Mother Crow Gourd Art Doll Sculpture

Crows are a highly skilled and beautiful totem, and even though we have learned so much about them they still hold great mystery. We understand that they are intelligent, can use tools, and have adept communication skills, which along with their ability to work as a team make them proficient at manifesting their wants and needs. And even after all of our observing and studying, they still hold a magical sense about them that intrigues us.

It could be there are some stories about them we still do not know....such as who is Mother Crow?

Mother Crow Gourd Art Doll Sculpture by Jeanne Fry

Mother Crow presides over the entire Crow Kingdom. She stands majestically at the Tree of Crows, which is their homeland. It is here where they return to every evening as the sun is setting and the moon is rising, under the safe and loving watchful eye of Mother Crow. They are given reprieve from the constant chore of being watchmen during the day, and can rest safely under her guard. While they rest, she with great care rejuvenates them, spreading her magical sheen of protection and mastery over their feathers. Mother Crow is ever present to them here at the Tree of Crows...waiting nightly...to spread her magic again and again..watching over her clan of Crows.

Mother Crow Gourd Sculpture by Jeanne Fry

Mother Crow Gourd Art Doll Sculpture by Jeanne Fry

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Della Wheatfield and her Hippy Chick Folk Art Doll

Della Wheatfield and Hippy Chick, her companion chicken, are found at the farmer's market every Saturday morning in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. This is her favorite day of the week, when she brings the beautiful bounty from her farm to market to sell to her neighbors.

Della Wheatfield and her Hippy Chick Folk Art Doll

 Her tables are filled with fresh vegetables and herbs that she tends in her gardens on a daily basis with love and care. Baskets are filled with lavender bundles and soaps that she creates on Tuesday evenings. Hippy Chick, her companion chicken, is always at her side to keep her company and who advises her on the needs of the farm animals. When you meet Della, she always has a smile on her face and a hug for her friends as she fills their baskets with healthy foods. Never a Saturday goes by when she hasn't brightened the day of those she meets.

Folk Art Doll Della Wheatfield at Farmers Market

Hippy Chick Folk Art Doll

This shabby chic style folk art doll is a girl from the farmer's market with her chicken, created by Jeanne Fry. Her name is Della Wheatfield, and she brings a sweet feminine touch wherever she resides. Della is a completely hand stitched cloth art doll. Her body is sewn from a soft brushed tan colored fabric. She wears a white cotton tunic dress with small folk stars, with a jumper over top that is a deep red with cream colored stars. Small wooden star buttons embellish the jumper straps and at the bodice. A cotton beaded lace necklace is draped around her shoulders. Attached to the hop of her jumper is a burlap type of flower. Cream colored flower lace embellishes the trim of the jumper.
Her face is created from clay, painted, and sealed. Her blonde hair is made of spun silk and done in two pigtails, and she wears a head wrap that matched her jumper.A flower is attached to her ankle.
In her arms she holds her companion, "Hippy Chick" chicken, who is hand stitched from a folk art farm fabric. Hippy Chick has a clay face that is painted and sealed, and her tail feathers and front are beaded with seed beads.
Della Wheatfield measures 18 inches tall and is designed to display as a wall hanger, with a loop sewn on her back for hanging display purposes. She could also be displayed in a sitting position.

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Her Treasured Memories Shabby Chic Art Doll

"She holds close to her heart moments in time that are special and endearing...memories of her grandmothers, her mother, her sisters, and loves. She holds these close and is grateful for the lessons she learned and the growth that she experienced, for these are all the things that made her the woman she is today, and she loves to share them...Her Treasured Memories."

Her Treasured Memories Shabby Chic Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

"Her Treasured Memories" is a cloth art doll with that vintage look of the feminine. Designed to display on a wall with a special loop on her back, she captures memories from the past. At 12 inches tall, she is hand stitched from batik fabrics with a batik fabric wrap with a tribal design to represent wisdom from ancient ones from her family. A trim of cream colored fabric flowers wraps around her waist and on her chest, along with a white satin beaded trim that wraps around her hair. Over top of her head and shoulders is gold colored organza. Her skirts holds memories..charms of a clock, tea pot, tea cup, flowers, as well as an old key. More room is available on her skirt for you to add more charms to her skirt of memories. Her face is created from clay and painted and antiqued with acrylics. She is a vision of sweetness and beauty to add to your space to remind you of the treasured past.

