"So you see, imagination needs moodling - long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering."
- Brenda Ueland
Oh my! It's been so long since I last posted to my blog. It's been a very busy time. Lots of changes. Here are two of my latest pieces:Herr Hiram der Hase and Good Mourning.
Herr Hiram der Hase
Hiram der Hase, Copyright 2009, Deborah C. Pope (Photo credit:Robert Batey)
Herr Hiram der Hase, 20"H x 12"W x 14"L
Herr der Hase is hand-felted wool over a wire armature with cloth body. I blended and carded alpaca, merino and other wool to get just the right color and texture for his fur. His ears are wired to make them posable. Hiram’s eyes are hand-made and hand painted paperclay. His handmade black leather shoes are complemented by deep purple felt spats with hand-dyed silk trim. Herr der Hase wears an appropriately natty outfit that is tailored to accentuate his elegant, lanky frame. Hiram sits comfortably on a custom designed wingback armchair that is hand-upholstered and covered with whimsical cotton fabric. Herr der Hase sports a jaunty hand-felted bowler hat embellished with a peafowl feather, antique button and French ribbon. He holds an antique bentwood walking cane. Herr Hiram der Hase rests a custom base painted in a classic checkerboard motif.
Good Mourning
Good Mourning, 2009. 18"H x 9"W x 12"L
Victoria is hand-felted merino wool over a wire armature with cloth body. She has hand-made leather shoes and gloves. Her historically inspired costume features several layers of hand-dyed silk garments including: corset, pantaloons, petticoat and stockings. Her hat is hand-felted with accents of fresh water pearls and French ribbon. Fresh water pearls also add luster and elegance to the front of her dress and cuffs. A handmade maple walking stick with brass ferrule and monkey head crown completes her ensemble. Victoria stands on a custom solid black walnut base, with a checkerboard motif on the top.
NIADA Conference 2009 Arrowmont, TN
The annual conference in September was a whirlwind of creativity, teaching and connecting with friends new and old. As always, the students in my classes were enthusiastic and engaging. I think I learned as much as they did. It was great to share ideas and stories. I've posted some pictures from the classes.
One of the most exciting books of the year is the masterpiece NIADA Art Dolls... Rich Traditions, New Ideas. 
This is a must have book that is a work of art in itself. The creativity and design that went into this definitive work is truly inspiring. It makes a great gift. I am honored to have my work included in this collection of incredibly talented artists and proud to be a NIADA member.
"Lighting one candle
from another -
Winter night"
-Buson