Garb-oodles Soup

O Tannenbaum

2009-10-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

It starts out as a sketch.

Then adding in color.

In the end...
You get something special!

Here is yet another Christmas card
I have designed especially for 2009.

A Fox & Girl's Winter

2009-10-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been around here a lot lately.
Hope this post finds you well. I have found myself sketching lately...
something I have not done in quite a long while.
I decided to create a Christmas woodland
themed picture for Christmas cards.

This sweet picture took me several hours to finish.
It was so much fun to create.

I then finished the drawing/ painting off with a
blue background with Wintery snowflakes.

If you are interested in getting yourself a pack of Christmas cards...
they are now available in my
Etsy Shoppe!
I have two designs for Christmas.
Enjoy!

Private Class...

2009-09-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

With the recent, tender loss of her Mama just less than
a month ago, my dear Sister in Law came for a much needed visit over the weekend.
This was to be a sort of retreat for her to come, fellowship,
rest and do something creative, with the hope she would alleviate some stress and hurt.
We had a wonderful time, talking, getting things off our chest, hugging one another,
cooking together, spending some time with the kids at the park and our in the car picnic,
( because it was way to hot to eat outside!)
We have surely made a short time into a wonderful memory.

I had planned to teach her some of my own techniques in doll making.

She has been a crafter / seamstress for all of her life.
These were the sort of things that she shared with her own Mama,
whom was a very talented lady!

Lori, did a wonderful job with her doll. I am so very proud of her.
She chose Autumn colors for her doll, since her
year round decor at home is in Autumn colors.
I think it will be sweet!

It was getting LATE!
So, we had to close up shop for the night.
The doll was pinned together so that she could finish her off at home!
She promised to finish her dolly and send a picture of it completed!

Lori and I have a lot of History together...
some were the best of times , some were distant...
too distant.
I am blessed to have spent this time with her. A time which was needed for so long. I hope to have been a comfort for her through this very hard time in her life.
I am just blessed to have seen her smile this weekend!

Foxy Loxy Meets Little Red Hen

2009-09-05T01:26:00.000-07:00

Another design... Sweet Foxy Loxy in all her glory.
Soft plushy stuffed sweetheart.
But... beware Foxy likes to eat hens as most foxes do.

Especially the plumped up feather kind.....

ALL, these darlings are available on Etsy now!!!!
Run.....

Visit my Shoppe here at
Garboodles
FOXY LOXY was also added to Etsy Treasury...
visit here to see her and some other Foxy kind of art..

Where The Wild Things Are....

2009-09-02T01:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished something !!!
Introducing my newest design for my
Hollow~Doodle Collection 2009.

This sweet doll was inspired from
"Where The Wild Things Are",
by Maurice Sendak

She, along with some more
Inspired Dollies all available for purchase.

In case you didn't know... The beloved story,
Where The Wild Things Are
will be in Theaters in October !!!
Can't wait!!!

Playing with ideas

2009-08-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

There are just those times when I play with things in my head...
I don't get much accomplished this way...that's for sure. I have been playing around with this idea for a while now. Poor thing doesn't know what to think of me.

I am pleased with the face thus far... I hand drew the face with pens.... Now only if I could just complete this doll... That will be an accomplishment beyond mention. I have about four or five WIP's right now...
And it's driving me nuts !!!

Do you ever feel this way?

Happy Summer Day's to you !!!

On The Work Table....

2009-07-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yummy, bright and very fun fabrics are awaiting a creation.
I will be sending off to the Magazine,
" Stuffed"
for possible publication !!!
Wish me "LUCK"
tee hee.

A Keeper Of Pins & Things....

2009-07-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

I really must confess, I love my Pin Poppets. This sweety holds not only pins but, little scissors,safety pins and can even hold a measuring tape.
It is cute... it is functional and can be yours !!!

Happy Summer Days to You !!!

A Mad Hatter Tea Party !!!!

2009-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Come one, come all.
You are cordially invited to
A Mad Hatter Tea Party, hosted by
The Fanciful Twist
Don't be late, like this fella !!

The morning started off with Alice...
She found a bottle which read "Drink Me".
So it goes, she drank it !!! and well, you know the story.
We will fast forward to when she meets the Mad Hatter.

The Tea party begins !!!
Or shall I say,
The Mad Tea Party begins !!!

The table was set...
fit for a queen. and many other guests.

As for the Mad Hatter....
He is mad alright.
Poor Alice was frightened... yet, kept her cool.

