tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45289186798326515862024-02-06T18:24:57.995-08:00Fiddler RockCollections and creations of a woman who should be fiddling! But lately mostly obsessions about Izannah Walker.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-26581913271975177012012-11-09T16:32:00.001-08:002012-11-09T16:38:34.338-08:00Thoughts on Helping With Storm Recovery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
After listening to the storm coverage, I thought I would share a personal experience . My mom and brother lost their home in a flood in Nashville on May 1, 2010. At first there was an incredible outpouring of help- food, clothing, help getting medication , shelters to stay in. Banks gave grace periods, utilities didn't charge and there were people to help you sort needs and apply for assistance. Flocks of volunteers came from all over the US. <br />
Stores gave away appliances and furniture, a truck came to neighborhoods to wash clothing. Church groups came with wheelbarrows and emptied piles of ruined personal belongings. Friends and acquaintances washed and dried belongings to prevent later mold .Trash pickup for debris and ruined household items and appliances was almost immediate.<br />
<br />
One by one, the shelters shut down, the churches stopped serving food and there was no source for the things that hadn't been needed immediately, but were needed to go on with lives in a new place. My family's<br />
house was not salvageable, but ironically, because my mom had flood insurance, she wasn't able to get help either demolishing or selling the shell of a house. The kitchen of the house was no longer attached<br />
to the house, and there was other structural damage.When she went to check on the house one day, there was an order to demolish on her door- inquiries told us that the demolition would cost up to $10,000,with no available assistance. The money she gained from the insurance was not nearly enough to fix the house, and my brother , who has Autism, wouldn't have been able to handle the lack of predictability involved in construction or people working in his home anyway. She spent a lot of her time in the first months trying to establish a routine for him.<br />
<br />
And, irony again, people who hadn't purchased insurance were getting help from FEMA. People who had 4 ft of water in their house and lost only one floor of belongings . Absolutely they needed help, but the water went to the top of the attic in mom's house and we saved only 1 piece of furniture- a blanket chest that stands in the hall of her house now. Our family pictures and movies washed out of the attic. I<br />
found and salvaged many of the old pictures , but we never found the movies. I found my parent's wedding picture about a mile upstream stuck in some bushes. It took her three days to ask me , whispering<br />
, if we had found the quilt I made for her,with literally hundreds of hexagons sewn together, when I was in college. The answer was no.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are some issues we are still dealing with two years later. All of my brother's records were lost , all of my mom's important papers, including the insurance policy and the title to the cars were sodden and stuck together or illegible. Credit cards, voter ID and my mom's passport were in the desk and filing cabinet that were flooded. We had no proof that my brother had autism, so had trouble reestablishing services once they moved to Virginia to be close to me.<br />
<br />
Utilities and banks seemed to forget that they were supportive- Comcast charged my mom for months for service. She had no electricity, no tv, no computer and no house, but had to pay on a contract. No appeal<br />
seemed to work, and the closed doors and threatening letters were hurtful.<br />
<br />
I remember the discouragement I felt when news went back from complete storm recovery coverage to sports news and national news with no mention of the people people who had lost their jobs or at least one paycheck because their place of employment was closed or destroyed or those still living in hotels, a room in a friend's house, trying to survive in ruined homes.<br />
<br />
My point- In 3 months, and 6 months , and a year, there will be people in the same situation as my family. The trauma and feeling of loss don't go away. I spent about a week helping my mom get settled in a friend's house pending insurance settlement, and I still react to a heavy rain storm with anxiety.<br />
<br />
During the immediate storm recovery, several churches from my hometown collected needed items in big trucks , and took them to Nashville to distribute. They stayed for a few weeks to help dig out. But once she was here- 5 months later because the insurance payment finally came in so that she could buy a house, there were only closed doors. No help moving in, no help getting furniture and appliances that she was finally ready for, no one calling to see what she needed. Utilities charged deposits. She was starting completely over with no help other than from family.<br />
<br />
At this point: I know we're all feeling a surge of sympathy and want to give , but what about bringing<br />
trailers full of furniture and appliances 3 months out? What about sending a variety of gift cards for hardware and lumber stores, appliances or letting people know that they will be available for 6 months to a year ? My mom was given one voucher for replacing household objects later. It made a huge difference to her,<br />
because it was 5 months before she had a house she could put things in.<br />
<br />
Personally- I just set a reminder on my phone for for mid December, February and May, and plan to check to see what needs storm victims have then. I have been pleased to see that some advocacy organizations have gathered around to support families with members who have disabilities.<br />
<br />
Some needs we had later : We had a terrible time getting duplicates of Joel's records until one persistent and caring worker at SSI took it on as a personal project, and called agency after agency in Nashville to find the information she needed to establish support for getting his medication after he moved to Virginia. The medication was $700 a month. He went without for about 3 weeks until my brother and I realized that the recurrence of some of his symptoms wasn't just because of the trauma of the storm.<br />
