Gail Lackey Ghosties Fairys and Magical Things

Master Ed

2011-12-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

"Master Ed, a Strange little boy who doesn't know he's dead"
Master Ed is my newest ghostie and just listed in my Etsy shop.http://www.etsy.com/listing/87638526/ooak-victorian-gothic-macabre-ghost-doll

Poor Master Ed, his only firend is the ghost man attached to his wooden pull toy! He wanders in search of a playmate, but unfortunatly scares everyone away!
Master Ed clothes are made from a vintage masonic sash. I hand painted stripes on it, but for some reason they don't show up in the photo....ghost stripes, I guess!

Seems I don't have much time lately to get many dolls done,or update my blog! I wanted to have some fun things done for Halloween but it didn't happen. The gremlins have waged war on my life this last year and I have been busy fighting them off, but, spit-balls don't seem to have much effect on them...guess I'll have to try something a bit more drastic!

Anyway, hope you enjoy Little Master Ed.

I do have some fun news to put in my next post..in the meantime I'll be looking for a good "gremlin repellent spray"Does anyone know of any??

Dark Blessings, Gail

New Ghostie on Ebay!

2011-10-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Back from the exhibition in Canada, Madaline McCary and her shrunken brother Harry are now available on Ebay!
"With a voodoo spell, Madaline McCary shrunk her little brother Harry"!
We all know how pesky those little brothers can be!

I've added a larger striped bow onto Madalines hair and created a nice little headstone for her. The lamb and cross image was cast from the original childs coffin plaque,then I molded it in an airdry stone clay and turned it into a headstone.

Madalines dress is made using fabric from a tattered Victorian mourning dress.It has antique beaded black buttons on which I've added my signature sculpted baby skulls. The tiny skulls adorn her shoes and her hair ornament as well.

They are looking for a new home to haunt!
Check them out on Ebay!! http://www.ebay.com/itm/180740416390?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
If the Gremlins stay away, I hope to have a few more things done before Halloween, So keep watching!
Happy Hauntings!
Gail

Dollirium Doll Show

2011-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings All!
It's been awhile since I posted. I see somethings are missing from my blog like the music and the followers...disapeared into the netherworld...I'm not sure what has happened. I'm not that computer savy so I hope that at somepoint they will return!
I have been working on my piece for the Dollirum Doll show "Dearly Departed" which opened on July 24th and will run thru Sept 3rd. Check it out, there are some SpOOkTaCuLaR Artists participating!!! http://dollirium.blogspot.com/ The show is put together by Dark Dolly Doll artist Jacqui Gallant of odddollz, who, now on top of everything else she does, has created this incredible Doll Gallery to showcase all things Dark and SpooKTaCuLar! The Gallery is located at, 1 Cliftonvale Ave London, Ontario Canada. If your in the area stop in a check out the offerings! This is my little Darling I created for the show.
Madaline McCary who, with a voodoo spell, shrunk her little brother Harry!

Her shroud is created using antique victorian fabric from widows weeds. She is polymer clay over wire armature. Her little shrunken brother Harry is pin jointed. She has little skull buttons on her dress and shoes sculpted from clay. Included is a cast "Our Darling Plaque I took from an original casket plaque.

Madaline and Harry are available during the show, or contact Jacqui at odddollz@hotmail.com.

I will be working on some more pieces to list in my etsy shop soon so keep an eye out!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Memento Mori Theater Bust

2011-05-20T17:47:00.001-07:00

I've created something a little different for the Ghosties. A little Memento Mori Theater display.
The idea was to do a bust of a Ghostie or something smaller that wouldn't take as much time as a full sized doll,...well it was a nice thought..., but after I did the bust I thought it needed a little something else, so I created the base from an old block of wood then covered it with vintage velvet. It still needed something more, so I took a mold from an old coffin plaque that said "our Darling" poured it in plaster, and added it to the front. I like that way it turned out, but felt it still needed something else, so I did the back drop for it from striped paper...it was kinda plain, so I thought it would look better to add a bit of theatrics to it. I photocopied some theater curtains from one of those dover books and hand colored them and added some details. It still needed something more, so I trimed it in the same old velvet as the base, made some curly decorations out of cardboard. I then molded another smaller "Our Darling" and attached it to the inside.
So my idea to create something that "wouldn't take me as long" as a full sized doll, actually took me longer to create than if I would have just done a doll! I never learn! Molly Mercy Jane,
succumbed to an overdose of poison Henbane!

Over all the piece is 10 1/2" tall and 5" wide. Hope you like her!

She is in My Etsy shop if you'd like to take a peek!

I have a ball jointed doll that I had started, I hope to post some photos of it in progress soon.

Happy Hauntings,

Gail

GraveYard Goblin Ghostie!! OHHH Scary!!!

2011-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

As I was out for an evening stroll in the cemetary, I came across some curious little fairy folk that co-habitated the place with the other spirits living there. Graveyard Goblins!!!!
Goblins never die they just grow pale with age! These particular little creatures love to tunnel under ground from grave to grave, which sometimes causes the ground to sink and headstones to tumble!!
This particualr ghostly goblin is "Stench" a jolly sort of guy!I've just listed him in my etsy shop if you'd like take a peek at him!

Stench stands 14" high to the top of his Stone Clay hat. I made his jacket from a remant of an 1880's victorian mourning jacket. I made him some nice little bone accessories and some eyeballs he wears on the tip of his shoes.

His dental care leaves something to be desired, (his teeth are sculpted from polymer clay) But he doesn't seem to mind much!

I hope you enjoy viewing him as much as I did making him...we had a good laugh!!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Ghosties and Goblins my newest on Etsy

2011-04-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ms P looks like she's finally found what could be a long lost relative! The resemblance is uncanny!! I had started sculpting a ball jointed doll when I was struck by a goblin attack! So I was force to put the bjd aside while this crazed creature came into being! His name is Fidget and he's in love with a poor little bunny that wasn't quite fast enough!

He's looking for a new home so I listed him in my Etsy shop. Please check him out!!

Ms P thinks she's in love and I'd hate to see what they would create together so he's gotta go!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72956504/ooak-gail-lackey-goblin-elf-fairy-bunny

Fidget measures 9 1/2" and is free standing. Dressed in old goblin leathers and antique pieces of gypsy nomadic clothing, he's quite stylish for a goblin!

Maybe now I can get back to my ball jointed doll in peace!

(Athough I have the urge to sculpt some goblin and elf busts so maybe the aren't finished with me yet)!!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Tiger Lilly on Ebay

2011-03-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've made one of my larger Ghosties, and even longer since I've listed one on ebay. So here She is! Tiger Lilly out for a stroll with her voodoo-ized umbrella!

"Tiger Lilly met her end when a Vampire spider became her best friend"

Little Tiger Lilly has a thing for cuddly little spiders, This one just happened to have a taste for cute little Victorian girls! Ahh..a friend for eternity... Tiger Lillys faithful pug dog companion, Pugsly awaits his own fate, unless he can be clever enough to come up with a plan to out wit this toothy foe, but I wouldn't hold my breath!

Tiger Lilly is one of a kind hand sculpted from polymer clay, as is Pugsly. The vampire Spider is softsculpted using victorian mourning fabrics and jet beads. Tiger Lilly measures about 11"1/2 to the top of her head and about 16" to the top of her voodoohead umbrella, which is removable and decorated with sculpted bone accents.

She's on auction at ebay right now, looking for a new home to haunt!...check her out!http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180644313537&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

This might be it for the Ghosties for a while as I've had the urge for some gobliny creatures and other things that go bump in the night!

Plus those ball jointed dolls are creeping into my mind once again!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Another new Ghostie Just Listed on Etsy!

2011-03-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

Ms "P" just discovered a tiny pair of ghosties in the studio, and since she is highly jealous of anything getting attention except herself, she says "they gotta go"! So....I've just listed them in my Etsy shop! This tiny pair was inspired by Edward Goreys book "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" (As are most of my Ghosties, except this pair is tinier than my others)
"Little Lolli, couldn't be sweeter, last seen in Kensington Gardens with an odd boy named Peter"!

Little Lolli measures just under 7" to the top of her bow, and her tiny Tinkerbell Fairy doll is 2 1/2"- 3" to the top of her topknot. Lolli's shroud is made from an antique silver-grey silk velvet ribbon. I've also used hand painted and dyed silk tulle vintage buttons and ribbons.

I've got one more larger ghostie in the works and then I think I may be on to something else...I feel some other little creatures mulling about the dark receases of my brain!!!

I also, time permitting, will be posting some information on doll making, as I recieve many e-mails all asking pretty much the same questions,....mainly," how do I become a doll artist..where do I start"? So I thought I might just do some posts, hopfully answering some of those questions.

In the meantime if you'd like to take a peek at Lolli and Tink, they are looking for a new home to Haunt! Check them out in my Etsy shop! This link should guide you there!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69493393/ooak-gail-lackey-victorian-gothic

Have a SpOOkTacular Day!

Gail & Ms "P"

A New Tiny Twosome in my Etsy Shop

2011-02-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mistress Mary bent over to button her shoe, when a strong wind blew...she went Tootle-loooo!
This tiny twosome is newly listed in my Etsy shop is you'd like to take a peek
http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenofthefaeries Mistress Mary and her tiny ghostly companion are smaller than most of my dolls. Mary is 4 1/2" and Minnie is a petite 2" Both are hand sculpted in polymer clay and wire jointed so their arms and legs move.

Poor Sweeties looking for a new home to haunt!

I've been working away on Ghosties and have another small one in the works, although larger than Mary. Hopefully if she cooperates I will have her done by next week.

One of my regular sized Ghosties has been waiting mournfully in the wings for quite sometime, she's turned blue from holding her breath...oh wait..she has no breath!!

In the meantime I hope you enjoy Mistress Mary and Minnie!

You are SpOOkTacuLar!!!

A New Ghostie Coming!

2011-02-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Just an update to let you know I have a couple of new ghosties manifesting in the mortuary!
One, I've just finished, is a Tiny Ghostie with a little ghostly companion. I will be listing her in my Etsy shop tomorrow, Sat. the 19th. So if your interested keep an eye out!

Also, if any of you had e-mailed me in the last 3 months or so, and never heard from me...Please forgive me! I am not Ignoring you!!
I had become rather lax about checking my e-mails, and found myself saying "oh, I'll do it tonight, or in the morning"....well you know the rest!! Now it's been around 3 months...at least sometime before Christmas... and the amount of mail is boggeling to say the least. You'd have to take me out in a straight jacket if I attempted to wade back through it all, which I don't think I will attempt!!
So again, I beg your forgivness if you have e-mailed and I never replied.Please re-email if you need to! I shall be better.... I promise! (Ms "P" is cracking her tiny whip...she's scarey)!

So for now I won't bore you with any more!! Watch for photos of the newest ghostie and some in the making!!
Have a SpOOkTacular Evening!!

A New Ghostie!

2011-02-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Mz P informs me I was a bad blogger last year and I'd better snap out of it!
Heaven knows you'd better not get on the wrong side of her, so I'm hoping I can be a better blogger and a better "ghostie maker" this year.
That being said. Let me introduce you to my newest little ghostie I've just listed in my Etsy shop.
This is Olive Elderberry, who wandered into the land of Fairy. she gave a scream and a tiny shout, but never did find her way back out! So Little Olive is forced to wander...good thing she has her little Scary fairy dolly to guide the way, er,...maybe thats why she got lost! Those fairys can be a bit naughty at times!

Olive is one of my smaller Ghosties, and stands just over 8" to the top of her head. Her lovely little shroud is made from antique velvet and antique lace. Tiny little bones act as faux buttons.

She's looking for a new home to Haunt!

Here's the link for my etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67247183/ooak-gail-lackey-victorian-gothic-ghost

Take a ghostly gander at her!!

Have a SpOOkTaCulaR NiGht!

Gail &... Ms P...of course!

Bijoux Jewelry!

2010-07-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings Darklings!
Half of the fun I have doing Gallery Shows is being able to dress up in an "Artsy Fartzy" sort of way. I love anything different and unusual, and I am in love with vintage and antique jewelry. I enjoy having that "one of a kind" piece that no one else has seen before and would die to get their hands on! I LOVE this Reliquary Necklace!

I am blessed to have a talented and creative daughter, Kimberly, that makes such jewelry.

(My shameless family promotion...plus, she gives me great gifts)!

