SympleTymes Cloth Art By Sherrie Nordgren

Tis Christmas Time

2009-12-12T15:13:00.005-05:00

Tis Christmas time ..I am just loving it...Even though Florida has been running hot n cold temps. I miss creating and I miss talking to all my blog land artists,The closest I can get is reading their blogs I follow .I find wonderful posts about their own family traditions and along with their ever amazing talents. I have been thinking about how Thankful and very blessed I am for so very much in my life and in our children's lives, I am also Thankful for the love I have for creating dolls of all kinds, and am so blessed by many just incredible artist's, It is so wonderful to be able to turn a computer on and visit many awesome blogs, web sites, groups, and be a part of. I find such peace and joy even in hectic time of holidays reading, visiting, writing and talk about all our creations..Merry Christmas to you all !

Love Sherrie

Christmas apron

2009-12-10T16:37:00.002-05:00

Sew a Christmas apron with this free and easy pattern.
Cooking and entertaining goes with the holidays, so I designed and sewed this Christmas apron for a festive addition to kitchen chores.

The first step was to hit my fabric stash to find red and green fabrics. I found the perfect combination of red, green and red and white stripe fabrics. I created a simple pattern that can be made in less than 2 hours. Click for the free pattern and instructions that you can download.

http://phyllisdobbs.info/free-apron-pattern-christmas/

I would love to see pictures of aprons you make using this pattern. Enjoy and have a fun Christmas as you whiz through the kitchen wearing your new apron!
Happy sewing!
Phyllis

Holiday Season Activitie

2009-12-04T20:39:00.004-05:00

Click to enlarge Picture

19th Century Boys' Games
This colorful lithograph of boys' on a playground was published by Pastime Publishing Company in December 1881 as a "pastime for little fingers." The many activities of young 19th century boys are portrayed; the favorite pastimes include shooting marbles, various ball games with sticks and bats, bowling, trundling hoops, playing soldier, and leapfrog. The full color page of the playground scene includes cutout figures of boys designed to be pasted on the large playground picture.

Print the full page for classroom or home activities this holiday season

to print out clicl on link
http://www.victoriana.com/antiquetoys/boysgames-print.htm

My Chalk Face

2009-12-02T15:16:00.002-05:00

Had a GREAT Day,,First day of doll making in about 4 weeks..

Been back home from our vacation to TN, one week . Feels good to be home , Been Christmas decorating and holiday cleaning,

Going to have our son (Who's birthday is today *Big Smile*) and his fiancées home for Christmas Yippie!

This is my newest chalk face, Vintage style doll.Now to dress her and give this gal some hair!

How-To: Make a No-Sew Blanket with Yarn Fringe

2009-11-28T18:32:00.004-05:00

I have started my Christmas gift sewing..I bought one yard and a half of fleece of cats all different kinds of cat and a yard and a half of solid silver fleece for backing..I'm making it for my sister who is a cat lover, In fact just got another new baby kitten!

I have made about 4 large blankets using a similar tutorial, This is a great no sew tutorial..

Hugs Sherrie

How-To: Make a No-Sew Blanket with Yarn Fringe

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/09/how-to_make_a_no-sew_blanket_w.html

BECAUSE WE BELIEVE-ART

2009-11-22T14:21:00.002-05:00

BECAUSE WE BELIEVE-ART

http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/

BWBA's 1st year anniversary and their celebrating by having a blog giveaway

They believe in the Magic of the Holidays, the Tooth Fairy, Monsters under the Bed and all other sorts of magical and mythical flights of fancy

The official sign-up thread. It will be active for 2 weeks and we have 15 different handmade ooak ornies created by the generous and talented members of our group!!
Hurry go to their blog http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/ now and read all about it!!!

It's really cool, Hugs Sherrie

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-16T13:34:00.006-05:00

Alrighty just a heads up thingieMy husband and I and our 4 legged family member are leaving November 19th (That is this coming Thursday) - November 30th...

We will have out lap top with us and will try to check in on line when we can..

I want to wish you all a Very Blessed Thanksgiving.

You all will be in our thoughts and hearts.

