Loved Crafting As A Kid and My Crafting With Kids Pinterest Board

I absolutely love to craft and especially love creating free tutorials, e-patterns, free e-printables, free e-books and how-to's for my customers and blog readers and have created a lot of "freebies" over the years.  To say the variety of crafts I like to try is an eclectic mix would be an understatement.  I don't think I've even found a craft I haven't liked.

All of my "freebies" are available on the "My Free E-Patterns, E-Printables, E-Tutorials, and E-Books" page of my Linda's Blog and on my "My Free E-Patterns, E-Printables, E-Tutorials, and E-Books" Pinterest board.

My love of crafts developed as a young child.  You see, my family is a family of crafters and have been for many generations. From my great aunt, grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren we're sewing enthusiasts, painters, woodworkers, knitters, crafters, designers, etc. and we all learned as small children from each other. 

And, as a crafter, there is nothing more enjoyable than teaching a young child how to make something and watching the sheer delight on their face as they learn how to make something and how proud they are when their creation is complete.  The sense of accomplishment is immeasurable.

So, of course, I had to set-up a "Crafting With Kids" Pinterest Board with some of the amazing tutorials, e-patterns, video's and how-to's I've found out there. 

Crafting With Kids Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, and How-To's 

If you love to craft with your kids I hope you find these tutorials, patterns, video's, and how-to's helpful.

If you love my Crafting With Kids Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, and How-To's board please follow my board by clicking on the link above.

Have fun with the kids.

“Bernice Me, Bunny” Victorian Bunny Art Doll Products

"Bernice Me, Bunny" is pure sunshine. She just loves life, loves everyone, and especially loves the Spring season. It's when she feels the closest to nature and when she gets to wear her most beautiful Victorian dresses. You see, "Bernice Me, Bunny" loves everything and anything Victorian. Especially the bright and sunny Victorian dresses with lots of foo-foo and lace. The brighter the dress and the larger the lace trim - the better. At least according to Bernice.

"Bernice Me, Bunny" is a 21" Victorian square bottomed warm and natural bodied bunny doll with an embroidered bunny face with black bead eyes and animal nose. Her mouth outline and eyebrows are straight stitched and her cheeks are blushed. Her warm and natural ears are wired with fabric inner ears which are also blushed. Bernice has a layer of wide lace trim along the bottom of her body. Her favorite Spring Victorian dress is gathered at the bodice and neck edge and the sleeves are gathered at the shoulders and wrists. It has two layers of gathered lace trim above the bottom hem edge, along the sleeve hem edges, and along the waistline. Her vest is lined and folded then top stitched along the front edge. Her frilly, gathered bonnet is lined and lace trimmed along the edges. It is tied in a bow under her chin. Slits in her gathered bonnet accommodate her wired large ears.

"Bernice Me, Bunny" is just the happiest bunny around and hopes that she can convince you that life is wonderful and Spring is the best time of the year.

Bernice Me Bunny Handmade Victorian Lady Bunny Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Moose Me A Dance! and Moose Me Victorian!”

If you love making our "Victorian Animals Society" cloth dolls then you're going to love our “Moose Me A Dance! and Moose Me Victorian!” Victorian moose dolls product lines.

"Moose Me A Dance!" knows that her brother, "Moose Me Victorian!" really didn't want to have anything to do with joining the "Victoriana High Society Tea Club." But, she knew that he would do it for her. He knew how much she just loves to dance and would never turn down an opportunity for her to do so.

So, when his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" invited him - well, how could he say no.

"Moose Me Victorian!" was a Victorian moose but he considered himself every bit the man's man. Hunting was in his blood and had been for generations. In fact, he excelled at marksmanship and had won the county title several years in a row. But, his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" had asked him and he was as loyal as they come and blood brothers with Ryan. So, how could he say no. He couldn't.

Plus, he knew it would hurt his sister so he had no choice. It was the right thing to do for his friend and for his sister. So, when "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" asked his friend "Moose Me Victorian!" to join he said "YES!" Not an enthusiastic "yes", but yes.

"Moose Me A Dance!" knows that her brother did this for her . She also knows that he can walk and talk Victorian with the best of the Victorian gentleman and while he much prefers the company of his hunting buddies he's a right fine dancer. He can waltz and twirl with the best of them.

