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.

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

Pumpkins, Witches, Butterflies, Pugs and Mushrooms…New Work on Etsy

I just listed a few of my brand spanking new pieces in my Etsy shop. These guys are fresh off the work table and would be so happy with a new home for fall.

Here they are: (Click the first photo below to be taken to the corresponding listing in my Etsy shop. And if you don’t shop on Etsy and don’t wish to open an account, but would like one of these dolls, just contact me. )

“Gia” # 220

Gia -- a Monarch

“Poppy” #221

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“Gretchen”

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“Winifred”

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“Haley”HaleyDown

“Becca”

This little lady’s name might seem a little familiar. When I began sculpting her, I had a very different vision in mind. As I kept sculpting, I could “see” a very different doll taking shape. I decided to follow that path and file the other idea away for another sculpting session. The more I sculpted this doll, making decisions about clothing and her hat, I realized that, in a way, I was sculpting a self portrait–the person I would be if I were a woodland fairy. Not that she looks like me…but she feels like me.

And so, I named this doll “Becca”.

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To read more about any of these dolls, click the first photo to go to my Etsy shop! Happy looking!

AFB Woodland Art Fair in Lexington, Ky.

It’s almost time & I can tell you I’m excited and nervous and a whole bunch of emotions all jumbled up into one. This weekend is the AFB Woodland Art Fair in Lexington, Ky. And I’ll be there for the first time ever. I’m so excited to bring my dolls to the Lexington area and show these little girls off.

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Since coming home from Berea, I immediately began working a new batch of sweetness. So…even if you saw my dolls at the Berea Craft Festival, you can expect to see two new whole cloth dolls, which are numbered and named, five new sculpted vignettes, a whole slew of new Little Critters, new ornaments and a batch of new brooches! I’m putting the finishing details on my new works and will be getting them prepped for their travel to Lexington this weekend.

From what I’ve seen online, this show looks fantastic. I can’t wait to get there and hope I have a little time to walk around, take pics and take in all the artwork.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, come on out and visit us!

You can find out more information at the AFB Woodland Art Fair website.

A list of artists who will be participating (and a preview of their artwork) can be found here.

And if you want to know where I’ll be, here is a map of the Woodland Art Fair layout. I’m booth 219 and will be located behind the bandstand. Look for me on the top left corner of the map! Hope to see you there.