Mermaids on my Workbench

Sleeping Mermaid by Marla L. Niederer

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau

Reclining Mermaid by Marla L. Niederer

I have always loved to be around water, be it a lake, river, or ocean.  I always feel calmer, more peaceful, and uplifted when I am near it. 

Reclining Mermaid by Marla L. Niederer

 I have also always held a fascination with mermaids.  Maybe it’s the femininity they represent, maybe it’s the beauty they are always portrayed with.  

Sleeping Mermaid by Marla L. Niederer

So when asked to create a commissioned small sized mermaid, of course my response was YES!   I was so happy to create this little mermaid that I couldn’t just make one!   

Mermaids by Marla L. Niederer

They are far from complete.  They need hair, headdresses, and all sorts of embellishment.  But, I thought it was time to share what has been on my workbench lately.  

Some of the watercolor paints I used on the mermaids

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Until next time……

warm hugs,
Marla

Mardi Gras Doll by Marla L. Niederer

If you are interested in taking a live class, I am teaching a one day class at the Thousand Islands Arts Center in Clayton NY on July 27,2017.  If you wish to find out more about the class or to sign up give Marcia Rogers a call at the Thousand Islands Arts Center at 315-686-4123.  There are still a few places in the class left.

Mardi Gras Doll by Marla L. Niederer

Flower Fairies

I always enjoy having my tea out on the screened in porch during the warm weather months.  During the past few mornings the air is starting to show the signs of Autumn’s approach with the cool crisp mornings and colors of fall beginning to appear.  I love all of the seasons and live where they can all be enjoyed. But, the end of summer always leaves a slightly melancholy feel.  A wish to extend the summer warmth and sun lingers into the fall until the colors become so vibrant and the air so crisp that all there is left to do is but embrace Autumn’s spectacular arrival.  And with these feelings I started to work on this project of flower fairies.  Maybe it’s my way of prolonging the beauty of the summer flowers along with the embrace of the approaching change of seasons.  I have more beading to do, hair to add, and headdresses to create.  Check back in from time to time and I will keep you posted on how they turn out.

If you are looking for a new project to do I will be teaching an online class, Mistique, on A for Artistic starting September 29^, 2015.  You can find out more about it by clicking on this link.
http://www.aforartistic.com/classes/open-classes/mistique-cloth-ball-jointed-doll-with-marla-niederer.html