What's happening under My Dreaming Tree

New for 2012!

2012-01-15T12:37:00.001-05:00

Here is something new for 2012! Transparent, and translucent Irises and AD Eyes! Prices per pair are $1.00 Less than the Metallic price points. These are great for those who have settings with lights, or want a "see through" look. These all were snapped on top of my light table so the light shines through.

These will be available here:http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamingtreestudio
within the next month or so. They will be available in most sizes ranging from 3mm up to 3 inches.

Time for Vacation! Info on 2012

2011-12-13T15:20:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of this year, I never thought that I would need to take a break. Business was very brisk, and kept me fairly overwhelmed most of the time. It makes me very happy to be able to offer something so pretty at an affordable price. Few complaints from everyone as well.

Starting this Friday, The shop will be set on Vacation mode. I will then re-open the Etsy shop again in January, the second Monday of the New Year, the 9th. Hopefully, this will give me a much needed break so I can enjoy the holidays with my family.

My 2012 plans for Dreaming Tree, Will shift more focus on sculpts as well as some textile work. I will allow a running queue for casting Doll Eyes, and Irises, that will no longer exceed 10 clients. I know that the demand is much higher than this, but ... I will continue to maintain an adequate amount of inventory listed in my shop.Listing was too difficult to keep up with bi-weekly, so in turn, I will again reduce list times to once a week. Popular sizes seem to range from 3 millimeters to 16 millimeters. Those sizes will be kept available at all times, to the very best of my ability. I will list the less popular sizes like 2 millimeters, Safety eyes, and sizes 18 millimeters and up.

To purchase my works, Artfire will be available. My website will be more of a reference for Doll Eyes, and Irises and their color charts along with other particulars. My website will also contain a current gallery of my works of art, and crafts.

So...That is my basic plan for the near future. Updates will appear more regularly here too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOLKS! Enjoy your families!

Amanda <3

A notice to my wonderful clients...

2011-07-10T12:53:00.001-04:00

I am considering possibly closing orders starting August 1, until January 1. This may be the annual trend. Holiday work always swamps me...as if I am not already swamped. @_@

You will still be able to purchase open stock at the following shops:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamingtreestudio
and
http://www.artfire.com/users/DreamingTreeStudio

Color charts and other info can be found here:
http://s447.photobucket.com/home/CozmicDreamer74/index

Any orders on queue will be completed.

Apologies, Amanda Martin of http://dreamingtreestudio.com/

What is your Cat doing right now?

2011-06-21T13:06:00.000-04:00

Order Suspension Notice

2011-06-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

Attention Clients!

All Incoming orders have been temporarily suspended.

I am very, very backlogged, and I am struggling to complete all my clients orders. The weather here in New England has not been very helpful. Random severe storms have been knocking out my studios power, and the humidity has been slowing down cure times. Please accept my apologies about falling behind.
Please, check in with me every week to see how my queue is faring.
Sincerely,
~Amanda Martin of Dreaming Tree Studio

Lets Go Outside...

2011-06-03T12:17:00.000-04:00

Some Good friends sent me this:

Subject: Don't Sit in the House. Go Outside and Enjoy Nature

         ....never mind, let's just go back inside ...

Enjoy!

The Aftermath...June 1, 2011

2011-06-02T18:53:00.000-04:00

Today, after the series of Tornadoes hit around us, Last evening, 1 to the West less than 3 miles Over Fiske Hill in Sturbridge, and another only 1-2 miles away from us at the Airport, which My Husband and I watched from our front porch.
We took drive to survey the damages...
It was so scary! I am just happy that we are all okay.

On with life...

2011-05-14T12:01:00.000-04:00

It is hard to keep shelling out all our money, on a now passed, but well loved pet. Even the Animal Hospital staff was so very saddened by the loss of such a brave little trooper. He kept on purring up until the very end.

Having the information that his liver was failing helped my decision making a little less painful. Once a feline's liver fails, there is really nothing to be done to save it. I never wanted him to suffer.

Our vet bill payment for this month is due very soon. We have to come up with $1,000 dollars to avoid and surcharges. On Monday, I will need to pick up his ashes and pay $350 up front, in order to bring him home. Every donation is helping. We still need help.

To paint my Happy Day

2011-05-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

...It is interesting how inspiration can settle upon my thoughts-in my minds eye.

75 degrees

gentle, warm breeze

laying atop freshly mown grass-its sweet smell.

I gaze up into the sky...perfectly blue, with perfectly drifting clouds

birds singing, new leaves-softly rustling

Cherry blossom petals fluttering down, to the ground.

Funny, how sadness can give way to bliss, melting away from my soul---if only for a moment.

I close my eyes, feel my body's weight nestled onto the earths surface-as one.

Warm green, embrace...

If this is what heaven is like, I will look forward to it. But for now, I will have to settle for artistic capture-to protect my memory.

He Is Gone...

2011-05-09T18:53:00.001-04:00

Play high up in the sky, and sleep upon the clouds...my little love. You will always be in my heart.

Some updates

2011-05-06T14:41:00.000-04:00

It is hard. I have been so swamped that I hardly can keep track of everything. I hope to update as soon as I get up the guts to call my vets.

