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.