Little Angel Annie

This is a custom order, and I am really pleased with her. She has beautiful mauve velvet clothes with silver stars, highlighted with a silver star button, and lovely white feather wings. It'll be a shame when she goes to her new home.

Dolls in ... dolls out ...

Today my favourite Annie ... the ladybug Annie ... left for her long journey to California. As soon as she went, though ... more Annies are going up in the shop. And most interestingly ... Andy!


I have 2 bald and one unstuffed doll sitting on the table, 2 for the shop, one custom order. They'll be attended to shortly. Most exciting, though is another trip to the fabric store tomorrow for another custom order that I'm really excited about ... Dorothy Annie :D Thankfully hubby is taking the princesses to work with him, so I will have the entire day to myself!

Cool giveaway ... check it out!

People on Etsy are the nicest people ... seriously! This lovely lady not only has an awesome blog, but she's also offering a most generous giveaway. Check it out ... a fat envelope of fabric scraps. I know what I would do with it (*cough* dolly dresses *cough*), but what would you do?

Click this link to see the giveaway.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms

... well that's what I think of when I see this fabric. Simply couldn't walk out of the fabric store without buying just a little bit! This is Hanimi Annie. Hanimi is a traditional cherry blossom viewing party. She's available in my Etsy shop ... www.HelloDollies.etsy.com

Australian Girl clothes

So ... when you get a new doll the first thing you think of is clothes ... right? Right! Despite receiving 3 lovely outfits to go with their new dolls, my princesses batted their long eyelashes at me and said "Please Mummy" ... and so both dolls now have another piece to their wardrobes LOL. I desighed this maxi dress for Jasmine, and a shorter one for Emily (due to lack of fabric). I'd do them a little differently next time, but needless to say, both dolls look fabulous ... and the princess have put in an order for a mermaid dress-up outfit. Guess I know what I'll be doing this school holidays!

Dragon Dress-up Annie

This custom Annie was created for a local lady to give her daughter. The spec was a purple dragon Annie doll with fuzzy hair. Mission accomplished, I say! I'm delighted with the results, but not as much as Annie's new family! This one is one-of-a-kind.

Blogging about blogs!

Today I was thrilled to find that a fellow Etsian had blogged about my shop HelloDollies on her blog. It's absolutely stunning, packed with incredible gift ideas for children, so do check it out. Thanks Jenna!

Click here to see the article

Just keep swimming ...just keep swimming ...

Yes ... we've been to the Sydney Aquarium today, and we did find Nemo (and the rest of his friends) LOL. I did get some incredible photos, but these are a few of my favourites so far.

Pink & White Annie

This gorgeous little doll is on her way to Victoria, a wonderful custom order from a great Etsy client. I'm so happy with the way she turned out that I've got pink/black/white combo's dancing in my head for future dolls!

Custom Dolls

This week I've completed 2 more custom doll orders. This little beauty is going to Canada, whilst the other is on her way to Victoria in Australia. Last week 2 dolls flew to the USA. All will arrive before Christmas, and I hope their new owners love them as much as I do.

Manicure of a different kind

Yesterday I was at St Ives Heritage Markets with the FDAA. It's our annual sale, and we'll be back on Sunday 7th December for the last time this year.

I had a ball painting people's fingernails with little Christmas motifs. The snowman was most popular, and the 5 year old girls seemed to all want hot pink snowmen ... go figure! It was free, and most people couldn't believe it. I even painted a batman on a 4yo boy's teeny tiny fingernail ... cute!

This is my own hand ... my display board as it were. I'll be interested to see how long they last LOL. If you're at the St Ives market on 7th December ... come and see me and I'll paint your fingernails :D

Surfing the net

I found the cutest blog today via the Etsy forums ... Work at Home Designs. This gal does the most gorgeous graphic design work, and I was tempted over by a fabulous giveaway.

Check out her blog here:

http://workathomedesigns.blogspot.com/

and see the gorgeous little mushrooms here:

www.MushroomDelight.etsy.com

Too darn cute!

Scrapbooking for a good Cause

Once again it's time to spread the word about the Southern Cross Kids Camps and their ambition to provide every child who attends these camps with a memory book. In some cases this is the only time these kids' childhood memories will be recorded, and they treasure these albums. Southern Cross Kids Camps are run to benefit abused and at-risk kids, and I can't think of anything more rewarding than contributing some of my scrapbooking supplies so that they can smile.

Go and check out Julie's blog to read all about the camp and the effort to create and collect pages for these kids. The photo above is one of Julie's and you can see the camp leaders working on the kids' albums. If we provide the pages, then they have more time to spend with the kids.

www.juliestone.typepad.com

If you would like to contribute, please contact me, or Julie via her blog.