<br />
Set those reminders, let Siri remind you , or add a storm check up to your calendars. Let's remember the storm in 3 and 6 months- even 1 year out. Let someone who might have contact with refugees who have moved away from their ravaged homes and come to your community know that you are there to help with whatever needs to be done whenever needed. If you are a professional, do what Danielle did- take on the task of getting a person with a disability , or who is on Medicaid or SSI reestablished, set up with the right agencies. Walk with them through the maze of papers , and applications for replacement cards and evaluations. Call other professionals if you don't know what to do.<br />
<br />
When the reminders go off, if you are a collector or have a hobby, see if there are people who lost their collections and might love to have help to rebuild their collection , fabric stashes or art supplies. There will be musicians without instruments, stands , tuners and music. Kids without beloved electronic games and devices. They won't be ready for those now, but replacing these things later will be incredibly expensive. (Although for me, replacing my fiddle would have been on the priority list right after replacing my pillow and toothbrush) I was just thinking about the little basket of jewelry and a little parian doll that I carry when I travel just for a touch of home- I'd love to find a storm refuge who would find a duplicate of mine comforting.<br />
<br />
Can you restore pictures? Can you fix video tapes and slides? Do auto repair? Restore furniture or collectibles? Let's figure out how we can help with the things that don't seem to be a priority at first, but which can actually make a huge difference in emotional recovery. There might be some individuals who would really benefit from one small object that is beautiful or a "Thinking of you" card even a year from now.<br />
<br />
Things my brother wanted and needed to feel safe- sports books and videos, year books from high school, posters that were the same as those lost. My sister put out an appeal on Facebook and found someone who donated a duplicate of his Blacksburg High School letter jacket, the one that he earned for being the team manager and wore proudly for years.<br />
<br />
When I think about it , I haven't finished scanning and retouching the family pictures, and I'm pretty sure my brother would still like a card. Guess I'd better start close to home.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-73815387716622838632012-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:002012-07-22T09:55:42.027-07:00Mystery Doll- Moral is Sign Your Dolls! <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>As usual I paid what I think was too much for a doll on Ebay- I'm such an emotional buyer! Although, I did have someone bidding against me at the last minutes , and the current antique inspired dolls sell for more than I paid . I was so fascinated with the doll that I am glad I got her, and knew as I was bidding that she was not really old.<br><br>I suspected that more of the doll was cloth rather than the papier mache she was listed under. Basically, I was right and they were right. Interesting enough, her head is built over Styrofoam. I thought that made her fairly recent ( which may still be the case) , but if you look up styrofoam, you realize that it has been made for much longer than you think. , </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56gU6K4f_WjOf52HHAeteiY0X-ci-lvlgjP9E1xWjT7e1mZxQKe3-QPzeVf6sBAG_BPiK9Ln-7D0aTv9xToEmnjDmCVp15CQMOm3E7SxB8_zMigkuG9rvF2WOAuAT4TqqHxh1rf2fxhFl/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwqPg7okOKyPQ6DtQTcpBWa3yqBTSSd5uIQ-GViwUz1ehvk73lPQCLbPkx-vucBjhnWSkWi3Ag-lrUelOlobsjBPeNH0BbA5KVjhLhnnBXdrnK8DsG4E6A4Y7d-Gkb2bjoKfMQwVlDxGh/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwsgtlWg9aRehrrxKaZF41PqNUZdMSnZQv0-p99iq8mRGJvFczNQNifnSVadZ-tX96PLLR6Xyug6RxV85N7giul5C3AuC7p7UzpzENmg-DfKOjCkhYrA3AgRUQZcslC1cwQXhb2w3aBOZ/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Holes in the papier mache reveal a Styrofoam base. </p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>You can see that the muslin is newer, but that the neck is painted cloth, which is glued to the papier mache neck. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipWpzVAhKWE4-9h-90278d1xJNsc4IYNP3B_JfmtaHKn7EI_wRFFH8VViYcdw6UQYZ2U_yBdY7gqrO_dFakfqAlBRm3htYfqafB0WQsIfZHzgRTPYyj_ixP-CuaH6i4hmElzrgk4Okum1/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>It looks like the body is one piece, with a sewn on petticoat. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSVE7jl8UPNnD0CWHl8rdqGgzbHjoLX04k9nzEhYtGvbV9SDKcYQlkdxhvGGNUeTHpow7t9SUvBYmahbFnU-Q94YAHc7wGGW19WL4zcKptPPfnxLqI35iWE7efupd6fGgfVFR5S4oWUDY/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzlfKAxx_w-tF81o-WDOOdNrRHgbtI5lGeM_67NFDZDiku365oXHb4p-fs8aPqxBaie9SABhB3WXiNKY5FU5JQ6ZHMRxOg5NUliIxKH_SEXD-j6Ivj-l2mxEpDGJfrKWPrHC-q-j9XbRP/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Do you know anything about this doll?</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-32003288622848945022012-06-07T05:03:00.001-07:002012-06-07T05:03:35.763-07:00Does Anyone Know About Parians?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY-SKvrlo2ksQuCGO-e-6e31fPJEXTQ1u1EGTyyrOSH_BK9tPquzuJOjfcY-ZpHlIlFldZMP9MTVlRhh6TFseik5FPdlb76e32pHqDLtzqWY7uxwcro6-KMXvFhixrgqsQzNbGACmxTJY/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY-SKvrlo2ksQuCGO-e-6e31fPJEXTQ1u1EGTyyrOSH_BK9tPquzuJOjfcY-ZpHlIlFldZMP9MTVlRhh6TFseik5FPdlb76e32pHqDLtzqWY7uxwcro6-KMXvFhixrgqsQzNbGACmxTJY/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I just listed a doll on Ebay - I think she is beautiful and I thought long and hard about parting with her, but I so need to downsize! She is Parian , but on her neck there is chipping paint. All I know is that Parians are unfired, but I don't know about the paint part? It looks like the neck and shoulder plate might have been repaired.
