The Voyagers

2012-01-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

Check out Babiekins Magazine's fab interview with the über-cool Mini & Maximus. The owl tee in the left picture is my design for their upcoming collection.

2012-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Fiona is ready for her first dance recital. She is 24" tall and entirely hand-stitched from 100% cotton muslin hand-dyed with walnut crystals. Her pattern was designed by my four-year-old daughter and I, and is entirely one-of-a-kind. Her features are hand-stitched from my collection of delicate vintage silk and cotton threads. Her clothes are handmade from scraps of old ballet skirts, cotton, tulle and grosgrain ribbon, and are not removeable. Her wonderful red hair is of 100% mohair. Scarlett's arms are poseable, jointed with buttons. She bends at the hip. She can certainly be played with, but may not be appropriate for smaller children.

2012-01-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Do you ever dream of sunshine on a January day?

2011-12-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled at how the doll that Q helped to design turned out!

I really have to give her props for prompting me into dreaming her up.

Even though, as my daughter keeps reminding me, she doesn't like dolls.

"Oh, mommy, I really love the doll that you made...for someone," she said this morning, tactfully reminding me with her phrasing that while she has enjoyed having a hand in the design, she is not about to back down from her anti-doll stance anytime soon!

Here is the doll before I clothed her. I stitched a heart with vintage silk thread under her dress, even though it is covered by her clothing in the finished product.

Isn't she sweet?

I love how drowsy and dreamy she is, the way she flops.

Her clothing was made with scraps of cotton homespun, satin ribbon, bits of vintage t-shirt, and repurposed parts from a ballet tutu.

I have to admit I never really understood rag dolls until now.

In fact, I was terrified by the raggedy anne that some family friend gave as a gift when I was very small, and which my mother propped (all unknowing) at the end of my bed until I was old enough to firmly object.

Maybe it was my fear of raggedy anne and andy that resulted in my inability to appreciate rag dolls all these years. Although, oddly enough, I have always admired (and often illustrated) redheads. In fact I would like to be one in my next life!

So let this mark the start of my new appreciation for rag dolls as an art form.

Good thing I just happened to have a yard or two of homespun left over in my project box!

And good thing that I have a daughter with a rampant imagination, ready to inspire with new ideas at every turn!

I hope to be trying my hand at some more rag dolls in the future, if I can find the time between jobs (or during movie nights, as I did with this one!).

I'll just have to order a few more yards of homespun, and break out the rest of my vintage thread collection (I love the wooden spools!) and the basket of vintage fabric scraps that my mother sent from Woodstock!

Q standing proud with the design she helped to create.

It's our first real collaboration...

but most likely not our last!

Welcome, 2012!!!!

2011-12-31T21:01:00.001-08:00

2011-12-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

For the new year...a new doll in progress, made at the request of my daughter!

...my daughter who does not like dolls.

She doesn't want to keep it, I think she just wanted to see me make it.

So this doll will be in the shop as soon as I decide how to dress her.

She is by far the largest doll I've ever made - about 24" tall.

She is made from 100% homespun cotton, and entirely stitched by hand (yes, every stitch!)

Her features are embroidered with thread from my vintage thread collection, and her hair is of mohair yarn. Q picked out the hair color, thread color and dimensions.

I am quite fond of her, and can't wait to find the time to make her clothes!

2011-12-23T12:18:00.001-08:00

...from Maia, Mike and Flynn Q !!!

2011-12-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

I just got in some Japanese paper clay - a wonderful medium! And there is a new doll in the shop, Isabelle!

She is just 6" tall and light as a feather, jointed with wire. Her hair is hand-sewn from mohair, her dress from vintage lace (her polka dot leotard peeks out from underneath) and she wears an aged bronze necklace with a tiny, vintage bell from India.

OOPS...already SOLD!

2011-12-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dream Journal is live today! I'm delighted to be a contributor and cover artist for this issue. I also had the opportunity to do a little interview on the blog, so check it out!!