Angel teddies

I've had these frames in my stash for ages now, and since I'm in a mad painting frenzy for the St Ives Heritage markets this month and next month ... everything is fair game! If it sits still long enough, it's getting painted!

Hubby is sick of seeing bears, but I love to paint them, and they sell really well. I've also painted a blue one, but it's not varnished yet. It has swirls in the background. Got one blank frame left ... but I'm undecided on the bear ... maybe a pirate :D

Ahoy there ... in pink!

Yeah ... I was watching Pirates of the Carribean again today ... can you tell?

This little girl bear is playing dress-up and I can just imagine her making her dollies walk the plank whilst dreaming of Johnny Depp (what self respecting girl wouldn't?). She's painted on an A5 blank visual arts diary, and will be put up for sale at the St Ives Heritage Markets on 22nd November. But if you would like this little pirate princess painted on something special, please email me, as I'm always happy to paint custom pieces. dlewis71@aapt.net.au

Scrapbooking and Swapping

It's no secret to those who know me well ... I get excited about a new project LOL. Today I've been on Photoshop pretty much all day. This is one of my cool ideas. I run a Yahoo! group for scrapbookers called OzSwapTillYouDrop (pretty sure I have a link on the right). We swap all kinds of goodies, and there's nothing like getting pretty things in the post.

It's easy to get carried away and sign up for everything, so today I designed a little 4"x4" card that my members (and myself) can print and keep track of our swaps on. The best part is that you can create a scrapbooking layout at the end of the year with a pocket for all your cards! LOL

Will be available for download for members soon. Birdie from the Funky Nature kit by Tara Dunstan Designs (Scrapbook_Bytes.com).

Always happy to welcome new members, so feel free to join us :)

Teacup Kitten prints available

I posted a pic of this adorable kitty last week, and since soooooo many people have oooo'd and aaaaaahhh'd over it I decided to add it to my shop. I have 3 Teacup Kitten prints available, and they're available in any size from ACEO right up to A3 if you want one that big. Will be available as a pair of bookmarks soon as well.

ACEO - $4
6x4 - $6
5x7 - $10
6x8 - $15
8x10 - $20
8x12 - $23
A3 - $35
Custom sizes available ... please enquire.

If you would like to purchase a photo print of The Teacup Kitten, please email me at dlewis71@aapt.net.au or visit my etsy shop www.DawnLewisImagery.etsy.com

Jewellery that stands apart

I came across this Etsy seller today and had to show you these incredible pendants! Isn't this just exquisite?!?! US$18 including postage ... what a stunning gift!

www.marriageofmetal.etsy.com

More Cardmaking

I am zooming through my leftover pattern papers at an amazing rate! My new approach is to dig into the paper stash, find a piece that 's big enough, then find everything else to go with it.


At this rate I may actually use up all of my scraps before Christmas and have to start cutting up whole pieces of pattern paper! It's only now that I'm starting to regret not buying a couple more Cuttlebug embossing dies at that bargain price at the craft show ... ah well ... I have plenty of stamps to keep me busy!

Kids & art ... made for each other!

This Etsy seller has the most incredible product .. check out these crayons! My dd's have a couple, and they love them. You get something different every time you draw ... very cool. You'll also find ACEO's, clothing, pottery ... take a peek!

You can check out her shop at www.art2theextreme.etsy.com

Greetings!

I've been on a card-making kick! Now that all my paper-crafting goodies are perfectly sorted and conveniently stored I can whip up a quick project with much less fuss than ever before. So ... I've been wiping the dust off some of my favourite Stampin' Up sets and using some of this pretty stuff I've been stashing away for years! 8 cards in 2 days ... *yesssssssssss*.

Beautiful Fairies on Etsy

I've been down with the flu, so haven't made anything new for ages, so today I wanted to showcase a lovely Etsy seller who's single name is the same as mine and my sister's! Her Etsy store is Spellbound Wings, and she has the most beautiful prints, magnets and pendants made from her fabulous fantasy artwork.

This is the little beauty that I have my eye on.

You can find her lovely wearable art at www.SpellboundWings.etsy.com

The littlest angel

I made these dolls a few years ago, and decided this week that it was unfair to the dollies to keep them sitting in a cupboard. So we had a chat, and they assured me that they would love to go to a new home, even though they loved me very much.

So today I have listed them in my Etsy shop.

Click here to see the listing.

They are US$5.00 each, and postage is the same for one as for two.

The Teacup Kitten

I ran into my neighbour on Friday, and she had something cupped in her hands. I was just hoping it wasn't some hideous bug, but when she opened her hands there was the tiniest kitten I have ever seen! He was 3 weeks old, being hand-raised after the mother abandoned it. She thought I might like to take some photos ... that was a serious understatement! I snapped off 50 or so to get a few good ones. I'm so glad I didn't procrastinate, because the poor little kitty died the next day.

