The Things I Learned from a Seahorse...

Last night I sat down to try and organize the massive chaos in my tote bags and on my desk. Piles of post-its, jotted down notes, business cards, and notebooks with the "all so important" lists that I live by surrounded me.
 I began putting things together and writing things in my calender, then adding more and more things to those lists. Art ideas, gallery opportunities, doctor appointments, supplies I need to buy, studios for rent, damn I forgot to pick up glass cleaner at the grocery store, and planning.......planning....planning. I could feel myself getting overwhelmed thinking of all the things I need to be doing while the world is moving so fast. It seems like everybody wants things...Yesterday...and I am constantly trying to keep up. A big deep sigh escapes from my lips when I know that all I really want to do is Paint and Breathe. Another even deeper sigh comes when I look at what's in front of me and realize that I am spending more time "planning" than I am "living".

I thought of the Seahorse, floating around in that big beautiful ocean. The current rushes through pushing and pulling everything about, taking control of whatever isn't strong enough to hold their own. I could see the Seahorse grabbing onto some nearby sea grass and wrapping his tail around it, catching his breath in the process. He knows he needs to slow down and take care of himself, careful not to get swept up into something bigger than he can handle. He knows how to enjoy each moment and how to create the life that makes him feel most comfortable.  Seahorses are known as the Buddhas of the Ocean.

And this inspired my creation of a new Poetry Pillow Art Doll....

"She at long last found herself in a space of Contentment. Here she is able to Breathe and savor every single moment. She doesn't need to hurry through them any longer...for she now exists for each delicious minute of her Journey."

She has SOLD.

While she is an Original creation, please contact me if you would like me to make you one similar.

Breathe, when you don't know what else to do, Breathe

Breathe..

when you have tried everything and you don't know what else to do...

Breathe

when you are exasperated and your Spirit is weary...

Breathe

when every ounce of your body is filled with fear....

Breathe

when anger is rushing through you

Breathe

when sadness overcomes you and the tears seem like they will never stop

Breathe

when you are anxious for movement within the stagnant

Breathe

when you are indecisive

when you are contemplative

when you question yourself

Breathe

For this moment shall pass

And the next moment will be different

Allow things to be simple

In that the only thing that matters

Is our Hearbeat and the Breath.

One day, one hour, one minute, one moment at a time

Until you are breathing in

Happiness.

"Breathe", a Handmade Cloth and Clay Folk Art Doll was created to accompany my poem. She serves as a reminder to honor each moment.

She is listed in my Indiemade Shop here

"Breathe" Folk Art Doll

A Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll named Aster - a perfect Wedding Gift for a New Bride

June is known for weddings, and while my artwork does not necessarily focus on weddings, I definitely create symbolic art that often focuses on Love and creating the world we wish to live in. Recently while I was in the process of creating some miniature folk art dolls, my Wisdom Keepers, the word "Aster" popped into my head. When researching the Aster flower, I learned that it is symbolic for luck in love. I knew then that this particular little Wisdom Keeper would be a perfect wedding gift for a new bride, symbolic for luck in love. 

She carries a sweet energy, optimistic and happy, and also can reflect the giving of something "blue", as those colors run throughout her beadwork and fabric. 

She comes with a small art doll tag that tells of her symbolism and is placed inside a white and silver organza gift bag before she is wrapped.

Aster, the Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll, is listed in my Etsy shop here

Aster a Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll by Jeanne Fry

A Secret Friend on a Woman's Spiritual Journey - Empowering Folk Art Doll

When we make a decision to change things in our lives, it requires us to change the rules....one of those rules usually focuses on what we will and won't accept from the people around us. These rules are for our own highest good, not meant to hurt others, but are to respect ourselves enough to surround our spirit with healthy relationships. 

I will promise you one thing.....this will make some of those people angry. People don't like it when you change the rules. Some will accept the changes with grace, respecting you for respecting yourself. Others will resist and be confrontational, upset  that you have changed things. While they once knew what they could expect from you, now they will feel like you've thrown them a curve ball. Those unhealthy relationships will dissipate, for now they can't manipulate you. 

If we had a lot of unhealthy relationships, this period of change can sometimes feel a little lonely. 

