Check Out Dana's Cool Blogs...

Many thanks to Dana for featuring my paper dolls on one of her blogs! Scroll down on the left to see the sampling of my paper dolls.
http://onthebroomstick.blogspot.com/

Dana is a dog mom, a knitter, crocheter in progress, stitcher, baker, and movie watcher. She loves witchy themes, YA books, writing, blogging, and music.

She has a bunch of blogs on all different subjects...
http://bookgirlsmusicmusings.blogspot.com/
http://bookgirlknitting.blogspot.com/
http://danasyabookpile.blogspot.com/
http://bookgirlinthekitchen.blogspot.com/
http://zombiegirlshambling.blogspot.com/
http://sheknitswhensheshouldbewriting.com/

I don't know how you find the time to juggle all of these, girlfriend!
Thanks again!

New Christmas Parade Character!

The baby owls have their own special parade float. I am finishing it up now! Stay tuned!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88420776/digital-christmas-doll-decoration

SALE! Vintage Postcard Digital Downloads

Sale price $1.50, (regularly $3.50) Limited time only!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RhondasOriginals?section_id=10740409

NEW! Santa 12 Days of Xmas Advent Gift Box.

Help ease the tension of waiting for Santa. Fill the numbered gift boxes with tiny gifts. The child opens one each day up until Christmas...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87218096/santa-gift-box-advent-digital-download

John's Book Launched !

I am very excited to announce that my husband John's first novel, “The Ropewalk,” is now available at the amazon.com bookstore in softcover or Kindle digital format. The story has universal appeal and takes place at Christmas time, so if you’re interested in a good read, pick one up. Then, while you’re at it, pick up a second copy as a gift.  :)  Be sure to click on the "Super Saver" button so that you get FREE SHIPPING from Amazon. (The cover graphic hasn't been uploaded yet) Here's the link...

http://www.amazon.com/Ropewalk-John-Knauf/dp/1462052738/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321825775&sr=1-3

PS: I designed the cover. You likey?

NEW: Vintage Postcard Section In The Shop !

I am just getting started! More digital download cards coming...
Click here to see what is available so far...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RhondasOriginals?section_id=10740409

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Get a complimentary Christmas Angel Postcard to get you started crafting for Christmas! Your high resolution 300dpi copy won't have the watermark, of course! Click on the link below to download her.

PS:  I would love some pix of the things you make with her to inspire us all! 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/19072797/PC07%20Christmas%20Angel.jpg

Here Is My Nomination Submission Story For Martha Stewart's "Doer of the Week"

I would really like to get recognized on Martha Stewart's "Dreamers Into Doers" website. I hope you will keep your fingers crossed for me. Here is the personal story that I submitted...

" One thing I have FINALLY learned about life is to just "go for it!" The worst that can happen is that someone tells you, "no," in which case, you just go to the next person. I started out getting a teaching degree, but there were no jobs. I went back to school and got a graphic design degree. Things were slow there, and I was always looking for work.

Then I switched over to designing home dec. projects for national magazines. (This is where the "just do it" idea kicked in.) For about 9 years I designed projects in folk art painting, poly clay, general crafts, and sewing. I freaked when I saw my designs on the covers of magazines. "Was that really me?" It didn't seem real! Then in 2003 (actually, I think it was 2005!) I was astounded when I won the first prize award for my 7 foot long digitized suede mural. It was a "by invitation only" contest. I was shocked that I had been offered the chance to participate, let alone win the top prize. I had never even sewn on suede before...and it was a huge challenge! My winning design was featured on HGTV's Carol Duvall Show...another shocker.

I recently opened a shop on etsy. The internet has been life changing for me. I can now sell my digital downloads directly to customers all over the world! I feel so blessed. All of the struggles and disappointments of the past are now being replaced with a strong sense of purpose and a big leap in confidence in my abilities as a designer.

My new dream is to license my paper doll designs so they can be offered as die cuts, so that crafters can punch out the parts and assemble the dolls quickly. You can see the digital download versions that I am selling now at http://www.rhondasoriginals.etsy.com   Thank you, Rhonda!"

If you scroll down the left sidebar here, you can see some of my magazine covers and part of the digitized mural/pillow I am referring to.