He seems to eat well enough, but still will not put on any weight. I know that with every vet visit, he get traumatized more, and more. I wonder if he may have had some minor stroke during one of his procedures. That could explain his balance issues.
I know I may be "grasping at straws" here, but what if his eating habits, or lack-there-of any substantial intake, is trauma related? I 'dunno anymore. I want to save up some more cash before I make any appointments. The first big bill has come in already, and I am scrambling to pay off as much as I can to avoid surcharges, but it is impossible to avoid.

As long as he seems comfortable, I want to wait. But... if something alarming happens before his next appointment, you bet i'll rush him back to Tufts.

Right now, I am having a hard time finding enough hours in the day to everything I need to do. I feel like my "marbles" are spilling onto the floor!

:(

2011-05-01T13:47:00.000-04:00

‎'Gonna call the vet tomorrow. This may not turn out well... :(

Still Worrying

2011-04-29T11:24:00.001-04:00

I wish I could say my spirits are high. I am procrastinating making an appointment for him, because I know it will either cost us an additional $5,000-$6,000 to try and save him, or...we will have to euthanize. Either way, there will be more tests to determine if he may have some sort of additional disorder, or cancer. He still refuses to eat more than a couple of nibbles, of anything-even his most favorite foods. I am so worried. He looks so skeletal. Meanwhile,....our other cat Zoe is becoming even more rotund than ever, because she is eating whatever Sebastian refuses. Our third cat Piggywiggs is unaffected, because all she will eat is dry cat food.

I am loosing hope more, and more every day.

The "C" Word?

2011-04-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

I am beginning to think there is more going on...He still hardly eats, and this morning I had to pill him with an appetite stimulant. I worry that all this time and effort was focused on the symptoms rather than the cause. Maybe we really should have taken his eye into consideration more.
The symptoms came along with the evidence of a growth inside his left eye. I fear the dreaded "C" word. It could explain a whole lot. The growth could be like an Iceberg...there may be a heck of a lot more pressing on his brain than is evident inside his eye globe.
My poor guy could be suffering with terrible Migraine-like pain in his noggin, and not to mention what havoc it could be doing to his entire neurological systems. It just breaks my heart to think of the pain he could be hiding from us all!

I was alerted to this when I saw his balance becoming 'off' I originally chocked it up to being weak from lack of nutrition, But now I am not so sure.

I am actually scared to contact our vet regarding this, because we are at the end of our financial rope. He will need more extensive tests, and scans, and such...and, even with all that...will he even want to go on? I get tired of weeping every night!

I so wish that he could honestly tell me what he wants...I would do what ever I could.

Easter weekend

2011-04-23T12:09:00.001-04:00

I just thought I would give a little update on how Sebastian is doing:

He doesn't seem to be uncomfortable, in fact... he actually played a bit last night, but he is so bony! His appetite is not good, and he will only eat a tiny bit at any sitting. I still am concerned. At least, he has relatively normal bowel movements, jut small.
I am trying to be patient, but it is hard when I am reminded every time I stroke him, by feeling his bones.

I hope all of you have a good holiday weekend! Enjoy your Families!

Food Wars...

2011-04-14T11:15:00.001-04:00

He had a follow up appointment this past Tuesday, and seems to be doing better. His new x-ray showed that his stool was staying soft, and not building back up in his colon.

His fanny is still shaved, so he feels a little silly, but he is acting more like his normal self. My next challenge, is to find a proper food that both he , and the two ladies will actually like to eat! I have struck out with two cases of High Quality, and expensive canned food, already...and I am stuck with them. The third case and flavor seems palatable to them, so I ultimately guess 1, out of three is better than batting zero.
...Each case was $24.00 a piece, so I am out the $50, but at least they like the other one. XD
For the rest of his life , I have to give him cisapride and mira lax...But, as long as he is happy, that is all that matters to me.

Our Current vet bill is down to $2,200. We are struggling to pay it down. My Home vet was kind enough to not charge us for the follow up visit. We did pay for the X-ray though. Fortunately, the one shot was clear, and we didn't need any others. The 1 film was $75.00, not too expensive...I think.

We still need all the financial help we can get. I have begun making Key Chains, And pendants, for raising funds.

If you are able to donate <$10.00 you will be sent a red, Blown Glass Heart Key Chain with a paw print hand painted on it.Shipped for Free!!!

If you are able to donate $11.00- $20.00 You will be sent a Dihcroic Paw Print Key Chain with silver angel wings.Shipped for free!!!

If you can donate $21.00-$50.00 You will be sent a red, blown glass heart pendant with the hand painted paw print on it. The cord is non-allergenic rubber in a 20" length with a lobster claw clasp.Shipped For Free!!!

If you are able to donate $51.00 - $100.00 you will be sent a Dihcroic Black Cat silhouette pendant with angel wings on the same 20" rubber cord, and lobster claw clasp.Shipped for Free!

Any generous Donation Over $101.00 Will be sent Both a pendant, and a key chain, in a gift box. Hand painted by myself. Shipped for free!

Once I get some of these gifts made up. I will include pictures for you to see. Please check in once a week, to see if there has been any new changes, or developments!

Like a roller-coaster ride...

