Commissioned Paintings

Back in May I recieved an order for some native inspired paintings.  My first paid commission.  The order was for four paintings based on some drawings I had done over a year ago, called The Four Winds Of Harmony.  They are in order

#1 - Belief

#2 - Hope

#3 - Determination

#4 - Hope

They are done in acrylic paints on 20 inch x 18 inch canvas.

The Four Winds Of Harmony

Have a great evening!

Raving Rabbid Crochet Pattern (Amigurumi)

Here it is!!! My Raving Rabbid crochet pattern for all of you, and it’s free!


I hope you all can understand my instructions, but if you have any problems, please feel free to ask me. Sorry if he looks a little rough around the edges, my son just loves it and takes it everywhere.

Now I just used old yarn I had so I hope the pieces fit together okay. I used worsted weight yarn for the white, red/blue, dark red and black. But I used baby sport yarn for the pink. I can’t tell you if using worsted weight yarn for pink will cause the pattern to not fit properly. Please keep this in mind.



I recommend making ALL the pieces first then assembling according to instructions at the end. As for the rounds, in this doll I connected each one, but I see no problem with working in continuous rounds. If anyone makes this in continuous rounds please let me know how it turns out.



I used an H8/5.00mm hook for all pieces.

Terms

St = stitch

Ch = chain

Sc = single crochet

Hdc = half double crochet

Dc = double crochet

Slst = slip stitch

Inc = increase (2 sc in next stitch)

Dec = decrease (2 stitches together to decrease)


Body

With White

Round 1 - 8 sc in Magic Ring (8)

R2 - inc in each st (16)

R3 - *sc in next st, inc* repeat 8 times (24)

R4 - *sc in next 2 st, inc* repeat 8 times (32)

R5 - *sc in next 3 st, inc* repeat 8 times (40)

R6 - *sc in next 4 st, inc* repeat 8 times (48)

R7 - *sc in next 5 st, inc* repeat 8 times (56)

R8 to R9 - sc in each st (56)

R10 - *sc in next 5 st, dec* repeat 8 times (48)

R11 to R13 - sc in each st (48)

Start stuffing firmly and continue to stuff until end

R14 - *sc in next 4 st, dec* repeat 8 times (40)

R15 to R16 - sc in each st (40)

R17 - *sc in next 3 st, dec* repeat 8 times (32)

R18 to R21 – sc in each st (32)

R22 - *sc in next 2 st, dec* repeat (8 times 24)

R23 - *sc in next st, dec* repeat 8 times (16)

R24 – *dec* repeat 8 times (8)

Weave end between stitches and pull hole closed, tie off.


Head

With White

Round 1 – 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)

R2 – inc in each st (12)

R3 - *sc in next st, inc* repeat 6 times (18)

R4 - *sc in next 2 st, inc* repeat 6 times (24)

R5 - *sc in next 3 st, inc* repeat 6 times (30)

R6 - *sc in next 4 st, inc* repeat 6 times (36)

R7 - *sc in next 5 st, inc* repeat 6 times (42)

R8 to R19 – sc in each st (42)

R20 - *sc in next 12 st, dec* repeat 3 times (39)

R21 – sc in each st (39)

R22 - *sc in next 11 st, dec* repeat 3 times (36)

R23 - *sc in next 10 st, dec* repeat 3 times (33)

R24 - *sc in next 9 st, dec* repeat 3 times (30)

R25 - *sc in next 8 st, dec* repeat 3 times (27)

Leave long tail for attaching to body and tie off.

Stuff firmly.


Legs – make 2

With Pink

Round 1 – 8 sc in Magic Ring (8)

R2 – inc in each st (16)

R3 - *sc in next st, inc* repeat 6 times (18)

Change to White

R4 – sc in each st (18)

R5 - in back loops only – sc in each st (18)

R6 - *sc in next 4 st, dec* repeat 3 times (15)

R7 to R8 – sc in each st (15)

R9 – slst in next 2 st, sc in next 2 st, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next 2 st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 2 st, slst (13)

Leave long tail for attaching to body and tie off

Stuff firmly


Arms – make 2

With White

Round 1 – 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)

R2 – inc in each st (12)

R3 to R14 – sc in each st (12)

Stuff firmly then fold end flat

R 15 - Sc across to close (6)

Leave long tail for attaching to body and tie off


Thumbs – make 2

With White

Round 1 – 3 sc in Magic Ring (3)

R2 – sc in next 2 st, inc (4)

Leave tail for attaching to arm and tie off

No need to stuff.