Kimberly has opened a new Etsy shop, "Madonna Enchanted" to sell her one of a kind jewels made from antique and vintage pieces.If you'd like to take a peek, Here is the link

http://www.etsy.com/shop/madonnaenchanted

Enchanting Necklaces and Decadant Diva Rings!!

All One of a Kind for the Bijoux in you!

And... did you think you'd get away without seeing the "Divine Ms "P"....Little Diva that she is!

Modeling a few of her favorite rings and things from the Madonna Enchanted shop.

Thanks for taking the time to look!!

Dark Blessings,

Gail...and the ever Decadant "Ms P"!

New Ghostie Wall Hanging

2010-06-29T20:24:00.001-07:00

Mz "P", Princess Wee Wee, and their mystery guest, discuss the probability of the existance of a disembodied head.
Very deep stuff for such tiny minds! This is my new piece I just listed in my Etsy shop.
If you'd like to take a peek here is the linkhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/50477237/ooak-gail-lackey-ghost-doll-head-wall
"Little Lenore, separated from her body forever more"!
I created Lenore as a wall piece. Her ghostly head is attached to a vintage Florentine frame. The total piece measures 9"1/2 tall and 7 wide. I"ve used vintage mauve millinery flowers with vintage netting mixed with hand dyed gauzes and newer paper flowers. She wears a little ghostie hidden among the mixture of stuff in her tibetan lambswool hair.

Happy Hauntings!
Gail...Mz "P" and the large at heart, Princess Wee Wee

Annabelle Wee New Etsy Listing!

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just listed a new ghostie in my etsy shop!
If you'd like to take a peek http://www.etsy.com/listing/49575457/ooak-ghostie-ghost-victorian-mourning?ref=v1_other_1

Her name is Annabell Wee,

Annabelle Wee fell down the well.

Brother Tommy saw...but he'll never tell!

Poor Annabelle!

She measures 8" and is pin jointed so her arms and legs move. She comes with her own tombstone and friendly spider to keep her company!

She has the palest blue hair done up in little buns, topped off with a vintage ribbon an cross bones (they don't show to well in the photo)

Vintage silk velvet jacket and vintage laces and trims. Looking for a new home to haunt!!

Keep watching, I am working on some new things I hope to list soon in my etsy store!

Hope your day is SpOOkTacular!

Gail..Ms P, and Princess Wee Wee!

New Ghostie Ebay Listing!

2010-05-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm finally finished with my new Ghostie Lizzi Boredom (aka Lizzie Bordon). I've just listed her on ebay if you'd like to take a peek at her.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180509624816&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT . That should get you there , or type in Lackey in the search bar.

Lizzie is 12" tall, free standing. She's chopped the head off her little dolly, but you can reattach it as it is removable. Her Shroudly coat is made from a yummy bruised purple velvet with green fur at the collar. Handpainted eyes and my signature baby skull head on her lovely purple velvet bonnet.

Little Lizzi Boredom,a sweet girl it was said,

Mysterious though, why everyone around her,

seemed to turn up dead!
Happy Hauntings,

Gail

PeekaBoo!

2010-05-08T15:23:00.001-07:00

Miss Pennythistle, (aka Ms P) and her entourage of one, Princess WeeWee, discovered a disembodied head in the studio this morning, and as it so happened a nice little body that they could attach it to was found close by! Oh....those clever girls!! It's actually a new "ghostie" that I am working on, and hopefully will have her done this next week and up for sale if all goes well.
So keep watching!
Have a SpOOktaCular Day!
Gail ,Ms "P", and Princess WeeWee!

New Ghostie in my Etsy Shop!

2010-04-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is little Millicent McGregor. She is one of my little Ghostie's or "Les Petits Morts" (little dead ones). I've just listed her in my Etsy shop if you'd like to take a peek!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/45299206/ooak-victorian-baby-ghost-doll-gail
She is pin-jointed at the arms and legs so they move. She has her very own headstone that is included with her name and date of her demise. Little Millicent is 8" tall from the tips of her painted shoes to the top of her head. Her hair is in little side buns, and she is Oh so sweet!

She's a bit different than my other ghosties being smaller and having painted stockings and shoes. I enjoyed doing the headstone for her, so I plan on doing a few more ghosties with them..always looking for something fun and different!

Hope you enjoy her!

Ghostly hugs,

Gail

(thanks Aude for the french lesson)!

Ghost Bride

2010-03-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

I sculpted this figure over a year ago, and the poor dear stood unfinished until recently. I had made a removeable long blond wig for her (usually my hair is glued right on the head), but she seemed rather "normal and boring" to me, and so I was uninspired to finish her.Alas, she stood unattended on the counter. I passed her by every day on my way into the studio,stopping to fuss with the blonde tresses and trying different things, holding up different hair colors and different fabrics. Still they all seemed rather blahzay, and ho-hum.

Finally... feeling rather guilty for leaving her unfinished so long, I took her back to the studio stripped her of her pretty blonde tresses, gave her a "dark do", Vamped up her eye makeup (it was rather pale before), and added her tattered head dress, and Volia! Emerged her true identity, the "Ghost Bride"! Now I really love her!

Her neckpiece is a 17th century applique, Love that old tarnished look. Her gown was a remnant from and antique french ball gown. The only thing I don't care for is she needs a doll stand, which I really dislike, as most my dolls are free standing, and I feel the stand distracts from her other worldly-ness. I guess I'll have to create some unseen stand for her.

But, she went from one of those dolls that just didn't seem to go anywhere to being on of my favorites...and it only took under two years!!LOL!

Hope you enjoy her!

SpOOkTacularly Yours,

Gail

Happy Saint Patricks Day!!

2010-03-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

A wish from Me, "Mz P", and Little Princess Wee Wee!!!! Here's wishing you all the luck of the Irish!!!
Faith ,Begorra, and Begetting yurself a SpOOktacular Day!!
Gail

Down the Rabbit Hole and Back Again

2010-03-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

I'm Late..I'm Late.. For a very important date..except it's been so long I can't remember what it was!...Oh Yeah...it was returning to posting on my blog! It's been months since I returned from Our Fabulous trip to France, and I'm afriad I have become somewhat lazy about getting back in the groove.
So many of you have been asking where I'm at, I decided it was time to return to the land of the living..So Voila.!!
First I am happy to say I have been invited again this year to participate in The World Ninygo Exhibition in Japan. I believe there was only one other artist from the US invited so needless to say I am extremely honored!
Since we've all been waiting on pins and needles for Tim Burtons Alice film (which is Fabulous by the way), I decided to do a dark version of Alice for my entry for the show. Combined with my facination for Victorian mourning customs, I created " Alice in Mourning for the White Rabbit" Ahh..Poor Monsieur Wabbit! Alas... he is in good hands!

As expected,there has been a sudden population explosion of Alice Dolls! They are taking over the planet!! It's been interesting to see the various takes on her creation.

As I have never been one to follow the trends, this will proobably be my last Alice for awhile..or.. maybe not.....It depends on how long I stay out of wonderland, and if I feel the need to return soon!

I hope you enjoy my little Alice!

Now I'm off on my next adventure!

I'll try not to stay away so long...thanks to all of you who have been kind enough to leave comments despite my dissapearance!!!

Have a SpOOktacular Day!

Gail

Off To France!!

2009-09-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone..this is my last post till I return from my trip to france! I'll be home after the 19th..barring Jetlag!
If you'd like to catch up on my travels, please check out my friends Marilyn Radzats Blog, as she will be posting on her blog our travels!!
I will be meeting with my friend Phyllis (hopefully at the same time) and driving from Toulouse to Soreze....sp?? to meet up with Marilyn... and staying in a house that is 350 years old!!! I'm sure to meet up with some old familiar spirits there, besides Phyllis and Marilyn!! LOL! It amazes me how new our own country really is compared to other countries.
Have a safe and creative time while I am away and hopefully I will have some inspirational ideas for you when I return!!
Big hugs, Gail,... oh..and miss "P"!!

New Ghostie in my Etsy Shop!

2009-09-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

Lila is my last little ghostie for my etsy shop until I return from my trip to France and the creativity retreat in hawaii mid Nov." Little Lila O'Brian Cox... succumbed after a short bout with the chicken Pox"

Lila is free standing and measures around 10 1/2" to the top of her head and 11" to the top of her antique chinese doll hat. Her dress is made from remanants of antique and vintage chinese theatrical costumes. Her shoes are vintage deep red velvet and match her sleeves. She has vintage millinary netting across her dress.

Hand painted glass eyes and red mohair hair

Her dress was inspired by the photo of the real "Alice" taken by Lewis Carroll in her dress up oriental costume. In my etsy shop...

Hope you like her!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Happy Birthday !!

2009-09-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday!! Happy Birthday to Me!!..And to celebrate birthdays with me, is my
friend Phyllis's Oh so french Irish Woldfhound "Laurie- Amelie" who is two years old and longer length wise than I am tall!
So Happy Birthday to ME and Laurie-Amelie!!!!

Alice and the Mad Rabbit

2009-09-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos of the finshed Alice and her Mad Rabbit! She is about 10 1/2" to the top of her head and 13 3/4 to the top of her hat. She's Free standing, and ready to run through the rose garden! She has hand painted pinkish/redish brown eyes and cute little buck bunny teeth.
Her dress is from antique civil war mourning dress sleeves, which is all that I had from this dress. I do not deconstruct antique dresses, I only use fabrics that are slavaged pieces and parts from them that otherwise do not have a home. I love using the old fabrics, as I feel it gives a since of history and mystery to the dolls. I love to wonder at who may have worn the piece and what their life was like, and to give the material a new life for someone to enjoy.

Her Mad Rabbit has had painted eyes, and new and old materials

Her hat is sculpted from polymer clay then flocked. The rabbit ears are leather. I like to combine different materials and textures.

Alice is happily haunting her new home far away from here!

When I create a doll I love to set a mood for myself. I am fortunate to have a studio to work from and do not have to pick up after myself! When I start a piece I do like to have a clean spot... I light absinthe candles that I got from a wonderful seller on ebay. Alas..the name escapes me as I write this, but I will look it up and post it later for you. I like to play movies and listen to music that deals with what ever subject matter I am sculpting at the time.

If your a big Alice Fan and like darker imagery than you get with the disney movies, Miss Pennythistle,...who is posing as the doremouse in this photo, recommends some of our favorites for you. "Alice" directed by Jan Svankmajer. The master Czech animator, no talking in this movie , lots of stop motion antique dolls and strange animated pieces, very artsy. Yaso, a japanese magazine has an issue devoted just to it. You can find the movie on amazon and the Yaso mag. can be found on ebay.

Another movie that is more of a darker Alice, is from the BBC. It's called "Alice in Wonderland" and stars Peter Sellers and Sir John Gielgud. I think also available from amazon.

Then there is the original music score from "American McGee's Alice" the game..very creepy and strange! All this sets the mood for making a more unusual type Alice. To top it off, I love the perfume oil blend from Black Phoenix Alchemical Laboratory called "Alice".

I hope this inspires you to create your own Dark Alice!

On more of a personal note, I just brought my husband home from the hospital today from his knee replacement surgery, so I am putting on my "nurse Ratchett" uniform for the next week!

I am hoping he heals fast as I will be leaving for France on the 30th to meet up with Marilyn Radzat and our friend Phyllis who is brave enough to drive us around France!

Marilyn will have her laptop and will be posting our adventures on her blog if you want to follow! she is already there paving the way for me and Phyllis!

Also..we have just a few openings left for some ladies for our hawaiian retreat in Nov. This is not a dollmaking retreat but a creativity retreat open to anyone searching for new inspiration. No experience required. Contact Marilyn at ikons@hawaii.rr.com or check her web at www.marilynradzat.com/

Happy hauntings, Gail

Slacking off

2009-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been such a bad Blogger lately. It seems there is always something going on here that takes time away from being creative. I did manage to finish up a new little Ghostie among all the turmoil.Poor little Mistress Maude,
always seemed a little odd.
She said her playmates came from the otherside,
But when the doctors examined her, insanity was implied.

Mistress Maude is on her way to her new home. She measured about 10 1/2".