See what you think!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiT_ocPfzmDtL9B63rcMZeP4dqvK-ou7UucdDDjYDOvhT8dbjW08qpN0RI_a1j87BND5gB2JC6-ia2SOS0v3ht7Ke3essMvvRWhtjWpU7BYojTSEQoknjaCTzQBVmr4k3gcJ54LOCeKkb/s1600/parian+doll+ebay+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiT_ocPfzmDtL9B63rcMZeP4dqvK-ou7UucdDDjYDOvhT8dbjW08qpN0RI_a1j87BND5gB2JC6-ia2SOS0v3ht7Ke3essMvvRWhtjWpU7BYojTSEQoknjaCTzQBVmr4k3gcJ54LOCeKkb/s320/parian+doll+ebay+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpV0gi7_l034U4h8DnYZWT3mTI65x0iz5CYafTFPJ9TPutl7kbpllV9bKy6DEWRg1xYgfk4cK4P8OF9rI5d5uVUBcdVDjMWlJQKTs-QcVsvGq35Srn01hSN-aMNaXaD-lq2tCt8-XIP9C/s1600/parian+doll+ebay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpV0gi7_l034U4h8DnYZWT3mTI65x0iz5CYafTFPJ9TPutl7kbpllV9bKy6DEWRg1xYgfk4cK4P8OF9rI5d5uVUBcdVDjMWlJQKTs-QcVsvGq35Srn01hSN-aMNaXaD-lq2tCt8-XIP9C/s320/parian+doll+ebay.jpg" width="318" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5pzgQeqTNBDGvJKAoO27jMK0szu77yTlYRmXeugN08l-HpsGedE3rn4ciwlSItQB7dOPCk_Ypt1XTLKoNVIiZmJGtbyfQQky-KmQoPmvkh-oYBtRKrajSWNeqDZF37JsLqIIR2amEEHP/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5pzgQeqTNBDGvJKAoO27jMK0szu77yTlYRmXeugN08l-HpsGedE3rn4ciwlSItQB7dOPCk_Ypt1XTLKoNVIiZmJGtbyfQQky-KmQoPmvkh-oYBtRKrajSWNeqDZF37JsLqIIR2amEEHP/s640/IMG_0058.JPG" width="480" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlDb7Vb7AU9o2o52lIHYn2a5ewbMEjUc4cl7EjYTyybJtEBFCZDvq5td_7XI_2A40EsIlZF28XRfEYwur27WzCs7_xCKumorARXNZYS7fYYcAECygnVGwaEfoVQQt-ILBsInxU5VoaIZt/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlDb7Vb7AU9o2o52lIHYn2a5ewbMEjUc4cl7EjYTyybJtEBFCZDvq5td_7XI_2A40EsIlZF28XRfEYwur27WzCs7_xCKumorARXNZYS7fYYcAECygnVGwaEfoVQQt-ILBsInxU5VoaIZt/s640/IMG_0036.JPG" width="480" /></a>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-27691867424744336062012-04-09T14:42:00.001-07:002012-04-09T14:42:48.361-07:00Ugly againAs I've been making this doll, I've really had to fight with the term ugly. What I realized - when I tried to make ugly, I was making a characature of the worst features of women, and I found myself less and less comfortable. I've decided that Laidronette is just not beautiful, which is unusual in and of itself. How many stories have heroines that are not beautiful. I'm feeling much more comfortable with this view. Now to finish!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-48253743350953697762012-03-25T05:58:00.001-07:002012-03-25T05:58:35.691-07:00Deliberately Ugly Doll <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I buried her eyes bulged her nose and forehead and pulled her ears out, and am adding an out of proportion, shortened body with huge feet and arms. Now I would say she qualifies as ugly. But she also looks more badly made than deliberately ugly. Today, I am going to work on eyes, and make them as well painted as I can to take away from the poorly made image. I like the sawdust base, but I also will go back and refine the ears and repaint the mouth. <br><br>The stories that I have read about Laidronette never describe her. I found another source though, and will read through that carefully.<br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigTuNl2_Xs9msJtthbSpJZibIcoOp8q8Z3cJfkCJ9s2-ydKv1PGFEi5EduuNRWXU9Y8Yao7F6CyqUr6b2YPUimT4WSTQHh-hWxUL9YxDFo2QoBlF9gf4q-XBfh7s3VFK_2JEToawzUpBcB/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-15005882698567273342012-03-24T18:19:00.001-07:002012-03-24T18:19:55.238-07:00More Pondering of Ugly <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>A couple of pictures of twin dolls. If you follow my Josiah Gammage House blog , you must close your eyes , because these dolls are still on their way from Davenport Iowa, and aren't in the story yet. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwl1lovRJuHrTAQZBZR_IS4axWw2iiYAT5GXfGQ_TORzKv-jYjwbYVaxLhwIS3EBQ_64OWKco7GGw-TnJvhGFGg6Mibdz5IgE-Wq5JTJtcgmDz_rq5HUyxsYTmQdN-eK0kkpsHTJubBNYM/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lfrMkxp9ktT0cUtylSa-Neeqyaf1iGsdd3eiiLpmtkAbz1Dri6TRuc0mtX6ftO2xolqv3yCUGpgyPKHPt1egebz9jr8aNWkY_VMQIWp59_y6sbEHR9EMXM4Fg5pnBHqbcXtrGAwMS9_R/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-55812157517874614372012-03-24T03:24:00.002-07:002012-03-25T05:44:50.366-07:00Laidronette<p class="bloggerplus_text_section" align="left" style="clear:both;">What makes a woman the ugliest woman in the world? A ruddy complexion? A bulging forehead? Rough pitted skin? A short lip and mouth out of proportion?