tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25270842083356367372024-03-13T20:38:50.627-07:00GriffinwyseGriffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-57859328247879584822015-09-21T14:57:00.001-07:002015-09-21T18:55:34.639-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
What a year! Two studio moves and a year full of character building challenges later I am finally (hopefully) settled at last. I have opened a small gallery in Country Village in Bothell, Washington and love, love, love my new space. I also just wrapped up the second annual Hallowbaloo show and thought I would breathe some new life in my poor neglected blog by sharing some of the artwork I loved. Hallowbaloo is an incredibly fun show to be part of and not only are the show owners a dream to work with but I really look forward to spending time with the other artists there. I enjoy hearing what everyone is up to, taking in their advice and having some laughs. I was apparently having such a good time chatting that I forgot to take actual photos of many of the things I loved so please forgive me artist friends if I do not have pics of your work to share here.</div>
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I had the opening table at the show. This year my daughters were working at my gallery and could not come with me so this is why I am not actually in any photos.</div>
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Dolls by Marca</div>
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Margarita Castillo is one artist friend I always look forward to seeing. We have chatted at shows from Philadelphia to Seattle and she is truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. Her work is amazing too and I own several of her pieces. This year she won an award for her beautiful display. I will be taking notes and building a new display myself for next year's shows.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIWTcNpzhyQ/VgB3OM1OmJI/AAAAAAAAAsg/zX-ndO9gXNI/s1600/lab%2Brat%2Bbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIWTcNpzhyQ/VgB3OM1OmJI/AAAAAAAAAsg/zX-ndO9gXNI/s320/lab%2Brat%2Bbf.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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This lab rat by Pam Pontious at Pamda Bears was priceless. I love the steampunk flair and he was just the right amount of creepy and cute.</div>
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Keeping in the steampunk theme, Becky Federico's framed cats caught my eye. </div>
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Normally clowns freak me out but something about this one in black and white with the goofy face and parasol by Robert Eberz of Grimm Grinz Studio won me over- no small accomplishment when it comes to clowns! </div>
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Last year I fell in love with the expressions on the faces of Sheryl Parsons' gourds. This year she had this little guy I loved as well as a couple of owls that were calling my name.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ugU0c3qgRU/VgB0cuw_xGI/AAAAAAAAArY/P9ejgPWzjhk/s1600/dod%2Braven%2Bbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ugU0c3qgRU/VgB0cuw_xGI/AAAAAAAAArY/P9ejgPWzjhk/s320/dod%2Braven%2Bbf.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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If you have seen much of my work you know how much I love the Day of the Dead art. Irene Lawson had a table full of intricately painted ceramics but this one with the ravens was my favorite.</div>
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I became an uber fan of Zombienose last year and came home with a print that hangs over my desk at home. I still have anxiety about missing out on a piece he brought to Hallowbaloo last year and this year his amazing devil will be added to my wish list. That face!</div>
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This amazing bird caught my eye before the show opened. I literally thought it was real for a second but it is sculpted out of leather! Annie Libertini has a gifted eye and her masks are amazing. Here she is cradling her bird.</div>
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And a close-up...</div>
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I will be looking forward to next year's Hallowbaloo and hope to see everyone return and a few of the more of those who could not make it this year. If you are in the area and love Halloween art it is definitely worth checking out. For links to all of the artists above and those I missed please head over to the Hallowbaloo link <a href="http://www.thehallowbaloo.com/">www.thehallowbaloo.com</a>.</div>
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I will have a few more Halloween pieces coming up and then dive right into the holiday season. My long neglected blog should be kept alive and newly invigorated over the coming months!</div>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-30189846918947252682014-11-21T19:24:00.000-08:002014-11-21T19:24:39.231-08:00Personalized Nutcracker Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a fun holiday project you can make for yourself or as a gift.</div>
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I am always on the lookout for things to fix up, make over or personalize. I was in a drugstore last week and came across these nutcrackers. Nutcrackers have been made to be all kinds of things and make them perfect for gift-giving and collectinng. They can become movie characters, sport figures, animals, or representatives of countries, hobbies and occupations. They are the perfect item to personalize for your own holiday decor or to give as a gift. In this tutorial I will transform a three-pack of small 3-inch nutcrackers and one large nutcracker with Creative Paperclay and some acrylic paints. Here is a list of supplies to gather.</div>
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<li>I package of Creative Paperclay</li>
<li>acrylic craft paint</li>
<li>paintbrushes</li>
<li>container of water</li>
<li>gesso</li>
<li>Fabritac or other basic glue </li>
<li>aluminum foil (optional) </li>
<li>varnish (optional)</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szRCJuNsvKw/VG_om7zWhwI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/uyzalSg7c7U/s1600/Nutcracker%2B6wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szRCJuNsvKw/VG_om7zWhwI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/uyzalSg7c7U/s1600/Nutcracker%2B6wf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Is-1Nu4fVZM/VG_tFB9KU1I/AAAAAAAAAis/m1gSH1kNVEQ/s1600/nutcracker%2B1wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Is-1Nu4fVZM/VG_tFB9KU1I/AAAAAAAAAis/m1gSH1kNVEQ/s1600/nutcracker%2B1wf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the small nutcrackers fresh out of the package. The first step is to rip off any ornamentation that is not desired, especially the hair. Hair can usually be pulled off easily and saved to be replaced after you repaint your figure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2LN-4wVMMU/VG_tnA_Ks3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/jiCl519d6Ms/s1600/Nutcracker%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2LN-4wVMMU/VG_tnA_Ks3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/jiCl519d6Ms/s1600/Nutcracker%2B3.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Press the Creative Paperclay onto the nutcrackers to form simple shapes for your desired themes. Nutcrackers are usually stiff and have clean, simple shapes. In this example I chose a male and female gnome and a football player. Once your new clothing is sculpted allow the figure to dry overnight. When the figure is dry, lightly paint any areas that will need to be repainted with gesso. In this case I covered the original uniforms and the female's face (since I didn't want her to have a mustache!).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEpF7zONJT4/VG_uICioJZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/i7kAwbAp15Q/s1600/Nutcracker%2B4wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEpF7zONJT4/VG_uICioJZI/AAAAAAAAAjA/i7kAwbAp15Q/s1600/Nutcracker%2B4wf.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use your acrylic paints to paint the new clothing and faces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2AGtwfX7vU/VG_uRHJiybI/AAAAAAAAAjI/7wiikPgnMJg/s1600/Nutcracker%2B5wf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2AGtwfX7vU/VG_uRHJiybI/AAAAAAAAAjI/7wiikPgnMJg/s1600/Nutcracker%2B5wf.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the newly transformed figures! The gnomes will be handy gifts and the football player is now proudly representing my daughters' high school football team.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXJwGke6YHU/VG_umhOw-cI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/BvzKwJseQYM/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B1%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXJwGke6YHU/VG_umhOw-cI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/BvzKwJseQYM/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B1%2Bwf.jpg" height="320" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you would like to tackle a larger project, this is a 14-inch nutcracker. This fine gentleman was stripped down first and is on his way to an Alice in Wonderland makeover.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK8ZmN7fKxU/VG_0MjE5a6I/AAAAAAAAAkU/uCLp4YomZ4Q/s1600/nutcrackerb%2B9%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kK8ZmN7fKxU/VG_0MjE5a6I/AAAAAAAAAkU/uCLp4YomZ4Q/s1600/nutcrackerb%2B9%2Bwf.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he is with all of his unnecessary items pulled off, ready to be transformed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDVHYebUbLo/VG_u0hXviEI/AAAAAAAAAjg/cyHt4DIG3lo/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B3%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDVHYebUbLo/VG_u0hXviEI/AAAAAAAAAjg/cyHt4DIG3lo/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B3%2Bwf.