Harlem for the Holidays II

I am so blessed to be able to be part of another Harlem for the Holidays art show at Laura Gadson Gallery. Dec 12-13 2015 NYC. Shimoda a fabulous jewelry artist and Laura host this awesome artist show.  I am one of the artist selling my one of a kind dolls.

Anything is Everything

How you do anything is how you do everything. Really stuck a cord with me! Since last August of 2014 I have lost 25 lbs. It is a slow downward battle but I feel so much better than I did a year ago. Last winter I back tracked 10 lbs (no exercise and too much sugar). I lost that 10 lbs and another 5 lbs so far this month. I see the error of my habits. For the first time ever I am seeing that giving up sugary food is a must do or die type of situation. So hard to admit but hey it is the truth. anything is everything! Even in my dollmaking. I strive to do my best so why shouldn't I have the best "health" possible! When I feel better I think more clearly and my creative energy flow is improved. When I eat too much sugar all my time is consumed with eating not making art. There is a connection between how I treat my body and how I creat dolls.

This is one of my latest cloth dolls dressed in all vintage cottons.

Musical that touched my heart!

What a awesome musical experience from the visual arts. Singing, praise dancing and pianist. Proceeds from the musical were for funds to be used for scholarships so students can attend the Beverly Thomas Fine Arts Institute http://www.bthomasai.com/ held June 20th at Camp Baber in Cassopolis, MI 49031

Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Show and Convention

Well I had a table at my first professional doll show on Philadelphia, PA last weekend. I was not prepared for all the activities... Classes, lectures, gallery shows and  show & sale on the last day of events. I was overwhelmed with the talent of over 100 doll and teddy bear artists. It was just amazing to say the least! Hey I made a few sales which tickled me to death. Made a lot of new friends and brought back the sweetest blue fur Teddy Bear by artist Darlene Allen of Raspberry Bears.

                       Darlene Allen of Raspberry Bears with her wonderful bears & animals. 

        Selfie of  Me and my new bear Blueberry

My display table at show! I sold the little boy doll in the front. Forgot to take photo of buyer with doll! Dang! An Asian man who really loved the doll ....Darn oh well I am so glad he got a great home!

                  Alice Swann's wooden dolls

                             Ankie Daanen 

                          Diane Keeler

                    Mark A Dennis

                      Lillian Alberti

                         Gloria Davis

           Valarie Moyer purchased Gloria's doll

                  Adriana Esqueda

                       Wilma and her new acquired Teddy Bears

                   Wanda I meet her at the airport waiting for the Clarion Hotel Shuttle

        The Bear Lady with her travel bear they have been around the world so many places

        I can't remember! 

                        Gloria and Joyce having a great time at the show

                         Ladies from the Mount Vernon Doll Club in NYC

                                   Colleen with her Willie Nelson doll

                                              Dian with her artist bear

                                 Adriana with her table of wonderful dolls

My birthday dinner!

Walter took me to the Woodfire for a lovely meal! I got a big card and a dozen pink roses! You did great dear husband! 60 looks good on me ! Thank you God!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

I made 60!!!! 21 was a major goal but 60 was never on my radar! Oh well I am happy to be alive. God has blessed me with a wonderful creative life. Thank you God for loving me and for being there for me forever and ever. I got this 60 tiara from Phoebe...bless her heart she sent me such a sweet surprise gift for my birthday. 

Why does a selfie make one look like a dork?! But a good 60 yr old dork...LOL! 

My dollie looks good in the tiara! 

Annie goes to UK

My first international sale on Etsy! Anne one of my little 6 inch wooden dolls was purchased by a lady in the United Kingdom! Annie now lives in the UK and is now a English lass! Go on Annie! Here is Annie with some ofher new friends! I knew this little doll would be a world traveler. She was spunky from creation.

Black History Month Tribute to Dr Maya Angelo

I carved a Hitty size of based on a childhood photo of Dr. Maya Angelo. I made the doll a quilt reflecting on highlights of the life of Dr. Angelo. Using various Hitty prints and a quote from Maya: " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them "feel".  A lady who surmounted tremendous adversity to be a phenomenal woman indeed. Dr Maya Angelo was an author, poet, actress, artist and teacher who's personal journey still touchs our lives through the pages of her many books, I Know Why the Cages Bird Sings, Still I Rise, Phenomenal Women, Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now ......to name a few.  We can transform our suffering into strength, love and healing as women of all races & cultures. Obviously Maya is a Phenomenal Woman has survived tremendous odds to a inspire others and to tells story's about her life that gives hope and a smile in a world filled with adversity. 

Dollmaking is so deeply personal for me because when I was a child in the  60's the dolls I liked and wanted to own were not made in a ethnic version. I had to "settle" for a doll that didn't look like me or represent my beauty or heritage. Being left out is the driving force behind my learning to sculpt and carve doll faces. As an black dollmaker I wanted to be able to express a voice that for centuries had been silenced. I have learned so much being a minority. It made me stretch! To reach for higher highs and be the best I can be. Today I have doll that reflect "ME". True i had to make them but they are blessing other people lives as well. 

Doll for Immediate Adoption!

This doll was ordered by a customer for his daughter. When she was completed he decided he didnt want to pay for the doll. So that left her homeless...and she needs a loving home.

 Here is her story:

I am a Handmade cloth doll "inspired "by one of my favorite antique Dollmaker's Izannah Walker. I am not a reproduction...I have my own personality and style. My name is up to YOU to decide...it will be more personal that way! I am a big girl...30 inches tall. I was made for someone but at the last minute they said they couldn't take me. So I am now up for adoption...I need a home with someone who will love and appreciate me! 

I am a one of a kind handmade cloth doll. I have a certificate of authenticity, signed and dated by doll artist Alice Swann. All my clothes are removable and made from a variety of new and vintage clothing such as linens, cotton, ribbons & laces. I am made from cloth with a paperclay sculpted head. My body covering is a cotton print of tiny crosses with hearts. I am wearing a white floral linen dress along with a cotton pin tucked chemise trimmed with vintage lace. My bloomers are a floral cotton laura ashley print. I am wearing a necklace with a silver heart and the word "pray".  I am wearing a fabric flower in my hair along with knitted stocks and blue/white gingham shoes that tie with crinkled rayon ribbons. I carry my own extra pocket that is filled with "make your own bubble vials". My bonnet is special too ....it is vintage white cotton trimmed with a gingham ruffle. I am all dressed to go to a Valentine party or just sit and enjoy your sweet smile.

I am sitting here already to be shipped and enjoyed. Shipping is "FREE"!If you live in the USA. Otherwise it will cost you shipping to fly me across the world. I would make a wonderful gift for someone special to you.....including yourself!

Please be advised that I am best suitable for adults as a collectable. 

I am made in a smoke-free environment.
I am available for purchase here:

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