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.dreamerjournal.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamer-A-Creative-Sketchbook/154138761351438

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dreamerjournal

2011-12-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Marie, creator of the lovely blog Croix de Provence and designer of the Paris-based children's clothing line Le Carrousel (Q and I are big fans!) currently has a gift selection up on the French site kidZcorner, and she has been sweet enough to include my Audrey paper doll among her selections!

Check out her kidZcorner selection here!!!

And while you're at it, check out one of MY personal favorites from this holiday season, the Voute Céleste skirt from Le Carrousel. Yes, Q will be wearing it this holiday season!!

2011-12-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

There's a new mouse in the house...Innes, the smallest Christmas mouse!

Find Innes here.

2011-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

New in the shop today, "The Hatter", the first in a new series I've started depicting children playing at an Alice in Wonderland tea party.


This series was inspired by a family I grew up with in upstate New York, a family whose children staged the most wonderful and elaborately-costumed plays.

Many thanks to Barbara for providing the photos that help inspire my Tea Party series!

2011-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

BLACK FRIDAY!!

Today through Cyber Monday, use COUPON CODE ThankYou10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order from my Etsy shop. Free or discounted shipping continues throughout the shop on various items, so check the shipping costs for your location!

2011-11-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

New items and holiday specials all over The Voyagers Etsy Shop this week!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Free shipping in the USA on all 8.5" x 11" art prints AND on all original illustrations! Also look for discounted shipping outside the US, and discounted shipping on all art dolls, artist bears, clothing, and limited edition prints!

2011-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

2011-11-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the holidays around my studio!

2011-11-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of launching a new series in my shop this holiday season.

They are downloadable paper ornaments, a quick, inexpensive and creative way to make party favors, gift cards or table decor for the Holidays!

All you need is a printer, some good-quality cardstock (available at any office supply), and a small pair of paper scissors. No tape, no glue, no shipping costs, and virtually no wait! I email your jpeg files within 24 hours of payment.

Not only that, but each jpeg image comes with a customizable message. Just let me know at checkout what message you would like printed above your image, or I will leave it blank. Print out the page on letter-sized cardstock, slip it into a large envelope, and it makes an excellent card/gift/paperdoll to cut out and play with.

Each jpeg file comes with easy (very easy) instructions for printing, cutting and assembling. Paper "tabs" form a circular base with no taping or gluing or brads required. No extra parts.

Having a holiday party? Print a guest's name on the base of each ornament, and they make perfect place-savers/party favors that guests will be delighted to take home with them. You can print out your jpeg file as many times as you like, so no extra costs for multiple guests!

(Files are for private use only. Not for resale or transfer. Copyright to each image remains with the artist and is not transferred with purchase.)

2011-11-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

The continuing evolution of my jointed doll Flavia...

who is now available in my shop!

Still hard at work in the studio, but I wanted to encourage everyone to CHECK OUT THE HOLIDAY ISSUE OF BABIEKINS MAGAZINE!!!

It's absolutely enchanting, every page. Grab a cup of cocoa, sit down, and feast your eyes!

And while you're at it, check out my I Spy illustration on p. 15, the Stag tee that I illustrated for the fabulous children's clothing line Anais & I on p. 26 (and the Anais & I interview on pp. 57-60), my printable dot-to-dot on p. 71/72, and my daughter Q's "My Closet" interview on p. 249!!

2011-11-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

A new jointed doll in the studio...

She needs a name, and some clothing...how shall I dress her, do you think?

This doll is hand-carved from baked clay, hand-sanded, and hand-painted. She is my first doll with jointed knees in addition to hips and elbows, and I'm so happy with the way she turned out! Her russet hair is made from mohair yarn, and she is 11" tall from head to toes.

Off to work on her outfit!

2011-11-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hannah is now in the shop, complete with her hand-stitched party dress!

She is hand-stitched from head to toe from unbleached broadcloth, then painted in several layers, from her flowered playsuit to her red buttoned shoes.

Her dress and hair bow are handmade from scraps of vintage lace and broadcloth.

She can be giftwrapped upon request.

She is most definitely ready for holiday parties.

Backside.