2011-04-11T13:24:00.001-04:00

Sebastian seems to be sort of leveling out in his recovery. Some days, he still has issues, but more often than not, he seems to be acting more like normal. He even has taken to bullying the two other girls when he is frustrated.

I really wish he would gain back some muscle mass though. Every time I run my hands over him, I still feel his bones. His appetite seems good, just not maybe eating enough? He has a follow up appointment tomorrow at our regular vet to see what has been going on.
We now have gradually changed his , and the other cats food to a more suitable diet, and everyone looks happy. But he will have to have cisapride, and miralax daily for the rest of his life. Lactulose was making him nauseous, and the long term side effects were pancreatic issues, as well as possibly diabetic hazards. Cisapride is very expensive, but essential to keep him going. I will have to get all my refills at Hopkington, since they are the only compounding pharmacy that carries it. It will run me $70.00 per refill. "A small price to pay, for keeping him happy, I suppose."

Maybe I will get a new x-ray tomorrow to see if his colon looks okay. If it does, then we will be spared the additional $5,000.00 in new bills for the surgical options as a last resort.

Hopefully, I will have more to report after his visit tomorrow.

...Rounding the corner?

2011-04-06T14:17:00.001-04:00

His last vet visit
Once we returned him to the vet, they examined him and took a new x-ray. He had more blockages. He was immediately prepped for sedation once again, and was given a third obstipation procedure.

While he was being worked on, we drove to pick up his Cisapride prescription. He will need it to help his colon work better. Also, the vet handed us some medication for his pain, and some to increase his appetite.This new visit has incurred yet another $500 dollars. I am pretty sure the bill total is around $2,700 or so by now. If this new course of treatment doesn't work, we will be forced to either continue the next two stages of treatment, or Euthanize. Sebastian's vet has talked with us regarding those circumstances; They will be the most costly of treatments, and the most extreme.

First, the feeding tube insertion. That will cost us around $1,200 to perform, then he will have to go back, every day for checks and adjustments. Each one of those visits can cost $150 or more. Depending upon how long it takes for him to gain weight again, and become regular, that could possibly go on for weeks.

Next, is the most high risk; Major Surgical removal of his non-functioning colon. That will certainly run into the thousands. We know that there is no way that we can afford that treatment alone. I have applied for grants, and other financial helping organizations, will not a single acceptance or approval. It has become really dis-heartening. Even if for some miracle, we find the funds, he may not make it through the recovery, or even end up with even more complications.

He is such a sweet boy that everyone at the hospital loves him, and wants to help in any way. He has put up with so much indignity, and pain, but he still purrs for anyone there to stroke his head. It would turn into the most heart-breaking story ever, it he has to be put down. We all do not want to give up yet!

Donations have creeped up to $297.00 but that is hardly enough. It has however helped us pay for all his prescriptions to date.

Yesterday, was frustrating. He kept wanting food, but then when I offered it he would sniff, and walk away. I had to force feed him prescribed high caloric canned food sprinkled with a 1/4 teaspoon of Mira-Lax mixed in every hour, only maybe a tablespoon worth each time. I am exhausted! He has to take the Cisapride every 8 hours, and the appetite stimulant every 3 days, and his pain medication as needed.

Today, there is good news to share!

He Is eating Better!....and on his own!

I am happy to see this.
I am thinking the pain medication, and the new Cisapride doses have seemed to help. He is chowing on some regular canned cat food in these two pictures. He still is not touching the dry food, but that is fine...we really do not want him to eat that again anyways.
We still have a long road ahead, but maybe we can avoid having to have surgery. I still have to continue the new medication course, and, still give him laxatives, but he did have a normal bowel movement mid-morning!...that is very good!

I will continue this blog thread as we plug away, at the treatments. We still owe about $2,500 in bills, but we still need help.
Please, Donate!

...A turn for the worse.

2011-04-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

This morning has found me discovering that Sebastian has seemingly gotten a bit worse than yesterday. No Bowel Movements since he came home, and his appetite is less than good, only maybe eating perhaps a tablespoon of food or so throughout the day. At least he is drinking water. He wasn't even doing that two days ago.

He has an Appointment back at Tufts today at 1:00. We will have to see what is next on his health course agenda. The visit alone, is $150.00 not including the additional radio-graphs, and other screenings they may do. Not to mention, if they will need to place a feeding tube. *reels over impending bill* We have already racked up $2,200 so far, including everything. Now...Who knows....

I have to get everything ready now, so I will update later on...

Please help! This is beginning to get out of control! I have only received $135.00 which we are very grateful for...we are indeed struggling.

His Decline

2011-04-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

My Boy Is Not Getting any better
More Updates:
Sebastian was discharged the other day. But, since then, he really hasn't eaten more than a tablespoon of wet cat food each day, and I have yet to see him drink any water. The vets at Tufts as I said above, had problems with his belly being too fat, well...that may be so, but then why is all his bones visible, and his eyes sunken in? If an animal is wasting, wouldn't the "Belly" go away first?

Everyone I have talked to says that Tufts is the very best animal hospital in New England. I want to believe this. I have been playing phone tag all morning trying to talk to one of the vets that worked on him, and am still waiting. I have never even seen all his x-rays, what if there is something else that is causing his illness? ...Did they have possibly by accident maybe perforated his colon? Why isn't he any better-at least he isn't straining in pain from stomach contractions, but he is still very lethargic, and his appearance is alarming.