"Moose Me Victorian" knew that his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" would be thrilled with the invitation. Why, she'd be ecstatic and be daydreaming of all the high society balls she would be attending. Not to mention all the wonderful ball gowns she'd have to buy. Oh, yes! "Moose Me A Dance!" would be beside herself with anticipation. "Moose Me Victorian!" wishes his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" was as good at her marksmanship as she was on the dance floor. She could twirl and twirl and twirl and never loose her footing. She was graceful and every bit as elegant as she needed to be. He on the other hand...let's just say he's a better hunter.

"Moose Me A Dance!" is a self standing doll with a square bottom and brushed felt body. She has black bead eyes and a black satin stitched nose. Her mouth is embroidered with DMC embroidery floss and her ears and cheeks are blushed. Her huge antlers sit daintily upon her head. That is, as dainty as antlers can be! Her cap is lined and lace trimmed and matches her dress. A silk floral adorns the front of her cap while a ribbon bow adorns the back. "Moose Me A Dance!" has a layer of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a lace trimmed and gathered lace trimmed slip. Her beautiful coordinating ensemble is the latest in Victorian fashion. Her dress came straight from Paris from the finest of designers. Nothing shabby for "Moose Me Victorian! She is wearing a dress trimmed with 2 layers of gathered lace and one layer of straight lace along the bottom hem. One layer of gathered lace trim and one layer of straight lace trim adorn her sleeves which are gathered at the wrist. Her dress is gathered at the neck which is adorned with 4 layers of gathered lace trim and adorned with a ribbon bow in the front. "Moose Me A Dance!" is also wearing a lined velvet vest that is lace trimmed along the front, back, and bottom edges and is tied with a ribbon and buttons. Her outfit is finished with a print embroidered handkerchief for a shawl.

"Moose Me Victorian!" really didn't want to have anything to do with the "Victoriana High Society Tea Club" but when his friend "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" invited him - well, how could he say no. "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" asked his friend "Moose Me Victorian!" to join. He also invited "Moose Me Victorian's" sister, "Moose Me A dance!" to join as well. His wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" had asked him to so he did. "Moose Me Victorian" knew that his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" would be thrilled with the invitation. Why, she'd be ecstatic and be daydreaming of all the high society balls she would be attending. Not to mention all the wonderful ball gowns she'd have to buy. Oh, yes! "Moose Me A Dance!" would be beside herself with anticipation. "Moose Me Victorian!" wishes his sister, "Moose Me A Dance!" were as good at her marksmanship as she was on the dance floor. She could twirl and twirl and twirl and never loose her footing. She was graceful and every bit as elegant as she needed to be.

"Moose Me Victorian!" knows fully well that he can walk and talk Victorian with the best of the Victorian gentleman. However, he much prefers the company of his hunting buddies and while he may be dancing on the dance floor his mind will be elsewhere.

"Moose Me Victorian!" is a self standing moose doll with a square bottom and brushed felt body. He has black bead eyes and a black satin stitched nose. His mouth is embroidered with DMC embroidery floss and his ears and cheeks are blushed. His huge antlers sit regally upon his head and discourage any kind of confrontation. His gray lined hat also sits regally upon his head and matches his suit and vest perfectly. He is wearing a flannel shirt which is gathered at the neck. He is also wearing a gray wool vest that matches his gray wool jacket and which is lined with the same fabric as his gray wool jacket. His vest is top stitched and fastened in front with a button. His lace trimmed ascot also matches the lining of his gray wool vest and gray wool jacket. He is wearing a lined gray wool jacket with a lined collar and lapels. His jacket is top stitched and fastens with a large gray button in the front.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle! and Come Here, William Augustus!”

If you love making our "Victorian Animals Society" cloth dolls then you're going to love our “I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle! and Come Here, William Augustus!” Victorian cat dolls.

"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" could hardly wait to tell her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" that they had gotten the much anticipated email from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!"

"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" was anxiously awaiting her membership email. She had no doubt that she and her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were, cats, after all and highly prized for their poise, elegance, tenacity, and grace.

In fact, "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" had won the grace competition every year since she was 7 years old. She could jump with such refined elegance that it simply took your breath away. So easy. So smooth. So light as air.

And, her husband "Come Here, William Augustus!" was as refined and dignified a gentleman cat as there ever was one. He moved with the sleekness of a fine tuned leopard. He could be right behind you and you wouldn't even notice it. And, his manners. Well, they didn't get any more dignified than William Augustus.

