Monday, May 13, 2013
Facebook Take Over
I seem to post everything to Facebook these days instead of on my blog. If you'd like to stay up to date with the goings on here in my studio, please head over there. You can find the links in my sidebar. :)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
More Changes
Hi everyone! I know it's been forever since I've been here. I keep trying to be better at this. Maybe I'll get there one day.
I have an excuse this time though. I've been incredibly busy.
I have decided to focus my energy on Ceramics. I may still make the occasional doll or miniature but for the most part I want to stick with ceramics. It was my first love and now that I finally have all of the equipment (minus a wheel) to create ceramics again, I'm going for it!
This change meant a change in my studio as well. My studio was crammed full of all things doll, miniature and ceramics. You fellow doll makers can attest that the list of doll making supplies is a long one. I was trying to cram everything into my little studio and into my life. It was just too much and I was finding that I was completely uninspired to work on ANYTHING because of it. Something had to give.
So, I re-did my studio and everything that wasn't ceramics or jewelry related got the axe. Don't freak out, I didn't get rid of anything, I just boxed it up and put it in the garage so I would have it when I got an urge to crank out a doll or miniature. Once I got all of the non-ceramics related stuff out of here, I rearranged everything and created stations for different things. I cannot tell you how great it feels to walk in here, ready to create and to know EXACTLY where everything I need is. Amazing. I have also made sure to keep it neat and tidy. Every night, before I knock off for the day, I go around to all of the stations and make sure everything is put away and cleaned up. It feels so good to have all of this open, uncluttered space. My muse is dancing on the ceiling in here.
Would you like a tour? Come along and I'll show you...
I have an excuse this time though. I've been incredibly busy.
I have decided to focus my energy on Ceramics. I may still make the occasional doll or miniature but for the most part I want to stick with ceramics. It was my first love and now that I finally have all of the equipment (minus a wheel) to create ceramics again, I'm going for it!
This change meant a change in my studio as well. My studio was crammed full of all things doll, miniature and ceramics. You fellow doll makers can attest that the list of doll making supplies is a long one. I was trying to cram everything into my little studio and into my life. It was just too much and I was finding that I was completely uninspired to work on ANYTHING because of it. Something had to give.
So, I re-did my studio and everything that wasn't ceramics or jewelry related got the axe. Don't freak out, I didn't get rid of anything, I just boxed it up and put it in the garage so I would have it when I got an urge to crank out a doll or miniature. Once I got all of the non-ceramics related stuff out of here, I rearranged everything and created stations for different things. I cannot tell you how great it feels to walk in here, ready to create and to know EXACTLY where everything I need is. Amazing. I have also made sure to keep it neat and tidy. Every night, before I knock off for the day, I go around to all of the stations and make sure everything is put away and cleaned up. It feels so good to have all of this open, uncluttered space. My muse is dancing on the ceiling in here.
Would you like a tour? Come along and I'll show you...
We'll start here, at the slab station. The furniture is a filing cabinet which holds all of my files and misc. office supplies like envelopes, tape, staples, extra pens, etc. On top of the table is my slab roller. It actually intended for printmaking but it works awesome as a slab roller which is why I snatched it up at an auction not too long ago. If you are wondering what a slab roller is, it's like a giant pasta machine. It rolls out clay in an even thickness. Next to the slab roller is a stack of drywall blocks that I work on.
Stepping to the left of the slab station is my hand building station. This is where I model sculpt and clean up clay pieces. The paint holder is there because it's very heavy and this table is the only table in my studio strong enough to support it. There's also a wooden rolling pin here, a hump mold, a food dehydrator that I use to dry my pendants faster in, lots of cups and cans of sculpting tools and paint brushes, some slip trailers and of course my iPad so I can watch shows while I work or listen to music.
The drawers in this table hold a bunch of stuff too. The left door has all of my air dry clay in it, the middle drawer has a large sheet of drywall in it so I can put pieces in there to dry and the right drawer has my rubber gloves, molding materials and texture tools in it. You can also see my mask hanging there which I use any time I have to sand clay or when I clean the canvas top of the table. You do not want to breathe that stuff in. Under the table are three bags of clay I'm working out of at the moment and my trash can.
Stepping to the left of the hand building station is my jewelry/crafts table. This is where I do any painting with acrylics or jewelry making. Pretty self explanatory. Under the table is my lasar printer and my light table.
Moving to the next wall, right next to the jewelry/craft station is my Sales Center. This is where my computers and my Etsy inventory is kept and where I spend more time than I'd to doing online marketing on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest as well as in some groups I belong to. That calendar on the wall was a gift from my husband. He had it made for me. Each month there are pictures of me, my kids, my husband, it made me cry. :) The doorway you just see peeking in the left corner there is the doorway that leads to my living room and front door.
