If Dolly Parton were a Mermaid

Don't we all envision what it would be like to be a Mermaid? MerFolk? How magical it would be to live in this whole other world that seems so far away yet it's right at our fingertips. I often imagine all of the people that I love and admire as MerFolk.... and Dolly Parton would HAVE to be a Mermaid! 

Recently, I allowed my imagination to run and CREATED Dolly as MerFolk.  Loving so many of her styles, I remembered a red jeweled dress that she had worn in the past. I recreated my version of it with red and gold swirled fabric. I adorned it with light gold and red beading. Of course Folly is known for being voluptuous,  so I designed her breasts with gold and clear beads in a spiral fashioned bralette. 

Her face took the most time, an original sculpt of clay, as I looked at photo after photo of her. It was important to get Dolly's smile right.  I used a spun bamboo fiber to create her hair, and pulled it back away from her face a bit. 

I'm sure she would be loved just as much in thr MerWorld as right here within our own. 

You can find Dolly here on my website to see more https://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/dolly-parton-mermaid-ooak-art-doll

Goddess Flidais - OOAK Spirit Doll with Deer Antler Flower Crown

After such a stressful two years dealing with a pandemic, our politics ripping us apart, and the toxicity of social media, I decided to welcome the upcoming winter season immersing back into my sorely missed blogs. And what a perfect time to do so with my most recent creation, the Goddess Flidais,  who is filled to the brim with gentle protective energy.  I wanted to create work who's presence would be a reminder of a strong, yet kind and gracious personality, especially in our current world that can seem so aggressive.  

I was called to create this OOAK Spirit Doll,  to bring forth the gentle energy of the Deer spirit.  Doing so through the Goddess Flidais seemed the perfect fit. 

Flidais is known as the Lady of the Forest, and while protecting its inhabitants,  the deer are especially sacred to her. She is a Healing Goddess who is nurturing and protective while bringing balance and growth.  

Flidais watches over the vulnerable and is often called upon when people need safe harbor. 

In this creation,  Flidais is a cloth and clay Art Doll. Her face and her deer antlers are original sculpts of clay and definitely speak to her gentle loving energy. 

She was designed as a Wall Hanging Spirit Doll, bringing her sweet and loving kindness to those who honor her. 

Our world definitely needs more gentle energy and Flidais is working on just that. 

You can see more of her on my website at

OOAK Spirit Doll - Goddess Flidais

Art in Honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg - the Notorious RBG

As an Artist, I think when we are overwhelmed with feelings it is often easier to express them through our art. This was definitely the case for me when we lost Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  I was working in my Studio that day while the TV was softly playing in the corner. Breaking News had cut in to announce it and almost simultaneously it felt like my heaft sunk to the floor.  It just couldn't be....it just COULDN'T. Even now I struggle to be able to describe the flood of emotions. The only reaction that I could express was to grab my clay. 

I often sculpt my Art Dolls in a combination of Gourd and Clay,  and I quickly remembered that I had a gourd mounted on a wood base that would be perfect. I always keep the natural form of the gourd in my sculptures and this one would be great in expressing her posture.  

I'm not certain how long I immersed into her creation, just know that it was days. Each day I thought about the incredible, dedicated work that she did, her thoughtful dissents, and her work ethic. I thought about her blessed and loving marriage, how her husband encouraged her to be herself and follow her dreams, and how he was ber biggest cheerleader.  I thought about her love of the opera and how she knew the value of feeding your soul with the arts. 

As I slowly, mindfully, painted each brushstroke I imagined she used the same process when writing her dissents.  And my hope was that the completed sculpture would reflect the amazing spirit of my hero, the Notorious RBG.  

Rest in Power, dear Ruth. 

You can see more of her on my website here RBG Ruth Bader Ginsburg OOAK Art Doll

#ruthbaderginsburg #rbg #rbgart #thenotoriousrbg #restinpower #ooak #artdoll #contemporaryfolkart #originalsculpt #gourdandclay #originalartforsale  #jeannefryart

An Original Figurative Sculpt of the Venus of Willendorf - Goddess Statuary

My most recent artwork is an original Gourd and Clay sculpture , fashioned after the Venus of Willendorf, which makes a meaningful and stately Goddess statue or symbolic addition to an altar.

Venus figurines are found artifacts of the human female which often had exaggerated body features, created during the Upper Paleolithic era. The Venus of Willendorf is thought to have been created 30,000 BCE.  

