The Plight of the Miniature Artist

As soon as one says "dollhouse" the first thought that comes to mind is toys, or a dollhouse for the little girl. Dollhouse Miniatures are not considered toys, nor are they appropriate for children; which you will note in some of the miniature shops. This is a hobby which many are involved in, and then again, something that many know nothing about. Although I have had a miniature shelf (originally a printer’s case for their letters) for many years, and was collecting miniature items; I came to learn about the world of miniatures through one of my oldest friends, who as an artist started out as a textile designer, then started making Persian designed carpets for dollhouses. The exact dimensions of each piece of work are so real like, that I became interested in this field, even doing shows with my friend in LasVegas and Atlantic City (yes, we did have time to gamble a little!). I then started working for quite a few years in a Dollhouse Miniature shop, where dollhouses and their accessories were geared for adults, and quite costly. Often I would find myself telling children, "please don't touch"! Of course we did have furniture for children, which were towards the back of the store, and would quickly guide the little children back there. The craftsmanship in making something 1/12" scale is quite a difficult and comprising task. When one views the items made, they are so real like, it is impossible to believe that they are only 1/12" in size.

Recently I discovered that there are quite a few shops on Etsy selling “miniature items. A few of the many shops listed are: www.Lilwitchy.etsy.com, www.bluekittyminatures.etsy.com, www.ladyartisandolls.etsy.com, www.bassombear,etsy.com. (the cutest little bearsin this shop!)www.goldenunicornminis.etsy.com, www.polkadottoadstool.etsy.com, www.bluecrawdad..etsy.com, one of my favorite shops, www.TheHauntedHollowTree.etsy.com, of which I own a few of her beautiful pictures. For those of you who have not experienced the world of miniatures, I do recommend that you take a moment to look at the real-like items in their shops. Within the Forums you will find one group of miniature artists' "MiniMakers". Another group,"DAM" , which stands for Dolls and Miniatures, are currently attempting to start their own Etsy team. Lisa of “LilWitchy” (the artist of the miniature “Quija Board” which is pictured) specializes in mostly 1:12 scale Miniatures for Witch's Haunted Dollhouses"; and “BlueKitty Miniatures” (who designed the beautiful wedding caked pictured), and "Ladyartisandolls", are a few of the members of who make up “DAM” . While like other teams here on Etsy who chat away about life, families and their craft, they are also trying to get people to understand exactly what miniatures are. As they describe themselves, they are miniature artists creating collectible objects in 1:8, or 1:12" scale for dollhouse/room box settings or even curio cabinets. Miniatures are an old and distinguished hobby, from private collections to museums including the Smithsonian, whose owners value the skill necessary to create tiny objects. They are not children's toys as much as tiny works of art.

Both groups, the "MiniMakers", and "DAM", have tried without little success to get Etsy to provide them with their own specific tag, which would make shopping for miniatures much easier for those looking for that "little" extra something. Taken from a thread posted on June 24, 2008 by “Ladyartisandolls”, "for at least two years, possibly longer, art doll artists, miniaturists, and non-toy dollmakers have been trying to get categories set up for their particular art here on Etsy. We’re consistently frustrated by the difficulty buyers and collectors encounter while trying to find our work. We regularly have customers tell us they would never find us on Etsy if we didn’t send them a direct link. Other doll artists and miniaturists who haven’t yet signed up on Etsy hesitate to do so because there is no clear category on Etsy for them to list their items." According to Lisa, of “LilWitchy”, there is a legislation in the UK which prohibits listing any dollhouse item as a toy. I invite you all to take a look at some of the shops, and view just a few of the very unique items I have listed; and I also ask that perhaps you can convo them in support of their mission in getting Etsy to provide them with their own specific tag, or sign their petition in support of the “MiniMakers.” Here’s a link to their petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/add-a-dolls-category-on-Etsy .

I hope you can all take a "mini" moment of your time to sign this petition to help these very creative miniature artists towards their goal of gaining their own tag on Etsy.

Magdalene: The Actress!

When I am not busy working on my jewelry, or chatting in the Forums, one can find me busy sitting at my sewing machine. Besides making quilts, I have been the costume designer and makeup artist for our local theater group for the past 6 years. So for the past few weeks, I have been busy designing and making the costumes for our summer play, Alice in Wonderland.
Each summer our theatre group, The Fort Hill Players, puts on 10 free performances for children in different parks around our area. Our first performance is tonight! Last week was what is known in the theatre world as “hell week.” Dress Rehearsal every night. I also did most of the props for the play also. The Queen’s chair and the scroll for the White Rabbit are just a few that I did. My daughter Kelly has been performing with this theatre group for 7 years, her first performance was in one of our summer productions, she was Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web.” This year she is the White Rabbit. I have the part of the Knave of Hearts which is wonderful; I don’t have to learn one line (because he doesn’t speak!). I must admit this play was one of the more exciting one’s that I have worked on. Besides the fact that both my daughter and I love the story of Alice in Wonderland; there are so many fun and fanciful costumes to make.
Our theatre group also does two major productions during the year, one in October and one in March, which are for adults. I have had small parts in a few of those productions. My daughter is the actress! as well as being director and at other times, Stage Manager. The profits from these shows are what fund our free theatre in the parks. As soon as we finish our summer shows, I will be starting the costumes for our October play. This local theatre group has been in existence for almost 70 years now. Coincidentally, my mother was also in this theatre group in the 50’s, and started out as their makeup artist, then went into acting. So I guess the theatre bug runs in the family.
Enjoy the pictures of the show and the costumes. And while you are probably reading this on my blog, I will be out there in one of the many parks performing. The group picture is of our crew and staff – I am the one sitting on the corner of the desk and my daughter is standing next to me.

