Thanksgiving Greetings!

Although Thanksgiving is still several days away, I know how busy this week will be for most of you, so I just thought I'd take a few minutes to thank the lovely people who follow my blog on a regular basis, for their support, humor, and friendship. Thank you all!

I was thinking about all of the blessings, and people, that I am thankful for: My two wonderful children; my four perfect-in-every-way grandchildren; and my adorable, intelligent, handsome great-grandson! I am thankful for my two sisters, they're my best friends. And for my sweet brother-in-law, who is the brother that I always wished for when I was growing up.

Although this may sound silly or mundane, I am thankful that I still have the use of my legs, hands, and eyesight. I don't want to imagine what my life would be without them, and I hope they never give out on me.

My interest in paper mache has brought me so much joy! I thank God for the creativity that He gave me. And, for the interest in art that keeps me busy, so that I don't dwell upon any negative aspects of my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,

Maggie

A Small Santa

This Santa is smaller than my other Santas. He's a hair under 8" tall. I wanted to make something small, that would fit on a shelf or mantle. He's wearing a coat painted with my favorite faded red.

He's not as detailed as many of my other Santas. He's holding a little flocked sisal wreath that has been trimmed with a bit of ribbon. His face looks almost like a child dressed up as Santa.

I used the same porcelain crackle on him as my previous Santa, but applied it in a thinner coat. It crackled less than the previous Santa. The new dark antiquing glaze brings out the little cracks, and nooks and crannies. I especially like the way his hat turned out.

I still think that there is enough detail, even though I went for a simpler figure. I love how the faded red over the darker red looks. You can see it better on the back of his coat.

Do you think he needs some glitter?

He is listed on Ebay right now.

Can you believe it? I posted two days in a row! Now I'm back to making some gingerbread boys to hang on my tree. I've been trying to make a gingerbread house, but I've made three and they've all warped so much I can't get them to fit together. I guess I give up!

Hope you are having a wonderful, creative week. Thanks for stopping by.

Catch you later,
Maggie

Faded Red Father Christmas

I love this faded red color for my Santa's coats. They look so vintage in this color.

This "Father Christmas" is carrying a tree (or two or three) in the pack on his back. He is wearing his long red coat with large pockets, for carrying treats. An Alpine green scarf around his neck brings out his eyes (so Mrs. Claus says).

I used a different type of crackle medium on him, and I haven't decided whether I like it better than the old type or not. It is a very fine porcelain crackle. And in the tiny cracks I rubbed a really dark brown, almost black, glaze. I like the look of the darker glaze. Santa looks as though he's been through many Christmas seasons.

Of course, he's made from paper mache clay. I didn't use any paper clay on his face this time, though.  Instead, I brushed on a thin coat of joint compound blended with PVA glue, to smooth out the bumps. And, like all of my Santas, he's painted and sealed with acrylics.

I will list him on Ebay later today.

I'm frustrated. Both of my sisters have a copy of the latest Art Doll Quarterly with my Santa in it, and I haven't received mine yet! Marlene picked up the last one at Michaels yesterday, and couldn't stop herself from showing my Santa off to the check-out clerk. LOL, Thank goodness I was in a different line, and didn't know it until we left the store.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a really great week!

Later,
Maggie

I Believe

Do you believe in Santa Claus? I do!

And, Santa believes in snowmen... He has been seen visiting with snowmen all over the world. ;-)

Here he is, joined by Papa and Baby Snowfolk. They are made from, you guessed it, paper mache! I mounted them on an oval wooden base. I painted Santa, the snowmen, and the base with acrylic paints and sealers.

I found a product called Jumbo Snowtex, that I spread all over the top of the base for the snow, then I sprinkled it with fine glitter. The trio and their base measure about 7" tall by 7.25" at the widest point.

Baby Snowman is just the cutest little guy! He's about 2" tall.

I haven't posted in ages... I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. I don't get any trick or treaters since I moved here to the Christmas tree farm. I kinda miss seeing all those cute little kids in their costumes. And, of course, I have no excuse to buy Halloween candy. :-(

I sold a witch and some of my Santas on Ebay, now I have room to make some more! I'm working on a few more Santas before Christmas. Then I'll be working on a couple of art dolls I've started, but I don't expect to have them finished for a month or so.

Thanks for dropping by.
Maggie