They sipped tea.
The Mad Hatter was on his best behavior.
Whatever that means.

Some of the many guests which were present
were The Spinster Sisters.....

Some Little Littles.....

Miss Ducky Dandy......
She loved to sip the tea...

Not to forget these guy's... The Queens courts men,
Willy, Dilly, Jilly and Mo....

Scrumptious strawberry cakes...yummy !!!

Her Majesty The Queen of hearts was present....

The Royal Beheaded Marie Antoinette,
graced the table with her presence.

The Crazy Miss Forester did not
look at all pleased with the cakes...

Oh, but Missy Loo Loo loved it all, in deed !!!

Foxie Loxie would surely agree to that !

Alice after all, was having quite a delightful time.

The party lasted for a many.

Until, Alice could take no more ....

The Mad Hatter was satisfied.

Shortly there after, he went Mad !!!
and frightened poor Alice away.
The End !!!

Thank you for joining our Mad Tea Party...
I do hope you had a wonderful stay...

Surprise In The Post.....

2009-06-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

I got a sweet surprise in the post last week from a dear gal whom was also an instructor from the ZNE Convenzione.
Miss Crepe Paper Queen herself,
Ann Denise Anderson,
sent this sweet crepe paperie wand !!

She made it with a cute dolly face and the bright colors of my wee corner in my studio. I just think she is a doll !!!
Thank you Ann Denise !!!
"Long Live Garboodles !!!
Tee hee !!!

Who doesn't like surprises in the mail???
Happy Summer days to you !!!

Through The Looking Glass......

2009-06-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Stripey stockings, oh my !!! I love them so.... If I could get away with it, I would wear them myself. Here is a wee darling Alice softie.

A delightful lil dolly from my Storybook Poppet dolls.
Little Red was sold at the ZNE ConvenZioNE.

I will be putting sweet Alice on Etsy soon...
Unless you are interested now, please send a message.
Have a Happy day !!!

no·tion n. 1. A belief or opinion. 2. A mental image or representation; an idea or conception. 3. A fanciful impulse; a whim.

2009-06-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

An old collection of thimbles will serve a purpose in my art.

They are all so beautiful.
Then I had a notion !!!

Here is just a wee peek into my head.

Charming !!

Wouldn't you agree?

Computers Don't Go To Heaven....

2009-06-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

They get
KICKED TO THE CURB !!!

Yep !!!
Our main computer decided to DIE about 2 weeks ago. That's why I haven't been around. For the time being everything is gone...all pictures etc..... Motherboard went overboard.

For now, I am spending less time on the computer, which is always a good thing....maybe I will get some work done. Ha Ha.

Hopefully we will be up and running again. Retrieving my pictures is my only concern at the moment. I am still here.... see ya soon !!!

My Roomie... ZNE ConvenZioNE Part 9

2009-05-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure and a blessing to be roomed up with
Brandie Butcher-Isley from
Little Pieces Of Art
during the 5 day stay in Pleasanton.
She was a very nice roomie too !!
She does the loveliest work using old photos of forgotten people & even uses her own family photos in many of her pieces, scraps of papers and paint. I wish we would of had more time so that I could have taken her class too !!!

I feel so fuzzy inside when I see her work. Makes me smile !!!
I may just have to try my hand with an inspired piece myself. It was truly a relaxing time with her which I will always remember our evening coffee with a couple of the other gals downstairs in the Hotel . I hope to meet her again. She is such a delightful person.

The Girlzzzzzz..ZNE ConvenZioNE Part 8

2009-05-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

I know, I know more ZNE pictures from the ConvenZioNE. I took many pictures. I am one that loves to snap tons of photos. I just couldn't help it.

Tbere was a lot fit into 5 days. It was great to meet people you have been blogging with or known of for many years. Bringing it to real life is almost priceless...when they are all together in one place at the same time. Ya know what I mean?

Okay so the top picture is
Katie Trott from
Katie Jean,
Me
&
Gitter & Grunge Queen
Claire Bone.

They were absolutely adorable. Miss Claire & I had much in common and have vowed to get together real soon. Her Hubby & my Hubby would sooo get along too !

Sweet Claire & Katie sitting pretty.
Miss ya guy's already !!

I had the chance to visit with
Miss Anna Corba
over dinner one evening.
She was a true delight and a beautiful quiet spirit.
Here we are below at the show before she left.

These crazy gals were a hoot. below is the fanciful
Lisa Kettell, Jen the fabulous Diva,
and
Jill of Jillz Whimzy

The sweethearts Gina Gabriell
me in the middle
&
Shari Replogle.

