Happy Holidays to all

Happy Holidays to each of you . Enjoy your families and your festivities however you celebrate. Thank you for donating 12 dozen (plus 4)Comfort Dolls this year!!!!!!!!
You have shared your love with 148 women who needed a hug.
You Rock!!!!!!!!

Thank you from Mid-Valley of Salem OR

The Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service from Salem Oregon were the recipients of the 11th dozen Comfort Dolls and here is their letter to thank you all. The staff member's even signed it.
Click on the letter for a larger view,and feel the warm fuzzies you have shared.

Comfort Doll from Bettsi McComb of CA

Bettsi McComb is a "tender hearted dollmaker" from CA. She has an etsy shop named,Tender Arts Studio, where her beautiful originals are offered when available.

Bettsi created a delicate embroidered doll with the tiniest perfect stitches and a simple word of encouragement embroidered on the back side which reads,"BLOSSOM". That is our wish for the women who receive our dolls. To find inspiration and strength in our message and blossom.

Thank you Bettsi for your Comfort Doll donation. She will be among the lucky 13th dozen as you had hoped. I know whomever receives her will be the lucky one.

Happy Holidays!

Teddy by Christina Crawford

This darling teddy comfort doll arrived from Tina Crawford of Colorado. Tina is a member of "Expression Studio", a group of mixed media artists that have joined in the Comfort Doll Project to spread smiles and warm hearts. Thank you again Expression Studio members.

Tina attached a message which I must share with you.The tag reads, "This little bear is a gift to remind you of just how precious you are. Survive,Strive,Thrive". Tina, I think you have summed up the message we hope to express with our Comfort Dolls. Thank you for your time,talent,and love. It is appreciated. Your teddy is so soft and sweet, I know someone will adore it. Happy Holidays.

Comfort Dolls by Linda Themer of IN

Linda Themer of IN (Hi fellow Hoosier!) sent a box filled with six of these delightful winged Comfort Dolls with such sweet faces. They flew into my heart,and soon on to ladies who need to feel their powerful message of strength and hope for a bright future. Linda said for me to keep one, but I am torn,knowing what pleasure they will bring to a woman not as fortunate to be surrounded with such extraordinary women as you all are. I may keep one around for a while,to enjoy. Thank you very much, that was awfully generous of you to think of me. And for the record, it is you,the donors who are angels :-).

Linda offers original Fiber and Textile designs along with Mosaic jewelry on etsy. I love to shop Etsy for handmade gifts and cool supplies.

Comfort Doll from Darlene (Hugger) Wilkinson of VA

Darlene Wilinson who friends refer to as (Hugger), which sounds like a delightful nick name to me, sent this Comfort Doll. Darlene is part of an online group named"Expression Studio" where members got together and created Comfort Dolls and they are all arriving and keeping me delighted with each package I open. Again, I want to thank Expression Studio members for taking on this project.

Darlene has attached a statement of her Art and an inspiring message which I would like to share with you. "Dolls for me are expression...most of my work,no matter what medium is an expression of hope and happiness,also a discovery for the person who gets a doll to go deeper and find meaning for themselves. My hope is that the journey with the doll brings to you whatever you might need.

Darlene, your "Art" is beautiful and unique. I hope you all can see the detail in this doll. Her chest has a message for her recipient which is covered with mesh and beaded around the rim. The words,"Believe,and Laugh" are contained inside. A metal tag which reads,"Live out Loud", is certainly good advice for all. Her face is Fimo with a peaceful expression,which the recipient will certainly feel when she accepts this Comfort Doll. Thank you Darlene for donating to the Comfort Doll Project.

Comfort Doll from Miss Donval

I am so sorry Ms Donval, I cannot read French and am not sure what your first name is. How embarrassing. I want to add your name so if you could email it,(angell100@comcast.net) I would greatly appreciate it. The French language is written so beautifully, but I just cannot seem to make out the letter's. I apologize.
I would also like to link to your website or blog if you wish to share.

Your beautiful doll arrived smiling and instantly making me smile. Such beautiful colors. I love mermaids and know her recipient will adore her. Her face is very sweet,great job. Thank you for being a part of the Comfort Doll project.

Sammy Stafney comfort doll donations

These cheerful little Comfort Dolls arrived from Sammy Stafney of Oregon. Sammy is a bead and fabric artist who states that her creations are,"Created with a Loving spirit". Yes Sammy, I would agree with that statement. The love and care you put into your Comfort dolls certainly shine through in each smile you give them,every detail ,bead, and stitch.

Each Comfort doll I have had the pleasure and honor to hold and view from all of you donors can't help but warm my heart, and I can imagine the difference these have made and will make in their recipients hands. Thank you again for spreading love to our "sister's" in despair.

SISTERHOOD
Different sizes, shapes, and colors yet, we have some of the same problems. Male problems, children problems, mood swings, mental and physical problems, you name them, we have them. We comfort each other, we get on each other’s nerves. Sistahs assisting Sistahs, who are like us? You give me your shoulder to cry on, I give you my helping hands. You give me advice and strength, I give you a listening ear. I give you my love and support, you give me your friendship.
by EVELYN HALL

12th Dozen Comfort Dolls going to Texas!!!