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pressed on a simple Mad Hatter style hat and bulked out his arms a bit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcIf6nAecrQ/VG_vnQHnUcI/AAAAAAAAAkM/l18bfQwU9Ow/s1600/Nutrackerb%2B4%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcIf6nAecrQ/VG_vnQHnUcI/AAAAAAAAAkM/l18bfQwU9Ow/s1600/Nutrackerb%2B4%2Bwf.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided I wanted him to have a longer coat so I used aluminum foil to fill in some space so I would not have to use as much clay to lengthen the jacket. I also wanted some more substantial looking boots.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GRwK33xQY/VG_u-__sZqI/AAAAAAAAAjo/-LUVmFFbf3o/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B5%2Bbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GRwK33xQY/VG_u-__sZqI/AAAAAAAAAjo/-LUVmFFbf3o/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B5%2Bbf.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the new jacket and boots. I allowed the nutcracker to dry overnight and painted any exposed paint with gesso.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6pgCHX1-3Q/VG_vLTMhxAI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_G2zmwD7S0U/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B6%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6pgCHX1-3Q/VG_vLTMhxAI/AAAAAAAAAjw/_G2zmwD7S0U/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B6%2Bwf.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the Creative Paperclay and gesso had dried, I painted the basic clothing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDXKN43TBDI/VG_vTsPRNaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HzrL9ob4ljE/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B7%2Bwf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDXKN43TBDI/VG_vTsPRNaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HzrL9ob4ljE/s1600/Nutcrackerb%2B7%2Bwf.jpg" height="640" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details make all the difference in the final piece. In order to get a little more Alice In Wonderland feel, I added a bit of the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat's smile, some mushroom cap sleeves, some beaded hat pins, the "Eat Me" cake and "Drink Me" bottle, and a few of my favorite quotes. You may add a protective coat of varnish to preserve your work, too. I replaced the hair with a bit of new faux fur, but you should be able to reuse the hair you pulled off initially.<br />
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These are just a few ideas of what you can create. You can transform your nutcracker to fit any person- think of their hobbies, interests, occupations, etc. You may want a nutcracker to compliment your decor or have one that has been beaten up a little over the years that you want to make new again. A little Creative Paperclay and paint can transform that dollar store or tired old nutcracker into something you can love for years to come!<br />
Think big, be creative and Happy Holidays! </td></tr>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-17903959924365713192014-10-07T21:07:00.000-07:002014-10-07T21:07:27.400-07:00Witchy Tour of Artists<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick note to share a blog hop that is going on with some amazing artists! If you have the time to do a little blog cruising stop into the Witches of Giggleswick blog hop and enter their giveaway. Their links are linked up in my favorite blogs to the right or start here at LeeAnn Kress' blog and get rolling!</div>
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<a href="http://charmedconfections.blogspot.com/">http://charmedconfections.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-6983371186047075572014-10-05T15:37:00.000-07:002014-10-05T15:37:15.670-07:00Halloween Ornament Recycling ProjectMy girls and I just decorated our house top to bottom for Halloween. Part of that exciting day is pulling out all of our costumes and seeing what we have to work with. It is always interesting to inspect the mangled remains of wigs that managed to look decent for one or two days of wear (if you didn't move too much and definitely did not try to brush it). But what can you do with them once they are matted and tangled? I have the perfect project that will keep that wig out of the landfill AND give you some fun, recycled Halloween Shrunken Head ornaments for years to come! <br />
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Here is a list of items you will need<br />
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<li>Halloween costume wig- the messier the better</li>
<li>Creative Paperclay </li>
<li>acrylic paints in browns and black</li>
<li>paint brush</li>
<li>small bit of wire (or a paperclip) and wire cutters</li>
<li>scrap fabric (I rip woven cotton and cut strips of burlap, or raid discarded costume parts)</li>
<li>wooden beads</li>
<li>assortment of string, twine, raffia</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>Glue (I am using Fabri-tac for this sample and highly recommend it for this project) </li>
<li>about 12 inches of aluminum foil </li>
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<li> Begin by scrunching up and shaping your aluminum foil into a rough head shape with a "neck" as shown in the photo. The neck is important because you will be adding decorative elements later. <br />
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<li>My example is made of Creative Paperclay but you can use polymer clay as well. Cover the foil base with the paperclay and rough out a face. The beauty of sculpting a shrunken head is that you do not have to worry about it being a perfect face. In fact, the more lopsided, bumpy and odd it is the more character it will have! If you want open eyes you can simply press black beads into your clay and roll clay eyelids over the top as shown in the photo on the left below. I wanted mine to have eyes "sewn" shut so I covered the eyes and rolled small pieces of paperclay to look like stitches.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Use a sculpting tool or toothpick to make holes in the lips and ears. You can also add holes at the brows or insert a stick or broken toothpick through the nose. Be sure the holes are large enough that you will be able to get your thread through them later.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReL2j1EQJx8/VDG5yDVQ2hI/AAAAAAAAAfo/65rruGvuZgo/s1600/8%2Bdry%2Bhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReL2j1EQJx8/VDG5yDVQ2hI/AAAAAAAAAfo/65rruGvuZgo/s1600/8%2Bdry%2Bhead.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFZdz_Ch1VA/VDG5xV6zbZI/AAAAAAAAAfc/av-aQKu9pdI/s1600/7%2Bholes%2Bbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFZdz_Ch1VA/VDG5xV6zbZI/AAAAAAAAAfc/av-aQKu9pdI/s1600/7%2Bholes%2Bbf.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li>Cut about 2 inches of wire and twist into to form a loop on one end
(as shown in the supplies photo). You can also use half of a paperclip bent
to a similar shape. Insert into the top of the head. You will attach a string hanger to this later. </li>
<li>Allow your head to dry completely.</li>
<li>Once your head is dry you are ready to give this guy or gal some character! Paint the head in your selected colors. I am using a selection of browns and blacks for my example but you can really go crazy here- especially if you have some crazy wig colors, or try glow-in-the-dark paint! Again, a rough paint job only adds to the rustic charm so don't worry about skill levels, just have fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Once your paint is dry it is time to thread your chosen string through the holes in the face and ears. Tie at least one knot to secure string before adding beads. Use your imagination and remnants here-braid in raffia, tie in a feather, add a stray plastic spider, etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>To decorate the neck run some glue around the surface to secure your fabric to. Now take your ripped fabric and/or burlap and tie it to the neck. You can also add more of your string or raffia here depending on the overall look you desire.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>To apply the hair, gather small portions of the wig's hair in about 8-inch lengths and cut in a straight line. Keep that cut line in your fingers, apply glue along that edge and work the glue into the tips of the hair to bind it together. Set this piece aside to dry and continue cutting and gluing clumps of hair. Some wigs can be very knotted but keep in mind that this will look great once it is applied and go ahead and cut right through knots or matted areas. You will need about 5 or six lengths of hair for most heads.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeNdzhNPvfw/VDG5r65L3UI/AAAAAAAAAes/LTdFiAobktU/s1600/14%2Bhair%2Bglue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeNdzhNPvfw/VDG5r65L3UI/AAAAAAAAAes/LTdFiAobktU/s1600/14%2Bhair%2Bglue.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<li>Apply a fairly wide glue strip along hairline on your sculpted head and place your lengths of hair TOWARD the face and neck as shown. This will give you a clean hairline once you pull the hair up to style it. Wait a few minutes for the glue to set. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Tie a long piece of twine to the wire loop. This will be your hanger so make sure it is longer than your hair. </li>
<li>Now it is time to style the hair. If you have fairly straight hair clumps (like the ones I have here) you can tease the hair for a fuller look. Now gather the hair up above the head and tie it to the twine hanger. Your shrunken head is complete and ready to hang!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-90815849818733555922014-07-15T08:59:00.001-07:002014-07-15T11:51:53.561-07:00Wizard Fest 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent Saturday at Country Village's Wizard Fest. It is so close to where I live I couldn't resist going once again. Country Village is such a beautiful location and the only outdoor venue I show my work at so far. This event is mainly for children although witches and wizards of all ages do attend. It is a fun break from the big art shows and I get to take my children with me to tend the booth and run our free raffle. The Seattle area happens to be in the middle of an unseasonable heatwave so we were thankful for the shade of our tent and the sound of the large water fountain near our location. I will share some photos of the day below.</div>