Published, and I have it in my hands!

Yesterday I raced out to buy the christmas edition of Handmade magazine. What I didn't know is that they put out 5 christmas editions this year ... so which one was I in? Simplest solution was to ring Handmade and ask ... so I did, and they were sooooo helpful.

So ... today I got my hands on the correct magazine:

Handmade Magazine
Vol 26 No 2
Country Christmas Crafts

It's so exciting! My name is in the projects list, my project is on page 82 with instructions on page 117. It uses the Semco range of Peel & Stick paints, which are affordable, lots of fun, and available at Spotlight stores :)

I'm published!!!

It's really exciting ... my first painted project is published. If you get your hands on the christmas special of HandMade Magazine this month, you will find a big Peel & Stick Christmas Wreath designed and painted (twice) by yours truly!!! Terribly exciting stuff :D

You can get a peek at the magazine by clicking the link below, but my project isn't there, so you'll have to rush out and buy a copy LOL

Click Here

Mermaids - oh my!

My girls are right into drawing mermaids at the moment, so I thought I'd share some of their art today. Pretty easy to tell which drawing was done by the 10 year old and which was done by the 7 year old (who skipped off to play before completing it *sigh*). There are even some mermaids in KateDoodlez's store

www.KateDoodlez.etsy.com

Wedding of the year!

We have just returned from a fabulous wedding in Narrabri ... a 6 hour drive each way. But for these friends, we'd have gone anywhere to share their special day. This is the card I made for them. I used Stampin' Up Real Red and Whisper White cardstock, Real Red Ink and a stamp from the Blooming With Happiness set. I also used my Cuttlebug embossing die, some ribbon, gems, brads & flowers from my stash ... and topped it off with a Taggers Dozen stamp on the envelope. I like it :D

Unique Jewellery - Wow!

I came across this Etsy seller today ... Wow!!! This jewellery is unlike anything I've ever seen, and it really appeals to me and my low key fashion sense. I could dress in the plainest of clothes and still look fabulous with a piece of this jewellery. Here ... check out this necklace ... what a chameleon piece!



You can find more incredible jewellery at www.distinctionjewelry.com

Folk & Decorative Artists' Association of Australia

I am a member of the FDAA, and they are the most incredible bunch of ladies I have ever met! Kind, generous and talented ... a fabulous combination, and I always feel a bit like a screaming teenager at a Beatles concert when I attend a meeting or painting day (though I do restrain myself so as not to embarrass myself LOL).

I received my newsletter today, and apart from the awesome new competition to turn trash into painted treasure, and 2 market days later in the year, I was humbled and honoured to find an article called 'Getting to Know You - Dawn Lewis' ... and excited!

You can learn more about the FDAA at their website - www.thefdaa.com.

No Calorie Chocolate!

I have to share ... this is one of my favourite things, Chocolate Satin & Silk body cream from Heidi's Handmades. It smells just like chocolate, and is the best hand cream I have ever owned. Not only that, but Heidi is just lovely and her customer service is above excellent. She has soaps, lotions & potions of all kinds and lip balms to die for. My current favourite is the French Vanilla & Pear scented body cream ... mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Check her out, and order up for christmas!

www.HeidisHandmades.etsy.com

My niece has arrived!

I've been a bit consumed this week ... my little sister had a baby girl (quite something to wrap my mind around LOL). Her name is Aston, and she's absolutely perfect. She's about 12 hours old here, and I am her official photographer LOL.

Frankie & Fifi

Meet Frankie & Fifi ... you'll be seeing more of these cuties soon ... shhhhhhh.

Wow ... I've been blogged about!

I was interviewed some time ago by another Etsian, and I confess that I forgot all about it. Imagine my delight to see that I have been blogged about by someone else. I'm so grateful for the opportunity :)

Click Here to read the interview

Annie and the Witching Hour!

This Annie was a special halloween custom order for a lovely Etsy customer. She has a cute little felt hat on that wild hair, and a purple satin cloak with velvet stars & moons on it. She also has painted black & purple striped stockings on her legs.

Say hello to Australian Girl doll!

A great family friend has just launched the most amazing new range of doll ... they're called Australian Girl, and they're just gorgeous!


Check out the website and you'll find 4 beautiful dolls, designed for girls who are too old for baby dolls, but not old enough for those more mature fashion dolls. They have gorgeous clothes and accessories too. Personally, my girls are thrilled that one of the dolls is a combination of the two of them (looks like my oldest, same name as my youngest). There are cartoons, and so much more. Check out the pre-release offer and snap one up, because they're going to fly out the door fast!

www.australiangirldoll.com.au

Just for me

I just didn't feel like cross-stitch or painting tonight. I hemmed the height chart, but didn't feel like sewing a doll either.

What to do? What to do?