On to the next wall, just to the left of the Sales Station is this little wall, just big enough for my glazing station and drying rack. I only glaze ceramic pieces here. The colorful drawers next to it are full of texture tools, stamps, clay tools, etc. I roll it over to my hand building station when I need it. When I don't need it, it stays here. Under the glazing station is more clay storage. The doorway you see peeking just to the left of this station is the doorway that leads to my kitchen.
Just to the left of the doorway into the kitchen is my Library/Shipping Station/Misc Storage Area.
The stuff on the floor is a basket of styrofoam balls for my dollmaking and air dry clay play. The drawers you see there have nothing but wood pieces in them. The cabinet on the left has misc stuff that I didn't want to pack away and replacements of various things I use for clay like sponges, squirt bottles, slip trailers, etc. Right next to that cabinet on the left are the sliding glass doors that lead to the lanai at the back of our house.
Yep, there's the sliding doors. The doorway there leads to my daughters rooms, a bath room and my husband's office. The MLB up over the sliding doors will soon be BLU MUDD instead. :) A few more boxes to carry to the garage but, it's pretty much done and man does that feel good!
And there you have it! The grand tour. Welcome to Blu Mudd Headquarters.
Besides the studio re-do, I have been creating some things. Lots more pendants, a necklace and a handful or two of bracelets too. If you haven't been over to Blu Mudd lately, you should get on over there because we're expanding our line. Blu Mudd isn't just pendants anymore. :) There are some exciting things being planned and you don't want to miss them! Here's a sample of the bracelets:
Whew! Sorry for the crazy long post but that's what happens when I stay away too long. Thank you for putting up with me. So???? Tell me! What have you been up to?
Moriah
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
29 Faces Challenge days 7, 8, 9, 10, 11......
Okay. So it's confession time. I have the attention span of a gnat and often get excited about something, for a day or two and then tire of it. I know this about myself. Why I continue to sign on for things that last longer than, oh I don't know, a day, I'll never know. I lasted all of one week with this challenge and while I had a great time during that week, I'm kinda ready to move on. Like I've been there and done that and now I want something new. Pitiful, I know. It's not that the challenge was boring. It's not even that the participants were boring. Quite the opposite, in fact. So many truly amazing and talented people creating beautiful faces each day. It's just my attention span. So, my friends, I'm afraid I've had my fill of the 29 Faces Challenge and now I'm off on a ceramics tangent. More about that later.
Oh yeah! I almost forgot. I did some tinkering with the ole blog recently. Changed the look just a bit and am loving the new banner. I also made it smaller or should I say... not as wide. I noticed on an average size monitor that you have to scroll back and forth to see the whole thing and it bothered me so I changed it. I did go back through a few pages of posts to fix image sizes to fit but I didn't go all the way back. There may still be some posts that have pictures spilling over into the sidebars and I'm okay with that for now. So, anyway, what do you think about the new banner? Is the size of the blog itself easier or no? Do tell.
I'm also making another change. I won't be posting Work In Progress (WIP) pictures anymore. Why? Well, I'm as flighty with my creations as I am with challenges and some works get started and then sit around for awhile. I start new projects all the time. Many of them are started before others are finished. It's just how I operate. I always go back to them and they always get finished at some point but it can sometimes be several years before it gets finished. So, I don't want to keep showing you things I'm working on and then you never being able to see the finished product until so much time has passed that you don't even remember having seen it in progress anyway.
One more change is coming. Sometime this summer or more likely this fall, I will be working on tons of tutorials and workshops both in PDF and video formats that will be available for purchase. I will also be creating quick little tutorials for free that I'll share right here on my blog so stay tuned for all of that! I have so many ideas and will soon have the space to work to make it all happen. You and I are going to make art together. LOTS of it!
That's all I have for you for now. No photos this time, so sorry. I'll be back soon with some photos of my clay play shenanigans so don't abandon ship just yet!
Moriah
Oh yeah! I almost forgot. I did some tinkering with the ole blog recently. Changed the look just a bit and am loving the new banner. I also made it smaller or should I say... not as wide. I noticed on an average size monitor that you have to scroll back and forth to see the whole thing and it bothered me so I changed it. I did go back through a few pages of posts to fix image sizes to fit but I didn't go all the way back. There may still be some posts that have pictures spilling over into the sidebars and I'm okay with that for now. So, anyway, what do you think about the new banner? Is the size of the blog itself easier or no? Do tell.
