Blog Feed: Not Carved In Stone

You know I'm crazy for corsets. At Williamsburg, I got to see planty being worn. This week, I saw an online article about using zip ties as boning. these babies, however, are works of handsewn art. No machine sewing at all!

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-05-08 10:15:00

Instant downloads now available on Etsy

Published on 2013-05-06 12:52:00

I'm pleased to announce that my patterns are now available as instant download files on Etsy. This means you buy the pattern, you get the pattern instantly! How cool is that. Here's what

Wire

Published on 2013-05-03 10:03:00

Well I learned something new! On Doll Street's club Journal, we were having a

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-05-01 11:11:00

Creative Failure

Published on 2013-04-29 12:03:00

Just think about these sentences and re-think your attitude if you are guilty of any of these.

Setting goals

Published on 2013-04-26 08:00:00

Do you set goals? I do. I don't always write them down,

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-04-24 09:14:00

Patti Medaris Culea video

Published on 2013-04-22 08:30:00

Cloth Doll Inspirations with Patti Medaris Culea

New classes

Published on 2013-04-19 10:08:00

It's been a busy week for me. I've had no time to create for myself, I've been so busy with the creative people at Doll street! I've been adding new things to the pattern shop and new classes. I won't be going to AFICC this year. These doll gathe

April is poetry month

Published on 2013-04-18 19:33:00

‘Perhaps not to be is to be without your being.’ Perhaps not to be is to be without your being, without your going, that cuts noon light like a blue flower, without your passing later through fog and stones, without the torch you lift in your ha

Art journal

Published on 2013-04-12 08:12:00

Here's another stage of my Steampunk Journal. I've been noodling away at these two pages this week. It is amazing what one more little doodle will do. I found this great quote from

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-04-10 07:54:00

Photo by Edwina Sutherland

Art Journal

Published on 2013-04-05 09:30:00

My husband was away for a week. Not one to waste such an opportunity, I got out my paints. The dining

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-04-03 08:46:00

Doing my best

Published on 2013-04-02 14:09:00

I spent ages getting the

Good Friday to you!

Published on 2013-03-29 15:57:00

I'm a creative person and I deserve time to create!

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-03-27 08:34:00

Donkey Rides

Steampunk gear!

Published on 2013-03-22 09:31:00

Tell me if you think this coat would make a great Steampunk style coat. It's 1812, taken from an original garment, which was a beautiful black wool satin. Even after all these years in storage, it's beauty shines. It was lining and quilted with lambs

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-03-20 08:30:00

Steampunk by Choleena DiTullio

Mermaid challenge - with Prizes!

Published on 2013-03-18 08:00:00

A Doll Street Challenge – sponsored by Fairfield and Studio Galli Join us on this fun challenge and aim for one of the fabulous prizes offered by our sponsors. The challenge is open to everyone, even if you are not a Doll Street member. The chall

Spencer

Published on 2013-03-15 09:58:00

Boy! I've had a troublesome time adding photos lately. Blogger has ticked me off.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-03-13 09:35:00

Marie Antoinette by Marie Arden Source: marieardenpinkliving.blogspot.com via Edwina on Pinterest

New France

Published on 2013-03-08 10:35:00

Last month, Ottawa celebrated Winterlude, our annual festival on ice . The Museum of Civilisation had a programme running at the same time, called Winter in New France.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-03-06 09:20:00

Newgale Beach

Bane of my existence

Published on 2013-03-04 14:21:00

I have been bookkeeping for hours. Sorted out a glitch in my method which took a while. Paid my bills and didn't do anything creative today, except get my newsletter organised. It was a welcome relief, to look at what other designers are doing, esp

Matt Damon

Published on 2013-03-01 08:00:00

Can anyone resist this?

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-02-27 08:00:00

Marriot NY, NY

Local artist at work, Choleena DiTullio

Published on 2013-02-25 11:50:00

Exit Lobby of Canadian Tire at 330 Coventry Rd., Ottawa. The manager of that store loves art and has partnered with OSA to bring art to everyone needing car oil. On now until Mar. 5, 2013. Choleena DiTullio is a friend and fellow West End Studio Tou

Creager studios

Published on 2013-02-22 11:14:00

I had to share this video with you. First of a series about the Creagers work, which needs little introduction from me.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-02-20 10:28:00

Snow Horse found in Ottawa

Child's play

Published on 2013-02-18 09:38:00

Thanks Twister Sifter, for the image That is a great quote. we must allow ourselves time to play. When ever I sign up for a class, that's my day to play. To learn a new technique, be with like minded people and explore the paintbox of creative essen

