Junker Jane Style Doll Swap, sign ups CLOSED; send by Jan 18

[Kookaloo_Starr]

ha ha  your dollies are so special and spontaneous K-star!

  Thank you 
Spontaneous is certainly what they are which is why you won't all be seeing a practise JJ style doll from me and it is also the reason the doll I'm making for my Mum is giving me fits, I'm working to a plan and me and planning don't sit comfortably together at all 

[WingsOfClay]

  All I know about what I will do so far is 1. I'm going to play around with bleaching out some dark fabrics and then adding color back in
And just remember this is all about FUN, and it's not a competition

LOVE the idea of pulling color out of dark fabrics with bleach---seems like such a great technique that will lend itself to the whole quirky-art-doll thing...can't wait to see everyone's dolls!

and, yes, ALL fun! NO competition! I like to think that as artsy types, we have probably have negative experiences with competition in life since we tend to be "different" (i know i was always picked last for kickball, and pegged mercilessly in dodgeball) so the LAST place we would want any competition is here on Craftster....leave all that for the normal world out there....

i am trying to challenge myself in certain ways with this swap, but we are all at a different place: someone might be just learning how to sew, someone else might be a 20 years + doll maker trying something new. it's all good

[Melissaurus]

  All I know about what I will do so far is 1. I'm going to play around with bleaching out some dark fabrics and then adding color back in
And just remember this is all about FUN, and it's not a competition

LOVE the idea of pulling color out of dark fabrics with bleach---seems like such a great technique that will lend itself to the whole quirky-art-doll thing...can't wait to see everyone's dolls!

and, yes, ALL fun! NO competition! I like to think that as artsy types, we have probably have negative experiences with competition in life since we tend to be "different" (i know i was always picked last for kickball, and pegged mercilessly in dodgeball) so the LAST place we would want any competition is here on Craftster....leave all that for the normal world out there....

i am trying to challenge myself in certain ways with this swap, but we are all at a different place: someone might be just learning how to sew, someone else might be a 20 years + doll maker trying something new. it's all good

I totally agree! Art and crafting really don't lend themselves well to competition.

I think that every creation, even those of people beginning, have a degree of beauty to them. And with this swap, I think the beginners have a wee bit of an advantage over the seasoned crafters. ;P Junker Jane is really about that rugged 'begginer' feel, I'm finding, and I love it.

You guys are all inspiring me so much! Keep the great ideas and encouragement coming. I usually stick to my normal WWP swaps, but I'm excited to meet all of you and craft for some new faces.

[gozer]

there are lots of great ideas floating around already! I can't wait to get partners so I can start refining mine. I have some distressing ink I really want to try it out on the fabric!

[Kitty_Catty]

Just sent in my questionnaire. I have not participated in a swap forever and am excited to be doing this one. Will give me a good craft project to work on over my two week Christmas break from work. Yay!

[alwaysinmyroom]

Melissaurus--I think this swap is great for beginners for that very reason...fresh ideas and the style lends itself to "mistakes"....I would love to try the bleach thing as well...and overdyed fabrics...so many new things to try!

[suereal]

ha ha  your dollies are so special and spontaneous K-star!

  Thank you 
Spontaneous is certainly what they are which is why you won't all be seeing a practise JJ style doll from me

I too can't "practice".  If I even talk about something that I'm thinking about making, it's like my brain says, "Ooohh!  You must be done with making that!" and I loose all interest in actually making it.  My teachers all hated me in art school, as they wanted me to write and plan and sketch and stuff like that...show your work and all theory of schooling.  But I can prep materials at least

[puamelia]

This is why I love Craftster - you all rock!
Yes, we are all in different places. (I'm a little jealous sometimes - beginners make amazing things, because they are free.) Yes, I hate that expectation of something extraordinary of me because of a degree. Yes, I don't do well with competition (and dodgeball hurts!) And yes, I always always always need practice. I am my harshest critic.
I enjoy swaps because partners' themes feed my imagination and challenge me to keep making, keep thinking. Life is so busy, swaps are actually the only time I can express and practice my art/craft. I am a ceramic major, so have no fear - I'm not really a sewing person. You can tell because my simple old Singer is enough for me. I just love dolls, and this style intrigues me, especially because it is something I wouldn't have thought to try on my own - definitely out of my comfort zone lol! It's almost scary, and far from what I usually do.
I thank you all, my Craftster Family for the support and inspiration! And Smmarrt, thank you for the new Dotee experience. That was actually really hard for me!

That all being said, I may never get around to a practice doll hahaha! I have been sketching though... and my 6yo DD too! Excited about getting partners! I may buy some bleach tho...

[lovesclutter]

I think I will ask my partner if he/she wants a ribbon or something similar so he/she can hang it up. I plan to ask my partner to do that. I want to display along with my fabulous dottees, and as this doll will be larger will really take center stage.

[Kookaloo_Starr]

That is a good idea Lovesclutter! I have loads of wall space but everywhere else is cluttered!