While those unhealthy relationships get weeded out, waiting to be filled with new healthy supportive friends, we may even second guess our new rules. But I have found that when we are prepared for this moment in time, knowing that we are in the midst of recreating the life we desire, my patience will smooth those emotional waters and calm my soul. 

I created this wee little Wisdom Keeper, "A Secret Friend", to be a comforting reminder during transitions. Her presence meant to be a reassurance that the changes you make in your life, changes for your highest good, are as valuable as gold.

She has SOLD.

While she was an original creation, please contact me if you would like me to make a similar one for you.

The Story of Khloe the Seahorse Keeper - a Beaded Mermaid Folk Art Doll

When Khloe was born she was appointed a very special job by the Mermaid Council. She was chosen to be a Seahorse Keeper, which is a very esteemed and sacred duty. The seahorses are regarded highly by the Mer People, as magical beings of peace and love. Because of their small and delicate nature, a group of Mermaids are assigned to watch over them, as Keepers, a nanny of sorts. The Seahorse Keepers form a loving bond, watching over the seahorses throughout their life, protecting and keeping them out of harm's way. 

Khloe is one of the favorite Keepers, loved by ALL of the seahorses, for she has such a sweet and compassionate soul. When she speaks her voice sounds like a bird song, and she carries a sense of light with her wherever she goes. You will never see Khloe without a few of the seahorses holding on to her tail, traveling along with her throughout the day like little hitchhikers. 

Khloe takes her job seriously, and those who know her know that the Seahorse clan comes first in her life. And all the young Mer Men she dates are quickly told that if they are going to fall in love with her that they must love and respect the Seahorse family as well.

The Khloe Mermaid Art Doll is listed in my Indiemade shop here

Khloe Mermaid the Seahorse Keeper on Indiemade

Radiance - A Handmade Miniature Beaded Folk Art Doll

"Radiance" is a handmade miniature beaded Folk Art Doll, created to portray the beauty we carry within our spirit. So much healing needs to be done in this world - the healing of Mother Earth and the healing of our own human souls, which can seem overwhelming on any given day. Often people ask what difference one person can make when the problems are so vast. 

When we let our own brilliant spirit shine, creating goodness and compassion, it inspires others to do the same. 

"Radiance" was created to be a reminder that even when things seem bleak, or problems seem insurmountable, to stay true to your course with love and patience.

"Radiance" is available in my Indiemade shop here

Radiance Handmade Beaded Miniature Folk Art Doll on Indiemade 

Be You - Be Bold - Be Free - Miniature Women's Empowerment Art Doll

When we reach that point in our lives when we don't care that the purple polka dots don't match the green stripes, and our choices are made by what feels good to our spirit, the sense of freedom is delicious. That is the time when we are living for ourselves, and not compromising to fit into the box that someone else has structured. 

Celebrating our own Uniqueness is one of the most important things we can do for our souls. No one wants to end up on their front porch when they're 80 and be resentful that they didn't live their lives on their own terms. And trust me, those years begin to fly by.

When we were younger we felt that "people pleasing" and being "likeable" was an attribute, only to find out later in life that it usually ends up being detrimental to our very Self.

But, being Unique....now that is an admirable, healthy, and imperative quality.

So...Be You, Be Bold, and by all means....Be Free.

This miniature Folk Art Doll was created to be a reminder of how important You are. Each stitch done by hand, infused with empowering and loving thoughts. 

She is listed in my Indiemade shop here

Be Bold Be Free Be Unique Handmade Folk Art Doll

Happy Thoughts - Beaded Folk Art Doll

Whenever you need to shake the blues or chase away the fears, "Happy Thoughts" brings a ray of sunshine to your spirit and helps to calm the soul. Sometimes we need that little reminder that we aren't alone in this big world. Our minds can get hyper focused on our fears, and soon those negative thoughts can run rampant. Left unchecked our fears can distract us so much that we miss the little miracles that surround us. 

"Happy Thoughts" was created as a simple little boost of positive energy, a wee cheerleader of sorts, reminding us we are loved, we are supported, and we can achieve our dreams.

Everything about this little one just brings a smile to the face.

