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

Butterfly Blessings - OOAK Butterfly Folk Art Doll for Worrying and Releasing

"Butterfly Blessings" was designed not only to be an Art Doll, but also as a Comfort Doll for women. More specifically, a Comfort Doll for women who tend to worry. I created her so that she could be displayed virtually anywhere in the home, or on a wall, and be a reminder with her message that is painted Word Art on her muslin. She is also a perfect size, and softness, that she can be held during difficult moments or in moments of meditation. I know for myself the importance of continually reminding our spirit about releasing and relieving stress, because I am an Expert Worrier. 

Butterfly Blessings Message:

 "Don't hold on to those worries, dear one. Worries can multiply if you don't pay attention. Your Sacred Self was meant for holding LOVE, not worries. When you feel a worry fluttering around in your belly, visualize it as a Butterfly. Close your eyes and Ask for a Solution. Give that worry to the Butterfly, and allow it to Fly Away. These are your Butterfly Blessings." 

The Creation of Butterfly Blessings

"Butterfly Blessings" is an OOAK (original one of a kind) Art Doll that was entirely made from original painted muslin. Her face is an original painting on heavy muslin. Her body and butterfly headdress is free form sewn muslin and painted. A fabric medium was added to the Acrylics to protect the painting. Additional linen and fabric trims, along with a few glass beads and an applique were added for her embellishment. She is soft, beautiful, wise, and calming. 

***SOLD***

You can see more of her on my website here 

Butterfly Blessings OOAK Butterfly Folk Art Doll

Inner Power - Wisdom Keeper Art Doll - the Whimsy Series

She Stands in her Power. She has learned how to walk in the world in a way that honors her own soul AND that of others. She now understands that it was never about "Don't be afraid"....it was actually about Recognizing the fear, Acknowledging the fear, and moving Forward anyway.

For far too long she had allowed the fear to hold her back, until soon she found that she was holding back from living life entirely. Much healing commenced in order for her to be able to "take her life back". Some days were hard and some days were easy, and she continued to work on those fears until she came to a place where the fear didn't make her decisions any longer. 

She embraces the freedom that came with that healing, feeling like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. She found it was so much easier to walk through her days without carrying old fears and past experiences on her back. 

Her Inner Power is up front and personal, and not only does it make her feel stronger, but she is able to empower others just by simply Being. 

You can find more of "Inner Power" in my Etsy here

Inner Power Whimsy Woman Spirit Doll

Being an Artist with a Disability

Being an Artist with a Disability is not a subject that I share often, if ever. I have lived with disability since I was a young child, so it is as normal to me as the sky is blue. It is not a badge I wear as though I am wounded, but just a simple part that has lended it's hand in the creation of me. Being an amputee, I have looked for the positive things it has brought to my life. It has made me a compassionate person, a person who always looks for the light in others because I know that outward appearances sometimes mask the Divine that resides in each of us.

As I have grown older, other physical impairments resulting in much pain have become prevelant, forcing me to face my limitations and accept them. They have forced me to go deeper into myself to find ways to create beauty in life. I have learned to cherish the moments when  pain does not control me, and to seize those moments, creating pieces of me that will leave my mark in this world. And when those moments happen, life is supreme.

Crow Mother - Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

    

I sculpt, with these hands that challenge me, to bring to life the things that reside in my heart.

The sharing of my story is not meant to be sad, but to be a reminder to appreciate each moment, to grasp it to its fullest, and to not allow our challenges to change who we are deep in our hearts.

Namaste ~ The Spirit in Me honors the Spirit in You

Art Dolls Touching the Spirit this week...

This week my Art Doll creating focused on some custom orders and gifts, along with adding to my inventory. Twice the amount of time was taken with them, an almost meditative process of complete serenity as I worked. I always enjoy creating them, but something was a bit different this week.

It  felt similar to  a time a few years ago when I sat for hours creating hundereds of prayer bundles for a sweat lodge. When you create prayer bundles, your mind is to be focused on prayers and positive thoughts, and while I always am happy when I create my dolls...this week seemed to be a pure meditation. It was wonderful.

Healing Comfort ~ Chelsea

Embrace

Dreaming Angel

Green Tea

Cherry Blossom

These dolls have been adopted, but you can see more of my art dolls in my Indiemade shop here

http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com