Little Witches for Halloween

Wow, it's been quite a while since I posted, like all of us, everyday life is so busy it's hard to find time to be creative.

I did find time to make 3 little witches, just in time for Halloween.

 

I'm also working on some Christmas  goodies.

Spring has finally arrived here in the southern hemisphere, most of my roses have buds (a few have already bloomed) and hope in the next weeks they should be blooming, can't wait..... I will post come pics soon.

LATEST NEWS

I've had a busy week, finally updated my web site, added my latest work,  changed a few things on it and I removed the pay pal option as I was having too many problems with the buttons not working for some customers, anyway have a look, let me know what you think.

I also want to share with you, I am featured this week on page 5 of our local newspaper, (I will be featured next week to in our other newspaper, had a lovely photo shoot last week, you can see the photos on the net at- http://liverpool-leader.whereilive.com.au/

Here is the article- 

Winter & Photo Enhancement

What do you think of my latest blog background, I really like this one, it looks very Spring time, which is what I can't wait for............we're in the middle of a cold, windy Winter and never had this before but it's really playing havoc with my osteo arthritis I must be getting really old, haven't even felt like designing anything lately.

I have been playing with my photos and Adobe Photoshop- using different filters I changed the look of these photos, it's addictive, I could sit here for hours....

Variations of Emelio-                                  Filter- Art Edges             

 

Filter- Art pencil

 

Two Masks I was commissioned to make with paper mache and assorted fabrics, wire and trims-

                                                        Filter- Glowing Edges   
                                 

Filter- Dry Brush

Here's one more for now.....

                                                         Rianna- Filter- Solarised

 

Almost forgot to mention, a local newspaper is running a story on me in the next weeks, this morning my dolls & I had a lovely photo shoot....

WALL DOLLS- The Elf & The Jester

It's been a while since I last posted. 

What have I been up to, I feel like I haven't done much but my days are busy just the same. 

Can't wait until Spring is here, we are having a chilly Winter which has been playing havoc on my osteo arthritis.

I would like to share with you my Wall Dolls I designed for AFIC,  

                          
                             The Jester                   The Elf                                                                          

This pattern is available for $5.50 or for FREE when  you purchase any item from my web site- www.mmunzonedesigns.com and from www.dollstreetdreamers.com

The dolls are approx. 23 cm (9") tall, but the pattern can be enlarged or reduced on a photocopier.

They are quick and easy to make and would make a wonderful gift.

Enquiries please email me  at- michelledolls2000@yahoo.com.au

 

My 'steampunk' style, clock sculpture- TIMEKEEPER (see previous post for details) is now a exciting workshop starting on July 1st, why not take the challenge and join the workshop, details click on-

http://tinyurl.com/3cd7gvs

STEAMPUNK - TIME KEEPER

I just completed  my latest creation, he is my Time Keeper, I think he's complete, my son tells me the clock needs more, Steampunk style- Art Doll, with a working clock.

I like it just as it is, what do you think?

I found a lot of steampunk bits & pieces- clock gears etc, on etsy and at 

dollar saver stores.......I really love the little steampunk look owl on the front of his vest.

 

Here is a pic of the inside, a collage of some time themed items.

    

Art in Queensland

Last week my hubby and I had a little getaway to celebrate our 30th anniversary, it was a quick break, we visited Queensland (a state of Australia). Had a relaxing time, below are a few pics of some of the beautiful art we saw...here are a few pics are of a gorgeous fantasy chair at Surfer's Paradise, Gold Coast- 

here are close up pics of the sculpture detail on the chair

 John & Me on Fantasy Chair

(left) A tree sculpture at                  Mount Tambourine

( right) a sculpture at Tugun, 'Minneta' by Carlos Sanchez

SNEEK PEEK: 

I have been working on a new piece.......stay tuned he will be finished soon-

WORKSHOPS- SPECIAL OFFER

My latest workshop is Gwynee Fennyman, she is a sweet Elf Lady, Soft Sculptured Doll, she is 51 cm (20”) tall. In this workshop you will learn how to make Gwynee from scratch, head, body, stand, beautiful  dress, jacket and hat embellished with beads, applique and more. 

SPECIAL OFFER-   Gwynee's hubby,  Mr. Fennyman, is another wonderful workshop which  is running again to coincide with Gwynee, if you have taken this workshop in the past and you would like to make Gwynee, you can for half  price OR if you want to make Gwynne and Mr. Fennyman you will get one of the workshop's for half price.                                                                                                                 In other words, if you take both workshops the 2nd one will be half price.

For more information- http://tinyurl.com/4t6b2bp 

My other WORKSHOPS currently running-

PANTALONE- http://tinyurl.com/29kesly 

 

THE ENCHANTED TREE & TWO FAIRIES- http://clothdolls.ning.com/page/the-enchanted-tree

TECHNICAL CLASSES -

CLAY over CLOTH- http://tinyurl.com/yft2qt3

NEEDLE SCULPTING-  http://tinyurl.com/yzru5oy

APPLYING a CLOTH OVERLAY-  http://tinyurl.com/yas34gc

Why not take a class and have some fun.................

My NEW WEBSITE

My NEW WEBSITE is up and running and ready for you to shop at-
I am very pleased with it, especially with the background that I put together with the help of Adobe Photoshop.This website- http://www.mmunzonedesigns.com/
is much more user friendly than the last one, this time you can-
* Click on the thumbnail pics of each doll to see a larger version
* Some items- E-Patterns, E- Workshops, and all Patterns posted within Australia (as postage is included in the pattern price) have Pay Pal buttons, so you can now purchase straight off the site.
Customers outside Australia and kit or doll orders can email me for postage cost before placing order.