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The Wizard's Magic Show brought the skills of Hogwarts to the Village and thrilled the budding students. I'll tip my hat to this fabulous and funny wizard to managed to perform so graciously in his stunning robes in ninety-plus degree heat!</div>
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One of the great things about an outdoor venue is you get to meet lots of pets. At a wizarding show people tend to have some unusual pets. This giant iguana was content to ride on his owner's jacket or stroll confidently on his leash. I also had some of the Village chickens wander into my booth as I was setting up- just missed getting a photo of one eye to eye with one of my sculptures!</div>
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Even the vendors came decked out is robes. Who wouldn't want to shop this gentleman's store?</div>
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One of the main reasons I love this show is it gives me the chance to catch up with Dennis Brown. He is a fine artist and adviser and I always enjoy his company. I am lucky to have someone with such skills living so close. This time we swapped pieces and this photo shows Dennis holding the piece I took home. I have one of his borrowers and this pumpkin-headed guy is now sitting next to it.</div>
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So the work completed for the past twelve days of my Summer Challenge was dozens of baby house elves and creatures. The remaining pieces will be added to my Etsy shop this week. I am finally able to get back to preparing for Halloween and have some hard sculpts in the works of a witch, pumpkin man and mummy.</div>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-25310078572261720902014-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:002014-07-03T12:48:22.090-07:00Alice, Unicorns and the Midnight Hour<div style="text-align: center;">
I am 10 days into my summer challenge already! All in all I would have to say I am happy with my progress. I managed to complete one sculpted Alice in Wonderland, a custom art doll and seven charms. The one truly helpful factor is the sun being up so long. I can easily deceive myself into feeling like it is 4pm instead of 9pm, at least for a little while. It also helps to be motivated by what I am making.</div>
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Here is this week's group shot.</div>
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This is the first time I have done a little unicorn elf charm. More of these are on the way largely because I committed to appearing at Wizard Fest again this year. The show is tons of of fun and very child oriented so the charms are perfect for that show. It is also a fun one for my daughters to attend with me. If you are in the Seattle area come by Country Village on the 12th and say hello!</div>
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The challenges this week were scheduling. Five doctor appointments, a plumbing mishap, relatives coming for a short stay and a day camp to juggle. It was an eventful week but it was also a fun one. It does help to know I am reporting in here every week to keep me plugging along into the wee hours and I am still curious to see what I can accomplish each week! For now, I will leave you with a photo of Alice and get on to planning the next few projects!</div>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-43212997990160886502014-06-23T06:55:00.000-07:002014-06-23T06:55:42.290-07:00My Summer Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
My family is officially four days into summer break! This is a welcome end to a crazy school/lessons/sports schedule and the beginning of summer fun. It also means that my work hours go from being daylight to midnight if I am lucky. If I were realistic I would dial down expectations and to do lists accordingly. I am not that sort of person of course. I like a challenge. So what better thing to do than defy the laws of summer and challenge myself to not only keep my three girls busy and happy but to keep accomplishing actual, physical sculpture work every day.</div>
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Madness! </div>
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Now that is more like it.</div>
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The goal is to sculpt or paint or otherwise work on completing a piece. This does not include computer work like marketing or blogging, shipping, paperwork, etc. Those things generally get done because they must. They have actual deadlines. Production of new things usually gets pushed down the list. This is manageable when I have actual full work days, no so much on summer schedules. I plan to document this experiment daily through my Instagram feed (griffinwyseinsta) with a #griffinwysemadness. I will update the progress of the completed work and comments here, no doubt kicking myself for ever thinking this up and then being fool enough to commit publicly. That being said, I may just get more done than I could imagine and blow my own mind with new skills and groundbreaking ideas ( I find it helps to stay positive).</div>
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Wish me luck and Happy Summer! I am off to work!</div>
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<br />Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-9319953075916661482014-05-09T13:54:00.001-07:002014-07-03T12:50:09.292-07:00Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Convention 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I just returned from the Quinlan show this past week and I am still in the process of getting the studio back together and ready for the next round of work. This was the first time I traveled so far from my northwest home base for a show. I had heard such wonderful things about Quinlan from other artists that I could not resist seeing it for myself. I also took an extra day to tour Philadelphia. Like the true sculpture junkie I am I had to document every statue and relief in sight and I will share just a few here as well as some of my favorite work from the show itself.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUZSpdgK03k/U202IyPfIAI/AAAAAAAAAYM/4ezmNInoma8/s1600/philly+archi1+blfm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUZSpdgK03k/U202IyPfIAI/AAAAAAAAAYM/4ezmNInoma8/s1600/philly+archi1+blfm.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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I am definitely a fan of ornate buildings. The more carving, gingerbread, sculptures and details you can pile on the better. I looked across the street from this gorgeous building and see the sleek glass modern cubes and they simply do not compare in my eyes. This building took 30 years to complete - not something you see in the modern age. Sigh</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TS81sdeMOYM/U202Qq36juI/AAAAAAAAAYs/95ci9-uij3o/s1600/philly+archi2+blfm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TS81sdeMOYM/U202Qq36juI/AAAAAAAAAYs/95ci9-uij3o/s1600/philly+archi2+blfm.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Coming from the land of the Craftsman home, these neighborhoods were particularly charming. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JER-Iskgo/U202Qa4JB1I/AAAAAAAAAYk/FIWDiC80aHk/s1600/franklin+blfm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3JER-Iskgo/U202Qa4JB1I/AAAAAAAAAYk/FIWDiC80aHk/s1600/franklin+blfm.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I had to visit some of the historical sites as well (you must set a good example for the children after all) so here you have the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin (above) and the Hall of Independence viewed from the Liberty Bell building (below). Since Franklin's famous quote is "A penny saved is a penny earned" it is customary to toss pennies on his grave. Interesting, since he is encouraging people to SAVE pennies.</div>
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Back at the show, over 125 doll and bear artists presented their work. The bear artists took me on a bit of a trip down memory land since I sold artist bears in a shop I worked in when I fist moved to Seattle 21 years ago. I overheard several conversation where bear artists became fans of dolls and doll artists discovered bears. There were countless inspiring pieces in both categories so it was hard to pick only two to share here. While these are by far not the only great artists I could have chosen from I also had to select from the best of the photos I had taken.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiWJEW6xySI/U202SWiLJ9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/_SvHyA91t0Q/s1600/tugarina+blfm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiWJEW6xySI/U202SWiLJ9I/AAAAAAAAAZA/_SvHyA91t0Q/s1600/tugarina+blfm.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
I had seen Nina Tugarina's work (above) in photos before but it is truly stunning in person. I also met the very sweet Natalie Ruiz who won an award for this piece (below) which I believe is called "Tangled".<br />
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Without a doubt, the best reason to attend Quinlan is the sheer amount of quality work you can see in one day. Personally, I would return for the company of fellow artists who were all very open and friendly and included this sole traveler in their circles, as well as for the generous and gracious hosts of the show, Susan and Terry Quinlan.Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-42011833452113352922013-09-27T12:12:00.000-07:002013-09-27T12:12:34.254-07:00Polar Elf Fashion<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been away from my blog for far longer than I anticipated!</div>