Hannah, my first 100% upcycled OOAK fabric doll, in the shop for the Holidays.

2011-11-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!!

In the works in my studio right now, one-of-a-kind handmade soft dolls.

This one will be dressed and in the shop in time for the holidays!

I'll keep you posted.

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

More new bears...and more new bears...and more new bears in the shop every day!

And especially for the holidays, each of my animals comes with a choice of a winter-white crown, a red gnome hat, or a tophat, all hand-sculpted! Just indicate your preference at checkout.

Oh, and if you have a yen for a special, custom-made animal just for you, convo me through my Etsy shop, and if I have time left open in my work schedule, I will certainly make one for you!
First come, first serve.

2011-10-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy....

...stocking the shop for the holiday season!

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

New in my Etsy shop today, a never-before-released print of one of my plein air pen and ink illustrations done on site in Siena, Italy. You can find it here.

2011-10-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to do my own version of Red Riding Hood for quite some time, and at last...here it is!

2011-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ahem, there seems to be a canine theme to my illustrations lately...this little Frenchie is new in my Etsy shop today!!

2011-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Just a little teaser...a little taste of what is in store for my holiday shop this winter!

2011-09-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Another new print in the shop today for autumn!

Eloise is not afraid of the weather...and you?

Find her here!

2011-09-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

New in my print shop!

My courtly Italian Greyhound, now in full color!

2011-09-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a long summer of hard work for me, and it's been too long since I have added new items to the shop, BUT...I did promise something new, and here it is!

The Bear Prince (til now featured only in my children's clothing line) is now a full-color watercolor illustration, available in my print shop!

It's fall, the start of the creative season, and to kick off the festivities I am offering with every purchase a coupon code for a discount off your next purchase from The Voyagers Etsy shop. You will receive your coupon code with each purchase!

2011-09-15T07:50:00.001-07:00

Psssst....Go see my Bleak House print over at the lovely A Bit of Pilli Pilli blog today! She always finds such beautiful things!

It has been such a very busy year, and I am working on some very exciting (and very top-secret) projects right now that are keeping me busy from before dawn to dinner every day, so I have had little or no time to work on my own shops. But never fear! I will. Soon. Soon.

2011-08-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

I know I have been a bit silent of late...and I apologize. Above and beyond our daughters' surgeries, I have been very, very busy working on some oh-so-secret projects for the fabulous Enchanted Enfant! Oh, you just wait!

Also, don't forget to check out my illustrations on a couple of pieces in the fall/winter line at Anais & I... which is awesome, btw! Q Will be sporting hers this winter, so stay tuned to see more!

2011-08-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

A portrait of the beautiful Estelle, muse of the sumptuous line of girls' clothing Enchanted Enfant.

2011-08-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

A little illustration I did inspired by the littlest dancers in the Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

And today to announce the winner of The Voyagers giveaway:

SUZANNE TISON!!!!

Suzanne, please email me at maialarkin at gmail dot com.

2011-07-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time!

We're having a Summer Sale and GIVEAWAY, only in The Voyagers Shop!

SALE on all clothing and tote bags (including - hint, hint - our brand new ROYAL BLUE DIP-DYED LINE) will be ON in the shop Weds. July 27 through Weds. August 3.

To enter The Voyagers' GIVEAWAY just "like" The Voyagers on Facebook (if you've already "liked" us, you will automatically be entered to win!) for a chance to win any one dress, shirt or tote bag of your choice!

Winner will be announced on Wednesday August 3.

And thank you!!

Enjoy our little summer slideshow here:

Customize a photo slideshow

2011-07-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Check out a little tour of our home (and my studio!) here!

2011-07-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

In the Tea-Stained Whale Tank Dress, worn with VDJ sailor pants and a vintage hat via Off the Rackk.

2011-07-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

2011-06-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Q in my tea-stained ruffle Mermaid dress.

2011-06-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

My new pattern-dyed Bear Prince dress is in the shop...NOW!

Each piece is individually hand-dyed, and each is one-of-a-kind!

This fuchsia and ruby version was made at the request of my bad little angel, who loooooves pink!