"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" is always up on the latest fashion from the catwalks in Paris. In fact, she used to be one of the models. That is, until her parents told her that it was time for her to take her place within society. So, she gave up the glamorous life of a cat model and came home much to the chagrin of her cat model friends.

Sleek, graceful, beautiful, and refined. What a package all rolled into one. "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" is the epitome of grace and elegance.

"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" is a 12" self-standing Victorian cat with a square bottom, brushed suede body and embroidered face. She has black bead eyes, a felt animal nose, and blushed cheeks. The outline of her mouth is embroidered as are her eyebrows and eyelashes. Her ears are slightly blushed and she has black DMC Embroidery floss whiskers. A lovely tuft of red mohair doll hair sits atop her head and sitting atop that is a silk floral. Michelle has 2 layers of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a lace trimmed and gathered slip. Her elegant tail sticks out from behind her slip. Her beautiful dress has multiple layers of gathered lace trim along the bottom hem as well as along the sleeve hems and both are complimented by a layer of straight white lace. Her lace trimmed lined overskirt with waistband overlaps in the front.

Her lined and lace trimmed shawl sits beautifully upon her shoulders and is tacked int he front with a DMC bow. A silk floral adorns the overlap of the shawl. Her lace gloves lend elegance to her Victorian outfit.

I Love Mrs Buzz Michelle Handmade Victorian Animal Cat Art Doll

Since "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" is always up on the latest fashion from the catwalks in Paris she makes sure that her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" is too. Since she used to be one of the sleekest cat models in Paris she knows who to go to for the latest in fashionable gentleman's attire. And, every time she comes home with yet another fashionable gentleman's suit for her husband she has to rib him about the fact that she gave up the glamorous life of a cat model and came home much to the chagrin of her cat model friends to marry him.

William knew that when his wife came home with his latest, but fashionable, outfit that he would, once again, be the most refined cat among his friends. And, secretly he was so proud that his wife decided to give up her cat modeling career to marry him and join him among the elite of society. They don't get much better than his wife and he knows that. Just don't tell Michelle he said that.

"Come Here, William Augustus!" is a 12" self-standing Victorian cat with a square bottom, brushed suede upper body, coordinated plaid lower body, and embroidered face. He has black bead eyes, a black satin stitched nose, and blushed cheeks. The outline of his mouth is embroidered as are his eyebrows. His ears are slightly blushed and he has black DMC Embroidery floss whiskers. His tail sticks out from the back of his trousers and a rugged but manly yellow lined hat sits atop his refined gentleman's head.  Williams plaid suit is fashionably coordinated. His white shirt is gathered at the sleeves and neck and matches his lace trimmed ascot perfectly. His plaid lined jacket has color coordinated front bands with a lined collar, lapels and cuffs. It is top stitched all along the edges and tied with a color coordinated and top stitched belt which overlaps in front and is sewn together with two buttons.

Come Here William Augustus Handmade Victorian Cat Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Bearly Victorian, Deb! and Bearly Victorian, Ryan!”

If you love making our "Victorian Animals Society" cloth dolls then you're going to love our “Bearly Victorian, Deb! and Bearly Victorian, Ryan! Victorian lady and gentleman bear doll.

I don't think I've ever met anyone who hasn't loved making animals.  Whether their sewn,  knit, crocheted, sculpted, paper crafted, woodcrafted or painted - everyone loves them.  So, of course, given I love everything and anything Victorian I had to make some Victorian animals of my own.

However, my Victorian animals decided all on their own to form their own "Victorian Animal Society" for themselves and all their animal friends.  Here's why:

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" have decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends.

After getting rejected for the umpteenth time from the latest Victorian tea society that he had applied to "Barely Victorian, Ryan!" decided that he and his wife should start their own club.

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older than some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

Only one way around - start your own club! So, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" and "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" did.

 

Don't let their "Bearly Victorian, Deb and Bearly Victorian, Ryan's names fool you. Ryan and Deb are anything but "barely Victorian!" Both Ryan and Deb are Victorian blue bloods. In fact, Ryan's lineage dates back "before the dawn of man!" Ryan considers himself to be the epitome of the classy Victorian gentleman. He has the right attitude, the right demeanor, the right clothes, the right walk, the right taste in wine. Why, he can talk the talk and walk the walk with the best of the Victorian gentleman. Deb considers herself to be at the top of her class. She is refined, elegant, stylish, well mannered, well educated, and proper at all times. She is a "true lady" in all sense of the word.