I am hoping to get one or two more pieces done in the next couple of weeks before my trip to France with Marilyn Radzat..WoooHooo!! I'm getting the Hell out of dodge!!
Then I'll be home a week, just enough time to unpack and get re- packed and head off for our Creativity Retreat at Marilyns to-die-for beach front home in Hawaii!
The retreats are a wonderful combination of Magic, Art,Creative Inspiration, and just plain Fun!
We still have a few spots open.If anyone is interested in the information contact Marilyn at ikons@hawaii.rr.com.
I'll write more later...but for now I'm off to the studio to create an Alice figure. I've been so inspired with the new Tim Burton Alice movie coming out....I Can't wait to see that one!!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

New Ghosties for my Etsy Shop

2009-07-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

I've managed to get two new small ghostie dolls done and listed in my etsy shop. An amazing feat concidering everything that has taken my time recently!
I've done a smaller petite version of my larger 12"-13" ghosties. She stands around 9 1/2".
Little Ellie Eleanor Blake
who, on her birthday ate too much cake,
Sadly, she succumbed to a tummy ache!

Her clothes are from vintage materials. I love her little baby blue angora hat..which just happens to be a vintage baby bootie, and has my trademark ghostie head attached on top and one on the strap. Hand painted glass eyes of course and white mohair wig.

He shoes are made from vintage blue and silver ribbon. She wears a tiny rusty bell so you can hear her coming!! (The gravemarker is not included)

I've also done a small wall hanging ghostie, which you can hang against the wall by a black ribbon attached on her back so she looks like she is floating.

She has Hand painted glass eyes. Her ghostly shroud is created with aged silk gauzes and vintage millinary netting. She has two little sculpted ghostie heads, one on her collar and the other attached to her striped bow. The head and hands are polymer clay. The body is soft over a wire armature. she measures about 11" from the tip of her ghostly shroud to the top of her head.

Hair is tibetan lamb.

Tiny Tilda who fell quite sick, after eating a pie laced with arsenic!

Here's the link if you would like to take a peek at the listing!

http://queenofthefaeries.etsy.com
Happy Hauntings! Gail

Ghostie Inspiration

2009-07-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

I've been abit slow to add on my blog lately. My Mom is doing better but my father recently ended up in the hospital. It's either one or the other. This year has been a challenge for me to say the least!
Here is the inspiration I spoke of for my latest ghostie. While in Joseph Oregon for my husbands street rod show, I came across this wonderful old print on canvas of two victorian girls dressed in fairy costumes. I fell in love, and was inspired for my next ghostie !
I have several antique wax dolls in christmas fairy outfits. I love the old silver tinsel that was used on them, and have been collecting it hoping to find something to use it on someday. It worked out perfectly for my latest Ghostie Pricilla Pettigrew! I used my old tinsel and an antique silver bullion star for her costume. Her fairy dress is from vintage baby blue netting, and her wings are from vintage wire tinsel. She measured around 13".

Pricilla Pettigrew,

star of the Christmas play,

Practiced her pirouette with a passion all day,

Alas, while performing a perfect spin,

She spun right off the stage to a dreadful end!

Pricilla has been sold, but I am in the process of creating two smaller pieces for my Etsy shop, that hopefully I will have listed tomorrow or the next day...keep your fingers crossed for me that there are no more family emergencies!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Highjacked!!!!

2009-07-06T10:57:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been highjacked, spammed what ever you call it!!!!
I recieved a phone call this morning from a friend saying they recieved an e-mail from me saying I bought a computer and how wonderful the service was with a link.

If any of you on my mailing list get this e-mail DON'T CLICK THE LINK!! IT'S SPAM!!

I can't even reply to the people that wrote me to tell them it's junk, as hotmail tells me I have sent the max number of e-mails for a 24 hour period.
I don't know how they got my e-mail but it really fries me! I am sorry if any of you have recieved this e-mail.
If anyone knows how I can fix this or what to do about it, please make a comment on my blog as I won't be able to reply from my hotmail! This was the only way I could think of to reach any of you that might be on my list.
Ms "P" is in the process of placing a finger rigor mortis curse on this unscrupulus individual!!

New Ebay Listing!

2009-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

We returned from the car show in Joseph...it rained all 3 days!! But I did find some inspiration there which gave me an idea for a new little Ghostie, so all was not lost!

I finally finished the little Ghostie I had been working on, and she is now listed on ebay. Check her out.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180372296753

Her name is "Petite Antionette" I wanted to do something a bit different from the last little Ghosties, and since I love all things French, she begged me for a french hat that I created from black felt, old ribbon and a metallic letter "A" for her name! "Petite Antionette , in search of some joy, found a comforting friend in the Pumpkin Head boy"
I don't think he has much french in him...he's kinda got that Sleepy Hollow thing going on!

She is 12 1/2 tall, and pumpkin boy is just over 4" tall. He is removeable, but she prefers to hold him close as she doesn't want another "gingerbreadboy" incident!
Her clothes are a mix of vintage and new with my hand painted glass eyes.

It's been awhile since I've listed anything new on ebay. They seem to have a new picture format which I have to say I think "stinks". Instead of the pictures coming up in the body of the auction, they only show in the upper corner of the page...to see the different photos you have to click on the desired picture then click on enlarge which brings up a new page with one photo, you have to do this for each photo. If you don't click enlarge the photo stays pretty small. I left them a comment of what I thought of their new and improved ebay..I'm sure they won't like what I said..(just incase, I signed Miss "P"'s name)...naahaaa..haa..(thats a sneeky laugh, just payback for the dropping curse she placed while I was away)...ahhh Karma Ms P!!

Anyway...I hope you like my new little Ghostie!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180372296753

When I get a chance I'll photograph my inspiration for my next little ghostie creation for you to see! I love it when inspiration hits....it's been few and far between lately!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Matrix Energetics

2009-06-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say this was one of the most incredible and facinating workshops I have attended! If you have a chance to go, be sure and do it..it may change your life and way of thinking.
It looks at alternative healing from a "quantum physics" and fact based approach. The Teacher Dr. Bartlett is a wildley intertaining wealth of information. I want more!!
My only problem now that I have returned home is a lack of willing bodies to try my new found techniques on. I have "practiced on my poor husband at least 3 times a day.He goes the other way when he sees me coming.... The dog gives me strange looks when I approach, and Miss "P" has become non existant!...Learking in the shadows no doubt!
In fact I think she put a small "dropping" curse on the studio while I was gone. I can't go in with out dropping everything I touch!!
Does anyone have a counter curse??
I'm also in the midst of trying to finish a "Ghostie " for Ebay. I was hoping to finish before this weekend when we leave for Joseph Oregon for a Street Rod show my husband is involved in. I go for the cool little antique stores and the bronze foundrys and the small art galleries there, while my husband loveingly Oogles the old cars that line the one stop light town named for the great Chief Joseph.
Okay..back to the studio for a late night...where is that Miss Pennythistle anyway??!!
Hugs, Gail

A New Adventure!!

2009-05-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off on a new adventure this weekend!!
I'm leaving Miss "P" in charge of the studio while I'm gone, (a very scarey thought)... and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will still be here when I return!

I'm catching a plane on Friday to Seattle where I will meet up with my good friend Marilyn Radzat. We have both been interested in alternative healing and so we will be attending a 3 day seminar in Matrix Energetics!! Look out Merlin!!

So have an Enchanting weekend everyone! I'll tell you all about it when I return next week!!
Unless I'm absorbed into the matrix...oohh.. maybe I'll just meet up with that yummy Keenau fella in there somewhere!!LOL!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

I'm a WINNER!!!!

2009-05-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE getting things in the mail...Especially when it's NOT a bill!! Sooo....
I was totally THRILLED!! when I recieved an unexpected package the other day. Much to my Delight I was one of the Winners in the SpOOkyTime Jingles Giveaway!!! I won this AWESOME skeleton painting from the very talented Marie Patterson! He is just SpOOkTacular Marie!! A perfect fit for my Haunted decor!
Thanks so much for creating him Marie!
I highly recommend that you all bop on over to visit Maries blog. Also, go check out Marie and all the other Fantastic SpOOkTacular Artists at the SpOOkytime Jingles site. They are a group of extremely talented and fun artists!

WHOO HOO!! I'm off the the crypt to decorate!!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

Etsy Shop Memorial day sale!!

2009-05-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

In honor of Memorial Day and the Spirits of those who have crossed over into the other Realm, I've decided to have a sale on my Mugwort Mourning Ghostie " Lucy" in my Etsy shop.She's getting lonely there by herself!!
This Memorial weekend only! Tuesday she will be back to her original price.
I hope everyone is having a safe weekend!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

Alice in Belladonna land New etsy listing

2009-05-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've been in a bit of a creative slump here, but I did manage to finish another small doll for my Etsy shop. To go along with my mugwort mourning dolls, I'm also doing what I call my "Belladonna Babies". And, as you can guess, they will include the infamous Belladonna herb, also known as Deadly Nightshade. This herb was used in the middle ages as an ingredient in witches flying potions, and also, more recently by Sally in Nightmare Before Christmas! I've used the seeds in this case, and they are safely sealed in Alices Blue felt heart inside her little mugwort and wool stuffed body. There is no chance if them escaping their little blue tomb, so never fear! But, poor Alice I fear on the other hand is their fateful victim! Alice resides in her handmade wooden coffin that is lined with red velvet and her red and white striped cushion. The coffin is trimed with German gold dresden trim. She has her slightly crazed white rabbit friend to keep her company. She has little leather rabbit ears that are attached to her blue silk cap.

Alice measures 6" to the tip of her ears, the coffin is 6 and 1/2 " The white rabbit is 3" and has little leather arms legs and ears. Alice is one of a kind and made from polymer clay with a soft body.

Poor little Alice, some said it was ment to be. Others said it was the belladonna in the Mad Hatters tea. Some blamed the cheshire cat, as you can never be sure where he is at. What ever it was, mystery was on hand, that fateful day in Wonderland!
She is avalable in my etsy shophttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=25455749 along with her mugwort mourning doll friend Lucy in another listing.

Hopefully this creative slump is temporary, or I may have to borrow Alices fancy little coffin to rest in!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Mugwort Mourning Dolls on Etsy

2009-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've had this idea for sometime about creating dolls stuffed with the magical herb mugwort. Mugwort was used in ancient times, and still is used in protections spells and for contacting the dead. It is also used in protecting yourself from evil spirits. It provides protection in traveling and aids in Psychic work.
I am fascinated by all things mystical and magical, so I wanted to create dolls incorporating this magical herb. I wasn't sure about how to do the body in order to be able to stuff it using the herb, so... Mary Lent was my first victim in experimentation. Her head and hands are polymer clay and the body is hard stuffed muslin using wool and mugwort herb. She is 7 3/4" tall and her dress is made from a victorian mourning cape and from it hangs victorian mourning beads. Also used is victorian black net with gold metallic threads, all in keeping with the times. I hand sculpted her bone and skull beads. She was the first proto type.

After I finished Mary, I wasn't sure thats how I wanted to do the body and thought it would be much more fun to do one in a casket. As my daughter Kimberly's boyfriends dad ,Vern, (thats a mouth full) ,is a wonderful wood worker, making hearses, wagons, carriages and caskets (how perfect was that) I commissioned him to make me some cool little caskets for my mugwort babies. Lucy resides in the first one. I changed the body to more of a minature type, which is 5 1/2" tall, the casket is 6 1/2". Lucy has head, hands, and legs sculpted from polymer clay and the body is hand sewn from muslin, and stuffed with mugwort. She is removable from the coffin. Lucys clothes are made from an antique pink ribbon that had silver lined beads sewn on. It has vintage lace, vintage millinary net and pink silk ribbons. Mohair curls, hand painted glass eyes.

The interior is tufted cream silk velvet, with the same on the sides of the little casket. The top is removable and held on by tiny nails. Lucy is removable and can be displayed with the top on or the top off the casket as it stands up on it's end. I like this idea better than the first, so the next few I will make will be of this type. The top of the casket has antiqued gold dresden trim for decoration. The poems for them are as follows: "Mary Lent, her little life spent..when into the witches cauldron she went"

And... "One dark gloomy day, little Lucy went out to play..it was a day of dispair, as she ceased to breathe air..and now in her casket does lay"

Both Little Mugwort Mourning dolls are now available in my etsy shop waiting for new homes to haunt!http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24802821 this should get you there, my etsy user id is queenofthefaeries.

I am also working on some other similar pieces using another famous poisen herb in the mixture! so be watching for the next magical batch!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Keep Watching!