I'm also making another change. I won't be posting Work In Progress (WIP) pictures anymore. Why? Well, I'm as flighty with my creations as I am with challenges and some works get started and then sit around for awhile. I start new projects all the time. Many of them are started before others are finished. It's just how I operate. I always go back to them and they always get finished at some point but it can sometimes be several years before it gets finished. So, I don't want to keep showing you things I'm working on and then you never being able to see the finished product until so much time has passed that you don't even remember having seen it in progress anyway.
One more change is coming. Sometime this summer or more likely this fall, I will be working on tons of tutorials and workshops both in PDF and video formats that will be available for purchase. I will also be creating quick little tutorials for free that I'll share right here on my blog so stay tuned for all of that! I have so many ideas and will soon have the space to work to make it all happen. You and I are going to make art together. LOTS of it!
That's all I have for you for now. No photos this time, so sorry. I'll be back soon with some photos of my clay play shenanigans so don't abandon ship just yet!
Moriah
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
29 Faces Challenge Days 4 and 5
Hello everyone!
I missed my blog post yesterday because, well, I just wasn't feeling very creative and didn't sculpt anything. I know, I know. It's okay though. I made up for it this evening.
These little ceramic tiles are for days 4 and 5. They are sculpted in ceramic clay and measure 1" by 3".
I missed my blog post yesterday because, well, I just wasn't feeling very creative and didn't sculpt anything. I know, I know. It's okay though. I made up for it this evening.
These little ceramic tiles are for days 4 and 5. They are sculpted in ceramic clay and measure 1" by 3".
Monday, February 4, 2013
Come, Sit, Let Me Tell You Your Fortune.
Come my dear, let me read your palms and I'll tell you your future...
I have been making miniature gypsy tables, a few of them each year, since 2006. This setting is the first for 2013!
The setting is 1:12 (1 inch = 1 foot) scale.
The chairs have been stripped of their original finish, sanded and refinished in black. The original upholstery has been removed and completely redone in a faux black leather. I have added a corset design to the backs of the chairs with real metal eyelets and leather cording.The lace underneath was hand dyed.
The table was also stripped of it's original finish, sanded and refinished in black. The design on the tabletop is a zodiac wheel in burgundy and gold. Each of the items on top of the table were hand made by me and are permanently affixed to the table. These items include:
Fortune Teller sign and stand, Ouija Board and Planchette, 3 candles, Tarot cards, Birth Chart, Runes, crystal ball, gold filigree bowl with money inside ($20s $5s & $1s)
The edge of the table was decorated with a beaded trim and accent trim in burgundy.
I have been making miniature gypsy tables, a few of them each year, since 2006. This setting is the first for 2013!
The setting is 1:12 (1 inch = 1 foot) scale.
The chairs have been stripped of their original finish, sanded and refinished in black. The original upholstery has been removed and completely redone in a faux black leather. I have added a corset design to the backs of the chairs with real metal eyelets and leather cording.The lace underneath was hand dyed.
The table was also stripped of it's original finish, sanded and refinished in black. The design on the tabletop is a zodiac wheel in burgundy and gold. Each of the items on top of the table were hand made by me and are permanently affixed to the table. These items include:
Fortune Teller sign and stand, Ouija Board and Planchette, 3 candles, Tarot cards, Birth Chart, Runes, crystal ball, gold filigree bowl with money inside ($20s $5s & $1s)
The edge of the table was decorated with a beaded trim and accent trim in burgundy.
Also included with this set is a witch's hat, also handmade by me in faux leather. It has been decorated with beads, trims and flowers.
Last, but certainly not least is the witch's broom. It was handcrafted in polymer clay, by me and has handlebars, foot rests and a seat attached. Perfect for today's modern day witch. :)
Available in MY ETSY SHOP!
29 Faces Challenge Day 3
So, I had a little emergency to deal with this evening and didn't get my Day 3 head finished in time so I'm submitting this piece today instead. In all fairness, I did finish it less than a week ago. I'll post the head I was working on tonight sometime tomorrow, along with whatever I sculpt tomorrow evening.
ANYWAY..... here's Day 3's sculpt...
Ceramic clay, fired and painted with acrylics. 6" x 6"
ANYWAY..... here's Day 3's sculpt...
Ceramic clay, fired and painted with acrylics. 6" x 6"
Saturday, February 2, 2013
29 Faces Challenge DAY 2
Day 2.... a silly little face sculpted in paperclay. 2 down, 27 more to go.