Below is me, Lisa and Gina.
Gina surprised me with one of her delightful dollies at dinner one night.
Yippee !!
She is adorable
( both doll & Gina that is)
The dollie reminds me of a rich old bag lady... she so needed a home.
Now she lives with me in style.
Ha ha.
Thank you Gina, I love the sweet dollie made by your hands.

Jill & Jenny...aren't they fun ?

The next picture below is
Lisa Kettell
and Crepe Paper Queen
Ann Denise Anderson.

Ann Denise Anderson is one of the sweetest peeps I have met... they all are truly sweet.
But, Ann Denise took it so well when Lisa & I played a couple lighthearted jokes on her.
Yes, we did !!

She was sleeping one night so sound. We were going to decorate her with her crepe papers...instead we placed a crepe paper crown on her head and took a picture. Out of kindness we will not post that picture.

Then during one of our dinner outings we told the waiter it was her birthday.....they came out with a huge sombrero, ice cream and sang to her. She was so embarrassed. It was a good laugh though. I just love her for that. She had no problem with enjoying her birthday ice cream all to herself either. And, her birthday isn't till August or something. LOL...

Lastly here's me, Lisa and Shari.
You gals are such Sweet hearts !!!

Believe it or not there is just a few more posts to conclude the ZNE ConvenZioNE. Hope you have enjoyed the pictures of my little experience.
See ya soon !!!

It was just so fun.

ZNE ConveZioNE Part 7: My Lil' Polka Dot Pixie Friend...

2009-05-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, oh oh, soooo excited to finally meet my bloggy, Artist friend
Jenny Hernandez
from
The Polka Dot Pixie !!!
Geesh !
I think we have known eacother now for a good three years at least. It was such a treat to hang out with her arting it out !

I was honored to take her sweet Regalo Per Me class during
The Paperie & Pleasantries Show.

Lookie, lookie what I made !
A sweet Lil Blue Birdie in an egg. I love it so. Totally adorable.
Thanks Jenny, you had a great class !

I also brought home this sweet tweet !! He is so cute !!! Jenny's creations are absolutely fantastical and sweet. We promised one another to have a fairy swap... and will be making a trip to see her or visa versa, she will come see me !!!

You must visit her blog and many sites she sells her creations through.

There are already plans being made for an Art Retreat in

Lake Tahoe with the lovely Claire Bone from Glitter & Grunge & many more gals.
Woo Hoo !!

Art, Paperie & Pleasantries..ZNE ConvenZioNE Part 6

2009-05-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great time just hanging out together...many friendships were made at this event.

I would like to introduce to you my friend
Ruth Rae.
She is so down to earth and may I add very talented with original jewelery making and creating beautiful pieces from different fabrics & textures.

Ruth and I had a great time while taking Gina's class at Tangerine.
Oh, good times !!!

I couldn't leave the Art, Paperie & Pleasantries Show without collecting a few pieces from a few of my friends.
Here is a piece of Ruth's heart.
I loved it so much I made it into a brooch.

She has been featured in magazines and has two books.
Her pieces are amazing in my eyes. The textures and feel is earthy, yet lovely and quite feminine.

This week I am going to continue sharing pictures from the event as well as featuring a few of my talented gal pals...so come back ya hear !!

Girls Out On The Town..... ZNE ConvenZioNE Part 5

2009-05-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few fun pictures of some of the nights spent with the girls. The second night in Pleasanton we had dinner at The Blue Agave.
Pictured above from left to right: Ann-Denise Anderson AKA Crepe Paper Queen, Me, My neighbor in Southern CA the talented Julie Bergman, Chel The Queen & founder of ZNE, and the enchanting Lisa Kettel ( My Sista from another Mother)

The Blue Agave restaurant is an old Craftsman. Here we are at the instructor dinner.
From left all the way back:

Brandie Butcher-Isley, Chelise Stroud- Hery, Iva Wilcox, Gina Gabriell, Ruth Rae.

From right all the way back:
Me, Anna Corba, Ann-Denise Anderson and Lisa Kettel.

Girls just wanna have fun !!
Here is Lisa Kettel. Ann-Denise Anderson and I shopping at American Harvest.
Below is Lisa's Mama, Joan.
( My adoptive Mama for the weekend.)
C'mon, we even look alike LOL !!!
What a hoot we all had.

Lisa and her Mama Joan. I fell instantly in love with these ladies.
And I already miss them so !!!
There is more to come...... Stay tuned !!!