In the past and especially in other cultures, voluptuous women were often thought to be more vibrant, attractive and fertile. Sadly though, for many years here in the United States our main stream media has inundated us with a concept that beauty is staggeringly thin with features that are difficult to attain. For decades women have stressed on this concept and many have punished their bodies attempting to reach this corporate ideal.

Today Willendorf is still admired and loved by many, symbolic of Womanhood, the Mother, the Divine Feminine, Fertility,  the Sacred Female, and Abundant Life.

This piece is an Original Sculpt of Gourd and Clay that measures approximately 15 inches in height x 7 inches in width. She is permanently mounted on a wooden base that is painted black, signed and titled underneath. She was painted with Acrylics and sealed with a soft satin finish.

You can see more of this Willendorf statue on my website here 

Original Sculpt of Willendorf

The Light Carrier - A Dragonfly Shapeshifter Spirit Doll

In these Winter months and darker days, we often yearn for the Light. This week I created "The Light Carrier" an OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll. She is a shapeshifter - being part Wise Woman and part Dragonfly. She powerfully carries the Light with her and is a wonderful ally especially
during the Winter. Not only does she contain the light at all times, she is able to bend it to her needs. She assists in shining a light on the illusions around us, helping us to pull back the veils on hidden truths. Her Light is transforming, aiding in making a negative into a positive.








The "Light Carrier" is an OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll, designed as one of my Wise Woman Goddess Wands. The Goddess Wands can be utilized in variious ways such as : (1) Using the Ribbon Loop sewn at the back of her head, she can be displayed as Spiritual Wall Art, being a daily reminder of her symbolism. (2) As a Goddess Wand she can be used in Women's Groups or Gatherings, passed around the room and held by participants as they are Active Listening or Active Speaking, or ((3) As a Goddess Wand she can be a focal point during Visual Meditations. 

The Light Carrier is a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection, Contemporary Folk Art for adult collectors and Not for children. She is an Original Sculpt of Cloth and Clay. 

https://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/light-carrier-dragonfly-totem-wise-woman-goddess-wand

The Knowing - Crone Intuition Spirit Doll

The Knowing is a Crone Intuition Spirit Doll. The Crone can teach us how to access our intuition more effectively, and to believe in it more deeply. 

Clarity is one of her greatest aspects. She teaches about the importance of clearing away the things that no longer serve us. When we do so, we can cut down on all that outside noise that distracts us. Those distractions eat up valuable energy, create illusions within our priorities, and can muddle those more subtle messages that are being sent to us. 

While many people are familiar with Space Clearing our homes and work places, the Crone also believes in Space Clearing the negative energy within our relationships and projects. When we clear the negativity, we are able to maintain a greater inner balance. When we come from a place of peace and inner balance, we pave the way for a clearer intuitive connection. 

Trusting in your Intuition becomes easier and easier over time. As one continues to improve on creating clear connections, and understanding the symbolism and messages that are sent, we are able to release self doubts and Stand in our Power. 

This little Crone Intuition Spirit Doll is an OOAK (original one of a kind) Cloth and Clay creation. She measures approximately 6 1/2 inches in height, making her a perfect size to hold in one's hands and use as a visual focal during meditation. Her face is an original sculpt of clay, with an expression of peace and contentment. 

To learn more about here you can visit her here on my website 

The Knowing a Crone Intuition Spirit Doll

The Wild Woman and her Pocket Full of Love - a Made to Order Art Doll for Self Care

There are plenty of people out there who enjoy inserting themselves into our lives and "critiquing" us...."criticizing" us...or downright "judging" us. As of late there actually seems to be an overly abundant amount of it, so I think it is even more important for us to be diligent with our Self Care. In fact, researchers say that approximately 80% of our Self Talk is negative ! So, we definitely have some work to do on showing Kindness to ourselves...on a consistent basis. 

I recently created "The Wild Woman and her Pocket Full of Love" to serve as a reminder to fill your thoughts with Loving Kindness. [ This Spirit Doll has sold, but you can request a commission from me, and I will create one for you that is similar ] 

The Wild Woman's Story 

In the moments when she is feeling fragile, yet deep in her soul she wants to stand TALL in her power...she reaches into her Pocket of Love.

In the moments when she is discouraged, exasperated because she works so hard to live in Man's world, yet isn't compensated fairly for her work...she reaches into her Pocket of Love. 

