It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

There is something so inherently peaceful about sitting in front of a warm fire with twinkle lights enveloping your cozy space and smelling the subtle sent of cranberry candles.The whites and creams of the holiday are so pure and innocent.
I love wreaths with glass balls and last year went crazy and made three of them. One for the mantle...

Those old little bottle brush trees most hold so many memories...

I found this silver leaf garland at Michaels that has a vintage look which I had to snatch up for this mantle.

A collection of Santa's through the years.

We can't get enough candles this time of year!

This is a really old nativity set that my step mom gave me that must be kept high above little curious fingers.

Another wreath I made last year with some cheery candy cane colors...

Yummy....

A little bird nestles in the wreath over the kitchen sink...

Mary and Jesus...

Glass balls are so great for an easy centerpiece too.

Stockings hung by the chimney with care...

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. I do have a mother Christmas painting that I will, with fingers toes, eyes and nose crossed, be able to share with you tomorrow!

xxx

Delilah...(& some overdue award thank you's)!

Do you ever wonder how some seasons your garden seems to be more vivid and bountiful than at other times? Try as you may, you've done the same rituals each year. Of course, each passing year we may learn new tricks from the true wise sages but the real reason you wonder?.....Sit back dear reader and I'll tell you a secret... Delilah is a garden maiden. There are more than one of course but she is one of the most well known because she often travels through the mountains and along the seashores. She tends to stay away from the heat of the valleys (that explains my garden) but, let us not be distracted with my griping! Well, getting back to the mountains and the seashores...we all know that the mountain folk are the best keepers of secrets such as Delilah's and their grandchildren have been taught the fine art of oral history and all it's luscious memory for detail. I first learned of Delilah from such a wise, old mountain woman who lived near the enchanted forest. As I was strolling through the forest one day we happened upon each other as she was out picking herbs. She graciously explained to me how Delilah would simply walk on, through day and night, sun or storm and every where that her feet touched enchanted seeds would fall from the folds of her skirt, the waves of her hair, and underneath the satin ribbon of her waist band. In the path that lay behind her a variety of vibrant plants and flowers would sprout up.
The old woman explained that even her feet were so magical that if they touched a weed nary another weed would ever grow there again. Well why do we still have so many weeds? you ask ( I asked the same!) "Her feet are quite tiny and the world is such a big place", the old woman answered.
Delilah is crackled and sealed with an antique stain measuring 11 X 14 and will be on ebay starting tonight if you would like her to come live with you. : ) My pictures suffered a little today with our slight overcast.
I have also received some awards over the last month from some of the most wonderful and talented bloggers. I truly mean that when I say it and want to use this opportunity to thank them and encourage you to visit their wonderful blogs if you haven't yet. The first is from the awesomely talented Carrie Joy of http://carriejoyart.blogspot.com/ . Her art blows me away.

And, also the amazing weaver of fabulous stories and delightful insights at http://all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com as well as one of my favorite artists to admire and swoon after; Claire at http://cbarone123.blogspot.com . Thanks you so much ladies!

I know I'm supposed to pass these on to seven other bloggers so I think I will pick some of the blogs that are newer or, at least, new to me, but I hope you all know how awesome I think each of you are. Truly! : )

1. Darlene of A Dancing Mango

2. Annette of Annette Quirke

3. Rafael of My Tiny Studio

4. Nicola of Nicola Toms: Illustrations

5. Julia of Fantasy Pop Art

6. Andrea of Andrea Creates

7. Sophia of Blue Chair Diary

You are all so wonderful and inspiring!

And now I know I am supposed to mention seven random things about me that I think no one would know:

1. I am, and always will be, in love with Jon Bon Jovi.

(My husband knows this and is totally fine with it)

2. I could eat sushi every day.

3. I could eat Italian or Mexican food every day I'm not eating sushi.

3. I am slightly obsessed with all shows and books that have to do with true crime.

4. I can't stand it when people stand too close to you in line.

5. In another life I lived in one of those flats somewhere in a European city that Hemingway wrote about and spent my days writing, painting, perusing street markets, and eating nothing but oysters with fresh bread and wine.