Outer Ears – make 2

With White

Round 1 – 6 sc in Magic Ring (6)

R2 – inc in each st (12)

R3 to R5 – sc in each st (12)

R6 – *sc in next 5 st, inc* repeat 2 times (14)

R7 to R9 – sc in each st (14)

R10 - *sc in next 5 st, dec* repeat 2 times (12)

R11 to R15 – sc in each st (12)

R16 – *sc in next 4 st, dec* repeat 2 times (10)

R17 to R20 – sc in each st (10)

Fold flat.

Leave tail to attach to head and tie off


Inner Ear – make 2
The inner ear is worked in rows and turned at the end of every row

With Pink

Row 1 – ch 4

R2 – in second ch from hook, sc in next 3 st, ch 1, turn (3)

R3 to R4 – sc in each st, ch 1, turn (3)

R5 – inc, sc in next st, inc, ch 1, turn (5)

R6 to R10 – Sc in each st, ch 1, turn (5)

R11 – sc in next 2 st, inc, sc in next 2 st, ch 1, turn (6)

R12 to R16 – sc in each st, ch 1, turn (6)

R17 – sc in next 2 st, dec, sc in next 2 st, ch 1, turn (5)

R18 – sc in each st, ch 1, turn (5)

R19 – dec, sc in next st, dec, ch 1, turn (3)

R20 – dec all 3 st (1)

Leave very long tail to attach to ear and tie off


Belly

With Pink

Round 1 – 8 sc in Magic Ring (8)

R2 – inc in each st (16)

R3 - *sc in next st, inc* repeat 8 times (24)

R4 – sc in next 8 st, inc in next 8 st, sc in next 8 st (32)

R5 – sc in next 12 st, inc in next 2 st, sc in next 4 st, inc in next 2 st, sc in next 12 st (36)

R6 – sc in next 13 st, inc, sc in next 8 st, inc, sc in next 13 st (38)

Leave long tail to attach to body and tie off.


Mouth

The mouth is worked in rows and turned at the end of every row

With Dark Red

Row 1 – ch 15

R2 – in second ch from hook, sc in next 14 st, ch 1, turn (14)

R3 to R6 – sc in each st, ch 1, turn (14)

R7 – sc in next 5 st, dec 2 times, sc in next 5 st, ch 1, turn (12)

Shape point 1

R8 – sc in next 4 st, dec, ch 1, turn(5)

R9 – dec, sc in next st, dec, ch 1, turn (3)

R10 – dec all 3 st (1)

Tie off.


Shape point 2

Attach to other side of Row 7

R8 – sc in next 4 st, dec, ch 1, turn (5)

R9 – dec, sc in next st, dec, ch 1 turn (3)

R10 – dec all 3 st (1)

Tie off


Lips

Lips are attached to mouth then worked in rounds

Join with Pink

Round 1 – sc evenly around with an inc in the top 2 corners

R2 – sc in each st

R3 – sc in each st

Leave very long tail to attach lips and mouth to head and tie off.


Eyes – make 2

Eyes consist of 3 circles that are sewn together


With Pink

Round 1 – 8 sc in Magic Ring (8)

R2 – inc in each st (16)

R3 – slst in each st (16)

Tie off


With White

Round 1 – 8 sc in Magic Ring (8)

R2 - slst in each st (8)

Tie off


With Red/Blue (depending if you want an angry Rabbid or not)

Round 1 – ch 4, slst to make ring

Sew red/blue circle to white circle, then both to pink circle. Use black knot for pupil.


Eyelid – optional

Eyelid is worked in rows and turned at the end of every row

With Pink

Row 1 – ch 5

R2 – dc 4 times in third ch from hook, slst in last ch.

Leave tail to attach to eye and tie off


Teeth- make 2

Teeth are worked in rows and are turned at the end of every row

With White

Row 1 – Ch 4

R2 – sc in second ch from hook, sc in next 2 st (3)

R3 – sc in every st, ch 1, turn (3)

R4 – sc in every st

Leave tail for attaching to mouth and tie off


Assembly

Attach head to body according to photos.

Attach legs with higher side facing outward.

Sew on belly.

Attach thumbs to arms then attach arms to body.

Sew inner ears to outer ears then attach to head.

Sew Teeth to top of mouth, Lips are folded inward over teeth and mouth(so that the lips are wrong side out) and sew to head.

Assemble eyes and attach to head.



Please do not copy and repost as your own pattern. If you would like to post on your blog please give credit and a link to here.  Please do not sell this pattern.


Happy crocheting!

Wire Wrapped Jewelry

As I said in my last post I've also gotten into wire wrapping and jewelry making.  Much of what I have made has definitly been strictly a trial and error approach, with a few tips from the ever so infinite internet.