<br /><br />The Maida group has taken on the challenge of creating a doll based on a fairy tale. I chose the fascinating , 1600's story of Laidronette. Laidronette was born one of twin princesses . An angry witch turned her into the ugliest woman in the world, while sparing her sister Bellote.<br /><br />I've started the doll, and am having such a time making her ugly! My instinct is to shrink the mouth, add a lip and smooth out the asymmetry, but that wouldn't be true to the story. Anyway, who ever heard of an ugly heroine? We'll explore more of the story as she develops. </p><p class="bloggerplus_image_section"></p><div class="bloggerplus_image_section" align="left" style="clear:both;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L-plTpIu3Qk6L1cwzbj9Ps_LGaKfpZEkTaj9hSgFvAiS95ZHKKfizyeAKMcndrwad-x-raQBECxsc3cR7VdW-AptJpgBTI4Lb8UI3oSG29OJcDDNCHfu-6kkIrHzQD9DXcN74zTSDbpA/" /></div><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-80967409474230258102012-02-10T14:49:00.001-08:002012-02-10T14:55:55.954-08:00My dollhouse blog <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><p>I'm not sure why I decided to separate these two, but I now have a blog on 1/2 and quarter scale dollhouse miniatures.. And yes, I still have dolls in progress! The blog is http://halfscaledollhousegammagehouse.blogspot.com <a href='http://halfscaledollhousegammagehouse.blogspot.com/' target='_blank'>Dollhouse Blog</a> I'm not sure if it chronicles my dollhousestreets or my attention issues! Check it out. Please! I need followers, and readers, and comments!</p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-72009376895136448592010-11-25T04:43:00.001-08:002011-07-07T10:49:44.840-07:00Letting dolls goThe other day I walked by this doll I made, who I named Sari, and realized I was ready to let her go. I have a pact with myself to act on this impulse whenever I have it because I have way too many dolls, and lots in the works, so on Ebay she went! <br />
<br />
Sari is a practice doll, and I can't get a pic of her that I feel represents her, but in any event she is a strange looking creature. She's one of those dolls that just makes you smile. But now I'm sad she's going, and it seems for only enough to pay for materials...but still the sense of satisfaction for me that someone wants something I made . One fear that I have is that they will use only the clothes and that she will be found in a dumpster .see, I am really, really too attached! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><br />
</center><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<div class="blogpress_location">Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Home&z=10">Home</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-53421036919942917292010-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:002010-08-29T19:12:10.636-07:00Dolls I'm working on.I started out trying to make copies of my favorite Izannah dolls , because I was sure I could never afford one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fK0KGaf8ALNLeNPNRLVxHK164IWhGoujO9Gj4UUl2NvzbvQKOre7u9W0O8pLuqoSkoaWrV1pntDgXwoBX_yewGulEtr53VGN-qm84lqsmRlJ5wfnwQh6Ww8rivIDbFxEgV9thUMqquja/s1600/pennypanthea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fK0KGaf8ALNLeNPNRLVxHK164IWhGoujO9Gj4UUl2NvzbvQKOre7u9W0O8pLuqoSkoaWrV1pntDgXwoBX_yewGulEtr53VGN-qm84lqsmRlJ5wfnwQh6Ww8rivIDbFxEgV9thUMqquja/s320/pennypanthea.JPG" /></a></div>But now I think my goal is just to make dolls with integrity! Here are the latest- two still unfinished, and one finished. I have fun finding names on my family tree- Peninah Flanner is on the right, and Panthea on the left.<br />
<br />
I just found out that Peninah grew up to be a Quaker minister, so I guess the new dress needs to be plain instead of the lace trimmed dress she had on before the repaint.<br />
<br />
Sari, who is below , reminds me a bit of the post patent dolls for some reason. I almost didn't finish her , but really like her now. Sometimes you just have to put projects away for a while I think. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgWYZ99PdxbrC8QbznXVQsyvs8Z0n5wS7nTPKRa2yVvM_URpZdTCuRgw5KCuUr3WHfN1jkVPUw5VLde7KveBJTJ3WtfQy4fJzeqouoq-jMYy8m7-2d0VDckFy-FEKOP9y6bcxf69Yq00A/s1600/sari.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgWYZ99PdxbrC8QbznXVQsyvs8Z0n5wS7nTPKRa2yVvM_URpZdTCuRgw5KCuUr3WHfN1jkVPUw5VLde7KveBJTJ3WtfQy4fJzeqouoq-jMYy8m7-2d0VDckFy-FEKOP9y6bcxf69Yq00A/s320/sari.JPG" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-82084354269696760642010-08-29T12:49:00.001-07:002010-08-29T12:49:37.996-07:00Somerset Ma.<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" style="width: 560px;"><tbody>