6. I love the beach but never go in the water.

7. I never kill a spider (but do promptly escort them outside).

Whew! Tonight was a mouthful, huh?!
Happy week friends!
xxx

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a little peak at a new painting entitled "Three sisters". Since my animals are actually referred to as members of the family (my son calls our dog "sister") I thought this would be an appropriate name. : )

This is a 5 X 7 painting that I will list on ebay tonight. I really hope to post a new doll by tomorrow!
I hope you all had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving with much loved ones and lots of delicious food. We went to my parents house in the mountains where the feeling of fall is much more apparent than at home. We saw many a tree squirrel, some quail, (no deer yet this year) and went to feed the ducks at the lake. Aidan and his cousin Celia running down a path along Fern Lake.

The crisp air is sure to put a spring in one's step.

Lovely weekend wishes to you all.....

Now it's time to get out the Christmas boxes! : )

xxx

"Hollow"......(the longest post ever!)

She'll let you take a peek inside, but only for a moment. She hides it well. It's been a very long time yet still, for now, she is hollow. She so misses her sweet love. Was it a romantic love, a motherly or sisterly love?...I'm not sure; she wont tell. That would expose entirely too much. But she keeps their heart which contains a little clock that is frozen at the time that they left her. She knows she won't be full again until she is able to lay their heart outside of herself. But, she's just not ready... Although she is young loss has aged her. Only her hair betrays her of this secret.
Her friends tell her to let go but she knows that is not the answer. It is not to let go for her but to remember how to live.

"Hollow" is painted on wood and is approximately 9 X 12 ". She will be on ebay 5:oo p.m. PST tonight! : )

I can't believe it's been three weeks since I posted something! That is terrible! I have no excuses other than it seems like we have been on fast forward since Halloween. First, my little man turned six! Ahhh...when did this happen?!

Then, an all day field trip down to the L.A. County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits. And, yes, all four of these boys were in my car! Thank you to my sweet husband for coming along and helping! (He was the only dad and had all day potty patrol) mmm...good times : )

A new half doll which I re-painted. ( I know you shouldn't do this with antiques but she needed it!) I love how she turned out!

And, I think I finally am happy with the mantle arrangement...(for now). I love how the vintage frames create their own art.

The big frame someone had thrown out in our alley.

I love this half doll (and a picture by mystele!) that I adore...

My mom found me this sweet picture on her vacation through the Midwest which is a sweet hand stitched mother and child.

More dolls this week too! I will be sure to post them. Hope you all are having a lovely November....now I'm off to read your posts and catch up!
xxx

Twinkle lights and candles lit....

It's time.....

my friends,

for...

baking cupcakes,

cooking pumpkin seeds,

dressing and primping,

filling the candy bowl,

sneaking many treats,

Halloween music,

Charlie Brown's great pumpkin,

family & strangers,

strangely seem familiar...

A mantle well lit,

for unexpected guests...

And too much sugar for little sweet seekers...

The anticipation and all of the night's wonders...

Big people getting caught in the moment too!

Happy Halloween dear friends!!!
xxx

New Wedding / Anniversary Keepsake Doll.....

Here's a new one. I think she turned out to be a sweetie! Why haven't I done doves before?...I love the little snugglers!



Don't worry guys...I don't paint rears!

She is a custom order but if you would ever like one you can place an order here:

http://www.therubynestdolls.blogspot.com

Happy week guys!....

my tooth fairy dolls are next...

some dear one who shall not be named jokingly asked me if it was okay for older ladies to order these as she has, well, started to come full circle...

nothing ever really stays put, does it : ( !

xxx

Pssttt! Come see my new Custom, Keepsake Doll Blog!

Just a quick note to say I will be opening a Ruby Nest Doll Blog for custom, personalized dolls on November 14th ~ come take a peek http://www.therubynestdolls.blogspot.com/ . I will have samples of each type of doll for you all to see by then. I hope you'll come and join me in case you may ever want to order a doll....they are truly so lovely in person...I have so much fun making them & I would love for more people to be able to enjoy them so......The first ten people to place a customized keepsake doll order will receive 20% off the order. (Prices and rough sketches are explained on the new blog). Prices range from $28 ~ $48.

If you're interested i would love for you to come and follow me... : )

xxx

Julie

Waiting for Diego.....

