I woke up early today...I ran out of sleep. I had a dream that I was going through my big box of canvases to take inventory; I kept pulling out glorious finished works that I never recall painting. Every time I took another out, there were more, and more stacked up behind. The box became deeper, and larger...with yet even more pieces building up inside.

The paintings were not like what I had done in the past. These new ones were more emotional rather than cerebral in design.

I feel that for many, many years, medications have hobbled my creativity, to the point that I have become stunted. It has been maybe 6 months at most since I have been off all those drugs. looking back, I'm sure they achieved their purpose in reality...if I were an "Average" person. They were designed to "normalize" my brain to function outside in this world at a job, education, and in social situations.

Creatively, it "dulled" everything. They made my life "Dull" as well.

The struggles I have shared on occasion here, were just the beginning.
Now that I realize that I am no longer bound by those pressing requirements to keep a job, complete an education, and be socially acceptable (ie: needing to nurture, and maintain an expected impression from others points of view), I am free to just "Be".

I think the veil is lifting, there is still more "lifting" to be had. I wonder what another 6 months will reveal...

Bad News, my dear clients, and fellow artists:

Because of a certain unscrupulous "seller" on Etsy, I am now forced to watermark all my designs, in my color charts - that are on my Website. *Frowns*  I know that watermarks are ugly, but these days they are necessary. :(  All my clients still can get a decent view of the colors/designs, even in spite of the distraction that the watermarks cause. I am sorry, but I have to do it. I got at least the most important ones done, and I will continue to get them all done as soon as I can.

Also, of Note: I no longer offer Casting Kits to go along with my tutorial, on eye casting. I took a chance offering them, but these days...the risk is too high. I am sorry for that as well. They will not even be offered by request either. This means no molds, and no color sheets.

It is going to be a real bummer for those who want them, or to other artists like myself, who want to make their own using my designs. There are too many people out there that will "RIP" My hard work for their own re-selling benefits. 
You can blame this all on the people who have done exactly that...Yep even the price increase due out for 2015.

I was afraid that this day would come, only that it did all too soon. "No good deed goes unpunished"

I have news, folks! 

I have just invested in some new supplies for my studio in hopes of bringing back full globe, and paperweight type doll eyes. I got some UV curing resin, along with the UV light, and have loads of Glass, and acrylic Globes on order. 

For years, I have been experimenting with different methods of trying to make some of these type eyes within a reasonable range of costs. I think this time, I can make them possibly as efficiently as my Flat backs.

Sizes will be limited though. So when custom order requests open again in mid-January, I can only make the Globe types, and paperweight types in those specific sizes. (fortunately they are popular, and common sizes).
The sizes are as follows:
4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 25mm.

Now,...the larger sizes (10mm-up) will only be available in Acrylic. The smaller sizes (8mm-down): Glass.

The eyes will be limited to White Scleral banding. Which means: No HR treatment, or colored banding. If you want those, you will have to stick to my Flat-Backs.

Depending on what kind of stem wire I can use, will dictate whether I can offer loop backs, or not. You can opt to not have stems at all if that is your choice. Pricing will reflect that option.

The Acrylic eyes will be available in paperweight style. However... the glass ones naturally cannot be safely cut, or ground into a paperweight kind of shape.

Pricing:

Yes, dear clients...Prices will go up next year. It is unavoidable. Supply must meet demand, and vice-versa. I cannot keep up with the most popular sizes, with the demands for them in my studio. I have to take into account inflation too. It is not just happening in the food, and utility departments, also shipping costs have gone up as well, especially when shipping overseas, and across borders. (Canada, and Mexico). Even Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

I will be simplifying 2015 price points:
A number, or group of common sizes will be priced in a certain per pair bracket, instead of based on Millimeter size. Super small, and larger sizes will still be priced separately per pair. 

I plan to offer batch quantities like sets in the shop, for those who say, for an example like a particular color series. I will list some as sets of 3, 6, and 12. 

Final note: I will no longer offer 3mm sizes in an AD2, and AD3 type format. (Detail, and color is impossible). I can only make them in standard AD ratio, and AD4 ratio, also of course as irises only. I will only cast them upon special request. They will also cost more per pair. 
Why?... Because (1): I cannot handle such micro sizes like I used to. (2): If they drop...They are gone...They fall in between the cracks of my hard wood flooring. 
And (3): Yield is horrible! I have to cast at least 4 pairs, just to get 1 acceptable quality pair. I throw away more than I can sell.  "You can do the Math."