My heart is Breaking...It kills me to force him to take his meds. Why won't he respond to the treatment? I am beginning to wonder if we were all looking in the wrong place. It is possible that his bad eye, is to blame? I noticed just this year that there was a cloudy sort of growth inside his left eye's pupil, deep inside the cavern before his retina. We all thought the tummy was the priority. We all would take care of his eye secondly. ...Could it be Cancer?

...What if we all figure this out too late?

Donations are still needed! He may need to go back into emergency if he won't eat or drink anything soon.

I thought I could get more work done, but I am so worried. I'm afraid I will come back up from my studio, and find him dead. "This is Horrible!" D-;

Please, anyone....

Saving Sebastian

2011-03-29T11:36:00.001-04:00

Meet our Fur-baby Sebastian
This is my boy. He is 10 years old, and my muse, and familiar. Our bond is immense. He has become very ill. His colon is weakened due to some sort of disorder called mega colon. He is what the vets consider 'Oscipated', which is worse than being constipated. Basically, his bowels have been distended to the point where his stool cannot pass though his pelvis to eliminate. If it is not treated... the colon walls can rupture, or die off, causing death.

For days... he hasn't eaten, or had any water. He was taken to our regular vet this past Saturday to try to get some help. He was given two warm water enemas, and one mineral oil enema, which did not work. We were sent home with some more Lactulose, instructed to administer every 4 hours to help draw water to his colon. This also did not work.
At this point we have incurred $250 dollars. I paid it...Monday, he became severely dehydrated, and was too weak to even move. He has wasted away until his bones have become easily felt under his loose skin. Alarmed, I brought him back to my regular vet, to try to get some more help. She had explained to my husband and I, that they were not equipped to do anything more for him. I was now faced with the grim possibility of having to euthanize my boy.

Our vet suggested to admit him to TUFTS University Animal Hospital. It is the very best in the New England Area. She discharged us, and sent us on our way to the hospital with his records and x-rays. The Hour drive was rough, as Sebastian was barely clinging to life. Once we arrived, we took care of all the necessary paperwork and signed our lives away.

He was immediately placed on IV's and bloods were drawn. They also took some x-rays. He was prepped for his overnight stay to try to stabilize him enough to perform the sedation the next day for treatment. Before we even left, to head home, Our bill has tacked on an additional $1,600 dollars. Between my Husband and I, we scrounged up another $800 dollars to deposit for his overnight stay.

This morning, I received an update to his condition. He made it through the night, and has been stabilized....Now, he is scheduled for his first sedation so the vets, can attempt to go in and break up the compacted bowel waste, and pull it out of his colon. If this is successful, then our bill will reach $2,000 and he may go home, and my own vet will help us deal with his aftercare. Our fingers are crossed.

If, this treatment does not work, Then we are faced with a Major Surgery, where they will cut open his tummy, and physically remove his diseased colon, and re-connect what healthy bowels he has left. Granted...He has to survive the surgery first. We both hope that things do not have to come to this point. Then, for the rest of his life, he will require various medications, and follow-ups. We should be able to manage his care for the rest of his years, accepting the hassles and circumstances. Since I work from home, I will be caring for him. It is a burden I will carry as long as he is happy. TUFTS states that if the second Surgery is necessary, the bill will increase to well over $2,300 dollars.
We have applied for Veterinary Insurance for our pets, but it is not available to us until a full year from application approval has accrued. I need to raise money for his care. Currently, we are already tapped out as far as we can see.
If anyone can donate to his care, I would be forever grateful! I will be compiling some inventory and other arts to sell in my e stores specific to his fund.

Any help is appreciated, even as little as $1.00. We will keep a tally on Facebook, so my friends and followers can stay updated. Our boy, Sebastian is well loved at both our regular vet, as well as at TUFTS. He is very sweet, and is putting up with all the pokes, and prods, like a real brave, trooper. He just keeps on Purring, knowing we are all just trying to help him.

If anyone is interested in Donating, My Paypal is amanda@dreamingtreestudio.com

I am beginning a campaign to raise money for my Fur-Baby Sebastian. I will be compiling a bunch of stuffage in my e stores to sell just for his care. I will be doing this beginning this afternoon. Any help is really appreciated, donations are accepted as well. All donations will be given a free gift as a token of our appreciation. Please make sure that a valid mailing address is included so I can mail it out to you all as a thank you.

Please Help!
3-31-2011 Update:
His Updates:

Sebastian is having three oscipation procedures since my blog entry. The third is happening this afternoon. Hopefully, this will be enough to clear his bowels. They claim that they are having a tough time manipulating his digestive tract because his belly is so big. He has been given pain medication through his IV drip along with all the necessary fluids his body needs. He still refuses food,...."And who can blame him!" but, he still needs nutrition. TUFTS hopes that once he comes home, he may be comfortable enough to try some wet food. *crosses fingers*

Our vet bills are up to $2,200 at this point. Donations has saved us $135.00. We are so very grateful! Any help is very much accepted, no matter how little.

Sebastian, and his whole family cannot thank everyone enough!