Oh, and also...	Oh, and also....

The dip-dyed gunmetal version (my personal favorite) is in the shop today AS WELL!!

Happy Summer!!

2011-06-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Marie Laure and her beautiful daughter for sending these photos of my mermaid tank dress and The Voyagers tee!

So lovely, these images. (Also love their headbands, don't you? Marie is the designer behind Le Carrousel, one of our favorite shops from Paris!)

2011-06-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

Something new is on its way...

I spent the day trimming (prolific) roses...

...and hand-dying a small run of the newest design for The Voyagers Shop.

We're all pretty happy with how they came out!

This is an especially small edition - only three of each size will be available, since they are entirely hand-dyed and hand-finished, and each is different and unique.

"The Bear Prince" in dip-dyed gunmetal gray is nearly ready for the shop, and will be online soon!

2011-06-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Q sporting the Black Mermaid Tank Dress from The Voyagers Shop.

2011-06-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Yoli for sending these gorgeous photos of her daughter Salome in my black Mermaid tank dress...

And her sweet Pippi in my tea-dyed Whale tank dress! Gorgeous!!

2011-06-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit quiet, since my daughter has just been through a surgery, and my husband is working on a new website for The Voyagers (up and running soon!) But I promise that there will be new treats in the shop SOON!

2011-06-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Lovely Cara in San Francisco sent me this photo of herself in The Voyagers tee...

And these gorgeous shots of her daughter in the Mermaid ruffle dress.

These pictures just make me smile!

Many thanks, Cara! And...don't you love the Tuscan-yellow wall??

2011-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

photos: Rebekka Seale, Dear Friend,

For those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of her beautiful blog, I'd like to introduce you to the lovely Rebekka Seale of the blog Dear Friend,

Rebekka posted this gorgeous photo of our tea-dyed Whale tank dress which she ordered for her little-one-to-be!

Rebekka is such a sweet soul and it always makes me smile to visit her beautiful blog. Many thanks for the wonderful post!!

2011-06-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Mermaid tank dress in black!

And in other exciting news...my husband the web genius is building me a new eponymous website, up and running soon right here: MaiaLarkin.com
Can't wait!

2011-06-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

In The Voyagers Shop at last!!

A fresh crop!

Women's V-neck "The Voyagers" tissue tees...

Girls' fuchsia 100% cotton Mermaid tank tops...

Girls' tea-dyed cotton ruffle Mermaid dresses...

And, upon request, girls' black fine-rib cotton Mermaid tank dresses...

All come wrapped in muslin bags stamped with The Voyagers signature biplane!

All printed in very limited edition. Eminently collectible!

2011-06-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Women's v-neck tissue tees have arrived, and will be in the shop soon! (Giraffe is on the back!)

2011-06-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

In production at the print shop today...

Mermaid tank dresses in white-on-black and black-on-fuchsia.

The much-anticipated boys' natural whale tees!

The ink cabinet - all eco-friendly water-based colors!

And...women's tea-stained deep-V tissue tees!

2011-05-28T11:09:00.001-07:00

No rest for the wicked...I'll be working hard in the studio all weekend!

Enjoy!!

2011-05-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Now available, a new print from my original watercolor culinary illustration! Printed on 100% cotton watercolor paper and ready for framing!

2011-05-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

Next images up for my shop!

Stay tuned!

2011-05-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

Whale totes and tank dresses on sale NOW in my shop in limited edition!

2011-05-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jumbo whale totes and girls' tank dresses are in the final stage of production (the hand-finishing part!) and will be available for pre-order from my shop on MONDAY May 25!!
Only 10 of each size are available in a limited-edition run. I want to keep each illustrated item special and unique!
Totes and tank dresses will be shipped first week of June.

The tote you see on Q in these pictures has not yet been hand-finished. The tote in the first picture has, and you can see the lovely patina on it!

