Maida Dolls Group Spring Challenge

We're trying something a bit different in the Maida Dolls Group.  So far we have had a Queen Anne Challenge and a Nothing New Doll Challenge.  This time around for Spring 2011 we will be doing a Self-Portrait As a Child doll making challenge.   The idea is to make a doll inspired by a picture of yourself as a child.    I know, I know.   Some of our pictures aren't as sweet as the little one above (an unidentified tintype from our family photos).   Like this one of me (Dixie,on the left) wearing my prized blue cat glasses:

And that was a happening dress, too!  I'll keep searching for a picture that feels right.   You can dress yourself in 1800's clothes if you want, too.   I was always dressing up as a Pioneer Woman.  ;-)

Happy Birthday, Edyth!

This day could not pass without honoring our friend, Edyth O'Neill, who is celebrating her birthday today.  Edyth knows nothing about this.  ;-)

Edyth, with her artist's heart and love of antique dolls, is an inspiration to us all who enjoy making antique inspired dolls. Edyth's articles here on Maida educate us and spark our creativity.   I (Dixie) am honored to call her a friend.

Izannah inspired doll by Edyth O'Neill

She and her husband, Jack O'Neill, have worked together as antiques dealers and artists, with Jack designing and building furniture inspired by antiques and Edyth painting pictures and designing antique inspired dolls and hooked rugs.   She has written an inspiring rug hooking book called Rugs for My Red Cape.

 Belsnickle designed by Edyth O'Neill

 Rug designed and hooked by Edyth O'Neill

Edyth's rug designs are inspiring, and can be seen at The Wooley Fox website, which states:

"Edyth O'Neill was honored at the Star of Texas Fredericksburg camp in September 2008. This was a wonderful party for a wonderful legend of the rug hooking world! Many people came to honor Edyth and bring rugs hooked from her designs. We are thrilled to be able to show you some of the rugs that were on display in honor of Edyth."

View more rugs designed by Edyth O'Neill

 

With their love of antiques, Jack and Edyth set out to create a home that would be fitting for the early American antiques they had collected.   Their search led them to an antique New England cape, which was carefully dismantled and rebuilt by Jack in their Texas home town.  Their home was featured in the April 1997 issue of Early American Homes.  Sadly, Edyth and Jack lost their cape to a house fire. You can see a slide show of  their beloved cape at Edyth's blog.

 

A read of articles written about Jack and Edyth O'Neill's various homes show that their knowledge of old things and a warmth of heart has enabled them to create homes that honor the past yet make a home for people wherever they are. In each of the magazines articles, you see dolls peeking out in the pictures.

Edyth has been a doll collector and a student of antique dolls for over 50 years.  Anyone who knows her, knows that passion will continue.  And that is very good for us!

Happy Birthday, Edyth!

If you would like to read articles featuring Jack and Edyth's homes and/or artwork, look for the following magazines:

Early American Homes, April 1997.   The House that Jack (Re)Built, pp 38-35.
Country Living, May 1984.   House of Crafts,   pp 94-98. 
Country Home, December 1989.  Texas Two Step, pp 70-77.

Great Technique Shared

If you haven't joined the Maida Dolls Group, then you are missing out.  Yesterday Susie McMahon shared a great technique.  I love it when experienced doll makers share large pixel pictures and techniques.

How do you join the group, y'say?
You sign up here.  

Why do you have the group set to private so that people have to join?
Well, let's just say a guy named Neville was trying to sell products doll makers don't need.  The Nevilles of the world need not apply. 

But I'm a newbie...

Perfect group for you.

I'm a very experienced doll maker...why do I need Maida?
Well, maybe you don't.  But I venture to say you will learn something, as I (Dixie) did yesterday when Susie shared a tip.  And maybe YOU have a tip to share with other doll makers. 

By the way, this coming week an interview with Susie McMahon will be posted, so check back!

You'll notice you'll have to go to the group to get the great tip....

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Maida Doll Shower - New Year's Dolls Sent

Above is Susie McMahon's doll  and below is Dixie Redmond's doll.   Susie, who sent hers from Australia before Christmas, has been patiently waiting while Dixie Redmond finishes her doll so they can travel on together to the shower recipient.  I am thankful for patient people.  We will call these New Year's Dolls and hope they bring some joy in this new year.

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