Love and Hugs Sherrie

New "Izannah" Doll By: Susie McMahon

2009-11-12T19:49:00.002-05:00

New "Izannah" Doll By: Susie McMahon

This is a awesome Izannah created by Susie,

Go to her blog and read all about her..Susie's doll are ALL just amazing!

http://www.susiemcmahondolls.blogspot.com/

Dixie Redmond's Izannah Walker Workshop

2009-11-03T18:35:00.002-05:00

I have been waiting for Dixie Redmond's Izannah Walker Workshop ...IT will begin in January..I found her class blog and here is all her info:TaDa!!!!!

Hi to all interested in taking this online class!I am finalizing the pattern and preparing the class format, which will be hosted on ning.com. If you are interested in taking the class I suggest that you join the Izannah Walker Dolls Group first to get used to the ning format. Ning.com is a hosting site for groups. You will need to sign up for ning I like it a lot, but it takes getting used to.I am making the pattern to be purchased alone and will be offering a class to go along with the pattern. There are some people who would like the pattern without taking the class, and there are others who want more intensive information and tutorials than a pattern can give. The class will include pictures of construction details of original Izannah Walker dolls that I have not published yet. So for many it will be worth it to buy the pattern and the class.The pattern will be offered for sale in December and the Izannah Walker Workshop will begin in January.Dixie RedmondNorthdixie Designs Email me

Earlywork Artisan

2009-11-02T19:44:00.001-05:00

New edition of: Earlywork Artisan is out !

Early Work Mercantile you will find wonderfully talented Artisans who create Early Style Folk Art reminiscent of the 18th & 19th century.~

I enjoy looking and admiring this great group of artists..Hope you enjoy also Hugs Sherrie

http://www.earlyworkmercantile.com/

http://earlywork-artisandirectory.blogspot.com/

and be sure to visit

Their newest artist; Jackie Hendricks Of Plain-n-Simple Dolls!

http://earlywork-plain-n-simple.blogspot.com/

Halloween Challenge!!

2009-10-28T14:09:00.004-04:00

It Is OPEN WhOHooOoO!!

VOTING IS NOW OPEN! @ Cloth Doll Artistry!

I am telling you I am just in awe and blown away by soooo much Talent and inspiration!

You must be a member in order to vote

So why not come join the fun it is "Free"

http://clothdolls.ning.com/

What I love most about CDA is there is every medium for every artisan all under one roof!!

Select Your Favorite Halloween Photo in Each Studio. Voting Begins Oct 28 - Oct 31. Winners will be announced November 1.

Click On The Studio Link To Vote: http://clothdolls.ning.com/

Voting is taking place in all SIX of our CDA Studio Groups!

CDA members will be asked to vote for their favorite dolls, pins, stuffed animals or crafts in each studio. Voting in each studio will begin October 28 -31, 2009. One winner will be selected from each studio. Winners from each studio will receive a variety of doll patterns, an exclusive class with Kat Lees, a free 3-month advertising spot, and be a featured artist on the showcase studio. One winner will be selected from each studio
Clay Doll Studio Specializing in all Mediums of Clay
Cloth Doll Studio Specializing in the Art of Cloth Dollmaking Studio Coordinator: Connie McBride Johnson
Crafts Studio Specializing in a Variety of CraftsStudio Coordinator: Kat Lees
Pin Doll Studio Specializing in Pin DollsStudio Coordinator: Karen Mallory
Prim Doll Studio Specializing in Prim,Folk Art , Whimsical , and Vintage DollmakingStudio Coordinator: Sherrie Nordgren
Santa's Studio Specializing in Christmas DollsStudio Coordinator: Kat Lees
Soft Animals Studio Specializing in all Types of Soft Animal DollmakingStudio Coordinator: Connie McBride Johnson and Kat Lees

DRAKESTONE PRIMITIVES COUNTRY CABIN

2009-10-25T13:39:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful Prim Blog!

Angi is from United Kingdom up in the hills , Living in a small rural village called Harbottle

Stop by and see her art work..I really enjoyed mt self and you will too!

Hugs Sherrie

http://www.drakestoneprimitivescountrycabin.blogspot.com/

Meet JillAnn!!

2009-10-21T15:40:00.003-04:00

Meet JillAnn, This is my Betsy meeting JillAnn for the first time,

I am so happy to say they are bestest friends!

