I’ve been ensconced in my studio all day, and although the book is coming along, it is slow going.
So I took a little break from painting my baby to fix up this baby.
I had the perfect bittersweet colored silk dress for her, to match her auburn hair, but as soon as I put it on her, it shredded.
Sometimes, there is such a thing as TOO vintage.
So, I found this little silk number and gaudied it up for her. Here is what I said on Etsy:
"This darling little red head came to me needing some help, wearing nothing but a pony tail and a Made in Japan stamp.
I found a pretty silk dress in my collection of vintage play things, but it was a little boxy and didn’t really flatter her. So, I created an apron with old trims and pale pinkish seam binding ribbon, and it suited her much better. Custom fitted clothes are always so much nicer than "off the rack". (Although, I am sitting here in a ripped tie dye shirt and gym shorts, so I really wouldn’t know what custom fitted clothes are like)
Her long, flowing, pony tail was in good shape, but the hair on her head seemed a little sparse, so I gave her a ringlet of old millinery flowers. She liked them so much, I added some to the hem of her dress.
A few coordinating ribbons in her hair and a vintage, glass, floral button on her dress and she is all ready for her new home.
She is about 5 1/2" tall and her body is a very soft, pliable rubbery material. She’s Made in Japan, so is old, but over all has held up well for her age. Better than I have."
Four paintings are finished for Sugarwing’s birthday book. Two more to go.
Plus the backgrounds for the text.
I’ll take them to a copy shop tomorrow and start making up books, or at least I hope to.
This is my favorite of them all, its number 5. I need to paint it, and then do one more tomorrow morning so I can start working on embellishing the copies. I hope to make another one to give as a gift to a friend. I am throwing her a baby shower on Friday night, she is expecting her first daughter.
Or is that odd, to write a book about my own little girl and then give copies to another little girl? My friend has Dorkies too, actually puppies that are children of my oldest dog, Bookie.
I’m impatiently awaiting the day that Twinkle becomes a puppy momma, she should be ready very soon. And although Bookie is no longer capable of being the father, I have a neighbor down the road with the cutest little 4 pound Dorkie you’ve ever met and he has a bit of a crush on Twinks.
Maybe before winter comes, I’ll be a gramma again! I miss having little puppies running around, I just can’t wait!!
OK, back to painting. I’m running out of time, I’d better keep working. I just wanted to take another break and visit blogland a bit.
PS- I’ve had no time to add to the August giveaway, but promise to when I get caught up.
Your work is so beautiful, you’ve really captured little Sugarwings emotions from what I can tell from pictures of her. What a great Gram you are, Sugarwings is truly blessed. Hugs
Your book is wonderful! Any little girl would love to have a copy. I’m a big girl–and I’d like one! Fun blog! You’re always doing something interesting. Thanks for sharing!
The book looks beautiful and I am sure the story line is just as good has the artwork, keep us posted. Oh the doll is just charming such a darling custom dress.
Hugs, Diane
Such beautiful pictures you talented lady you! I do agree with the too vintage thing though, I once had a lovely pair of curtains that I was going to use for the fabric and somehow they ended up in the wash basket and DH washed them and they completely!! fell apart and were one big mess, husband was so distraught it was amusing but sadly a waste of money!! Oh well live and learn! Have another wonderfully creative day, kiss noises Linda Lilly Cottage.
Okay now we know why you take so long to list items, that was a darling description! Love how the book is coming! I don’t think that is a strange gift at all, in fact I was sort of thinking you should make extras and put them in your shop! Good luck finishing it, it really is beautiful!
oh my gosh Karla! I just MADE my entire family (ok, all two that are home) come to the computer right THIS VERY MINUTE to see your paintings! We are in AWE! Of course we can’t draw stick people either…..the likeness to Sugarwings and the dorkies is unbelievable! Beautiful Work!
I think your friend will be delighted to have a copy of your lovely book!
Your artwork is just amazing.
(I can draw a pretty good stick figure, that I add a skirt to if it’s supposed to be a girl 🙂
Your book looks amazing. (I think you should makes some for your etsy shop.) What a lucky little granddaughter you have!
Love all the pics of your Yorkies. Soooo cute. We have a little Cairn Terrier. She’s sweet, but cheeky.
Oh my goodness!!! You are ONE AMAZING WOMAN!!! Do you ever sleep? Or do you have a secret “brew” that keeps you moving? And you are so talented, gifted, generous, giving, creative, full-of-life, posititve, young AND abeauthiful!!! What more can I say? You go girl!!!
