catching up on the Give a way !!!

Ok, tomorrow evening, I am conducting a special give a way of three dolls together--sisters infact, so all of you who are not following me in blogger, need to do this in order to be in the draw, as thats the only place I can see you, so its fingers crossed and lots of longing looks at Mr Spock, whom I have always rather loved and eyes down for a full house !! I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for always being there, so supportive and full of inspiration, all my love and squeezes !

The Spoon Doll......beauty from simplicity.....

Heres a sweet and unusual little spoon doll, shes victorian, with lovely clothing and she is made from an old spoon, just proving that children and mothers, will ,and can, make a doll out of anything. I think shes rather beautiful and so unusual, that I just had to share her with you :)

Shes another hidden treasure from the Museum of Childhood...................... :)

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - White Corolla

I love Julias animation and characters---deep joy !!!

Reflection...... a regency style xmas at Sudbury Hall and the museum of childhood.

 As its the new year, I was just sorting out the images and photos that I had taken on my pc and found these super ones of Sudbury Halls Christmas in the regency style and thought that you all might enjoy seeing them, so here goes.

Above and below are the dinning room, all laid out in its finery, including a white sugar paste nativity scene, that has been part of a tradition at sudbury, for generations. Its wonderful that it can still be seen every xmas and that it is made by faithful volunteers. Its far too beautiful to eat !

 Even the candles are lovely, and to those of you who have never visited the hall, I do urge you to do so, as I have visited many national trust properties and this one is absolutely beautiful and although not so large as others, it definately is very ornate and feminine, and very well loved. ( I am so lucky to have my residency there ! )

 Here is the large fireplace, with regency style festivity. This fireplace is MASSIVE ! Although it doesnt seem so in the above photograph, but you have a better idea when you look at the photo below, as to scale. But what I can say is that most of us would only reach our heads to the top of the fire opening, no way near the mantle, by a few feet !

 Isnt that table gorgeous with its floral display, and heavenly scented too !!
You can just see its ice cream pink walls  of the room, and the ornate fire grate and the huge brass fire dogs.

 The staircase at sudbury, is a rare and dazzling creature, every step a heavenly experience-- and so are the ceilings. Heavily iced with stunning mouldings  that frame the beautiful artwork within. ( I promise to take more photos of the staircase in spring, as there is so much beauty there that must be seen )

 Another fireplace, with its elaborate mantle clock and mirror and ofcourse mouldings, its beauty enhanced by the scented citrus fruits and evergreen delight, of the floral displays...

 I love how this photograph turned out, just like a painting. This was taken in the music room, where even the piano is treated to a gem of red and white roses for the festive time of year.

 Here is the cast iron range, in the kitchen where the servants had there christmas, and as you can see the family of sudbury were kind to their workers and treated them to the same finery and joy, as they themselves appreciated.

 I absolutely love the table full of sweets, and how it is laid out .

Here is a table there too, full of cold meats, game, pate, eggs, ham and pies......

and I really want that pine table, with handy storage underneath !!!
All in all, it must of been a well loved family home, as there seems to be plenty of heart within these walls of Sudbury :)

My Wish for 2013.....

I have had a few emails asking what my hopes and dreams are , for 2013 and they are very simple, literally simple.
I just want to simplify my world and enjoy it .To be peaceful and always content and grateful for what I have, for I am truly blessed. To minimise the stress...

I found this great quote on pinterest, that I think sums it up for most of us.......
I think sometimes its good to strip things right back to the begining to become better and lighter of burden again, and I will certainly be practising this in the new year, with a good cleanse and de clutter of the house and studio !!
Have a super new year and most of all be kind to yourself, because you are worth it !!

Rainy days.....a New Year.......

Nothing but rain..............................................

but there is a new year around the corner, filled with hope and promise for us all , something to look forward to and to feel grateful for and blessed everyday :)

I hope 2013 brings you all your hearts desire and much, much more.

Lets use these rainy days , to look for beauty in surprising places and to nest and create !