2009-05-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

First,... I am excited to tell you that Victoria Vampire, my doll for the exhibition in Japan, has a new home there! The collector is the wife of a famous Kabuki actor ....How cool is that?!!! I am excited she will be making her new haunting grounds there in such good company!
Next.. a little heads up !
I have been working on a new idea for something thats been brewing in my mind for quite some time. I finally finished something new and fun that I will be listing on etsy, hopefully by tomorrow (friday) eve. Here is a mysterious sneek peek at one of the pieces. As soon as I get them listed (I have 2 dolls) I will give you all the details and photos on my blog for you to see!

And,.. a big Thank You to all, for your support and kind words during the last few months. It's been a big source of encouragement for me and I am touch by your thoughtful and kind comments while I am dealing with family health issues. I am strengthend by your words and kindness as I know most of you are dealing with your own life issues. I send you kind thoughts and blessings to give you strength that we may all find that bright light to guide us on our path!
Happy hauntings, Gail

World Ningyo Exhibition

2009-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to see all the wonderful dolls as they are set up at the show.
http://www.dolsballad.co.jp/index.html
Click on the picture of Tine Kamberbeeks fairy in the block that says World Ningyo Exibition. It will take you to the show page.
There are two pages of doll photos. To get to the second page click on the short brown sidebar at the bottom of the page on the right (not on the long brown one), or, on the short brown side bar top right in the picture of the blue brick window that says Maruzen.
There are some pretty fantastic dolls! My little Victoria looks so lonely on the table by herself!! I only had time to make the one doll, but she has her little vampire dolly to keep her company!
I love all the wonderful Japanese ball jointed dolls in the show!
I'm inspired!!
Happy hauntings, Gail

I'm Back..Again!

2009-04-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

Victoria Vampire, My doll for the Japan show!

Well, this must be my year as caretaker, as thats all I seem to be doing since the beginning of this year! It leaves me precious little time to do anything else, and I've sorely neglected my poor little blog. Between careing for my 84 year young mother who had a stroke after christmas to my husband who recently had a new bionic knee replacement. I'm a bit burnt out!! Plus trying to finish some dolls that were promised last year..(thank you to those who patiently waited in the wings while I dealt with life)! And..trying to get my doll for the Japan show finished and mailed so it would arrive in time.!

Yeah..I am happy to say it did arrive safely and all is well..for this moment! LOl!

Here is a link to the show in Japan. There are some wonderful artists included and I am honored to be among them.

http://www.nonc.jp/exhibits/page16/page16.html.

Her name is Victoria Vampire,:

"Little Victoria wanders alone at night looking for someone tasty to bite"!

She measures 12" tall and wears antique fabrics and carries her little ghost dolly along on her outings. If you might be interested in having her come to haunt your house, email me at faeries16@hotmailcom and I can give you the contact info.

In the meantime Ms "P" has been very quite..it makes me really nervous, especially when the lights flicker and I hear crackling lightening like noises and hidious laughter coming from the back room!!!!

I am lighting my religious candles covering myself with protective oils, and calling in all protective saints and any one else that can bring protective energies to prepare me for what MS "P" might be boiling up in her little dark corner of the room....BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID!!!

This is what happens when she does not get the attention she requires..does anyone have a spare suit of armour????

Happy Hauntings, Gail

French Art Doll book!

2009-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

I love great books! Especially ones that have lots of wonderful inspiring photos! I recently ran across such a magical book, thanks to a post by artist Extroidnare Joanna Thomas.
This is a Fabulous French book put together by Aude Berger. There are beautiful large photos of works by 13 doll artists. I was pleased to see dolls of some artists that I had not previously known.
Some of the artists included are Wendy Froud, Tine Kamerbeek,Virginie Ropars Veronique Jacquelin, Heloise, and Bets and Amy Van Boxel.
The book is in French, but Aude has had some of the writing translated into English. She is looking for someone who can help her translate the rest of the book from French into English. If anyone can help or knows of someone who can translate, please contact Aude at oo.berger@laposte.net. You can e-mail Aude if your interested in purchasing the book, she does speak English.
What I read of the translated work is charming and as beautiful as the dolls. Aude has an enchanting style of writing like reading a fairytale. Thank you Aude for creating such a wonderful book for us to see!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

My Work in Two new Publications!

2009-03-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

Miss Pennythistle is enjoying reading two new publications my work is in....well.. actually, she doesn't read....she just looks at the pictures!! Miss "P" loves to look at herself in pictures..unlike me! Miss "P" is easily entertained!!
Multi-talented artist Cynjon has put together a wonderful little art zine, with great photos of many different artists doing different types of work. Paintings and sculptures to cute little felted creatures! It features a wide variety of work, something for every one! Check it out!!

Check out his cool site, and find out more about this new art zine which is available from Blurb. You can find the order link on Cynjons site!
Thanks for including me in your first cool zine Cynjon!!

The Preimer Issue of the Fairy Society Magazine is now available also!
A wonderful new magazine filled with fantasy art, wonderful articles, and little surprises. Beautiful photos of doll artist B.B. Flocklings enchanting children adorn the pages. There is an article on how to make fairy cakes out of clay to creating wigs makeup and costuming by Rhonda Napolean. My own contribution, a peek inside my studio. Be sure to check this preimer issue!
Miss "P" thinks you'll not be sorry! She has Good taste! (at least she thinks she does..and I'm inclined to agree, this time)!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Who is that person in that Video??

2009-03-20T19:29:00.001-07:00

Well, I suppose we all look at ourselves in photos and such and say..Do I REALLY look like that??
I am positve that some other being other than myself is speaking for me in the video "the world of the doll maker" I look at it, and say.."do I really talk like that?? is that how I Really look! Yikes.. Time for a major make over! Fab four... Where are you?!!
Thanks to some of my friends who know me, like Marilyn Radzat and Kat Bunker who have soothed my wounded ego and have agree with me that "that is not me in this viedo" and sent photos more resembling the real me, I am feeling much better. So I thought I'd post a few photos that look more like the "real" me.

Some of my favorite photos are these at shows where Richard Simmons collected my work. The one photo is of me, Richard and my daughter Kimberly who is very artsy and has a blog of her own. the Enchanted Room, Check it out.
The others are of me in Hawaii at the retreat with Marilyn Radzat.

Okay..I feel better now!
happy Hauntings, Gail

World of the Doll maker Clip

2009-03-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to add the clip of the dvd I'm in! Please turn off the music at the bottom of the page before viewing the clip..it will make it much more Enjoyable!!( I'm the one with the long dark hair that dosen't look anything like me)!!

Back from the Living Dead

2009-03-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Just a short post here for now. I have been hiding in my crypt nursing a dreadful sinus infection..I thought I would surely die, as I saw that bright white light in front of me....then I realized it was only the doctors light as he was looking into my facial orifices!!
He's given me some wonderful pills that will cure my sinus infection along with 3 pages of warnings and side affects for taking these pills and a statement that there is more warnings and side affects that are not listed on the pages given...ahhh the wonders of pharmaceutical industry!
Hopefully they will just cure my sinus infection and I won't grow an extra limb or die a long and horrible death from taking them..or end up taking more pills to help get rid of the other illnesses that they could possibly cause me to acquire!!
I haven't been to a regular doctor in over ten years, prefering natural cures and "witch doctors" over over man created synthetics. But..I guess there is a time a place for it all!!

I hope to be back posting more fun stuff for you soon!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

New Doll Artists DVD!

2009-03-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that the release of a new DVD documentary that I was thrilled to be a part of! It's called "The World of the Doll Artist".
I was chosen along with six other artists, Richard and Jodi Creager, Nancy Wiley, Olga Roehl, Shelly Thornton and Reina Mia Brill . We were each interviewed at the 2008 NIADA conference in Vegas, about what inspires us, how we got started, our design techniques, and more. The video includes the interviews and up close photos of our work. I'm really excited to have been a part of this!I have to admit, my first thought when I viewed the video was, "geez..do I really look like that"??!! LOL!
It's a fun informative video that I highly recommend....(My shamless self promotion)!!
You can find out more about this DVD and information on buying it from Choices at www.choicesvideo.net or 1-800 570-5400.
You can view a trailer on youtube,under The World of the Doll Artist, I can't seem to figure out how to get it on my post, but you can also see the trailer at the Choices web site.
I have little goblins playing with my brain at the moment, but when my brain starts working again, maybe I can figure out how to get the video clip on my blog!!
Happy haunting, Gail

Props

2009-03-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for different products and things I can use in my creations. This is some fun stuff I thought I'd share with you. It's great if you like making your own props and such.
It's called Balsa-Foam, and is similar to the floral flower foam you stick flowers in, except this is very dense and carveable. I purchased this ages ago, so I don't remember for sure, but I think it came in different sizes and thicknesses.
I've used it several times over the years to make little props for the dolls. You carve it like you would a piece of wood.You can use things to make impressions in it like crumpled foil or lumpy rocks to make rock like textures. I used my excato knife, toothpicks, cuticle tool and anything else that was laying in front of me to make this nifty little headstone for my ghosties. One word of caution, once you make an impression in it it's there...so I suggest you practice first on a small piece to get the feel of it.

Here it is painted. I covered it first in sobo glue to help seal it as it does absorb water. Solvent based paints will seal it good, but I didn't have any. Thick paint will fill in the lines so experiment. I have also used resin after I've carved my design, as this will harden and seal the whole piece. Here,..... the, "Oh so theatrical Miss Pennythistle", has donned her Victorian Mourning veil, and carries her wilted flowers, to weep over the tiny phantomly grave of the unknown "Our Darling" Oh Miss "P" you are such a mournful site...we weep for you!!!

I've used the balsa foam for the rock base on this earlier ghostie, "Tiny Veronica Carey, who was mistaken for a blueberry.... She was eaten for lunch... swallowed down with fruit punch, by a nearsighted Ogre named Harry!

The Balsa foam can be found at hobbystores like the ones that carry model railroads and airplanes. I've not ever seen it at the regular craft stores.

Hope this gives you something new to explore if you didn't already now about it.

Creepy creating!!

Happy hauntings, Gail,... and the sorrowful Miss "P"!

I'm The Winner!!

2009-02-26T13:18:00.000-08:00

WHOOHOOO!!
I was so excited when my name was drawn out of the Bell jar for the One Heart give away from Michelle of The Studio at Crow Haven Farm!! Plus.. not only was there one fabulous creation but FOUR!! Boy did I hit the jackpot! Thanks so much Michelle for creating these Fab Four Fun pieces!
Be sure and stop by her blog to see all the fun things she makes! Hey, has anyone else had trouble leaving comments on blogs? I've tried to leave comments on several of your blogs recently and when the word verifcation comes up , there are no letters, and I can't leave my comment. Very frustrating!

Thanks again Michelle, I feel like a grand Pirate with all my new booty! (I'm hiding it from Miss "P"..she's so jealous)!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

New Etsy Shop

2009-02-18T21:22:00.001-08:00

Thank you all for watching/ bidding on my ebay auction for Isabella!
Just a note to let you know I've finally gotten my Etsy shop up and have two new smaller ghostie wall hangings listed. I'm still trying to figure out links and such but hope this get you there for the moment!http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5308455
Geezz I'd rather be creating than computering!!
happy Hauntings, Gail

New Ghostie on ebay..Finally!

2009-02-10T19:35:00.001-08:00

I've had the energy of a Slug lately..exhausted from dealing with mum's brain hemmorage on dec 31....not conducive to creative energy to say the least! But... I've manage to get one new Ghostie finished(although not what it originally started out to be..isn't that the way it happens)

This is Isabella, my first red haired Ghostie!
"When the carnival sideshow came to town, Isabella thought she might see a clown!
But, instead..she saw a shrunken head, and an army of the living dead! but her favorite was her souvenir dolly of "Pip" the pin head"!!! Isabella is on auction on ebay, here is her linkhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180327969609 if this doesn't get you there just type in..ooak lackey ghost doll..should get you there! Let me know if you have trouble.

Isabella is around 12" tall freestanding, Antique fabrics mixed with vintage laces and hand dyed silks. My first red haired Ghostie, I love the pale greyish blue pallor of her skin ..it matches her ghostly greyish blues in her shroudy tattered costume! She wears my signature baby skull button in her velevet ribbon head bow, with anitque millinary cranberry tattered trim . Cranberry antique velvet coat /dress.

She has handpainted blueish grey glass eyes..all the better to haunt you with!

Please check out her auction!http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180327969609

I apologize, again,.. to those of you that I am behind on, awards, e-mails, etc..forgive me for being so slow, I'm crawling as fast as I can!!!