I am sooo Sorry folks!

2011-01-31T11:07:00.000-05:00

Goodness Gracious!

I have been so crazy busy, that I haven't been able to get back here to update! Pleeease forgive me! :(

I have been organizing my two e-shops to try to distinguish the things I make for paying the bills, and the things I make for the sake of art, and creativity. The website server on my own website has been temperamental, and horribly slow to upload new updates. I think I may have to simplify it quite a bit. It took me three consecutive days to update the older changes I had made! I will be deleting lots of useless pages on it, and just use the html links for my actual listings.
The website will still catalog my designs, for perspective clients who want my doll eyes, and irises. Great NewsFor all those Plush Artists, Crocheters, Amigurumists, and teddy bear makers! I now cast all my neat designs in a Safety Eye Format!!! Now all your fuzzy, squishy, and plushies can have my Kewl eyes and irises! I have a few listed in both my Etsy Shop, and my Artfire shop.
My Etsy
My Artfire
I closed my FuzzB shop for utter lack of Traffic..."Who the heck suggested that place for me?" *shrugs*

I am thinking of maybe doing some Steam-punk inspired goodies, since that seems to be the trend as of late. My eyes and irises are great for that sort of thing.
Also, I have purchased some PYO Windstones That I hope to get around to. In the meantime, check out some new metallic designs, and safety eyes, as well as new Art Doll Eye Colors I have created! These are just a sampling of what's new in my shops!

Metallic Bionic>

Metallic
New Cheshire1>

Metallic
New Cheshire2>

Metallic
Rainbow Spectral>

SM Safety Eyes
AD4 Albino1 Slit>

SM Safety Eyes
AD4 Rainbow Swirl>

Safety Irises
Clouds1>

Safety Irises
Blaze>

AD4 SM Rain>

AD4 SM Sorcery>

AD SM Fall Maple>

AD SM Golden Leaves>

AD Bluebell>

AD Driftwood>

AD SM Mesa>

AD SM Foxglove>

So.....I will leave you all with those pieces of eye candy to ogle at! Buy yours before they are sold out!
Bye, Bye, ...for now!

Pocket Drakes Update!

2010-06-11T16:13:00.000-04:00

I have finally uploaded some images of three finished Pocket drakes!

Yes The first batch of painted Drakes are done!
This adorable Duo has been commissioned for a client in Spain. A green 'Feather Drake', and a violet 'Serpent Drake'.

The Story:

One of my home's Brownies was eaves dropping on my work in the studio. She knew of a certain aged Gnome, who was in need of assistance with his menagerie of creatures he kept at his rescue. He is many ages old, and his heirs have all moved on to run various farms, and businesses of their own.

Getting weary, and feeling helpless, he has been struggling to care for all of his abandoned, lost, and injured Elven Drakes, Fyreflytts and, the occasional Eggletts, and Baby Dragons, that have come into his care. He loves all of Mother Earth's creatures, and will continue to go out of his way to take in each, and every one, no matter what the cost.

My Brownie has worked out a plan to help O'l Hamish and his wonderful rescue. I was to visit the oak grove in our local reservoir to meet Mr. Hamish along with my Brownie Arrwha. We sat atop the Granite outcrop, and discussed our plans.
Hamish would like my studio to take in, and keep all his healthy, recovered creatures to help them all find loving homes. It would take a great burden off of his arthritic shoulders, knowing that I am more than capable of finding homes for his lonely creatures. It has become my duty to take on his estate, and assist him in all of his projects. I am Honored by his trust, and have been given the crystal key, to his magical world. I have pledged to never let him down.

So,...It is my humble responsibility to present to you:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Pocket Drakes'

Here is a special little creature that is generally between 3, and 4 inches tall, and is a really gleeful, and social Elven Dragon species. They are earth-bound, but love to explore. They are a favorite companion to the Gnomes, and Fae. They are to them, what our cats, dogs, and horses are to us humans. They are very much loved, and are common. Sometimes that get lost, abandoned, or mistreated by their trusted friends. Sadly, they also can outlive their friends.
No one has ever asked how old a Drake can live,....and they most likely will never tell. They can be found in all climates, and terrains, and will be happy to explore any nook and cranny they discover. They are certainly a curious lot. This is what usually gets them into trouble in the first place! It can be common to find them with broken horns, tears in their fins, patches of fur, or feathers missing. Sometimes a blind eye, or even a missing tail-tip. Their curiosity is boundless. Hamish tells me they are the most exhausting of the rescues, But by far, the most rewarding!

Yes The first batch of painted Drakes are done! The first two are for a client, and the third, Is a birthday gift! Isn't he cute!

If anyone wishes to reserve one, Please contact me! They are $25 each and I take a $10 deposit before I paint. The balance is due upon completion.

Remember Coffee?

Well, He is still stagnated in this current state. I Just cannot figure out how I want to go with this.
Maybe after I finish my 'eggletts' trio I will get back to him.

Right now....He is very shiny!

I hope to also do some more work on my Giant dragon soon too. But, first I really must post more inventory in my e-shops.

That is all for now!

More on my BIGG Dragon...