"Bearly Victorian, Deb!" is quite the fashionable lady. She knows it. Why don't they?

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" is quite the debonair. He knows it. Why don't they?

"Bearly Victorian, Deb!" is a 13" Victorian bear. She is a self standing doll with a square bottom and plush felt body. Her face is embroidered and she has black bead eyes and an animal nose. Deb has 3 layers of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a lace trimmed and gathered slip. Her beautiful coordinating ensemble is the latest in Victorian fashion. Her dress has multiple layers of lace trim along the sleeve hem and bottom hem and is gathered at the neck edge. Her matching wrap is lined and lace trimmed and overlaps wonderfully in the front and decorated with a bow. She has a lined and coordinating lace trimmed cape fastened around her neck and shoulders. Deb's beautifully matching lined and lace trimmed flannel bonnet adorns her head and is tied in a bow around her neck. A lace bow decorates the front of her bonnet.

Bearly Victorian Deb Handmade Victorian Lady Bear Art Doll

Don't let their "Bearly Victorian, Deb and Bearly Victorian, Ryan's names fool you. Ryan and Deb are anything but "barely Victorian!" Both Ryan and Deb are Victorian blue bloods. In fact, Ryan's lineage dates back "before the dawn of man!" Ryan considers himself to be the epitome of the classy Victorian gentleman. He has the right attitude, the right demeanor, the right clothes, the right walk, the right taste in wine. Why, he can talk the talk and walk the walk with the best of the Victorian gentleman. Deb considers herself to be at the top of her class. She is refined, elegant, stylish, well mannered, well educated, and proper at all times. She is a "true lady" in all sense of the word.

"Bearly Victorian, Deb!" is quite the fashionable lady. She knows it. Why don't they?

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" is quite the debonair. He knows it. Why don't they?

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" is a 15" Victorian bear. He is a self standing doll with a square bottom and plush felt body. His face is embroidered and he has black bead eyes and an animal nose. Ryan is wearing his favorite blue shirt with stand-up collar and buttons. One of his favorite ties is wrapped around his neck. His blue check tweed jacket with a collar and lapels is lined and top stitched. Two wonderful blue buttons are used to fasten his jacket shut. Ryan's lined top hat sits beautifully atop his head and matches his lined jacket.

Bearly Victorian Ryan Handmade Victorian Gentleman Bear Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Best Dog In Class Granny Esther and I'm The Best Papa Pepper

"Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" takes life one day at a time and wasn't too concerned about getting an invitation to the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" She knew that eventually it would come, so why get yourself all in a tither until it does?

When she was younger she may have worried about such things, but aging has mellowed Granny Esther. She much prefers spending her time reading, watching her Grandchildren, sewing, and just plain enjoying life than worrying about memberships to tea societies. She can understand why "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" set-up their own tea society. 

She was young once and would of done the same thing. Now, memberships just weren't that important to her. Good health, love of family, love of life. Now those are important issues.

Granny Esther had no doubt that she and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were show dogs after all and had well established pedigree lines. The finest of the fine. In fact, Granny Esther had won "Best Dog In Class!" for so long that she had lost count. And, her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" had been Father of the Year for so long he had lost count. However, both had aged ever so gracefully and time had been kind to them. For that they were grateful. They were both proud of who they were, proud of their families, proud of their friends. But, they also knew that each and every moment they had together was precious and that there wasn't anything better than a quiet romp in the woods holding each others hand or sitting on the porch enjoying a glass of lemonade. Yes, time had mellowed both "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!"

"Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" is a 14" self-standing Victorian dog with a square bottom, brushed felt body and embroidered face. She has black bead eyes, an animal nose, and blushed cheeks. The outline of her mouth is embroidered as are her eyebrows and her granny glasses sit lovingly upon her nose. Her big floppy ears are barely controlled under her lined and matching lace trimmed cap that is adorned with a bow in the front. Granny Esther has 2 layers of wonderful lace trim along the bottom of her square body and is wearing a multiple layered and lace trimmed and gathered slip. Granny Esther just loves her stylish lace trimmed dress with the dog print. It is gathered at the sleeves with gathered lace trim and straight lace trim layers along the bottom hem. The sleeves are also gathered lace trimmed and straight lace trimmed along the sleeve edges and gathered at the wrist. The neck line of the dress is gathered and adorned with two layers of lace trim and a ribbon bow. Her velvet vest is lined, has a fold down collar, is adorned with square buttons and tied with ribbon trim. A wonderful crocheted shawl is wrapped around her shoulders and adorned with a silk floral that Granny Esther just loves.

