What did I make today?

A sweet little heart booklet made with handmade pink fuzzy felt, a bit of cotton lace and a vintage button.

Open for a secret love note.

One World One Heart

Welcome to Maminka Girl Studio where I make dolls and other little things with all that vintage fabric and paper I've been saving all these years. Last year I had so much fun visiting blogs all over the world that I vowed to participate with my own little give-away this year. This is a wee Irish lass handmade by me using all vintage materials. She has a hand painted face and stands just 5 inches tall.

If you would like a chance to win her, leave me a comment and be sure to leave your blog address. Best of luck to you and come visit me again soon!

Dreaming in Plaid

It all started last weekend when my husband found this little series to watch on Netflix called Monarch of the Glen. It is really Scottish soap opera but delightfully funny and oh... the scenery of the Highlands is spectacular. The tweeds, the plaids and men in kilts...what could be better? It has been so frigid here in New England that building a fire and watching the whole first season seemed like the coziest thing to do. I was dreaming in Scottish accents (we really could have used subtitles a lot of the time!) and feeling very plaid-ish.

So I dug out this little sweetie. She is a Vogue Ginny doll dressed in her Scottish plaids that I have had since the 1960's when I started my doll collection as a young girl.

Started poking around the house for more plaid love and found this vintage cotton tablecloth that I always use at the holidays.

Warm scarves in the cloakroom...

My trusty plaid pressing ham

Look who sleeps on plaid!

Totally worn out plaid sneaks that my daughter cannot bear to throw away

Cozy up to some plaid...this wee lass is off to make some shortbread...this weekend we're on to Season Two.

Accomplishments

The beginning of a new year, a new decade and always a time to reflect back. Instead of thinking about what I did not do or thought I would do, I made a visual report card for myself. Here is a sampling of some of my work for 2009.

Working outside my comfort zone with metal and wood on these found object icons

Having fun with whimsical pom pom creatures

Topsy Turvy Dolls

Workshop doll with Katie Estvold

Art Journaling this summer

Look forward to exploring further in 2010!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you Happy Holidays from New Hampshire. Oh my... how my puppy has grown. That's Flynn on the left. Where has my puppy gone? Time flies in people and dog years so make the most of it!

Surprise Visitor

Look who showed up on my doorstep yesterday. It is the handywork of my good friend Carol who makes the most beautiful holiday arrangements. I usually give the containers back for her to reuse the next year but I think this little doe is staying with me!

Walpole Artisan Tour

Just finished the 7th Annual Artisan Tour here in Walpole, New Hampshire. There was a nice steady stream of folks all through the weekend, some new and some returning. I was delighted to have one of my angel dolls featured on this year's brochure. Now that this event is over, I can focus on making things for gifts, decorating the house for the holidays and baking! Ahhh... big sigh.