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-02-13 10:22:00

Monday Musings

Published on 2013-02-11 11:24:00

Since I took over Doll Street, I find myself pondering the marvellous variety of work that is displayed there. So much creativity! Take this class by Linda Misa. Brink uses old stuff like lamp bases to create the new base for the doll. Up cycling ol

Knitting time

Published on 2013-02-08 08:30:00

While I was at the Vogue Knitting Show in Chicago, I bought this lovely yarn. It is mohair and silk and feels so silky in the hand. It has been space dyed in turquoise with a shot of yellow. Delicious! How could I resist? It came with a free patt

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-02-06 09:55:00

Crochet protraits by Jo Hamilton

Vogue knitting spreads the word

Published on 2013-02-01 08:00:00

I was lucky enough to meet some great journalists and bloggers in New York. Marie Segares talked about the Gallery on her blog: the Underground Crafter Here are some of Adrian Kershaw's video tape sculptures.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-01-30 08:30:00

The Vogue Artists

New York, New York!

Published on 2013-01-25 08:30:00

No-one can say that going to the Big Apple is not an experience. So much to see and do, so much to try. I just came back from spending last weekend at the Vogue knitting Show. It was held at the Marriott in Times Square. A happening place all by itse

Re-purposing trash

Published on 2013-01-18 09:00:00

This looks like a fun way to use the rolls left from the wrapping paper.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-01-16 09:47:00

Moon Raiser

Steam punk again!

Published on 2013-01-11 09:59:00

I am so excited to share this news- not one, but three of my Steampunk pieces are in the new magazine from "Just Cards." There are so many familiar names from the doll making world. Christine Shively-Benjamin, Mary Ann Tate, Laura Lunsford and Shel

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-01-09 09:55:00

Ice by Edwina Sutherland

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2013-01-01 17:20:00

Crushing

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-12-26 10:08:00

Agora by Photo by Edwina Sutherland

Doll sized top hat

Published on 2012-12-21 09:00:00

Another great video from Thread Bangers. Once you've made this one, you can scale down one for a doll.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-12-19 10:00:00

Photo by Edwina Sutherland

How to felt a beret

Published on 2012-12-14 08:00:00

Following last week's awesome video on Top hats, I found this one. I love Thread Bangers videos! She's makes it so Do-able! You have time to make one for a gift!!

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-12-12 09:59:00

Chicago Photo by Edwina Sutherland

How to make a top hat - so interesting!

Published on 2012-12-07 08:30:00

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-12-05 09:58:00

Chicago Photo by Edwina Sutherland

A wee bit of Holly

Published on 2012-11-30 09:08:00

This little pattern was designed by Sherry Goshon. I know a lot of you are being creative for the holidays. So here's a FREE pattern for you to try! Click the picture to get it. Sherry also has a great winter type figure as a class. Check out Mack

FREE doll pattern!

Published on 2012-11-28 09:56:00

Colleen Babcock has designed a pattern especially for

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-11-21 10:04:00

Movember

Published on 2012-11-16 09:36:00

I love this quote. I also love the picture with the fabulously ridiculous moustache. Lots of wax used there! It is Movember and I hope the guys in your life are supporting the cause. One of my guys is. Your moustache may not be perfect, but it's the

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-11-14 10:47:00

Chicago Cloud Photo by Edwina Sutherland

1812 costumes continue

Published on 2012-11-09 10:10:00

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-11-07 09:34:00

Orchids

Channelling Chicago

Published on 2012-11-02 08:04:00

What began as a simple trip to Chicago was complicated by the weather. First, Fog. Toronto was fogged in. Our plane actually flew to TO and back to Ottawa, because there was nowehere to land. It meant we missed our fun day to tour Chicago.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-10-31 09:54:00

Kelowna Vinyard Photo by Edwina Sutherland

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-10-24 09:46:00

Packing for Chicago

Published on 2012-10-19 10:12:00

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-10-17 09:16:00

The Louvre

How to make a necklace

Published on 2012-10-12 09:33:00

For this year's Studio Tour, I made some necklaces to sell, using my own artwork. It is helpful to have some lower priced items like this. People buy them and go home with a tiny piece of art.

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-10-10 09:46:00

Keys

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-10-03 10:26:00

Mirror, mirror

Studio Tour- This weekend!

Published on 2012-09-28 16:45:00

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-09-26 09:51:00

Got change?