ZNE ConveZioNE Class At Tangerine Part 4

2009-05-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

The day was so fun...we worked on our dolls despite the urging feeling of wanting to look and shop. Gina was a great teacher. We all headed out to a Chinese lunch that afternoon, then finished the music boxes for the dollies to stand on.

I made mine, especially for my little girl.
I made it look like her, down to the freckles on her face.
The pieces turned out gorgeous !!!
Everyone did such wonderful work. I am just so tickled to have spent
such an awesome day with such an awesome group of talent.

Here they all are together !!!! The sweet blond was made by
the talented "Shrine Maker"and so much more...
Julee Herrmann of HeArt Collective.
Then mine. Next to me in
the pink and black was made by my dear pal
Ruth Rae
A talented Author, Artist & Instructor of jewelry & fiber fun.
Behind her is a kitty kat in pink made by the Cat loveing Artist
Teri Calia of Catnip Designs.
The last girly in turquoise and green was made by another talent, Nadine.
What a day to remember...
I am so blessed.

ZNE Tangerine Style...Part 3

2009-05-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Friday morning all the girls moved on to their next class, some went off to teach as others went to take classes. I signed up for Gina Gabriell's "Turn, Turn, Turn" class. Which was held at her delightful store front
Tangerine
located in Dublin, CA.

How in the world are we supposed to WORK in this cute shop. I and others were all ready to shop !! The shop was so bright and cheery, filled with eye candy & fun, it was hard to concentrate.

Every little nook and cranny was filled with joy & muse.
The colors were vibrant and happy, you could almost eat everything.

There were fun dollies and crafty goodness, supplies, paper, glitter...you name it,
it was there...even the bathroom sink,
I am not kidding you.

Not only was the shop adorable but Gina was great. What a strong lady she is. With the recent loss of her beloved "Bella" Stevie, who passed on from cancer in 2007, Gina wrote and illustrated a wonderful book about a little girl & her battle with cancer. The story is so touching...I cried my eyes out. I read it to my daughter when I got home from the trip, we balled. If you know someone or you have a child who is battling cancer, this book my friend is for you.

Everyone is born and everyone dies.

It is a great Mystery and a promise.

It is a story that is hard to remember

and a story that has no endings,

only beginnings."

Pink Sky

-Gina Gabriell

Let The Class Begin !!! Part 2 ZNE ConveZioNE

2009-05-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome !!
I set the table with cupcake plates and party napkins as each student received their own Eat Cake kit in red gift bags. They also had their choice of papers, trims and embellishments. We set to work making the dolly first since we had to use paper clay & needed time enough to dry.

As the lil girls dried outside basking in the sun. We got started on the cake boxes. Lots of decisions were being made as to color choice and trims. The gals were having a good time talking and creating the cakes.

After 3 hours of hard work. We broke for lunch , which was catered in by Innovations. Yum !!! We got our fill, then proceeded on the rest of the project.

They painted their
( Now dry)
dolly's,
added all the trims to their frocks, finished them off with a party hat.

In return there were happy women, smiling from ear to ear at how their sweet cake & dolly candy containers turned out. They were all sooo awesome.
It just made me so proud of them !

Two delightful sisters, Diane & Kathleen from
Papertons
joined us and made the sweetest cakes in similar colors,
yet they were specially different !

Shari from
Staffordshire Garden Designs
made her darling cake for her daughter.
Oh so sweet,
you could almost eat it !

Lana
( Jeff ,from The Wiggles cousin)
joined in the fun making her cake & dolly quit different from the rest.
She was sporting a brilliant purple in Paris feel.

We all stood back, gave pats on the back for a job more than well done. 6 hours had passed,
the " Eat Cake"
dolly's were finished and it was time for us to part our ways until
The Papier & Pleasentries Show
held May 2-3.

Oh ladies , you did awesome work.
I hope you will always treasure the piece you made !!

More ZNE ConvenZioNE stories and photos coming next !!!

Arriving At ZNE ConveZioNE....Part 1

2009-05-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

The day finally came to fly out to Pleasanton CA. For the ZNE ConvenZioNE. I had to take two flights from San Diego into Phoenix,from Phoenix to Oakland. Crazy day that was. I was in awe of the patchwork quilt below and how crazy high up I was . I am actually scared of heights and flying. So, I white knuckled the flight the whole way in. Once I landed in Oakland, I was instructed to meet my fellow friends, Julie Bergman, Ruth Rae and Ann Denise Anderson, from there we were picked up by a Town car. With four women and ummmmmm, like 10 bags ( big bags) he packed the trunk , which had tires in there too ! I was hoping the suitcases wouldn't fly out of there.