I am also working on some smaller less expensive pieces that i hope soon to list in an Etsy shop.

Happy Hauntings, Gail!!!

Fairys and Goblins!!

2009-01-26T12:27:00.001-08:00

I am just going through photos of a new "ghostie" I finally got finished, so while I'm sorting out the good from the bad, I'm posting some photos of past goblins and fairys I've done for you to see.
This was the Fairy Goblin GodMum, a hanging piece,...looks like she's just got done "pranging" a bit stunned Miss Pennythistle !! This was a happy little goblin named "Toad" shown with is favorite rag dolly

This little fairy was made from paperclay, she's around 5" kneeling

One of my favorites..this standing fairy is 11" tall. Her dress is made from antique gauzes with silver metallic trim.

Another favorite was this petite fairy that sits on an antique wire doll bed. Her dress was made from very delicate pink tattered gauzes with tiny silver beads. She wears a beaded wire and tinsel crown.

Hopefully I'll have some photos to post soon of the new little "Mystery Ghostie"

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Ghosties

2009-01-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

While I'm playing catch-up I thought I post a few pics of "Ghosties" I've
done over the last year or so.
These Dreary Darlings were "mini-ghosties" Vlad and Tallulah a petite 2 1/2"
"Little Vlad who succumbed to the vampires suck, and sister Tallulah who had a streak of bad luck! This is Myna and her changeling brother. Myna was jointed so you could pose her. The little changeling was jointed also.

This little "ghostie babe" is Molly McGlore, left on the step of the workhouse door...she waits in her carraige forever more!

And.... Melconcolia McKnight....she gave us quite a fright, when she hugged her fairy just a bit too tight!

I'll add more pics later...for some reason blogger only lets me add about 4 photos at a time. Maybe my pics are to big??

Like Roseanne Rosanna Dana said "Theres always something"!!

Miss "P"'s Flick Pick!

2009-01-20T15:06:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm Waaay behind on Posts..dolls...e-mails and posting awards, as I have been spending long hours driving to and from the hospital and spending 4-5 hours a day there with my dear Mum who suffered a brain hemmorrage right after Christmas.

They don't know what caused it.... was it the 48 hours of "A Christmas Story"????? We don't know. The hemmorrage sits in front of her speech center so she can only say a few words,.. but on a happier note, she is getting Slowly better, but I'm still with her much of the time, which needless to say is not condusive to creativity!

But.....

I recently ran across a great movie that I thought I would share with you. It's called "Hogfather", by Terry Pratchett. I have many of his art books,... they are worth a look if your not familiar with him.. , I didn't know they had made this into a movie until recently.

If your a big fan of fantasy movies, Harry Potter, Spiderwick, etc....I,... we,... Me and Miss "P"... highly recommend you check it out. I rented it from netflix, then purchased it on Amazon as it was under $10.00. ( I now play a 48 hours of the Hogfather)

Three hours of dark humour, wizards and unusual characters and sets that I found to be magically inspirering... (The only annoying thing is Mr Tea Times voice, which sounds strangely just like Johnny Depps voice in Willy Wonka)! ( Miss "P" adores Johhny Depp by the way)..

If I owe you an e-mail or haven't posted an award from you, forgive me for my delay. I will get to them as soon as I wade through my pile of undone stuff!

Thanks to all of you who have sent me and my Mum your kind thoughts during this ordeal, it's very much apprieciated!!!

I've sent the fairygodmum to bless all of you!

Happy Hauntings, Gail

My Zazzle Stuff

2009-01-12T13:27:00.001-08:00

Awhile back I found a site that did photo sculptures of your images, among other products. But I was mostly intrieged with the idea of putting my doll images on them...so I Picked a few of my favorite dolls and had one photo sculpture made for myself as well as some notecards of the image of Miss Pennythistle (posing as Madame Know-it-all) and Mysterious Claire who lives under the stair. I Ordered some for myself so I could see the quality ect.. and report back to you.
I'm happy to say my overall experience with Zazzel was quite good. They sent e-mails to notifiy me of shipping, and the shipping was timely. I'm happy with the quality of the products also. The note cards are on high quality glossy paper with envelopes included. These particular ones have written inside "Madame Knows it all" predicts your year to be "Jolly and other things ending in Olly" (my favorite saying from "The Hogfather"....another thing I must tell you about)! I will add images for other notecards and leave blank for you to add your own sayings.

I love this photo sculpture! The photo is incased in acrylic, front and back, with cut outs between the legs, and it inserts into a black acrylic stand. Nicely Done!

This one is of Master Lamb, with his lamby and wolfman doll, and stands 7" tall. (A bit hard to photo as it was picking up reflections) At the moment Master Lamb is not on zazzel for sale, but I will add him...there are a few other doll images on there to chose from. Before I spent the time to add tons of stuff I wanted to make sure I like them.

TIP OF THE DAY:

If you make dolls, and do shows, I think this would be a fun thing to add on your table for display, anyway a nice way to advertise your work, and much easier and sturdier than adding images to foamcore.

As you can see Miss Pennythistle is not shy about casting her vote...this in no way reflects mine!

(my disclaimer)

Happy Hauntings, Gail

Ms "P"s one Pink Wish

2009-01-06T13:58:00.001-08:00

Poor little Miss Pennythistle, has had the dilemma of how to use her one wish. Should she use it to restore her faithful traveling compainion Poor Stoney Mister Hedgehog to his former Furry glory....or.... use it to get that Oh so Wonderful, one of a kind, all Pink & Shiney Ornament thats she's had her sparkling big green eye on??
Well,... she has informed me she has come up with an "Oh so Clever, most Brilliant Idea" of how to do both!!! Oh Dear... OH WAIT..... Miss "P"... What Did you Do????!!!..
You've torn that pink wish ticket in two!! I'm not sure,.. but I think the Wish Etiquette book says thats a "NO NO"!
Those are halfhearted wishes and the Wish fairy just can't be bothered with "wish Halfsies...or Two for Wish-Onsies"!!!!
And... Oh yes... I see she's sent in the Purple Sugar Plum Fairy ....who's looking a bit dazed and confused as to why she's there...(why is she there?)... And, Look whats Happened to your Wish!!
Poor Mister Hedgehog is now just a fluffy lump of HedgeHog fur... (mmmnn.. maybe she could use him for a bedspread, or comforter)... And... her Big Oh so Wonderful, Pink and Shiny Ornament, is now reduced to a teensie-weensie pink pea!!

So..from now on, Miss "P"..you must make full use of your wish and not make half hearted ones!
You must Wish Big!!!

In the Famous words of Master Yoda,.."You either Do or you Don't, there is No Try"!!

Belated Happy New Year

2009-01-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to All....
Forgive me for not having something clever & witty for your New Years viewing Entertainment, but I have spent the last day and half in ICU at the hospitial with my 83 year old mother...who, is very stubborn and hanging in there...

I did have visions..(or hallucinations) of Miss "P" in her Hamms beer mug all decked out in her finest Party attire, complete with party hat, sparkles, and tiny tooty horn..but you'll have to put on your vision goggles and use your imagination to see it.
So... at the moment, Party mode is on hold... as I am exhausted....
If you could all send some happy, healthy, healing thoughts our way, it would be greatly apprieciated!!
I hope everyone elses New Year has started off better than mine!
Hope your year is Jolly and everything else beginning in Olly..
Holiday Hugz, Gail

Buy My Stuff!

2008-12-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

My Shamless Self Promotion!!!
I found this online place where you can have stuff made like your teeshirts etc...but they had something I thought was totally cool...it was called photo-sculptures. You can send a photo and have a standing photo sculpture made out of acrylic, I believe it is. I thought this would be a really fun thing for the ghostie dolls...so I said "sign me up"!
So... I now have a "zazzle store" where you can go an purchase a few of my ghosties I've put up for photos sculptures.queenofthefaeries's" Gallery at Zazzle or you can click on the slide show on the side bar.
I also decided to add some notecards of "madame know it all and Mysterious Claire from under the stair you can also purchase.
I might be adding more images for cards or photo sculptures..so let me know if you have any favorite images you might like to see done!
This is just a trial thing for me and a way for you to purchase your favorite image....cheaper than a doll!
Hope your Holidays are Jolly.. and everything else ending in Olly!

Pink Wishes

2008-12-26T14:05:00.001-08:00

Well..all is fine and Dandy as the ever so Pink, Pretty, and packed up, Miss Pennythistle says Buh- bye to her friends Silke and Liesl, and prepares for her trip back to the U.S. via HedgeHog Express! OOHH NO!!
Whats this??!... Ms "P" is still Pink and Pretty....but Poor faithful Mister HedgeHog has turned to stone!! Something dreadful must have happened in the Space/time continuum thingy!
Maybe,.. the "Mudusa" effect....
Now Miss Pennythistle is on the horns of a dilemma...

MMNnnn..what ta do with the one "Wish" ticket......

Miss "P"'s Christmas

2008-12-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

My Friend Silke Janas- Schlosser and her assistant Liesl have invited Miss Pennythistle to Germany for christmas and have been sending pictures of Miss "P"'s Christmas adventures while she's there....check out Liesl's diary for more fun photos!
Liesl ..all dress in her christmas finery,presents Miss "P" with some tiny presents

Liesl's Fairy Troll Family baby Miss "P" with attention and gifts (Miss "P" keeps an Eye out for more gifts!!)

Oh Boy!! A Lovely jewel box bed and Miss "P"'s favorite things..Pink ...And.. Shiney!!

Miss "P" with visions of sugar plummy things in her tiny head....

Have you ever just been so excited you can't sleep!!!..Or... is it that Cat she's keeping one eye open for!!

Anyway..I know I'm exhausted and I didn't even go anywhere!!!
I hope your all having a Scary merry Christmas!!!!

Hugs, Gail, Silke, Liesl...and Miss Pennythistle!!

Ms "P" Christmas in Germany

2008-12-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Miss Pennythistle..now an accomplished Stowaway on Santas Sleigh... has made her way to Visit her friend Liesl in Germany! Here are a few photos of her as she arrives on the Christmas Hedgehog..all bundles of snoodles and joy!

OHH Merry christmas Liesl!!....And OoHh... Hello Mr Kitty...not expecting you!!

To see more of Miss "P"'s Christmas in Germany click on Liesl's diary!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL..(even the cat)!

Gail & Miss Pennythistle

(watch for photo updates through out this christmas day)

MERRY KISSMAS er..CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

The ever so.. "in the Spirit".. Miss Pennythistle has decided to spread the Christmas cheer and visit her friend Liesl and her troll family in Germany! So she has disguised herself as that famous little reindeer,(looking a bit frozen), Rudolph, and plans on sneeking into Santas sleigh tonight to hitch a ride to Liesls house for Christmas!! Oh Boy..Christmas in Germany! She promises to send photos (asuming Santa doesn't catch our little stowaway, and she safely arrives).... So,... we will be waiting and watching for her Christmas photos on Pins and Pine needles!!!

Hope your all having a Happy Holiday!!!
Gail and the Theatrical Miss Pennythistle!!

Snow Day Decorating with Miss "P"

2008-12-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Snow..Snow..and more Snow!
So it's a good day to stay warm inside in my jamies..maybe do a little christmas decorating...The Precious and always Pretty in Pink, Miss Pennythistle, decided it would be good to lend a hand...or tiny claw as the case may be...so thoughtful....(Uh huh)!... Plus,.. she has a special attraction for the bright and shiny, and is "collector extrodinaire" for all things Gawdy and tacky and otherwise just pretty to look at! She gets little sparkles in her eyes when she thinks about them!

Now,... I will spend the rest of the day trying to untangle her from the tinsels and baubles she just couldn't resist rolling in!

Not to mention cleaning up the broken ornaments she tossed up into the tree cuz she was sure they would just "stick" there!

Shhhh... I'm hiding the lights!!!

Happy Haunted Holidaze!