Here are a few of what I consider my "better" pieces.



Wire Wrapped Glass Pendant

 One of my earlier wire wrapping attempts.

A bracelet made with silver buttons and wire shaped with a jig (which my hubby so kindly made me).  The focal stone is a 2 inch Brazilian Agate.  As you can see, I'm still perfecting my clasp making ability.



8 inch Bracelet



20 inch Necklace

I'm not sure what type of stone this pink heart is, as it was purchased by my mother from Fire Mountain Gems.




Blue Shell Bead Necklace and Earring Set

Chinese "Lucky" Jade Pendant with MOP shell necklace.

I was told that the writing on the pendant meant Lucky.

As I said at the beginnning that these are what I consider my better pieces, there are very many failures and unfinished ones as well.  These pieces are all of my own design.

Have a great weekend!

Wow, it's been awhile :)

Well it's definitly been a couple of months since I've been here, and I apologize for that.  I will be posting the pattern for the Raving Rabbid sometime in the near future, I haven't forgotten ;).  I made another one and it turned out okay.  I just have to translate into instructions that everybody else can understand.

As for what I've been up to.  I've done some more amigurumi, some shawls, I had someone commision a series of paintings, and have also gotten into jewelry making (wire wrapping).

First is first, I got some amigurumi patterns from Esty as well as some free ones online and made a few new dolls.

  The Blessed Mother shawl is a free pattern from Red Heart, but the other ones are my own design.

And so I don't flood this thread with a stupid amout of pictures I'll update you on the paintings and jewelry on the next one.  And I promise not to take so long this time.

Wish you all a good night. :)

Amigurumi (Crocheted) Plush Dolls

So lately I've been into making these cute stuffed crochet dolls called amigurumi.  I saw some at the local doctors clinic and decided to try my hand at them.  I looked around the internet for some free patterns an lo-and-behold I found a wonderful blog that has some pretty amazing patterns for free! 

Shamin Crochet Plush

My boys are huge pokemon fans so I picked a cute pokemon pattern and went to work.  This is my first time trying this type of crochet craft and I think it turned out fairly well. I didn't have any felt for the eyes and mouth, like the pattern called for so I just used yarn. This pattern is found at WolfDreamer's blog. Please be mindful of the rules and guidelines that go along with this pattern.  My little one loved it!  As you can tell by how well loved it looks :).  I continued on to do a Snorlax and a Luma (from Mario).

Snorlax Crochet Plush

Luma Crochet Plush

Both of these patterns can also be found at WolfDreamer's Blog.



Raving Rabbid Plush

Now my boys are also into the Raving Rabbids games, but alas I could not find a pattern at all.  I rolled up my sleeves and decided to make one from scratch, no pattern.  I tried and tried and five days later this was the result.  I'm currently making another one, but with blue eyes.  Which also gives me a chance to try out the pattern.  If it turns out okay, I'll post it later. 





The Country Fair

So, we had a country fair here recently.  On the 17th and 18th of August actually, and I decided to enter a few of my photos and artworks.  This is how it all came to pass. :)

In the Digital Art Category I received First place for my Seasons entry.

Now I do admit there were not alot of entries to this category, as it is fairly new, but first is first I guess. lol

Next is a still life of a fruit bowl that got First in the Pencil/Charcoal Drawings - Still Life Category.  Now I know what you're thinking, "A fruit bowl!  How original."  But we all have to start somewhere.  As for this drawing, it was actually a late night insomnia project.  It turned out better that I expected so I entered it.

This is one of the first paintings that I have done in over 15 years.  I was so proud of myself that I actually finished it that I entered it.  It ended up in Third place but I still think it's a winner in my book.  It now holds a place of honor on the wall in my kids room, as they liked it so much!

Now for the photos.  My Brothers Forever received First in the Over 5X7 Sunset/Sunrise Category.  The two people in the photo are my boys who were wonderful enough to pose for me, all the while fighting off mosquitoes.  It now hangs framed on my livingroom wall.

My Long Walk Home (top right) got second in the Landscape Category, while my Jagged Gorgeous Winter (bottom left) did not place.

Receiving First in the Misc. Category was The Forgotten.  All three winter photos were donated to the local library for display.

While the country fair is not as big as some other places, we do attract people for miles around.  Some people travel up to 2 hours away to enter their works.  So I am very happy and pleased with the outcome of my entries. 

Hope you all have had an awesome couple of weeks!

Into The Mind Of Karin Taylor

Every month or so I'm going to do a feature on an Artist that I have had the pleasure of meeting on the World Wide Web.

