inspired by snow

These past few weeks have been quite busy on the art front. Loads of doll making and portrait drawing and coffee drinking. Zak's heading back to work soon so I won't have as much time to work on art as I have in February, which means I really have to power through my work as much as possible for this next week. After that, I'll be bribing friends with eggs from our chickens in order for them to come play with O for an hour or so. So here's to late Spring nights! 

In the middle of a portrait commission and my little doll family commission for a dear friend, Our snow covered island inspired me to make a doll the reflected the purity of the snow. Winter brings more whimsy than I usually think and when all I can see out my window is white, my fingers start to tingle and my mind goes wild with ideas. There's so much beauty in winter and it's very easy to forget that magic, when the warmth of summer is on the mind. When I dreamt of this doll, I had to take a break from working to create her. 

She will be available on my new website when it launches in a week or two along with some other dolls. Keep an eye out for more information! 

With love,

Michelle

xx

Life lately.

Life can be so very hard. Maintaining a positive outlook is hard. It's been awhile since I've really spent time with this blog and I think it's having it's effect on me. I love using this outlet as a source of growth and positivity. I love to use this space as a record of the beautiful things life has to offer. Much like Hailey's 365 Gratitude project, this is my journal of sorts, where I can share the things I appreciate. I can share the things I'm making, the thoughts I have, and the moments spent with those I love most. I love that about blogging and hope that even if only one person reads an entry, it serves as a source of joy for that single person.

I've been very busy lately. Working on a new website, making lots of dolls, lots of portraits, and starting many new endeavors that have been bringing SO much excitement into my life. I've been spending lots of time with Odin, some time with Z, and even some time with only myself which has been absolutely heavenly. I'm hoping to give myself a little more me time in the coming months. I've found that I forget to give myself moments until I'm almost to my breaking point, and then it's not as useful. Time becomes a necessity rather than a pleasure and I'd rather not feel like I'm about to burst into a million frustrated pieces in order to get that time for myself. I need to work it into my weekly schedule, maybe time for a walk, or to sit and enjoy reading or playing ukulele. Time by myself that I don't spend working or thinking about work. I'm going to try and find someone to play with little O for a few hours every week so that I can get more done while Zak is at work. 

Odin has been using the toilet for a month now and he will be two in nearly two months. Time is passing by so quickly lately, it's catching me completely off-guard. We're house-sitting this week and so very excited to have a tub, we only have a stand up shower at our little apartment. Odin and I have been tubbing it up every day, singing as loudly as we can and splashing so much that most of the water ends up outside the tub by the time we're done (don't worry Lisa! We're cleaning it up right after!). I've been making art and playing ukulele as much as I can. I really want to learn to play well like some of my dear friends can. Zak bought me a ukulele for our anniversary and it's so dreamy. I've wanted one for years and after visiting Angelica, I was madly in love with it. It's so compact and beautiful. 

So, that's that. I'm hoping to have my new website within the next couple weeks and am very excited to move the blog there. It'll also have my own shop and I promise to work very hard at maintaining an inventory of dolls, toys, illustrations, and custom slots. 

Much love, my friends.

xx

Dolls for Abi and Angelica

A Doll for a Dear Friend

In addition to offering portraits again, I'm playing around with the idea of making custom dolls. I'm going to be making a custom family (with a babywearing mama!) for a very dear friend and if it goes well, I'd love to offer them. I want to make a plethora of dolls. A few local shops are consistently asking for me to bring some in for them to sell and since my art sales are steadily picking up, I've been toying with the idea of getting a Farmer's Market stand this coming summer. I could sell my dolls, paper dolls, paper toys, illustrations, etc. The possibilities in this life are endless and I'm so eager to finally feel the motivation to tackle some of those possibilities. I'd love to make plush doll pillows and mobiles as well (which could also be customizable). I'm very excited to spend the next few months building up an inventory and creating a routine that allows me to spend ample amounts of quality time with my boy in addition to being the artist I've always envisioned myself being.

I'm so giddy to have been able to make this little lady in addition to a portrait in trade with Amanda from Little Labyrinth. As you can see, Odin was not very fond of packing her up and sending her off. I guess I'll have to make him a new doll for this year's winter solstice celebration! (Don't tell him!)

I am very thankful for all of the people I have met through my creations and am so grateful for the encouragement you all provide for me. Thank you!