He's just revealed his newest mural for the people and politicians of Mexico City to see. Of course, they are in awe, the crowds are overwhelming and Frida waits in the store front of one of the local shops... She gently picks up the sleeping cat of the store owner and holds a quiet conversation with the kitty as she watches. She will wait patiently, for now, to make her entrance when the moment is ripe....
Like most animals, the cat feels safe and sheltered in Frida's arms and begins to purr vigorously.
Tucked beneath her arm lies Frida's cherished Rosary which she adorned with various trinkets including an enamel bead with the initial of her beloved.

The time has come. No more waiting. She will greet him by cupping his round cheeks in her tiny hands and gently give him a sweet yet eager kiss for all to see.

Frida is on a 16 X 20 canvas so I won't be able to do prints.

: ( I'm not quite sure about selling her yet...but, we'll see.

I hope you all are having a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

I love reading about your adventures....

Until next time!

xxx

Constance and the Old School House...

One of the loveliest drives to the beach here is to head North West through Fillmore and Santa Paula to get to Ventura, Carpinteria, then Santa Barbara. It was a two lane road...(now four in places) that takes you along the orchards. Ahhh, the orange trees. I love seeing them perfectly lined up for miles and miles. The smell of the oranges mixed with the salt from the water smells like home to me. There is an old red school house that we used to stop at as children with our folks. You couldn't go inside, at least not that I remember, but you could play on the swings, the monkey bars and the terrific long slide out in the school yard. So many loving memories I remember with my siblings. So, please make the acquaintance of Constance, who just instantly reminded me of this memory as soon as I was done making her. It's strange when this happens, isn't it? Maybe she looks like she could have been a teacher in that old school house long ago. Maybe it was the combination of the orange and cream that took me back to those orange trees. Either way, I enjoy the memory and I think her name suits her well...it means "loyal one".
A little quote hidden under her skirt for a measure of sweet sentiment.
Her dress looks quite aged and I enjoy her look of quiet compassion and understanding.

Do you remember the feeling of being in a swing? For those of us with small children we may know it all too well but for others...it's probably been a while. Yet, if you got up, went to a park and sat in a swing today I wonder how you'd feel. It's strangely liberating to do something so childlike.

Thanks for your kind messages dear readers...I hope you have a blessed week!
p.s. Constance will be up on ebay on Sunday
xxx

Meet Bedelia....& my Give Away Winner!!

Okay....you knew this was coming. How could I resist a doll with a bird cage skirt just like my favorite paintings?! So this is Bedelia meaning "strength". I think it suits her broad shoulders and the fact that she is the keeper of her little crow friend. The skirt is attached at the waist but it does lift so you can see the entire cage painted under her skirt.
This is on the back of Bedelia. It could refer to a child and a mother relationship but when I wrote it I was referring to how you feel with your soul mate. I think I have decided to write a little something meaningful on each doll. I love when things have little extra details.
She is quite regal in this pose : )

Her face REALLY crackled...I must have been laying it on pretty thick that day...but I like how it turned out.

And now, what you're really reading this post for.....

Oh Wee Assistant...please pick the winner.....

Cris! from Mommy's Midwest Mountain Folk Art. Yeah! Congrats Cris! Please email me your address @ julieippoliti@hotmail.com.

But wait!!!....

I had so much fun making something for you guys and I soooo loved reading all of your kind comments that I will be having another give away when I get to the Celebratory 200 followers!
So, stay tuned, and know how much your support means to my creative process!

Have a wonderful week

xxx

I'll Tell You a Tale....

I'll tell you a tale, of a party delight;

Of magical faces, oh some were a fright!

Black cats with big hats, a man with no head;

Holding a balloon;"Happy Haunting", he said.

Sad Mr. Pumpkin clown with his mask for the ball;

Oh, here comes Ms. Pumpkin...he's not so sad after all!

A sweet skelly couple ready to take a bite;

And after the cake, it's time to go fright!

A man from the moon with his party gear,

He's ready for haunting, he has not a fear!

Skulls with bright lights, the music is drifting;

The night sky is clearing, the dark clouds are lifting,

So many guests, such a magical fare;

Even Frankenstein and his bride were there!

A Halloween Fairy atop her pumpkin white;

Some jolly friends ready to head out for the night.
Their faces were happy, the night in full swing;
All the wondrous delights this haunted night will bring!
And mother crow watches as the party wears on;
She stays at her post from dusk until dawn!


