allsorts

Month of Softies - Alice

Nothing like squeaking in at the last minute! I wasn't at all sure I was going to finish my little person for Loobylu's Month of Softies. I had a plan for my Alice, but a funny thing happened on the way to Wonderland... I spent a fun day in Fort Worth with my buddies Vicky and Ilene, mostly at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. It was a blast, and after seeing so much fun and funky cowgirl stuff I simply HAD to make my Alice into a little cowgirl! So Alice in Wonderland is now Alice in Westernland! Aka Calamity Alice, for all the mishaps she encounters along the way, from chasing the White Jackrabbit, to meeting the mysterious Cat Bob with the mischievous grin (thanks Janee!)

So here she is! She's 12 inches of spunky cowgirl, from her red felt hat and fringed outfit down to her cowgirl boots. She's made mostly of felt, with yarn hair. Her hat, skirt and vest are tiny versions of that exact same kids outfit from the 1950's, as seen at the museum. As soon as I saw that red hat, I knew it would make a perfect hat for a softie. It took a few tries to figure out the engineering, but I think it looks okay.

As usual I didn't use a pattern, just made it up as I went along. The hair was the hardest part, and it looks nothing like what I planned. But it seems to suit her. I think I was channeling Jessie from Toy Story Two, since we saw some footage of how they created her at the museum. And of course I learned some lessons making this one, like I have on the others. Like... be careful sewing on your lap, you might accidentally sew something to your clothing. And... yarn does NOT behave like hair. And also... at some point you become attached to your softie, and you find yourself apologizing when you use her as a pincushion.

Have a great week everyone! I can't wait to see all of your softies!!!

Jenny

Illustration Friday - Sorrow

My latest image for Illustration Friday. This week's theme is sorrow which is not in my usual repertoire. As Janee commented, "you just don't do sorrow." *chuckle* But I do at least do "pensive" and this image captured a pensive mood I think. Its from an earlier style period of mine, part of a series of images created for a women's hospital. I like my gutsy, powerful women. I think they are my alter-ego.

Jenny

Sneak peek

Thought you might like a sneak peek at the art for the book I just completed. This is one of the spreads.

I know, I know, it sets a new standard of cutesy, even for me. But it was fun to do, and very satistfying now that it's finished. I took a fun trip down memory lane to my early days in ballet class.

Click for a larger view.

Jenny

Fun swap!

I almost forgot to mention that I got my swap stuff from Hillary on Friday! How much fun to get a sweet little package in the post basket. Actually it wasn't quite so ideal, it had to be collected from the depressing post office (thank you Jeff!) after the post-person got no answer when she rang our bell (grrr). But such sweetness! The most adorable little vintage shirtie, and Hillary included this cute little pincushion! Now I must finish assembling my swap items for her and send it on its way. Soon!

Jenny