I am sitting here smiling!!!!
I just spoke to Debbie from ,"The Bridge over Troubled Waters" in Pasadena Texas and she accepted the 12th dozen Comfort Dolls which will be mailed tomorrow. They will receive them before Christmas,YES!!!!

Sometimes it is hard to find homes for our dolls for one reason, most shelter's have over 100 occupants at a time and some shelter's do not want to give to one and not all. This is understandable,even though they are meant for the very souls whose faces have a blank look of hopelessness and their spirits have been broken. I do understand their concerns and I too would feel uncomfortable if I couldn't give to all who seek shelter from abuse. However, I am determined to find homes in every state for our dolls.

I thank those of you who have formed groups to join in this project and for those dear hearts who have donated this year,and to those contemplating a donation. I love reading your comments and especially love how you enjoy making these to give. You truly are special ladies and you make a difference in your actions. I appreciate you very much. Happy Hoildays .

Comfort Dolls from Gail Pierce

In the mail today were four Comfort Dolls created by Gail Pierce of California. Gail is a member of an online group named ExpressionStudio ,and several of them got together and created dolls for the Comfort Doll Project where we send to shelters around the country for battered women in transition to warm their hearts and let them know she is being thought of with these tokens of love and compassion.
As you can see, they are works of fiber ART. Gail used a woven technique for two of her dolls in cheerful fibers, and hand painted and embellished her fabric for the two thinner ones. Very cool designs which I had never seen. These will be a delight when received. Gail was concerned over the size of the woven dolls however, the head and feet fold nicely and will fit within the 6" requirement.....but, you know rules and I do not mix well, so either way, they would be accepted, passed on, and loved.
Thank you so much Gail for your lovely and thoughtful creations for the Comfort Doll Project. I am thrilled your group wanted to join in. Thank you for the lovely fabric too, you know that will be used!

More Comfort Dolls from Linda Boudreau

Linda Boudreau from Canada sent two more of her adorable kitties and a beaded doll for the Comfort Doll Project. Linda embellishes her kitties with silk ribbon embroidered flowers and adds cute thin whiskers and beads for eyes then dresses them with a bow for their new owners. Such a cute pattern Linda. The doll has beautiful metallic beading and a hand painted fimo face which she also embellished with beading. Than you so much Linda for your wonderful contributions to our project.

Linda has interesting posts on her blog about the pleasure she gets in making Comfort Dolls. Reading posts from donors really warms my heart and certainly puts a happy tear in my eye.

Bunnies and bears and puppies...oh my!!!!

This box arrived and when I opened it I almost fell over. Pam's mother, Adria created 26 comfort "bundles" and a doll for the comfort Doll Project. I see where Pam gets her energy and creativity. My goodness. This takes us into the 14th dozen after the 12th and 13th have found homes. 2008...here we come! Adria, I am speechless at the moment. This box was overwhelming to view. I cannot imagine the time you are spending on this project, and I am so grateful you view it as a worthy one. Thank you doesn't seem enough.

I wish you all could see the detail Adria adds to each "bundle". I call the bundles because Adria wraps each doll in a quilted blanket and adds a charm and flowers along with other embellishments and each one is different. Just amazing.

Crazy patch cat and door hangers from Pam

Pam Kellogg has struck again! She has sent two delightful door hangers and one of her gorgeous crazy quilted cats for Comfort Doll recipients to enjoy. Thank you for your continued support Pam. You are a wild woman who must stitch while sleeping. Hugs to you.

Comfort Doll from Velda of Canada

This sweet and cheerful Comfort Doll flew in from Canada. She was created by Velda Stanley.Velda used a purple velvet fabric which she embellished with various fibers,ribbon flowers, purple curly hair,beads and charms. She embroidered a very sweet face to her doll which will be of comfort to her new owner. Thank you for donating a comfort doll to the project. It is greatly appreciated.

Looking for Eliane,Fanchon Mandras,Linda Barraclough,Christine of France

Calling for help please!!!!!

If anyone knows Linda Barraclough of Vic AU,Elian from France,Fanchon Mandras of France, and Christine of France, please have them email me angell100@comcast.net. Or if you have their addresses,please send them to me. I misplaced the envelopes and need to send them their charm please. Thank you so much.

11th dozen Comfort Dolls going to Mid-Valley Women's Crisis in OR

I am happy to announce that our 11th dozen Comfort Dolls will be received by the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis center in Salem Oregon. These will be mailed tomorrow. I am happy to be able to find them a home during the Holidays when things can seem really hopeless for those going through transition. Hopefully these inspiring "hugs" will warm their hearts and encourage them that the new yea can be much brighter for them. This group was created by Ati Ham Sas of Norway,Christine of France(2),Freda of Illinois,Pat Winter of Indiana,and Terri Takacs(7) of Connecticut.I want to thank all of the donors again for your contributions.

What a powerful post from Nathalie L of France

The two new comfort dolls from Christine of France learned of the Comfort Doll Project from a post on Nathalie's blog. I was browsing blogs and scrolled down on Nathalie's blog to find this post which made me cry,yet made me see how black and white abuse is. Be prepared for the truth. Scroll to the bottom and view several videos from You tube if you want to see reality for some women like the ones we give a token of love to through the comfort dolls.

