Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dryer ball

Some Dryer Ball Sculpture For Now

I have shared an ornament or two in the past that started out as a wool dryer ball. So far those acted as more of a canvas onto which I felted a 2D or low relief image. Today, the dryer ball serves as a more sculptural starting point.

They help dry your laundry faster…
They reduce static. …
They help reduce lint. …
They are durable. …
They are environmentally friendly …

However, they can be a bit noisy to use, and they do not impart any scent to your clothing.

three fall pumpkin mini sculptures that began as wool dryer balls — Pumpkin Trio

I have created sculptures that could be used as fall/Halloween items in the past. However, I did not create any of those sculptures specifically for that purpose. This week I finished three mini sculptures that I will be bringing in to the gallery as items for fall. Each started out as a dryer ball.

needle felted pumpkin mini sculpture with mouse inhabitant — Pumpkin House

needle felted pumpkin mini sculpture that began as a wool dryer ball — Pumpkin House

For the Jacko pieces, I reshaped the balls by force and felting. I mixed orange and yellow fibers to give the surface of each texture and variation. The stem curls were achieved by working soapy water (wet felting) into them. These were heat set by winding around chopsticks and toothpicks, and drying with blow dryer.

Pumpkin House started like the other two pieces, but with minimal reshaping of the ball. I added a couple layers of wool to enlarge the sphere a bit. I carved the hole using scissors and an Exacto blade. The interior of the opening I lined with black and brown fiber, and edged with yellow. I sculpted the mouse head and hands, and added them to the opening.

Another For Later

needle felted holiday ornament from dryer ball based on A Christmas Carol — Christmas Past

Dickens described the Ghost of Christmas Past as, “… a strange figure — like a child: yet not so like a child as like an old man, viewed through some supernatural medium…”

I’ve seen versions of A Christmas Carol where the ghost’s “supernatural medium” was depicted as flame-like. I use that imagery in this one-of-a-kind ornament. The use of irridecent glass beads for the eyes adds to this effect. As you may expect, this piece will be available when we install the holiday show at HGA in mid November.

Ride A Painted Pony…

Apologies to Blood Sweat and Tears, but I just couldn’t resist. I am continuing with my exploration of animal print patterns with a Paisley Pony. I don’t often create horse sculptures, though I have created several zebras. This equine ommission is on purpose, and for the same reason I don’t create many dog figures. You see, people don’t generally own zebras, so no one is going to inquire if I will do a portrait of theirs.

After sketching this piece in my notebook, however, I just knew I had to bring her to fruition. As with the other sculptures in this series, I have taken the animal’s distinctive coat pattern, and have added an unexpected twist. I started with an appaloosa pattern known as halo, or peacock spots, and transformed it into a swirling paisley.

Horse sculpture, needle felted wool over wire and batting armature- grey appaloosa coat becomes colorful paisley pony. Iridescent glass bead eyes — Paisely Pony (left view)

She is needle felted wool, over a wire and quilt batting armature. Her iridescent glass bead eyes are sewn in place. I created her flowing mane by anchoring long strands of wool on to a felted strand of wool. The mane was then felted at its base into a chanel I created up the back of the neck. Her long tail was made by overlaying long locks up a strand of white yarn.

Securing long grey wool to anchor strand for mane of pony — Creating mane

Needle felting paisley pattern details on pony back. — Creating mane

Wait for Paisley Pony.

You will have to wait until my featured show this July to catch this pony in the gallery. The show goes up on July 23rd, and the opening reception is Friday July 26th from 6-9 pm.

More Minis

I also created a couple of new mini sculptures since my last post too. They are intended for the Mother’s Day Pop-Up on May 11th. Meet Daisy Head, and Mush #2. Mark your calendars, there will be lots of interesting work available!

anthropomorphic mushroom figure mini-sculpture — Mush #2

anthropomorphic daisy figure mini-sculpture — Mush #2

Fish and Print?

Print first…

I have been playing in the studio with the idea of presenting images of my work as well as the sculptures themselves. I did not want to merely produce cards and prints of the photos I take of my work. The process of producing gel plate monoprints caught my eye, and I decided to try my hand at this unique medium. This type of print uses a synthetic surface that looks and feels like a slab of gelatin. Each of the prints produced is an unique original piece of art. You can utilize a wide variety of media as the printing “ink.” I have been using regular acrylic paints to produce mine. One gel print technique allows you to use lazer prints (and some magazine images) to incorporate photo transfers. I have used this to create something completely new from the work images I share here with you.

