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.

Common Garden Fairies Have Feelings Too!

Do you believe in magic? The other day, whilst chatting with one of my garden fairies about what kind of flowers to plant the garden with this season, I happened to casually mention that I thought she was common. Oh my! What a mistake that was and it stirred quite a furry in the studio.


I can tell you that little sprite flew around the room like mad woman on fire and I've got the cuts on my forehead to prove it! She buzzed me so many times I'm surprised my hair isn't spiked by now although I am hopeful that my missing eyebrow will grow back. YIKES!!


Fairies! They can be so sensitive! After all, my use of the word common was not meant to imply ordinary nor did I intend for it to be derogatory in any way. You really don't want to upset your fairies like this because they have abilities far beyond what could be termed common or ordinary. She simply required nothing more than my acknowledgement of that. I'm in deep trouble now because if I thought she was good at hiding my craft supplies before, it will be doubly so now.


We've agreed it would be best if she find a home in another garden, one where the humans at least treated her like the uncommon princess she really is, one where her talents could truly be appreciated. However, she won't be cheap! Gosh, if I even mention that who knows what will happen next. This fairy is willful, stubborn, mischievous, playful, an utter delight, beautiful, magical and looking for love someplace besides my studio.


She is sure to bring you joy, share many uplifting conversations with you and add opulent beauty to your flower garden. She may not look like anything more than a paper art doll to you but I assure you, she will animate if you are ready to see and believe. Visit artful*paper*doll on eBay for more details and your chance to entice her over to your garden.

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 . . . *

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.

Free Standing Audrey Hepburn Paper Doll Speaks

She strikes a pose as if to say "I told you so." These dolls of mine speak to me in the most celestial ways. They use not words but blocks of thought that come in the form of creative ideas.


What makes me pick up that particular bit of scrap and hold it up to a waist or bust? How is it that I came to add gathered tule to a butterfly wing? It was not part of my original plan and yet that scrap has brightened up this doll like no other could, like it was, quite simply, meant to be.


Resisted desires to make her more elaborate in some way came in the form of whispered kisses, an acronym for "keep it simple, stupid." Over and over again I heard them. Audrey is classic simplicity, in her case less is more. Everything about this piece works so beautifully and yet I can claim little responsibility for her outcome. I am simply the tool that gave her life.


My creative muse is with me always, a special gift to me sent directly from the divine. I know not always what her messages will be but she always has a way of revealing them to me in exactly the moment they are needed. Her messages to me are simply the answers I was asking for in those moments of utter grace and complete surrender to the process.


I give you Audrey. Striking, stunning and with a "kiss" I leave you to your own conclusions.

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.

Carnevale Venezia 2010 Begins

It begins with an idea, pictures of pink perfection that swirl nebulously inside my head.


What does she look like? What secrets will she hide, behind the flourishes of decorated eyes?


With her mysterious but flirty spirt, she'll reveal only enough to spark the imagination.


Dressing is an art and must reflect her purity of heart.


Nature's beauty does bestow, its grace and magnificence upon the rose.


With flowing skirts and glittering slippers, the magic of her costume is complete.


Fiore di Venezia bids you welcome to the season of carnival in Venice.


Be sure to dance your way on over to How Sweet the Sound and the lovely Beverly for more Pink Saturday wonder.

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