Nightmare Before Christmas

Nightmare Before Christmas Challenge
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" Mistletoe kissing-ball ornaments

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" Mistletoe kissing-ball ornaments
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

These Turned out so Cute!!..and I had a ball making them!
ha.haa!! ;-D

"Wicked-Cold Jack Frost" just listed on Etsy

Please come take a look at him in my Etsy Shop!

A Trio for Swapping

A Trio for Swapping
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

I LOVE swaps, especially at Christmas-Time because
There's nothing like swaps to get you in the Christmas Spirit.
This grouping of Ornaments are now on their way to a new home.
And just as I'm typing this, ARGH!!..my eye spies a BIG OOPS!!..in my photo, and now my batteries are dead..
Can you guess what it is???...
The Dove is Backwards!..lol...ah well, Not a bad job if the back is mistaken for the front...;-D
I really hope my partner likes them, I have many more things in the works so I'm off for another busy day.

Gorgeous ornaments from simple supplies

Flat batting and scrap ornaments
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

I love gloriously "foul" weather. It's days like this I get out
my humble supplies, snippets of scraps,
and of course lots of glitter to re-create ornaments of a gone-by
era.
These are soo simple and NO-sew. Just simple shapes cut from
batting , with a window cut in the middle for the bits of scrap to show
through, and cut-up cereal boxes sandwiched in the middle for shape and
durability.
The Only warning...I may be having a little bit of glitter served with supper tonight.....Ok!!make that Alot of glitter! ;-)

Olde St. Nick Hanging treat Container a.k.a. "Cone-Head"

St. Nick
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

I found a stash of heavy cardboard thread cones, at first, I didn't know what I would do with them, I just knew I had to have them! lol..
and these hanging treat cones are what I came up with..because of my nutty sense of humor, I've been calling them "Cone-Heads"
(see previous posts to see others I've made for Halloween)..and it sort of stuck..This is the first "Cone-head" of the Christmas Season. ;-)

Walking In A Winter-Wonderland

Walking In A Winter-Wonderland
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Halloween isn't here.. Yet, creating for winter and the Christmas season is now in full-swing here in my household.
This paper-mache' assemblage was just finished today, It's a candy box or maybe an extra-fancy gift box. The snowman and snow was sculpted right onto the box lid, and everything else is permanently attached..Although, I think the little altered paper-clay deer needs a little touch-up and something else (??) ...and maybe some little birds in the tree..(??)..just a thought..
I really can keep going with these thing..but I don't think there's much
more room on this little 6 inch box..;-)

The Unveil...A Halloween Tree Of My Very Own

Halloween Tree
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

And Here it is!!..
the thrifted 2 dollar Christmas tree from Good-Will, painted black for Halloween.
I'm really so excited!!!..I've always wanted one, and budgets being what they are, a purchase wasn't possible..So I put all else aside, and set out to make my own.. (something I rarely do.).
I had been working on it in between my work schedule for the last couple months, making all the ornaments myself.
I still have a few more ornaments to finish, but
I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out.
I now have something I'll look forward to adding to every year.;-)

Another Tassel Doll..Pumpkin Halloween Ball Gal

Pumpkin Gal Tassel Doll Ornament
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

This is my latest ornament for my Halloween tree..
I didn't have much time, as today is my only day off this
week, so I didn't go into as much detail as the tassel doll we
Learned in the Hive Class from Patrick of Cre8tor's Touch.
The tassel was purchased at my local antique shop for
only a dollar, and it just said pumpkin gal to me!..lol..
So, I just sculpted a simple head and shoulder plate,
and wrapped a single chenille stem around the neck post
to extend for both arms..then the head and arms were glued
right into the center hole of the tassel. Then I added legs to the underside bell of the tassel... added leafy bits for
hands, more trims and cut-outs for embellishments. and pine petals for her shoes.
I think she turned out right cute! ;-)..and I thank Patrick of Creator's Touch again for the original idea..I've been having lots of fun with these.

Mache,Clip-art, and Tinsel Halloween Tree Topper

Mache,Clip-art, and Tinsel Halloween Tree Topper
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

The last couple days I've been home sick ,(allergies..achoo!!..lol)
so I've seized this time to work on a couple of things for ME!
I made this topper for my Halloween tree.,.
I'm so excited to finally have one,(in a earlier post, I talk about the
2 dollar Christmas tree from Good-Will that I painted black) and have been working hard to get it filled with handmade ornaments in time..
I'm also really hoping to be able to purchase some ornaments this
season from some of my favorite artists..So be looking out for me! ;-)

Oh yes!!..I had decided this blog is for whimsical and vintage inspired exclusively..If you get a chance..please visit my other blog
Kitsch Sink/Half -Baked by clicking on the "nervous fellow" up at the top right of this page, to see some of my current works of the
creepy or just plain odd..lol..

The "Ayes" Have It!....