JillAnn how ever is not happy with her dress at all! So I am going to re-dress her!

Also replace her bow with matching dress fabric.Cloth bows are always so much prettier.

Just not the right style for this girl@ Way to plain for JillAnn.

Side view of JillAnn's hair..I had sewed each strand and gave her a long pony tail!

How to Create an Art-Business

2009-10-21T12:15:00.004-04:00

I saw this on http://artist-how-to.com/

I am thinking of getting it.The price is only $5.99 and it is a E-Book so there is no extra for postage..Plus you know how I am any ways..I don't like waiting for things..Though I do when it's some thing I just must have!! Check it out and see if it's some thing of interest for you

Hugs Sherrie

http://artist-how-to.com/hcwnorder.html

Holy Crap! What Now!?: How to Create an Art-Business Emergency Plan"
Geared Toward The Sole Proprietor of A Small Online Art-Business.
There is no way to be prepared for every possible occurrence. We are human; we get ill, we have accidents…things just “happen”. But, with some forethought and planning, you can be better prepared for emergency situations that could have a detrimental effect on your business.
Having a strong foundation in place for a major ‘what if’ situation can save you time, your reputation and help secure your income.

My First On-Line Class!! "Annie Sweet's"

2009-10-18T10:46:00.001-04:00

I am so very excited to introduce my very first on-line class

" Annie Sweet's" This class is for Beginners to advance. There is also a bonus Technique !

You will learn new techniques that you can use on any choosen media. These techniques I also use in my personal art journy in mixed media, artys style dolls, even on my aprons I create..

I created the clas I saw and asked question when I first began ,,Creating a strong foundation to then grow on..This is what I am doing for you in this class..

This class will teach how to create 3 styles of my 10"inch dolls

"Primitive , Folk Art , Whimsical "

ANNIE SWEET'S: online class for $25. This class will teach how to create 3 styles of my 10"inch dolls "Primitive , Folk Art , Whimsical from one pattern

Where can you find my class : Cloth Doll Artistry http://clothdolls.ning.com/

You must be a member of Cloth Doll Artistry to take an online class. Members will be sent an invitation to the private online class upon receipt of payment.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:This class will demonstrate how you can create three different style dolls from one 10-inch doll pattern. Make a Primitive Doll, a Folk Art Doll or a Whimsical Doll.
STARTING DATE: October 12, 2009
ONLINE CLASS INCLUDES:* Step-by-step instructions with photos* PDF Pattern Templates* Creating templates from Freezer Paper* Aging Fabric Tutorial* Creating Different Faces
SUPPLIES NEEDED:* Muslin* Cotton Print Fabric* Fiberfil* Acrylic Paints, Watercolor Pencils, Chalks* And more....COST: $25.00 US (Signs Ups Are Allowed After Starting Date)

"Comfort Doll Project"

2009-10-14T15:13:00.003-04:00

I want to share with you all "Comfort Doll Project"

started by and created by: Pat Winter

I personally have been a honored member/follower of "Comfort Doll Project"

from day one, I think in our lives we all know or have known of dome one who has been through abuse.I personally have not ever been abused by my husband in any way,Infact I think he has soiled me rotten:) I do know how blessed I am.!

We have a family member in our own family though who has been so abused

mentally physically for over 30 years.In all our encouragement and prayers, she always went back to her husband.Is still married and with yet on to this..She does have very low self esteem and the feeling of failure about her life.

Enjoying the good days and making it through the bad days...Why??? We have asked that our selves many times We can not judge these abused females we have not walked in their shoes..But to those who has taken that huge step of going to get help and freedom at a Woman's Shelter, My heart just feels with hope, love and pray for each and every one of them.

In Pat Winters own words(I just could not say it any better)

"Imagine a woman being handed a beautiful handmade doll with a message of hope attached. This doll ,from a stranger whom she will never meet,yet makes this connection of love and caring from one heart to another. A stranger who can imagine, if not know firsthand where she has been and hoping she will have brighter days ahead. The woman carries this doll in her purse, pocket, or perhaps pinned to her lapel, knowing someone cared enough to think of her. When she needs strength, she strokes it or admires it and her lips turn up with a smile and her heart warms. Yes, I am a dreamer but I do think this will happen. Actually I KNOW this will happen.

