The Polka Dot Pixie: January 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A new weekly feature

I am getting my act together here by trying to organize my blog in such a way that will require that I post more often. At least on a twice a week basis. In support of that effort, I am planning on devoting Tuesdays to a feature like post.. Terrific Video Tutorial Tuesday.

A new technology investment of mine has prompted me to be on the prowl for the best craft video tutorials, and I am happy to say that the WWW has a-plenty! For this inaugural Video Tutorial Tuesday, I present to you the lovely (fellow Arizonan) Crafty Chica. In this video, she shows you how to make the coolest Valentine Light Box you have ever seen. Check it out! (click here if you cannot see the video below)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Folk Art Storybook dolls of the month

I was delighted to come across this wonderful vintage book in the second hand bookshop:

Written by the late great dollmaker Edith Flack Ackley (see more about this wonderful dollmaker here), I found the book to be a throughly enjoyable read, and although written in 1941, full of ideas and advice that a perfectly applicable today.

Of course, a brick and mortar doll shop of my own wouldn't be practical for me, but the book inspired me to dedicate the next 12 months of my PFATT listings to the idea of reinterpreting my favorite storybook characters with cloth and clay. For my first month's storybook offering, and in anticipation of Valentine's day, I present to you... The Queen of Hearts.

This sweetie sold on the day she was released (PFATT listings update at midnight on the 10th of every month). But I have some ideas for next month that have my heart pounding....

here's a hint:

I came across this book in an antique store and immediately recognized it as one that I had owned as a kid. I was always fascinated with the three d like quality of the illustrations. I can't wait to make my own version of Lil' Red for next month's PFATT.

And finally, once again I must apologize for such long absences in posting and commenting on your blogs. I started the new job a few weeks ago and I am still struggling with adjusting to the increased hours and new schedule. I have also made the resolution to, like Oprah, put my health back on my schedule, and have started jogging again regularly for the 1st time since this past summer. I am following the Couch Potato to 5K model and hope to be in mini marathon shape by the big 36th birthday in April. Who is with me?! :-D

Thanks for hanging in here with me :-) ((((hugs)))))

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Some of my favorite projects from 2008

Hi everyone! Some of my favorite blogs are starting out the new year with reflective posts. I thought I'd jump on that wagon by posting pics of my favorite polka dot pixie guys that I created in 2008!

A Happy 2008 Blue Bird!