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This year has been full of twists and turns largely of the undesired kind but I am happy to say the most wonderful things have been happening in my artistic life. I have been accepted into a talented group of artists- The Professional Doll Makers Art Guild! My White Rabbit is on their cover page currently. The link to the site is <a href="http://www.artdollguild.com/"></a><a href="http://www.artdollguild.com/">http://www.artdollguild.com/</a>. There are some amazing artists in this group whose careers I have followed and I am honored to now be a member. If you are interested in seeing the variety offered in the art doll world, this site is a great place to start. And I get to check this off of my Bucket List! Cheers!</div>
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Working in the studio is such a solitary environment it is easy to forget that my work is actually out there being seen and collected. I tend to feel like a mad scientist here some days working furiously away on my latest must-creates and ticking away to do lists. I am now preparing for a holiday show and getting around to galleries in an attempt to balance the in-studio and out-of-studio time. </div>
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So what is materializing from all of this?</div>
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Elf Fashion</div>
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Not the cover girl you were expecting, is it?</div>
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I will venture to guess you have not spent much time pondering this subject but there is a job for everyone and currently this is mine. I tend to think that if a being is around for very long periods of time (hundreds of years, let's just say) they would tend to have a large repertoire of fashion history under their belts. Elves must create. It is part of their job description. I don't think they would just get up, throw on sweats and haphazardly sling paint and hammer day in and day out. No way, not a very romantic notion by any means. In my estimation of elf culture (insert knowing raise of eyebrows) they would have wardrobes as varied and eccentric and they are bound to be themselves. No simple red shifts and puff-topped sock shoes here please. My latest little pair reflects a mix of classic, Victorian and a touch of steampunk.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBf_SaPPGQ/UkXQRhDaYfI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_RyBvIT1aVg/s1600/Colette+Pierre+blfm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNBf_SaPPGQ/UkXQRhDaYfI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_RyBvIT1aVg/s320/Colette+Pierre+blfm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Colette and Pierre</div>
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Edgy elves may not be a household phrase just yet but give it time. I will keep designing away here, mixing up decades and trims, the sleek and shabby, throwing in a potion or two to see what falls together. Life can be unpredictable; mix things up and have fun!</div>
Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-88246187007161000972013-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:002013-05-01T13:51:00.916-07:00The Wicked Witch's Story<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Funny how things that you love as a child fade and reappear in new and interesting ways. I grew up in Kansas in the days prior to instant internet access to anyone anywhere. I had a vivid imagination and loved movies and books. The movie "The Wizard of Oz" was my favorite and it was only on television once per year. Yes, I am dating myself a bit but there you have it. I wanted to be Dorothy and I was terrified of the witch and her flying monkey minions. I would watch her scenes with the blanket pulled up under my nose, not wanting to miss anything but not wanting to see it either. Margaret Hamilton portrayed a wicked witch in her most classic form brilliantly in my opinion. That cackle is burned into my memory.<br />
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A few weeks ago we went to see the new Oz movie which we all enjoyed a great deal. One of the things I loved was how they made the Wicked Witch of the West a likable character. That is something that the writers of the television show "Once Upon a Time" do so well with all of their stories- make you empathize with even the darkest character. They give them a past, a heartbreak, a seemingly valid reason to behave as they do so you no longer see them in the same way. When I set about making my own Wicked Witch of the West I decided to combine my original mental images of the 1939 version of the Wicked Witch and the new softer version to create this likeness. I wanted her to still have some of her original beauty tinged with the beginnings of a broken and darkening heart.<br />
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It was her tears in the new film that really struck me. This witch that once petrified me to the core suddenly had a heart. My Wicked Witch had to include her tears.<br />
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I like to include many trims and details on my art dolls so I beaded extra emerald beads into her bodice, hat and over-sized boots. She has dual-toned stitching, , feathers, frayed fiber details and her gown is a mix of fine beading and tattered, flowing ribbons of fabric. <br />
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I will continue to bring some of my favorite characters to life with new twists and what-ifs but for now I am enjoying the company of this new witch. I have enjoyed my little trip down Memory Lane here in my northwest home noting that it is a little funny that I ended up moving from Kansas to Seattle, the Emerald City. I assure you it was coincidence, my passion for Oz would not have dictated that kind of real life move, but it was amusing to think about.</div>
Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-4401519416018879122013-04-05T13:20:00.000-07:002013-04-05T13:37:40.376-07:00Carpathian Circus<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the wonderful things about creating a world of your own is that you are limitless in characters, events, places and abilities. I love the idea of the circus- a traveling make-believe world. When I was very young and staying with my grandparents one summer I woke up to find a circus setting up in a large field across the street from their house. I remember staring out the front window waiting to get a glimpse of something fantastic. We did cross the street at one point and a kind man there let me pet one of the horses- magic for a child. Even now I have a sign in my office that might be more reflective of both my active household and studio space combined, saying "Impossible you say? Nothing is impossible when you work for the circus!"<br />
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Based on these ideas, the most recent Griffinwyse growth has been the development of the two
circuses; The Carpathian Winter and Midsummer Circuses. The Winter
Circus is a vision of black, white, grey and red. It is a more
mysterious, dark web of magic and illusion and its patrons and
performers reflect that feel.<br />
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Here is Deirdre, a fortune teller with the Carpathian Winter Circus who finds sprouting horns most entertaining when trying to keep patrons honest during a reading.<br />
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Ciardha and Chandara are vampire sisters. Circus-goers believe this is a disguise, merely amazing make-up to add to the other-worldly atmosphere under the great tents. The true great secret of both circuses is that everything one sees is truly skillful magic <i><b>disguised</b></i> as illusions. Feasting on patrons is not allowed, however, as these two can attest.<br />
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The Midsummer Circus is a celebration of color, characters and imagery. They are a wonderland of the odd and interesting wrapped in trims and nonsense. Why two circuses, you may ask? I believe it is opposites that I love most- dark and light, sinister and innocent, and the very opposition that makes each side more distinct when compared to the other. Would I want to attend a moody circus of dark and interesting characters in the season when darkness comes early and spooks and goblins seem most likely to wander? Yes, please. Would I be just as eager to see a circus manned by curious characters of borderline sanity romping in the spring? Sign me up. Let them (as they say in show business) entertain you!<br />
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Sweet Tessa, a face-painter with the Midsummer Circus, loves children. She skillfully paints anything a child desires in no time at all, sending them happily skipping off to their next destinations transformed.<br />
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Celeste is a perfect example of the merry clothing that adorns the performers of the Midsummer Circus.<br />
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There will be larger, elaborate characters added to each circus as time allows as well as more of the loop-jointed and fully poseable art dolls and figurines. On the list waiting to be brought to life; the bearded lady, tarot card reader, magician, witch/wizard, balloon artist, etc. Who might you be interested in seeing?<br />
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Coming in my next blog- a little trip to a place called Oz, revisiting my favorite childhood film!<br />
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-79366145040154860412013-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:002013-01-16T19:27:36.268-08:00Making dolls with my daughters<div style="text-align: center;">
