Spirit Walkers

When I first began creating the Ancestors©, my voice came booming loud and strong. The figures took shape, grew, multiplied, and changed. This took place over many years. My skills grew as I acknowledged my intuition and I continued to explore my “voice”. The result was success, passion, and a good business.

A couple of years ago, I became aware of the doll movement and of all the wonderful teachers, classes, patterns, and community. I enrolled in some classes here and there, bought patterns (most of which remain unused in a file cabinet!!), and was delighted at what I was discovering. AND I stopped listening to my voice. What happened was an erosion in my own self confidence – I began questioning myself: was I making “good” dolls? Were they “wrong” because I hadn’t come from a sewing background? Were my techniques incorrect. I made many mistakes and the biggest one was being untrue to myself. I was so caught up in monitoring myself and not hearing my own voice, that I lost my spirit.

I have now reclaimed it. These beaded figures have the same power and energy the early Ancestors had and once again I am singing with my spirit. When we all learn to give credence to what we really KNOW inside, we will fly.

Classes, patterns, and outside influences are there to enhance our skills and zest for dollmaking. They are wonderful and I thank all those who have contributed and enriched my understanding of this very special art form. And if in my growth I have offended any of my “teachers” I apologize and say Thank you anyway, for giving your “voice” to the rest of us.

These Spirit Walkers have renewed my creative energy. I hope they speak to you.