The process can be a bit temperamental, so I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting and learning. I finally have produced a few pieces that I’m happy with, and will be taking them into the gallery in the form of matted prints (5×7 & 8×10) and some blank note cards. So far, I’ve produced photo transfers of my work, and some completly original print art using found objects like spring flowers. Each piece is completely unique, and may include over printing, multiple colors, or hand coloring with watercolors to finish. Below are a few examples…

Matted Prints

8x10 monoprint photo transfer of rabbit sculpture hand coloring — Rabbit Games and Midnight Rainbows

8x10 monoprint photo transfer of zebra-butterfly sculpture — Morph in Blue print

8x10 monoprint of penguin sculpture — So Many Questions print 1

5x7 matted spring flower monoprint — Flower monoprint #2

I will bringing the cards and prints into the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts as soon, as I get them all priced, labeled and entereded into inventory… Hopefully, in the next day or so.

… Then the Fish

aquatic themed needle felted mobile hanging sculpture — Conversation Bubbles

Conversation Bubbles is my newest anthropomorphic sculpture. This hanging mobile sculpture is something a little different. The piece features three needle felted aquatic creatures. I took some liberties with the exact species, but they based on a yellow tang, a pink tailed trigger fish, and a mauve stinger jellyfish.

The glass bead “bubbles” raising from the two fish are my marine version of cartoon conversation bubbles. Not sure what they are talking about, but it may have something to do with a gulf jellyfish being in their tropical Hawaiian reef.

Both of the fish are needle felted wool over batting with glass bead eyes. The jelly fish features a nuno-felted layer over a majenta needle felted layer. The top of the jelly has hand sewn glass bead dots.

The mobiles hanging system brought me back out to my metal shop to hand forge the copper “waves” from wire. I used large jewelry jumprings and fishing swivels to attach the figures and beads with fishing line. I am not sure yet if I will hold this piece back for my show or not.

Already Looks Like the Holidays

Ok, I’m a couple of weeks late this year in typing up a post about the holiday items I have available at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts. So sorry for the delay, but there is still plenty of time for you to stop by and pick out that special gift or little remenmberance.

Mice are Stirring

For the past few years I’ve created some smaller one-of-a-kind seasonal mice sculptures for the holidays. The former pieces were trios or pairs of caroling mice. This year I chose to create a couple of solo mice figures.

Coco Nightcap anthropomorphic mouse with cup of coco and a nightcap — Coco Nightcap

Coco Nightcap was the first of these two small sculptures. As you can see he was an adorable anthropomorphic mouse figure wearing a nightcap, and holding a steaming mug of coco. I said “was”, as he was purchased and has moved on to a new home.

After Coco Nightcap vacated his pedestal position, his friend For You took over. For You is a seated mouse figure holding out a brightly colored wrapped gift for you. He also features a bright purple knit cap. He is still available as of the typing of this post (in fact, I’m sitting in the gallery looking at him as I write.)

For You is an anthropomorphic mouse holding a brightly wrapped gift and wearing a purple hat — For You

A Forest of Trees

The little needle felted trees I created last year seemed to be a popular choice, so I contunued them this year with the addition of some soft sculpture ones in denim. The new denim trees are hand and machine stitched, and feature hand needle felted “ornaments” on them. The needle felted trees again are snowcapped with white wool, and decorated with hand-stitched glass bead ornaments. All of these tiny trees measure around 9-10 inches tall, and stand on a natural edge wooden base.

A selection of Lynn's trees for the holidays. needle felted wool with glass beads, or upcycled denim with felted embellishment — Holiday Trees

New ornament

In addition to my puffins and polar bears I added some baby harp seal pups. The little bundles of fluff with the big black eyes are perfect for rendering in needle felted wool and glass beads,

baby harp seal holiday ornament — Seal Pup Ornament

A number of my original anthropomorphic needle felted sculptures can always be found at HGA. I also have a few non sculpture pieces like wet felted vessels, felted handbags, and needle felted wool “paintings.” Check out the gallery website for our hours during the holidays.