Well...That just about covers everything planned for the new Year 2015. If anyone has any questions, I'm here...Drop me a line! ;)

Becoming 40

Very first thing...I really must apologize to any followers still left here of this blog. I seem to have forgotten about it completely. ...I am sorry about that. A year is a long time to let things lapse like this.

This year, was super busy with casting orders for doll eyes. every year it is even more so than the last. (A good thing I suppose). A lot of things have happened in my life, but I will keep things relative to this Blogs purpose.
The casting season has closed, and I am booked up completely. There will still be listings going up in the Etsy shop, as well as the Artfire shop. (One is solely for eyes, the other is for everything else, more or less.)

links here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamingtreestudio

And here: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/DreamingTreeStudio

I still do not know what I plan to finish, and/or work on this half of the season, as my motivation, and muse are coming to blows. I have several unfinished projects just laying around, and I have to also worry about my own physical health as well. 
I never was any good at multi-tasking. :/ I have A purple needlefelted 'Owlie' to finish, three-no four 'Foos' to flesh out, several unfinished wooden boxes to pyrograph, three 'FyreFlytts' that need their wings finished, and a Windstone PYO Keeper Dragon only begun, that has been sitting patiently inside his cloche watching the years go by. ("Yes...I said YEARS!") And those are only a sparse few things I have going on. 

I can state I am overwhelmed, to say the least. When I began to make doll eyes, I had no idea of how much of my time they would consume. It can be burdensome at times, But I understand the need. 

My health has been becoming more important than ever, now that I am already 40. "My,...has the time gone by!" I need to carve out time to exercise, and lose weight. I hope that the Cross-Country Ski Trainer Poles come soon. (Thank you my love, for that birthday present!). I am hoping they help take the stress off my back, and knees while walking. It is a small step on my road to wellness I suppose. 
Because of Fibromyalgia, I have better days than others. It can be so difficult to keep up a schedule in any shape or form. Sleep has been lacking, and weather can really mess stuff up as well. The thing with FM, is that it does not just affect you physically, but does so mentally as well. "I'm not talking in specific with things like depression, although it is common...but more for me focus, and memory." (They do not call it "FM Fog" for nothing, ya know.) 
I have learned to take things one day at a time. I have accepted that I cannot get everything done that I would like to, and I still feel guilty for being lazy at times. It helps knowing some of it is not my fault.

It shall be a "Wait, and see" sort of year I guess. :)

Please like my studio page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreaming-Tree-Studio/259992160699999?ref_type=bookmark

And follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CozmicDreamer74

To see most of the wonderful things I have done already, please visit my Website:
http://dreamingtreestudio.com/

Thanks again!
Amanda Martin of Dreaming Tree Studio

Regroup

Lately, I have not found the joy and wonder in my work. I realise that in effort to try and earn money, I have allowed my skills to weaken. I need to revisit pressure-free art. I honestly think that one CAN get rusty if they do not keep up with practice. 

Because I still need to feed the supplies in order to do some personal work, I will still keep the etsy shop going, and try to keep inventory up. My trials and wastes of my time trying to cast "Fish Bowls" has burnt me out. Casting resin and the silicone molds do get expensive, and I have really dried up my funds trying to make other "More affordable " pieces, has become an epic fail. If no-one buys anything, why the hell do I continue?

Efforts to make "Cute" affordable pieces such as Turbles, FyreFlytts, and other "Under $50.00" Items, seems to not make any difference. Sadly, most I ever made, Never sold, and were given up as gifts to family and friends. WHY???? Everyone "LOVES" them as my comments and feedback reflects, yet did anyone actually "BUY" them? ....Nope. 

I Know I have great skill, those smaller pieces do not even show it. I need to go back and work on some "Better pieces" just to make sure I can. I miss Pyrography, Illustration, Oil painting, Watercolor, and larger scale sculpts. I do not care anymore if they will ever sell, But I need to create to find peace.

Please, support the artist, people! 

