Google Reader going away..

If you use Google Reader to keep up with some blogs, you're going to need to find another way.

I personally use Bloglovin'. I've been using it for a long time now actually. Yes, I follow other PD sites through Google reader, but that's more so their links show up on my page and I can help get them a few more followers if possible. I have never actually used Google reader to actually keep up with the content though.

 The main reason I like Bloglovin' is because you can sort/categorize the sites you follow. I have a paper doll group, a cooking group, a group for people I know, etc. It keeps posts for about a month before they expire. Great for me because if I don't get online all week, I don't have to go to each individual site to see if there's any updates, only updated sites show up. That way while Liana (of http://joechip.net/liana/) is on her adorable baby hiatus, I'm not driving myself crazy wondering if she's back. When she is, it will pop up and I won't miss it. (Ok, so I am wondering, but I understand she's got more important things to do right now.)

Another thing I like is that even if a blog/site hasn't registered themselves with the site, I can still input the link and start following the content from then on. This is also helpful for foreign language sites that post PDs, but not only PDs. I see a picture (if the post has one) and a portion of the beginning text content. That way I don't have to try to figure out the post on antique teapots unless I choose to. Or craft posts I know I'm never going to do.

I've also gotten personal, thoughtful replies anytime I've had a problem, which has been only two or three times in at least two years.

There are other sites, rss feed readers out there & maybe you will find one you like better, but this is how I follow nearly every site I read regularly, so I think you might also find it useful.





This post is not sponsored in any way.

Plans

Just have a minute to post.

My kids are out of school for the summer and we've been busy running around living life. Pools, blueberry picking and loads of bike riding.

Also my birthday is in 5 days (thought I have 2 weeks or so, but my sister-in-law pointed it out to me just a few minutes ago), I'm going to be 29. The last year of my 20s, it's not as nerve-wracking as I thought it would be 5 years ago. In fact I'm looking forward to my 30s. Life looks like it's getting better & better as it goes, I'm optimistic about the future. My husband's birthday is also coming up in 5 days. Yup, you heard me, we've got the same birthday. I'm a year older though, so clearly I'm the wise one (Ha!) in the relationship.

Anywho, it's going to be a busy month.

I am making plans for what to do about the blog and I'm embarrassed to have posted so little. I may not have many, but I value every follower I've got. I'd like to prove I deserve them. I've also had several ideas.

Hope your summer is fun!

The Let-Down

One thing I hear a lot from other paper doll artists and collectors is that at one point they became to busy for paper dolls. I always thought maybe I just loved them more since I never have. I am starting to think it's because I fought tooth and nail for it. It's really hard these days, I feel like I've drawn nothing but doodles in the last year.

I'm not giving up, but I'm realizing that I am essentially in the same position those others were. Maybe it's just hitting me a few years later.

I'm 29 next month, I have two kids 10 and 6 years, most days I watch my niece who is 4. I thought it would be easier once they were a little older and both in school, but I feel like it's more intensive now. I'm trying to raise good people. I am not working currently, but I am looking for a job. I never feel I have the time for art anymore, I feel guilty and sad about it. Paper dolls are important to me and help me feel centered, but for some reason I'm not doing much creating. I am still cutting out my double sets and buying some PDs now and then, but it's not as satisfying for me.

I do think about drawing and this blog every day, no exaggeration.

Does anyone who's been through this have any thoughts or tips on how I can get back on track? I want to, but I've always struggled with motivation.

I wanted to touch base with you all and say that while I don't know when I'll be drawing again, I hope it's soon, I hope it's tomorrow. I'm just not sure I can make any promises that I can keep just now.

Paper Doll Clubs & Groups List

Here's the list of paper doll groups in the USA. Maybe there's one near you.

Spring PD Party

Such sad news in my inbox, The Southeastern Paper Doll Party has been canceled this year. Jean always throws a great party and it's been something I've looked forward to every year. Hopefully next year it will be back. Or heck, my husband keeps asking me when I'm going to take up the torch and throw one myself. I definitely couldn't this year. I'm going to miss seeing everyone.

I guess that means I should think about going to the convention this year. It's in Los Angles, California this year, which is on the other side of the country for me. It would be an adventure for sure. We'll see what happens.

New Year, Renewed Commitment

Last year was a bad one. Busy-busy with no money to spare. Or time to draw for that matter. I think I drew two things (PD related, hundreds of flower doodles were successfully achieved) all year. It stunk and I am not doing that again this year. Plus you'll all leave me if I don't get my act together, if you haven't already. I need to be better. 

I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't give you some kind of picture to look at, right? So here's some grainy pictures I took of the PDs I got for Christmas. I wish I could have gotten better quality shots, but I had to turn off the flash to get them to come out this good. Since they're still available for purchase I'm only posting pictures of the covers. 

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 First we have the new OPDAG Paper Doll book & it's gorgeous. I'm a little disappointed with myself over this book. As a member of OPDAG (Original Paper Doll Artists Guild) I had the chance to maybe have something published in this book, but I didn't get around to it. I missed out on being part of something truly special. I will submit to the next and hopefully my art will be accepted.

 

Peter Pan by Charlotte Whatley.

I love her work and it says there's an additional doll to download on the Dover website, which I really need to get around to doing. I think the Tiger Lily doll is my favorite.

 

Fashion Fads by Brenda Sneathen Mattox.

I've been a fan of her since I stumbled onto her website about 13 years ago.

 

I was also given these two cute PDs. 

Little Japanese Girl by Tom Tierney & Aiko From Japan by Yuko Green.

 

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 Sticker Fashionista by Kelly Smith.

This one was not a Christmas gift, I bought it myself at my local Barnes & Noble. More like a sticker paper doll book, although I think it wasn't intended to be exactly. The dolls are black & white pencil and the clothes are full color stickers. Not sure exactly how the clothing was drawn because I didn't look at them too closely yet. I suspect pencil lined paintings. I took a few pictures so that you can see for yourself. I've included a photo of the UPC code in case you might be interested.

  

 

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Last but not least, I wanted to link to a post on another PD blog. 

Mostly Paper Dolls Too has a B & W paper doll from 1916 with MY NAME. Nothing has my name, except a chain of hotels in Greece, but nothing in the USA. So it's really cool to see and she's cute to top it all off. I've already printed her out twice and will probably do a few more times so I can color her in different shades. I'm excited.

 

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Thanks for sticking around, I really do appreciate each and every one of you.