New Ghostie "Pietra Lorrie"

2008-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well finally..after an entire day of trying to load images..and being told I can't ...I have them on!! yeah!! (too frustrating)!!
This is my latest Ghostie..Pietra Lorrie...I usually have a name for a doll right off, but I struggled a bit with this one,.. and had wanted to name her something else, and she just didn't want it.
When I was sculpting her, she kept looking like the old actor Peter Lorrie..and I thought ..the poor dear..she looks like Peter Lorrie... then,. Volia.. Yes.. ..Pietra Lorrie..was born.. Fortunatly,.. when she was painted, she took on her on little personality.! "Poor Little Pietra Lorrie....Her end was a bit gorey,
Were not sure..but have a hunch.. her pet alligator ate her for lunch!
Poor Little Pietra Lorrie...!
Pietra is just over 12" with her bonnet and has antique materials used in her attire. Her pet alligator, with the slight underbite, is sculpted of polymer clay, and has sculpted wheels and wooden teeth...(all the better to eat you with))!! YuMMY!!

She has tiny sculpted skull buttons on her bonnet and her shoes.( a fashion statement of the times)...plus.. the new" in" fashion, statement!!!

Poor little "Pietra" , is packed and on her way to her new haunted home..may she rest in Peas..er Peace...

Happy Haunted Holidaze!!!

Gail

Loverly Luv Spreaders

2008-12-12T15:30:00.001-08:00

In Honor of the Spreader Of Love Award, I would like to share with you some of the really Special gifts I've had the good fortune of recieving lately. And Of course.. the ever so present "Darling of the Stage" Miss Pennythistle, had to make a production out of it!..I would expect no less from her!
From the Fabulous Kamila of Wooded Woods came the most precious little Blind girl Iris, and her seeing eye cat!! Who else but Kamila would have thought of such a creative idea for a doll..she is Most Marvoulous in our eyes..Kamila and Iris! Thank you Kamila..she is most precious to me!
And of course it wouldn't be complete without the blind leading the blind!

Miss Pennythistle has a Monstrous thing for the most zombiefied of all Zombies..none other than Zombie Edgar gifted to me by the Zombie queen herself (you and Kamila might have to fight for that one) Jacqui of Odddollz. He arrived zombified in his own little dark coffin. I think he has a thing for Miss "P" also, but so far he doesn't show much emotion towards her. Miss "P" sprouted her little angel wings and gives Zombie Edgar her tiny teddy so he won't be alone in that coffin....MMNNN.... what could she Really be up to???! Thank you so much Jacqui.. Me and Miss "P" adore him!!

From my Italian friend Stef of Gufobardo .

came a wonderful spooky suprise package with happy halloween haunting fabric with golden pumpkins and spiders! A SpOoktacular site... and... the most beautiful jeweled earrings!!! Dark and Decatant! ! Miss "P" says they should be hers, as they set off the lovely pale pink pallor of her skin, and look "oh so charming against the deep mossy green pools of her eyes"..(Gag me)! Thank you thank you Stef..you rock! And from my friends Susan and her sweety of a hubby Tuffy, came the most adorable little wooden Spooky doll..One of Miss "P"'s favorites..along with a fabulous inspirational art book Thank you for your kind thoughtfulness!

Dark blessings to all of you!

Awards.. Awards!

2008-12-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Miss Pennythistle has had me locked away in my studio for days untill I finished the dolls I had promised before christmas. She has finally let me out, and now i'm catching up on my blog.
I have been given two "Major Awards" by several wonderful people! So I am thanking Sonia of Dark ravens nest.
And Chris of Designs by CK for honering me with this "One Lovely Blog Award" award!

Thanks Also to Michelle of Studio at Crowhaven Farm .

And to Steph of Fantastic Figments for the "Spreader of Love award"!!!

Much love to you!! Kiss Kiss!

Please forgive me if I've missed anyone! I've tried to go back through the posts and find all the award givers..If I have missed you please let me know and I will add you to the list to thank you!!!

Now.... I hope the blog fairy doesn't put the evil eye on me for breaking the rules of the awards, like going to 7 other blogs to give awards..(or in this case 14),..but at the moment I'm so far behind and will never catch up if I do. So I'm making my own rules for now, and, because there are so many "lovely" blogs and so many other wonderful "spreaders of Love" I would like to freely bestow either award, or both, if you like, on anyone who reads this and feels they would love to have these special awards to post on their blog! You may find the rules of the award on any of the other blogs above. Thank you all again for these special awards!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Madame "P" Seer in the Spirit Realm

2008-12-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

Eeny- Meenie, Jelly-Beanie...the Spirits are about to Speak!
The Great and Wise Oracle "Madame Knows it All" (aka Miss Pennythistle, aka Miz "P"..Queen "P" Etcetera, Etcetera...)...has consulted her crystal ball...and what did she see, you ask? Why yes..it's true..she's had a vision of a new Ghostie! Ahh how does she do that??

" Madame Knows it all" says she has been in contact with the spirit of "Mysterious Claire"

Yes..."Mysterious Claire who lives under the stair,

so very quite, no one even knows that she's there". (Except for you know who)!

Mysterious Claire is 12" and her ghostly garb is from antique materials. Her constant companion, Mysterious Miz mouse is always by her side.

Mysterious Claire will soon be packing her belongings for a journey over seas to live under a different set of stairs...In the meantime we all wait on the edge of our seats for for "Madame Know it All's" next exciting vision...she's like a Tiny Edgar Cayce all dressed in pink!

The Magnificent Marilyn Radzat!

2008-11-29T19:51:00.001-08:00

I'm Proud to say the work of my friend and artist extroidinare Marilyn Radzat has been chosen to grace the cover of the recent issue of Art Doll Quarterly with her magnificant Art Doll sculpture & with a wonderful article about her rise to fame and experience in the Art doll world.

Marilyn is an icon in the art doll world, and is just as beautiful in spirit as the incredible beauty her fantastical sculptures portray. She Magically, mystically, weaves her spell in apoxie, sea glass, and shards of irridesent glass and antique textiles to create for us spellbinding goddesses filled with inspiration and emotion. I view her pieces with awe filled emotion as if in viewing them in a jewel dripped Cathedral, with heavenly choirs in the background.
She Truly is an inspiration in heart and in art. You won't want to miss this article on her! Thank you Marilyn for your friendship and your inspiration!
Eternally Yours,
Gail

A Major French Award!

2008-11-24T17:57:00.001-08:00

We Have been graciously granted our first Major Award...and, not just any Major Award ..but a Major "French" Award..
Because.....We.. are... Zo very French you know!!...(she says in her very best French accent)!! At least.. Miss "P" zhinks zo)!!
Merci Madame Amy for bestowing on us zis most French award!!

We are "Easily Amuzed"...no wait..zhats ze wrong country..different Queen...!

Zooo.. you know.. we must show our very best Frenchly Queen Poses! And..in honor.. (still in a french accent) Miss "P" insisted on doning her Queen French attire for your Amuzes-ments..Behold.. Ze very French and Very regal (if not zomewhat gawdy) Queen "P".....
Firstly, in her very French wig atop her leettle French carriage.

Here.. if not a little upitty, in her French Sedan

And finally, on her Regal French Throne with her crown jewelerys... but off she goes into ze kitchen to eat a tiny slice of French cakes...mmmmnn yummy!

She says "She is so hapiez for theze award for Moi"! Merci Merci Amy! Zo now, we must beztow zis French Major Award to some uncommenly commeners as zeese are ze rules...and we most always follow ze rules when zhey fit our agenda..

I award to ze following, as I believe in a past life we must have spent many hours at ze Moulin Rouge soaked in ze other worldy green Fairy world of ze Absynithez..and frolicking in Theatrical Decadenze!!

Madame Marilyn Radzat

Madame Heather Robertson

La Petite Pretty Parrot

Irriplaceable itsybitsyfunzyonesie

Audacious Adelesspookyart

Ohh La La Loopyboopy

Ohh La La La La Oddolls

Now ze rules of ze game...as one must always appear to follow ze rules(from Miss "P"s First rules of French Etiquette)

1..Pleeeze ad ze logo on your blog

2...Place a link to ze person from whom you recieved ze award.

3...nominate at least 7 or more blogs

4...put zee links to those blogs on your blog

5..leave a message on zheir blogs to tellz them zhey are ze chosen ones

Merci...Now I'm going to eat cake!

Beatrice Strikes a Pose!!

2008-11-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Finally! Here she is in all her Ghastly Glory!!
Beatrice Baudelair, doesn't have a care,
She can be seen on stormy nights with her Haunted Zombie Teddy Bear,
as they emerge from the Crypt for a Stroll and a Breath of Fresh Air!

Beatrice Baudelair is 9 1/2" tall, Zombie Ted is 2" small (but don't underestimate him) Although, he does have a clean bill of health from the local zombie dentist!

They are packing their bags and off to haunt a new mansion!

Thank Goodness That Notoriously Baudy & Queen of Gawdy, Miss "P",.. has been happily sidetracked with her new job ... "Queen Bopper of Benevolent Blogs",..just long enough for me to finish Beatrice and get her out of the house! Oh the commotion those two caused!!

The studio, and the rest of the household, can now resume it's Calm & Deathly Silence......

But, it's never quite for too long, as I fear Miss "P" has something else up her devious & tattered little queenly sleeves...... I'm getting out the charms and the holy water just in case!! You best prepare also!

Happy Hauntings,

Gail!

You've been Bopped Badge!

2008-11-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the Hauntingly Hallowed Madame Heather Robertson ! She has created for me this delightfully Dastardly little "Bopped Badge of Dastardly Delight" with the photo of the famous..er.. infamous Miss Pennythistle...Queen of Gawdy Delight..and major Pain in the Patoot!

Miss Pennythistle will be making the blog rounds to bestow her seal...so be sure to check your comments to See if she's bopped you!!

Thank you again Heather for you delightfully devilish and creepy creative imagination!!

Haunt On!

Gail

Miss "P" The Drama Queen!

2008-11-12T15:12:00.001-08:00

Well... What can I say...here she lay..every bit the Drama Queen!
After expressing her sentiments about how the "Undead" are getting more attention than Moi, Miss Pennythistle keeled over this afternoon, and is trying her very best at looking like the rest of the little undead ones.
I have to say...she's pretty convincing! I may have to toss a little earth on her!! Happy Hauntings!
Gail

Neither Hair nor There

2008-11-10T11:46:00.001-08:00

When I walked into the studio this morning, I found Beatrice and Miss Pennythistle in heavy converstion about which hair color Beatrice should have. It was so intense even the fairys got in on it! Miss Pennythistle thinks one should always stand out in a crowd and be the center of attention! While Beatrice prefers the color of her hair to match the color of her eyes..a phantomly pale almost non existant blue. The ghostly little fairy thinks it should be something similar to her own pale locks, but I don't think either Miss pennythistle OR Beatrice could give a care what she thinks!

Who do YOU think will win out?!

Happy haunting!

Gail

Beatrice: The Creation of a Ghostly One

2008-11-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

AAhh..Look what Miss Pennythistle found in my studio! A Disembodied Head! And not just any old disembodied head...but one belonging to a little Ghostie named Beatrice Baudelaire!

I started Beatrice with a totally different idea in mind for her (a new type of ghostly being I wanted to try)...but she has a mind of her own, and decided she was to have a regular body like all the other little ghosties. And since she has creepy little teeth, I decided to give her what she wanted. She did manage to draw blood with a very sharp sculpting tool when I was creating her, so best not to mess with her!

Desperately in need of some sort of skeletal structure I created one for her using armature wire. I strengthened her joints with plumbers apoxie...Love this stuff! Especially the Loctite brand. It's just like apoxie sculpt but it hardens in under 5 minutes....for instant gratification!

(Miss Pennythistle has disguised herself as the roaming gnome..like we wouldn't notice!)

Here Beatrice has her new legs and creepy little hands. Her little teeth don't show in the photo but they are there...all the better to gnaw on things with! In fact I'm not so sure it was the sculpting tool that drew the blood..maybe a tiny bite? Ouch!

Miss Pennythistle (aka the roaming gnome) helps out holding her choice of hair for Beatrice...I dunno...I think Little Beatrice may have a say in this!
Happy Hauntings, Gail

My little Creatures

2008-11-05T08:01:00.001-08:00

Ball Jointed Humpty Dumpty Class Niada 2009

2008-11-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

"What happened to Humpty after the fall?.....His brains were scrambled and he couldn't recall"!!