"I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" also takes life one day at a time and wasn't too concerned either about getting an invitation to the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" Just like his wife, "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" he knew that eventually it would come, so why get yourself all in a tither until it does? When he was younger he may have worried about such things, but aging has mellowed him, too. He much prefers a walk in the park, a good crossword puzzle, a warm touch from Granny Esther than worrying about memberships to tea societies. The important things in life are good health, love of family, love of life.

"I'm A The Best Papa, Pepper!" is a 14" self-standing Victorian dog with a square bottom, brushed felt body and embroidered face. He has black bead eyes, an animal nose, and blushed cheeks. The outline of his mouth is embroidered as are his eyebrows. His two-toned face just adds to his overall good looks. His big floppy ears are barely controlled under his lined and coordinated hat. "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" certainly has mellowed with age, but when he's out in public he does still like to look his best. So, he's wearing one of his most complimentary and coordinated suits. His green print shirt is gathered at the neck and his felt vest with lapels overlaps in front and is adorned with a button. He is wearing a lace trimmed ascot that matches the lining of his coat. His coat is lined and is top stitched along the front band with brown DMC embroidery floss. The front band is held back with two large buttons and his sleeves are cuffed.

Yes, all in all "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" is well dressed.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

My Tassels & Tiaras: A Winged Wonders Doll Projects Artful Gathering Class - Butterfly Dolls

As you all know I love taking online arts & crafts classes. I literally could spend 24/7 just doing that.

I have been taking online classes at Artful Gathering since 2012 and have loved every one of the eleven classes I've taken.  Each year the selection gets better and better making it almost impossible to decide which class to take. So far I've taken crazy quilting, mixed media art dolls, needle felting, cloth art dolls and paper-clay art doll making classes.

I have to admit I'm a little partial to any classes being offered for doll making and have taken several of those.  Four have them have been taught by Hally Levesque who is an exceptional art doll artist and instructor who has a passion for historic, primitive, and mixed media art dolls.

Hally's classes are always filled with historical tidbits, multiple projects, and very detailed instructions on the making of each of the class projects.

The class I took in Session One this year was the 11th class I've taken at Artful Gathering and, once again, it didn't disappoint.  It was another of Hally's art doll classes and was for making 3 different kinds of 1900 - 1920 art deco or art nouveau tassel half art dolls.

Hally's classes are always filled with historical tidbits and this class was dedicated to some of the more famous women of the 1900's like Mata Hari, Lillian, Gish and Theda Vamp.

Like all the other classes I've taken my projects don't always end up looking like the finished class projects.  This class was no exception.

No matter how hard I try my dolls always seem to have a tiny Victorian slant to them. Even if they are supposed to be vamps.  What can I say - I love everything Victorian.  In this instance I gave them a Victorian type hairstyle versus and vamp hair style.

Since the class was about creating butterfly type art dolls I decided to look at real pictures of butterflies.  I saw so many beautiful pictures of butterflies with beautiful colors I couldn't decide which color I liked best so I decided to make 5 dolls instead of 3.  I know, I can never do anything in moderation.

I saw a beautiful picture of a multicolored blue dragonfly that I liked, a black and orange monarch butterfly, a blue and yellow tiger swallow butterfly, and a blue morpho teal butterfly.  One of the projects was for creating a Luna moth and I loved the lime green colors of the doll so I decided to make her as well.

I'm not just partial to everything Victorian, but when I paint I always end up sponge painting parts of it.  So, this time was no exception.  Their wings, bodices, and gloves were all sponge painted.  Here's my results:

My multi blue colored dragonfly.

My blue and yellow tiger swallow butterfly.

My black and orange monarch butterfly.

My blue morpho butterfly.

My luna moth.

Each of the dolls has a little bit of sentimentality attached to it with regards to their hair, clothes and accessories.  All have my mother's pierced earrings and most have a necklace or two of hers.

Many, many years ago my sister-in-law asked me if I could use some old lace and ric rac trims she had that she was going to throw away.  I, of course, hate to throw away sewing and craft supplies that could be useful so I said I'd take them figuring she had just a handful.  Well, a handful turned into a ton of trims which I put into two large containers which I had saved over the years.  I could never bring myself to throw them away. You never know when you're going to use something and the tassels would put many of them to use - which I did.