Won't you join me?If anyone wants to create a "Comfort doll", please email me at angell100@comcast.net. I will collect dolls within the US,and hopefully find someone in each country to collect them because this is a worldwide cause. I won't dwell on details, but in the US, every 15 seconds a woman is abused. With our current poor economy, the statistics for abuse increases."

I ask you to Please browse the "Comfort Doll Project" blog and learn more about this much needed project and enjoy the beauties others have made..

http://www.comfortdolls.blogspot.com/

Continuing Practice Practice Practice Faces

2009-10-12T16:29:00.003-04:00

Alrighty last practice picture I promise..I have hair picked out and a idea about how they want to be dressed:)
I think the reason I am so excited is I have bitten the bullet..Gone way way out of my box, or say just taking the plunge on my journey for the face I see in my heads but can't quiet make it come through my fingers yet.
On this little dolls face.I did a complete acrylic wash, Then used again acrylic paints for her eyes.To me she came out Vintage looking..will look even more so after I dress and give her hair.
I noticed also in the picture her eyes seem to look more on the blue side..When actually I used greens for her eyes..Thank You alll sooo much for your encouragement
Hugs Sherrie

FALL FESTIVAL QUEEN On-Line Class

2009-10-12T12:11:00.003-04:00

Find more videos like this on Cloth Doll
Artistry

FALL FESTIVAL QUEENJoin Kat Lees Designs by Kat ~ http://designsbykat.blogspot.com/ as she introduces her newest doll creation, "Fall Festival Queen." She stands 22-inches tall and is joined by an owl and a little mouse. The Private Online Class Will Begin October 7, 2009 to November 7, 2009. The Registration Fee is $45.00You must be a member of Cloth Doll Artistry to take an online class. Members will be sent an invitation to the private online class upon receipt of payment.http://clothdolls.ning.com/
In this Six Lesson Class you will design and create you very own "Fall Festival Queen" ~ she is 22" tallhas a stump body, doweled on a plaque.Her face is needle sculpted in a tee-shirt type fabric. You will learn to use Chalk and Paint to create her beautiful face. Illusion Costuming is what I do, love adding details and creating items from recycled things or dollar store items. You will really enjoy making the bird cage, owl and mouse. So let us begin, and most of HAVE FUN.
You are going to love creating the fall beauty. She is visiting right in time for the FALL SEASON. Six Lessons in all, learning how to sculpt in cloth, use of chalk,paint, costuming, create a bird cage out of unique items, an owl and a little mouse peeking out from under her dress. She is a stump doll.......and lots of fun to create. Welcome and have fun.
PLEASE READ THIS ~ ABOUT ONLINE CLASSES For those of you who have never taken an online class before. You DO NOT have to make the doll in the time frame listed. That is strictly up to you. You download the entire class/patterns/instructions to your computer or CD..........its that easy. The time frame is set for the teacher so that if you have questions she can help you in whatever you need help with. Most teachers are available to students whenever you make the doll, either now or in the future. We hope this helps, Connie and Kat October 2009 Online Classes

continue working on my dolls face

2009-10-11T12:09:00.002-04:00

Saturday I was able to sneek in some time to continue working on my dolls face.

I am useing all chalk. I think I will stop here because I see my mistakes but it is the foundation and I can't seem to un-do it.

As you can see my 1940's Betsy McCall my for ever assistant is saying "Yeppers you better stop now" I can't sit on your to-do list for ever you know:)

This is the hair I am going to use , by felting it on.It is brand new to me and it looks fun to.I bought it on-line at http://clothdollsupply.com

Gosh it got here I think faster than if I had gone to the store! Ordered on Sunday Night and had it my Tuesday!! info on the hair:Synthetic Kinked HairOne large hank of kinked style hair that looks so real. This works wonderfully with using felting needles to attach it to cloth dolls.http://clothdollsupply.com/hair5.html

Rusty Tin Roof CountryPrim Online Magazine

2009-10-10T13:04:00.003-04:00

Rusty Tin Roof CountryPrim Online Magazine http://www.rustytinroof.com
FALL has ARRIVED at Rusty Tin Roof!!!
We are very pleased to announce that our FALL Issue of RUSTY TIN ROOF Country~Primitive Online Magazine is now available for download!!
You'll find it chock-full of fabulous feature articles, free patterns, free graphics, recipes, kiddie projects and MORE ~ entertainment from beginning to end!!!
We hope you'll stop by and Download your FREE copy today from our website and don't forget to tell all your Family, Friends, fellow Crafters and Craft-Lovers!

