An unexpected gift

Today's mail brought a package, completely unexpected. I recognized the name but didn't expect what was inside - the most exquisite beaded doll I have ever seen made for me by a friend who is an amazine bead artist.
I haven't taken pictures yet but, luckily, Grace did.
Of course, there were tears at first at the unexpected kindness. I have been so blessed over the last year and a half, so many new people have come into my life, all good people, kind people, most of whom I probably would never have met or gotten close to if it hadn't been for Henry's death. I am so grateful to them all, grateful for the emails, the letters, cards, the visits, the flowers, the prayers, the opportunity to just talk and talk until I was all talked out, the advice, the unexpected gifts. I know I can ever repay them but I hope they all know how much they mean to me and how much I appreciate all they have done for me.
Grace, thank you! Your doll is beautiful, I love the colors, the design, the little ruffle on the back and especially the hair! It reminds me a bit of dreadlocks and makes me wish I hadn't just gotten a haircut :-)

My weekend projects

I feel like I (finally) got something done.

Sunday morning, I spent about an hour making soap and for the last few days, I've been working on a house shaped doll. My husband calls it a rocket ship but I know better.

The pattern is out of an Australian book, "Softies." Getting a hold of it took quite a bit of effort (mostly surfing the internet), but it was well worth it. Lots of cute patterns - more finished products to come.

For now, just this little doll. I went a little crazy with beads and buttons but it was fun. And, yes, that's the soap in the background of the first picture - rain, oceania, lime margarita, cherub and tranquil sleep.

Making dolls

I took a break today from "have to's" and made a little doll á la Dot Christian - My life, my values, my art.... She has a tutorial on her site for making these cute, little dolls.

I didn't really know what I wanted her to look like, just played. And, wouldn't you know?, even with all the beads I have, I still don't have the exact right ones.