Doing a bit more work on my angels project. Today I practised drawing doll faces according to the instructions of Patti Medaris Culea (links provided by Judy). Not as difficult as I thought, and working from right to left, I think I am gradually improving!
I used some coloured crayons and some pens. I worked on a strip of unbleached calico ironed onto a piece of freezer paper to give it a bit more stability.
I also completed the body of the large cloth angel.
I had awful trouble stuffing this – the polyester stuffing which I have had for many years is really not very good quality and it came out all lumpy, so I had to pull most of the stuffing out of the body and tease it out again and restart the process. This filling seems to do better with narrower pieces like arms and legs than it does with larger volumes, which work better if I don’t attempt to put too much stuffing in. I’m on the look out for something of better quality but so far my online researches haven’t come up with anything definite – if there’s anybody out there (UK) who can recommend a decent polyester filling I’d be grateful.
I also spent a bit of time in my ARTHaven this morning, tidying up, and putting all my Dylusions sprays, paints and Ranger mini-blending tools together into one box, after painting a dab of paint on the top of each handle so they are readily identifiable.
The effects of my third chemo treatment are definitely not as severe as those of the second. The reduced dose has definitely helped.
So glad your reaction hasn't been so severe this time. I'm also looking for some high quality filling. If I find any I'll let you know. Blessings. PS I have MS so completely understand about your fatigue
ReplyDeleteLesley - thanks for this nice comment. You will understand fatigue very well! M.E. fatigue is very similar but the chemo variety does seem to have a different quality, and when it's on top of the M.E. variety it can flatten me. I heard from a friend on one of the forums I am on that she has had good success with polyester filling from Hobbycrafts so that might be worth pursuing.
DeleteShoshi
Me again, my cousin had ME and it was heartbreaking because everyone, including doctors told her it was all in her mind! Thank goodness things have moved on a bit since then. It took docs nearly 5 years to eventually diagnose me with MS. A lumber puncture finally confirmed it, but before that I was being treated for Reynaud's disease. arthritis, exhaustion. depression, and goodness knows what else. When they finally decide it was MS I was relieved, because I knew what I was facing. That was approx. 17 years ago, and I have good and bad days, which obviously you understand. Recently I was also diagnosed with skin cancer, and have been treated for that. Today was the first day I have been out for several weeks because my leg and part of my face have been covered in enormous blisters etc (sorry, too much info) but it was lovely to go to the pub today for lunch and feel normal. Problem is, I have to start another round of treatment on Friday of next week. I think I'll buy a burkha. lol. Take care of yourself. I may not have commented often but I have followed your journey with enormous admiration. I find particular comfort in the fact that you do not gloss over the often (very) unpleasant aspects of illness. Quite frankly, when I read about these people who sail through it all with a saintly smile, and no complaints, I feel like punching them on the nose. Whoops, I'm a bad person, but just being honest. Blessings
ReplyDeleteLesley - can I please either have a link to your blog (can't get beyond your profile) or an email address so I can reply to you properly? Thanks for another brilliant comment! I so agree with you.
DeleteShoshi
Hi Shoshi, love your little doll and the faces are gorgeous. Hobbycraft do a Polyester toy filling which seems as good as any and better than most. Just noticed you had already mentioned it so I should give it a go.
ReplyDeleteAngela x
I am thrilled that you've found those links helpful. Love the doll and faces! You will find doll making is such a sweet activity! The people you send them to will be touched I am sure. Patti Medaris Culea has doll books that are good. There are doll sites if you want them. So glad the chem was a lot less severe this time. I can't imagine what you are going thru. I am making dolls this week too.
ReplyDeleteJudy xx
the faces are looking good Sue. I rather like the lumpy doll, looks more age appropriate (for me) LOL. hey, I worked hard for this lumpy body. Good to see you crafting. Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteI have made a few dolls in my time although now I mainly make simple funny ones I use the stuffing from Wilkinsons cushion pads £1.50 and in your local high street Ive never had any bother
ReplyDelete