Gypsy Rose Catrina

It's that time of year... when I'm inspired to make skeletons, bats and flowery Day-of-the-Dead skeleton Catrina dolls in particular. This one was a gift for Iris, in honor of her recent 17th birthday.

She is a painted cloth primitive folk-art style Catrina, who is feeling her Gypsy side. She chose these bright orange/red ribbons and beads to adorn her head and the fuchsia pink doily as her dancing skirt. I can imagine her doing the Flamenco. Ooh, I should have given her a fancy lace fan! Or maybe a Gypsy version of the Mexican hat dance? See the tiny vintage butterfly rhinestone button decorating the front of her belt? She is ready to party all night long at the cemetery for the Day of the Dead.

La Dama Catrina

Finished... and appearing soon at Guardino Gallery in Portland, Oregon!

Wood, wire, paper clay and acrylic paint... dressed in cloth, vintage lace, silk sari ribbon... decorated with silk flowers, copper and aluminum shiny bits. The ribbons in her skirt are hand stamped with various phrases and words relevant to the Day of the Dead... some are inspired by Mexican loteria cards.  16" tall.

Upcoming show at Guardino Gallery

Getting ready... deadline approaching! I'm excited and honored to be included in this show, and even more excited for the Hallowe'en night opening, where I'll see a few great friends...

La Dama Catrina is getting a new silk skirt. Sneak peek...

Time for Halloween!

Time to get out the bats and skeletons... I'm ready to rock Halloween! I really meant to spend all of September and October making prim witches, bats and skeletons, but got a little side-tracked by Birdfest. Had a decent first day there yesterday. The bird pendants are a good money maker. I'll sit down there selling pendants again all day today, but my mind is already in the mood for stuffing and painting dolls! I'll bring my sketchbook and make some plans while sitting at my Birdfest table. 

This photo is of the Baron Samedi Day of the Dead doll I made for my son's birthday in August, as I just noticed I failed to post this to my blog! He's from another wonderful pattern designed by Donna Veal, the Goddess of Prim! Can't wait to make more of these... he turned out so well. I scaled him down to 60% of the original, so he's about 16" tall.

The leaves are turning, the wind is blowing... it's time to get spooky... my favorite time of year!