So many things we have no control over and when they happen they change things. Sometimes for moments, sometimes for days, sometimes for always.
I'm finally sitting down at my art table looking at a piece that is almost done. I want to work on it, but need to digest things first. Not sure if I will even publish this, but it will help me just to let it all spill out.
Monday started with my daughter getting in a car accident 4 hours away from home. It's the call you never want to get, but it was my daughter who called me so that's good......her injuries were minor and mainly from the air bags. She took a ride in the ambulance and her little Fiat was towed away with major boo boos. The accident wasn't her fault, but that of a very angry man whose shouting I could hear over the phone. My husband, son and myself piled in the van and headed up the road to get her.
It felt like it was taking us forever to get to her, but we did and all was well. Just banged up, a few burns on the legs from the airbags and a big ole contusion to the left thumb. X-rays were normal so the bruises, burns and overall soreness will fade away in time.
Now we are dealing with hurricane Irma! She is a big one at 185mph Cat 5 and make history. The thought of leaving the area is terrifying because gas is not available and the roads are very congested. The thought of staying is terrifying as well. The last two days have been spent preparing for the worst and getting ready to hunker down with the family. We did this before in 2003 when Charlie charged through taking our roof with him. I didn't think I would ever be able to stay for another one, but here we are. I pray for everyone that we fair well and come out strong and help each other clean it all up.
Under a full moon we wait for Irma's arrival. Make it a short stay where ever she decides to visit. Better yet, she seems to enjoy the water she should stay there and away from the land.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Monday, August 28, 2017
Introducing Bennie the Bearded Lady
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
Introducing Bennie the Bearded Lady
Whose to say what is normal? What is beautiful? ........we are born this way.
The year was 1897 when the circus came to Bennie's little town. Her father bought tickets and treated Bennie to her very first stick of cotton candy. She was in heaven eating the lovely spun threads of colorful sugar. As they waited for the tent flaps to open for the main show Bennie was happy to run around the grounds and peek into the side show tents. She heard laughter, she felt happiness, and she saw people who were "different" like her. Even at her young age, she could feel the magic. This magic stayed with her long after the circus packed up their tents to move on to the next town.
For the next several years Bennie spent her days being ignored, pointed and laughed at when she walked into town. Then on her 18th birthday, the circus returned. Sadly, Bennie's father died years before in a coal mining accident. Choking back the tears, standing there with ticket and stick of cotton candy in hand, she realized the time had come to make a change in her life. She needed to be a part of something magical. So this time when she walked the grounds of the side show, she knew she was looking for more than entertainment, she was looking for a place to belong. It didn't take long to be welcomed with open arms by wonderful people and she knew she was home.
From that day forward Bennie entertained the crowds, made a living, traveled the world, and loved her new family for years to come. No longer being ignored, this time when people pointed they had paid their coin and were curious. They shyly asked questions and found that Bennie and her side show family were really no different for themselves. We are all born the way we are, don't let others try and change that.
Bennie will be available for purchase at Hauntizaar 2017 on October 21st
in St. Pete, Florida
Facebook and
Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Introducing "The Feline Siamese Twins"
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
Felicia and Filomena
Felicia and Filomena are "The Feline Siamese Twins" who continue capture the audience attention with their unusual beauty. People come to see them, but people stay to know them. Felicia and Filomena were born with special gifts, the gift of each other and the gift of song. Their voices fill the carnival tent with magic as they move with the grace of a cat under the spot light. They perform with all their carnival friends across the land, living the life they love and loving the life they live.
Free spirits who always land on their feet.
Meow
Hand made and designed by me, Susie Krichbaum
This artdoll will be available for purchase at Hauntizaar 2017 in St Pete, Florida on October 21st.
Facebook and
Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Fortuna the Fortune Teller
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
Fortuna patiently awaits your arrival, she knows when to expect you and what you will want to hear from her. Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it.
Hand sculpted art doll in a handmade booth that has battery operated lights just under the metal dome roof. The lights softly illuminate Fortuna's crystal ball and tarot cards.
Fortuna will make her way to shows this fall in SWFL.
*the tarot cards were a lovely touch sent to me by my wonderful Witchy Sister, LeeAnn Kress.
Hand sculpted art doll in a handmade booth that has battery operated lights just under the metal dome roof. The lights softly illuminate Fortuna's crystal ball and tarot cards.
Fortuna will make her way to shows this fall in SWFL.
*the tarot cards were a lovely touch sent to me by my wonderful Witchy Sister, LeeAnn Kress.
Facebook and
Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Getting Ready for the Next Steps
Many know that I have been struggling with the idea of leaving my day job to pursue my art and yoga journey. It's only hard because of the security of a paycheck and insurance. That's the only reason it is hard.
The longer I stay in this situation, I feel the stress will continue to take a tole on me. I don't want to sit in my office waiting on that to happen.
This past Friday was an exceptionally difficult day that will be repeated again next school year, it's the nature of the beast. I've been doing it for 20 years and I finally REALLY said to myself that this will be my last year.
With a sense of calm and brain clouds clearing, I will use this year to get my ducks in a row while I transition into what inspires and still supports me. It feels good to have made this decision, and vocalizing it will help me do the work that needs to be done to realize my dream.