Charms on Shabby Chic Art Doll

Her Treasured Memories Art Doll Wall Hanger by Jeanne Fry

Shabby Chic Art Doll

(My art dolls are meant for adult collectors and not as children's toys)

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Her Treasured Memories



Marla Gnome the Flower Shoppe Keeper

Marla the Gnome has a cute little shop in her woodland community where she sells cut flowers from her garden. You can always find her at her shoppe under the blackberry bush where she has bundles of flowers wrapped in handmade papers and tied with ribbon

Marla Gnome the Flower Shoppe Keeper

 She always know just the right flower that will brighten some one's day and suggests certain bouquets to the men gnomes who are looking for gifts for their love. She takes evening walks in the woods gathering wild flowers to add to her bouquets, and leaves a trail of petals wherever she walks.

Marla Gnome Art Doll Ornament by Jeanne Fry

Marla is an art doll ornament that is hand stitched from felt. She wears a light brown skirt and light blue shoulder wrap with a red fabric leaf, green fabric leaf, and grey dried flowers that adorn it. Her hair is yarn fibers that flows about in waves under her brilliant red cap. Her face is clay and painted with acrylics. A leather loop is attached to her back to hang as an ornament. Marla measures 10 inches tall.

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Bea the Woodland Gnome and Chipmunk Keeper

Every woodland gnome in the forest has a particular job, a job that keeps the families together and the forest running smoothly. Bea spends her time as the Chipmunk Keeper. Now some may not think this is very important job, but to the contrary...it is a sacred job to the little animals that run in the forest.

Bea the Woodland Gnome

Bea watches over the chipmunks and helps them conceal the entrances to their burrow homes. She visits their homes each day, covering them with leaves and flowers creating their camouflage.

She loves to play with the little ones, who run and scamper so quickly, and she herself has learned the skill of swiftness in her movements.

Bea the Woodland Gnome, the Chipmunk Keeper by Jeanne Fry

"Bea" the Woodland Gnome is an art doll ornament created from felt and clay by Jeanne Fry. Her body is hand stitched of felt, wearing a deep brown skirt and light brown shoulder wrap. Her skirt and wrap are adorned with silk fabric leaves and a leaf garland runs down the side of her skirt. Her face is clay and painted with acrylics, with hand dyed wool roving that creates her hairdo. She wears a red cap with a flower and dried botanicals on the front. A leather loop is attached to her back to hang as an ornament. Bea measures 13 inches tall.

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Serendipity Brought to Form

I have always been delighted by serendipitous moments, when your dreams are confirmed, those happy little surprises, and you know that things are working out as they should.

 This is what inspired my latest art doll, named of course ~ Serendipity.

Serendipity Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Serendipity is the sweet little spirit that arranges those serendipitous messages that come to us throughout our days...the messages that are confirmations to us that we are on the right path. During those moments when we question our own instincts and wonder if things are "right", she creates those little messages that appear in unexpected places, reminding us to trust our intuition.

Cloth Beaded Art Doll

She is a reassuring little being, that offers a confident and relaxed persona, and extends that energy when she is near.

(Serendipity is an art doll that is hand stitched and beaded. Her body is created from rich blue batik fabric that is hand stitched and beaded down the arm and around the ankle with auburn and amber seed beads. She wears a wrap around skirt and a gauze type scarf in reds and oranges. Around her neck she wears a silver key that has the word "Life" stamped in it. Her face is made of clay and painted with shades of cream and periwinkle blue. Hand dyed wool roving creates her beautiful hair in shades of magenta, browns, and highlights of amber with some simple beading that adorns it. Seated in a relaxed and casual position, she measures 7 inches tall with her leg extending 9 inches.)

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The Story of Lady of the Wood, gourd art sculpture

The Lady of the Wood is not often seen, but her presence can be felt when you are strolling  in the forest. During those moments of long walks and soul searching, she watches over  seekers (those that are on a quest for peace and perspective). She knows that her land is more than a geographic coordinate, it's a journey, and while seekers visit she offers them serenity, a new outlook, a chance to breathe easy.

Lady of the Wood by Jeanne Fry

She listens even when words are not said, and knows that the gifts she offers are of high value. For truly, what is more important than soothing another soul? The world can often be harsh, and she has chosen to be a friend to all who need comfort.

Gourd Art Sculpture by Jeanne Fry

She asks for very little in return for the nurturing she provides...only that you arrive with honesty in your heart and respect for the woods and those who inhabit it.

So the next time you venture on your walk...remember that the Lady of the Wood is present, listening, and loving.