May the beauty we love, be what we see !!

Happy New Year !

x x x x x x x

Little Reds New World.........

Here is Little Red, one of my favourite creations, in a photo that he sent to me full of christmas cheer , in his email to me :0)

He has a super new life and lives in a beautiful place, just at the end of the rainbow, under the stardust and nestled in the silver lining, in a place called, Bamptonia.........

There he has many friends, lots of them rabbity, some of them quirky, and all of them just beautiful !!

Heres the link to Bamptonia, bamptopia !! They have a super new blogg and a cutsie etsy shop too, so we can all have a bit of bamptopia in our lives !!

http://bamptonialoves.blogspot.co.uk/

p.s. Little Red also wanted me to tell you that Bamptonia, also make and made his super felt, festive antlers and I bet they will be making bunny ears for easters too !! (I think I will order myself a pair, as well as the other little creations in my life ! )

My Two day Workshop for a Queen Anne.....

Hello Friends :0)

for some time now people have been asking for an indepth workshop, so I have decided to do a two day course. It will take place in the beautiful forest of dean, in a lovely tin chapel . Included in the cost will be lots of hot or cold drinks, cake and biscuits to nibble on and a nice light lunch of salad and sandwiches. The day will begin at 10am and end at 4pm saturday, then we will all meet again the next day sunday and repeat. This course will be fine for all skill levels, as I will  provide you all with a pre sewn and stuffed body, which you will sculpt over the top of, with paper clay, learning to insert eyes, create features, then paint, make a wig, attach arms and legs, and also you will make the clothes. All materials are included, but if you have any favourite vintage materials you would like to bring, then please do !

Unfortunately at this moment in time, I am not able to offer you accommodation, but there are several great b and b's nearby and camping fascilities, all of which I will be happy to help you locate. This course, I can promise will be a fun, indepth and informative and will leave you with a super doll that you will cherish for years to come.
Please email me on darlingdeborah@rocketmail.com for booking details etc. When you have booked, you will receive an exciting pack all about your course, this is also good if you are intending on buying a place , as a present for a friend. As always, it will be a very fun and creative weekend, charged with energy and home made cake !!
 I look forward to seeing  you there, some old friends and the new :0) Spaces are limited, as I am still artist in residence with the national trust again for 2013, so book early to avoid disapointment. Happy Dollmaking !!

Queen Anne Dolls at Sudbury Hall......

Heres another superb Queen Anne doll, one of a collection at the museum of childhood, at the National Trusts Sudbury Hall, where I am resident artist again for 2013. I will also be using her as inspiration for one of my up and coming weekend workshops, dates to be confirmed in the next few days :)

She will also feature in my exhibition at Sudbury hall, The Art of the Toymaker, which will include my highlights from the museums collections and pieces of my own work, it will run throughout the whole of next year.There will be many free printouts and makes , when you visit the museum.

Here are some photos including, whats under the skirt--which all us dollmakers need to know. Interestingly enough she had no panties, but does have a most fabulous, boned corset, of which you can see the base of. She is a very large doll, and her dress is made of a stunning, rich yellow dupion silk. I will feature more close up photos etc, in a booklet on my workshop--so watch this space. Details up in the next few days and places are limited....enjoy !

Hoppy Xmas and New Year !

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Hoppy Xmas and a beautiful and vibrant brand New Year !!

There can be Only ONE.........

Hello my dearest friends and customers, I just wanted to make you aware of the fact that someone has been trying to set up a bogus facebook account, pretending to be me. Please rest assured , I have only the one fb account that I have had for years, and there is only the one of me. :)
If ever you receive anything worrying like this, then please email me on darlingdeborah@rocketmail.com and we can solve the case ! :)

                                     ThAnK yOu  !!!

Little Miss Googly doll at sudbury.......

Heres a new special wee friend of mine, a dear sweet little googly eyed doll,--that I like to call Mavis ! She was in storage at the museum of childhood, but I will be including her in my static exhibition that will take place there next year in gallery 8, The Art of the Toymaker--I hope you can come to see her and myself there next year, I hope you enjoy looking at her, as much as I do ! Much love from us both!  x x

I like a dash of Rufus.........