Thank you for visiting!!! Please be sure to visit the AMAZING Miss Vanessa Valencia at
A Fanciful Twist
for a truly magical journey!!
I will announce my give away winner tomorrow...thank you soooooo much for all of the support and wonderful comments!!!
xxx,
Julie

***~****Give Away!***~***

Dear friends and readers...meet little Miss Rosemary. She loves to tend to her garden and always enjoys taking some of her neighbors their favorite flowers and leaving them at their doorsteps. Her neighbor Ms. Thompson loves daisies so she is off to make a quick, early morning delivery. As many of you know I have so enjoyed making these sitter dolls that I wanted to share one with you. So little Miss Rosemary is up for grabs as I think she is quite adventurous and would enjoy a little travel.
She is also crackled over her entire body and finished with an antique stain. She stands freely wherever you set her. She is very sweet ( today is a little overcast & pictures are never quite as good on these days!)

Hopefully she will be a happy addition to one of your families. : )
If you would like to enter this give away : )

1) Simply follow my blog (it's over on the right hand side & if you already do~no worries!) and leave a comment here.

2) For two extra entries attach a picture of Miss Rosemary to your blog/site with a link back to my give away.

3) Give away ends Friday, October 16th, 12:00 p.m.


Thanks for all of the warm comments about all my new dolls!
Have a great week!

xxx

Skully & Frida

Skully was a lonely little skeleton until, one day, he happened upon this lovely little Frida Doll wearing an orange dress (his most favorite color). Having little Frida with him gave him a constant companion and Skully was rarely seen without a big smile on his face. Of course, he took her with him wherever he went.
And, Skully didn't care a bit what the other little skeletons thought of him!

Which made Frida happy as well. Skully and Frida are on ebay starting at .99 cents. Happy Friday!!!

Little Maeve.....New Doll : )

I'm addicted to making these little sitter dolls right now. Little Maeve has arms that move and the sweetest little face! I just love back and red and cream together....A little side note of interest to some of you....Joanne's fabrics has a new line of their own materials and the fabric from this cute skirt is one as well as the fabric from the cloak of Corinne (below). They have a lot more vintage looking fabrics for a reasonable price. I was actually pretty impressed.
The crackle on her face is much more subtle than Corinne's....

She should be up on ebay in the next day or two. Thank you SOOOOOO much for all your kind comments on my last post! I really appreciate it! Next is a little Day of the Dead dolly so check back and also a BIG surprise give away by Sunday! (Just to say thanks) : ) xx

Corinne....

Here's my new little, sweet girl....Corinne...meaning Maiden. Well not so little, she's actually about 9 " high by 3" wide. And, what's the best part about her you say? She's on ebay tonight 5:15 PST starting @ just .99 cents!Call me crazy but I thought it would be fun to see how she does and I plan on listing a few more like her this week so keep your eyes peeled... : )
She has a crackle finish all over her body with a nice antique stain. I also tea stained her little cloak (which can be removed) and the hand sewn flower in her hair. She is weighted at the bottom with sand so she is able to stand freely wherever she is placed.
I love me some of that crackle stuff!

My mom always asks me why I create new things just to make them look old? I know some of you are like this too so you get it, right? Who doesn't love stuff that has a story, has been weathered and touched and played with and admired from a different place, a different time?
Thanks for ALL your inspiration friends...have a good week! xxxx

Cleaning My Studio = New Stuff on Etsy

Hello friends....once again, I have neglected my poor blog and you sweet readers as well. I really am trying to do some new things but, in the meantime, have listed all of these original pieces in my etsy shop. "The Siren" Original 8 X 10
"Cherish Mine Heart" Original, 16 X 20

Altered, Assemblage Wall Cross, 15 X 23

Thumbelina and the Half Doll, Original 11 x 14

I promise to be back soon with some goodies. I love looking at all of your Halloween creations. : )

xxx, Julie

Where has the week gone?!..It's Fall?!