Keep The Kids Busy On Thanksgiving Day....

Keep the kids busy while the turkey is roasting on Thanksgiving Day...have them make up these cool Christmas stand-up dolls. Get the color printouts ready now!

Pay me with Paypal and I will email you the digital downloads! Full instructions included. Save 25% when you buy the set! (Also sold individually.)  www.rhondasoriginals.biz

 

My Shop Is Open Again !

After 9 days of no power or internet, the shop is finally open again!  http://www.rhondasoriginals.biz/ 

I spotted a rose on my archway when the storm first started here

in Connecticut on October 29th ...

It stayed fresh while the snow was on it...

and when the snow melted,

it still was unharmed!

The delicate petals

were still intact!

Mary Used Marie Antoinette Dolls At Her Bridal Shower!

Mary used the Marie Antoinette Paper Dolls MA2, Pastry Chef,

And MA12, The Wedding Party, To Decorate Her Daughter's Bridal Shower...

Awesome job, Mary! Thanks for sharing your special day with us!

My Butterfly Fairy Is Being Featured Here...

Thank you, Joei, for including my design in you beautiful blog! Joei is in Tokyo.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjoeiintokyo.blogspot.com%2F&langpair=auto%7Cen&hl=en

KNITTERS: You can help save the New Zealand penguins...

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/knit-a-sweater-help-a-penguin-in-need/

Here are the instructions for making a sweater for a New Zealand penguin who was hurt by the October 5th oil spill.

NEW Halloween Stuff !

Maven Raven Flight School is now available here...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83915590/halloween-digital-paper-dolls-collage

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83927018/halloween-paper-dolls-collage-sheet

Tea Leaf Readers...Their Motto Is, "A Happy Future Or Your Money Back"

New: Halloween Moon Birds Collage Sheet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83019308/digital-halloween-collage-sheet-download

This comes to you in png and jpg format. Png has a transparent background so you can use individual items in other digital files. Some of the images have a drop shadow so they will have a 3D look when placed on top of other images.

The Maven Raven is waiting to meet you in my etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82996990/halloween-paper-doll-digital-download

Miss Mellie, the maven raven is fluttering to the Halloween Dance.

Dr. Phrend, The Insane Phrenologist

Thanks, ladies, for your suggestions and compliments.

I am running behind on Halloween. I have been busy designing the book cover for my husbands first novel! The book should be coming out soon. A new character has been added to my Halloween Paper Doll Parade: Dr. Phrend, the insane phrenologist, his wife and his scandalous mistress. Check them out on etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82182928/halloween-decoration-digital-download

New Halloween Items Are Coming !

I am working on some fun things for Halloween 2011.

ANY SUGGESTIONS?
If you have suggestions for new paper doll parade concepts or other items, please shout them out. My NEW Marie Antoinette bride and groom with poodle bridesmaids and my Marie Antoinette botanist are the results of customer requests. Both of these are on etsy right now in the Marie section.

THIS HALLOWEEN:
My 3D crow will be decked out in her Victorian finery. Her wings flap because they have brads. You add the skirt, just like with my witch and butterfly fairy dolls.

OTHER IDEAS that are rattling around in my head are...
Lizzie Borden
an articulated skeleton named Skellie Nellie
a new 3D witch
possible something to do with absinthe...which is a word I just learn that would work for Halloween.

RhondasOriginals is at Dipperly.com !

Have you heard of the new craft shopping place? It just opened last week. I am a charter member and am just setting up shop. Have a look!

http://dipperly.com/shops/rhondasoriginals

A Funny Hurricane Irene Story

All of my shops are up and running after being closed for a week due to the hurricane.

We were supposed to go to a wedding at the Connecticut shoreline on the Sunday Hurricane Irene was due to hit Connecticut, but the bride and groom postponed it. The bride's name is Irene and the storm's name was Hurricane Irene. The local news got ahold of the story, interviewed the couple, and the spot ended up on CNN and NBC! Too funny!

I lost power for 4 days and once more later in the week. We were lucky; winds were minor. But I feel for the Vermonters. Who would have thought they would get demolished by a hurricane.

My New Shop On Artfire.com !

I am just setting up. Stop by and say "hi!"

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/rhondasoriginals

Be sure to visit Mary at polkadothill.etsy.com !

