice how this feels in your body and in your mind. Did your posture improve? Do you feel just a little more confident? Write or paint about the experience(s) in your journal.


This month is about turning yourself into the queens and kings you are. Make a muse with your face on it. Yes, it must be YOUR face. Putting a doll with your face in your journal surrounded by magazine clippings, pictures, notes or drawings that inspire you will be more powerful and effective than using a random piece of clip art.

Click the image to download the PDF file

I have included a template file for a paper doll and pouch similar to the one used in the TADS project. I want to hear about your experiences. Did something special happen that has never happened before? Blog about it. As an ongoing project, I'll be featuring participating members on The Artful Paper Doll home page who blog and submit photos of their journals on this topic as both an inspiration to others to take the first step and as a way for me to give something back to all of you.

Kitty whispers: *Be the Queen/King . . . You ARE the Queen/King . . . *

Playing in Pennsylvania ~ TADS Doll No. 1

Heather: My heart is pounding! Can it be? Yes, she has finally arrived in the snow laden month of January 2010.


Kitty Kellie: The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 1 aka Bella Rosa got to spend play time with Heather McAndrews and her young ones in Pennsylvania this past winter. Heather, Shannon and Jacob have a story to share with you about their time with Bella Rosa. Since nobody can tell it quite like they can, I write this post in their words.


Heather: I couldn't wait to set her free. My excitement building as I unwrap her pretty pink tissue and untie the green ribbon.


Bella Rosa: My new young fan Shannon introduces me to her friendly fashion friends.


Belle Rosa: Shannon couldn't wait to get started on the extra-special designer paper-feather dress that she created just for moi.


Bella Rosa: I take a moment to pose with one of my younger fans. I'm wearing the multi-colored, paper-feather dress that Shannon designed for me.


Bella Rosa writes: Dear Diary, today I met Shannon. She showed me her barbie. Her name was Rosey. She showed me some clothes. She also made me some pretty clothes that were pretty too.


Bella Rosa: Cozy winter duds on the way! Heather takes a break from knitting booties to begin my new ribbon dress.

Kitty Kellie: Heather is awaiting the birth of her 3 child very soon so I am deeply touched that she took the time to knit this precious little dress for our girl.


Heather: A quick snap as my January journal entry comes together. The dress is finished and ready for a fitting.


Bella Rosa: Say yes to the dress! While the children were at school, Heather was quick to convince me that I should consider getting my ears pierced. I jumped at the chance and before I knew it I was sporting my silver hoops.


Bella Rosa: Heather's whole family took part in my creative visit. Jacob and Shannon couldn't wait to create their very own paper dolls. Here we are for our fashion photo-shoot.


Bella Rosa says: Live a colorful and creative life.

Kitty Kellie: Heather, Shannon and Jacob I want to say thank you so very much for your playful contributions to this project. This has special meaning for me because my own face is staring back at me from your loving hands. This is powerful imagery indeed reminding me that positive visualization is the way to creating a beautiful and happy life. I send you fairy hugs and butterfly kisses.



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 All images appearing as part of this post are coprighted by ©Heather McAndrews and any duplication without her express written consent is prohibited.

I Wanna be a Cowgirl ~ TADS Project

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4, aka Queenie, visited the wild west this week and went ridin' with Ginger Tatro at the Flying "R" Ranch. Queenie even found herself a new pony!

Queenie writes: Whew, what a trip! I arrived at the Flying "R" Ranch in good spirits and ready to tackle a new adventure. Oh, what an adventure it was! I went horseback riding and got my very own pony to ride. What a blast! I'm taking some riding clothes and a new suitcase with me on my travels now . . . and wonder where I'll wind up next . . .

When I think of the west, I think of denim, red cotton bandanas, brown boots, picturesque scenes of wide open spaces and of course ponies. I can almost hear the sound of the wind blowing across the prairies and smell the wild grasses. The details of this piece capture western life so beautifully. Ginger, thank you so very much for participating in the project. I just love this piece right down to the articulated horse!



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

Beautiful Bella Rosa Gets Her Wings

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 1 aka Bella Rosa had a delightful visit with Amy Sperry Faldet in a Such a Wondrous Place this Fairytale Space called Wisconsin. Thank you so very much, Amy for the delicate beauty of this magical contribution.


How does a fairy get her wings? I have often pondered that myself. I used to imagine that if I could just reach the end of the rainbow, that place where earth and sky meet in dreamlike splendor, there would be my treasure also.


But as I journeyed forth upon my path, I discovered that the more I chased this brilliant spectrum of colorful light, the more she playfully eluded me until one day I just gave up. In that moment of complete surrender and acceptance of her true nature, she wrapped her loving radiance around me so completely that I too was flying with the clouds.

If you still wonder where your fairy wings await you, look no further than the center of your being. Your heart is where true beauty lives. You'll find the pot of gold is there within, waiting only for you to realize your own magnificence and radiate it outward to a world that loves you in return.