For all the clients who need to buy eyes and other creative supplies My etsy shop will stay open link here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamingtreestudio?ref=si_shop


I do have an Artfire shop for my remaining pieces, and other arts here: 
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/DreamingTreeStudio

Visit DreamingTreeStudio's ArtFire Shop

I hope to maintain good traffic.

(4) Dreaming Tree Studio

I will include the info here as well since postings do change and I need to remind folks of this;

I guess every so often I need to repeat some vital information to all my perspective clients, as well as the current ones;


I have to deal with environmental conditions when the resin is curing, as well as the final sealer curing, since humidity variations can effect the outcome. This is why I do not like to take orders during the summer because these issues can occur. If I pack your order too soon, the surface could become pitted or deformed being sealed in a plastic bag, and be subjected to transit conditions. Please try to understand. I am doing my very best. I really do not want to send you a bad product, especially for the cost incurred by an order.


Resin is finicky. It may appear fully hardened on the surface by touch, but the inside may not be. I have my methods for accelerating the process, but even that is no guarantee that all is fully cured 100%. I am not a manufacturer with technical equipment to measure the chemical properties of such materials, I am only an artist who does this as a hobby, to help out my fellow peers worldwide to have a more affordable source for beautiful eyes and irises.

(4) Dreaming Tree Studio:

'via Blog this'

Follow Up from Last post...

FOLLOW UP to My previous post:  (I copied this from my email conversation with a peer)...I have been crying a lot this weekend over this. 


I started this up so long ago because there was a need for a resource such as this. When I was making sculpts, I really wanted special eyes for my pieces. At that time, the only available sources were taxidermy shops, or Asian glass eye markets. I knew of the company in CT, and another in California, but even their options were limited, and the prices were outrageous! I actually invested in a couple of pairs from Masterpiece, and they took over three months to arrive, and for the huge price I paid per pair, they came, and I was disappointed. I was so angry, that I took them apart to see why I paid so much for such shoddy work...I figured out that there HAS to be a better way to get nice eyes for my sculpts.


Then I started browsing the internet for materials, and did my research. I began to experiment. The first trials were epic failures in many ways. I refined, simplified, and tried even more materials until I found a consistent outcome. Unfortunately the best, and most reliable material to use was Polyester Resin. In its un-cured state, it is very hazardous to inhale. Once it is cured, it is inert. I do not use a gas mask, but make sure there is ample ventilation. I have damaged my health, i'm sure...but it is a small sacrifice to make. I figure the toxins cannot be any different than what most artists come in contact with making their various Arts anyways.


The idea of trying to expand into tutorials is a good one, and I think I will consider it over the off season. Some of the materials I use  can be made available for individuals via shops, but some of the equipment can get pricey. I think the most important tool in my arsenal is my Dremel. Without it...Production would be impractical, at best....even impossible. If most clients have one, that is a major cost cut. The second most expensive material is the silicone needed to make the molds needed for eye casting. The molds do break down, no matter how well one can take care of them. The truth is, the cheaper types do not last at all. I can only afford to purchase 1 Lb quantities of the higher quality putty used. So, I am meticulous about the care of my molds. I would think the hardest items to mass produce for "Make your own" castings, would be the lacquer I use for the semi-metallic treatments. Most of them are all hand mixed from pigments, micas, and powders, into a solvent-based carrier. Usually Acetone being the main ingredient. 100% Acetone is harder to find than one would think, and does not ship well at all. Water based items do not re-act well to the resin, or the coated papers I use for the base. Pigments are expensive too. Storage of the lacquer is tough. I use recycled Nail polish bottles. They seem to be the only way to store the mixed colors without the Acetone evaporating out. 


I think I could supply the dry mixes to the public, but they would all have to use their own solvents, and carriers. And keep their empty nail polish bottles!!!! 


As far as the studio issues well...We really need professional contractors to finish the renovations needed by law in our town. :( I think for the next year, or so I will still be stuck in my congested 12X12 space.


It feels re-assuring to know that you all are here for me, and I accept all the support I can get. Thank you so very much! <3
Amanda 

CAUTION! Long Narrative is ensuing. ......