<tr><td width="310"><span style="font-size: large;">Town of Somerset History </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Resources</span></td> <td width="198"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ma/county/bristol/images/clipper.gif" width="171" /></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" style="width: 540px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td bgcolor="#003399" colspan="2" width="536"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td colspan="2" width="536"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Town of Somerset is a suburban community in Bristol County, on the west side of the Taunton River. This area was originally known as the Shawamat Lands and was incorporated as a town in 1790. Although there was a significant Indian population when colonists arrived, by the end of King Philip's war in 1677 English settlers dominated the Pocassets, members of the Wampanoag tribe. The earliest colonists farmed and fished, both in the river and off-shore but the town developed shipyards, mercantile and shipping businesses early in its history. The first documented local shipyard was established between 1707 and 1712 on the Lee River by Samuel Lee. The dominant religious group in early Somerset were the Quakers, who established a meeting house about 1701, one of the few and earliest Quaker churches in southeastern Massachusetts. After the War of 1812, Somerset became one of the chief distribution points in New England for foreign goods with trade to China, the West Indies, Europe and the Atlantic coast. By 1847, 138 vessels were built and registered in the town with many engaged in the coastal trade. The most important shipyard was that of James M. Hood, whose yard launched several important clipper ships. This industry boomed after the Mexican War and the California Gold Rush, and spawned shipping related activities such as a ropewalk and the Somerset Iron Works, which made anchors. Aside from shipping related businesses, the largest early industry in Somerset was the making of stoneware. When steam began destroying shipbuilding, the anchor works was taken over by Job Leonard who proceeded to develop a nail works which, by 1865, was the largest single industry in town. Through all of this industrial growth, south Somerset remained largely agricultural. The opening of the Somerset and Dighton Railroad led to the establishment in the town of the Old Colony's major coal port in 1872, while an enterprising former potter created a cannery operation in the early part of the 20th century. However, as the industrial development of Fall River absorbed Somerset's industry, the community turned increasingly from shipping and iron manufacturing to suburban services. The dominant industry in Somerset since the First World War has been power generation with the erection of the Montaup Electric Company plant in 1923 and Bryant Point in 1963. The dominant character of Somerset has been residential since the bankruptcy of Fall River in the Depression brought a flood of middle-class residents into the town. Unlike most communities in the area, Somerset increased its population by 74% during the Depression. The town is now a suburban community with some small scale resort and second home development and its 15 miles of waterfront are primarily used for recreation rather than industry.<br />
<b>Narrative based on information provided by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-10350535690650377562010-04-22T18:56:00.000-07:002010-04-22T18:57:40.360-07:00So is she China?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ijCvpRRfrwUhnExwMGNUwsxQ-jkfOrkR1o8ocxB7ivlQ93AbUnVP3uwVyIOaCoImg2uqz4HR8pT-mMzbPbuAeHW0fKgJDETIbwD3WiQvXSWUja6PHkLWWKLEfkgjFBAY6SIzkngSrMv/s1600/PierceManFeedingDollcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ijCvpRRfrwUhnExwMGNUwsxQ-jkfOrkR1o8ocxB7ivlQ93AbUnVP3uwVyIOaCoImg2uqz4HR8pT-mMzbPbuAeHW0fKgJDETIbwD3WiQvXSWUja6PHkLWWKLEfkgjFBAY6SIzkngSrMv/s400/PierceManFeedingDollcloseup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlDrCbTpnlsMHHyUp86I-Y9mHsDwlR19cTdqxJhgZ1d09ax78Bb2KNVMnN46iPJUG6zC5gPXyl11PnkqfxDYeq-2K6AHCk_o7qaNiMZTD0IdPhCed1T7Elq16n6arrRG3Q1VfL8UTZ-Lf/s1600/PierceManFeedingDoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlDrCbTpnlsMHHyUp86I-Y9mHsDwlR19cTdqxJhgZ1d09ax78Bb2KNVMnN46iPJUG6zC5gPXyl11PnkqfxDYeq-2K6AHCk_o7qaNiMZTD0IdPhCed1T7Elq16n6arrRG3Q1VfL8UTZ-Lf/s320/PierceManFeedingDoll.