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

Pink Roses, Friends and Fine China

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4 aka Queenie had a delightful visit in California recently where she was the guest of honor at a garden tea party. Becky of Rebecca Rose Designs contributes this visual picture of elegance that would make the Queen herself blush with pride.


What could be more heavenly than afternoon tea with your best girls, in a garden sanctuary? I hear there are still places where fall has not yet managed to take a firm grip and warm, summer breezes linger still. I dream of fine china, pink roses and the scent of nostalgia as we reminisce of the events that have shaped our lives.


Henry James once wrote, "There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."


What better way to celebrate this moment with friends than with fancy hats, sweeping cotton dresses in floral prints and of course, our best bling. Come laugh with me over cucumber sandwiches, frosted cakes, and a spot of herb tea.


Thank you Becky for taking us on a guided journey to one of life's simple pleasures.

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

Shoppin' With Dem Wild Wimin

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 5 has officially been named Tille and was treated to a shopping spree with the wild wimin of Pennsylvania. Kim of Tabby's Place contributes this energetically visual representation of "girls day out" that fills the imagination with excitement and wonder. I am deeply appreciative for this thoughtful entry to the TADS project. Thank you, Kim for your participation.


"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping." ~ Bo Derek


I know that thinking back to my own shopping adventures with "the girls" (mainly my sister) when I was able to let my hair down for a little while and just have fun, I realize it was not the money or the items from which I received the most joy. It was the experience of feeling inspired and nurtured by those blessed creatures I was with. Letting go of any emotional attachment to an outcome resulted in the most memorable experiences of my life.


I love money. Money brings freedom and there is plenty of happiness in that thought alone however, money is nothing more than paper and metal with no deeper meaning than that which we give it. Shopping with my sister just before our first trip to the Caribbean brings me joy even today when I look upon the items I still have from that adventure. Money can buy happiness but the extent to which it does rests entirely with you and your own thoughts about it. If you aren't happy in your mind, no amount of money could possibly purchase enough things to soothe your unhappiness unless you are willing to first change your thoughts.

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

A Regal G'Day from The Land Down Under

"It is a basic truth that for our Queen we have within us, sometimes unrealized until the moment of expression, the most profound and passionate feelings of loyalty and devotion. ~Julia"


The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4 was met with a regal welcome in Melbourne, Australia. Julia Rose of Verdigris Rose contributes this visual guide representing the best and beautiful of the Queen's tour of the Land Down Under. Julia, your contribution to the project is divinely incredible and I am deeply appreciative for your participation in the project.


"The Queen arrived in Melbourne. It was spectacular. She was met by a huge florilla of boats. Her reception was warm and enthusiastic wherever she went.


Color is the language of light. So true is this that can not help but comment on the colors of this exquisite collage. The rich, warm tones of the yellow-oranges, pinks and blues is the very representation of Australia as I imagine it to be with it's bright, golden landscapes, magnificent sunsets, warm turquoise waters and unrivaled coral reefs. The combination can be described as nothing short of perfection!


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

The Magic of the Lilies

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 5 experienced magic in Michigan as she spent time in Debbie's enchanted garden of Star Gazer Lilies. Thank you Debbie. She is positively stunning. I would even say that her brilliant colors resemble those of the surreal landscapes of dreamland.


Today I visited the magical flower gardens of my dear friend. She showed me all of her favorite flowers.


There was one in particular that really caught my eye. My friend told me that this was her magical flower. With one whiff, we were drenched in its aroma and in the blink of an eye we were suddenly in Fairy Land.


As my friend and I fluttered about in our flower attire and sparkling wings we discovered many a delight.


Sit quietly in your garden sometime. Let the warm summer breezes whisper gently in your ear. If you are very very lucky, your garden fairies may choose to reveal themselves. When they do, get ready to begin your own magical adventure with these playful beings.

Cheers!
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

You Are the Dancin' Queen ~ Doll No. 4 Shines in the Golden State

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 4 became the dancin' queen of the golden state last week when Barb added her magic and creativity to this ongoing project. She even added illustrated ankles complete with dancing shoes. OMG! How perfect is this? Thank you so much Barb. I am deeply appreciative for your participation. :)

She was our queen, our rose, our star; And then she danced ~ O Heaven, her dancing. ~Winthrop Mackworth Praed (1802 - 1839)

However far the journey may take my Queen, she will find the music and she will DANCE!!!

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

TADS Needs Your Help to Spread the Word

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium (TADS) needs your help in spreading the word and creating an awareness about this magical and exciting project. Below is one of, perhaps a few, blog buttons created especially for helping you do just that.

Step 1: Click the image

Step 2: Copy the code located in the scrolling box

Step 3: Paste it into your website or blog. If you are on blogger simply add a new HTML/Java Script gadget, paste the code in the box and save.

Don't know what TADS is yet? You can visit any of the links in the sidebar to the left for information about the project like what it is and how to sign up. You can also track the progress of the dolls that have been sent out.