Gargoyle Trio

In recent weeks I created three gargoyle guardian figures. I’ve had a project at the gallery that has kept me quite busy. So, I’m just now taking the time to share them here with you.

Gargoyles are mythological creatures that serve dual duty in the protection of a building. As part of the roof drainage system, they protect a building from physical water damage. They also serve as guardians against evil. I’ve designed my gargoyles as protection against specific modern perils, with sort of a nod to Norman Rockwell’s 4 freedoms paintings?

Gargoyle Gauardian Illness

Needle felted gargoyle figure sculpture serves as protection against illness (COVID) — Gargoyle Guardian Illness

My Guardian Gargoyle Illness was the first of the three I completed. He has his left paw (claw?) on a stylized version of the Covid-19 virus. Along with all the other protections we can employ against such threats (vaccine, masks, hiygene, etc.) a little supernatural protection certainly can’t hurt. He is needle felted wool over a wire and quilt batting armature with glass bead eyes.

Gargoyle Gauardian Ignorance

Needle felted gargoyle figure sculpture serves as protection against ignorance — Gargoyle Guardian Ignorance

I don’t know about you, but I find myself yelling “READ A BOOK” in my head more often than I like to admit. Perhaps, social media just allows us greater access to more people’s ignorance. However, I don’t think I recall so many proud to celebrate it. My guardian is holding an open book in his lap. I think that I also could have depicted him as a traveler or explorer, as I find seeing other parts of the world and meeting different people are also strong protections against this particular threat. Gargoyle guardian Ignorance features the same constuction as his predecessor with irredecent glass eyes.

Gargoyle Guardian World

Needle felted gargoyle figure sculpture serves as protection against environmental destruction — Gargoyle Guardian World

The last of this trio of gargoyles is guarding the planet earth. He has a daunting endeavor ahead of him. It sometimes seems we humans are determined to ruin our one and only home. This seems all the more crazy given the threats that already exist of the cosmic and natural disaster nature. This guardian is perched atop the globe, and is holding tight with all four claws and his tail. He is similarly constucted as well.

In The Gallery Soon!

The trio of gargoyles will be in the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts soon.

Decorating Committee

New Holiday Themed Sculpture

A pair of playful seals that form a decorating committee are my latest holiday themed sculpture. I just dropped the two of them and a couple of new holiday trees off at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts today.

These two don’t seem to be phased by the possible delicacy of the ornaments they are going to hang. The bright red Christmas orbs are just too tempting not to play with a bit first.

Each seal is needle felted wool over a wire and quilt batting form. They feature hand sewn glass bead eyes, fishing line whiskers, and crystal beaded ornaments.

The very earnest pair certainly seem ready to complete their task just as soon as they show each other their balancing skills.

Stop in in at HGA and meet them and all their friends.

Join me for Artists Sunday on Nov 28.

Artist Sunday, It’s like Black Friday or Small Business Saturday but for art.

I’ve joined artists, creators and makers across the country for Artists Sunday. It’s earth’s largest art event, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 28th, encouraging consumers to shop with artists. Think of it like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday but for shopping for art!

ARTISTS SUNDAY is one week from today!

I’m thrilled to be participating in Artists Sunday this year. Here’s what to expect this holiday season! Artist, galleries and arts organizations everywhere will be ready to share their work with you for your holiday shopping.

NEW WORK

To prepare for the day, I’ve already added new work at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts for you to browse and purchase. Plan a special Artist Sunday trip to HGA. Additionally, I took my Etsy shop off of the “vacation mode” I placed it on for my Featured Artist show last month. So friends, family, and followers who are not in the Hillsborough area can also check out and purchase my work on Etsy.

Don’t miss out this holiday season

Follow me on Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Subscribe to my blog on this page, and you will not miss updates updates about my work. I try to share each new sculpture as it emerges from my studio. I’ll will also alert you about special shows and events like Artist Sunday!
Make a holiday wish-list so your loved ones can gift you items from local artists and crafters like me. Create a shareable wishlist using one of these tools. Then send your list to your friends and family. Be sure to include your favorite pieces from my collection!
Check back hhere for a link to the HGA online holiday shop when it goes live on Black Friday, November 26th.