Ah ... my tape measure from the dollar shop looks a little boring ... oooo ... there's some felt ... where are my embroidery threads. Voila ... I have covered my boring little $1 tape measure and now it's a designer item :D

Countdown to Aunty

I got to see my sister yesterday and ... WOW ... her belly is huge! This will be my second niece or nephew (it's a surprise), and although due date is 24 Sept ... look at that flat belly button ... no way she's gonna make it o the 24th!

Journal Jar & Diary

I am really excited! Yesterday I did a drawing of a gorgeous girl ... all on my own. Usually I draw like a 5 year old, but this designing gig must be encouraging my inner-artist! Anyway, today I got to paint her, and I'm really thrilled with the end result. I chose bright muted tones, and this is the diary cover. It just needs to cure, then I'll varnish it and put the cover back on the diary. I'll also be decorating a journal jar, glue stick and pen to co-ordinate then fill the jar with questions.

Did I hear you ask "What's a journal jar?" I thought so ;) ... a journal jar is simply a jar full of questions. Each day you take one out, glue it into the diary, and answer it. I gave one to my mother and grandmother, and one day I'll get to read all about what life was like when they were young, familiy traditions, stories and secrets and if I'm lucky, my Nana's date cake recipe!!! Don't leave it until they pass away to wish you'd asked this or that. Or make one for yourself and leave memories for your own children.

Here are some links to find questions you can print for your jars:

Questions for Grownups

Questions for Kids

More Questions

and more more just Google 'Journal Jar' and you'll be amazed!

Facebook

I'm still getting used to the wonderful world of facebook, and today I launched a fan page. It will feature my painting, fairy portraits and dolls. If you're on facebook, check it out!

Click Here

New Pattern packets available

Fresh from the printer, two new pattern packets are available from Dawn Lewis Imagery.

First is Lexi's Dragon. This friendly dragon was originally painted for baby Alexis' nursery ... what a cool nursery!!! Now it is a pattern packet available for you to paint. It uses all Semco paints ($1.99 a bottle ... bargain!) and techniques include spattering, floating and drybrushing.


The next pattern packet is called 'B is for Baby'. It is painted on a paper mache box, great for baby's keepsakes. It is painted pink here, but could be painted in blue for a boy, or a gender neutral colour.


You can buy either of these pattern packets by clicking the 'Buy Now' paypal button on the right side of my blog. Or ... email me at dlewis71@aapt.net.au to place your order.

Patterns are $8 within Australia or $12 for international, and that includes postage :)

Beep Canvas

The cushion is finished(you can see a little bit of it in the background), and last night I completed a 5x7 canvas to show how elements of the main pattern can be brought together to make other decorator items.

Beep ... under construction

About 99% of the painting is done. Next job is to heat set the panels, then stitch them together into a cushion front. You could paint this onto a single panel, or even a ready made cushion cover. Or ... you could add more panels and make it into a cool quilt, or paint them onto canvas ... or clothing ... or plain bedding ... Yay! The opportunties are endless for this design!

Pattern Packets now available

Pattern packets are available for some painted designs through my blog or website!

$8 for Aussie buyers
$12 for international buyers
... that includes post!

Currently available are Robot Diary and Secret Ninja Business. These patterns are suitable for beginners, and those who are looking for a quick project to paint for boys.



How do you purchase? You can use the 'Buy Now' button here on my blog (in the right margin) and list which pattern you want at checkout. Or you can email me at dlewis71@aapt.net.au with your purchase request.

Payment accepted via Paypal worldwide, and Aussie customers have the option to pay via Direct Debit or money order.

Watch this space, as I hope to have some painting tutorials for these packets on YouTube soon.

Beep ... Initialising ....

Today it is all about robots! For the first time ever I have drawn an image myself and not had to ask my husband to draw it for me! It's very exciting. He did help me modify the hands, though.

Anyway ... this little cutie is going to feature in the centre of a 9 square painted patchwork cushion I'm working on for Semco. The panels will be painted, then sewn up, and the end result should be an extra cool cushion for the little boy (or big boy geek). With any luck this will be published. If not, I'll turn him into a pattern packet and sell it on my website ... because he's too cool not to share!

New Pirate Annie doll

OK ... so it hasn't been all painting and cushions for me this week. I've had this lovely Annie doll under construction for about 2 or 3 weeks now. Every time I'd try to finish her, I'd get interrupted. But yesterday I finally stitched her face, painted her shoes, dressed her and gave her hair. I'm really pleased with her, and she's listed in my Etsy shop Hello Dollies.

The cushion is almost complete ... just need to go back to Spotlight and get more piping (I am 10cm short) so I can sew up the last side. The insert fits well, the colours are working together nicely, and I'm absolutely delighted with the results. I'm going to try painting these 2 on a messenger back next, and perhaps a t-shirt!