I'm doing a class at NIADA in 2009 in Arrowmount Tennessee, and thought since there is such a big interest at the moment in ball jointed dolls, that I would do a class on basic ball jointing.
Since the class is only 2 days, and to do a full doll is really intensive, I thought a little ghostly Humpty would be the perfect victim to practice on!
I sculpted this piece using La Doll, and air dry clay (or natural stone clay, as it states on the package) It comes from Japan, but is available here in the states. It is what alot of the japanese artists that make bjd's (ball jointed dolls) use.
I picked La doll over using the polymer clays as I am finding that there are just to many strength issues..or lack of it..., with the amount of tension that the stringing puts on the polymer clay. Its not to bad if your just stringing arms and legs, but I find that to string the head along with the rest, results in too much tension, and therfore cracks in the clay where I had no Idea there was any weakness.
Doll Artist Sharon Dube, kindly suggested reinforcing the inside of the polymer with apoxie sculpt, which I think is a great idea, but haven't had a chance to try it yet.
(These are the problems I have experienced, and may not reflect the results other artists have incountered.) If any one else has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

Anyway, I think this is why the Japanese use the La Doll or Porcelian, or reproduce in resin. But, just doing a ooak (one of a kind) doll, I'm finding I have much better luck with the La Doll. The Japanese also use what they call "wood powder" which is like dry fine sawdust but has a glue in it, that activates when mixed with water.It's then mixed into the La Doll to strengthen it. I don't know why they don't import the wood powder along with the clay, but I've never been able to find it in the US and have had some of my kind Japanese artist friends send it to me. Okay..I'm rambling.... back to the class!
By learning the ball jointing system in humptys legs it will give you enough information to be able to do arms also, as they are done the same way.

Here is Humpty in progress, with the ever helpful Miss Pennythistle!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Fellow Travelers from the Other Side

2008-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Ghostly Good Mourning to all my SpOOktacular friends and Fellow Phantom Followers!

My Friend and fellow artist Mo'a Romig Boyles, has included me on her wonderful Dia De Bloglandia Post!

Thank you Mo'a!

Check out her charming blog and wonderful creations!

Also, A Tip of the Ghostly Top Hat and big Thank you, to the Heavenly Heather, for including my "Ghosties" in your incredibly creative blog.....check her out!

AND..... Big Ghostly Gratitudes to Beth Robinson of Strange Dolls, for helping to get the word out there !! You'll injoy her spOOktacular Strange Dolls! Our Dolls stare eternally at each other across the page in the new book "500 Handmade Dolls by Lark Books
Thank you all so much!
(I hope I haven't left anyone out...Please send a kindly phantomly word if I've missed you, I try to keep up, but sometimes I find I've left my brains boiling a little to long in the cauldron)!!

OoHHH..And not to Miss Adeles Spooky Art...It's SpOOkTacuLar!! Merci Miss SpOOky!

AND... Last but Not Least... a SpOOkTacuLar "BIG THANK YOU" to all who Watch,... Follow,... comment,.... and are other wise lurking around dark and decrepit corners, peaking into my Dark Whimsical World...I know your there..you know who you are...!!! Come out..Come out.. Where Ever You Are..The Ghosties want to play!!!!

Have a SpOOktacular Day,
Dark Blessings Gail

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-10-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I heard banging in my studio..I figured it was just Miss Pennythistle, but went to check it out anyway. I took my camera, as I thought to catch her in some malicious act, but instead captured a very surprised goblin !! Then,... just above him..I was able to photograph a very large Goblin before it was sucked completely into the wall!!!
Ohhh my.. the strange things that go on in my studio!!

Have a SpOOktacular HaLLowEeN!!!!

OOhHHHaahhhhhhahh..(thats an evil laugh)!!

Wax Inspiration Pieces

2008-10-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ghostly Greetings!
I am working on a ball jointed piece for a class for Niada next year which I hope to show soon..but in the meantime, I thought I'd post some of my religious and wax pieces that give me inspiration!
Of course the "Fairy Godmum" with the wonderful Bette head below!

A wax musical Jesus baby with an old crech doll..the pics are dark as he is in an alcove in my bedroom and the pictures always show up dark.

MoreWax dolls, in the same alcove which makes the pictures dark, sorry....but maybe, makes them more mysterious..they are resting on fabric from the 1700's. And when I wake in the morning this is the first site I see.!

My Religious Alcove in the front room..., A wax madonna in the back and a wax fairy in the right hand corner.

An 1800's carved wood babyJesus in front and a ceramic madonna behind with a repro crown. An old wax ex-voto head in the middle.

In the back, is an old wax christ child from Italy..with an antique banner from france on the wall behind it all.
These are some of the things that inspire me ..so hope they inspire you also!

Dark Blessings,

Gail

Walk through Wonderland Show

2008-10-27T23:43:00.001-07:00

The Duirwaigh Gallery Walk through wonderland one- line show is now up!!http://duirwaighgallery.com/group_thumb_list_with_artist.php?section=180 Check it out!
I have two pieces in the show..Mad Alice" and an original drawing/painting, Monsieur Rabbit . I think only the rabbit piece is still available.
Dark Blessings, Gail

Old Theatrical adds

2008-10-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Check this out..sooo cool,.. dark, gothic victorian, strange, sideshow, ...and inspirational! !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRQ2hnqPRic

Monsieur Rabbit!

2008-10-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Introducing "Monsieur Rabbit".. A mixed media original drawing/painting I did for For The Duirwaigh Gallery "Walk through Wonderland" show!
In a previous "life before dolls" I used to paint and draw. Oil and water color, and pen & ink airbrush illustrations for a childrens book I was going to do..but, got sidetracked with the dolls and never looked back.
Every once in a while though, I have the urge to pick up the pen/pencil/brush, again, and did so for this show.
Monsieur Rabbit was drawn in graphite then colored with acrylics. I then mounted him on an old victorian red velvet album cover. I added a vintage plaster frame around him..an antique Skeleton key...(the one Alice uses to get into the garden..original,.. I'm sure!) Painted a striped background, and a pen drawn banner below him that says "Monsieur Rabbit" ..in case you forget who he is!

overall measures just under 6" wide and almost 9 1/2" long
I added a vintage black ribbon to hang the piece on in your own lovely little Wonderland cottage!

I'm sure it once hung proudly in Monsieur Rabbits home......!

You can own it when the Duirwaigh show gets underwaigh..er under way on the 27th..Monday! check it out..or the Queen just might have your head!..Yikes!

Were All Mad here!!!!

Hawaiian Retreat Fun!

2008-10-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

Every so often I get together with my good friend and fellow artist Marilyn Radzat and we have a creativity retreat at her Magical Paradise home located on North Shore of Hawaii. We have so much fun at these retreats...Sometimes TOO much fun!!
One night, at midnight, with a full moon out (..yeah..it was that darn full moon!) we all took a walk down the beach, where our friend Patricia impressed us with her famous Duck call!!
Patricia does all the cooking for us at the reteats, and definatly adds a ton of fun!This is me..TRYING to imitate Patricias' famous duck call!.. I must say, I sounded more like a little squealing piglet, then Patricias Elequent ducky! Or maybe I was just more the rubber ducky!! I'll have to practice.... This takes a lot of creativity..believe me!!Me...after our midnight moonlight swim..duck calling contest... and a bit too much fun!

There is a special path we take over to Marilyns secret "Sea Glass " beach. Sometimes we find the most unusual things!! Here someone found a poor dehydrated froggy!

I'm sure there was a prince in there somwhere (a long time ago maybe!) just waiting for that magic kiss to be released.....Sorry Prince!..I just couldn't go through with it!!

Come join us for our next retreat Sept 2009..and maybe you can find your own Frog Prince!!

E-mail me at faeries16@hotmail.com or marilyn at ikons@hawaii.rr.com for info!

Alice Theater Box Creation

2008-10-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd show how I put Alice's theater box together for the Alice piece I did For the Duirwaigh gallery show.
In all my piles of stuff I save, including some really cool old antique boxes,...I did not have one single box that was just the right size and shape I needed... Wouldn't ya know! But I did find a box that some ancient treasure I purchased from ebay came in. Now, how to make it cool and old looking.
I reinforced the seams with archival linen hinging tape and attached the box to a wooden block..new problem the blocks not as wide as I like so have to solve that problem by later adding wooden trim moulding.

Here I rounded out the corners to give it an arch shape using cardboard and linentape.
Inside I cut watercolor paper that I glued in and then gave it all a good coat of Gesso to protect.
(I really have no clue what I'm doing at this point and I'm beginning to wonder at my sanity!..Now WHY I'm I making this box???.!! Oh yeah..I think it will make the Alice piece much more interesting)!!
I added pages from an old Alice book to the sides and back and aged it. I was planning on a black base but it all started getting to dark. So to lighten it up a bit I repainted the base a yummy sagey green.I added curtains made from an old masonic lodge collar. Then cut, gessoed and painted foamcore in an arch for the top.Sculpted a Cheshire puss face,painted the banner. Added the quote "Were All Mad Here"By this time I really did think I was mad!Thats it in a nutshell....but in actuality it took me about a week and a half to complete it.Drying time was some of it but, Mostly, due to the fact that I had no clue what I wanted! So it was a slow step by step process.

Here is the finished Theater box..minus Alice....as Miss Pennythistle decided SHE should be the STAR of the show, and told Alice that she was due in court!
Dark & slightly crazed Blessings,
Gail

GHOSTIE Book SpOOkY Sneek Peek!

2008-10-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Okay...you ask for it so I'm giving you a little peek inside the book! Each book has an original ink drawing on the inside cover of my little Skeleton Baby Head!
The book is 40 pages and has color photos of 18 of my Ghostie Dolls and the "Dark Whimsy" poems I wrote about their early demise.
Spiral Bound 5 1/2"x 8 1/2" Limited to only 50 copies.

$25.00 within the US (includes shipping)

$30.00 International (includes shipping)

Payment can be made through paypal.

e-mail me for info @ faeries16@hotmail.com

Eternally yours,

Gail

Alice in Wonderland Show piece

2008-10-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

WE'RE ALL MAD HERE!!
Here is my finished piece for Duirwaigh Galleries "A Walk through Wonderland" show!

Since the Mad creator herself.."Angie" has posted pictures of my Alice piece for her show on her site... I thought I would finally show the finished piece here!http://www.messagefromthemuse.typepad.com/duirwaigh/
Alice... who has been wondering in wonderland a bit too long... and her dolly "March Hare" who both have imbided in to much "tea" at the party and have gone a "bit mad here"!!
Alice is free standing and 10" tall. The overall theater piece is 16" high by 7" wide.

Alice's clothes are made from antique textiles and hand dyed lime green leather victorian shoes. Wild "mad" mohair wig, and hand painted pinkish/blue eyes. Hand made top hat complete with leather Rabbit ears!

Her "Mad Wonderland Theater Box" was an after- thought... and, once I started it, I thought I was truly "mad" for coming up with the idea to do it !! Although, I think it greatly adds something to the piece, I had no idea of what I was doing, and it was like a bad "Twilight Zone movie that just went on and on and on........ the never ending story...no wait ..thats another movie!!

I took photos of the creation of the "mad box" as I went along.... so keep watching and I'll be posting photos of the, "how I did it",... while I was still half sane!..or not..a matter of opinion!

Ghostie Book!!!

2008-10-16T21:43:00.001-07:00

My Ghostie book is NOW Available! !
Fresh from the ghostly printers is my Ghostie Book! OOOAAAAHAAA!!!
40 pages, with photos of 18 of my little Victorian inspired Ghosties, and the poems I've written about their early demise.
If you'd like a copy to haunt your mansion, Please e-mail me at faeries16@hotmail.com .
Price in the US is $25.00 includes shipping.
International is $30.00 USD
Payment by Paypal
Eternally yours,
Gail
The Goddess of Ghosties,.. (well......that might be a stretch)

Ball Jointed Dolls

2008-10-14T18:35:00.001-07:00

I have been experimenting with sculpting ball jointed dolls on and off for a while now, and thought I'd share some of the one's I've done. This is one of my favorites. My daughter thinks she looks stoned, but I really like her! Her wig is removable, and I have a blonde one I did for her also, but I like this dark one the best. Her eyes are not removable. Her ankles are ball jointed, but I've made her socks a bit to tight and they are a pain to remove so you'll have to take my word for it! She's about 13 1/2" tall, and sculpted from polymer clay.
These are just some fabrics I've pinned on her to try and get an idea of how I will dress her. This poor thing doesn't have her hair yet.....and, she has a splitting headache! Literally!!
I don't know if you can see it in the photo, but her little head is splitting from under her chin on her left side, and is slowly creeping up past her nose. A problem brought on by the tension of the stringing cord and probably a weak spot in the clay on that side of her face. This is a problem I'm finding with using polymer clay for the bjd's. She is about 9"

This one was the first ones I did. Her head is not jointed, and I've sewn the clothes on her so I can't remove them to show you her body. She measures 10"

I really love the poseability and being able to "play"with these jointed dolls. The majority of my dolls I make are free standing, and posed in one position, and this is so fun to be able to interact with them! I just wish there was a FASTER way to do them! It's definatly not instant gratification!!!!! Always, when I'm about half way done with one, I start wondering what the heck I was thinking as it feels like I'll never get finished! I just want to get done and see the finished doll! For me it's the costuming that I enjoy the most..and I'm VERY impatient!