In the final stage, after tea-staining, I steep a cup of black tea (mixed with natural setting agents) in very high concentration and use it like watercolor to paint a vintage finish onto the edges and into the creases of the tote. It results in a beautiful wash of sepia to detail the tea-stained cotton canvas. Everything used in the process is 100% natural and water-based. The result is quite beautiful, and each tote is entirely unique.

I've switched all my handbag essentials to mine, and have discovered that it's both sturdy enough and roomy enough to transition gracefully from the garden center to the farmer's market, from the yoga studio to the art museum.

And yes, both the tote and the dress are thoroughly pre-shrunk, and can be washed and dried in the machine! (Because of the heavy canvas, the tote will need ironing after washing).

2011-05-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Q sporting the very first sample of my limited-edition Whale tank dress and jumbo tote bag!!

In the shop soon!!
(note: she is wearing a size smaller than her normal size because that was the size of the sample we got - the fit will actually be a little looser. Also, she is verrrrrry tall, so the dress will be a bit longer on most.)

2011-05-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Whale tank dresses for girls are in the workshop and in the process of being hand-finished!!

2011-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Whales, whales, whales!

I'm feeling nautical this week.

New A Whale's Tale print in the shop today!

2011-05-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Coming soon...just in time for beach season!

The Voyagers jumbo WHALE TOTES!!!!

2011-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Big News!!!

With the completion of my first set of hand-finished textile prints, my new shop is now O-P-E-N!

I will still maintain my Etsy shop, and my new shop will be dedicated to a set of unique, limited-run pieces on the theme of travel and adventure. I currently have five images available as 8.5" x 11" prints on 100% cotton rag watercolor paper. In addition I have The Longneck available as a 12.5" x 16.5" fabric print. These are professionally textile-printed with eco-friendly ink on a lightweight, unprimed linen/cotton canvas. Each print is then hand-cut, individually tea-stained, and the edges hand-frayed in my studio. This lengthy process lends a beautiful aged look and texture, and makes each print unique and one-of-a-kind. No two are alike, and each is signed and dated before shipping. This print makes a beautiful wall hanging on its own, or can be framed with the edges showing.

Each run of products in my new shop will be created in very limited edition. There are only 6 fabric prints of The Longneck available in this run.

Welcome to the next phase of The Voyagers!

Many exciting developments are on the way!

2011-05-09T19:17:00.001-07:00

Interesting things going on in my studio these days! I've been busy.

This morning, we found ourselves in a very cool screenprinting shop that uses only water-based, environmentally-friendly inks. We had a tour of the whole facility, and had many an inspiring converstation.

Later this afternoon, with a hot sun and a high wind on our back patio, I found myself bent over a bin of fabric soaking in black tea. I very much enjoy tea-dying, but this project is one that is especially dear to my heart.

Are you excited to see the finished product?

I am!

We're almost there...

2011-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!

2011-05-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

Go see my illustrations - and the paper dolls that go with them - in the new issue of La Petite Magazine today!

2011-05-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Apologies for a break in activity of late, but, in addition to a couple of lovely collaborations, I'm also working on a new project of my own in the studio this month.

Still top-secret, but I'll give you a few glimpses into the goings-on in our neck of the woods!

Looking forward to revealing more soon!

2011-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: For those who have asked, Audrey is now a paper doll set in the shop, with five complete outfits and accessories! Find her here. And thanks for your patience!

2011-04-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

2011-04-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

A random image from my pen-and-ink Grand Canyon series that I recently stumbled upon in one of my files. This was a fun show to put together (it was a collaboration with my mother, who was doing oil paintings of the same scenery, and it showed at the Kiesendahl + Calhoun gallery in Beacon, NY and the Fletcher Gallery in Woodstock, NY.

2011-04-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

2011-04-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

2011-04-02T08:39:00.001-07:00

2011-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

There's a new project in the works here in the studio...

Meet Audrey.

She's a little nervous...she's just on the brink of life, and waiting to see what the future holds for her.

The idea is that Audrey will have a new outfit each day.

Or that is my goal! As busy as things are around here these days, it may be a hard promise to keep.

So Audrey might take a day off here and there, but stay tuned...

Her adventures will be worth watching!

2011-03-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

New print in the shop.