Diane Clancy: An Artist with a Vision!

I am sure many of you already know the artwork of Diane Clancy, and/or have seen her in many Treasury's. I got to know Diane through our "Boomer" group; but even better as we began working together on a very important issue which she had brought to my attention, "The Orphan Act", of which she truly did a lot of research on. For those of you who by now do not know about "The Orphan Act", unfortunately, a the bill was passed through the House and Senate in April. Basically, it affects all of us here at Etsy, as well as all other artists in all realms. It allows any piece of work listed on the internet to be copyrighted by anyone seeking to use the same design, medium, thought; or just blantanly copy one's one photographic memories they may have posted. What Congress is forcing us to do is to sign up with their own government controlled registry that would mandate us to register each piece of work of commercial interests. Of course, you would not be legally forced to place your work with these for-profit registries; but failure to do so would orphan your work (leaving it open to anyone who wishes to use it for their own purpose.

Truthfully, though I am here to introduce you to Diane as the artist; if you wish to know more about "The Orphan Act", please see either Diane's blog: http://dianeclancy.com/blog, or my own blog, of which I have had a few articles published:http:/www.MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com. Diane views her artwork as something to uplift and inspire other people For those familiar with her work know that her vision is to portray her artwork through her use of many vibrant colors.Glancing through the Treasuries, I am sure many of you have come across her collection of what she terms her "bubbleart" a few of which are shown above. Her work is also a creation of digital and traditional mediums, as is viewed in the pictures I have chosen "Concondrum 1; and "Light and Dark." (see below) I have also posted one of my favorites "Emma" the little kitten hidden among the flowers. According to Diane. "she feels very blessed to have the opportunity to express herself through painting. 'I love that people say my artwork enhances their lives.'"

Besides being listed here on Etsy, http://www.dianeclancy.etsy.com/, she is also a member of WWAO (Worldwide Women Artists Online), VAST (Visual Artists Street Team), BBEST, WMass (Western Mass), ACEtsy (ACEOs), GalleryUnited (original fine art) and Interior Design Team.

Viewing her blog, you will understand why Diane says, " I am excited that people are enjoying seeing my work and hearing about my process in creating this artwork!"

June Favorites

Pope John Paul XXIII

The last block received is a beautiful tribute to Pope John Paul XXIII, a man who contributed much not only to the Catholic Church but to many around the world. This square was done by Serena of http://Serenstitches.etsy.com.
Although Pope John XXIII was Pope for only 5 years, he is noted as the most popular and beloved Popes in the history of the Catholic Church. Through his many Councils, he was successful in bringing the religion to the people of today through his many changes of outdated customs and theory's. He also reached out to all other religions which he found was the basis of our own theology. Since his beatification (the process of being a saint) he is now known as "Blessed John XXIII".
This was a nice conclusion to a project which began 6 months ago, and now is completed. I am sure many of you who submitted your quilt squares so many months ago probably think I may have forgotten you; but each quilt, a work of art in itself, will be given the honor and love that was brought forth from each of you. Unfortunately many of those who originally had signed up for the Triumph and Tragedy Quilt decided not to submit something, but what I have received will be assembled into two beautiful works of art. I really do wish to thank all of you (I will be listing each participant with a picture of their contribution on my blog within a few days). In the meantime, I hope you all have been following the progress as I have received each block and immediately posted it here for all to see.
Sorry Serena, I didn't mean to take away from your glory - so I have posted your square of Pope John Paul XXIII to share with all. Again, thanks much for everyone bringing forth to our consciousness, their imaginative talents on a subject that meant something specifically to them, and has been a subject of importance to not only us, but most of the World.

Tragedy: The Oklahoma Bombing

Who can ever forget the day of the Oklahoma Bombing. At 9:02 am on April 19,1995, I think the world stopped, as every news bulletin announced the bombing of the Oklahoma Government Building. 168 people were pronounced dead, 19 of them small children who had just been dropped off at the day-care center in the building. The one memory that always stays in my mind, as well as most other people, is the tragic picture of the Fireman coming out of the building with a small infant, one of the many casualties of that day. Cassie of "myheartandsew.etsy.com" choose that picture to memorialize the Oklahoma Bombing as a symbol of a Tragedy that many cannot forget. It is a beautiful addition to our Tragedy Quilt.