Hugs from Michigan – Diane
Oh my goodness!!! You are ONE AMAZING WOMAN!!! Do you ever sleep? Or do you have a secret “brew” that keeps you moving? And you are so talented, gifted, generous, giving, creative, full-of-life, posititve, young AND abeauthiful!!! What more can I say? You go girl!!!
Hugs from Michigan – Diane
Your pictures of sugarwings are darling~ What a lucky girl to have a grandma like you !
Sugarwings is so lucky to have you for a gramma. She will have so many wonderful keepsakes documenting her childhood.
I think that any little girl would love to have a book about another kindred spirit.
~elaine~
your book is going to be great and i don’t think that is weird to give books away like that. i mean, i look at it like you giving a story book to someone the way you would a published book.
The picture with SugarWings getting puppie kisses from Twinks is the best! My favorite so far!
Sugarwings book is coming right along Karla. Beautiful!!! Before you get too far along, I think you should look into publishing it. Of course we all want an “original” first. lol
We are looking for a “Husband” for our Jackie. She is ready now too. We have never had “Dorkie” babies. If they are as sweet as she is, we probably couldn’t get rid of them.
I just keep thinking how lucky Sugarwings is to have you. She, and her parents, will cherish this book. I really admire the ways you share your creativity with everyone in your life.
Your book for her is wonderful an Heirloom GIFT! She will cherish it for Years and little great grandchildren to come!
It’s wonderful to give your art to ANYONE! You have wonderful paintings…YOU ARE AN ARTIST! this is a Tremendous gift you are giving your friend! SOOO HANDMADE and a party too!
Good luck
ENjoy
Warmly
Stacy~Creativemuse
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5023227
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52895107@N00/
Karla, the pictures you are making for Miss Sugarwings’ book are gorgeous!!! that little girl really is SO lucky to have such a wonderful, loving and talented grandma!!!
I come here day after day, and you never fail to astound me with all of your compliments. And, you always, always make me smile.
Oh my gosh, Karla! That book for Sugarwings is AMAZING!!! You should add another title to your name: Children’s Book Author/Illustrator! hugs to you! =)
I love sugerwings book! What a lucky little girl.
Sugarwings and her parents are going to love and treasure this book for always….Mary
Your book is turning out wonderful I think it is a awesome idea for a baby shower gift. I know I would treasure it. Oh there is nothing better than a little dorkie pup! Have a good weekend Karla!
OH KARLA!!!! Those paintings for the book are the most beautiful things I have ever seen! It is stunning! I would love to see a book that beautiful in the stores! She is just going to love it. She looks just like Sugarwings!! You are so amazing!!!!!!!!! I cannot get over it.
I love the doll too and the dress is beautiful! I am SO partial to redheads 🙂 Come to my blog and you will see why, lol!
Lots of hugs,
Amy
These drawings/paintings are so charming! You’ve captured her expression beautifully. I think any little girl would love a book about a fairy and a puppy!
Karla,
The book is awesome! What a lucky little girl Miss Sugarwings is to receive such a special treasure.
Hi Karla! Your book for sugarwings is coming along wonderfully. Thanks for letting us peek at it. What a wonderful treasure for your granddaughter.
……and when you become a puppy gramma would you keep the puppy or would it be looking for an experienced terrier mom? I’m still looking for the perfect Yorkie to come now that Blossom is in heaven.
judy
Sugarwings book is going to be so beautiful. You are a wonderful artist. Sugarwings is very lucky to have a Gramma like you. Twinkle would have precious puppies for sure because she is such a doll.
You still amaze me with all you do, getting the book finished and having a shower too, plus your itsy creations, articles for magazines, and everything else. I need some of your vitamins.
Jean in Virginia
Hi ,
If you’re having a give away please include me :o) I’ll take a cute little yorkie any time you want to give her away , she’s adorable and some day I’ll get one .
Sue
karla… I can’t get over this book you are making… it is so amazing and I love that one where they are touching noses. what a treasure you are making for her to keep. One day this will be one of her most prized possesions. xoxo Heather
The book is going to be adorable! I think your friend who is having a baby will love it! And so will Sugarwings!
Just thought I’d pop in to say hi! The Sugarwings book is comng along nicely. Glad you took a little break to keep us posted. happy happies.
The Sugarwings book is simply grand!
Just found your blog today and love it!!
Wow! I had the top doll when I was a child and now I am wondering if I still do have her somewhere. I had her and one I called her sister which was a little bigger. I used to take them with me when we went somewhere visiting. I made little clothes for them too.
Thanks for the memories.