I mention my daughters frequently as my chief inspiration. Over the years we have experimented with nearly every kind of art and craft we have seen or hear of together. Now that they are getting a little older they are interested in trying more complex tasks and they recently asked if I could show them how to make their own dolls. We started these over the holiday break and they really did take their time with them and enjoy the process. The most surprising thing for me was their final products which turned out to be interesting,quirky dolls that really reflected a little of each of their personalities. I should also point out that I merely demonstrated techniques, the dolls were completely made by the girls and everything from the faces, fabrics and accessories was their own design. With their permission I will share their photos and dolls with you.<br />
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Olivia had her eye on a bold black and white fabric and it became the starting point for her doll's style. She picked purple eyes from my selection of handmade eyes and her color palette was complete. She also took the most time sculpting her face, working and reworking it until it was just the way she wanted it. Olivia loves to draw faces so she approached sculpting one with as much dedication. At the end of the project she decided she liked painting the features and thinking up the dress design. She also determined she has little patience for sewing by hand and was not overly fond of how long it took to put hair on properly. She thought her doll resembled the Snow White character from the show <i>Once Upon a Time</i> and she has been named Mary Margaret.<br />
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Eden started off with a certain color of hair she just HAD to use and some decorative chain. She also loves the elf ears I use on a large percentage of my work so her doll also has these. She worked through the sculpting phase pretty quickly and her doll had a sweet little expression. She was really most interested in moving on to makeup, hair and sewing the clothes. Eden's doll, Bridget, turned out to be half rock'n'roll/goth and half sweet, caring soul much like the artist herself. She diligently hand-sewed all of the clothing and accessories and mounded as much of the red-blonde hair she could squeeze onto Bridget's little head. Both of the girls mixed in a streak of a different color into their hair designs for a little edgy look.<br />
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My youngest is too little to make her own doll but she is our official Board of Cuteness Approval. She would stop by frequently and check on the girls' progress, sometimes giving the dolls a kiss with her customary phrase "awwww, tyoot."<br />
Tyoot = cute.<br />
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Once the dolls were complete we had a photo shoot which you see here. <br />
We had a wonderful time working together. They are proud of what they were able to accomplish and I was impressed with how creative and original they were. They often joke with me about my love of unusual things but it seems a little of that may have rubbed off on them. One great thing about this experiment is that as soon as they finished these dolls and were looking them over sharing their thoughts they immediately starting thinking about what they would do differently and what they would add to their next project. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next.</div>
Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-55267942838235513972012-12-12T13:07:00.000-08:002012-12-12T14:36:28.096-08:00A Bride and Books<div style="text-align: center;">
A few months ago I made Delphine, the first of my jointed dolls. Little did I know she would start a whole line of jointed dolls. I have become a bit addicted to making these recently. There is a certain attraction to the movement and fabrics. Today I finished my first bride and really took a trip down memory lane. Years ago I was a bridal designer. Working on this doll took me back to the few hundred fittings I was party to and all of those amazing brides. My favorite day when working with each bride was the day they came in to pick up their gown and try it on one last time before their big day. There was always so much emotion that day, each face a kaleidoscope as they turned this way and that looking at the dress they would walk down the aisle in. Always favorite memories of mine.</div>
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Today my client was smaller but just as adorable. She has been dubbed "Morrin" and I would like to share a few photos of her progress with you today. Here she is with a freshly painted face, ready for hair. I have many different colors of hair here but red seemed to fit her best. This is also my favorite part of their transformation - bald to flowing locks...</div>
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I love wild hair so I may have left her a little unruly but even the most casual bride I ever worked with had a <u>constructed</u> "windblown" look, so I slightly tamed her locks under a jeweled tiara.</div>
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The Griffinwyse world is all magical creatures and folklore from every culture so I try to incorporate some unique elf folktales whenever I can. In this case I started thinking of all of the luck and superstitions involved in weddings. There are so many little things brides try to do to ensure their good fortune - some who feverently believe in their power and consequences and some who are simply nodding to their cultures. Whatever the reason, I love traditions. For my little elf bride I imagined it to be good luck to pin a photo of your loved one to the bride's gown. Since elves of all kinds have such long lives, they must not jump into marriage quickly and their weddings would be few but marvelous events. I printed photos of past elves I have made to pin to her gown, plus a few photos for her book.</div>
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I have always written a few details about each elf on my site but as their numbers grow they and the world they live in becomes more clear in my mind, there seems to be more to tell. I believe any piece of art speaks to its owner and my elves all develop their own personality as I sculpt. A tilt of the head or twinkle in an eye all offer hints on what they might be or do. To give a little more insight into each doll, they are now coming with their own Griffinwyse scrapbook. Each book is also handmade and I write a few more paragraphs about each elf and include photos and handwritten notes by each character. My intention is that these will help bring them to life for each new companion who takes them home.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8pF0_8F5HY/UMjrCJ_0RNI/AAAAAAAAALw/ghmb9U6tovU/s1600/Morrin%27s+book+aged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8pF0_8F5HY/UMjrCJ_0RNI/AAAAAAAAALw/ghmb9U6tovU/s1600/Morrin's+book+aged.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Morrin's gown came together easily. One of the things I really loved about bridal gowns were the lace choices. They were so beautiful and I never got tired of hand-sewing them onto the gowns. There is something magical about a wedding gown that you simply do not get in any other garment. The sentiment, the fact that it is made just for you, the detail and time that is no longer put into making garments for the majority of women. Applying lace is like the icing on a cake, so beautiful you cannot help but enjoy yourself. Here is the front of her gown with the photos attached.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV2MGzD-eyg/UMjsF1S-NpI/AAAAAAAAAL4/EdE-oFnlSSE/s1600/Morrin+hem+aged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV2MGzD-eyg/UMjsF1S-NpI/AAAAAAAAAL4/EdE-oFnlSSE/s1600/Morrin+hem+aged.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course no bride can be complete without her engagement ring so I made sure Morrin had a lovely crystal ring.</div>
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Once the details were in place, her book finished and signed, it was time for photos.</div>
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I will be finishing commissions over the next week and my girls will be out of school until after the new year so time in my studio will be a bit harder to come by but new elves will be arriving! I am anxious to get some festive Polar Elves out before Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I will be back to my blog after the new year!</div>
Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-36331584947196885362012-11-01T11:33:00.003-07:002012-11-01T11:33:22.536-07:00A Renaissance Tale<div style="text-align: center;">
I just finished another framed art doll. This one emerged entirely from the face. I tend to work strictly on instinct. When this interesting face appeared and I instantly saw the whole piece in my mind. It was exciting because I have not worked often in a more pastel palette and I was initially wondering if it would fit into my "look". Ottavia (as she has been newly dubbed) started with a serene expression and a slightly longer face. It reminded me of the film "The Tale of Despereaux." I loved the colors in that movie so that gave me a direction. First order of business - a tiny violin.</div>
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I used one of our violins to model this one and strung it as realistically as possible. The bow also has "hair" to give it that true-to-life feeling as well.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LdnEZwr2rM/UJK6zmYmawI/AAAAAAAAAJs/wTnh3WD9mwc/s1600/Ottavia+bow+bl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LdnEZwr2rM/UJK6zmYmawI/AAAAAAAAAJs/wTnh3WD9mwc/s320/Ottavia+bow+bl.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the finished pieces.</div>
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I designed a gown befitting a proper young lady and created sheet music that will lay in the corner and began to set up the final arrangement.</div>
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I painted the more pastel palette and used my aging technique.</div>