Feeling Overwhelmed.<__> I think I took on too many orders this last month. They were all the usual 10 I take on queue every month during the season, but, This time, they were all large quantity....exactly like the month prior, which I am still struggling to catch up on. I love my sis, but she wasn't around as much as I would have liked to help with the workload from Junes orders, and I am still feeling the congested Production backing up. Besides... the the unexpected re-casts because of negligence of the Postal Service doesn't help either. :(  I should have been done with this season by the end of this month, but it looks like it will overflow into August too. 


The joy of eye-making is rapidly disintegrating week, by week. I am AN ARTIST, NOT a manufacturer! I am inches away from stopping eye casting. I thought I could have Kristin take on the responsibility of production, but I cannot seem to get consistent attendance. I cannot hire someone "off the street" to do this, because the studio situation is not ideal.  NOTHING is ideal 'round here, Our House is in shambles, there is an entire 2 LEVELS being unused, and becoming a catch all for all sorts of "Overflow" It is supposed to become my Real Studio! Hubby can only do so much, and nether can I do anything about it either. Money is an issue, labor is an issue, Time...Is a BIG Issue. I simply cannot take this casting business to a more productive level until these issues can be resolved. 


I am so frustrated, and disheartened...We need some sort of cash windfall, or some sort of grant, to get things in order. I do not know now, if it will ever be possible. I am saddened that I cannot give everyone the attention they need, and I really enjoyed offering my peers such an affordable supply option for all their creative needs, I really do not want to let every one down, worldwide. It took 5 tough years to get things to this point, and now...This "concrete wall". I need any ideas, suggestions, Tips, connections, ANYTHING, to save all this hard work I've done! I really do not want to throw it all away. I feel so helpless.

Dreaming Tree Studio News for the Off-season:


I have begun training my sister in the craft of eye making, she will be mainly in charge of inventory orders this season. I will make sure she keeps a good variety of sizes and colors available in the shop. She has good attention to detail, and will maintain the quality standards I have put in place. She may even do some Wing making too if she would like to.



I myself, need to shift my focus to my other arts. FyreFlytts will continue to be made, but in Cold Porcelain instead of Ultralight. Turbles too, will also eventually be made in this new material. But, I will use up all my exhisting ultralight on the Turbles first. 



I have begun production of Wings both in finished state as well as blank state, (for your own embellishment). They will begin appearing in my Etsy shop. Blanks will be priced starting at $5.00 per pair, and can go as high as $25.00 per pair for the large ones.


They also will not be sealed, or coated in any way, and will shrink, and contract when heat is applied. (Even after I hit them with my heat gun to tighten the surface to smooth out the wrinkles). There will be no holes, or lacing, nor with there be any coloring, or glittering. 


Finished wings will begin at $10.00 and go as high as $75.00 for the Larger Steampunk wings.( supplies pending ) These pairs will be finished completely, and will include or combine, Holes, lacing, paint, glitter, enbellishment, crystals, etc. 

All Wings will be bendible to a degree, as the wires within are flexible, and will be listed in a flat manner. 
Some particular wing designs MUST NOT BE BAKED! And those particular types will be noted as such, because they will be made of heat sensitive materials, if not highly flammable ones indeed. 

Felted Soft sculpts (No Armature) In the size range of 4-8" will run Between $40.00 - $90.00, And are all OOAK. I am willing to make custom commissions based on a Photograph, or digital jpeg. of a pet, for a starting price of $100.00. I have found that my prices are in competitive range for this sort of labor. Most rovings used are of higher quality, and can get expensive. But it is the time envolved that really makes up the bulk of the costs.


Art Cats are a new fiber-based art I will be working in. The pattern is a  Primitive, pillow-style form that will be used as the 3-dimensional base for artscapes done in roving and other media like Beadwork, Embroidery, and Swarovski crystal, on a felt backing. These pieces are in the Fine-Art category and will be priced accordingly. They will range in size from 8-14" tall. They will cost at minimum $200.00 are are gallery quality, Fine Art.


FattCatts come in three sizes Small, Med, and large.The Blue Scottish fold one I did for Mothers Day, was a medium one. Each Sculpt is OOAK, and individually painted. Smalls are $25.00, Mediums are $45.00, and Larges are $65.00.  


Tatzelcats are indeed Fae cats, and are about 3-4" tall, (not including the wings). They will most likely run around $25.00 each.


All Art works will not be listed on Etsy, but in Artfire. Or listed on my website. 


