Isby Blue: April 2008

Apr 30, 2008

Some Amazing Local Art

Every time we drive out to the fruit/veggie stand, we pass a ranch that has a collection of amazing art- The Glashoff Collection. I'm in awe every time I see it. It's much too beautiful not to share.

Here is the story behind it:

"The Phillip and Chad Glashoff Collection concept originated two years ago, when use of the Glashoff fruit stand and bakery ended.

Phillip and Chad brainstormed ideas to fill the void of the ending business ventures. The fact that Phillip already had a private collection of his own sculptures, and Chad was just starting to collect pieces that he did not wish to sell, stimulated the idea of a collection open for public viewing.

The current zoning of the property requires agriculture to be the primary use of the land; hence the grazing of Larry Glashoff's cattle adjacent to the homestead. The Glashoff Collection is not a business, all sculptures displayed on the collection grounds are not for sale.

Glashoff Gallery, located at 2527 Mankas Corner, is where you can find more of Phillip and Chads work for sale. The gallery has a wide variety of fine art, along with 30 local artists as well as a featured artist every 60 days followed by a reception. Please call (707) 429-1133 for more information."

You can also find more info at Insights Gallery: http://www.insightsgallery.com/phillipglashoff.html

Apr 29, 2008

A Softies Awards Nomination!!

Bella nominated in the "Pink or Plaid" category

Wow! I am so excited! After a few days of no Internet, I come back on line to find out I have been one of 5 (out of over 200 entries) to be nominated for a Softies Award! Woo Hoo!! I don't know what to say! To be recognized like this is just awesome (sorry I cant think of a better word right now- I'm too excited!)! Now the final voting is left to all of you- so head on over to Softies Central and vote for your favorite softies! And a huge thank you to the judges!!

Apr 23, 2008

Fabrics Found

I am sooo excited! About 6 months ago I purchased an adorable mouse- Sammi- for my son from Maritza at Soto Softies. I instantly fell in love with the fabric she chose for his body. Though Maritza was sweet enough to give me a bit of fabric she had left over (to make a matching quilt for Sammi), I longed for more. I looked everywhere for this fabric- but with no name, it was not easy. Well, a week ago I finally found it on etsy! Woo Hoo!! Thank you etsy and big thanks to Monica at Mountain Of The Dragon !! I love it!!

Apr 16, 2008

Dulcie

With all these new baby girls springing up in our family, I wanted to make an infant baby doll just for them. Something like my other dolls- just smaller. So I mulled ideas over and over in my head and one morning as Luke and I laid in bed (he always crawls into bed with me in the morning to watch his cartoons- love it!) "Dulcie" came to me. I sketched her out, ordered the teething rings, gathered the fabrics and ribbons and about a week later, Dulcie - baby sister to Isa - was born. I am so pleased with how she turned out! Yay!

Dulcie is 8 inches (including the ribbon) and her face- along with detailing to the fabric around face- is hand stitched. I wanted her to have texture so the back is chenille and the ribbons are different textures as well. She is holding a natural beechnut teething ring.

Luke, holding a slightly unfinished Dulcie. In the excitement to finish her, I forgot her lashes! Ooopps!

Apr 11, 2008

Writing Box

While I was at my sister's, we started to make these little writing boxes for our daughters so they can write each other while apart. Amy finished her daughters' boxes up pretty quickly but I was a bit slow. I wanted to use the sparkle alphabet stickers I had at home. So, finally (weeks later) I finished Emily's writing box! I'm so glad that she loves it. She needs work on her writing skills and I am so excited that I might have found a way to peek her interest! Now all I need to do is buy a pretty book of stamps and she will be all set!

The Front:

The cigar box was purchased at Michaels (though I'm pretty sure theyre available at any craft store). I used Basic Grey (solids) and Sassafras Lass (patterned) papers. The owl and flower rub-ons are Sassafras Lass. I also sprayed it- inside and out- with a clear sealer.

The Inside:

Again, Basic Grey (solids) and Sassafras Lass (patterned) papers were used. I bought a plain stationary set and stamped it with the stamps that I carved. The Pandapple/Hello Kitty goodies are from her Auntie Amy.

Apr 3, 2008

Addicted To Carving

I just can't seem to stop thinking about what I can carve next! Here are a few more stamps that Amy and I made while I was visiting with her. And I'm sure there will be lots more on the way! I have a little boy sketch that I would like to carve into a stamp soon along with a couple robots. With all these boys in the house, I need to make a few stamps with a little more machisimo!

I am so impatient when it comes to me getting a creative idea and wanting to put it in action. Amy was using the carving tool and with her using the only handle- I decided that I'd carve this little girl by holding the carving tips in hand. She turned out pretty good, I think! The flourishes are from a stamp that Amy made for me.

Here is the little girl stamp that I made after my daughter. I found out the hard way that Stazon ink eats away at Speedball rubber (the little notches in her hair at the right).

I made this after my first doll Isa. I made a little mistake on her eye (which is all it takes when youre carving!) and at my sister Amys suggestion- I turned her into a winking Isa.