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I loved the tranquil feel of all of the colors coming together but it still had that bit of drama I adore.</div>
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Then Ottavia was given a mane of fair hair.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BETgarqUDYc/UJK81944ILI/AAAAAAAAAKI/yDPPd9-0vn8/s1600/Ottavia+hair+bl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BETgarqUDYc/UJK81944ILI/AAAAAAAAAKI/yDPPd9-0vn8/s320/Ottavia+hair+bl.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As a final touch I added a portrait of William Byrd. He was an English composer of the Renaissance and wrote for Queen Elizabeth. A little bit of history for you.</div>
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At last Ottavia was complete and secured to her frame. I find I love working in frames. It gives me the chance to create an environment that can tell a little more about each character and I am sure it won't be long before another face inspires another framed work.</div>
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Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-34590319157503031112012-09-11T13:18:00.000-07:002012-09-11T13:18:08.443-07:002012 Ornament Design<div style="text-align: center;">
After many weeks of debate I finally have a complete ornament design for this year! I debated the concept and design quite a bit. It was a multi-stage process and I thought you might enjoy seeing how it all came about. </div>
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The theme word was they easy part - "Peace".</div>
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Easy enough - now how to best set it off? Originally, I thought I might stick with the general design I had in last year's "Dream" ornaments but change it up and add my favorite harlequin pattern. So here was Option 1.</div>
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Nice. I love the pattern but it felt like I had been there and done that. So I went in a completely different direction. I had this cute little face begging to be tried out and I decided I would go for a more traditional round-shaped ornament. Here is Option 2.</div>
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Cute, but I still wasn't jumping up and down with excitement. So back to the drawing board. I had the idea last year that a stocking would be a great shape to start with. I also threw in the harlequin print for some extra character and tested some fabric rope trim. And so came Option 3.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGNni-xyRkM/UE-VWttDIiI/AAAAAAAAAIE/P4q23eSLi3U/s1600/opt+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGNni-xyRkM/UE-VWttDIiI/AAAAAAAAAIE/P4q23eSLi3U/s320/opt+3.JPG" width="219" /></a></div>
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Anticipation was mounting but I knew this was not quite it. I loved the sweet face, the hair was a definite must-use, the shape was great, the pattern really brought it in to my Griffinwyse-y mood but it still needed something. I realized this really looked like a Carpathian elf and Christmas is the Polar Elves' domain. Polar elves are happy, lively and traditional with a twist. Color was one missing element. I also loved the sweet sleeping elf but wanted to try adding in some individuality and spunk with wide-eyed elflings. I changed up the harlequin print to a four-color combination, sculpted a new open-eye elf and painted away. Here is what emerged.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsKpCTuE1hY/UE-XBnm1BFI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ZqIrEPXb6uA/s1600/Final+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsKpCTuE1hY/UE-XBnm1BFI/AAAAAAAAAIM/ZqIrEPXb6uA/s320/Final+2.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
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At last! This had all the best elements of each trial, in my humble opinion of course. I believe it brings together that one-of-a-kind, hand made, character-unique feeling I strive to bring to my work. The variety in each piece will be in the individual faces and hair of each elf. I am limiting this to a 25-piece run. These take quite a bit of time to sculpt and the painting is equally extensive. This first ornament numbered 1/25 will be available shortly to those people who are signed up for my Members Mailing List and receive my quarterly newsletters. If you have not signed up please head to my website www.griffinwyse.com and sign up. The rest of the ornaments will be making their way into my shop around the beginning of October! </div>
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Happy Early Holidays!</div>
Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-24710602950757390782012-07-23T20:24:00.000-07:002012-07-23T20:24:00.205-07:00Making a Mascot Last week, in addition to getting ready for a show and finishing up some custom work, I decided to make my mascot. He has had a name and personality since I dreamed him up while making up a company name. I have always been a fan of griffins but I also equally love owls so I tried to imagine how I could combine the two. So the griffinwysecame to be a combination half lion and half owl. What other creature could more secretly protect magical beings? He was dubbed "Balthazar" after a character in a movie.<br />
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I first created my griffinwyse, Balthazar, as my logo and you can see him everywhere Griffinwyse exists. This was one of my first big learning curves- trying to use Paint to get him to look just like I had pictured. I am a hands-on visual person so learning all of the computer programs and tricks has been a challenge. I have to say I am so thankful I muddled through since all of these can make life so much easier- at least AFTER you have figured out what you are doing!<br />
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I made Balthazar's overall shape first. He is definitely look more "alien" here.</div>
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Then I tested the pattern of the feathers.</div>
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I baked and painted the piece and then it was on to placing each of the feathers. This was a long process but the final product was worth it.</div>
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I loved the idea that any owl you might look up and see could be a griffinwyse. These photos showed off how owl-ish he looks from one side and how he is clearly a griffinwyse from the other side.</div>
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I also wanted to thank all of you who came to Wizard Fest this past weekend. It was a fun show and my girls got to be with me during the majority of it. It was great to be able to meet everyone in person. This week I have some personal commitments that will largely keep me out of the studio but when I am in I will be turning out the new holiday ornaments! Have a great week!<br />
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<br />Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-81046226193680372742012-07-07T22:05:00.000-07:002012-07-07T22:05:23.976-07:00New Blog Home!<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited about switching my blog over to Blogger! I was able to get everything up and running in no time and with the content and look I had been struggling to get before in my previous location. I am not a computer guru by nature so those of you who feel the same will be able to feel my joy and relief! My old blogs transferred pretty well and this will be a nice new home for future posts.</div>
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I thought I would also take this opportunity to post the info on an upcoming event I was asked to participate in. Country Village is hosting their first ever Wizard Fest and asked me to bring my elves, wizards and magical creatures to help celebrate. It sounds like a fun event for all of those Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and all-things-magical fans. I will be offering specials on my own wizards for show attendees only so be sure to stop by to visit and check them out. I will also be have some things on hand for the younger collectors, too!</div>
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<br />Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-43297753646410533272012-07-07T20:30:00.001-07:002012-07-07T20:30:29.283-07:00Baby House Elves from June 27, 2012<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
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just discovered today is Dobby's birthday (yes, the Harry Potter Dobby)
so what better day could here be to share the birth of my new little
baby house elves? I will be doing a Wizard Fest show locally here and
wanted to make something for the children that will be attending. My
daughters had also requested something wearable which made me think of a
sculpture I made of a mother and baby house elf which we all loved and
sold quickly. The girls really loved the little baby named "Dinky" so I
decided to make more baby house elves that can be ornamental, hung on a
wall or tree for the holidays, or worn as a necklace. What I love
about them is they tend to have that "ugly cute" quality. I make all of
them individually and drawn on memories of those days when the girls
were babies. There is something fascinating about a sleeping baby -
all the funny little faces they make. You wonder what they might be
dreaming of at such a young age.</div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/mabel-34.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/mabel-34.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-120" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/mabel-34.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/mabel-34.jpg?w=225" title="Mabel 34" width="225" /></a></div>
