GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS!

GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS!

Tiered Sprouting Container

Several years ago, my daughter, Kirsten, who was a vegetarian at the time, ordered a salad with sprouts at a restaurant located at a beach resort. Little did she know that this particular batch of sprouts were grown in a pasture right next to where cows grazed and were contaminated. She came down with e-coli. She became very ill and fought for her life. The health division tracked down exactly where the sprouts came from so that others did not get sick. She finally, after an agonizing several weeks, became well, swearing off all sprouts forever. The entire family has been leary of eating sprouts ever since. Some family members like sprouts so much that they now boil them. Boiling probably destroys the nutrients. I love sprouts so I decided to grow my own. Growing your own sprouts does not eliminate all the dangers of contamination but cuts down on them tremendously.

Seafood Salad with Sprouts

I remembered using a 4-tier sprouting system years ago but had no idea where I got it or what became of it. I went online and found one very similar to the one I used. The sprouter had two reviews. One good and one very, very bad review. I gambled anyway and find that I absolutely love this sprouter. I’m not affiliated with them in any way but just want to pass on that I found mine at Williams-Sonoma.

These sprouts are fresh and I can control them, since I am the grower. Now as far as the seeds go? It is probably best to purchase organic grown seeds. There are many sites online that offer top grade sprouts.

Sprouts are chock full of nutrients, fiber content, essential fatty acids, AE and C complex, amino acitds, proteins and phytochemicals. Another bonus is that they are lowfat and taste delicious in salads and sandwiches.

"Plant Seeds of Kindness"

SOLD! THANK YOU TRISH!

To accompany my sprouting post, I have created one of my philosophy art dolls with a sprout quote. "Plant Seeds of Kindness." Well, it’s not necessarily a sprout quote but as close as I could find.

I hand sculpted her face out of clay, used material for body. She is has fully moveable arms and legs. She is 4” wide (wider with arms outstretched) and 10 “ high and priced at $38. These little "Philosophy Art Dolls," are fun and whimsical and make great gifts to cheer up a friend in need. If you’d like to purchase her, just e-mail me and we can use Paypal. Also, if you’d like for me to create a custom one for you, just let me know the color scheme and your special quote.

LET ME FLY!

LET ME FLY!

Mixed Media Oil Collage

Close-up of "Let Me Fly" Please double click on the pictures for better view

I’ve been in the mood for lots of colorful creations lately. Maybe the spring flowers have brought on this frame of mind or maybe it’s the butterflies that I’m anticipating seeing soon. I purposely plant flowers to attract those wonderful, vibrant creatures, like the buddleia or butterfly bush.

I thought I had a plan in painting my butterfly girl collage, but she seemed to have a mind of her own and took me in a completely different direction. I know that has happened to most of my readers out there in blogland. So..as we used to say way back when, you've got to go with the flow. Actually, she doesn't even look like my work!

Close-up of butterfly hat-left over from the Royal Wedding.

I painted her face using my Renaissance Oil technique and the rest of her body is acrylic and felt. I used pop up butterflies for her hat. For the background, I used a spackle compound followed by deco crackle and stain. It has an interesting texture to it. It feels entirely different to the touch than when I add the crackle to paper. The entire collage is on a 3-dimensional canvas

Close-up of angled frame

For the saying, I found it online but the author was unknown. I couldn’t fit the long saying on her so I changed it a bit and came up with “ How does one become a butterfly? You have to give up being a caterpillar and…fly” So true, don’t you think? Set your goals high and don’t let anyone, anyone talk you out of them. Choose to fly!

Then, just for the fun of it, I made one of my Philosophy Paper Art Dolls to match! She has the correct saying in it’s entirety on her.

Paper Art Doll

Close-up of "Fly" Paper Art Doll

They are both for sale. Although the painting took me a very long time to do, I had so much fun with her that I’m lopping off many of those fun hours. I’d like $125. for her and if you love her…this is a real bargain. She is 12x24.”

“Fly” paper art doll is $38.00 and about 10" high. I take all the credit cards and Paypal and can ship worldwide. E-mail me and we can go from there.

Thanks so much!

Sculpture School

SCHOOL OF SCULPTURE

FACES, FACES, FACES

Stoneware clay face planters

Finally! After spending over a year renovating my Tuscany Suite, I am ready to offer sculpture classes here at Woodloft.