I love Rufus Wainwright, hes an instant marriage job for me, even if I had to nail his feet to the floor !! lol !
Heres a super song for this very time of the year... enjoy....dont stress...   :0)

Puggy Creations.....

Heres a sneeky peek at my latest creation Percival Pug, and there are many in the making and much more news on those in future postings :0) I just wanted you all to know that I am still creating, let me know what you think of the little fellow !

 and he has a very cute curly tail too !

Felix....the cat....

I thought you all might like to see Felix the scaredy cat, who lives at sudbury museum--he makes me smile everytime I look at him, such a great piece of toymaking, with so much character and mischief ;0)

He dates from around the 1930's and is about 16 inches high and is in a very handsome condition, he lives in a case with some super Laurel and Hardy dolls, and I think at night he and them, get up to alot of pranks and practical jokes, when the museum is shut.

I will be uploading images of my new work tomorrow so stay tuned and have a fun day !!!

Wowzas.....at the Quirky, Handmade and Vintage Fayre

A MASSIVE big thank you to all customers and exhibitors who turned up in great numbers to Lindas and my, Quirky, Handmade and Vintage Fayre yesterday. We were busy from 10am till 4pm, where we had to push people out of the door :0) Thank you all so very much, we have really enjoyed doing it. We are now planning our next fayre in easter, so please feel free to email me on darlingdeborah@rocketmail.com  with images of your work etc, if you wish to exhibit with us. It has been a real pleasure working with you all, you all made it a great event and day for everyone !
Hugs and squeezes all round !!!

Roll up, roll up, get on yer bike !!

Please feel free to copy and paste the quirky , handmade and Vintage fayres details, from my article  below, where ever you can--- so that we can make this a fun day for all :0)
The more the merrier !!
go, go, goooooooo !   and thankyou !

Come to the fayre this sunday in melbourne.........

Please come and support local people at this non profit making event. Its free admission, with a free kids craft table and scrumming tea rooms with free tea or coffee with every purchase of a piece of cake.

 The exhibitors are, fantastic MiMi's quirky kitchen handmades and peg rails, the gorgeous Hesta Nesta and her vintage wares, the fabulous potter Paul Young with his superb slip ware ceramics, folk artist extrodinaire Steve Handley, myself and my bits and bobs, Sue Clews and her amazing wire work, hearts, jewellery and sculpture. Bramble Magic and all her lovely hand made and one off collectors bears, Jackie Quinton and her range of vintage and antique toys for sale, Diana Shepherd, famous for her animal portraits in charcoal, Dunleavy and McIntyre will be showing their vintage welsh blankets,hand made goodies and more. Felted with Love, will be showing her beautiful bags and scarfs, Hattie Startin Kits , will have her stunning array of nordic knits and accessories, Marcus Holmes will be there with harrington terracotta, showing his handmade table ware and green men,  Mark Gordon the artist is there, hot from calke abbey with his paintings. Miss Ladysmith and her jewellery, Miss Sammy designs and her quirky makes, Mollies Mum, derbyshires answer to poppy treffin, will be showing her textile loveliness. Queenies Bakehouse with her fabulous cakes and refreshments. Deborah Oppong-Saol and her mic matched vintage china and tea for sale. Ticking Stripes and her fantastic array of vintage finds and wares, the Time Travellers with their vintage xmas hampers, vw accessories etc. Sallys classy lavendar bags , sleep pillows  and xmas decorations, using antique french fabrics. David Williams whacky sculpture and ceramics, Folk art from the forest, Sock monkies from Belle for the children, hand painted childrens toy chests and height charts from Graheme Read,  Bonkers vintage knitted tea cosies from Lady Cicely, Megan Crooks dinamic knitwear and many, many  more !!!
Top quality, vintage arts and crafts only, at this happy Local Event. Do you xmas shopping in the warm, inside the melbourne assembly rooms, this sunday the 2nd december 10am till 4pm ( or when you have finished shopping ! ) lol !!
I hope to see you there,
hugs and squeezes to all !
Debbles xxx

Christmas is coming and the pugs are getting fat......