Please have a look and let me know what you think, I would love your feedback, thank you.

Also don't forget, my latest workshop is starting today, (see previous post below) still time to join me for that, take a look- http://tinyurl.com/29kesly

PANTALONE latest Workshop

Pantalone is finished and will be a workshop beginning on Feb. 4th at-

http://tinyurl.com/29kesly  

Here he is with his mask and other accessories....

 

Pantalone is 43 cm (17“) tall, with a needle sculptured features, partial wire armature the workshop is divided into 5 Lessons- you will learn how to make this magical character from inserting his eyes, making his costume, embellishing and learn how he stands alone and make his accessories, the mask and sword.

LEVEL: Intermediate or for anyone who can sew.

Hope you can join me in creating Pantalone, he promises to be a fun and interesting workshop, make new friends and remember you can work at your own pace.                                                                                If you have never participated in an on line workshop, let me know and I will tell you all about it and how easy it is.

My latest happenings- PANTALONE

I hope for you who celebrate, you had a wonderful Thanksgiving........here in Australia we don't celebrate but I'm very thankful for my family and friends and my life...........

I was quite busy with end of year stuff and designing my latest project, PANTALONE,

(pron: PUNT-A-LON-Y) another character from Commedia D'Arte- http://www.mmunzonedesigns.com/page6.html

He is very rich fellow, but mean and grumpy, a bit like Scrooge, he carries his money bag and a small sword and mask.

Well, until yesterday morning when I had a fall and broke my elbow, now I'm so fustrated I can't do much with one hand but type, oh well it will be all right........
Anyway, he is almost finished, just need to add the finishing touches, I want to share some pics of him so far.
I have made a mask for him which he will hold in his hand.

Tell me what you think of him.

Cheers, Michelle

LATEST WORKSHOP- THE ENCHANTED TREE

My 'THE ENCHANTED TREE' WORKSHOP  has begun and there is still time to join in.
It is a Free standing, TREE- Height 15” (38cm), with 2 Fairies- IRIS and baby, ERIN in 2 sizes. This is a Workshop is divided into 6 Lessons for the intermediatte doll maker.
The workshop contains clear instructions, all supported by many drawings and hundreds of clear, full colour photos along the way. You will be shown how to build the wire armature for the tree, make the stand, how to paint and attach the bark, how to make the gorgeous leaves and transform your tree and how to make and dress the fairies.

 

I will answer all questions you have during the workshop and long after the class is over. You can work at your own pace, while you make this magical piece. To find out more click on- http://clothdolls.ning.com

NEW PATTERN -CHRISTMAS ELVES- PIPPA & OLIVER

My Christmas Elves- Pippa & Oliver are now available as a pattern (and a E-Pattern).

Their height is 39 cm (15 ½"), they have needle sculptured faces, they are richly embellished girl & boy elves.

They have wired legs and fingers. The pattern has instructions for elves, 2 outfits, accessories, decorating & mounting dolls on stand. LEVEL-Beginner- Intermediate

Here are some pics. I'm really pleased in how they turned out and I love the stand, what do you think?

Apart from creating little characters, a lot of you my know, life has been a little hectic lately with my son Robert is in hospital, got his hip replacement, he is improving so much everyday, when he had the op on Tues (Oct.19) they gave him the option of having full knockout or an epidural, he chose epidural.........he described every detail of the 3 hr op, from the drilling, sawing & hammering to seeing the bone they cut off.............gives me the shivers.

First few days were hard for him, now he is getting stronger and the pain killers have kicked in, he has been pushing himself to walk (with crutches) they are amazed at how well he's doing, he just wants to get out of there.

NEW CHRISTMAS ELVES- PIPPA & OLIVER

I've just completed my NEW CHRISTMAS ELVES- PIPPA & OLIVER-
They are 2 very cute, TOY MAKER ELVES- 39cm (15 ½”) Tall.
 As you know my hubby and I have been doing a lot of work around the house, (never ends) well a few weeks ago we landscaped our front yard, we pulled out the jungle that was there and just left a few favourites, at the moment the new plants are small so it doesn't look like much.

They will brighten any home, both have Needle sculpted faces, wired fingers to hold toys and gifts, wired legs and they can be mounted on a stand.

This is my new pattern and E-pattern, it will be available in the next week or so..... 

Most of the new plants are roses, if you haven't guessed yet I love roses, a few are blooming already but when they grow a bit I will share more pics with you, are there any rose lovers out there?
Here is a plant we've had in the garden for about 10 years, it's an Australian native and is very drought resistant, I don't know it's name though, I was going to pull it out but it has put on such a show I couldn't do it..............last year it flowered for the 1st time, 1 long flower, this year it has 5!

ZODIACS DOLLS- BACK IN STOCK at ETSY

I've just completed a new set of my popular Zodiac dolls, I have been out of stock for quite a while, they are available at Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=17643

Each doll is approx. 20cm (8") tall, the bodies are made with assorted cotton, rich fabrics & embellished with beads, sequins and braids & found objects.
Each doll has a description plaque, makes a wonderful gift or just reward yourself.

May be hung or placed on optional stand.

Also available is the pattern or E-pattern, email me at michelledolls2000@yahoo.com.au for information.

CONTESSA - COVER DOLL

I received  the latest issue of Soft Dolls & Animals last Friday, much to my surprise my Contessa made the cover.
The part 1 of her pattern is in this issue and the other half will be in the next issue.

I read the 'About the Artist' at the end of the project, I didn't realise how out of date it is, it said I have been designing for 7 yrs, really it's close to 12 and I have been married for almost 30 yrs, our kids are all adults now, we still have one cat but a different kitty.