As we approach cherry blossom season, I made this illustration in the spirit of renewal and rebirth. There is still so much sadness, but through it shines a glimmer of hope and new beginnings.

I will continue to donate a portion of my proceeds to Japan relief and rebuilding, depending on the area of greatest need.

Again thanks so much to those who have helped me to donate.

2011-03-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

A new print in my shop today for Japan disaster relief.

Original done in graphite and watercolor.

50% of each sale goes to the Red Cross.

The original of this illustration is also in my shop today.

UPDATE: Thanks to so many good people, the first set of prints I listed in the shop all sold over the first weekend. I am able to donate a substantial amount to Japan relief. Thank you SO much to all who purchased!

2011-03-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

New additions to my bear clan in the shop this week...plus, I will be gradually adding 4" x 6" prints of some of my most popular illustrations to my offerings. 4 x 6 prints are done on the same beautiful 100% cotton watercolor rag as my 8.5 x 11 prints, and come hand signed and dated. An affordable option for collectors!

2011-03-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

New dolls in the shop this week!

Plus SPRING SALE!!!! Use coupon code SPRING15 for 15% off your entire order for a limited time.

2011-03-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

And more owls...

2011-03-01T19:53:00.001-08:00

New in the shop, and multiplying...

OWLS!

2011-02-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

New in the shop...

Vivienne and her owl.

2011-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Well, there have been a lot of doll sales in the shop this week, and my stock is much depleted! But rest assured, I am working hard, and there are brand new dolls in the process of drying, sanding and painting! More will be in the shop very, very soon.

2011-02-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

New doll, and new background, in the shop!

Can you tell that I'm thinking about summer?

Also playing around with different types of jointing. This latest one is jointed four times instead of just two.

My daughter has just discovered "How To Train Your Dragon", and as a result I'm feeling inspired to make a jointed dragon on my next round. It's brand new territory, so we'll see how it comes out!

2011-02-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Find my work over at the Try Handmade Gallery today!

2011-02-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

Some new critters in the shop today!

The small bunny was made for a friend and will not be in the shop, but Mysterio the Rabbit Magician is in the shop today, tophat and all!

Carmen the Circus Dog.

2011-02-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

New in the shop...

meet Laetitia, the circus girl. She ran away with the circus when she was just ten years old. She is an elephant trainer and the circus is the only life she knows.

Laetitia and her friends.

2011-02-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy looooong weekend to those of you in the US! I can't say I'm a big fan of long weekends...since we work from home, for us it just means all the places that we like to go for fun will be overcrowded. HOWEVER, it is also my birthday weekend! Yipeee! So in celebration I'm offering a little limited-time sale in my shop .

Pick any two bears for a discounted price through Monday only. Why not start a bear family? The listing is here.

All my bears also come with a set of frameable 4" x 6" photos of them in my temporary OOAK shadow settings, as well!

2011-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

I spent the early morning making a new backdrop for my dolls. It's always a fun day of shooting and editing photos once I have a new background cut and installed.

Like a whole new world!

2011-02-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

New in the shop...more in my series of bears!

Now we have Anja, Lizbet and Aleksandr.

Aleksandr is the smallest, just 3.5" high when seated.

Lizbet is the tallest - by a hat ;) She is 7" from the tip of her party hat to the tip of her toes.

Also, Shiloh the sheep has been sold and gone off to her new home, but there's a new sheep in town...

Meet Charlotte! She is a French lamb, and wears a brass bell around her neck so that you can always find her. You might want to take it off at bedtime, though, so that she can sleep soundly ;)

2011-02-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

New in the shop today, Anja the bear! She's a dancing bear, but she's feeling a little wistful and a little sad at the moment...go visit her and cheer her up!

Also new, Aleksei the fox!

But he's gregarious and has already made a few friends ;)

Need instant gratification?

2011-02-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEKEND ONLY (through Valentine's Day): Printable digital downloads of some of my best-loved illustrations, turned into Valentine's Day prints, for your enjoyment! And, they're customizable! I'm happy to add a name if you so desire. Available as 8"x10" or 4"x 6" formats. At $7 a download, you can print as many times as you wish for your personal use! Visit The Voyagers Shop for details!