Each of the dolls hair is also from some of the beautiful hand dyed alpaca roving my sister gave me. She and my brother-in-law are alpaca farmers and the owners of Rock Garden Alpacas.  She sells her alpaca fiber products at her Rock Garden Alpacas Etsy store.  

The multi blue colored dragon fly is my mothers favorite royal blue color and has her gold and blue dangle pierced earrings.  Her beautiful blue and black hair is a some of my sister's hand dyed alpaca roving that I combined and twisted for a curly Victorian effect and her breastplate buttons are from an old business suit of mine.  Most of the tassel trims were from the ton of various blue colored ric rac and lace trims my sister-in-law gave me as well as other royal blue mixed media trim pieces and ribbons I had in my stash.

My sister had given me a picture of a monarch butterfly she had taken years ago. I liked the orange and black colors so I decided to make one of those.  Her black drop dangle pierced earrings came from my mother.  Her beautiful orange and black hair is a some of my sister's hand dyed alpaca roving that I combined and twisted for a curly Victorian effect and her breastplate buttons are from another old business suit of mine.   Some of the tassel trims were from the ton of ric rac and lace trims my sister-in-law gave me as well as other mixed media trim pieces I had in my stash.

The blue and yellow tiger swallow butterfly above also has my mother's gold dangle pierced earrings and one of her gold and pearl drop necklaces.  Her beautiful blue and yellow hair is a some of my sister's hand dyed alpaca roving that I combined and twisted for a curly Victorian effect.  Some of the blue and yellow tassel trims were from the ton of ric rac and lace trims my sister-in-law gave me as well as other mixed media trim pieces I had in my stash.

The blue morpho butterfly above also has my mother's pearl drop dangle pierced earrings and one of her white bead necklaces that I took apart. Her beautiful teal and blue/green hair is a some of my sister's hand dyed alpaca roving that I twisted for a curly Victorian effect.  Most of the teal and white tassel trims were from the ton of ric rac and lace trims my sister-in-law gave me as well as other teal and white mixed media trim pieces  and ribbons I had in my stash.

My mother had a white and teal drop costume jewelry necklace that I loved and wanted to use for this project and thought it would be a good addition to my luna moth. The luna moth above also has my mother's silver dangle pierced earrings.  Her beautiful lime green hair is a some of my sister's hand dyed alpaca roving that I twisted for a curly Victorian effect. Most of the tassel trims were from the ton of ric rac and lace trims my sister-in-law gave me as well as other lime green mixed media trim pieces I had in my stash.

I had a lot fun making these dolls.  It took me a long time to gather all the supplies and accessories I would need for them and also took a long time to put all the extra supplies away.  If you're a crafter you know what I mean by this.  I had craft containers organized by type of supply all over my living room and the extra supplies I didn't use had to, of course, be returned to their container.  So, as you can imagine, it took awhile.

Despite the fact that my hand still shakes when I try to paint the faces I was pleased, overall, with the way my dolls came out.

Once again, Hally's class was exceptional. She's an amazing doll artist and provides all the detailed instructions in her videos that you need to make one of her dolls.  Her video's are well thought out, easy to follow, and entertaining.   If you love dolls and get a chance to take one of her classes you won't be disappointed. I certainly haven't been.

If you'd like to learn more about Hally and her beautiful art dolls please visit her Creative  Doll Works website.

Animal Art Doll Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, and How-To's Pinterest Board

Several years ago I decided to design some animal art dolls of my own and designed my Victorian Animals Society which included bears, dogs, cats, mice and even Victorian moose dolls.

Unlike my Victorian animal art dolls which were made of felt animal art dolls can be made in so many different mediums.  Styles can  range from simple styles to very complicated art doll designs.

Animal art dolls are a favorite amongst artists and crafters alike with the bear art dolls being the dominate style.  I've seen some absolutely beautiful bears but have also seen some amazing rabbits, dogs, and other crazy creatures.  If you'd like to see some amazing and beautiful creations from some animal artists please visit my Animal Art Dolls & Teddy Bear Artists Pinterest board HERE.

Like everything else I do I love collecting all sorts of free tutorials, patterns, and how-to's for helping me learn how to make beautiful animal art dolls.  So, of course, I set up a Pinterest board for all those I've found.

Animal Art Doll Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, and How-To's 

I just love animal art dolls and teddy bear art dolls. If you do, too and would love to learn how to make them perhaps these tutorials, video's, patterns, and how-to's will be helpful.