She is a wonderful spirit doll to carry with you, keep in your tote bag, on your desk, in your car, or near your bedside as a reminder that Everything will be Okay. 

You can learn more about her in my Etsy shop here

Happy Thoughts Beaded Art Doll on Etsy

Penelope Pumpernickel the Social Butterfly - Art Doll Ornament

Penelope Pumpernickel, the social butterfly of her community, hosts her early evening gathering of friends every day at 4pm. She is detail oriented, creating a beautiful space for all of her friends who stop by. She lays out sweet little crystal glasses filled with watermelon wine, tiny squares of pumpernickel bread, and trays of sliced fruit. Bouquets of flowers line the walkway to her porch, manned by the Dragonfly sisters who act as her greeters when her quests arrive.  They lovingly pass out hugs and kisses to the Damselflies, Luna Moths, Dragonflies, and entire Butterfly Kingdom who arrive promptly between 4 and 4:15. 

Penelope knows ALL of the hot gossip in town, which is usually focused on who is dating who and the latest bling that all of the butterfly ladies are sporting. She does tend to get a bit tipsy as the evening passes, so if you see a sparkly butterfly who seems to be floating and fluttering through the air in a sporadic fashion, it’s most probably Penelope.  

Penelope is a Handmade Cloth and Clay Art Doll Ornament, a part of my Wisdom Keeper Art Doll Collection. She is hand stitched from a rich green and fuchsia colored fabric and filled with a polyfil stuffing. Her face is created from doll making clay and painted in an antiqued style with earthy colors, then sealed with a satin finish. Her hair is made from long strands of metallic thread and fiber ribbon and hangs down long under her head wrap that matches her body fabric. A small gold colored butterfly charm is attached on the front of her head wrap. An ivy green curly ribbon becomes her shoulder wrap and is tied off on the side. Petite gold seed beads adorn the bottom of her body. A pair of hot pink and gold butterfly wings is attached to her back, highlighting the colors in her fabric.

She measures approximately 6 inches in height and 6 inches in width. A fabric loop is sewn onto the back of her head wrap for display hanging. 

 She is listed in my Indiemade shop here 

http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/penelope-pumpernickel-cloth-and-clay-art-doll-butterfly-ornament-jeanne-fry

© Copyright Jeanne Fry   All Rights Reserved

Thank you for visiting my online gallery.

Does anyone hear my wishes? Celeste Starburst the Wish Keeper does..

It has been so so very long since I have posted here on my Wisdom Keeper blog, and I must change that, for certainly I have been creating them continually. This week as I was sitting and doing a little prayer, I wondered....are my wishes being heard?

And, then came the creation of "Celeste Starburst", an itty bitty Wish Keeper.

Celeste was created to be your wish keeper. Tell her all of your wishes, big and small, and she will deliver them to the Universe. She reminds you that you deserve the best in life and to never give up on your dreams, for they are just a moment away.

We so often think of our goals and wishes within certain parameters of what we “think” would be possible. When we do that, we begin to put restrictions on our dreams. Our possibilities in life are bountiful, if we allow them to be.

Celeste is available in my Indiemade shop here, where you can see more photos of her in her quest to find her forever home.

http://jeannefryart.indiemade.com/product/celeste-starburst-handmade-beaded-art-doll-pin-or-brooch-wearable-art-jeanne-fry 

Grandmother Honey Bee, Gertrude HoneyPot, a Whimsical Gourd Art Doll

Everyone has heard of and knows about the Queen Bee, but not that much has been said about her mother, Gertrude HoneyPot. Gertrude is Grandmother Honey Bee, and she is loved and cherished by ALL the Bee kingdom. She is much like your own loving thoughts of those grandmothers who bake cookies and spoil their grandchildren...for she is visited by the young ones every afternoon.

They hurriedly fly off to Grandmother's nook of the hive, anxious to visit with her and hear her stories. When they leave they are always filled with excitement because she instills in them that ANYTHING is possible if they put their minds to it. She explains to them how the humans say that the honey bees shouldn't even be able to fly because their wings are so small in relation to their bodies....but they CAN. 

Each evening when they return home they dream of all the things they would like to do and the places they would like to go. Grandmother keeps their spirits imaginative and builds their spirits bigger than the sky.

SOLD