2011-02-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Coming soon to the Voyagers shop...a little fox!

Hopefully I'll have time to paint him today.

2011-02-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

New in the shop today, my first animal companion for my OOAK dolls!

This is Shiloh the sheep - who is really just a spring lamb, and still quite timid!

Shiloh is good friends with Olenka. Maybe it's the ears they have in common.

Hopefully, time permitting, there will be more animal companions in the shop before too long!

2011-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Olenka is in the shop today!

My little group of friends is growing.

What do you suppose they whisper about at night when the lights go down? Do you suppose they confide in eachother in the early morning, just before dawn?

My daughter likes to come in and kiss them each on the nose when she wakes up in the morning. It's very sweet.

I'm having more and more fun with my dioramas, and since each one is both temporary and one-of-a-kind (they take up most of one end of my small studio, so I tear down the paper scrim each time I start work on a new "set") that I will include a few frameworthy 4"x 6" prints of the dolls in my shadowplay in the package along with each doll.

Until next time...

2011-02-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

The newest addition to my cast of critters...

unpainted and unnamed as yet.

Adrift on a sea of chocolate coins left over from Q's Chinese New Year celebration.

2011-02-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that, after much hard work, there are two new OOAK art dolls in the shop as of today!

May I introduce you to Franchesqa and Milos?

Milena is very happy to have some company today.

2011-02-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

New paperdoll Jing and her faithful dog Jian are in the shop today!

Don't forget you can still use the discount code VALENTINE for 20% off until February 14th.

2011-01-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

Coming soon in the shop...my Jing doll. I'm still working on her animal companion!

2011-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

New in the shop: My first set of three additional backdrops for the articulated paperdolls!

Now you can set the scene and create your own work of art.

Also: Someone created a lovely treasury on Etsy today entitled "The Princess and the Peacock". I don't usually post treasuries, but this one is so enchanting that I can't resist:

The Princess and the Peackock Treasury

There are so many crave-worthy things here!
If you have a moment, take a look and leave a comment.

2011-01-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

First background completed. First round of new paper dolls in the shop as of ~~tomorrow~~ TODAY!!!

Plus, special sale for blog friends:
Take 20% off any regularly-priced item (that includes prints, paperdolls, jewelry AND clay dolls) with coupon code VALENTINE. You can use your coupon code at checkout in my Etsy shop!

2011-01-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

New paperdolls in progress!

Seven so far in the collection, and more on the way!

Next up, backgrounds.

Meanwhile, quite a community accumulating on my wall!

2011-01-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

So, when we left for our trip to New York, I did not intend to take my work with me.

Really, since our trip was so short, and since I had been working my fingers to the bone in the days leading up to our trip, it was meant to be a mind-cleansing. I intended to just let my eyes and brain rest, refuel, and absorb the world around me.

I brought with me only a book of vintage children's stories for future inspiration, plus my drafting pencil and a Mars plastic eraser, which I take with me wherever I go, just by way of habit.

But while in Woodstock, we stopped into the local art supply store to pick up some supplies for our daughter to play with.

As you might imagine, a town like Woodstock has an excellent art supply store. While there, I could not resist picking up one of these beautiful sketching notebooks (I picked the gold one).

We also picked up some soy-based crayon "rocks", colored popsicle sticks, and Japanese seaweed paste for our daughter to play with.

But with just my new sketch notebook in hand, I managed to make a dozen or more quick sketches during our three days in Woodstock.

On our second day back in Denver, in between working on drafts for one of my clients, I fleshed out these two jointed paper dolls based on one of my sketches from NY.

I printed, cut and assembled them tonight...

...and couldn't resist setting them up and taking a few photos.

Ultimately, I think there will be a dozen or more of these jointed paperdolls, available either pre-assembled or ready-to-cut, plus a set of illustrated backgrounds.

A new project for the shop!

And I always love a new project, no matter how over-extended I become.