If you love my Animal Art Doll Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, and How-To's board please follow my board by clicking on the link above.

Have fun making your animal art doll.

The Victorian Animals Society and My Animal Crafts Tutorials Pinterest Board

I don't think I've ever met anyone who hasn't loved making animals.  Whether their sewn,  knit, crocheted, sculpted, paper crafted, woodcrafted or painted - everyone loves them.  So, of course, given I love everything and anything Victorian I had to make some Victorian animals of my own.

However, my Victorian animals decided all on their own to form their own "Victorian Animal Society" for themselves and all their animal friends.  Here's why:

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" have decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends.

After getting rejected for the umpteenth time from the latest Victorian tea society that he had applied to "Barely Victorian, Ryan!" decided that he and his wife should start their own club.

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older than some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

Only one way around - start your own club! So, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" and "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" did.

While I absolutely love my Victorian animals I also love all types of animals of various syles and have made several primitive type animals of my own designs.

While I absolutely love my own animal designs I also love all types of animals, insects, birds and reptiles and love finding all sorts of "freebies" for making them.

Animal Crafts Tutorials, Insect, Bird and Reptile Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, & How-To's

If you do, too, I hope these tutorials, video's, patterns, and how-to's are helpful.

If you love my Animal Crafts Tutorials, Insect, Bird & Reptile Tutorials, Video's, Patterns, & How-To's board please follow my board by clicking on the link above.

My Dolls

As a reader of my Linda's Blog and The Dollie Storage Room Blog you are probably well aware that my dollies have always had minds of their own. That might even be an understatement. They have strong wills and strong points of view. When they want something they WANT it.

Now you might say, "So what! They're just dolls!" While that is true they do have a distinct advantage over me in sheer numbers. There are literally thousands of them in the "Dollie Storage Room."

It's my own fault.  I, simply, have made way too many dolls over the years. That's neither here nor there now. The fact is there are a lot of them. And, when they want something - well, THEY WANT IT! They're just so demanding.

Years ago when they demanded that they be allowed to have a 'Dollie Fashion Show Series" which I had to give in to. They loved their fashion shows and this has kept them quiet for quite some time.

While it's been quiet I knew it would just be a matter of time before they told me - or demanded something else.

Well, it seems the "dollies" had gotten together recently and decided they wanted a "The Dolls Product Lines Series."  Over the years many of the dolls have not only had e-patterns and handmade dolls made, but have graphics that have been used to create custom fabric lines, handmade goods lines, and products on demand lines.

In thinking about this new demand I had to agree with them.  That would be a good idea.

I know, I know... shock of shocks.  I agree with the dollies.  Just don't tell them....

The "Birdies" and "Dollies" Had Their Way

I should have known better than to ever let the "dollies" mingle with the trio of "birdies" I was making for my Artful Gathering "Briley The Birdie" class with Colleen Moody. The "dollies" convinced the "birdies" they should be different than "Briley."

So, despite my best efforts to get them to conform my trio of "birdies" decided to be rebellious and be the class radicals. They decided they didn't want to be cream colored. They  wanted to be sponge painted. They insisted on it and then they had all the "dollies" urge me to sponge paint them.

There were just too many "dollies" clamoring for this that I had to acquiesce. Now I know you all know I hate to give in to the "dollies" demands but with the trio of "birdies" and all the "dollies" clamoring I was sorely outnumbered.

I thought if I gave in to the trio of "birdies" on this they'd calm down and let me create them the way I wanted to. Au contraire!  Each one had already developed a personality of their own and therefore a style they thought was best for them. Who was I to argue? I was just their creator. So, once again, I acquiesced.

One thought she was a Queen and wanted to be treated like one. I named her Queen Annabell but I refused to bow and curtsy to her.

Another decided she wanted to be Bohemian. I named her Natasha.

And, the third decided she wanted to be Funky. I named her Phebe.

Right now when I look at them all together they look like little "biddies" conspiring to me.  Of course, I see bogey men everyone when it comes to my "dollies" and their demands.  And, since the "birdies" have developed such a close relationship with the rest of the "dollies" who knows what they'll be demanding next.

I'll just have to wait and see.  For sure, I'm not going to wait on them.  I might serve them afternoon tea, but that's it.

Perhaps I'll be surprised and they'll be delightful.  Perhaps they'll be nice, well-mannered, and a delight to be around.  Perhaps their charm will rub off on the rest of the "dollies."  Perhaps.......

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