I love both taking and giving classes. I’ve studied sculpture and other forms of art all over the world and have an idea of what a good class should be like. In preparing my sculpture class, I decided to fashion it after the ones that I have enjoyed the most and also add my own touches.

Woodloft welcome sign

When I studied fresco making in Serravalle, Italy, I was impressed with the fact that my superb teacher, Alma Ortolan, offered an all inclusive class. Her mother, Leo, who was an excellent chef, provided all of our meals. This allowed plenty of time for learning fresco. Another time, in France, the class I took in anatomical sculpture, offered a wonderful French country atmosphere and a stay in an 11th century castle. While I can’t offer the castle, Italy or France, I do have a lovely home located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which I have named Woodloft. At Woodloft, we will combine studies with local sightseeing and have a chef prepare all our meals. That would be my version of an all-inclusive.

Tuscany Suite

I like the idea that my students won’t have to scurry around looking for supplies since I’ll have absolutely everything they will need for their studies. They won’t have to worry about meals, since the chef will be doing all the cooking, and they won’t have to worry about hotels since I have accommodations for 5 people. By keeping the class at 5, I will be able to devote utmost attention to each one.

My studio

I named my workshop, Faces, Faces, faces. I plan to teach my students how to create a face using various materials such as stoneware clay, paper clay and a few other types of clay. We will construct a stoneware clay planter with face that will be fired in the kiln. We will also build a tall stoneware clay Goddess figure. While the clay is drying, we will create a doll using a non firing clay and also a bas- relief to be used on the cover of our journals.

Tall standing sculpture

Since it does take awhile for the clay to dry and for firing, the class will take two excursions. We will visit Chateau Morrisette, which is a lovely French restaurant and winery located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will also visit the Taubman Museum located in the Farmer’s Market in Roanoke and have lunch while there.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The fabulous chef I have chosen for the class, Stratton St. Clair, is a bit eccentric. Here is what he says about himself:

“Wayne is mildly psychotic... fortunately for everyone around him it is expressed in generosity, good humor and fine foods. He claims that he learned how to cook in order to augment the fine art of seduction then discovered he was better at the cooking. He has worked in many restaurants and chased out of many more. He likes to make as much as he can from scratch and in the process has taught himself how to garden, hunt wild mushrooms, brew beer, make some cheeses, can foods... make sausages, dry foods and smoke them though meats and cheeses tend to clog the pipe. In the years since he has renounced the restaurant trade his cooking has become more refined and now he understands (via the context of cooking) what Picasso meant when he said that it has taken him a life time to learn to draw like a child; consequently Wayne can be often observed playing with his food. ;) W”

Stratton will not only cook for us but will also give us a cooking class at the end of the sculpture session.

Stratton St. Clair

All in all, I think everyone will have a grand time, including me. My goal is that at the end of the week, each student will take away samples of the work they create in class and to have a firm grasp of how to recreate the process once home. I will be available to the students exclusively all week.

Woodloft pool

I am placing class information on my right hand side bar for you to refer to at any time. The site can still use a bit of tweaking but a complete itinerary with prices, videos and all details can be found there. You can also click on http://www.cheryldolbyschoolofsculpture.com I hope you will join me!!!!

My art car B-dazle

PAPER ART DOLLS

PAPER ART DOLLS

Three new paper dolls

I just finished creating more paper art dolls. I have to say, I’m completely addicted to them. It is hard for me to believe that I am still playing with paper dolls after all these years. I was so captivated with my dolls as a child that when my family went on vacation, I would cry and carry on if they didn’t allow me to bring along my paper doll collection. We used to call them cut-outs back then. (I know, I was a brat) That collection consisted of a huge, and I mean huge box just filled with cutouts.

I’d make complete plays and movies using those dolls. My imagination just soared. Back then, it was easy to appease a child with a simple package of paper dolls. Now, children must have ITunes, IPhones, Laptops and the list goes on. Do all these new technological wonders dwarf creativity? I'm not sure. Maybe there is a new kind of creativity going on.

"Jump"

“Jump off Cliffs and build your wings on the way down” is a quote from Ray Bradbury, one of my favorite writers. I love this idea. It seems like a grand way to live your life. If you never fear the outcome of your decisions it shows you have confidence that you will be able to creatively handle any situation. In other words, do it now and worry about the outcome later.

"Absolute moment"

Sold. Thank you Bridgette!

