New cloth doll pattern available

Meet Phoenix Dreamer, my latest cloth doll pattern. She was inspired by my love of all things Steampunk. That's reflected in the colors I've chosen and the Victorian patterns in the prints.

Once my artwork was published in Zen Doodle, I was motivated to get this design out to the world. it has taken far too long. But you know how life intervenes...

I wanted to create a costume for my Tilly pattern, which many of you may have. (It's a free pattern you get when you sign up for my newsletter) So I went about it in a whole new way: by draping. With this pattern, you'll be making the doll, (included in the pattern) and then draping her costume on her in a unique way. It's all based on rectangles and circles! Now I've got your interest, right?

The pattern is fully illustrated with diagrams and photos, with alternate ideas for shoes and boots. So, depending how adventurous you are, you can make boots in polymer clay, or ribbon shoes. You can order it from my Etsy store, Not Carved In Stone.

This pattern was also featured in an Etsy treasury! I am always thrilled when this happens, as it brings my work to a whole new audience. Here's the link to the Treasury. The curator is Jeans To Jewels.

Who else is into Steampunk?

Me and Facebook are now friends

So I decided to join the 21st Century. I joined Facebook. I've been thinking about it for ages and finally got around to doing it. My son has coached me through the basics, especially when I saw the ENORMOUS amount of email landing in my mailbox from Facebook. Settings have been adjusted.

I'm looking forward to connecting with people in a whole new way. I'm still trying to work out how to post video, but all in good time, my friends, all in good time. What's that about old dogs and new tricks?

Now to figure out the links for it...

Pattern update

Tilly now has clothes to wear and the pattern has been drafted. Now for some instructions. Friday is always devoted to dolls, so off I go!

Not Carved In Stone

Today is also the day to list some things in my Etsy store. I am getting better at doing that, too. Check it out later today.

Leslie Baily coming to town

All Dolled Up, our Ottawa doll club, had Leslie Bailey, polymer artist, coming to town. She'll be here March 26 and 27 to teach us how to make her Woodland Elf. All are welcome to register. Send me an email to get details, or check the blog.

Bear-y Christmas!

This little guy is going up on my Etsy store, Not Carved In Stone, today. I love making bears. One or two of my bears will be given as gifts this year. I needle felt them fairly firm, so they are squeezable. They are also string jointed, even the heads, which makes them pose-able. I used to attach the limbs permanently, but found people want to manipulate the limbs and head, so that didn’t work. Nothing causes more dismay than your bear’s head coming off!

I’ll be taking a Christmas break from blogging, so want to wish everyone a Merry merry Christmas or whichever holiday you celebrate.

Let’s all wish for Peace. Namaste.

Show time!

Busy, busy with my felting needle! This week I created some needle felted penguins, a polar bear and a sheep. I am very pleased with the penguins, which I haven't tried before. How many to make, that is the question? I saw the idea on Martha Stewart's site. Of course, many people make penguins, but I felt it right to give credit for the idea.

My sister loves penguins and has quite the collection. They seem to be associated with Christmas now. I am not sure why as they have no relation to the North Pole, Santa or Christmas, but there you are. They are creatures of the snow, is the only connection I can make.

I am almost ready for the next show at St Stephen's Church in Ottawa, on Watson street. It takes place on November 27, from 10 to 3 pm. It's my first time at the show and I hear it's a good one. If they don't sell at the show, look for them in my Etsy store. It's called "NotCarvedInStone" if you are looking for me.

I am also selling my needle felting and dolls at the Fisher Park craft show on December 4. It's held at the school on Holland Avenue, Ottawa. I hope to see you there!