Trying to finish

I thought I'd show you one of the pieces I am trying to finish up for the Winterfair show. His name Foster and he is a garbage pail goblin. He loves to scrounge through trash cans and dumpsters for interesting human cast offs. He thinks of them as treasures. I wouldn't argue with him. He is rather protective of them. I tried following one of these guys and they are elusive. The above is a front on shot. I still need to add his base and a few little bits. You know I just love polymer clay. I have tried paper clay which is fine. Also have tried Apoxie Sculpt which is fine as well. But, I finally figured out that I love polymer clay. I have been creating my own custom mixes to create the perfect texture and translucency. I am not sure why the translucency is so important since I paint most of the pieces I make. But, it is the texture and detail I get with polymer clay that I love. I can tool the surface easily that adds great texture to the skin. I just wish it were a little cheaper and easier to find larger quantities without special ordering it.

This is a side view of him. I had this little trash can for a good seven years. It was only a matter of time before I knew I could find a use for it. There is something about creating pieces with goblins or other creatures living in or hiding in little containers, cubby holes etc. I am always thinking of ways to make these. Always on the look out for unusual little boxes or what not for my guys to claim as their own. I am hoping to get at least two more pieces done before the show. We shall see how that goes. I have an idea for incredibly ugly yule elves. Their story at another time though. Until next time.

Now I can Show My Secrets

Well, I can finally show my art pieces I created for the "Secret Artworks" charity event for Artworks Cincinnati. They host this event each year to raise money for their summer art programs that give teens and artists jobs. Artists are asked to create a 5x7 work of art and only sign it on the back. Then they have this big party where the art is sold. They go for $75 each. This first piece is titled "Monster Holding Tube Sock".

This years event was successful at least it looked to me. There were hundreds of people and lots of the art were being sold. This one is called "Monster That Caught the Man In the Moon".

Finally we have the queen herself. "Queen of the Goblins", such a fun piece to make and unlike the other two had some mixed media going on in it. I would love to do some larger versions at some point. Well, another good year for Artworks.

I hope to post a new sculpt this weekend if I get him finished. I am trying to get at least two more done before Winterfair next weekend. Have a good one out there.

New Thing

I am sure you will be shocked to know, that I am venturing into some wearable art pieces. Actually you may not be all that shocked as I did make a few personal goblins last year. In addition to those a few wearable sea goblins too. The story of this fellow came about by an inspired moment at the annual show and sale my club puts on. I had seen this piece made by a friend based on a lion head pendant designed by Christi Friesen. Her work is so inspiring to me and she is a master at polymer clay manipulation. So, without any idea of how I would go about it, I made this wild thing inspired goblin head pendent complete with mane. He has white marble eyes that were hand painted by me. This is the first a prototype of sorts. I wanted to see how hard they are to make first off. Then to see if they would look nice and finished enough to sell. Obviously I need to figure out a string to hang it with. Maybe a layered cord/fiber sort of thing. Let me know what you think? Don't be shy.

This weekend, I will be able to post my three pieces created for Artworks Cincinnati Secret Art Works charity auction. I have done this event every year and have a great time. The auction and reveal party is tomorrow evening. So, hopefully I can get them up here on Saturday morning. Stay tuned.

Updated photos

Here are some better pictures of my newest tableau. It is called "Goblin Holiday". It was created for the fabric challenge that my doll club gave the members and were on display at our annual show and sale this past weekend. I unfortunately did not win this year. There were some fine examples of dolls that made better use of the fabric than I. But, my family certainly got lots of fun complements. I did better at the show though than I expected. So, that is a good thing. A big thanks to those that attended, showed and purchase all the fabulous Above is a shot of the entire piece.

This is a close up of mother and son. I am sorry I cute the little goblin boys feet off in the picture. I just love his expression.

This is dad sitting there just trying to enjoy the sun. I am not sure, but I think I may want to add a few bits to this piece still. I was trying to finish it enough in time to show. But, as I look at it, I think it needs more.

A big thanks to all you who are patient and keep track of my goings on. I am working on some new pieces some of which will be wearable. That is a new venture for me. But, I got the idea from a piece I saw someone wearing at the show. So, stay tuned I hope to post at least one by this weekend. Also I am planning to make my Christmas themed show piece for the Winterfair show this year. Until then have a good week.

New piece bad picture

I admit it, this is a crappy picture of my new piece. But, in my defense, I wanted to get it up before todays doll show. It is called "The Goblin Holiday" and features three goblins. They are spending Goblin days at the beach this year. The little guy isn't too keen on being with good ol' mom and dad. This was created for a fabric challenge contest for the show. Yes, there will be a prize. So, viewers will vote on their favorite piece. The idea was to take a piece of fabric that each club member received for Christmas last year from the club and use it to make an art piece or doll. I don't do fabric based dolls so I used the fabric a bit more creatively. The blanket the boy is on, the umbrella and dads towel hanging on the arm of the chair are all made from the fabric. I will try and get a better view and picture of it this weekend. This piece took me over 18 hours to complete. It was great fun. Have a great weekend you all.

And the winner is?

Thank you to all who entered my blog giveaway. It was great fun and I appreciate you all following what I am up to in the creative department. Without further ado, the winner is Christie Davidson as chosen by the random number generator.

Have a great week everyone.

River City Dollmakers Annual SHow

I wanted to let all my blogging friends, artists and doll people out there know about my local doll making guilds annual show. It is being held at The Newport on the Levee in Newport Kentucky on November 14th and 15th. The show runs 11 am - 5 pm on Saturday and 12-5 pm on Sunday. SO, if you live in the Northern Kentucky or Greater Cincinnati area please stop by and see me and a number of other fine doll makers. We will have some special challenge and viewers choice exhibits as well as a fun little make and take.

Today is the last day to get in on my giveaway. A big thank you to those of you who are following my artistic endeavors. Good luck to those of you participating. I can't wait to see who the winner will be. I plan on using the random number generator to determine the winner. I don't trust those pesky goblins to do it right. Have a great weekend everyone.