Lady of the Wood

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The Wee Bit Garden Spirits

We humans can easily get caught up in a whirlwind, hurrying from here to there, busy busy all the time..and sometimes we forget to slow down...slow down and listen. When we stop long enough and block out the outside noise (televisions, electronics, smart phones) we may be able to hear the wee ones.

They are all around us you see, even in your yard. Of course those are the wee bit garden spirits. Have you ever seen them?

Wee Bit Garden Spirits

These three were conversing under my Rosemary bush, right on the edge of my porch. They had the tiniest of whispers and I had to bend down closer to get a good listen. They were very friendly and happy to meet me, and Ooohhhh the stories they had to tell.

I had to pick them up in order to hear their sweet little voices, and they each introduced themselves to me.

This is Ella. She is the wisest and elder of the Garden Spirits. She holds the knowledge of every plant and flower that exists. She tells of how important it is for one to keep their connection with the Earth and how tending the soil is healing to the soul.

Ella the Wisest Garden Spirit

This is Felicity. She is Happiness through and through. She talks about keeping it simple, and how simplicity is the key to happiness. She reminds us not to let the worries keep us down, but to cherish the sweet things in life.

Felicity the Happy Garden Spirit

And then of course there is Bella. Bella is the listener of the group. Bella listens to whatever is on your mind...your hope and dreams...and your fears and worries. She takes your worries and plants them in her garden, and soon they become a flower bloom, full of transformed positive energy.

Bella the Garden Spirit

I hope you take the time today to....Listen, you never know what you will here.

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Symbolism of Sweetgrass Blessings Medicine Doll

Sweetgrass Blessings is my newest art doll in the Medicine Doll series. Her symbolism  is representative of sweetgrass, a cleansing of negativity and a calling in of kind kindred spirits around you. I think we all need to take an inventory of our relationships from time to time, and ask us ourselves which ones are healthy...which ones are unhealthy. During certain periods of our life, we may find that we need to move on from those unhealthy relationships. This is the period that Sweetgrass Blessings symbolizes.

Sweetgrass Blessings Medicine Doll by Jeanne Fry

When you have decided to set new boundaries on how others treat you, and that you only want people that are kind, nurturing, and with good heart around you...this is the personal healing time that is representative of Blessings of Sweetgrass.

This medicine doll was created with these very intentions in mind, lovingly hand stitched, sculpted, beaded, and painted. She is meant to remind you of the importance of you.

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The Story of Jillie the Dragonfly Mermaid

You might be thinking that Jillie is the only one of her kind. Well, she is unique in so many ways, but there are many more like her. Jillie is half Dragonfly and half Mermaid. She comes from the Dragonmaid family who live in the deepest waters in the Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Jillie the Dragonfly Mermaid by Jeanne Fry

Now Jillie, being a Dragonmaid, has the special ability to swim in those wonderful deep waters and the ability to fly within the sweet breezes up on the earth scape...both of which she loves doing. She spends her days whale watching and occasionally will ride the water spray from the whales and then fly off among the clouds and dance through the sky. During her exploration flights up top, she listens intently and watches carefully all of the goings on of the humans and animals  who live there. She keeps notes of little stories and sketches pictures of them on a shell tablet she carries with her.

Dragonfly Mermaid Art Doll

In the early mornings right after the sun rises, she goes exploring with her sisters looking for fossils. She loves history and seeing where things come from. This passion of hers has made her a great storyteller, spinning tales for the younger ones and entertaining them for hours. And this is Jillie's destiny...to become the Master Storyteller for all of the Dragonmaids, telling them the tales of the Bay of Fundy and beyond. 

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Art Dolls and Painting as Expressive Modalities

My artistic passions are split between creating Art Dolls, Painting, and Writing. Because of that you will notice that there tends to be a lag between posts here on the Wisdom Keepers Art Doll blog, since I post when I have completed one of the dolls. Although it doesn't necessarily mean there is a lag in the creativity. Both modalities allow me the freedom to express the stages and processes of being a woman, self empowerment, and inspiration.

I have spent a great deal more time painting this year than in the past. Partly because there has been more of a demand for it, and partly because I have found it to be very beneficial in my expression recently.

Thought I would give you a glimpse at where my creativity has taken me...

The Divine Feminine Original Painting by Jeanne Fry



Perseverance Mare and Maiden Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Day of the Dead Madame Dragonfly Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

For Those that Walked Before Us Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Source Tree of Life Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Owl Butterfly Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Luna's Heart Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

She Flies with the Owls Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

She Let's Go of the Weight of the World

My love of both the Painting and creating Art Dolls is equal. Both afford me great expression, and I go back and forth between the two often depending on where the inspiration takes me.