I don’t know who wrote “The moment of absolute certainty never arrives” but it is my favorite. I think maybe I wrote it? Unfortunately, the moment of absolute certainty in my life has come and gone many times. I really wish I could make snap judgments and know I did the right thing. I seem to analyze a situation to death before I can make any decision.

"Women are like buttons"

“Women are like buttons, they hold things together” Once again, I don’t know who first quoted this one but I like it a lot. How true it is too. Given any situation, I think it is the woman who compromises the most and by doing so, keeps things in motion. I don’t mean that the woman is giving too much either, just being wise.

"Fine line"

“Hey..hold on, I’m here too” So says “There is a fine line between genius and insanity. I have crossed that line.” She didn’t get in the top picture because I finished her after the other 3. There really is a lot of truth to her statement, don’t you think? I know I have crossed that line in my artwork many, many times.

Hope you like the new paper art dolls. You can view them on Etsy by clicking the quotes.. They are each priced at $38. and worth it! I hand sculpt each and every one of those tiny faces.

PHILOSOPHY ART DOLLS - "TWO WISE GALS"

PHILOSOPHY ART DOLLS
TWO WISE GALS

"Electric Lady" and "The Soul Becomes Dyed"

These two paper art dolls are sisters at heart. On the left, Electric Lady stands poised as though she could conquer any universe on hand. On the right “The Soul becomes dyed with the color of it’s thoughts” also has a look of confidence. These two sisters of philosophy have much in common. They both seem to soar, They both have positive stories.

Electric Lady

She is charged with cosmic consciousness. She is a luminous being…finally free from all material longings…free to enjoy the ethereal music of the spheres..free to drink from the springs of peace and become one with the infinite…free to forever explore eternity..

Cheryl Dolby

"Electric Lady"

Think about the power of the “soul” quote by Marcus Arelius. We, each and every one of us, have the power to shape and color our world by our very thoughts. I do believe this is true. There is a website called tut. Powerful positive messages are given each day. I subscribed to the site and even though I sometimes find them over the top a bit, the premise of the daily messages is that “thoughts become things, choose the good ones.” Don’t ever underestimate the power of positive thoughts.

Close-up of Electric Lady.

I created each of the sisters by drawing a flowing dress pattern for them. They look as though they are floating across the universe. On Electric lady, I used an old beaded bag I had stowed away for future use. I never would have suspected that Electric Lady was it’s destination. Her hair, which is worsted yarn, also has beads. I sculpted her face with paper clay and painted with acrylics.

"The Soul Becomes Dyed..."

“Soul” has benefited with the leftover batik material I had on hand and used for another doll. I added silk ribbons to give her a look of fluidity. Fanciful yarn adorns her original sculpted head.

Another view of "Electric Lady"

Both gals are for sale and priced at $38. each. I arrived at prices for my newly created series by testing them on my Farmer’s Market where I sell each Saturday here in Roanoke, Va. They are selling well at this price. (One lady even gave me a tip and said they were priced to low!!)

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing either of them. Just e-mail me to finalize sale. I accept all credit cards, MC AX, Visa and Discover. I take checks as well. I will ship to anywhere in the world. Shipping should be pretty inexpensive since they are made of primarily of paper and fairly light.

Thank you for reading and for your consideration.

Close-up of Beadwork

Close-up of batik

Silhouette of "Electric Lady"

Silhouette of "The Soul Becomes Dyed"

WITHIN THE WITHIN

WITHIN THE WITHIN

Within the Within, Paper Art Doll

Several years back, I was on a spirit quest which took me to the Hopi Indian tribe in Pollaca, Arizona. I studied with Bonnie Nampeyo and wrote a story about her. Later, I also undertook a correspondence course with Yowanode Two Wolves, Twyla Nitsch. Grandmother Twylah was the clan mother of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge of the Seneca Indians. She gave me the title “Keeper of the Stones” and sent me a small pouch with a sacred stone inside.

Click on story to enlarge

I loved my studies with her and was moved to write a story about her as well. Both of these stories can be found in my book, She Who Whispers. When I wrote the story titled Within the Within, I sent it to Twylah for her approval. She read it and told me that she approved of all but one word. The last word in my story ended with the word “power.” Twylah explained to me that if I changed that name to “withinness” more “power’ would be invoked into my story because it was the withiness that takes us to our center and our truth.

Silhouette of Within the Within

Sadly, Twylah passed away two years ago. The Senecas like to say that she went on her Skywalk. She left a legacy behind. She tried to teach Americans the beliefs of her tribe and she warned of the changes of our Mother Earth.

