Everyday Bliss is Having Fairies in the Garden

My Everyday Bliss time was spent finishing up my first dimensional collage. This time I used stamping techniques, stencils and paints to create my own background rather than relying entirely on decorative papers to do the job for me.


Couldn't you just immerse yourself in this for days? Perhaps I'll mediate on it and see what bubbles to the surface. I may discover a hidden secret that's been waiting in my subconscious mind for the opportunity to tell me all about it.

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.

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.

Pearlized Paper fit for Royalty in Papyrus

Sources indicated today that Pearlized Filagree, a light weight, decorative paper, might have been used as doll skin in the paper doll city of Papyrus. Chosen for its pearlescent design and light, creamy color, it is believed that this paper was used in the creation of royalty or the more elite dolls. Archedollogist Kitty Kellie had this to say.

It would appear that this paper is somewhat rare as evidenced by the $4.95 price tag for one sheet so it would make sense that Papyrus would reserve this skin for its most elite dolls such as princesses, queens or even their treasured fairy folk.

Now that I had an accurate pattern for cutting my doll parts and the paper that would serve as the foundation for doll assembly, it was time to begin looking for a decorative paper with which to cover my pieces.



The idea was to find a paper that was not only light weight but light enough in color that it would look like a flesh tone. The paper design had to be subtle enough that it would not compete with the collage and rubber stamping techniques I planned to add.


I found something called Pearlized Filagree on the very bottom rung of one of the columns of paper. It was hidden underneath a stack of other paper as if it was waiting for the perfect project before allowing its discovery. Did I choose the paper or did the paper choose me?



Learn more about the Papyrus Project.

What in the World is Archedollogy?

A map of some sort was discovered today deep in a Paris archive. It appeared to be a schematic for a paper doll body believed to have origins dating to the time of the legendary lost temple of Papyrus. Leading archedollologist, Kitty Kellie comments:

What an exciting find for us. This map is physical evidence that the paper doll city of Papyrus actually did exist and we are closer than ever to discovering the lost temple where the artifacts of Papyrus are thought to have been stored. There's just one small problem with the map.

Setting up a template for a life sized paper doll required enlarging one of my existing patterns to nearly 400% of its original size. The entire schematic would span 21 letter sized pages and print beautifully with my printer set for borderless printing. . . . or so I thought. The first snag in the project would require a little more ingenuity to get the pattern to print correctly and was overcome with the discovery of a tool called Tiler, a free program that allows printing of large graphics over multiple pages.




Read more about the The Papyrus Project, an ongoing project dedicated to bringing you paper doll artifacts and evidence that a living paper doll culture actually existed in history. Here you will discover new terms like archedollogy that are guaranteed to spark your imagination. Check back often to find out how you can participate and become involved in the Papyrus Project.

The Papyrus Project and my Wild Imaginings

My mother once gave me the secret to being an artist. It was actually a poem of sorts with short, whimsical statements about how to be an artist. The one that most comes to mind reads: Have wild imaginings, transformative dreams and perfect calm.


While sitting in traffic yesterday, I began focusing my thoughts toward the one thing in life that never fails to give me pleasure, my art. Visions of paper dolls danced in my head while new ways of making dolls that would give my buyers a personal connection to my work just came one after the other. All were exciting to think about but the still small voice within whispered. "Think bigger."


Okay, how about a life sized, dimensional paper doll, I thought and I don't mean that in a celebrity-card-board-cut-out-you-see-in-the-movie-theatre kind of way either. It was perfect but the still small voice offered counsel yet again. "Yes, she whispered, "keep going." Not only will this doll be life sized but she has a story to tell.


Oooh! On that note, I could hardly contain my excitement! I had to get started right away but what do you do when you work full time? You go shopping on your lunch break of course. Bellevue Art and Frame would be my first stop. Paper is the foundation of the work and only the finest quality would do. I spared no expense in using the buyer rewards certificate I'd been carrying around for months. My first purchase would be French Aquarelle Arches paper.


I love water color paper, especially cold pressed. There is something just fresh and crisp about this textured, deckled edge paper that speaks directly to the very core of my artist being. So it begins and I've decided to take you with me on a journey of discovery to the lost temple of Papyrus where you are sure to find whimsy, intrigue, adventure and perhaps even reconnect with your inner child.