Artisan World-Catalogue II

This is a copy of my add from "Artisan World" Catalogue II. This is the second Catalogue put out by Artisanimpact.etsy.com; two very talented artisans, Oded and Ilan and their assistant, Ev - of whom I have written about often throughout my blog. About 80,000 catalogues are distributed throughout the world to different artists, jewelers, etc. - I wish them and all those whose ad's are represented in this beautiful Catalogue.

ps - Besides doing the Introduction & Bio once again, I was asked to write a 2-page article on the different types of art today; many of which correlate back almost 2,000 years.

Art: In an Artisan World
“Art is something that makes us more thoughtful and inspired.” When people use the term “Art”, what generally comes to mind is “visual art”; basically anything that stimulates the human senses, as well as the human mind. It is a way of communicating inner thoughts, emotions, and feelings through the many forms of the artistic world. Aristotle’s philosophy of art is classically defined as “that which when seen, pleases. Pleasure is the final cause of beauty and thus is not a means to another end, but an end in itself.”
Artisan World’s second catalogue’s goal is to bring to the consumer a “visual art” based on a particular artist’s ideas, experiences, emotions, expressions, and beliefs. These creations show beautiful, thought-provoking works in which the artist presents his own skills and techniques. The “visual expression” of their talents and ideas are then channeled into a creative piece which reaches out to the emotions of its admirer. As you view this Catalogue, remember that this is only a catalyst through which the imagination of each artist is brought forth, and a chance to experience the many varied forms of “artisans” today.
Art can be defined in many ways. “Fine art”, refers to those paintings whose sole purpose is to exist; while “decorative art”, is that which brings to life art in a practical form to ordinary objects of everyday life. Decorative art uses specific mediums in the creation of jewelry, textiles, woodworking, sculpting, and other creative works of art. Within this realm of what we call “decorative art” is another form called “encaustic art”, which dates back over 2000 years to Greek and Roman times.
Looking at a painting, think of how the artist uses the blending of colors or his brush. Different strokes of the brush, define different emotions that the particular artist may be feeling at that time. An artist using dark bold colors may reflect inner turmoil or a more forceful personality; an artist using delicate colors and stokes is emoting an inner sense of calm and beauty. All defined as “fine art”. “Craftsmanship” is an art which involves working with specific metals, such as gold, silver or copper to create pieces of jewelry or sculptures; a reflection of the person working to make a particular artistic form. “Encaustic art” dates back to ancient times when hot liquid colors were applied to walls by means of heated irons. Today, encaustic painting is produced through a process in which the colored wax is permanently ‘burned’ into an absorbent backing such as plaster, canvas or some woods while using special irons, or scribing tools. Many of the artists then design their work into an ACEO (Art Card Edition & Original).
A new subject gaining popularity among some artisans is referred to as “Eco-art”, which is defined by the ecological impact of the environment, in relation to the artist. The eco-artist will convey a particular artwork based on the defilement of the earth’s own environment. As one artist put it, “one person can make a difference; and character and environment are everything.” They find encouragement in creating new life for would-be discards. Another word describing this type of artwork would be “recycling.” “Graffiti Art” is another modern art form which can again be traced back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. The graffiti artist will make use of materials consisting mainly of spray cans and markers to design elaborate wall paintings. Sometimes graffiti is employed to communicate social and political messages. To some, it is an art form worthy of display in galleries, while others consider it a form of vandalism. It is all in the eyes of the beholder!
A “polymer clay” artist uses various techniques to mold clay into a workable art. Although called clay, it is not something found in the earth, but is a polyvinyl chloride plastic. Tiny grains of the PVC are mixed with plasticizers and pigments to form the clay; then baked at the proper temperature forming a solid mass. Once the artist has found the right texture they need, they then design the clay into various creations. These creative art forms are in contrast to what we accept as conventional art, but in the end, all mediums of art convey the artists’ mental, moral, and imaginative experiences from within.
"Art is form and content”. “Form” takes on the elements of art, principles of design, and the physical materials that the artist uses. “Content” conveys what the artist meant to portray, and what he did portray. As you view this second edition of the “Artisan World” catalogue, you now have a better sense of the various techniques that the artists have used; their materials, their thoughts, their personalities, and the vision of the creation they wish to portray to you, the viewer.

Tragedy&Triumph: Adoption

For those of you who have thought we have forgotten about this project, I am about to begin the final stage of The Tragedy & Triumph Quilt Project.
"An ADOPTED Child is a BELOVED child"
This beautiful and poignant heart symbolizing Adoption was done by Heather of "babyannequilts.etsy.com". The heart in the center of the square represents the love for the adopted child by both the adoptive and biological parents. The two sides of the heart represents the two sets of parents, while the smaller heart represents the child. The pearl on the red side of the heart (directly opposite the tiny heart of the child) represents the tears and joys experienced by both sets of parents.
Around the heart are actual quotes, including the quote above, are from families involved in actual adoptions. Another beautiful quote is: "A Birthmother puts the needs of her child above the wants of her Heart. This square is not only beautifully done, but so beautiful in thought!

Thank you Heather.