I’d like to dedicate my Philosophy Paper Art Doll, Within the Within to Twylah. I created Within the Within by using fiber, coir, yarn and if you look closely, there is a small turtle shell just under her neck. This shell was given to me by a woman who raises turtles. She said the scale was taken from the back. I also have included a very tiny lotus pod that my friend Scott gave me from one of his many water ponds. It is only about a half inch wide.

Close-up of turtle shell

SPELLBOUND AND SPEECHLESS

SPELLBOUND AND SPEECHLESS

Look what has arrived!

Gifts from One World, One Heart lined up on my Fantasy Art Chair

It is hard for me to believe that I was fortunate enough to win not one or two, but three amazing gifts from the One World One Heart contest set up by Lisa Swifka.

As these gifts started arriving, I felt like each and every one of them was created just for me.

The first package to arrive was from Terri Kahrs of Pringle Hill Studio.

Array of Terri's colorful artwork

Terri has a degree in interior design and paints murals for children’s walls. She loves collage and art journeling and recently has started doing zentangles. I was lucky enough to receive a set of her vivid, colorful postcards, a fabric print, a signed print of her work and three remarkable collage pages. I knew immediately after looking at the green, orange and purple pages I wanted to use them in my angel paper doll series. So, with permission from Terri, her work merged into mine and became “Philosophy Angels.”

Terri's paper used for legs and arms of Philosophy Dolls

Now, as if I weren’t excited enough, the next package arrived shortly after and out popped Deirdra Doan’s adorable Sea Doll. Not only does Deirdra create dolls from her home in Oregon but she helps her husband John, a Celtic musician, get bookings all over the world. They will be headed to Europe soon. You can feel the love coming from Deirdra as you view her dolls. Her work will also be featured in 3 magazines this spring. Somerset Studio, Art Doll Quarterly and Belle Amoire.

Sea Doll seems very comfortable in her new home

I placed Sea Doll on the fantasy chair where I keep other dolls..she looked very much at home there. Every time I walked by, I felt like I had to pick her up and carry her around for awhile since she is so textural and adorable. Unfortunately, I have a dilemma. I may have told Dierdra a lie. Not intentional, mind you. I had made a comment on her post when I asked to be counted in the draw, that I had a special little girl in mind for the doll. Well, I DID, have this special little girl in mind.

Makayla

But….I am not able to part with sea doll. So, Makayla and I came to a compromise. Sea doll will live with me but when she comes over to visit, the doll is all Makayla's while here at my home, Woodloft.

Now, last but not least. Michelle’s gift arrived from Australia. Look at this precious little Ice Fairy!

"Ice Fairy

Michelle sculpts small fairies and mermaids from polymer clay and has a strong love for the environment. The features on her dolls are delicate and fragile looking but the doll itself is very sturdy and well constructed. I love the see through wings and icy grey hair. Perfect for an ice fairy.

When I opened the package and saw the fanciful little flower box I just stood there in anticipation. Then I found the beautiful card with Michelle's sweet message inside. I opened the box and saw the tiny speckles of stardust and slowly lifted it to find the most beautiful little fairy I have ever seen! To say I love her is an understatement.

As I was putting the postal box that the Ice fairy arrived in away, I noticed some artwork and stickers on the side. Michelle’s children had decided to add their artwork to the gift. Thankyou and big hugs to them!

I feel extremely priviledged to own work from all three of these talented women. I cherish the gifts I have received. All will have an honorable place in my home.

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! It was my birthday during the time of the contest and I must say these were precious gifts to me.

THERE IS A FINE LINE PHILOSOPHY ANGEL

“THERE IS A FINE LINE”
PHILOSOPHY ANGEL"

"There is a fine line between genius and insanity..I have erased this line." Philosophy Angel

What is there about dolls that keep grown up women so intrigued. I posed this question to Sue McMahon of Susie McMahon Dolls. Her answer was, “ I have a few theories about why dolls are so compelling to do with tactility, approachability and expression! Theories are fine......it's just plain fun.”

So, that’s it. We are having fun. With that in mind, I decided with today’s Philosophy Angel to do just that. I named her “There is a fine line between genius and insanity, I have erased that line.” You know, I’ve been using this saying on my dolls for years and I don’t know where it originated. I must look it up because I love it. I believe this is true, especially of artists. We create. Our whole purpose of existence seems to be to create..to produce. What compels us to do this? Insanity indeed.

