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.