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Here is Mabel and baby Dinky - the inspiration!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tray-of-baby-house-elves.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tray-of-baby-house-elves.jpg"><img alt="Image" class="size-full wp-image aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tray-of-baby-house-elves.jpg?w=487" height="365" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/tray-of-baby-house-elves.jpg?w=487" width="487" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few of the first babies - the yawning one always makes me yawn.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Once
I have faces to work with I pick a colored clay for the blanket. I
usually do not use colored clay but paint can be worn off so this is
the best choice for items that will be handled regularly. House elves
are not given new clothing so I model these wrappings on common
household linens with frayed edges. I have a large stash of trims -
colorful, shiny, aged, every type you can think of and these become the
bindings for the blankets. Depending on the little face I may or may
not give it eyebrows or hair and so far the hair is always bits of
feather. I love the way the feathers float and have a completely wild,
unkempt quality.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/baby-house-elf-row.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/baby-house-elf-row.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-116" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/baby-house-elf-row.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/baby-house-elf-row.jpg?w=225" title="baby house elf row" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
One row of baby house elves ready to be painted.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Each
of their little faces and fingers are then painted by hand. I am sure
to give them rosy cheeks and a touch of grubby house elf complexion. A
small loop is secured in the back of each where the string for the
necklace or hook to hang the piece can be attached. My girls have worn
their little friends everywhere and "Dave", "Lucy" and "Baby" have been
great entertainment and just what the girls requested.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/wear-house-elf-necklace.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/wear-house-elf-necklace.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-117" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/wear-house-elf-necklace.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/wear-house-elf-necklace.jpg?w=225" title="wear house elf necklace" width="225" /></a>Here is little "Lucy" in her place of honor.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I'm looking forward to seeing what the next batch of characters turn up!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/max-promo.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/max-promo.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-118" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/max-promo.jpg" height="560" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/max-promo.jpg" title="Max Promo" width="420" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-15815820934893729562012-07-07T20:28:00.000-07:002012-07-07T20:28:32.392-07:00Interesting Faces from May 16, 2012<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
notice patterns come and go in my work. For the past 10 days or so it
seems I have only been drawn to creating interesting and aged faces.
After my little brownie was complete I kept creating creatures. An imp
and goblin promptly added themselves to my shop.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gerlach-34.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gerlach-34.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-97" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gerlach-34.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/gerlach-34.jpg?w=225" title="Gerlach 34" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Gerlach was my take on the banker-goblin.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/snort-ft-34.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/snort-ft-34.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-98" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/snort-ft-34.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/snort-ft-34.jpg?w=225" title="Snort ft 34" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Little Snort sports a tail and has made off with some poor soul's key again.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I also have several more new heads awaiting bodies. These two will be additions to my elf collections.<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/imgp4790.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/imgp4790.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-99" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/imgp4790.jpg?w=244" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/imgp4790.jpg?w=244" title="interesting heads" width="244" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
love examining faces and adding those character lines. Each face
appeals to me in different ways. I have a favorite quote by Paul
Gardener that comes to mind when I work. He said "A painting is never
finished. It simply stops in interesting places." I feel that is
equally as true with sculpting as it is with painting. I get a distinct
sense at some point in each piece that lets me know it is time to put
my tools down. I love to look at my windowsill and see many little
heads awaiting their bodies and settings. This phase of face-making may
be winding down now since I have the urge to finish some of these
creatures. What will be next? I am sure I do not know, but it should
be fun finding out.</div>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-2585775874721919622012-07-07T20:26:00.002-07:002012-07-07T20:26:51.217-07:00Fairies, Brownies and Old Movies from April 19, 2012<div align="center">
My new line of fairies and magical creatures are
making their way into Griffinwyse this week. Growing up I loved
classical art and sculpture and even as recently as five years ago that
was the biggest influence in my art. I was creating bonded bronze
sculptures at the time. As I have really allowed myself to have more
and more fun with creating things and incorporating more of my
personality into my work I have found that I also adore things that are
slightly creepy, slightly unusual with a touch of classical in them.
Maybe this is an influence from my love of old films - particularly old
ghost stories. I loved the films that slowly revealed some dark
history, the spooky Victorian houses, people who were not what they
seemed to be. It is that combination of beautiful and dark, mystery and
magic that drew me in. I cannot wait to incorporate more of this
influence into my elves and creatures. That is not to say you won't see
something downright sweet among my creations, of course you will, but
to me the elves come with as many different personalities and
occupations as humans. Certain regions of my elves lend themselves more
to this style than others so you will likely see it most with the
Carpathian Elves. I have only a few available now since I have been
concentrating more on Northern Elves this spring but more are on the
way. I keep a notepad in my work area with an ongoing list of ideas that
pop up while I sculpt and right now the list is long and still
growing. With this many ideas in waiting, I should never get bored!</div>
<div align="center" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/nisha-ft-ang.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/nisha-ft-ang.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-89" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/nisha-ft-ang.jpg" height="450" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/nisha-ft-ang.jpg" title="Nisha ft ang" width="574" /></a></div>
<div align="center" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Nisha is a night fa and appears to have more of a dark side upon first glance but night fairies are protectors by nature.</div>
<div align="center" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
A little dark and light makes her intriguing.</div>
<div align="center" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/gillanders-lt.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/gillanders-lt.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-91" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/gillanders-lt.jpg" height="560" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/gillanders-lt.jpg" title="Gillanders lt" width="382" /></a></div>
<div align="center" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Gillanders
is the first of my brownies and kobolds. The interesting thing about
these creatures is that they love to listen to and help you with your
problems but they do not like to be addressed directly. Gillanders is
definitely more on the sweet side but I love both of these characters
for different reasons. I hope you do, too!</div>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-57173270808047639412012-07-07T20:25:00.001-07:002012-07-07T20:25:30.159-07:00New Treasures for my Studio from April 4, 2012<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
attended the Best of the Northwest art show here in the Seattle area
this past weekend and had a wonderful time with my family. It is so
nice to get out of the studio and see what other artists have been
creating. My girls love seeing all of the variety and we usually end up
with a new art project in our future once they get inspired. I have
been particularly drawn to color- the more color the better. There was
no shortage of beautiful art at to be seen and it makes me even more
excited to attend their fall show. We came away with two little
treasures from a Portland artist I have long admired and who is also a
really delightful person. Her shop is called Fantasy Figurative Art by
Marca . I have seen her over the years at various art shows and always
have to check out all of her fun/creepy creatures. We came home with
Spaz and Sparky. They have their place here in my studio but my
daughters frequently have to take them out and adore them for a while.