2010-04-22T21:45:00.000-04:00

Third stage of Big Dragon sculpt;

Base layer of Activa Celluclay Fast Mache. This will be the substrate that I will sculpt upon with Air Dry clay.

I like the Fast Mache, because it only takes 48 hours to dry completely. Unlike the original Celluclay, which can take over a week! :XD:

I have to suspend my work on it for a while, so I can concentrate on some custom orders. I hope I can get back to it soon.

Meanwhile, I have begun to paint the 'Pocket Drakes'!

I have a reserve on two of them: the "feather" drake, and the "serpent" drake. I hope to paint up some of the others to put up for sale, at the same time....So, keep a watch on my twitter page for news about them!

BIGGGGG Dragon!

2010-04-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

I have finally had some time to do a little bit of work for myself! This past month has been a busy one indeed!

I have been talking about my plans for sculpting a 3 foot tall dragon on all my sites I frequent. I also promised to share my progress as I work. So, Today I am making good on my promises!

The very first thing I did was find some sort of lightweight substrate to build upon.

Normally, sculptors use a wire armature for the base of any work, but this is such a large piece, that I opted to use the strongest, and most lightweight option instead.
I chose some old roof insulation sheets made of styrofoam, and stacked them together to make a block. I used at first, the spray adhesive you can get at your local craft store...No good. It wouldn't adhere enough. :(
I then tried using hot glue...That worked quite well! Since the insulation is fire resistant, I had no melting of the styrofoam. I then cut out a general shape from the block of my soon to be Dragon. (I wish I had the Photos of that step) But, I do for the next step!

This next step was innovation at its best! :D

I needed something that was lightweight, and could adhere to the styrofoam block. I tried some of the expanding spray foam insulation that cured into yet another sturdy poly-foam, and the stuff when cured, is super easy to carve! I had loads of fun making a royal mess of my already crowded studio, sawing off chunks, and cutting out bits and pieces!

I did this to further the lightness of the behemoth form.

The Stuff is fairly cheep, and I got my supply from Ocean State Job Lot; a discount store

Today, I will be taking the next step: Applying the base layer of fast-dry celluclay to further refine my Dragon!

Stay Tuned!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2010-02-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

As Usual I have been very busy trying to juggle orders, and planning my own sculpts. Just as i think I am free to start working on them again, a flood of orders pop up. My Etsy stock has pretty much sold out, so...instead of working on the foundation of my newest creation, I need to cast a bucket load of eyes to replenish what has been depleted.

I have some new EQ style irises designed as a result of a custom order from a client. They cast well.

I also had to update my favorite Dragon Series, because I had some new colors to add to this ever expanding collection. This came to fruition because I wanted to create a special design for my (whenever I can get a chance) new sculpt. It is going to be a Phoenix x Dragon and It will be sizable. Now that I have a reliable air dry clay to work with, I can indulge in resuming larger scale sculptures!

I still need to patch my Pocket Drakes, before paint too. I will save a cast for re-cast after fully patched and finished. I was unhappy with the first batch of castings. "I know there are people waiting on them so I may have to focus on them first before continuing with my Phoenix Drake *frowns*

One more thing...

I have a straggler to add to my 'Nature Series' This is the color 'Raisin' now included in the line! Its very pretty! I was thinking of a rich plum type color to compliment what exists in the series, and played around in Photostudio to create this. I quite like it! I'll just bet it will POP when cast! Casting always brightens up any design as the magnifying effects everything. I will do a test run this afternoon when casting my inventory. Even the Semi-metallic treatment would be lovely!

Oh, Yeah...One lats bit: I now will offer Paperweight profile to my eyes. I was reluctant, because they are difficult to cast neatly, but there are lots of BJD artists who request them. Besides...I need to practice! They will be priced differently, and will be available upon customer request.

The popular sizes are as follows:

8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm.

I have in-between sizes too, for those harder to fit sockets. They can go up to as large as 3 inches, but the minimum diameter size I can cast successfully is 8mm. if clients want smaller diameters, it is best to stick with the standard profile. They go as small as 3mm's in diameter.

That'll be it for this month! *waves*

...Back to work! ^_^

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

This year will be filled with new package designs as well as new options, and images of each item I will be posing! Direct Buy Irises, and Doll Eye items will be displayed in a retail format, while customs, and special orders in bulk, will be un-changed.

As for my website, Please bear with me on it because, I am slowly changing over its look as well. I have loads to do this new year, and want to improve my markets adequately. I have to balance this with all your orders and requests. It is ALWAYS a work in progress, so it is worthwhile to check in there from time to time to see if anything new is uploaded.

If you need a size, style, or color, that is not currently listed, it does not mean It is unavailable!

You may contact me directly if you need an order request, custom, or cannot wait until the first couple of weeks in January for the new Direct-Buy listings.

I still have to refine all my 'Pocket Drakes' and cast more of them when I am able. I also have to finish all my original, and One-of-a-Kind Dragon 'Eggletts" so I can post those poor little guys! There eggs have been a nightmare to finish, and the babies themselves need to get painted! I still haven't forgotten about my larger original Dragon sculpt 'Dragon named "Coffee"' either. He has been waiting for months now, to be detailed!