Getting ready for the next step.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Published in Art Doll Magazine Fall 2017
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
 |
| Art Doll Quarterly Magazine, Fall 2017 I'm in there!! |
 |
| My Black Widow doll is in the latest ADQ. |
So excited to add another publication to my album.
Art Doll Quarterly (ADQ) Fall 2017 will hit the stands in August. Inside you will see some of the most detailed and imaginative art. It's fun to be a part of such a diverse group and that we celebrate each others successes.
Stampington & Company
Susiewhc@gmail.com
Facebook and Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
www.willowhollowcreations.blogspot.com
www.willowhollowcreation.etsy.com
https://www.pinterest.com/susiewhc/
Monday, June 12, 2017
What's on my work table
Follow me to Willow Hollow............where the side show awaits.
These are works in progress, some need little touches some just need a proper photo shoot. I wanted to send a quick update as I dash out the door to teach a yoga class.
These are works in progress, some need little touches some just need a proper photo shoot. I wanted to send a quick update as I dash out the door to teach a yoga class.
 |
| Dragon Lady |
She turned out a little more Scifi than I had intended, but I went with it and really like how she turned out.
 |
| Siamese Twins |
Siamese Twins.......of course they should be cats:)
Black Swan or Black Crow. That is my current dilemma.
 |
Black Swan  |
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Circus time!!
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
Here's a little sneak peek of some of my latest doll sculptures. It's beginning to look like a circus in here.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Happy Secretaries Day
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
This little orchid was sitting happily on my desk this morning. My all time favorite plant/flower looking perfect with my little zen garden.
Happy Secretaries Day to all of those who work their booties off to make their boss shine :) You know who you are and so does your boss.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Final Performance
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
I decided to add a circus poster to this piece announcing the very last performance. If this is your first time seeing this piece, pop back one blog post to see the story of Choe' and Raja.
I decided to add a circus poster to this piece announcing the very last performance. If this is your first time seeing this piece, pop back one blog post to see the story of Choe' and Raja.
Facebook and
Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
An Elephant Never Forgets
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
Hi there! So glad you stopped in to see my latest creation. I have to say this was just about as fun as doing my "Cat in the Hat" sculpture for Art Doll Quarterly Magazine last summer. You can still see this on my blog banner.
Chloe is a circus performer who has just finished her very last performance with her long time friend and performance partner; Raja the circus elephant. Chloe sets the ball aside and unbuckles the harness to remove the head piece from Raja's head and trunk.
With familiar precision, Raja easily lifts Chloe up with his front leg so he can look into her eyes as to say, "thank you for my freedom". Knowingly, Chloe closes her eyes and leans in to give Raja a hug and a kiss thanking Raja for his faithful service.
Chloe is a circus performer who has just finished her very last performance with her long time friend and performance partner; Raja the circus elephant. Chloe sets the ball aside and unbuckles the harness to remove the head piece from Raja's head and trunk.
With familiar precision, Raja easily lifts Chloe up with his front leg so he can look into her eyes as to say, "thank you for my freedom". Knowingly, Chloe closes her eyes and leans in to give Raja a hug and a kiss thanking Raja for his faithful service.
This may be the end of their performances together, but not to their friendship. An elephant never forgets.
**I am undecided if I will be selling this piece or not. It was an idea that came to me in a dream and has deep meaning for me.
Facebook and
Instagram search @willowhollowcreations
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Peace
Follow me to Willow Hollow............
 |
| Picture taken by my daughter, Melinda Shay |
Happy Easter, Spring Equinox, Passover or however you celebrate this time of year. Hoping everyone has a peaceful day, that we may start to spread peace and love ALL days. Pray, practice and work toward a rebirth of peace in our vast world and the world right outside your door.
Namaste, God Bless, Merry Meet, Shalom, Salam
Friday, April 14, 2017
Elephant Love
Well Hello! So glad you followed me over to Willow Hollow.
Hang tight to see the final product. Today is painting day!!!
See or contact me here:
Facebook and Instagram @willowhollowcreations
https://www.pinterest.com/susiewhc/Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Don't count me out.....
Stop in or subscribe so you don't miss out.
This is my latest creation. I'm so excited to have come across the ribbon jointed doll. I bought a tutorial by Dorote Zaukaite to learn the "jointed technique" and then I created this dancing circus performer. I love everything about her, from her ballet pointe slippers to her Vegas style head dress.
Soon she will be all finished and available online for purchase.
A big thank you to all of my wonderful customers and artist friends who lift me up throughout the years.
XOXO
Susie K
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Pulling it together
Pulling it all together today.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Getting back on track
 |
| My very first mixed media on canvas - and my daughter's Christmas gift from me. |
I have started an intense yoga teacher training to add to my collection of things I can do when I'm retired. This year is going to be the year of changes for me. I am moving forward to do everything I can to prepare to be an independent self employed happy person. I'm super lucky to have an amazing husband who is in strong support of my decision. (I think he'd like to see me in a better mood at the end of the day).
Stay tuned as I create new art in many mediums and get back to what makes me whole.
Of to yoga school!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)