Well its all go go go, here and only a few more days to go till our super christmas fayre on sunday in melbourne, free admission,all goods from top quality local people, lets support local people instead of buying into the rat race, we aim to make this the best local show this christmas and I look forward to seeing you all there. There will also be delicious refreshments by Queenies bakehouse, who will be making her large and delicious cakes and be running a special for all ,of only charging three pounds for a scrumptious piece of cake with tea or coffee--a great winter warmer !! There will be a free art table of makes for the kids too :0)

Compliments from the Heart ........

Heres one of, if not the biggest compliment I have ever had, from my lovely and beautiful friend, the artist Jude Harzer, please visit her blogg and read all about her work and life and inspirations here, you wont be disapointed, she really is a very exceptional human being :0)

If you want to read about the painting, look for me , Deborah Darling, to find the portrait and all about it.

got to

http://judeharzerfineart.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/magical-musedeborah-darling.html#comment-form

Bless You and Thank you...............

Bless you and thank you, to those dear people who managed to climb aboard their Arks and set sail to Goltho gardens yesterday.... Despite terrible weather conditions and flooding, we all arrived bedraggled, but happy. Stalls were set up and only the brave , who owned their own ark came to see us, so thank you :0)  although not many people, I managed to do some swops with the other stall holders and thus some xmas shopping was managed :0)

So this coming weekend I will be at the national trusts museum of childhood in derbyshire, thursday, friday and saturday and the www.quirkyhandmadeandvintage.co.uk   fayre  on sunday at the weekend 2nd december--- so dont miss that, as its a free event--non profit making, plus I will make sure that theres a free craft table for the kidlets, whilst you shop :0)

Have a super day !

p.s.
the photo above is me sat at my stall on sunday .........    ;)

GoLtHo GaRdEns......

Once again I will be selling at the ever so gorgeous Goltho Gardens in lincolnshire....... do come along if you get chance to do a little xmas shopping, its all indoors so you wont get wet, and there are scrumptious refreshments available ! So pop along tommorrow, sunday the 25th of November, if you can and have some festive fun, in a beautiful setting. I LOVE GOLTHO GARDENS ! :0)

Lovely terracotta tiny doll 400 bc

Heres the oldest doll at the museum, shes a handmade terracotta doll, who appears primitive, but has articulate arms and legs, and the sculpting on her face is quite breathtakingly beautiful. Shes a real rarity and quite a treasure, shes also about 6 inches in height.
I am particularly impressed with her hairdo and have been practicing all day with my mop of hair , but have yet to master it !
I hope you enjoy looking at this special doll :0)

Tiny Calico doll 1785...........

 Here is the sweetest little callico doll, no taller than 6 inches and her head is smaller than your thumb. She is a homage to the hand made and beautiful in every way.

 She was made in 1785 and given to a little girl called Martha, look at her beautiful hand drawn prim features.

 Her clothes are stunning too, heres a beautiful pin tucked translucent ensemble to die for.

You can see her at the Museum of Childhood, the national trusts, at Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire--she is one of many dolls donated to the museum by Betty Cadbury. I will be photographing and featuring many dolls from the museum and using them to inspire me further in my makings, so stay tuned and have a happy Monday !

OnE pLACE TO bUY BEAUTIFUL HANDMADES....

Heres a Craft and Vintage fayre where you wont be finding any tatt. Myself and my good friend Linda decided to organise this event, to bring to you 30 of the best that craft and vintage have to offer, amongst them will be the wonderful Steve Handley and the fabulous potter Paul Young, there will also be a vintage tea shop for refreshments :0)  (That means cake ! ) Enjoy !

got to www.quirkyhandmadeandvintage.co.uk for further inspection :0)