29 Faces Challenge Day 1
Hi everyone! I hope all of you are staying warm in this crazy winter weather. It's been ridiculous weather here in Florida. One day it's in the 80s and you're in shorts and the next day it doesn't even make it up to 55 degrees and you're wearing sweats. CRAZY. I'm not complaining though. I'd much rather have the crazy yo-yo weather that I have than the freezing cold temps a whole lot of other people are dealing with.
ANYWAY....
Today was the very first day of the 29 Faces Challenge hosted by my awesome friend, Martha (better known as Ayala Art). If you don't know what that is, you should! You should head on over to the Facebook page and read about it when you leave here. Essentially, we have to create 29 faces in the 28 days of February. There aren't really very many rules, you can use whatever medium you'd like, just have to make faces.
Most of the participants paint or draw their faces but I wanted to challenge myself to SCULPT each and every one of them, for 28 days straight. I think I may have been out of my mind when I came up with that brilliant idea but I'm going through with it anyway. I'm planning to use paperclay, polymer clay and ceramic clay during the challenge. I don't think I'll do heads for all of them but who knows, I just might.
I'll be posting each face I make for the next 28 days so I hope you'll follow along. If nothing else, you can watch me go stark raving mad this month, one day at a time. :)
Okay, okay, enough blathering. I present to you the face for Day 1:
(Inspired by the bird character in Cirque Du Soleil's la Nouba show in Orlando. I have BIG plans for this head in the future!)
ANYWAY....
Today was the very first day of the 29 Faces Challenge hosted by my awesome friend, Martha (better known as Ayala Art). If you don't know what that is, you should! You should head on over to the Facebook page and read about it when you leave here. Essentially, we have to create 29 faces in the 28 days of February. There aren't really very many rules, you can use whatever medium you'd like, just have to make faces.
Most of the participants paint or draw their faces but I wanted to challenge myself to SCULPT each and every one of them, for 28 days straight. I think I may have been out of my mind when I came up with that brilliant idea but I'm going through with it anyway. I'm planning to use paperclay, polymer clay and ceramic clay during the challenge. I don't think I'll do heads for all of them but who knows, I just might.
I'll be posting each face I make for the next 28 days so I hope you'll follow along. If nothing else, you can watch me go stark raving mad this month, one day at a time. :)
Okay, okay, enough blathering. I present to you the face for Day 1:
(Inspired by the bird character in Cirque Du Soleil's la Nouba show in Orlando. I have BIG plans for this head in the future!)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Day of the Dead for a Friend
Hi everyone!
Ahhhh.... a new year. Holiday madness is over. Decorations are all packed up. Kids are back at school. It's always this time of year that you feel like you can finally take a breath and sit down for 5 minutes.
A few weeks ago I shared a doll that Jennifer Tobicoe of Sassy Pack Rat Studios made for me so today I'd like to share with you the doll I made for her. She received it yesterday so now I don't have to worry about spoiling the surprise for her.
Thankfully, Jen really likes Day of the Dead stuff. I thought she did but I wasn't completely sure so yay for that!
I have really been admiring the art associated with Day of the Dead more and more lately and wanted to make a doll inspired by the Catrina figures and the sugar skulls so I came up with this doll....
Ahhhh.... a new year. Holiday madness is over. Decorations are all packed up. Kids are back at school. It's always this time of year that you feel like you can finally take a breath and sit down for 5 minutes.
A few weeks ago I shared a doll that Jennifer Tobicoe of Sassy Pack Rat Studios made for me so today I'd like to share with you the doll I made for her. She received it yesterday so now I don't have to worry about spoiling the surprise for her.
Thankfully, Jen really likes Day of the Dead stuff. I thought she did but I wasn't completely sure so yay for that!
I have really been admiring the art associated with Day of the Dead more and more lately and wanted to make a doll inspired by the Catrina figures and the sugar skulls so I came up with this doll....
I really like how she turned out and Jen said she loves her. I also sent along one of my snowman ornaments for her tree (next year). I had so much fun creating these little guys. Each one I made had different colored fabric bodies. This is the one I sent to Jen....
I'm so glad she likes them both and I know I will treasure the doll she made for me for life. Jen has been such a great friend over the years. She's always very supportive and always lends an ear. Though we're miles and miles AND MILES apart, and have never met in person (unless you count Skype), I still consider her one of my close friends. Thank you Jen for such an awesome swap experience. I think we should do it again next year. <3
I'm currently working on a doll for my mother and I'll share photos of that once she has received the finished product. Until then, I'm off to work on redecorating the house. New year, new look.
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope 2013 brings each of you happiness, health and wealth!
Moriah
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