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Found this on an old pic website. What do you think? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-65734535288095871512010-04-11T14:21:00.000-07:002010-04-11T14:21:12.643-07:00New PageThe Little Compton page is finished- click on Little Compton at the top. Pics to be added to Princeton as I edit them! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-69502680366901628272010-04-04T07:24:00.000-07:002010-04-04T07:24:14.343-07:00Morristown NJHeaded out to explore Morristown- first stop on the Izannah trip. In a Best Western which has a Wonderful complimentary breakfast- custom omelets, waffles , bacon etc. etc!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-80074165449402474742009-11-20T15:19:00.000-08:002009-11-20T15:23:01.524-08:00Obsession againSince I rediscovered my obsession with Izannah Walker dolls, I've been fascinated by the reports of the process she used to make the dolls. After I finished the first few dolls, I realized I wasn't completely happy with the dolls surface and feel- that there is something about the dolls made out of all cloth that appeals to me.<br />
<br />
Then again, I was the 15 year old who made a full size Irish Chain Quilt top with 1 1/2 inch block completely by hand because it was authentic. (too bad the 1970 partly polyester fabric wasn't !). I have since convinced myself that anyone who had sewing machines used them, and that it is in the spirit of quilt making to use a machine.<br />
<br />
Just like Maria Montessouri would have loved computers! I think.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I haven't produced a doll yet, but have learned a lot in the process.<br />
<br />
A- a cotton batting when wet or saturated with paint is very easily molded.<br />
<br />
B-It works better if you start with a very firmly packed head.<br />
<br />
C- Getting impatient and putting on a stockinette layer before the batting layer is completely dry is a bad idea- the first doll is still moldable after many coats .<br />
<br />
D- the final finish of the doll does feel very different that the paper clay heads- she has a softness that the dolls I made with paper clay don't have, both in finish and texture.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll show the process once I figure it out! here is the head before I remolded her and painted the base coat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhNwxvot89uc0nWJx2KhRCzNlU9X-qZBUXNkjAlgh_v7PL3hNuAtJdlKFiIwGekgbJy1gH2_FLn3RSGIm-d3L3Q99KfcJpsl7oNWIS6LsPAXsAwV2Pd_G0O2Up6pZHcgUM-Sjo_Xoa02C/s1600/anniesamantha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhNwxvot89uc0nWJx2KhRCzNlU9X-qZBUXNkjAlgh_v7PL3hNuAtJdlKFiIwGekgbJy1gH2_FLn3RSGIm-d3L3Q99KfcJpsl7oNWIS6LsPAXsAwV2Pd_G0O2Up6pZHcgUM-Sjo_Xoa02C/s320/anniesamantha.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>You'll see that she is still shifting when you see the next stage.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-65113061472265498282009-11-16T19:39:00.000-08:002009-11-16T19:43:31.272-08:00Session at the White Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPbOB9pigiJeVWhfmNknUiuXgTCQLttf2C0unwLjUjiqvk1zPFQI9SiJz_U3fmB8qml8C5qIPv2Gw7RQ8MwEgmNBwSe5ggXl7te51RicyMV2wETH1QX-68sBWrKZvGToNVZA_Sf0bwNJn/s1600/White+Hart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPbOB9pigiJeVWhfmNknUiuXgTCQLttf2C0unwLjUjiqvk1zPFQI9SiJz_U3fmB8qml8C5qIPv2Gw7RQ8MwEgmNBwSe5ggXl7te51RicyMV2wETH1QX-68sBWrKZvGToNVZA_Sf0bwNJn/s320/White+Hart.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Every other week I indulge the other part of me- there is an Irish session (music get together) downtown at the White Hart. For so long we had no place to play in Lynchburg. I really, really meant to get a picture of the session, but all you get tonight is a picture of the White Hart- which is in the coolest part of Lynchburg. <br />
<br />
Luckily I live with this wonderful person is an enabler in a good way- I get to play!<br />
<br />
I guess if you don't play Irish music, it is probably hard to understand being tune mad. I've calmed down, partly because I learn them more quickly (always by ear now) - I used to sit for hours and work on new tunes.<br />
<br />
For a long time too, I didn't understand the concept of "getting inside the music" with other people- egos go by the wayside because it is a group effort to present the tune- so if one person messes up, another covers.<br />
<br />