There are ways that you can participate in the project which I will present as we go along. Get ready to soar with the goddesses. Who knows, magic could strike! Be sure to check back often for updates and opportunities.

Traditional Beauty for a Paper Doll Classic

Several weeks ago I posted a free paper doll template for your use. I asked that anyone using it, point me to the images so that I could post here as inspiration to others.


Linda of Considerations posted this traditional tabbed outfit with all kinds of trimmings that fit beautifully into a hand made, organza bag.


Even traditional dolls can have dimension added to them with lace and feathers. This also makes a perfect swap idea for your groups. Send the doll with a dress and trimmings and let the recipient decide how to decorate it. Thank you Linda, for this timeless contribution.

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

Paper Craft Ideas: Let them eat cake!

"Let them eat cake," she said. Although Marie Antoinette never actually said that, what she meant was if you don't have what you are looking for, why not use a suitable substitute?



I needed an image of a cake for a Marie Antoinette paper doll I was making. I, an artist (dare I say it) went looking for a piece of clip art at Dreamstime in order to save myself some time. Oh, I can just hear the collective gasp now!



I was not able to find an image of a cake that I liked much less one I thought would work for my purposes so I set out to make one. The video will show you the process for making your own paper cake.


The story has a happy ending though. My paper cake turned out even more beautifully than I could have hoped to find someplace else and works most perfectly in my project. So, the moral of the story is that what you seek can not be found outside of you. believe in yourself and the universe will provide you what you need.

Paper Hair and Paper Dresses: Marie Antoinette Style

Marie Antoinette was well known for her extravagant dresses and her towering hair. This art doll creation pays tribute to a great lady with a divine paper dress fit for a queen and a stunning paper hair treatment.


Marie's dress is made of crepe paper that was embellished with ink pens and stamps to create an elegant, brocade pattern. The video below is a quick tutorial of the pattern making process used to make the dress.



Marie's hair may have been tall but we secretly admire and appreciate the artistic expression found in that glorious coiffure. She was rather restricted in many ways. If she were living in today's world, she might have rebelled by dying her hair purple and piercing her tongue. I think I like her way better.


This paper hair treatment gives a very unique look to this paper doll. Not only is paper hair fun to make but it is also very easy. Look for new tutorials on The Artful Paper Doll network that will not only cover this lovely technique but will show you how to make the entire doll! In the meantime, please enjoy.

Dress Maker, Dress Maker Make Me a Dress

Can't you just hear that song from Fiddler on the Roof? You know the one I mean with the three sisters singing to the match maker to find them the perfect match. This, my most recent paper doll creation sings to me in the form of inspiration to bestow upon her the perfect gown.


"I dream of fancy, tulle dresses hanging in flirty style from fitted, corset bodices made of fine satin," she says. "Lavish me with silk ribbons, roses and pearls and laces while I whisper stories of romantic ages past. Can you see it?" She asks, with a twinkle in her eyes as she lovingly gazes toward heaven, becoming enveloped in another world it seemed.


Come learn how to turn 3 pieces of paper into this incredible dimensional dress form in my {Paper Doll • ology} tutorial. Embellish her and dress her to make her your own creative expression of paper doll beauty and elegance. Due to the amount of material being covered in this all inclusive tutorial, I have 5 spots left at the $50 price before it jumps to $100!





Wishing you all a Happy Pink Saturday. For more pink loveliness, please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Dreams Really Do Come True

The Traveling "paper" Art Doll Symposium's (TADS) Doll No. 5 slumbered with the angles and found the magnificence of a dream come true when she visited Renee Troy in Los Angeles. Renee, she is the picture of dreamy with the soft, feathery looks and pastel colors. She is just beautiful and I thank you for being part of the magic of this project.

"Continuing on my journey, I became tired and rested my head on a pillow of flower petals. While daydreaming, I imagined atop my head a crown of jewels. I saw myself in my heart's mirror and when I awoke . . . there was the crown, as beautiful as I had envisioned on top of my head."

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” W. Clement Stone


We have the power to make anything we wish happen. All we have to do is believe it can by believing in ourselves. If you are going to dream, don't be afraid to dream BIG!


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