Mache Kitsch'N Mistake turned into "Vlad", the blood sucking spider.
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Kitsch'N Sink mistakes are not too horribly bad..
This was meant to be a Finial Christmas ornament..but
whoops..burnt it to a fritter while It was drying..
So I scrapped the original plan, and here we have
"Vlad", the blood sucking spider instead..lol..Even with all the paint,
He still smells like burnt marshmallows!..;-D

Oh and a final note to Hive readers..I cannot express my appreciation
for all the comments..I really enjoy reading them..However..Come to find out..it's my 10 yr old comp. that is preventing me from responding!!..Seems it's not compatible with the message board...My son tested my page on his..so I know it's definitely time for a new one..so please bear w/ me! ;-)

Vintage-Style Hanging Halloween Owl..

Vintage-Style Halloween Owl..
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Let the pendulum swing back to Halloween Goodies!.
This is the 3rd in my series of Mache sculpted Treat cones.
...I've been trying to come up with a catchy name for these
things that I create...."Cone-heads" perhaps?... Perhaps Not!!..;-D
still thinking on that one. ;-)
I have lots more goodies in various stages of progress..I am so happy
to have all this time off for the Labor Day Holiday..Hoping to have
lots more progress pics over the long weekend..
Oh! and Everyone enjoy your Last days of Summer and Be Safe!!!....;-)

Naughty and Nice Ornament Set

Naughty and Nice
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

I just completed this set today!
You've previously met the naughty elf,..
His nice sister gives sweets
instead of raspberries.
I was going for that retro 50's elfy look,
...I hope I passed!!! ;-)

Sinatra inspired "Blue Moon" ornament

Sinatra inspired "Blue Moon" ornament
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Just wanted to share what I finished today..
I know the song has been around a long time before
Sinatra recorded it..I just love his version best!..lol.
this ornament will be a gift for my Aunt and Uncle who are
celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary..

..Blue Moon...

Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue Moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper, "Please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue Moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Folk Art Madonna and Child

Below,is a pic of the final construction. I covered all the batting by hand-stitching in place a knit meant for bathing suit, and active-wear lining...As I've said before, this is the first doll of this type I ever made, And had it not been for the generosity of other doll makers, I don't think I would have the gumption to undertake the process...A special thank You to my talented friend Flora, of Bonehead Studios and also the very talented "A little Bit Wired", whose visuals were invaluable to my progress...Thank YOU to all of you out there who share the "mysterious" in Figurative Arts!

Getting so close!!

I'm Nearly done with my Nativity figure of Mary, and now here she is holding Baby Jesus...Every decision in the process has been a new experience for me. I just applied the hair today, using hair I've held onto for many years, from my daughter's first, big haircut!..I used the technique and tutorial Antonette Cely describes on her website.

Another Bit of Progress Made....

A Christmas Nativity Challenge....Mary

I'm participating in Cloth Doll Artistry's Christmas Nativity Challenge.
Here is a collage of Mary and how she's been progressing. She's even further along now than the most current image. I'm hoping to have Her with Baby Jesus completed within the next couple of weeks. I had always wanted to create my very own elaborate Nativity. I'm hoping to at least have the Holy Family, and who knows, maybe the 3 Magi done by this Christmas Season. I will then will be adding angels,Shepherds, and animals as time permits. I'm expecting the whole project to take at least a couple years or more. When I'm working on them it feels like a special prayer or devotion..This truly is a personal challenge for me because this will be my first wire and clay set of "people". If you like my progress..please leave a comment. With such a ambitious project, and so much still ahead, I feel I need some cheering on!;-)

Recycling Men's Ties

It's been awhile since my last post.
I have so many works in progress, I had gotten a little bogged down, with
nothing yet to show..Soon Though!;-)
In the meanwhile, with Father's Day upon us..I'd been thinking about neck-ties!
Not for gifts for Dad, but for crafting!
Here are some cool recycling ideas from those ties that Dad or Hubby no longer care for. or maybe a good excuse for the thrift shops.
Here's a link for a neat little purse-lette bag from Sulky..


RickrackRuby has tutorials on Craftster for some really cute daisies made from ties.

Rick Rack Ruby also has some nice bags made from ties..check out her blog for some really
thrifty inspiration. http://www.rickrackruby.blogspot.com/

And finally came across this fantastic post by Woof Nanny!!


and WOW!!! check out Artful Ties!!..Truly Awesome!!! also posted by the multi-talented Woof Nanny.
I must have been under a rock all this time to not have discovered all her
fabulous blogs till now!!!

So this week, while you're out shopping for Dad, don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself! ;-)

Weekend Junk'N Finds

Went to a estate sale this morning..Lots of pretty things inside...However, my favorite things can always be found outside with the "junque"...what I call "The Good Stuff". ;-)

Another Give-Away

Visit the Creative Connection to find out more!

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Multi-Media Daffodil Ornament Doll for Spring

Paper-Clay,wire, cotton batting, and misc.haberdasheries..
oh yes!!,and onion skin!!

