Just a note to share my new other blog for rag dolls as I made a second post, come on over and see what's in the works: http://mabelsragdoll.weebly.com/
As I work away on the large embroidery wall pieces I have several small sweeties that are perfect when I feel I need a change of pace from dolls and the larger works -- Here is a sweet little raised heart embroidery. We need more hearts in these times, so hearts to you. Madame Dieu-
I have several embroideries in the works, a few small rounds, the medium Rabbitman I've shared progress shots of, and I just set the linen on my early embroidery stand (that is Massive), I just love this stand and ponder the beautiful embroideries that have been made in the three centuries it's been around. All the embroideries in the works are mixed in my style and are finely, professionally done with arcane symbolic value. There are some fun witchy scenes happening on the small rounds for Samhain, in the classic woodcut way of stylized figures doing sinister things.
I've been a busy gal sewing up many pillows, some stuffed with goose down, some with aromatic cedar (as was done in older times) and all are LARGE -- as always I incorporate antique and vintage elements. I have many to be sold. Find a moment to lounge and ponder, Madame Dieu-
I have finally added a Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/madamedieu/ So funny how I was all about online communication for so long and a couple years back I decided to step away with exception of a few venues (music being a main for me), but fb and all that crap went, including having a cell phone. I guess I'm becoming more primitive as the world gets crazier, it's a calming thing for me. Summer lovin', MD-
I have decided to separate my business up a bit. I have created another blog for my rag dolls as they have a certain audience (and I tend to sell them more than other things), so I named it after my Great grandmother of whom I take my appearance from (uncannily), Mabel: Mabel's Rag Doll. I am keeping this blog for the wooden things I carve (Creche, Santos, Early Dolls), Embroidery, Yarns and such. Everything I sell is under my general business name (incorporated) which is why I went with "Bizarre" to cover my ever varied interest in creating.
It's been quite a spring so far, many lessons about people and the nature of dark waters they swim in, does it ever stop... Those ripples... I often sit out here and think up ideas for projects, work on stuff, and enjoy good friends and beloveds. As I sat in my side yard this day I was/am reminded of my personal life as it weaves through the greater collective, how a drop is a huge thing. My larger perspective is surely fraught from a life lived uncommonly and touched by lots of death, so many people I have loved are now not part this reality, those drops became huge by the end and still ripple in me and I am sure others -- People too often lose sight while throwing projections round these waters. All I can do is greet life head on, say hello to strangers and remain open, but I'm not gonna swim in muddy water any longer. Salute, Madame Dieu-
I have to share how my process of creating as I go can present more work than if I had completely designed the piece out before execution. As you can see I am piecing some raw silk to the halo of the rabbit which is actually going to be embroidered over with gold bullion in the Elizabethan style of stumpwork (through my filter of course), however, if I had just cut the silk out and sewn it on before I did all the french knotting of the rabbit it would have saved me time and FRUSTRATION. And this is why I work for myself! It's all about the love of the story and where it takes you, in this case a dot of silk and a bead of sweat. Madame Dieu-
Work on the new embroidery has begun. I have always found the conception phase of design to be the hardest, the actual doing of the work in a physical sense is the easy, pleasurable part, there may be problems to figure out as the piece evolves but it's still just mechanics and not that ever illusive 'ether' muse thing that goes into the conception of an idea. This piece is deeply alchemical and the bits you see on paper & muslin are the basic components, there is another page of the filler elements to the overall deign (story). For me, this spring is all about integration. I feel a newness bubbling below the surface and it's showing in my work as happens when you create from the well of self. P.S. I still have stuff for etsy and have yet to list the goodies as I may be taking some stuff to a couple new shops I'd like to be in. As always, if you are interested in anything, please contact me. May you swim in the waters of inspiration, Madame Dieu-
I completely forgot to post a photo of Our Lady Medusa with her completed ouroboros and fringe. She has the best eyes that catch the light and sparkle as you move round a room, they are little antique rhinestone insets. I'm working on another embroidery along with the new wooden creche I posted about... I hope you enjoy, Madame Dieu-
Welcome to my bizarre. Poppets, needlework, fiber, wood, and paper hold my attention. All my creations are my own. I find beauty in dangerous places -- enchanted slant, arcane lore and anomalies.