I wanted to make this a funny, silly post about the fact that first grade is killing! me with an hour of homework (for me!) every night and, thus, my blog is neglected yet again...yada, yada... but I have so many heavier thoughts on my mind...well...I went in a different direction tonight. But I thought I would start with a little glimpse of our Halloween decorations.... Above is the bench seat at the kitchen window and below...our mantle...
So, first, I MUST acknowledge a sweetheart, super talented and gorgeous blogger who bestowed me with this much undeserved (yet speedily accepted ; ) !!) award from sweet Shawn who, I hope, most of you know at Swaneesinger . Truly, besides her hilarious wit and her beautiful smile, she is such a relate able, adorable creature that it was easy for me to have an instant crush on her & her stories! And, in acceptance of this I believe I am to name 5 other blogs that I feel are superior scribblers. Shockingly this was easy for me (& I am actually one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet...mmm..I don't care whatever you think...mmmm...whatever you want....is my usual mantra!)
1. I love sweet Renee from Circling My Head . She is going through an unimaginable loss right now but her writing is powerful beyond words.
2. The sweet, encouraging and often quiet voice of Jennifer from Hot Tamale Studio . Her paintings are amazing and speak to you from a childlike, whimsical place that many of us have forgotten but hope to remember.
3. Who doesn't love someone with a super imagination, super encouragement skills and a literal renaissance of talents to boot...painting, storytelling, beekeeping....I think you're awesome Zan...Wild At Heart Art
Be sure to read her Mermaid Tales....
4. I have to give this right back to the presenter...even though I know that's not good blog etiquette... Shawn...I, again, love your stories and am always encouraged by you See her here!
Thank you, thank you sweet one....
5. I love her stories of the prairie, as I know most of you do, and her articulate way of bringing each story to life right in front of me (with a little help of those beauteous! (my own word) paintings...Heather at Audrey Eclectic

And below...A couple of family portraits we just had done.....first, my brother and Dad at one of our monthly Disneyland Trips....
And, our sweet boy with his cousins Sadie & Celia!
Cutie Patooties! Love to you All....sorry for my super mushiness tonight...just feeling grateful and fortunate for each of you (including everyone I didn't mention but still encourage me daily with their words or their amazing creations!!!!!!)
xxxxx,
Night : )

Miss Polly's First Day.....New Painting

Polly had long waited for this day often daydreaming as a little girl of what this day would actually be like. She had been thinking all summer how she would greet her new little class (she finally inherited all of the elementary school children that attended the Willow Farm School from old Mrs. Dotchet). Mrs. Dotchet is still alive mind you but the good Pastor finally saw it fit to encourage her retirement and the children have since been leaving many a curiosity of wrapped goodies and thank yous at his parsonage door. Now there's only about twenty-five children in all ranging from ages six through twelve but Polly had a plan to make this new school year the best that the old Willow School had ever seen. Her first idea was to bring in some of her lovely feathered friends as she knew the children had been strictly forbid to have a class "pet". Next week would be a field trip into town to the local library (the children had never left the old barn where the Willow Farm School had been located since they had been there).
Oh and then maybe after a lot of pie and cookie sales after church on Sunday even a train ride into the big city for a museum. She certainly planned on giving the children plenty of new culture. She smiled as she continued to think of all of her new adventures with her class and headed out down the long road to the School House.

Miss Polly is 11 X 14 on a gallery wrapped canvas and will be on ebay tonight. ; )

Also, I wanted to share this sweet little dresser I found for our dining room. I needed something to hold our linens and did some moving around of the other furniture but I think this is ultimately where she was meant to be.

And, of course, you'll see in the center a new little half doll with a wire frame skirt and a wire frame parasol behind her. I'm so excited to find one with the parasol still in tact. Isn't she a cutie!?

I know it's been over a week since I last posted...ugh!...but I have been a little sick in the head...literally. I'm starting to feel much better and appreciate all of your kind words as always and wish you all a wonderful week. xxxx

Odilon Redon.....Inspiration Thursday : )

Okay...It's been a while since I did a post about an inspiring (and actually, a little creepy) artist from long ago. Odilon Redon was a French Symbolist painter and part of the Symbolist movement where, in art, represents the darker, Gothic side of Romanticism. I have always loved the forms and shapes that he used in his art and the haphazard compositions that he created. I left out some of his creepier works (he had an affinity for painting cyclops, heads with legs like spiders and the like) but if you have the time you should browse some of his darker creations. He did a lot of work with pastel and oil but I just enjoy the dreaminess of his paintings (much like Marc Chagall).