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-09-19 09:00:00

Bridal bouquet

My Big News

Published on 2012-09-14 10:22:00

It's been a busier than usual few weeks at Casa Del Edwina. I have been catching up on my costume and bridal work in the studio after my vacation. Then there is the West End Studio Tour to prepare for. I am busy with Paverpol today. Hope I don't run out! The last bit of Big News comes later! Read on... Studio Tour The West End Studio Tour begins September 22 and continues on the 23rd and the next weekend, September 29 and 30th. The Tour is a neighbourhood happening here in Ottawa. This year [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-09-12 10:47:00

Kelowna Bear

Frida Kahlo- Dia de los Muertos painting

Published on 2012-09-07 08:30:00

Today I thought I'd share this deli8ghtful painting. You know how I love expressive eyes!

Wordless wednesday

Published on 2012-09-05 09:21:00

Geraniums Photo by Edwina Suthelrand

Steampunk jacket

Published on 2012-08-31 09:19:00

Is this not the coolest jacket ever?? I'm all set if I should go to a steampunk event. meanwhile, I'll wear it anyway. it's sure to get noticed!! I love the period feel that it has! Jacket by Top Shop, UK

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-08-29 09:01:00

Duck lake, Kelowna, BC

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-08-15 07:30:00

Sacre Coeur, Paris

Using your head

Published on 2012-08-10 10:27:00

Today and all weekend, I'm working on finishing some stuff. I do have an art show coming up next month, you know! (The West End Studio Tour) So I took a look around the studio and saw all these heads. One has a body begun, this guy above. I love his snooty look, so he may be destined to be another Marquis. He's needle felted. This guy I made for a joke. You may recognise him. He's Gru, from the movie "Despicable Me." He may not get a body, perhaps just becoming a pin or brooch. Then [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-08-08 08:52:00

Wisley Gardens RHS, UK phot by Edwina Sutherland

Needle felt a dog or cat

Published on 2012-08-03 10:10:00

My latest class is up and available for registration on A For Artistic. I've been working each week to get all the photos edited and inserted into the class notes. I love making these cute mini cats and dogs. you might need one to accompany your favourite doll. You might want to make a portrait for your favourite dog or cat. In this class, I'll be showing you how to make a pet to scale, so your pet matches your doll's size. I'll be taking you through the needle felting process, plus how to det [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-08-01 08:00:00

Drain by Edwina Sutherland

Heart of the Art

Published on 2012-07-27 09:45:00

The Heart of Art. Many of us are guilty of over thinking our creative projects. Sometimes we just need to allow ourselves to play. Through play, we learn, just as we did as children. When we over think a project, it often loses something. That intangible element called “Heart.” The heart of our art is what makes it speak to people. Recently, I began a new figurative art piece, with a plan that it would be a companion for an earlier figure. That's her picture, above. I had the armature made [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-07-25 08:30:00

Poppies by Edwina Sutherland

Creating Historic Costuming for Art Dolls

Published on 2012-07-20 10:52:00

Creating Historic Costuming for Art Dolls Sometimes we start a project with grand ambitions to do it right. Once you’ve decided to dress a doll in historic costume you have decisions to make: what era am I depicting, how accurate am I going to get with the costuming? I’ll walk you through my approach and tell you some of the tricks and tips I use. You can have a lot of fun with a project like this; there will be many questions to answer. I start by researching the era. Once I have found the [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-07-18 09:00:00

Shoe lasts

Paper doll costuming

Published on 2012-07-13 09:24:00

Paper costuming concepts, or making it up as I go...

Making Faces

Published on 2012-07-11 09:56:00

Sometimes you look at a doll you made ages ago and see it with new eyes. This is Catherine. She was created using my Emmeline cloth doll

Graduation!

Published on 2012-07-06 09:27:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks at Casa Sutherland. My son had his prom, exams and commencement all in one week. Plus, the poor guy was packing for camp! Talk about pressure. We are very proud that he has graduated and is off to college in the Fall. Below is my favourite dress from the girls at prom. It takes its inspiration for Haida designs and I think this girl stood out from the crowd of taffeta and frilly gowns. Note the matching hairstyle. Don't you agree? Meanwhile, my online cla [..]

Wordless wednesday

Published on 2012-07-04 09:23:00

Imagine - Strawberry fields

A challenge winner!

Published on 2012-06-29 16:23:00

Re-Imagine History Challenge on Doll Street Dreamers. I'm so thrilled to announce that my doll, Origami, won Best Overall Doll in this challenge! Congrats to all the entrants and the winners! Skill level: Advanced/Professional The Concept Behind Your Doll:During the great Exhibition at the Crystal palace in London in 1851, the Japanese Pavilion drew a lot of attention. The Japanese delegates were similarly enchanted with England and many remained there following the Exhibition. Their influ [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-06-27 08:30:00

New York

Beat the Heat

Published on 2012-06-22 09:50:00

It's a hot Friday here in Ottawa. I am playing hooky and getting some work done at

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-06-20 08:43:00

New York news

1812 dress

Published on 2012-06-15 11:13:00

Last month I delivered this dress to Fort Wellington

Online classes start soon!

