'Lady River'- A New Doll

Here is 'Lady River' she is inspired by the Earth's water. Her crown is made from shell which I sourced when sketching at a local creek. Hand dyed with cold water dyes and tea. Hand stitched and embellished with wooden beads.
I watched 'The Blindside' as I created this and it somehow carries the movie with it. I think about Sandra Bullock whenever I see it. hmm...

Wish her luck on her journey to New Zealand for the Embroidery Conference in Hamilton!

Say Cheese!

Here is a plush camera I made one afternoon last month. I love the Wintery-Spring Indiana background. Made from felt, vintage buttons and a lovely herringbone weave. Kindly modelled by my hubby Andy J. Miller.
Sent this as part of my Happy Mail gift for March.

Some Cute Finds this week...

So I have started a part time job at Hobby Lobby to help pay for all this moving and decorating. So I have a lot less time than I'm used to. The good news is that I am all day inspired by craft materials and customers with project ideas. I also get to look out for the sweet sales. Until I get more settled, I am trying to keep going by getting my crafty fix through all the lovely things I see. Here are my favourites at the moment...

LOVE these bird mugs! Perfect colours... found them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/YouAreYou by YouAreYou.

By far the best radio show I have ever listened to. Fantastic stories that make you laugh and cry. These hilarious finger puppets by AbbeyChristine are great. There's one of Darjeeling Ltd, Larry David, some great ones!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbeychristine

The cutest little cluster of houses! A brooch by CraftyFolk.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34869634

What a great idea- similar to some projects my husband is working on (The Indie Rock Coloring Book and Poster Book) Love the designs! May have to buy this...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43545823&ref=sr_list_2&&ga_search_query=colour+it+poster&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Etsy Treasury- MONSTERS

Peter, one of my favourite art dolls was featured in an Etsy Treasury today and made it to the front page!! Check him out alongside all these other lovely, crazy creatures. My favourite its Meddle (top left). He's great!

More dolls coming soon- just starting to find our feet in the USA. Thanks for all your comments and support.

Things I will miss about England

With only one week left in lovely snowy England- I am beginning to think of all the aspects of Britishness that I will miss. Here's a few things in no particular order:

MARMITE on CRUMPETS- Marmite's weird but I just love it. Will be stashing some extra large ones in my suitcase! 

NEIGHBOURS- okay it's not a British soap opera but it is very popular in Britain and I love it. No more Karl and Susan? Can't believe I can't ever watch this again!

THE XFACTOR- I hate to admit it and never buy these kind of cds but It is just so great to curl up on a Saturday night and chat about it. American Idol is just a bit too cheesy, not as good.

FREE HEALTHCARE- no matter how much people moan about the NHS- it is free. No worries about insurance and medical bills. I'll miss it.

GREGGS-Not only do I have to cope without Greggs- but no pasties all together?! I am going to attempt to make some homemade versions...let's see how that turns out.

REAL ALE PUBS- America just don't do pubs like England and I'll miss the choice of quirky real ales and fresh pub grub.

BRITISH SEASIDE- So many great things about a trip to the seaside- caravans, 2p machines, fresh seafood, good fish and chips, tacky souvenirs, postcards and a freezing cold dip in the sea!

YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS- nothing is yummier. Will be taking these to Indiana for sure.

BROWN SAUCE- It's funny what you miss when it's not there. I think I only want this because I can't have it.

YORKSHIRE- moving from pretty Holmfirth. I will miss opening my curtains to these green hills and the sound of cows.

There are loads more- obviously family is the main thing. Hopefully soon, when I feel less sad and nostalgic, I'll be thinking of all the things I won't miss about England, or all the things I love about America.

January Sale! New Dolls Available- Free Worldwide Shipping!

I am having the biggest Spring Clean of my life- selling up and moving to the USA in the next 2 weeks. Lots of dolls are now available in my Etsy shop with FREE SHIPPING UNITL FEB 1ST to anywhere in the world. Lots of sale items will pop up over the next week too for a bumper January Sale.
Happy New Year!

Lucy Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37615424

Alexandra.

Peter. Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37606996

Stan. Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37606070

Polly the Sock Owl. Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=37604947

Samuel the Sock Owl. Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=37604404

Maureen. Available here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37606534

2 Handmade Stockings

Here are two stockings that I made this Christmas- one for my daughter and one for a friend's new baby boy Lincoln. Used for the first time last week... she loved it!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I am starting to get excited about Christmas and I have made lots of different Tree decorations. My favourite is this little robin. Available in my Etsy shop and I will have a small Christmas Craft stall at the Lawrence Batley Theatre  in Huddersfield, UK on Saturday 12th December until 7PM. Come and say Hi...

ETSY SHOP OFFER

Visit my Etsy shop to see all available items. New items added all weekend... Also applies to any custom orders placed before Dec 1st.

Jojo's Lion- New Custom Doll

Here is a new custom doll, Jojo's Lion. Made from corduroy, felt and yarn. He is 14 inches tall and has arms that like to dance and give hugs. Going to his new home just in time for Christmas.

Three Kooky Owls

Just completed 3 lovely new sock owls with vintage buttons and wrapped tails. Will be added to my etsy shop in the next day or so.

Custom Christmas Stocking

Here is what I have been working on this week. A custom stocking for a little boy in Canada.  It is lined with wadding and soft polka dot fabric- lovely and soft for little hands to dive into. Complete with monkey applique and personal embroidered message on the reverse. Almost complete... Just needs the top stitching and a hook. Final pictures to come.