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Check out these little cuties!!

I can only guess Beverly from New York had a blast making these dolls.
Some have hats, others pigtails. Most are sporting a lovely addition of bling either a necklace or earrings.
Fantastic work Miss Beverly! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and sense of adventure!!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...zendoodle doll

Hi Everyone!!
A few weeks ago, I was lying in bed spending quality time scrolling through Pintrest...you KNOW that is quality time!!!
I came across a friend zendoodle/zentange. She had pinned fan blades she had made. (This woman is an overachiever extraordinaire) I checked out a couple of sites and thought, hmm that's pretty neat, but it looks so complicated and difficult.
Oh, how looks can be deceiving!

I tried it on my planning calendar...ok that is just funny to even type that...I make great efforts at times to be a "planner" and well, I guess it's time just hasn't come yet...anyway, that is a whole other issue...focus...
After an evening of watching tv and doodling, I got thinking what else..so I tried it on some porcelain faces...

then wait, I've got a box of doll blanks that I haven't used yet.

Doll blanks drying after being painted with gesso or white paint

.

After you prime your blanks they will be rough. Lightly sand them with fine grit paper

 Yep, sometimes if you hold onto it long enough, you will actually use it. Of course, Peter Walsh would have a FIT!

And here we have it:
ZenDoodle Comfort Dolls!!

Don't panic. check out these wonderful sites for instructions and inspiration!
TanglePatterns.com 
This site is amazing!! full of step by step instructions!!
Zentagle:Basic Tangles
Zentagle Instrucions- a gallery on Flickr


Zentangle/zendoodle is a wonderful meditative practice. Plus, it's portable creativity!!
You can download the instructions and pattern here.
I am going to put a coat of clear coat on these as they do get pretty dirty from handling.
Hope you have fun - please share your creations with us on Facebook!
Smiles to All,
Brenda
 
** Q and A** 2/23/2013
Do you have to gesso/paint to seal?
The reason for sealing the fabric is to give a nice smooth surface on which to work.  Try it either way, see which you prefer.

What did you use to seal your dolls?
I had a bottle of Mod Podge Matte sealer, so that is what I used. I am pretty happy with the results. I always find it weird that I am sanding fabric...my brain just gets stuck thinking wood...but giving your piece just a nice light sanding between coats makes all the difference in the world!

Another thing I have thought of was using watercolor pencils to color in your designs if you choose. I took a wonderful class with Natalie Hamade in 2011 and she uses this technique...WONDERFUL!! Just wet your paintbrush and swipe it on the tip of the watercolor pencil...really, so much fun.

**          **        **

...from across the big pond.

Very rarely, but everyone in awhile I will get a package that looks like this.

There is just something amazing that lil ole me, over hear in Indiana, US can get a package all the way from the UK!! Our project reaches so many more than we can even imagine.

And look what was inside!!

These beautiful hand felted gems. Not only hand felted but also wonderful stitching and beading.

A GIANT thank-you to Valerie!!

Smiles to you All,
Brenda

...giving young hearts

Thanks Bella!!
Smiles to you.
Smiles to All,
Brenda