Published on 2012-06-12 09:22:00

I'm super excited to be teaching online again. I have two classes coming up this month - Yvette and Dance With The Stars. I'm teaching Yvette online at A for Artistic. Yvette starts June 20th and costs $45. In this class we'll be making a cloth doll, then creating a costume for her reminiscent of the 18th century (think "Dangerous

Fairy Doors

Published on 2012-06-01 10:01:00

Deep in West Dorset, England, lies a magical hill. The woods and trees are old, the trunks covered in moss. If you look carefully among the trunks of the trees, you will spy the fairy doors. I am enchanted by fairy doors. the mystic portals into the realm of faerie. Children are drawn to the doors and leave little presents and notes for the fairies. Sometimes they leave a wish. Some of these are poignant in their innocence "I wish

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-05-30 08:00:00

Tulip festival

Dancing With the Stars

Published on 2012-05-25 10:40:00

I'm happy to announce the new

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-05-23 13:44:00

Tulip Festival, Ottawa

Bears, oh my! On sale two more days!

Published on 2012-05-18 09:27:00

This past week, I've been busy with needle felting stuff. It's always so relaxing to get back to poking away with my needle. There's

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-05-16 08:14:00

London's Monument

Vogue Knitting Show

Published on 2012-05-11 09:29:00

I'm very excited to share my news with you. I have been invited to be a feature Gallery Artist at the Vogue Knitting Show in Chicago this October. Details are not up on their web site yet, but check with Vogue Knitting Live to see the updated schedule soon. I will be one of 8 gallery artsits showing my work. I plan to take along some felted vessels, needle felted dolls and my cloth dolls too. It's going to be fun!!

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-05-09 08:30:00

Petite palais, Paris

Paper dolls

Published on 2012-05-04 09:01:00

The April meeting of our doll

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-05-02 08:30:00

They also serve, who only stand and wait.

Paris, part 2

Published on 2012-04-27 08:30:00

There is so much to see in Paris. Every nook and cranny can be examined. This doorway caught my eye. It's not an unusual doorway, expect it fits so perfectly in the

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-04-25 09:00:00

Ste Chapelle, Paris

Paris, part One

Published on 2012-04-20 09:22:00

Paris was wonderful. So much to see and do, so far to walk. Up the

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-04-18 06:30:00

Love locked up

Back to 1812

Published on 2012-04-13 14:38:00

I will be sharing some of my Paris pictures with you, but today it's back to work on 1812 dresses. I have two lovely ones to make for Fort Wellington. The fabric is a lovely woven stripe, the fabric very sheer cotton. To show off the stripe, a darker blue sateen was chosen as the petticoat fabric. The bodice is very high under the bust. I'm

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-04-11 12:20:00

Louvre Ceiling

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-04-04 10:01:00

Tower bridge, London

Paris is incredible

Published on 2012-03-30 14:43:00

Or incroyable, to use the French term. I have been practicing my French and am surprising myself with my success in finding our way about. I may be a,using the locals with my attempts, but that's part of the fun. My friend and I bought a two day museum pass and have made the most of it. Mona Lisa Was naturally on our list of places to visit within the vast Louvre collection. Her many fans surrounded her when we arrived and everyone jostles their way to the front of the crowd for a closer look [..]

I'm in Paris!

Published on 2012-03-30 09:56:00

I'm posting remotely while I'm in Paris. I'm enjoying the wealth of art around me. Even the

Color schemes

Published on 2012-03-29 09:54:00

You've heard of the Color Wheel, right? Well try this! Click

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-03-28 09:59:00

Christian Lacroix

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-03-21 06:56:00

Stairs

History on Display

Published on 2012-03-16 10:29:00

Blogging is Fun When you get to spread it around. This Tuesday, I was a guest blogger on The Magic

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-03-14 09:09:00

Glass art

Corset making at the studio

Published on 2012-03-09 09:19:00

My corset making class has drawn to a close. The ladies did so well with their corsets!! Here's Kate, sewing away, learning how to make piping. The trick is to use true bias strips and to press the folds along the strips. this makes it easier to place the cord in the fold as you sew. Piping the top and lower edges adds a lovely finish to a corset. it can also become a decorative feature. Edwina Richards Studio Here you can see two corsets. These were made with shot taffeta covers. [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-03-07 09:57:00

The Ultimate Snow Fort

Guest Blogger on the Magic Bean

Published on 2012-03-05 12:58:00

Follow the link here to see my guest article for Colleen Babcock, of the Magic Bean. Colleen is featuring historic costuming this month. I'll be featured this Tuesday and next! Enjoy!