These are just a small sample of Marca's work. Her characters are truly
full of life. I had my eye on a character by the name of Ramona and if
I cannot get something out of my head it usually means I will bring it
home at some point. No doubt you will find one of her posable dolls
irresistible, too. If you would like to see more please stop by her
website at www.fantasyfigurativeart.com.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/spaz-and-sparky.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/spaz-and-sparky.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-75" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/spaz-and-sparky.jpg?w=768" height="717" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/spaz-and-sparky.jpg?w=768" title="Spaz and Sparky" width="538" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
love going to art shows and collecting things I love for my studio.
Not only is it wonderful to be surrounded by things I love looking at
but I also believe in supporting fellow artists however I can. I have
found most artists are very supportive of each others' work and most
agree in saying that there are enough collectors for everyone. Even if
you create similar things, no two artists' work have exactly the same
feel. I have also been the type that gets all teary and emotional when I
see someone succeed doing something they love. Watch someone win a
reality show competition or a good pull-on-your-heartstrings commercial
and I bring out the tissues every time! I will feature more artists in
this blog in the future whom I collect (or would like to collect) and
have in my work space in the hopes they inspire you, too.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I'll close this week with a little peek at what I am working on this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/imgp3635.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/imgp3635.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-76" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/imgp3635.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/imgp3635.jpg?w=225" title="IMGP3635" width="225" /></a></div>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-49576013514233420952012-07-07T20:21:00.002-07:002012-07-07T20:23:44.181-07:00Bringing Petra to Life from March 13, 2012<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
thought you might enjoy following a piece from beginning to end. This
week I finally found inspiration for this little head. She had such a
gentle personality from the moment I sculpted her and this week I was
focused on bringing her to life. All the little heads I make are stored
on my studio windowsill until I have inspiration to create a final
piece. This week the pieces of Petra's puzzle came together. The first
missing piece was some moss I found while out shopping a few weeks
ago. I like to add a few found pieces to each environment because I
think it helps set the scene and make the character appear real. The
moss itself brought a woodland picture into my mind, combined with the
gentle expression in Petra's eyes and immediately I saw a witch or
healer gathering elements for her potions and tonics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-head5.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-head5.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-48" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-head5.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-head5.jpg?w=225" title="Petra head" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Now
that I had the idea I pulled out some elements that I planned to
include in the piece. I also decided that this was going to be a witch
or healer and not and elf. Elves are my primary characters here at
Griffinwyse but they are not the only thing I create. The Griffinwyse
world is full of characters but, in this particular case, Petra needed
human ears. Here is how her look found it's theme and palette.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-supplies.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-supplies.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-43" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-supplies.jpg?w=254" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-supplies.jpg?w=254" title="Petra supplies" width="254" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Now the sculpting can begin! I make a wire armature, fill in a basic
shape with foil, cover with clay and bake it to form a solid base. At
this point the sculpture looks like an emaciated version of the final
and baking at this stage allows me to add clothing and details while
ensuring a solid final piece. I add the head to this form. Here is how
Petra looked at this stage.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-bust.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-bust.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-49" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-bust.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-bust.jpg?w=225" title="Petra bust" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Then I fill in her basic form.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-rough.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-rough.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-50" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-rough.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-rough.jpg?w=225" title="Petra rough" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
This
is the fun part. Now I can pull in a little of my fashion design
background and imagination and start to create. The best part about
working with clay and NOT fabric is there are really no limitations and
alterations can easily be made without the seam ripper. I love cloaks
and this environment and "outing" I had planned were a perfect match. I
knew she would also need some kind of bag for her treasures as well. I
add arms and hands in this stage as the final gestures take form. The
details make such a difference- adding seams to the clothes, joints and
creases in the hands, waves and style to the hair, and all the folds in
fabric.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-hands.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-hands.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-51" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-hands.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-hands.jpg?w=225" title="Petra hands" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Here she is before her final trip to the oven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-unpainted.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-unpainted.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-52" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-unpainted.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-unpainted.jpg?w=225" title="Petra unpainted" width="225" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Now
that I have all the elements, I need to pull paint. In Petra's case I
wanted to compliment the moss and I planned to use and gently frame her
face without overpowering her. The natural and rust colored feathers
really appealed to me and were in sync with the soft tones and effects I
was trying to pull together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-paints.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-paints.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-53" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-paints.jpg?w=300" height="225" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-paints.jpg?w=300" title="Petra paints" width="300" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
One
of the things I enjoy about my work is the variety. There is variety
not only in the subjects but also in the steps involved in making them.
On any given day I can sculpt, paint, plan or do a variety of
office-related activities. If I am not in the mood for one, there is
always something else that appeals to me. Petra actually took a couple
of days to complete. Painting requires patience. There are so many
details in each piece and my fine-tip brush is my best friend. I use
several washes on each piece because the layers add to the depth and
have a great aging effect. Again, the face is the focus and I use
several washes here to help add some highlights and shadows to the
face. I use several work lights so I am able to see in all the recesses
of the piece and here is Petra all painted and ready for her final
touches to be attached!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-w-paint.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-w-paint.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-54" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-w-paint.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-w-paint.jpg?w=225" title="Petra w paint" width="225" /></a></div>
Now
I paint her base, attach her to it and add final details. Feathers are
positioned, her runes are tied to her bag, acorns are secured in her
bag and hand, and the moss is spread at her feet. She is now ready for
her photo shoot. Another benefit of my job- playing photographer! This
was a learning curve for me initially- spent a good many hours in
tutorials, test shoots and photo editing. Now that I have a method down
for what works best with my little subjects I can enjoy the process. I
know the time of day to shoot and how to play with the light so you can
see as much of her expression and details as possible. Here is the
final sculpture!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-ft.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-ft.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-55" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-ft.jpg?w=203" height="324" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/petra-ft.jpg?w=203" title="Petra ft" width="220" /></a></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
Now Petra is ready for her new home but I am happy she is keeping me company today!</div>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2527084208335636737.post-3129834242314754542012-07-07T20:17:00.001-07:002012-07-07T20:24:03.626-07:00Inspiration from April 3, 2012<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center;">
I
recently finished Helena. She was one of those pieces- suddenly
everything came together and I could not work fast enough to bring her
to life. I always make faces first. Everything sparks from the
expression there. In Helena's case her little head was perched by my
work space for weeks but a complete image never came to me until I
discovered a beautiful black feather. That was what I was waiting for
and suddenly I could see the complete character. Inspiration came in
the form of a feather. It always amazes me how it comes out of the blue
and you cannot force it, as much as you may wish you could some days. I
will post her on Etsy in the morning yet I have to wonder if she really
shouldn't just resume her position next to my work desk. But then, if I
didn't want to keep each piece I made I wouldn't be doing my job.</div>
<a data-mce-href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/helena-342.jpg" href="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/helena-342.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-82" data-mce-src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/helena-342.jpg" height="700" src="http://griffinwyse.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/helena-342.jpg" title="Helena 34" width="525" /></a>Griffinwysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02320940077932792681noreply@blogger.com0