In the moments when she doesn't Believe in herself , after taking to heart all those words from the nay-sayers, she reaches into her Pocket of Love....

so that she can remember that She Holds the Magic...

that she has all the tools she needs...

that she IS a powerful woman...

She reaches into her Pocket of Love that is filled with love notes To HER. 

Any time that you are feeling unsure of yourself,  you can reach into the large pocket on the front of the Wild Woman and retrieve one of the Love Notes. [Several love notes and affirmations are written out to inspire, along with a few blank notes for you to personalize even further] 

Each commissioned Wild Woman is OOAK (original one of a kind). They are Cloth and Clay creations, each face being an original sculpt of clay. Collectors can share their favorite colors, gemstones, preferences on hair color and length, and any desired themes in the love notes, and I will try to work them into her evolution. 

You can learn more about the Wild Woman and her Pocket Full of Love and how to order one on my website here Made To Order OOAK Art Doll - Wild Woman and her Pocket Full of Love  

Dance like no one is Watching - OOAK Cloth and Clay Art Doll with Ribbon Skirt

Dance like no one is Watching

To be Free....to Shake it off...to Let if all go

To transform your feelings...and Elevate your spirit

There is no right or wrong when you are dancing your Heart's dance

It's such a beautiful way to practice Self Love and Self Care. 

This OOAK Art Doll was created as Wall Art, a looped ribbon hanger on the back, allowing her to become an inspirational statement where ever you need a little Goddess love. She measures 22 inches in height and 15 inches across. 

The headpiece is beaded with two rows of Ruby Zoisite along the top edge. (Meaning of Ruby Zoisite - Happiness, Spirit Filled, Energetic, Abundance, Letting go of Sadness or Anger, Healing, Balance of Male and Female energies, and Being open to Divine Love).  Along the center of the headpiece are 4 square Sodalite gemstone beads (Meaning of Sodalite - Soothing, Retaining calm during stressful moments, Confidence, Self Esteem, Self Care, Healthy Communication, and Releasing fears).  Along the bottom edge of the headpiece are 4 clusters of Pink Puffy Rice Pearls (Meaning of Pink Pearls - Success, Good fortune, Integrity, Wisdom gained through experience).  

She wears two layers of skirt. The first layer is of lavender tulle. The second layer is a Ribbon Skirt made from turquoise and rose colored Sari Ribbons and assorted purple fibers ribbons. Each piece of Sari is adorned with a small bell.

Her face is an Original Sculpt of Clay, painted with acrylics, and sealed with a matte finish. 

"Dance like no one is Watching" is a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection. You can learn more about her on my website here

Dance Like No One is Watching - OOAK Art Doll

Finding Courage where the eddy meets the sierra - an OOAK Beaded Spirit Doll for Courage

The Inspiration

I wanted to create a Spirit Doll to reflect a particular character trait at a distinct kind of place, hence "finding courage where the eddy meets the sierra". In my thoughts, being able to find "serenity in the strength" leads to the courage to move forward. When I thought of what that would look like visually, it made me think of a magical little space where a cool blue eddy meets the edge of a sierra...where the water meets the mountain.

The Symbolism

In order to bring that forward in the spirit doll I used color, shapes, and gemstones.  First, her face was an Original Sculpt done in a more roundish shape to reflect the circular movement of an eddy. Her complexion, painted with acrylics, was done in earth tones to connect with the mountains, the sierra. Adding the two turquoise gemstone chips to attach the face to the body was a perfect addition.
Her hair, the main symbolism for the eddy, was created by sewing hand dyed fibers in fabulous cool water blues with hints of mermaid green. Her hair is wavy and flowing, almost a bit wild, but contained by pulling back in a loose pony tail - symbolic for the water current.
Her body was sewn in a soft pyramid shape to reflect a mountain, using a batik fabric in a deep payne's grey that has accents of subtle yellow-green and blues. I loved the color scheme to symbolize the edge of the sierra, and then used several types of earthy beads to accent the symbolism.
The Unakite (spirituality stone) focal bead in the center is itself in a pyramid shape that allowed me to add a small round beige jasper bead in its center.....the serenity in the strength....where the eddy meets the sierra. A flowing swirl of beads lead away from the focal bead, a mixture of Prehnite, Green Jasper, and Wood Beads....all beads associated with grounding, the earth, stability, balance, and strength.
Fibers in lavender, turquoise, purple, and blue are tied around her shoulders as a scarf, and run along the bottom edge of her body and once across her chest.