Corset making 101

Published on 2012-03-02 11:13:00

It's been busy in the studio lately. When is it ever quiet? I've had boxes of fabric arriving for 1812 historic costumes, boxes of wool fiber arriving from Vancouver, ready to make more needle felt creations, fittings with clients, dolls, and so much more! What with a busy school schedule for my son, I've been over booked, to say the least! Just what have I been doing? Well, for one thing,I have been teaching a workshop here at the studio, to three enthusiastic students. They are learning how t [..]

Barbara Willis is teaching in Ottawa

Published on 2012-02-27 08:18:00

Upcoming Classes Register now for this class! Barbara Willis workshop – “Juliette” Barbara Willis is author of Cloth Doll Artistry Design and Costuming Techniques for Flat and Fully Sculpted Figures, has been creating dolls and teaching nationally and internationally for over 30 years. She has been associated with the quilting industry, fibre guilds, embroidery guilds and clubs, International Quilt Market, The Knitting and Stitching Show (UK) doll clubs, and workshop events fo [..]

Adam Thomas Rees works super fast

Published on 2012-02-24 07:00:00

Enjoy this video from talented polymer clay artist, Adam Thomas Rees. Who said it was a craft material? http://adamthomasrees.com/Welcome.html

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-02-22 06:00:00

Pocahontas and John Smith - amazing Paverpol work!

Needle felted Dogs, part two!

Published on 2012-02-17 09:15:00

So last time I talked about sizing your mini pet. This time, let's give you a tutorial on how to needle felt. I teach this as a class, so look for it coming soon, online!! Lay it on the profile picture to check the size again, and then adjust it so your dog stands by itself. I begin adding wool fibre in thin strips, winding it tightly around the wire skeleton. Once you have covered the whole skeleton, tack the ends in place with a felting needle. You need to work on a sponge work surfac [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-02-15 13:41:00

Family life 1812

Needle felted dogs

Published on 2012-02-10 07:00:00

Time for a tutorial! Have you ever wanted to create a companion for one of your dolls, but struggled to find the right size dog or cat? I'm going to show you how to create a dog to scale, with good proportions. The same rules will apply when creating any miniature animal. Start with a profile picture of the dog; if it shows the dog in motion, so much the better. I find these images in magazines and online, or you can use a photo of your own pet. Now calculate the size of your pet. You [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-02-08 09:31:00

Bridal lace

Easy Valentine crafts for you

Published on 2012-02-03 08:00:00

Valentine's day is here and what better time to have fun with crafts? We always go crazy and make some last minute fun stuff in our house. So I thought I'd share a few with you this week. The one above is a Disney craft, based on the movie. I'm making these this year! Click the picture to go to the site. Here are some cute cards to make from Magical Crafts. I found this on Craftsy.com, which I just learned about. I joined and posted my new teddy tutorial there. Here's an easy one f [..]

Women with style

Published on 2012-02-03 07:30:00

This is a long trailer for an upcoming documentary about stylish New York older ladies. The documentary is planned to come out in the summer of 2012. For more stylish ladies check out http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com For more about director go to linaplioplyte.com

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-02-01 07:00:00

Mexican boots Photo by Edwina Sutherland

Craftsy - the new platform for crafts

Published on 2012-01-27 08:15:00

I just joined Craftsy.com and have listed a couple of things to get started. First, is my Noggins pattern. I can't believe I haven't shared this with you before! I created them and the pattern sold quite well on Etsy over Christmas. I love mini stuff, because it doesn't take long to make. Here are the Noggins. You can see they are not just for Christmas, but can share your house every day! Noggins like to live in the corners of dusty bookshelves, guardians of your library. They also like to r [..]

Wordless Wednesday

Published on 2012-01-25 09:37:00

The Marquis by Edwina Sutherland

Black Mystery

Published on 2012-01-20 08:00:00

I have been involved in an interesting project. Toulie is a textile artist who came to me for help with this project this summer. She had created a piece like this, but much larger. It measured about 3" by 2". My task was to scale it down to about 18". This was done with a drawing to size and then the segments were translated to the 3-D form, which was padded. Toulie created the feminine shapes you see and I included these. She is an artist who explores our fascination with female genitalia. I [..]

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