Caroling Mice Take Two

Pair of carol singing mice in victorian costume. — Caroling Mice 2021

A pair of Caroling Mice for the holiday season are the latest creation from my studio bench. As you’d expect they will be coming in to the gallery for the holiday show which installs on November 15th.

Last year I created a trio of mice in mittens and knit caps. This year’s pair is dressed in their victorian finest. They are needle felted wool over a wire and quilt batting frame. They feature iridescent black glass bead eyes, and a paper crafted miniature music sheet of Deck the Halls. I’ve decided to make one set of mice per year, so this one-of-a-kind pair are it for 2021.

You can check them out at the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts along with all the other holiday offerings in a couple of weeks.

It’s Show-time!!

The “Unmuted” work is all installed.

The Hillsborough Gallery of Arts‘ Featured Exhibit gallery show now houses the paintings of Marcy Lansman and Ellie Reinhold, and the anthropomorphic figure sculptures of yours truly!

From March through September three members of the Hillsborough gallery take over the Featured Exhibit gallery room and present what has been brewing in their studios over the past year. Needless to say, this past year has been extraordinary. The changes and limitations of a global pandemic have effected every part of our lives. Our show titled, “Unmuted”, is a nod to the digital communication that became so necessary to getting work or play accomplished this past year.

Unmuted has so many different possible interpretations. Pops of bright color can transform a more muted palate. A small quiet piece can draw a viewer in to tell its story. Or a bold exciting piece can make a strong statement. I’ve tried to work a bit of each into my collection of sculptures for this show.

This is just a peek, so come take a look!

Roll, Too Familiar and Inked in front if Ellie Reinhold paintings

The opening reception for Unmuted is this Last Friday the 24th from 6 to 9 pm. I hope to see you there. In place of wine and cheese at the gallery we encourage you to visit one of the great restaurants, pubs and bars in Hillsborough. They’ve all had a very hard year too. Don’t forget to bring your mask!

Sculpture Detours

I don’t know about all artists, but I prefer to get in a groove in the studio. I encounter periods where my sculpture seems to flow from one to the next, and though each is unique, there is a connection between them. With luck, these periods precede an upcoming featured artist show, and the result is a cohesive body of new and exciting work in the show.

There are also times where the work comes in from widely varying directions. The last few weeks have been one of these periods. In fact, I would go as far as saying that I didn’t have much of anything to do with the origin of my last few creations. I have instead worked on a couple of commissions, and made a couple of not-for-sale original versions of existing characters.

High Fashion Giraffe Offspring

My anthropomorphic giraffe sculpture from my last feature show, High Fashion, was purchased last year. The owner asked me to create an offspring to accompany her. The finished version sports a pink hair bow, and vintage beaded ID bracelet. The image here is a work-in-progress photo. She will be off to join mom her new home shortly. This commission was fun. It allowed me to revisit a piece I truly love (High Fashion is currently featured on my gallery bio-cards) but look at it in a different way.

needle felted baby giraffe before her bow and ID bracelet accessories — Baby Giraffe commission

This was not the case with another recent commission. One I almost declined. With the exception of my puffin and polar bear ornaments, I prefer to not recreate any of my designs. Though, I will revisit an idea or theme and take a new look at it, I prefer not to simply reproduce something I have already made. To me it lessens the original. I had someone contact me and ask if I make them a new version of a piece that had a red dot (sold) in the gallery. Try as I might with questions about different colors and numbers of items in the piece… The customer was undeterred, and wanted one exactly like the piece they were unavailable to purchase. I’m not exactly sure why, but I did create the piece. In the end it made someone happy, so I guess that’s a positive.

A Real Sculpture Departure

In a real departure for me, I spent a little time making a couple of anime characters. These two pieces were not to be sold, but rather helping out with a club project. Fans might recognize my versions as a needle felted Totoro, and a hand sewn stuffed Pikachu with needle felted embellishments. They were an enjoyable diversion and challenge, as I was going for a definitely handmade while still true to known character aesthetic.

Before anyone asks… Sorry, but no. This was a one time, and not for sale thing.

Back To The drawing Board

Now I guess it is time to take out the sketch book, and see were the next flow of work all take me. At least I hope so.

Wartski Art Dolls and Sculpture

Art dolls and mixed media sculpture