I have some leftover Ornaments that I hand-painted that I would like to sell on etsy as soon as I can get some decent photos of them. What I really needed for Christmas was a better camera. My current one really is terrible, and I struggle with trying to get half-decent shots.

I guess, that is it for today, January 1st..."I'm off to the studio now, to get started!"

Pocket Drakes Preview

2009-12-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the sneak preview of the first run of castings of my New Pocket Drakes. There is the Chinese Drake, Feathered Drake, Lazy Drake and the Serpent Drake. They all range in size between 3-4 Inches in size. I will paint, and list on cast per each to begin with. Their pricing will most likely be around $23 or so.

This is the close up Of my Chinese Drake.

This is the close up of my Feather Drake.

This one is the Serpent Drake.

And this one is the Lazy Drake.

They all need to be cleaned up, and patched before I begin to paint. Lastly, They will all be set with their eyes, and maybe some Swarovski Crystals...we'll see!

Aren't they just adorable! I really have had some fun making these critters. Once I can sell these four, I will be able to buy more material to cast up some more! They will be limited in quantity; I will sell only 10 per individual design. So reserve yours today!!! I will personally sign, date, and number each casting.

In Other News:

Remember me talking about my experimenting with casting larger dragon eyes? Well...I have taken some snapshots of the three I have tried. They are nearly 3 inches in diameter! I'm not sure exactly what I will do with them, but...I'm sure I will figure something out!

This is my new favorite color! It is the 'Magma Dragon' eye.

It reminds me of the burning eye in the 'Lord of the Rings' Movies.

This one I still love too...'Nova Dragon' Also nearly 3 inches in diameter. I think the mm sizing is around 75, or 76mms.

I was really Bummed out that this shot was so crappy! It is the 'Black Dragon' color. It got all blurred and smeary, but the fact of the matter with this one, id the casting was completely bubble - free, and perfect! *grumbles* maybe I can scan it later or something.

Anyways, I was thinking of maybe taking these huge casts, and using them as a unique lid topper for some of my pyrographed boxes. I think they would be really neat that way. They are too large to be magnets, or keychains, but possibly a paperweight??? Who knows....

If anyone has any ideas to suggest, feel free to post!

Expanded Colors in 'Nature Series'

2009-11-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

Because of the increased demands of the 'Nature Series' I decided to expand upon the colors that will be made available. There are now 22 colors to choose from! We now have some really pretty shades of Purple, and some new shades of Browns, and Blues.

I also wanted to announce that the 'Natural Series' is being renamed 'Classic Series' to keep it from getting confused with the 'Nature Series'.

I am still waiting on my shipment of Silicone Rubber, so I can start casting my 'Pocket Drakes'. I had made a mistake upon ordering, and got the wrong material. But it will still come in handy later on!

This holiday season, I will continue with my painted glass ornaments, and will sculpt some special pieces 'Leaf Folk'. They have been lingering within my imagination for a couple of years now, and I have decided to make them come to fruition. They will be whimsical, One-Of-A Kind Ornaments that once my family gifts are sculpted, I will then make some for next season available to the public.

Dragon Claw magnets, and new pendants, key chains, and cell phone charms are also on the way...However they will not be worked upon until the holidays are over. Hopefully by then, I should have some of those 'Pocket Drakes' painted, and up for sale. I also want to get back to some Pyrography too. I really have been missing wood burning.

.............................Well,...I guess that will be It, for updates until the holidays are finally over. I really must focus on getting my gifts done, as well as any pending orders. I hope everyone has a wonderful season!

New Dragon Eye colors!

2009-11-05T20:06:00.000-05:00

I was working on a custom order, and in the process...I came up with some new designs to add on to my existing Dragon Eye Series. They are incredible cast in metallic!

I will be modifying my Dragon Eye necklaces into magnets, and pendants. The pendants will be usable for things like key chains, lanyards, and also can be hung as a sun catcher in either a car, or window too. I would avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time, because the vibrancy of the color may fade.

They will most likely be priced between $10.00 each, and up to $20.00 each depending on the size.

I will eventually post them in my e-stores soon!

New "Nature Series" color!

2009-10-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

I designed a new eye color for the "Nature Series" Line! I call it 'Pool' It is a beautiful Aqua-Blue in hue, and is very beautiful!
This new color design is available in Iris Only, AD, the new AD2 design as well as in semi-metallic treatment. "Isn't it Lovely?"

I also wanted to announce that I have new sizes that I can cast! I have 9mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 18mm, and 20mm. Contact me if you wish to order!

Brand New line of Eyes!

2009-10-11T14:01:00.000-04:00

I have designed a new line of Metallic Irises!

They are Mecha-Eyes. I have been getting requests to cast some in this particular style ever since the Movie '9' Came out. They will soon be available in all the existing sizes I already have. There are 12 colors to choose from. They are only going to be cast in Metallic treatment, and are IRIS ONLY. Here is what the designs looks like:
If you are interested in ordering some, please contact me at the email--- amanda@dreamingtreestudio.com

New Slideshow!

2009-10-08T21:21:00.000-04:00

I just updated my slide show!

Here is the link:http://www.slide.com/r/_rMgytF56D8Pzyd029K1c_DOdkjfllDD?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

Welcoming Autumn

2009-09-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

Alas,...My very favorite season is now upon us!

