Halloween Dumplings in Print…Winter 2015

I was so excited to learn months ago that my work would be featured in the Somerset Studio Gallery Winter 2015 edition. Although it’s been super hard to keep this secret, I managed not to spill the beans (publicly) way before the issue was even printed! Three of my large paper mache / paperclay Halloween dolls were chosen for publication & I have to tell you, these three are some of my favorites! So much so, that one of the dolls decided she needs to stay with me. It’s very rare that I keep a piece for myself. To date, I’ve only kept two for my own collections. This article will help you begin to create your own paper mache / paperclay sculpture. You’ll get to read a little about my favorite Halloween tradition–trick or treating and how the 300 + trick or treaters we get each year, inspire me to create. If you’re interested in purchasing this magazine it hit newstands on December first and can be purchased directly from Stampington or can be found in craft stores like Michael’s or fine book stores. One of the dolls published in this magazine is still available in my Etsy shop. More photos of her can be seen here.

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Topping your Tree…

‘Tis the season of all things bright and magical. That is how I truly feel about Christmas. The smell of fresh pine, the twinkle of Christmas lights — it makes me all gooey inside.

Last weekend was my last show of the year, the annual Appalachian Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in Morehead, Ky. Hosted by the Kentucky Folk Art Center, this show features over 100 vendors in a variety of different styles, categories and mediums. I was happy to be a participant. Not surprisingly, my Christmas ornaments and Christmas tree toppers were my popular items. It is that time of year after all.

My own tree stands almost bare at this moment, except for the lights that were strung last night around the beautiful evergreen branches. Each year, I find my decorating style changes just a little. Much like a painter aspires to a more loose painting style, I aspire to decorate a little more loosely. “Does this beaded garland look haphazard?” This is the question I asked my husband last night. This was the question which garnered a blank look as a response. “I don’t want it to look too done”, I explained. I guess that really is a “first-world problem.” Today I will work on casually and haphazardly decorating the rest of my home for Christmas…doing it up right, then undoing it just a little.

I have some new items available and the theme, you’ll see, is Topping Your Tree. All of these dolls are built on paper-mache cones and would be beautiful perched atop your Christmas tree this season and for seasons to come. And, because I love items that serve a dual purpose, many of these dolls will look just as great used as free-standing dolls long after the holiday season has come and gone. (Click each photo below to be taken to the listing for that item.)

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Hope you enjoy looking at these little creations as much as I enjoyed making them. And, if you’re looking for something specific for your tree top, don’t hesitate to email me! It tickles me to no end that my creations get to become treasured parts of your holiday experience.

Dandy — a Glittery, Glitzy Fellow

The most special thing about winter, to me, is snow. I love how it makes me feel like a little kid again. How it stirs memories of sledding dangerously down steep hills, of sipping hot chocolate with lips still stinging from the cold, how it makes me think of playing outside with my brother, building snowmen and collecting enough clean snow for a new fresh batch of delicious snow cream.

There were many evenings that I just looked out the window, watching new flakes fall and loving how the snow glistened in the moonlight. That sparkle was magical. Still, my very favorite thing about winter is snow. And my very favorite thing about snow is how it sparkles when the light hits it just right.

My offering for this month’s PFATT Marketplace is a tribute to that lovely sparkle.

Dandy is a mixed media sculpture built onto a paper-mache cone. He can be a tree topper at Christmastime and then function as a free-standing doll the rest of the winter. He’s sure to keep you good company on cold winter days!

Dandy is around 12.25″ tall and will be available on Dec. 10th at 1 p.m. EST on my PFATT Marketplace page. (Or just click the image below!)

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Amelia Stamps’ Holiday Studio Sale

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Amelia Stamps just might be my favorite potter ever. Her work is intricate, detailed and feminine. The pieces she handcrafts appeal to me on so many levels; her refined, contemporary color palette and wonderful patterns just speak to the artist in me.

And so, I was completely honored when she asked me to be one of two guest artists at her annual Holiday Studio Sale at her home in Lexington, Ky. I will share a space with Melissa Oesch of Reimagined by Luna. Melissa creates lovely handmade journals and books out of recycled, remnant and handmade materials. Her work is truly outstanding.

Come by to visit each artist, nibble on some homemade goodies, do a little Christmas shopping or just treat yourself to something nice!

 

Amelia Stamps’ Holiday Studio Sale

Saturday, November 8th  10am – 5pm

117 Elam Park, Lexington, KY