If you would like to place an order, for starting in August, I will be happy to to take a commission. Payment always needs to be made in-full before production. Shipping costs have not been included in the above quotes, That will have to come later when an order/commission has been placed.

Checking in...

All this week I have been struggling to find the time to update here. 


I cannot wait until the casting season ends! I have expanded my sculpting skills to felting, and shifting my sculpting media from polymer clay to various air-drying clays. I tend to sculpt on a larger scale that most polymer clay easily allows. I still need to fix up poor baby Winter, but I really do not like Lumina.  He was originally sculpted with Premo pearl, but he is too big to fit in any conventional oven, now. Paper clay, and Premier stone clay will not do...(simply not compatible). I am thinking possibly CP? (cold porcelain) I found a microwavable recipe online, but I am open to any suggestions. 


I have experimented with crayolas "model magic" because I had originally liked the texture. The trouble is, that it is not really intended for artistic use by professionals, let alone experienced sculptors. "Too bad, because it really has a soft velvet feel even after it has dried out completely." I tried to use it on my "FattCatts" but it cracks badly if the material is too thick. (I have been patching one I was planning to give to my mom for Mothers day, all week!)  Maybe I still have a chance to finish it in time....


Felting has turned out to easier, and faster than I had originally expected. I made a model of my recently passed "Furkid" cat Zoe. I managed to get her done in two Saturdays. I found a great short-cut by filling the larger cavities with polyfil stuffing. It actually makes the 'feltie' more "huggable" and allows me to work on a larger scale. The Zoe plush is about 6 inches in length and about 4 inches high; not bad for use of sample sized wool roving. I still have plenty left over! ^_^


Although I enjoy casting doll eyes, and irises for the world, (quite literally) I am getting tired of it! I really miss working on my own art. Breaking my production down into seasons has helped, But I still need to maintain inventory for my shop, year-round. :phew: The income is welcome, But I would much rather focus on selling my OOAK art instead.


I am waiting on my new digital camera to arrive, so I can get all sorts of Photos of these new projects. Hopefully it comes soon! 


 Bye, bye, for now! :D 

Attention all my loyal clients.

(12) Dreaming Tree Studio:

'via Blog this'

Shipping Notice

I have been getting feedback from clients regarding shipping issues...I'm not really sure what is going on, but some orders are getting lost, or delayed, regardless  whether they are from overseas or local. There seems to be a sort of ebb, and flow with the post services. First class post is most often as fast, or even faster than priority. The issue keeps coming up every two months or so. I do the best I can, trying to keep costs to a minimum, but if I change shipping services, It will inevitably cost even more. I am trying to keep my price-points at wholesale costs, for the benefit of my client base. Just this week so far, I have customers contacting me regarding ETA's from orders, and purchases placed as far back as in February. Sometimes it is an international customs issue, but there should be no real excuse for the same delays to occur here in the continental United States. I wish I had a solution. The best I can offer, is if a client still hasn't received their packages after 3 weeks of shipping notification, I can either re-cast your items for free, and re-ship with delivery confirmation,....or refund the SUB TOTAL (before shipping costs).  I am sorry for any other inconveniences.  I will include this message in my other sites as well.

Back up running!

...Back in Business! The Dremel part came yesterday, and I am again up, and running! Inventory is low in my Etsy shop. I am trying to finish some popular sizes to list. There will be 4, 5, 6, 8, and 11 mm sizes listing soon.

2012 season report

2012 report on casting orders:

When you are placed on a casting queue... unfortunately, you have to endure the waiting period; regardless of how small or large your order is. I have to state that it can take up to a maximum of 60 days.

You are free to get onto March's Casting queue. It will not start production until February's queue has finished. Waiting periods begin upon Opening announcements. Every year, gets more and more hectic, and I have to place more, and more restrictions just to maintain some sort of "Keep-Up" In demand. I have hired my sister to help me to keep up, but I still am the sole caster and that takes time.And now..since I am waiting for my replacement Dremel parts to come in, I am helpless. I am forced to suspend all orders until I can resume work again.

I wish I had a more "Rosy" report to give you, but I am in the very thick of the season, and I see no let up in sight. At least with my queue system, you can reserve your right to get your order made during this years casting season.

'via Blog this'

New for 2012!

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

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...

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?

Order Suspension Notice

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...

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!