Stray Stitches

Christmas Angel

I made two of these guys this year for gifts. One was for a gift exchange for my local artists group, Orange County Art Makers, at our annual Christmas luncheon. We always have such a great time and this year was no different. Here's a picture of all the ladies. Not pictured: me - I was late, oops.

The second one went to my very good friend and co-worker Heather, she really is an angel herself!

Heather got me the best gift - tickets for her and I to the famous, yearly Mark and Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Center in LA. We had a really fun time and saw some great classic rockers. Thanks Heather!!

 

It's officially xmas at Stray Stitches

My latest little dollies with lots of holiday flare are now available in my etsy shop.

Also if anyone is thinking about a special handmade gift for a certain someone or even for yourself I am taking custom orders and commissions for Christmas, but better hurry! Contact me via email.

I have a few more dolls available at my favorite downtown Fullerton store Otto. If you are local it's a great holiday shopping spot, and if you're not I'm pretty sure they ship, so check them out! I have two different knome type dolls and some Christmas ornaments. The dolls will be featured at the next Fullerton Art Walk, Dec.2, it's a "Santa" theme show.

Marty's 50th Birthday

It was a few weeks agao but I'm finally getting to upload some pictures. We all had such a wonderful time enjoying Marty's 50th birthday. He wanted to get all his siblings together and go to Catalina Island.

This is a shot of Avalon Bay.

Part of the crew getting ready to board.

We all stayed at the Wrigley Mansion that has been turned into a very classy Bed and Breakfast. There are just 5 rooms, but it was perfect for all of us. This picture shows all of Marty's siblings and their spouses, and daughter Jessica. We took over the whole place and had a great time. They really take care of you there!

Birthday Boy!

 

The present . . .

For his gift I decided to buy Marty a humidor for his cigars. I bought one that was very plain so I could jazz it up Keely style a little. First I sanded all the finish off the top and went after it with my wood burning tool.

The finished design.

Stain re-applied.

I think it came out pretty good and Marty really liked it.

Adding Stocking Stuffers on Etsy

I just uploaded some cute little stocking stuffer items and Christmas gift ideas to my etsy shop. First are some fun resin rings I made using faces from my art dolls. I will be adding many more as I make them.

I've also added some gift certificates that will be good towards anything in my shop.

Away they go . . .

These babies are on their way to Pop Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico for the "Pop Love" show running through Dec. Hope they will find nice homes!

My new book

Stray Stitches Vol. II by Keely Benkey-Reichman | Make Your Own Book

Anniversary prezzies

I made Marty a Grinch doll for our second aniversary, he's a big fan of the green guy!

and I got him a couple of good cigars

Marty gave me two beautiful pieces of artwork, they're mid-century, glass mosiac

We had a lovely dinner at Sol Grill in Newport Beach

where I was treated to a musician that Marty hired to come in and play "our song." His name is Jim Kopp. It was a lovely evening indeed!

Openning Night at Cactus Gallery

Here I am with my work for the Dia de los Muertos show at Cactus Gallery.

Check their blog for all the artwork that is available - show runs through Nov. 8th.

And now time for some grandma bragging . . .here's a few pictures of Anabelle

and my favorite picture of Gerianne holding her

I'll be at Cactus Gallery!!

for their 7th annual Dia de los Muertos show, "Muerto en Vida"

 

I'm a late entry so I'm not named on the post card but I will have 4 dolls on display. I'm excited to be included and anxious to see all the Day of the Dead art by the other artists. It should be a great show. Check out the Cactus Gallery website for more information.

 

A doll commission

This is a doll that I just finished for a friend who sent me a couple of sweaters to felt up and use. I think it turned out nicely.