This whimsical look I’m giving my dolls is a real break through for me. For years and years, I have been creating sculptures to accompany the stories I write. The stories are metaphysical in some cases, spiritual in others. A few are lighthearted. It didn’t seem right to have their faces convey anything other than mystery, love, peace etc… Suddenly, I’m putting smiles on their faces.

Close-up of "There is a fine line..."

Do the smiles that they display convey a happier me? Maybe. I’ve been through a lot in my life (haven’t we all) and maybe I’m getting to a place of contentedness now. Maybe I’m relaxing a bit (not really!) I remember my father saying to me one day. “ Honey, just remember, no matter how bad you have it, someone else in the world has it much worse than you do.” I said. “Dad, it was me they were talking about!” I think the dolls are my way of disappearing into a bit of fantasy once in awhile. They act as a little reprieve from the day to day happenings. I am so glad and lucky to be able to escape from time to time in this manner. I am also fortunate to have chosen “art” to be my companion in life…or did it choose me?

Oh, this one really wants to escape!

SOARING SPIRIT PAPER ART DOLL

“SOARING SPIRIT”

"Soaring Spirit" Paper Art Doll

Look what has happened! The paper art dolls are taking on lives of their own. I am just the follower. This happens to me a lot in my art. I have a definite idea in mind as to what I want to create and then, “poof” something (or someone) else emerges stating that this is exactly who they want to be.

I had to laugh at the comment from Susan at Artsparker. She said my silhouette pictures of the paper dolls, look like I captured a fairy. And she was right! They almost look like they are wiggling and wanting to break free. I wonder what it would be like to catch a fairy for real? Or should I say a real fairy.

Silhouette of "Soaring Spirit"

Soaring Spirit

A voice sounded..at first it seemed to be a
Murmur. Quietly it expressed the thought..
"Take your power now."
As the days passed, it became increasingly
Louder until it became as a roar, vibrating her
Entire being.. "Take your power now.!" She
Began to reexamine her life. So much time
Had passed, and in all that time she had
Remained spiritually deaf and blind. She had
Not heard..She had not seen...and the voice
Continued speaking to her..resonating
Throughout every cell in her body..electrifying
To the inner core of her soul until she had no
choice but to listen.."Take your power now."
It continued. "For you have given your life
To others and in that giving, you have emptied
Yourself. It is only when you are empty that you
Can truly be full and free to live".....

~Cheryl Dolby~

Soaring Spirit story can be found in my book, She Who Whispers.

I sculpted a smililng face for her and used felted paper for her body and hair. The piece that sparked my interest to create her in the first place was the beaded hair barette that I had stashed away in my studio, just waiting for Soaring Spirit to be born.

Close-up of "Soaring Spirit"

Grandmother Tree Paper Art Doll

GRANDMOTHER TREE PAPER ART DOLL

"Grandmother Tree" Paper Art Doll

Creating paper dolls certainly is addictive. Today I decided to construct a paper doll by using my “Grandmother Tree” theme, which is really a series.

This series started many long years ago and I found through trial and error that it is a customer favorite. For my first “Grandmother Tree,” I sculpted a very large face out of stoneware clay and then mounted it on a large board that I covered with Melaleuca bark. The Melaleuca tree is grown in Florida and is the tree from which we obtain tea tree oil.

First in my "Grandmother Tree" series

Close-up of "Grandmother Tree"

Now, I create all types of Grandmother Trees in various sizes. The “trees” come with a story that I have written for them.

“Grandmother Tree”

The trees are alive! She wandered
into the garden early one morning
and she heard them speak to one another..
It was a language spoken on another
frequency..in another vibrational time
frame. They spoke of healing with power
and energy and of the relationship between
energy and matter.

She was drawn to an ancient Chinese
Elm and as she leaned her body next to the
base, somehow she felt immersed
in the tree and felt herself slip into the
tree..was one with the
tree and knew that she was the tree.....

~Cheryl Dolby~

Sillouette of "Grandmother Tree"

This particular doll is a bit busy, but then again, all the "Grandmother Trees" seem to be. I used distressed felt for the body, horsehair, reindeer fern and coir, which is coconut bark, and I sculpted the face out of paperclay. I guess you can tell that I’m still experimenting to find exactly the direction I want to go with my dolls. I have to say that I’m enjoying every minute that I have to work on them!