I call this piece "fairy funeral". She started out to be a ball jointed doll. Her head is jointed but her arms are cotter pinned at the shoulders and her elbows are put together more like the old balinese puppets. By the time I got to her legs...I just couldn't stand it, and so her torso and legs are totally sculpted in one position. She has human hair and is 13 1/2"

If I get one really good body I like, I may just get it molded and then sculpt different heads for it.... in between all the other things I want to do.....aaahhh.. so many ideas and never enough time!!

The Bewitching Hour

2008-10-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

AAHHH..Midnight.. The Bewitching hour!!
This is what happens to Cinderella when she does not listen to her FairyGodmother...and comes in after Midnight!! So Take Heed and mind your Fairy Godmother!!!

Haunting Wax Heads & Dolls

2008-10-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've long had a facination with wax figures and dolls.
I find them Haunting, Magical, and Mysterious..... Maybe it was that first trip to Madame Tussaud's, down a foggy London street when I was 16. I've been fortunate enough to collect a few wax heads. The head in front is a wax museum head of Shirley Temple, and my most favorite one is the head in back. A young Betty Davis when she first started out acting. She has glass eyes, porcelian teeth and inserted human hair. I got her from Crystal at Gothic Rose Antiques and curiosities. A most Spooktacular place for all things unusual! If you love Victorian gothic and the macabre check her out! You won't be dissapointed!
The other small head I think must have been a department store display from the 20's A treasure found on ebay.

Another wax head from a wax museum with inserted human hair eyebrows. This poor guy's lost part of his face. I've slowly been cleaning and repairing him He thinks he's Napolean, and I have't had the heart to tell him any different!
From France I have two domed wax christ babes with inserted human hair. Probably late 1800's. It's rare to find the original domes still intact.

A collection of my wax dolls (except for the one on the left). 1880's mostly from England.

I've been playing around with creating wax dolls, and at some point want to create a wax fairy. I think that would be the perfect medium for a fairy..Haunting, translucent, and mysterious!

Dark Blessings, Gail

Things that go Bump

2008-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Awhile back I began to hear noices coming from my studio, but when I'd go to look there was nothing there. Then, things started dissapearing, only to show up later in some other part of the house. Finally, one day I caught them! These strange little creatures frolicking among my stuff! (no wonder my studio is so messy)! The Fairy Godmum and Miss Pennythistle...who thinks shes Queen of everything she sees!
Miss Pennythistle is really a little fairy that prefers to show herself to me in the form of a mousey like creature. She's amazing! She can hold perfectly still for hours on end without even twitching a muscle or blinking an eye!

Then they started to multiply. Just like Gremlins! One day MissTinkeywillow showed up and they had a tugowar with the christmas tinsel. It took hours to get them untangled! They didn't play well together so I sent Miss Tinkeywillow off to bug someone else!
Next to show up was Petunia Petootie.It was okay for awhile, but then the two of them started to become so annoying. They would steal my paintbrushes and torment me by acting like they were going to paint on the dolls I was working on!
They started to fight over toys...mostly because Miss Pennythistle thinks everything is hers. She does not play well with others!! SOOO Petunia Petootie went buh-by!
Then Princess Poppyseed showed up. Well...you can imagine what Miss Pennythistle thought of that!!! Two princesses do not do well together! Soooo..I had to find a new home for Princess Poppyseed....then, I locked my doors and close the shades, and pretended to leave town!

So it's back to just Miss Pennythistle by herself, which is how she likes it. Things are much quiter, with just an occassional missing spool of thread. Now, if I can just stop her from tormenting the dogs........

Dark Blessings, Gail

A Walk Through Wonderalnd

2008-10-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

CURIOUSER.......
AND CURIOUSER.......

I've been working on a special doll For Duirwaigh gallery's

"Walk through Wonderland" show.http://duirwaighgallery.com/index.php?section=5.

Angi has a special love for all things Alice as many of us do, and decided to do a special on line show dedicated to all things Alice in Wonderland!!

It begins on Oct 25th, So...

Put on your Top Hat, grab your gloves and Fan MaryAnn...

and check it out!!

more Ghosties

2008-10-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

Another one of my "ghosties" , but a rare piece as it's a little brother and sister. "Drucilla & Tiny Tim" Drucilla is 13 1/2" and tiny Tim is 7 1/2" tall Polymerclay over wire armature and free standing.(most of my dolls are)
"Drucilla and Tiny Tim went to the lake for a nice little swim...
With malice in mind Dru left tiny Timmy behind....
Now she's an only child once again!!

"Poor Ellie Jane, left standing in the rain...

her dolly in tote, still waits for her mum at the boat" (Gosh..was it the titanic)??

And..Voilet Lark..the little ghostie that started it all!

"Poor Violet Lark, went to play in the park after dark,

and was ate by a land shark"!

Violet stand s just under 13" and her clothing was made using an antique decrepit maroon silk velvet and other "ageing" textiles. Her baby doll is just under 2 1/2" and wears the typically ghostly rotting & shredded gauze befitting a strange baby-doll.

One of my favorites! Lucy Mcbee!

"Sweet little Lucy McBee..

At the time I think was just three..

tried to ride her stick horse..it was a disaster of course,

Now she's known as Ghostie McBee!"

Lucy is just over 9" tall with rotting skeleton stick horse and creepy dolly..all the better to love them!

Hope they inspire you!

Eternally Yours, Gail

(p.s. all have gone to haunt houses other than mine!)

Witches not just for Halloween

2008-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween..and Witches! I'm one of those people that leave their halloween decorations up all year round..It's just part of my decor! Since the season is upon us, I thought I'd post one of the witches I'd done a while back. This is Hattie Henbane. She is a ooak doll sculpted out of polymer clay over a wire armature. She is handpainted with oils.
Her clothing was made using antique fabrics from an 1800's mourning dress combined with other vintage fabrics and trims. Her black cat "spider" is sculpted in polymer clay

Hattie is free standing..except when she is flying on her broom!

Hattie Henbane's favorite stew...
Lips of frog and first morn's dew...
Add 7 rays of Moonshine and heat by the sun,
Boil and Bubble till it looks done.
Stir it twice, than cook it some more,
Remove your shoes at the front door,
Pull up a chair...
Then let down your hair...
3 times slap your knees, and if you don't like it...
Call out for Chinese!

Dark Blessings, Gail

More Ghosties

2008-10-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

Melancolia McKnight, She gave us quite a fright, when she held her fairy just a bit too tight!
Ophelia Bedilia and her sister Meg
the last thing they played was Tea Party...
where they served Deadly Nightshade! 12 1/2" tall

One night Sophie took the shortcut home,

She had a spooky feeling she was not alone,

When there before her, a tall man stood, with pasty white skin and a big dark hood,

He spread his cape...and turned to flee,

But not before Sophie bit him on the knee!

Now he walks with the undead at night...

All from little Sophies Vampire Bite!

Sweet Little Mary, bopped on the head by the sugar plum fairy!

Her little dog looked perplexed.....Poor thing,

He was bopped next!

New GHOSTIE Book!

2008-10-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have put together a little Book that will have pictures of most all my Ghostie Dolls with the little poems I have written about the early demise each of them.

It's at the printers now, and in the final stages. SOOOO...Hopefully, soon I will have them for sale. If you think you might be interested in one, you can e-mail me. I also will be posting it here on the blog when it becomes available!

Dark Blessings,

Gail

Fairys

2008-09-30T16:07:00.001-07:00

Three fairys made from La-Doll, standing around 8 1/2" small.
This is probably the largest doll I've made. It was made for a show NIADA had at CFM Gallery in NewYork in the late 90's. It is made from La-Doll and is over 12" from her seat to top of head and if she was standing, she'd be around 23" tall. She is painted with oil paints, and has human hair. Her hair wreath is made from mosses and shells. I recently found a great old crown for her to wear.

Years ago, before I was actually sculpting, I made this miniature bisque fairy from a Joyce wolf mold. She fits perfectly in this little moth-eaten -mouse pod carriage. Made from one of the millions of pods that artist BJ Gross sent to the retreat that Marilyn Radzat and I give in Hawaii. Everyone had fun making faces in the pods, but I decided to make this one into an enchanted fairy carriage. It's made with apoxie-sculpt over the pod, shells found on Marilyns beach, twisted beaded wire, beads, broken mirrors and glittery pipecleaners twisted into wheels, and pulled by an enchanted footman turned mouse cursed by the evil queen!
This little ghostly fairy is made from La-Doll over a wire armature. She has handpainted glass eyes and has befriended a little baby Taxidermied Roe deer that came all the way to me from Germany..through the magic of ebay! This fairy is 5" from her seat to her head.

I hope these fairys have inspired you!!

Fairys

2008-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a couple of my favorite fairys. Most things I put up for sale after I finished but I just couldn't part with these..anyway just yet!
They are one of a kind polymerclay overwire armature. I just love using old tattered silks and chiffons.When I think of fairys, I see them running wild and free, and if your doing that in a forest, in a little silk dress, then it's is bound to get tattered and worn, and a bit grubby around the edges! This fairy is just over 11' small.
Another of my favorites is this petite one. Her fairy gown is made from oh-so-delicate antique silkgauze and beaded with tiny silverlined antique beads. It's old and shredding but thats what I loved about it!It's her only dress and she's worn it for over 100 years! Her favorite place is on a wonderful antique wire bed that I found at Gothic Rose Antiques when I was in California.
If you love Victorian Gothic and fabulous unusual things, visit her site It's a visual delight!

This is "Fairy Funeral" or as my grandaughter calls it the "sleeping one" She is a partial ball jointed doll. Her arms and head are jointed but the rest of her body is stationary cuz I'm impatient..get bored easily, and trying to make all those ball jointed pieces actually fit is not as much fun as other things I'd like to do! She is laying on a pillow that came from Italy that was used under a christ child in an altar. And of course..her dress is shredding silkgauze with silver lined beads. She has human hair and is 13 1/2"

Ghostie Dolls

2008-09-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

These are some of my one-of-kind Ghostie dolls.
Poor little Polly Crumb left alone by her mum..found the laudnum!

Molly McGlore, left on the steps of the workhouse door, waits in her carriage forevermore!
Master Lambe and Mistress Shephard went to the forest on a whim..

Night turned to day, some suspected foul play

As neither were heard from again!!

More Stuff!

2008-09-29T08:34:00.001-07:00

This is my tiny sculpting area I ADORE books! On the top right is a wonderfully creepy goblin guy that Bill Nelson gave me. He waits and watches for the fairys to fly close...I have to keep an eye on him!
There are some antique wax doll heads in the alcove. Below, one of my ghosties and a soft sculpture monkey that I never finished from a class I took with the incredibley talented Jo-Ellen Trilling.

I Love Stuff!

2008-09-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

You can never have too much stuff!!
An old mardi gras jester and a hanging on from Uta Brauser Some ball jointed dolls I'm working on, and little la-doll fairys in the box. This is part of my studio where I do my sculpting..providing I can find a place!!

A favorite things by artist Patrick wise..look up to see his flying Mr. Magoo!

I love having lots of stuff around me that inspires me!
This is some stuff in the part of my studio where I do my painting and baking.

Some of my dolls and some from other artists I've collected over the years. I'm addicted to Visual stimulation!!

"Eeny-Meeny Jelly-Beanie. The Spirits are about to speak "

2008-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Actually, they finally just kicked me in the butt, set me down and said Blog! You know ya gotta do what those voices in your head tell you to! ( By the way the quote is from Bullwinkle")

This will be the place where I will post photos of my Dolls old new and update you on any shows available dolls etc.

I'll also be sharing photos and things that inspire me..Visual is good!

My hope is that my work and the things that inspire me will also inspire you!

Dark Blessings,

Gail (The Ghostie Queen)