Tuesday 19 August 2014

A Warm Welcom from Ms Homebody!

Welcome to Magpieheaven, where I'm still sawing and sanding away at the Art Dolls for Mary Jane Chadbourne's class at The Artful Gathering. Today 'Ms Homebody' would like to introduce herself. Sorry she's headless in the first photo! I wanted to show you her body first  because it took shape after I had the idea of her head, if that makes any sense! I had cut my wood shapes and I wanted to create a little house head-dress. Ms Homebody 'just grew' after that! She tells a simple story of the pleasures of home.
While I was creating her, I looked up so many quotes on the internet about 'home sweet home'. Many were fascinating and quite a revelation: I never knew that Jean Cocteau considered cats to be the visible expression of the soul of one's home or that 'Home is where the heart is' is as ancient as Aristotle - well according to one site Aristotle said it! In the end I didn't feel exactly 'right' about using any of them. Although I loved the idea of 'Home is where the story begins...' I wasn't sure about where to place those words on Ms Homebody. Eventually, she told me herself that what she wanted was for the viewer to read her story in the elements she asked me to include on her.
Just how did that tiny lady get up into the tower - and how is she going to get down to join the little partner inviting her into the house below? 
What is Ms Homebody's world like?
And how does she make you feel when you call round for tea?

 She's far too polite and kind to turn her back on anyone, but if she did, this is what you would see.
Ms Homebody would like you to join her for a nice cup of tea in a bone china rose tea cup. Your stay can be as long, or as brief as you wish. She is ready to listen to your stories be they happy or sad. She'd just love you to spend some time with her and - make yourself at home! Thank you so much for stopping by Magpieheaven today and meeting Ms Homebody. Have a great day wherever you are.
at

18 comments:

  1. Helen19 August 2014 at 17:53

    I'll be right round for tea, Ms Homebody looks just fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  2. massofhair19 August 2014 at 17:58

    Well Mrs Homebody i've been playing with my Embellisher today, adding circles or dots to things, it is something that makes me smile. On the other hand i really get discombobulated about people who think they are something special when they're not. There, that's enough to discuss with you today, thanks for the tea in a china cup & your words of wisdom.

    Will visit again very soon, you really are my favourite Mrs Homebody, hugs:-) xxx

    A note for Julie Ann, i ADORE your doll, she is amazing and a great listener. TFS your fun and genius:-) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. sam21ski19 August 2014 at 18:12

    Another fab doll to add to your growing collection Julie Ann xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. pearshapedcrafting19 August 2014 at 21:14

    Well hello Mrs Homebody, pleased to make your acquaintance! You really are a beautiful lady! Julie Ann, I've loved seeing all the fun you are having with your art dolls! Who next I wonder? Chrisx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous19 August 2014 at 21:49

    I wish to stay forever, if you please because I want to ask if Ms Homebody has a room to let!
    The whimsy of this art doll has captivated me and I found myself immersed in the tale as though it were a sweet fairy tale.
    The detailing of the little people is beyond adorable and taking the care to ensure she looks finished from the rear, well that shows the love and care you always put into your art.
    I do wonder where your imagination will take you next - cannot wait to be introduced to your next art doll, I know for sure that once again I will be swept away by her (or could it be a he?!) life story.
    Wishes
    Lynne
    Thank You so much for your special words on my Pearl canvas. Your words were more than I could ever wish to read.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hazel Agnew19 August 2014 at 22:36

    Tea sounds just about right. What a wonderful creation yet again Julie Ann. Just worry that you will set about the rest of your furniture when the bunk beds are used up. She does look so gentle and welcoming. What a wonderful collection you have started. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lucy Edmondson19 August 2014 at 23:10

    Mrs homebody is wonderful! You are so great at doing faces. How much bunk bed is left now? Will she have people round for tea and there will be no chairs to sit on, I wonder?

    Lucy x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dianne 20 August 2014 at 00:36

    Oh Miss Julie Ann what are you like, of course there is a Mrs Homebody a Mother for the girls, I'd like to stay forever too, I needed a Mom like her, she has such a sweet loving face, okay I love her hair, I wore mine like that, one long ringlet, all my working years, I can see her giving soul in those eyes, and she has the keys to her heart for all visitors, I'm not surprised she told you what to say in her visual story, I know there is a circular stairway inside for her make her way to the enchanting doorway, what better way to be welcomed with a Chinese lantern, perfect, and very welcoming, the gentleman look very proper and friendly, I will come in, put a pot on please, I have lots to tell you and lots of laughter to share. When I see her inside her from behind I she she hold the whole village inside her , I love her crackled hat great topping, and the birds gather at her feet to honor her, SIGH, your creations rock my world, I'm off to bed dreaming of us having tea, maybe some tarts and a lots of laughs. You'll be in my thoughts while I'm away Cuz, ((( BIG HUGS )))...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sandy20 August 2014 at 02:12

    Julie Ann, of all the things you have done, l love Mrs. Homebody most of all. She is so gracious and kind and she lives in my heart . Outstanding creativity and wonderfully made!
    Sandy xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. May20 August 2014 at 06:53

    Hi Julie Ann' I adore Ms Homebody I'd like nothing more than to spend hours sipping tea with her.. You have created a wonderful piece of art as always...the detail is outstanding...Love it all... Hugs May x x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Juliz Design Post20 August 2014 at 08:33

    Hi Julie Ann, I laughed at this vision of you with a bit bunk bed in one hand and the saw in the other. It's lovely to think out of destroying one item comes a beautiful work of art. Your so creative and I love seeing this little family grow.
    Julie x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jackie PN20 August 2014 at 11:33

    another fabulous creation Julie Ann! i love where Ms homebody's story begins! Her face is wonderful you really captured her "soul" there- warm and inviting! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  13. craftytrog21 August 2014 at 17:32

    A wonderful art doll, absolutely breathtaking Julie Ann! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Michele22 August 2014 at 22:28

    the comments here do such a great job of singing the oraisesa of the amazing creation. all I can day is that when I look at this I see love. reading your story just cemented the feeling. thanks for making this. xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Michele22 August 2014 at 22:28

    oops that was supposed to read "singing the praises" xo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Toni24 August 2014 at 17:58

    Thank you Miss Homebody for such a warm and inviting welcome. I've enjoyed my visit and the tea was delightful..... Julie Ann, she is exquisite and I love her head cocked slightly to the side as to say " How are you today"?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Words and Pictures9 September 2014 at 02:47

    Another quirkily brilliant Art Doll, Julie Ann, with that quizzical tilt to her head... she's a delight!
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Kezzy4 January 2015 at 11:46

    WOW another stunning lady, I really love the details you have included and all the elements of home. Interesting facts on the Home Sweet Home, I always wondered where the saying came from. Kezzy :-) xxx

    ReplyDelete

Due to high level of spam recently I have enabled comment moderation on this blog, so any comments will be moderated before appearing on the blog.