Two Young Girls Among Flowers, c. 1905-12 Muse of Pegasus, c. 1900

Beatrice, c. 1885

Butterflies, c. 1910

I seem to be drawn to art that takes me to a different world...I guess usually the world in our head. And since every artist is so unique it's nice to visit other people's worlds where you would, otherwise, never have the chance to go. It seems to be a way to escape the real world which, I have to admit, can be nice and inspiring, from time to time. Happy Thursday. : )

Songbird of the Seashore

Just thought I would share my newest, also painted on wood like Charlee's Crows (see below). She is the sweet keeper of the Songbird of the Seashore. Such a lovely and delicate songbird needs a little protection from the unpredictable elements that ebb and flow like the water she sweetly sings to at dusk.Here it is in the vintage wooden frame I found which i re purposed with a little egg white paint. Don't these old wood frames have so much personality?
She waits patiently for the songbird to begin her lullaby with the ocean.

Sweet with anticipation....

And, remember "Thumbelina and the Half Doll"? Well just thought I would let you know I am letting her go and she will be available on ebay tonight!

As always, thank you so much for the encouraging comments. I hope this weekend finds you contended and creating...I so love seeing all of your work which keeps me inspired! ; ) xxx

Charlee's Crows....New Painting

Charlee was a protector of all little animals from the time she could remember. For some reason, the crows liked her the best of all. She lived in a little cottage in the forest and, not seeing many other children around, didn't find it strange at all to be a little "half girl". She found it quite useful really as the different animals often found their way into her protective cage for a night or two while traveling through the forest. She once had a mother rabbit and several babies stay for more than a week but that was when there was a thunderous storm out and Charlee was happy to stick scraps from the table into her skirt at mealtimes as they rode out the storm. So, as it was, animals would always come and go this way. Except for Stanley and Lou who became her dear friends through the years. Stanley and Lou were very sweet crows often offering Charlee advice, solace and encouargement as she grew in a world more filled with animals than people. Stanley and Lou lived to be old enough for Charlee to have some of her own little half babies and after they were gone Charlee told their story to their children as well.
I painted this on wood and, even though I was thinking of repainting this beautiful old frame, I think I kind of like the worn gold color.

Stanley asks Lou what she would like for dinner.

Thanks for visiting...Happy Friday!! xxx

Little lovelies.....

So this is a little post of my four favorite "f"'s for the week. I know....they're not as colorful as you might think....I know where your brains went : ) But, to begin;

#1: Some great REAL solid wood Frames from the Salvation Army for pennies that my sweet hubby will cut pieces of wood to insert inside for me to paint...stay tuned.....#2 & #3: My best customers!....I mean....Friends and Family. And, no, not those two little cuties in the front...although they are good little encourager's... Thanks Nadine : )
And, Dawn and Stace!
Who, all three, bought some of my very first pieces (except for you Mom and Dad) and will probably be there to buy some of my very last. Thanks for ALL your business...I mean...support! xxxxxx

#4: Flowers....Who doesn't love a sweet red rose in an evening garden?
Have a great week xxxx

Fiore Doll & Bewitched & Be Jingled on Ebay!!

Well friends whomever said, "You get what you pay for" is right! This sweetie (I'm a little embarrassed to say) took me at least fifteen hours...I know most of you are much more efficient but I have some connector(s) loose in my brain which require...insist!..I go over and over every detail until I get some internal signal that everything is just right! If anyone is aware of how to turn this off please let me know. : )She can hold this little copper wreath wrapped in twine and ribbon with an "F" for Fiore if she chooses or you can take it off. These buttons were actually my grandmothers which she kept in an old glass jar in her sewing room...thanks Grammy xxx
And a little crackle thanks to a wonderful tip from Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer...I love this Deco Art crackle!
Little close up..

So Fiore is listed tonight with my "On Pumpkin Trail Road" painting on ebay HERE
And if you search "PWGL Bewitched" on ebay you will find many more treasures this week!

Have a wonderful week sweet artists and friends! xxxxx

Little Fiore Doll

Just wanted to show you this little sweetie Ive been working so hard on. She is almost done after two full days of work on her...Whew!!! Just a wee bit of clay to the face (only on the brows, cheeks and the tip of her nose and chin). Check back tomorrow for the finished doll...(I'll do it if it kills me!) Her name is Fiore meaning "flower." xxx Julie