October 2009 Issue Primitive Times Magazine

2009-10-09T12:48:00.001-04:00

Your free issue of Primitive Times Magazine is now available for you
to download. Just click on the photo below and save to your
computer or go to http://primitivetimesmagazine.com.

Daughter and Mom Day!!

2009-10-07T12:00:00.002-04:00

HAD to post about Our Daughter- Mom day at the casino!!

Yeppers I didn't loose yay!!! Won $401.87!! Valerie took a picture with her cell phone ..I was shaking to bad hehehehehe! I am still in shock !!!

Face's and Venting:)

2009-10-05T18:26:00.004-04:00

Today I did the ole practice practice practice doing faces

what I am trying to learn is shadowing..on this face I tried by shadowing first

then painting the eyes,Now looking at this picture I see where I think I got the shadowing a bit on the left eye..NOW need to go back and blend more around the right eye.and blend the white more.It is like I am doing this with my eyes shut..cause I have no idea what the heck I am doing..I used artist pencils on the face and acrylics on the eyes

Ok: this throw away face I did completely with chalk

I like the softness but still I didn't get the shadowing correct..Good thing Halloween is coming this face would be a great zombie:)

on all 3 dolls I am not getting the shadowing or softness I want to achieve(and will some day

by practice practice doing faces argh:(

reverse side of the above zombie doll ..I could tell at this point I was getting frustrated..Throw away and start over again Wednesday! The medium I feel I am looking for is like I use to use in china painting..We had a oil we mixed out ground paint with and also dip our brushes in the same oil and then went in to our wet paint..

I t was very creamy and I was in control of how much paint and could silk blot and have beautiful shadow along with totally being in to control of my paint and brush..Our painted stayed read to paint with until we had to mix a new one.

I have use chalk and acrylics for years,

I think my favorite at this point is pastel chalks

maybe because of my back ground in china painting it is blocking for a feel of another medium?

Maybe I am just plain frustrated by working a full day on faces and not getting what I want grrr

I think Wednesday I will try a face totally with brush and Pastel chalk and use silk for blending

I went to Michael's Sunday to buy some artist pencils and stuff..I looked at their painting books on the human body and eyes etc..

But it's not the type I paint that was a let down..

TOMORROW my daughter Valerie is picking me up and we are going to spend a couple hours at

Hard Rock Cafe Tampa Florida !!!! Casino fun and being with my daughter whOooOo I will be ready to face those faces and renewed

http://www.seminolehardrock.com/

2009-10-05T10:17:00.004-04:00

Halloween Hot Air Balloon and Witch Conductor by:
Iva Wilcox
Stop by Iva's first time sale at her blog, and see this wonderful creation..Just amazing!...Hugs Sherrie
A cotton batting and paper clay faced witch stands inside the hot air balloon, which sits upright on it's own or hangs from a handmade curly hook at top. She holds a sign that reads, "Happy Halloween." Vintage hat netting covers the top of the paper mache balloon. All hand made with vintage embellishments and Dresden trims. It measures almost 13" tall.

http://ivawilcox.blogspot.com/

Free Holiday designs!

2009-10-04T20:25:00.003-04:00

what fun..you gotta go by Gum Tree Designs and see their first design for the up coming Holidays..Hugs Sherrie

Beginning October 5th!

It's here! The day has finally arrived - and you have been so patient! But we're sure you'll agree that it's been worth the wait!May we present the first of nine Christmas designs being shared by the Gum Tree Designers every Monday over the months of October and November (just imagine it is tied with sparkly gift wrap and a huge red satin ribbon tied on top).The project this week is from the wonderfully talented and beloved 'mumma' of our group, Judith Tetley of Creative Studio, and we know you'll love it as much as we do!

http://gumtreedesigners.blogspot.com/