 For my first interview, the one and only Karin Taylor popped into my head. I "met" Karin on Redbubble, where she has become a great friend and inspiration to many people.  When I first stumbled upon Karin's Profile I knew that I had found something special.  I immediately added her to my watchlist.  She seems to be everywhere, commenting here, giving tips and advice there.  Always ready to give a helping hand to the new, inexperienced artist as well as the artists that just need a little help now and then.  I am extremely happy that she has agreed to answer a few questions for me.

How would you describe your style of Art?

It’s really difficult to classify my art style, there are elements of ‘native art’, ‘expressionism’, ‘folk art’ and sometimes ‘surrealism’.

A new depth of emotion has revealed itself more so lately in my work, which was absent in the early days of painting. I have become more in touch with my emotional side and now draw quite a bit of inspiration from that source, as well as music, poetry, people, stories, magazines, books, etc.

At first I was experimenting with mediums like ink, chalk pastels, oils, acrylics and water colour. In more recent times I’ve settled into drawing my images by hand and painting them using a wacom graphics tablet and/or mouse in Photoshop. This method of colouring is what appeals to me at the moment, but at a later stage I may make a return to real paints.

I attempt to engage the viewer through the eyes or the actions of my subject, I like to communicate some aspect of myself which they might also relate to, a common theme, or a nostalgic theme and in doing so, form a basis for a relationship between the art, the artist and the viewer ... this connection I seek is increasingly important to me, my way of making a meaningful contribution. It is of utmost importance to me, I feel it grants me credibility and helps me to be more accessible as I’m a bit of a hermit. Without this contribution which is so important to me, i fear life would have less meaning….and if life has less meaning, and I would be in trouble deep.

Early on, it was always my intention to relax or humour the viewer, to be a calming influence, but I became discontent with that, seemingly too simple ideal.

I wanted to convey more depth….so, i think this is where the “expressionism” style began to show itself more….and this is when the personal journey of my creative life really began. I discovered that although art which conveyed an emotional message used to once daunt and repel me, I became more and more fascinated by the concept or “expressionism” and determined to do so through my own art, which granted me a new understanding and respect for artists who were also doing this….at first it annoyed me that an artist might try to manipulate my emotions through their creations, a strange sort of resentment crept in…and yet, in many ways, this is what my own intention as an artist would boil down to…the distinct intention to draw from the viewer an emotional response in the hope of making or forming a connection with them, with total strangers or with family and friend, without having to use any words at all….this is my life’s work, it is the most important thing to me in the the creative life. That may change, as we all do change, we are constantly evolving.

What is your favorite Art medium?

My favourite art medium is digital…which you could possibly categorise as tradigital….my other favourite mediums in order of enjoyment would be mechanical pencils, charcoal, oils, inks, pastels, acrylics, coloured pencils.

If you only had one sentence to inspire someone, what would you say?

I would say to them, "I believe in you…I trust that you know the answers, you have them in your heart…don’t be afraid to follow your instincts and listen to that voice inside your head, the positive one….the one that sits alongside the negative voice….it’s much more important to listen to the positive voice and turn up the volume."

What type of workspace do you prefer, messy or neat?

I prefer a very ordered neat and tidy workspace, which I mess up as I go, into what looks like the aftermath of an apocalypse …anything less, I’m not fulfilled… lol… but then it’s a tedious and boring clean up…which i like to procrastinate about for a while… :)

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

This is such a difficult question, had you said the universe I could have answered the moon…a place in the world where I would like to go, must be Greece and Florida waterways, I want to visit the water in Mexico…basically I want to visit the water….wherever there are beautiful bodies of water, that is where I want to be….for looking into the water is the greatest goodness for me, it’s very healing and very soothing and calming…..I forget everything around me when I can be near the water….when I am away from the water, I am a different person….something is missing from my life…and I live in a state of grieving…that’s how fundamental it is for me to live near water.

Hawaii and Tahiti are two other destinations I’d like to see…and I’d also love to return to Keswick Island one day, where we holidayed when I was a child, at that time, it was an uninhabited island….if I could, I would keep a lighthouse on top of a lonely hill with just the eagles and goats and wildlife for company and the rugged sea as my friend….that would suit me so well. All in all, I am a solitary person who enjoys a solitary life, but I do enjoy my little family and a smattering of friends too….however, I don’t catch up with people very much, I’m more a quiet soul.

I would like to thank Karin for taking the time to do this interview, and to those of you who would like to check out Karin's Redbubble Gallery and Store, just follow any of the links.