WIP Day 3 Spring Art-Doll

WIP Day 3 Spring Art-Doll
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Things are really starting to take shape today..
Click the pic for a close-up if you like.
I taped and padded the body, and painted her
face..I'm so glad she decided to take her skirt
off her head!!...silly girl!!...ROFL!!! ;-)

WIP Day 2.. Spring Art-Doll..A Body For My Head

Spring WIP Day 2
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

I have no idea what I'm doing...but that never
stopped me! ;-)
..I made a wire-armature skeleton
body for my clay head,(I usually make a cloth body,then add wires in the limbs)...and surprise, surprise, it stands unaided!!!
That was unexpected!!..lol ;-)
Now to build it up!..I'm trying to decide how I'm going
to proceed next...Clay over foil????....batting then skinning???
hmm..on second thought..Maybe I'll just do a simple wrap over batting method. I'll think on it some more while I now work on fine-tuning my head!
More Later!! ;-)

WIP Spring Multi-Media Art-Doll

No plans, just playing this one by ear..
stop by again to see how things develop..
Even I have no idea the outcome! LOL!...;-D

Cute As A Button....

Just had to share the link for Bakerella's clever tip for making
Coraline Peanut-Butter Cookies..Even better covered in chocolate! ;-)

Time marches on!

Already, nearly a quarter into the new year!
Here's a couple of things I've made since my last post..

I completed a hand-embroidered tea-towel and matching potholder
set for a spring swap.

I also participated in the neatest swap called Initially Yours..A-Z.
We were to create any character for our partners using the initial
of their first name and an accessory beginning with the initial of
their last name..
Here's what I created for my friend Heather Chandler...A hunchback hag, with
her caged canary..I've affectionately named her Old Aunt Zula of Appalachia.


And here's what Heather made for me! All the way from the United Kingdom..A Kindly King with his Heart sceptor..and look..it has my initials embroidered on it!..I will try to get a better pic later, but you can see a better pic over on Heather's blog. Isn't he fabulous???..THANK YOU again Heather!!...Did I mention how much I LOVE him?? ROFLOL;-D xo..

Betty Boop Challenge...Done!

Betty Boop Challenge...Done!
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Betty Boop is finally done!
I'm afraid I'm not much of a dress designer..lol
Thank You Rivkah for such a fun challenge!!
;-)

My "Desaturation" Betty Boop still in progress.

My "Desaturation" Betty Boop still in progress.
Originally uploaded by Kitsch N Sink Studio

Here she is drying after a coat of varnish.
I painted Betty to appear as if she's a
Black and White photo,
with a shock of accent color!
Her hair is sculpted paper-clay....
Rivkah, of Art Doll Blog is the hostess of the Betty Boop Challenge. There's still time!!!..Hop over for the details, and join in the fun! ;-)

Just a little something I made....

Seems Valentine projects are all over, so I was in the mood to participate
in a little challenge presented in one of my yahoo groups. The challenge was
to create something hand-stitched for your Valentine.

What I've Been Up To....

During these days of record low temperatures, I wanted to do something cheeky,
just for fun to keep myself entertained, and Rivkah Mizrahi's Betty Boop Doll challenge filled the bill!
We are using the vintage Betty Boop pattern that is circulated all over..Rivkah
made the astute observation that the pattern is so readily available, but has yet to ever see one made up! Given the popularity of the character, Why is that???
So that being said, my task was laid out. This doll pattern really is a hoot, and a lot of fun. I have already finished the head and body construction, and will soon bring her to life..If you would like to do the Boop, hop over to Rivkah's blog for details. (link in my side bar under Art Doll Blog) I will be posting progress
pics later on today when I return from work!!...Catch you later!!


OK!..I'm Back!!..Now more on Betty Boop's Progress!



This pattern called for knit, but I didn't have enough on hand, so I used a pale, flesh-toned cotton. The construction is also a little unusual from most dolls I've made. The arms and torso are one piece, and I had wired her fingers,arms and legs. I also trimmed down the very large hands. Thinking now,I should have done as Rivkah, and just redrawn them. I have also added darts at every bending joint to tighten up her saggy skin, which may have been the result of using cotton rather than a more elastic knit???...hoping someone else in the challenge will provide the answer! lol..The head is also very unique!..You will just have to get the pattern to see what I mean! ;-)...Even with all these little thought-provoking twists and turns,
I have found this vintage pattern very much worth doing! She was after-all, designed as a rag doll but I have added my own spin to it!..stay tuned!!..My Betty will be making her debut very soon! ;-)

Happy 2010!!

Here is my first finish of the Year!!..His egg-timer didn't go off,
so he's a little late arriving!..lol..He is a challenge doll for
the yahoo International hand-stitchers group,..but oops..maybe he doesn't quite
fit the scheme of fantasy?? regardless, I feel like a winner already since he's not a swap, I get to keep him! ;-)
His egg was one of my left-over paper mache snow-globes, so glad it didn't go to waste, and it's bubbling over with celebratory champagne made simply with glittered bubble wrap...The doll was a pattern adapted from the freebie Mannequin pattern by Judi Ward. I altered it by doing some strategic stuffing and sculpting.
Oh Yes!, and his clock which forever strikes Midnight, is made from a small,grungied jar lid.
The last pic of the rear view has my parting shot to 2009!..Here's hoping for better
days to come..ok!..I go to my corner now!! ;-D LOL