We were then dropped off at The Marriott Hotel, checked in and there met up with Lisa Kettell, her Mama Joan Kettell and my roomie Brandie Butcher-Isley.

We buncked up in a really sweet room with feathered beds. It was quite comfy for not being in your own bed. I usually never sleep well in a strange bed.

We settled in, shortly there after we took a shuttle to downtown Pleasanton where we met up with the other instructors and ConveZioNE attendees.

The opening reception was held at Studio 7 Art Gallery. We were delighted by the fascinating art work around the gallery as well as all our arty friends whom attended.

Traveling troubadour John Troast
played his Folksy tunes as we ate delicious truffle chocolates that were absolutely humongous.

This year's instructors. From left to right, top row:

Ulla Milbrath, Ruth Rae, Ann Denise Anderson, Mica Garbarino ( Me) , Brandie Butcher Isley, Iva Wilcox.

Bottom row: Chel, Lisa Kettell and Gina Gabriell. (Missing, Anna Corba - who was off meeting our attendees and guests.) Photo credit - Deborah Wandro.

After the reception we went out on the town and shopped around the quaint little town. First stop, American Harvest.

A few of us went to eat, walked a bit more, then went back to the hotel for a yummy night cap of cocoa, well, at least that is what I had. I will post my first day of teaching at the event next, so come back as the ZNE event will be posted in a few more posts !!

Well, It's Time !!!!

2009-04-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

The time has come for the ZNE ConvenZioNE !!!

April 29 - May 3, 2009

Just here finishing up some last minute things, packing my bags, then will fly out to Pleasanton Wednesday !!!

I will then be teaching my "EAT CAKE" class on Thursday !!

Yippeeee !!

I have been making little goodies to bring along as

I am also selling goods at

the Papier & Pleasantries show

during the weekend !!

Hope to finally meet some of you out there !!! I will be sure to share pictures of the event when I get back next week !!!

Toodles !!

Alter Me.....

2009-04-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

For many years now I have dabbled in altered art. Taking something old, broken and forgotten items and giving them new purpose. I have been preparing for the ZNE Art ConveZioNE to teach and sell my goods in just 8 more days.

I have re -purposed & altered some antique and vintage items into cheery bling. As well as my favorite broken and forgotten china doll heads... fresh, fun pieces have been created !

I can't wait to spend 5 days spreading

the joy of Art to others!

There is still time to sign up for the ConveZioNE as well as the "Eat Cake class " I will be teaching.

Visit here to register.

And...everyone needs luggage to go on a trip right?

I have re- purposed/altered this old brown suitcase, adding a brilliant red color, vintage luggage labels and red polka dot ribbon.

To make your own... check Flea Markets, Thrift Shoppes and Garage/Estate sales for an old /vintage suitcase. I found mine for $5.00. Buy your favorite color spray paint ( Krylon ) . Spray the case all over in well ventilated area, let dry completely. You can buy many fun vintage style sticker luggage labels online or search the Internet. Here are a few I used. Just color copy from your computer on regular paper, cut out and mod podge back of paper. Place labels wherever you desire. Add ribbon to each side of case for a whimsical feel.

Pack & go !

( I will be adding more labels to my case

as well as decorating the other side)

Voila !!

A sweet suitcase to put your belongings !!!

And travel in style !

An Apron Give Away .........

2009-04-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and I am officially ....well, let's say I am thirty something.

I am spending a quiet afternoon at home after a long Easter weekend of gatherings. It was a great time spent with our Church family /friends. I hope you all had a nice Resurrection Sunday too !!

I am having this giveaway to celebrate 300 posts ( On My Child's Paper Blog )

and my birthday all in one.

My sweet Lil girl, Freckles is modeling the apron here.

The apron has a nice Spring time feel to it with fresh colors and Victorian advertisement print. There is on large deep pocket on one side to keep a towel handy while busy baking. The winner of this giveaway will also receive the sweet vintage printed container and some handwritten favorite recipes from the heart of my kitchen.

( Sorry sweet little girl is not included )

So, in order to enter for this delightful apron & goodies, just leave me a comment between now & Friday on my other blog ...just click over to

http://www.thechildspaper.blogspot.com/

Freckles will draw a name Friday evening.

Thank you for playing along. Best to you !!