Good thoughts for living too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-69430930114665427332009-11-15T19:14:00.000-08:002009-11-15T19:14:02.110-08:00Again?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb423Uw_QUM-svwyFAQ9MVvS5Cay4MHTI8B6_auuNGN_iTj_ngnYfG9IGPICp9hNVwelExKEVEYZCioSuwC7QWwVO8k9Lf4YDPoHEyQbMlxdqD_nBiRF-ky3ZfGSZbba-qJqMIlB_xfL5r/s1600/estherchandlernew+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb423Uw_QUM-svwyFAQ9MVvS5Cay4MHTI8B6_auuNGN_iTj_ngnYfG9IGPICp9hNVwelExKEVEYZCioSuwC7QWwVO8k9Lf4YDPoHEyQbMlxdqD_nBiRF-ky3ZfGSZbba-qJqMIlB_xfL5r/s640/estherchandlernew+004.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-27628124968788222052009-11-15T19:12:00.000-08:002009-11-15T19:15:29.879-08:00Esther Chandler's new clothes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dlr8pBEteXqX1QjVBAFEhz3vYa7Ul-oB1xPiuXS_qxozM5rbXcQIIPA3vGb3UvBHFNTkguqITzdnw8xoI1kl8l-9RUlRt3B55ESHcQFBa6uECGmBU7tOrJrPv0xnkG0I3PMchVIm8rkw/s1600/estherchandlernew+009gull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dlr8pBEteXqX1QjVBAFEhz3vYa7Ul-oB1xPiuXS_qxozM5rbXcQIIPA3vGb3UvBHFNTkguqITzdnw8xoI1kl8l-9RUlRt3B55ESHcQFBa6uECGmBU7tOrJrPv0xnkG0I3PMchVIm8rkw/s640/estherchandlernew+009gull.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-39244332425593424172009-11-15T08:23:00.000-08:002009-11-15T08:23:50.560-08:00Kids and dollsMy daughter brought two friends home from college yesterday. They are about 45 minutes away at Sweet Briar (and yes, they wore their pearls) , but wanted to do some baking. They wore me out of course, with their energy, all their wonderful interests and drama- but it was when we went to my room and saw the dolls that I enjoyed myself the most. My daughter got one of her first dolls , in a little white bassinet, at Christmas when she was one. She proceeded (the first girl after two boys) to say ,"Train", and to chug the bassinet across the floor making train noises. She did have a few favorite dolls, but still talks about the body parts all over the house while she was growing up.<br />
<br />
But when I showed her the dolls I had made , she picked one up and said, "Really- you made them?"<br />
And her friend Noel, who had talked about dinner about all sorts of worldly issues, picked up Esther Chandler and carried her around cradled to her body. I realized that the appeal of dolls is real - no wonder the Izannah dolls still have their magic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU_Z0IUXJLqg8oHK7BFOCf78SKwhWDfVLNq5CIc15bVrn1_WQnZI8HXHoFJQ0TqeknDL2bxLX9f3GjzsF2LT8aA8q8Uc9Fbss3QEyMnUzhq6TIO1vNdQ-oCjNKQABCJXuAnIsBqF_zzTV/s1600-h/lambkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU_Z0IUXJLqg8oHK7BFOCf78SKwhWDfVLNq5CIc15bVrn1_WQnZI8HXHoFJQ0TqeknDL2bxLX9f3GjzsF2LT8aA8q8Uc9Fbss3QEyMnUzhq6TIO1vNdQ-oCjNKQABCJXuAnIsBqF_zzTV/s640/lambkin.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>My newest acquisition- and Effanbee Lamkin - I love her!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-2474491719981010302009-11-06T18:09:00.000-08:002009-11-06T18:09:28.404-08:00The FiddleI've played a lot of instruments in my life- the piano for the longest, the flute (high school band), french horn (high school orchestra), the hammer dulcimer (one lovely summer) , the recorder (high school madrigals) , the banjo (every Tuesday night for lessons) - but the fiddle has been the biggest influence on my time , life and mind.<br />
<br />
I've owned a fiddle for 25 years- but it spent at least 20 of them in the closet , with no bridge and a bow with no hair. I suppose it was actually a series of closets- because it braved college , graduate school, first apartment, married life (did I?) , and then finally got strings when my oldest child was about 5. So then with strings and haired bow , it sat for another 7 years until I began to play at the grand age of 42. I am REALLY unsure about that math- but you get the idea. <br />
<br />