Look what my friend, Mary, did with my beekeeper paper doll !

She has it listed in her shop. Have a look !http://www.etsy.com/listing/78928352/fairy-royal-beekeeper-rhondas-originals

Beautiful, Mary !

Brimfield, MA Tornado Relief

Speaking of the Brimfield Fair in Brimfield, Mass., on my way there, I saw the horrible after effects of the June tornado. If you would like to see photos and donate to the recovery, the website is...
http://www.projecthabitat.org/   The  tornado went right behind Old Strubridge Village. Thank goodness it wasn't harmed. If you don't know what OSV is, you are in for a historical treat...  http://www.osv.org/

Tornadoes are very unusual for New England, so we really freak out when we get a warning on TV that one may be hitting us.

Handmade Dolls Coming !

I found some fabulous vintage lace, vintage chandelier crystals and vintage clothespins at Brimfield Fair back in July. My goodies inspired me to get away from the computer and make some things with my hands !

See my "Dolls Made By Me " Section in my etsy shop. She would be lovely on top of a wrapped bridal shower gift. www.rhondasoriginals.biz  This clothespin doll has a vintage tulle bridal veil and handpainted ballet slippers on the clothespin. More pix are in the listing.

COMING SOON: I will start designing some new Halloween characters.

New Things Coming Just For YOU !

I have been working on lots of NEW THINGS...
and I never know what will get finished first.

I have two new Marie PARADE CHARACTERS just about ready to be photographed.

Also I have two articulated MARIE PAPER DOLL TORSOS. You add the skirt using whatever materials you wish! Vintage lace, sewing pattern tissue, paper napkins, junk mail, whatever !

I am also working on some Paris and French ATC COLLAGE SHEETS featuring pretend postage stamps with various French images on them. So much fun to design.

New Princess Gift Box And Cupcake Topper Now Available!

Perfect for your princess' next party. Or use the box by itself for any occasion.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77058326/dancing-rose-princesses-and-crown-toile

Buy The Marie Antoinette Bundle and Save !

Buy all 11 Marie parade characters and Save 20%!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76582507/marie-antoinette-paper-doll-parade

Three new Marie characters coming soon...as soon as I get some sun to take photos !

Rhonda's First Video !

This is my very first attempt at making a video.

What do you think?

Visit This Special Blog To See My "Before And After" Photos !

Linda at http://www.practicallymagickal.blogspot.com/ is a real sweetheart! She was nice enough to designate me as her Artist of the Month for this May!

Please stop by for a visit and see the "before and after" photos of my Mrs. Cobweb Halloween Paper Doll. While you are there, check out Linda's other great blog. She is a very talented and engaging writer. I think that after your visit, you will decide to follow her regularly!

Visit Linda here...
http://www.practicallymagickal.blogspot.com/
http://lindaomasoldebaggsnstuftshirts.blogspot.com
http://yeoldecronesgazette.blogspot.com

My Marie Doll Was Featured At This Lovely Fundraiser !



The French circular frame for this gift box came from graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

www.winonacookie.etsy.com Gave Me My Steampunk Inspiration!

www.winonacookie.etsy.com

This is the lady who unknowingly taught me what "Steampunk" was! (My photo demons are not letting me upload a picture of her work right now, but I will keep trying. In the meantime, click onto her etsy store address)

I read her article in Somerset Studio back in May 2009. I was fascinated by the concept and by all of her OOAK artwork, and wanted to try my hand at it. I thought that it would be fun to make something that could stand up...not wall art...because I wanted the spinning wheels to "go somewhere." That is how my palm reader came into being, and why I now have a big collection of pseudo-Steampunk paper dolls. I went with the windup key idea for locomotion, so that is why I consider them "pseudo-Steampunk!"

But there's more to the story...

I recently bumped into her etsy shop. Couldn't believe it! I knew that I just HAD to write to her and tell her how much she changed my life! Very sweet lady! Be sure to check out her store at www.winonacookie.etsy.com ! This teacup image was my favorite in the Somerset article. I believe a print is available in her shop right now. Go take a look, then come back here and tell me which piece of art is your favorite. I bet you will have a hard time deciding!

Take My "New Product Idea" Survey!

