Donna Sims

Here is the lovely work of Donna Sims, ODACA member. Many of her dolls and goblins are costumed in leather through a fascinating process, cuir bouilli. I love her use of color, combining bright, but still natural, hues with neutral earthy tones very subtly and delicately.
Her figures have so much character, and are featured in a number of fine art galleries. Seeing inspiring dolls of this caliber, appreciated for the art that they are, uplifts all of us who are working with dolls and figures as an avenue of artistic expression.

Retreat to Ennui

Ell's Twisted Tales is the title and theme for this year's Ellowynne Wilde & friends doll retreat. The event is in Bracey, Virginia, August 12-14. The very limited number of attendees receive an Ellowynne and other gifts - plus the chance to talk dolls with kindred spirits. The event is created by the doll artists at Moon Lily Dolls, makers of gorgeous OOAK doll fashions.

Doll Street Dreamers AOM

I believe I have featured Australian doll maker Linda Misa before, but right now she is Doll Street Dreamer's Artist of the Month. That means that there is a lovely interview with her and photos of her wonderful light filled studio on the DSD website. On Linda's blog you can find a FREE online doll class, as well as free pin doll pattern. Thanks!

Miniature Show

Small World Miniature Club's 32nd Annual Dollhouse Miniatures Show will be held on this upcoming weekend (March 13-14) in Phoenix, Arizona.
The website is worth checking out for the list of attending exhibitors - some of the links direct to e-mail, but many go to lucious websites.
It's actually tough to choose a picture for this entry because the miniatures have so much realistic detail that they don't look miniature! The pictured confection is from Lola's Originals. Thanks for the coin!

Froudian

The Spring schedule for Wendy Froud's three day sculpting workshops are up on the World of Froud website. She will be in New York April 2-4 and then in Chicago at the end of the month.

Kina Crow Figurative Art

Here is ceramic and mixed media artist Kina Crow's website. She uses clay and makes witty busts and whimsical standing or sitting figures, and uses small hand made figures in her mixed media work. Be sure to check out her busy schedule of art fair appearances.

Play with Metal

Intriguing, and beautifully photographed, series of metal found object doll figures with found paper embellishments over at Play of Light and Shadow.
She holds a monthly giveaway too.

Yummy Haute

Here's my new doll friend Miriam's website, Yum Yum Couture - beautiful, highly finessed and award winning creations for 16 inch fashion dolls. As someone who makes doll clothes, I really appreciate the level of fit and fine detail in the stitchery and finish. Milinery too...

Dreams of Tuscany

Received from Adele Sciortino:

"There is still time to sign-up for the upcoming “The Art of Creative Costuming” workshop in Italy. Just think, it will be around the same time as the Renascence Festival in Cortona, Italy. Imagine all the costumes you will see firsthand, the sightseeing that will take place will take your breath away, a field trip to Florence to visit some fabric and trim stores, museums and shopping. What a week of adventure in Italy!"

* That week is May 25 - June 1, 2010 *

"I have scheduled one evening to have an Italian cooking course for all my students. What fun that will be, sharing stories and making new friends.

The workshop will be all about costuming like you have not done before. It will be a special treat for those of you that have taken my other Creative Costuming classes.

It will be an intimate setting with a small group. Each lady will receive my personal attention to help finish their costume.

If you sign up before March 7, 2010 there is a $100.00 discount."

******



I can dream can't I?

Cate Avery

Fellow ADO member Cate Avery is having a sale on her 18 inch figures at her Etsy store. She makes beautiful, costumed, realistic polymer clay full sculpts with glass eyes and vintage fabrics, and finds that she prefers to work in slightly smaller sizes. I particulary enjoy the delicate luminosity of this character's face.