You can see my work on our online gallery on Indiemade
http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com

Or on Etsy at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanneFryArt

Thanks for visiting.

Honoring the Celtic Trees Beth is the Birch Tree Art Doll

I was inspired to create an Art Doll symbolic of the Celtic Trees and their meanings. I chose to focus on the Birch Tree, that represents the dates from December 24th through January 20th. The Celtic name is Beth (pronounced beh), also known as Beithe, Lady of the Woods, and Paper Tree.

Celtic Tree Art Doll Birch named Beth



The Birch is considered to be the Goddess Tree. It's symbolic meaning is Growth, Renewal, and Stability. It is known for the honoring of long traditions.

Beth Birch Celtic Tree Art Doll

The Birch Tree is sacred to Thor, and to the Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen.

Beth Birch Celtic Tree Art Doll

Beth, the Celtic Birch Tree, is created from Gourd and Clay and stands approximately 12.5 inches tall and 9.5 inches wide. She is hand painted with several layers of acrylics to give her a wood sheen look, and then Birch Tree silhouettes are painted around her body. Her arms are branches and she is adorned with Moss around her neck and shoulders and again around her waist. Her hair is natural hand dyed fleece which is adorned with moss and a leaf.
She is attached to a wooden base for display that is signed and dated by me. A story card accompanies her to tell about her meaning.

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Jillian Frost an OOAK Winter Elf Art Doll of Gourd and Clay

I had taken a break for a few weeks from creating Art Dolls so that I could paint, but delved back in for the holidays. Of course my creations don't focus on Santa Claus or Snowmen, but rather on olde stories, lore, and tall tales. Most of them revolve around the woodlands, my favorite part of nature.

Coming back to the studio first produced Jillian Frost. Jillian Frost is a Winter Elf, a gourd and clay art doll.This OOAK figurative sculpture is filled with Woodland elements.

The Story of Jillian Frost

Jillian Frost, a Winter Elf, has arrived in town for the Holidays. Jillian is a mild mannered Elf, tender and caring, and watches over the woodland animals during the long cold days of Winter. She helps the wee ones find warm homes to shelter them and directs them to where they can find food. The birds especially will flock to Jillian, for they can sense her authentic compassion. She allows the winged ones to come into her home and perch on the holiday tree. They build small nests and string popcorn garland on the tall spruce tree, while she bakes cookies in the oven.

Jillian knows what old Jack Frost is up to and when he will be bringing the Frost and frigid temperatures. She is always one step ahead of him, hurrying the woodland animals to their safe havens. Grandma Jillian is most loved in the Woodlands.

Every evening the woodland animals (squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and other wee ones) will gather around Jillian as she tells them stories. They love this time of day when Jillian will spin a story and share with them a snack of gathered nuts and fresh baked bread.

(When Jillian hadn't been adopted after her holiday creation she was packed away, and in a sense had gotten lost in the archives. Now upon her reappearance, she has gotten a makeover and is ready once again to find a new home.)

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Indian Summer Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

Indian Summer was inspired by the beautiful time when summer is leaving and Fall is arriving, that gorgeous burst of color that begins to emerge, a warm and passion filled pallete.
This is my favorite time of year, that reminds me of childhood memories of candy apples and apple cider, chilly mornings and light jackets, long winding roads lined with colorful leaves, and the coming of family holidays.

Indian Summer Gourd Art Doll by Jeanne Fry



Fall probably became my favorite season when I was a child in the Northeast. I remember going to the "Cider Mill" every year. This was such a magical place, to me. You could go and watch them making Apple Cider and Donuts through the window lined hallway. The front was dotted with large barrels that were filled with every kind of candy apple you could imagine. Jams, Jellies, Scarecrows, and Fall crafts lined the shelves. At the back of the building was a playhouse, so that during your visit you could take your goodies to the back, have a seat,  and watch a live play in the playhouse.

I loved walking the long country roads that were decorated with Mother Nature's splash of colors and the cool air that made you feel alive.

The smells peremeated the air with women baking...zucchini breads, banana breads, nut breads, and oatmeal cookies. And it was the time of the crockpot, where the food would slowly cook all day, making you wait and savor the meal you were going to receive.

These are just a few reasons why, Fall is my absolute favorite season.

My hope is that "Indian Summer" reminds you of some of these things.

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