Some of you are going to ask- what is the difference between a fiddle and a violin. There are lots of snappy answers - but my answer is always, the tradition in which the instrument is played. I play Irish. I get in lots of trouble with fellow musicians , because I play only Irish- not old time anymore and not Scottish. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6Yw6SMA0hpB0bkXaiaXF9Ut2O7GDAaK-TfwOEy2E8yOC0ui6pBUHvJcW6lvYa4Gdgp67Wr-5Tb-WwQYFHKSDRfmg68LpWr9sYW2H2IoWhVZ43iOVb-Tnc57Zxp-NZ4d38oVvDz0PMJ2/s1600-h/emmajeanandfiddle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6Yw6SMA0hpB0bkXaiaXF9Ut2O7GDAaK-TfwOEy2E8yOC0ui6pBUHvJcW6lvYa4Gdgp67Wr-5Tb-WwQYFHKSDRfmg68LpWr9sYW2H2IoWhVZ43iOVb-Tnc57Zxp-NZ4d38oVvDz0PMJ2/s400/emmajeanandfiddle.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>So - a fiddler who loves dolls?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-13498718274205241822009-11-05T16:54:00.000-08:002009-11-05T16:54:48.193-08:00What gives a doll character?I listed some old dolls on Ebay tonight. All with some damage of some kind (I'm a sucker for a fixer upper I think) . What I realized was that none of them ever "clicked" with me. With some dolls there is some kind of strange emotional attachment- the behaviorist in me (did I mention that I'm working on becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?) knows that something about the doll was paired with some other reinforcing.........- we'll leave that alone.<br />
<br />
This little lady just makes me chuckle now and then- but no emotion attached. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Q5h1F8r1O4YfFr160lChlbzF0MJhAaWAhZLUNcUSraoooUPehQEiifolO990rtHnsdiATdwePUyLDmnb6pEk78tQ26aON04xHstqg-uA4FQcK2LBxjHu0rZ04QPk5-ZUSpX1ySegy8p/s1600-h/IMG_0266%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Q5h1F8r1O4YfFr160lChlbzF0MJhAaWAhZLUNcUSraoooUPehQEiifolO990rtHnsdiATdwePUyLDmnb6pEk78tQ26aON04xHstqg-uA4FQcK2LBxjHu0rZ04QPk5-ZUSpX1ySegy8p/s320/IMG_0266%5B1%5D" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-h_9Nkoq92I8Nw8Njx_ZI6CYXNI7wUC_Hmfb1soABH__WBGwTqPgK0Qen8AnUOMgcRZW1UB64erD6vg4z-ABG7CArD5UP0hEOuRCSwet-zuGMpU6Oa9Omc4wD22aLaGjH-ATW9gQsuZI/s1600-h/IMG_0259%5B2%5D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-h_9Nkoq92I8Nw8Njx_ZI6CYXNI7wUC_Hmfb1soABH__WBGwTqPgK0Qen8AnUOMgcRZW1UB64erD6vg4z-ABG7CArD5UP0hEOuRCSwet-zuGMpU6Oa9Omc4wD22aLaGjH-ATW9gQsuZI/s320/IMG_0259%5B2%5D" /></a><br />
</div>This one has some emotional attachment- but only because she sat in a chair that was my children's grandfathers as a child , with an antique Christening gown that he wore. <br />
<br />
<br />
Some dolls just seem to have a spirit to them, others are just pieces of plastic , or composition or cloth.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course - for some people, dolls are scary. A friend stayed in my living room one night- and once she left , I found that all 30+ dolls in the china cupboard had their heads turned away from the couch she slept on that night!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-388087420518928122009-11-01T13:55:00.000-08:002009-11-01T13:56:02.765-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2dE8LbGWQHkEF0yy7ak6HyE2GoJz-yRqjiHY02u-4kz1t3ivcz-1k1LQBBNlq6oV4Cmmigqw2geK55lSU7jBZEKDDurqZpWNJ8hFg5L1aL3dkx0dIiuMUxyoTtzSi3MumpwLNVWTgELt/s1600-h/thistledress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2dE8LbGWQHkEF0yy7ak6HyE2GoJz-yRqjiHY02u-4kz1t3ivcz-1k1LQBBNlq6oV4Cmmigqw2geK55lSU7jBZEKDDurqZpWNJ8hFg5L1aL3dkx0dIiuMUxyoTtzSi3MumpwLNVWTgELt/s320/thistledress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399257262261715650" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528918679832651586.post-11526092001131963512009-11-01T09:59:00.000-08:002009-11-01T10:06:05.128-08:00Esther Chandler - Basic?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdi0ZbkRXyJtavvl4CSTsBZ-9KXMSiixrKk4Bh_1R3hUZrKZyw_59Yx0h4rB8ZM1Ygn6RtQJLSr-garH81h0JW_XD1ocQ0T_Y950xeJs_pv2AL0mpMLvX5WSID1_4_QoLZ-qXnSbppOWI/s1600-h/esther+chandler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdi0ZbkRXyJtavvl4CSTsBZ-9KXMSiixrKk4Bh_1R3hUZrKZyw_59Yx0h4rB8ZM1Ygn6RtQJLSr-garH81h0JW_XD1ocQ0T_Y950xeJs_pv2AL0mpMLvX5WSID1_4_QoLZ-qXnSbppOWI/s320/esther+chandler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399196767499793170" border="0" /></a><br />I recently became an "empty nester"- after 25 years of kids, the last left home. So , since she left in August, I've redecorated my room (with hand colored wallpaper border), completed a quilt top, refinished a bench ...... and started a new endeavor which has been at the back of my mind since I was a child- to be a dollmaker!<br /><br />I can't think of anything else I've found so completing engaging and relaxing, which is of course the point. Other than learning to play the fiddle- more on that later.<br /><br />This is my first doll- Esther Chandler. She is an Izannah Walker inspired doll that I created from a pattern from North Dixie Designs. Her creation was painful - she almost ended up in the UFO pile. My hope is that at the end , she will have a trunk and a wardrobe!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03489488073955085406noreply@blogger.com2