halloween spirit doll

TA-DA! after what seemed like a long stretch of interrupted creativity, this dazzling autumn beauty was inspired by an online challenge through a group i belong to, called Art Dolls Only. she's about 20 inches tall, made from blouses belonging to my niece, my friend francine, and even one of my own. the toile lining of her cape is fabric from my french fairygodmother sylvie. for the first time i've added a mask (made of sculpey), and i like the mystery it adds to her face.

my trusty assistant

this is neiman, a big orange cat who came into my life about 8 years ago when i lived in key west. we're all in connecticut now, but he is a typical kitty who craves the sunshine. in this shot he's arranged himself in the middle of my work area, surrounded by clippings of cashmere that i've been using lately. my next post will be of a completed halloween spirit doll, which i created for the art dolls only challenge online.

botanical #14: morning glory

every morning glory i planted this year came up purple. the ones in my veggie garden are the happiest, as they get a full dose of delicious morning sun. there is a fleeting quality to this season. we're definitely done with summer, but the full splendor of fall is maybe another week away, so in between are these dreamy days - time to be outside raking without mittens, time to appreciate the cycle of nature, and to imagine what next year will be like when it all comes back to life. my early spirit dolls always had their eyes closed. the faces have evolved a bit, some with eyes open, to my latest simplified style which can be seen on the post titled "obedient plant". i'd love to get some comments on the various facial styles...