The Completion 

This wee Wisdom Keeper Spirit Doll can be kept close at hand when one needs to bolster Courage on their journey. She can serve as a visual aid in meditation, allowing one to imagine seeing where the crystalline blue waters of the eddy meet the edge of the beautiful sierra ridge line. Paying special attention to the symbolism involved, along with cleansing breath-work, helps one find Serenity in the Strength....and it is here where you can find 

Courage. 

***SOLD***

You can see more of "Courage" on my website here

OOAK Beaded Spirit Doll for Courage

Harnessing the Magic ~ a Crone Beaded Spirit Doll

Sometimes there are moments on this journey when we need to harness the magic in order to get around that next curve ...when we need to plug our personal power into the limitless power of the Universe in order to propel forward.

Crone wisdom reminds us first and foremost that those abilities are innately within us, and in order to deeply connect we must reach back before the days of oppression to when the Goddess ways were THE way. We are at our strongest when our rhythm is in sync with the Earth and the Sky, the tides and the moon, when our heart beats with Hers.

She can teach how to work with the magic, techniques and symbolism, herbs and lore, but that truly harnessing the magic takes more personal inner work.

Crone facilitates a deeper connection with the Divine Feminine. The more meaningful that connection becomes, you will begin to find a more authentic sense of Self Love and Acceptance. The patriarchal expectations of what a woman should LOOK like, TALK like, BEHAVE like, and BE like...just begin to shed themselves into a pool of unimportant jibber on the floor. As you begin to love and appreciate every aspect of your Being on this elevated level, you equally believe and trust in yourself more and more. That confidence in yourself facilitates more Ease in Manifesting and Strength in Magic.

The Crone will urge an inner exploration to ensure that one isn't carrying negative self talk or sabotaging traits that can work contrary to the intended goals.
She will prompt one to surround themselves with loving and nurturing people, and distance Self from those who disregard their highest good.
She helps one to understand that a person's inner climate and surrounding energy impact their spiritual connection and effectiveness of manifestation.





When we are able to believe in ourselves AND believe in something bigger than us, AND understand the connection and purpose between the two.... the possibilities can extend past the Milky Way.

***SOLD***

You can find "Harnessing the Magic" and learn more about her on my website here

Harnessing the Magic - OOAK Crone Beaded Spirit Doll

Cho Ku Rei - Reiki Prayers Spirit Doll

As a Reiki Master and Energy Worker, sacred space is so very important to me. I find it essential to create spaces in my home that are comfortable, feel safe, feel nurturing, even healing. (Comfort bypasses proper Interior Design every time. ) I always chuckle when family and friends visit because they will navigate directly to every one of my personal spaces...in the living room, kitchen, even my studio/office. Yes, I do Space Clear and practice Feng Shui, so I suppose at the end of the day it's all about the Energy to me.

I utilize colors and symbols throughout my home - everything that is placed has an Intention.  I also have Prayer Altars, yes multiple.I have a formal one in the living room, but my more personal ones are in my Art Studio, Kitchen, and Bedroom - these being important energy centers for me. 

Over the last few weeks I have been creating some small Gourd and Clay Sculptures and Spirit Dolls, each with a focused theme, that can be placed on one's prayer altar. The newest one that I am sharing today is named "Cho Ku Rei", representative of one of the Reiki healing symbols. 

Cho Ku Rei in Reiki is symbolic for Power, Energy, and as an Amplifier. Often when it is described, it is defined as 

"Place the power of the Universe here". 

This OOAK (original one of a kind) Spirit Doll is an original sculpt of natural Gourd and Clay. I later used Acrylics and painted this petite dark haired beauty wearing a sage green dress with her arms held in front of her in prayer. There are subtle spirals throughout her dress, grooved in the clay. The Cho Ku Rei symbol is painted in purple, as a design on her dress. She is wearing a purple and green head wrap. Her eyes are closed in sacred thought. The sculpture sits on clay base that is painted purple with the words Cho Ku Rei on the front. 

She would be a perfect addition to a Healing Prayer Altar in one's home, but also welcomed in a Yoga space, a Massage Therapist's office, or at Reiki circles. 

The Five Reiki Principles

Just for Today...I will not worry
Just for Today...I will not be angry
Just for Today...I will do my work honestly
Just for Today...I will give thanks for my many blessings
Just for Today...I will be kind to my neighbors and every living thing.


***SOLD***