Today, is the second seasonal feeling day since the Autumnal equinox. The trees are beginning to turn, the air is crisp, and fresh...The sky becomes more crystalline in color.

This is my time of nesting; Preparing for the winter to come. I begin my baking of pies, cookies, casseroles, and roasts. Also, this is my most inspiring season. I always seem to 'pump up' my artwork, and painting. I begin to start more pyrographed chests, and boxes. I start to plan my Christmas lists. Halloween is so much fun! I have made some really unique Dragon Claw necklaces in two wired styles. Lateral wired and Slide wired. They both are beautiful and simple. I have made 5 necklaces in both styles. I posted them on my etsy shop. If you like them, then click on my link on this blog.

This one is the 'Nova' color, And this one is the 'Green' color. I'm telling you, that these pictures do not do them any justice! Below, are the other colors I have done:

They are available for sale right now on etsy for $30.00 each. Grab 'em while they last!

In other news,
I have been working on a Hippocampus sculpture. It has turned out lovely! I only hope its base looks just as nice! I have been waiting on the glue to dry. But, I do have some pictures of the hippocampus itself.

Isn't it lovely?! Until it has been placed with its base, I will not know how much it will be up for sale for. Then I should have a better idea on that.

Anyway, I mustn't waste any more of this gorgeous day! I'm off to do some yard work!

Work, Work, Work!

2009-07-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

As of late, I have been getting requests for special custom metallic Doll Eyes. I must say...It has turned into the biggest challenge I have yet come across. The insanity of trying to cast multiple layers into a 5,and 6mm eye has been hurting my head! For future customer references, I cannot cast special Doll Eye style Metallics in diameters smaller than 5mm. at least not with my resources.

Normally, when casting my designs, it is all within a singular mold, making a clean, line -free product. But with a metallic iris, and a white sclera, getting the two different pieces to merge cleanly, is near impossible. Multiply that difficulty by trying to do so within a small 6mm diameter...is quite trying to say the least. I will not give up, and I have been devoting all my free time to overcome this.

To maintain my business goals of making comparative, but more affordable alternatives for my clients needs is of utmost priority.

In other news...

I hope to return to some personal projects that have been collecting dust in my studio in the wake of my mad dash to complete eye orders.

My poor Coffee Dragon is waiting to be finished painting, and my Baby Winter Dragon needs to be fixed in order to go back up for sale. I also have three Egglet Dragons that need their own paint and eggs finished.

I then have to finish up my Pyrographed boxes so I can get them up for sale as well.

Next week, I have a scheduled Oral surgery, so I feel pressured to finish up some work before I go under the knife. I am pretty sure I will not want to anything but sleep once that is over with.

I guess that is it, for this month!

Thoughts...

2009-06-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

I know, I have left my new FuzzB account pretty vacant, but I am pondering what I want to include there. I will most certainly post my eye listings there, and of course more of my sculpts as well. I have been designing Fairy Wing templates and plan to trial some in my studio. If they turn out well, and cost effective, I will sell them on FuzzB along with my other goodies.

Also, I have some absolutely gorgeous pyrographed boxes too, that are nearly done! They are simply exquisite! It was tough to break away from dragons, but these gems are well worth the will-power.
Speaking of dragons; I still have one pyrographed purse-box of a Chinese Dragon. I think I will list that as well.

I have some beautiful printed blank greeting cards of my watercolor painting 'Betta Queen' and I will put then into collections of 12 including the envelopes. It is great for those who cannot afford to buy the larger prints.

Ornaments? I have done commissions in the past for those, and have had a long enough break from them to maybe offer them again as well. They are so very cute, and are season less... so people can proudly show them off year round!
Well,.....While I hash these things about in my thoughts, I will notify all when they are all listed!

New Store!

2009-05-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

5-29-2009

I have never had a blog before, but I think it may be useful!

I guess I will start with talking about what I have been up to. My Etsy store is doing well, You can shop there, link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5602490

Today, actually yesterday, I opened another store; On FuzzB.com link: http://bluefuzzyslippers.com/shop.php?name=Dreaming-Tree-Studio&username=Dreaming-Tree-Studio&user_id=102347

I am still getting the hang of navigating that site. It is different than Etsy. But, I do like the fact that they are cost effective. "I can stomach an annual fee of $25." *shrugs*

Well,...Now that that is done, I can share what I have been working on as of late.

Eyes, and Irises......lots of them. It is a niche I noticed needed here on the east coast. They are not my favorite project, but clients need them.

Myself, I am working on many projects. I have a great sculpt that was inspired by the shape of a dragon languishing in my cup of coffee. The next day, I was forming the armature for him. He has come along well, and if I had less distractions, He would be fully painted by now. lately I have been swamped by orders for AD style eyes. I also have some Beautiful Oriental looking Boxes I have been Pyrographing. I will maybe tint them with a little bit of watercolor. They were originally planned to be sold in my local consignment shop here in town, but my just be debuted on the web stores instead.

Finally, I have a long standing, and epic, digital art triptych That I hope to finish this year...*crosses fingers* I am still learning how to use my tablet and the software that goes with it. It takes some getting used to not having the tactile equation.

So,... I guess that is it for now!