Amandine and a Much Needed Break!

              

                                    Amandine and Hugo

Well, we had a great Fourth of July this year and I hope you did as well. In the morning we attended the pet parade which is a huge event here (lots of people) though we opted to sit out in the crowd this time around. In the past few years Andres has been in the parade and before he came along we were in the parade route with our Iguana Pokey. We enjoyed a tasty BBQ at my brother and sister-in-laws house and topped the day off watching fireworks. I know that's pretty much a "cookie cutter" Fourth of July but hey, it was a nice relaxing day!

Above is one of my latest dolls, Amandine and her cat Hugo (they're getting ready for Bastille Day a little early). I'm really quite happy with how she turned out, especially her face! She will not be available for sale just yet as she is being sent away on "business" as is Miss Ginger and Miss Madelyn, but when they return I will let you know when they'll be in my Etsy shop. I will be making similar dolls including more deer/fox masked royal ladies, a bride which I've been meaning to make and a few other new ones. My next shop update will be later this month or early August (around my birthday maybe?).

That being said, I'm taking two weeks off for myself. My life feels a little out of balance right now and I find that when certain things are neglected I'm not able to get as much done. Mark and Andres will be away for a few days on a little camping trip with some other family members which gives me some time to catch up on a few books, take in a movie, farmers market,visit thrift/antique stores,etc. I still have a gift certificate for a facial I need to use up from last Summer :)

         

I'll also be revamping my studio so that it's clean and practical which it's not at the moment. Earlier this year I was making some of my best dolls and quite a few at a time. I've found that aside from being busy lately, I've slowed down simply because my studio is a mess and not terribly inspiring. Once I get that task out of the way I'll be back to my usual routine and creating some more lovely dolls like Amandine :) 

I'd like to get into my garden which I haven't had a chance to do this season. It seems that every time I look up from my computer my son and husband are working in the garden! I'd like to get in there and do a little cleaning and adding some more roses and search for some peonies at the local nurseries (it's July and I haven't stepped foot in a nursery yet!).

         

         

And look what came in the mail today...

         

and on page three is the new Etsy ad with one of my dolls:)

         

A few of you told me about it yesterday~ Thanks! Of course it's probably not the best time to take a break but if you're new to my shop/website and found me via the Etsy ad, welcome!! I'll be creating some new bobbed beauties like Harper soon. She already found a home with  Frances down in Australia :)  but I do have a few dolls available in my Etsy shop right now. And it's nice to see fellow doll artist/EGADS Member Dawn Alice in the Etsy ad as well:)