Not all dolls are meant for little girls and their tea parties.
Handcrafted art dolls are an emerging art form that is connecting with sophisticated crafters who lovingly assemble them as a means of self-expression.
Catherine Moore, an artist from Peach Tree, Ga., can take some credit for their rising popularity. In 1999 she invited eight women to join her in creating nine such dolls. From New Mexico to Washington, these artists (via the post office) took turns adding their particular touch to the dolls until each took on its own personality and theme. The result was nine gorgeous dolls with intriguing stories.
The cross-country crafting circle spawned a beautiful book, The Art Doll Chronicles: A Collaborative Journey of Discovery ($22.95, Somerset Studio). It traces the project's timeline and motivation and offers artist profiles.
While The Art Doll Chronicles is an inspiring starting point, you don't need it to create your own doll. The first step is to clear out all conventional thoughts on what a doll should look like. That done, I opted for cornhusks. As a guideline, here is how I did it:

Cornhusk Garden Angel
Supplies:
1 4-inch by 4-inch wood base.
1 bamboo skewer.
Hand drill.
Hot-glue gun and glue.
8-10 unsoftened cornhusks.
2-inch wood doll head.
Black yarn.
Faux leaf trim.
Assorted paints.
Pink effervescent glitter.
Fabric roses.
Vellum paper.
Directions: Base coat the wood block and drill a hole in the center. Add a dab of glue to the bottom of the skewer and set in place. Design the head, attach yarn for hair and glue to skewer top. Paint the cornhusks in desired colors and glue them upright around the skewer to create the body, angel wings and arms. Draw and cut out hand shapes from vellum paper and glue to arms. Embellish with glitter, sequins and faux leaf trim.
Variations: Use fabric, wood, cardboard, paper or recycled and household items for the body arms and legs. Create the face with photos, paints, blocks, rubber stamps, doll heads, fabric or felt. Dress with clothing made from vintage jewelry, beads, buttons, sequins or found art. Create a raglike doll by using fabric as the foundation.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside

* A sewing machine will work for the stitching, but it may require more skill to avoid catching the beads.
* If you don't want to sew, use fabric glue.
* To wash, turn jeans inside out, use a delicate cycle and hang dry.
* If adding to low-rise jeans, make sure the trim is narrow enough so that it won't get in the way of sitting.
* Purchase a few inches more of the trim to allow for mistakes.
* Instead of the waistband, trim also can be added to the bottom of jeans, pocket ridges or side seams.
How to bead-trim jeans
Supplies
* Several yards of trim, amount depends on waist measurement.
* Carpet needle and matching thread.
* Straight pins.
Directions
1. Measure in inches the waist of the jeans and multiply it by four and divide by 36. This will determine how many yards of trim to purchase.
2. Take one end of the trim, right side up, and pin it to the bottom of the waistband, starting at the opposite side of the button and around to the front. Continue pinning the row all around the front of the waistband (even over the belt loops, because you won't be able to wear a belt when finished). When you reach the buttonhole, pin the trim around the back for a neat look. Snip off excess.
3. Thread your needle. Starting at the button end, neatly hand stitch the trim to the waistband, removing the pins as you go.
4. Repeat the process until the entire waistband is covered. It should take three or four rows of trim.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: wearable art

Memory wire is a fitting craft supply to use in honor of Mother's Day.
Like Mom, it always snaps right back in place, no matter how much you stretch or bend it. No slack, no leeway. However, that doesn't mean it isn't fun to work with. Ultimately you'll discover that once you learn to work with it, memory wire produces impressive, lasting effects. Much like Mom, too!
Charm your mum this Mother's Day by way of these handmade bracelets. The packaged wire comes in various sizes for necklaces and bracelets. It's a breeze to work with, and one package will yield approximately a dozen bracelets, no clasps required.
You can find supplies in the beading aisle of craft stores. Read packages closely to make sure you purchase memory wire, not a roll of regular wire.
For an extra, personalized touch, find a locket and insert "then and now" photos of yourself and attach it as a dangle to the end of the bracelet.

Mother's Day Memory Wire Bracelets
Supplies:
1 package of bracelet memory wire
Wire nippers
Emery board
Needle-nose pliers
Crimp beads
Assorted beads
Small jump rings
Head pins
Directions: The memory wire will come in rings (think of a Slinky). Cut one of the rings just at the point where it begins to overlap. Use the emery board to file each end, as the wire is sharp. Using the needle-nose pliers, take one end of the wire and bend a small loop. String on a crimp bead so that the end of the loop is inside the bead. Crimp with needle-nose pliers so it stays in place. String your beads on the wire until you have half an inch left of the wire. Repeat loop procedure.
To add a dangle to the bracelet, attach a charm with the jump ring, or use a head pin to add beads. Connect to the loops at each end of the bracelet.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: jewelry, other holidays, wearable art