I want to better serve you, my customers. Please take my quick products survey, located to the right! Help me decide what new things I should design next!

If you scroll down to the bottom of the survey, you will see a space to leave a personal comment or suggestion.

I can't promise that I will totally comply with the results...I never know where the "creative impulse" will take me...but the results will help me know which direction I should take! Thanks so much for your help!

My first parade character didn't start out as a Palm Reader, though. That came later. I decided that each character should have its own special story. I put the story in with the how-to instructions. Lately I have been researching the origin of the actual name I give the doll so that is coordinates with the doll in some way. Lots of fun for me!

My First Parade Character

I just found these sketches that I made on a restaurant placemat over two years ago.

They were the beginning thoughts for my paper doll parades. The next post will show you my very first parade character.

I had just read an ariticle on steampunk. I didn't know what it was, and loved the idea of delicate Victorian ladies mixed with technology...propellers and wheels on teacups...that sort of thing. I ended up with the wind up key instead, only because I couldn't find the propeller images I needed. I am happy with the way they came out, and think the steampunk fans will like them anyway.

 

Rhondas Originals Has Expanded: Instant Digital Downloads Now Available!

I am now affiliated with http://www.instantprintables.com/  Copy their link located at the upper far left of this page. When you get to the site, search for "Rhondas Originals" in the designer list and purchase/auto download my digital items immediately! I just started uploading, but will be continuously adding items.

If you have any favorite auto download sites, please give me the link and I will check them out!

There are still two great reasons to shop at my etsy store...
1. 10% of your order goes to American Hospice.org...and...
2. When I send you the emails directly, it gives you a chance to give me feedback and suggestions for future design ideas. I hope will continue to contact me with this important imformation. I write all suggestions down, do what I can to keep customers satisfied!

My 7-foot long mural/pillow was featured on "The Carol Duvall Show" on Home and Garden TV back in 2003. It won first prize in the Tandy Leather Challenge that year. Each panel featured 3D objects such as geodes, a mini wind chime, sandpaper, hand beading, etc. I digitized and then machine embroidered the lettering and Mayan graphics onto suede. It took about a month and a half, full time, to create it.

  

 The above mural  features a poem by Helen Keller. Helen could not hear, see. or speak, yet she graduated from college and became a famous author and poet. Here is the poem I machine embroidered onto the mural... 

Oh, beautiful, blind stones, inarticulate and dumb.

In the deep gloom of their hearts there is a gleam of the primeval sun

which looked upon them when they were begotten.

So in the heart of man there shines a beam from the

everlasting son of God.

Rude, unresponsive are the stones.

Yet, in them, divine things lie concealed. 

I hear their imprisoned chant.

We are fragments of the universe.

I can't read it without tearing up.



Here is one of my published how-to designs. Does it look familiar? I scanned the sample painted wooden box I used in the article, then made it into a gift card and money holder. You will find that digital download in the Collage Sheet Section of my shop.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38587688/gift-card-and-money-holder-heart-and

That first year my beeskep box got on the cover! I freaked out when I saw it on the newstand at Barnes and Noble! I was too embarassed to have my husband take a pic of me holding a copy in the store! Then I sold more articles, and got on two more covers.



I soon got tired of lugging my display to craft fairs. So I decided to offer my home dec projects to national magazines. The first editor I approached contracted me for 5 designs that first year! My first design was for a tin punched lantern made from a recycled saurkraut can! Hey, you gotta start somewhere!

Remember when every American living room was dressed in medium blue and pink? If not, it was peach or green. That is the era of these photos!

Since this blog needs to tell my story, I will start with some "retro Rhonda" photos. I bought a how-to painting book and began playing around. My friend saw these original designs and told me to go sell them in gift shops. So, I did.



My pendant is in this lovely treasury!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d45cb4c01dd8eefa77f9059/strong-coffee

3D Stand Up Victorian Valentine

I just added this digital download yesterday. Arm is articulated. Hearts dangle from a thread. She fits in a standard A7 envelope.

Welcome!

I am brand new to blogging, so have mercy! I have an etsy shop with lots of new items for sale. My most popular items right now are my unique digital downloads. Please check them out! They truly are one of a kind. http://www.rhondasoriginals.etsy.com/