It gives me more reason to spread the word about the Comfort Doll project, to make others more aware of the problem of abuse and to show the recipients of our dolls, who are fortunate to make the step to get to a shelter and change their lives and say, "I've had enough, I want to live".

Thank you Nathalie for this rude awakening this morning. I wish I could hide a magical key to a new life inside every doll I ship out. I can only keep positive thoughts in knowing women who receive our dolls knows there is something out there greater for her and she knows women support her decision to go forward and find it.

My heart aches for those who can't find the strength or supporting advice to get out. I wish there were commercials for abusive situations like there are commercials for car sales. Maybe then this would allow others to know this happens in every neighborhood,behind polished golden doors and broken wooden screen doors alike. Most domestic abuse takes place without neighbors or even family knowing about it in fear of the victims life. Fear from a coward who can only control by force,not intellect.

With Thanksgiving just passing, I can say I am so very thankful for having such women spend their time thinking of those who need our support and encouragement. The dolls may be silly to some,not worth the time to others,but to the maker and recipient,and to me, it means so very much more. Thank you all and may you continued to be blessed.

Comfort Dolls from Christine of France

Christine from France created these two truly unique Comfort Dolls. Her son named the blue one,"Polynesian doll", and the other,"Japanese doll", which I think he is right on! The Polynesian doll has unbelievable beading that resembles dripping lace and she has full,flowing hair bejeweled with gold and purple beads. The Japanese doll has an adorable outfit which is tucked in back and her hair is so cute. You did an amazing job Christine. Click on the pictures to see larger image. They are very delicate and detailed. Thank you so much for your Comfort Doll contribution.

Christine's beautiful cross stitched greeting card will be framed. What a sweet picture of mother swan with babies swimming in a pond with iris and cat tails. The card around the insert has a dragonfly too!!!! I love it. Thank you.

Christine: if you read this, could you send me your last name and a blog or web site if you have one? Thanks.

Another comfort doll from Ati Ham Sas

Another sweet comfort from Ati of Norway. She arrived at a time of hustle and bustle,but when I opened to expose this delight,I took a moment to calm down and enjoy this beautiful peaceful looking creation. Oh what a pleasure she will bring to her new owner. Thank you Ati. Another sweet doll .

Letter from DAWN for Comfort Doll delivery

This letter from DAWN arrived yesterday. They loved the dolls. Thank you all for making this possible As soon as I get a shelter lined up, the 11th dozen dolls will be sent. I may work on dolls and try to collect the 12th dozen to be sent before Christmas. That would be a nice goal to set. One dozen shelter's enjoying our Comfort Dolls in 2007!

Bears from Terri Takacs...oh my!!!!

Who can say this five times fast?
Terri Takacs' Ten TerrificTeddies".

Terri Takacs made ten of these soft,adorable bears for the Comfort Doll Project. They are so sweet. These will go out before Christmas,and what great timing to receive a gift of love. Thank you Terri for these special gifts to share. They are just perfect and so cuddly looking. You are a sweetie!

Sorry it took so long to post, blogger wouldn't let me in this blog????????

Comfort doll news update!!!!

I wanted to catch all of you up on what's been happening in the Comfort Doll Project world......

Jo has received more beautiful dolls for the Comfort Doll project in NZ. You must take a peek.

Last night I updated the Comfort Doll page on my website. Please email me with any corrections.

I mailed out the "charm to thank you" yesterday but still need these addresses which can be emailed to me at angell100@comcast.net. I have bits of some of the address,but want to make sure they arrive to you.
1.Eliane of France
2.Fanchon Mandras of France
3.Sammy Stafney or Oregon
4. Linda Barraclough...I think I am missing some of your address.

I could only find 50 of these charms, so I thought it was a great way to acknowledge the first 50 donors. Imagine that, 50 donors, and many have contributed several dolls. Mind blowing!!!!!

I also have received many emails apologizing for not contributing more often. I want each of you to know that it is wonderful to receive just one from you,and if you do want to contribute more,please know there is no deadline. If you feel the creative doll muse,then go for it but please never feel pushed to send dolls. I collect them as they come and off they go when I reach 12. No hurry,no worry. Ok? I appreciate, and know the recipients appreciate the thought behind your efforts. Thank you all so much.

If you don't see your name on the sidebar of this blog, please let me know. It is an oversight and I want everyone listed,with or without a blog. Also, if you have a website or blog that isn't shown, please email it to me. I love to advertise when I can . This helps so many who may not stumble across your site. It just helps our creative blogging community grow!

Have a creative and sunny day!!!!

Sunday morning tasks....

I am spending this Sunday morning printing the thank you notes for the first 50 women who have participated in the Comfort Doll Project.

I was a bit upset to discover my Print Shop program is not working and keeps freezing. I can't create the cards I wanted, but in WORD, I at least got to say what I wanted. Sorry about that.

I was so excited to find the perfect silver charm to show my appreciation a few weeks ago. I hope to find something just as unique for the next 50 donors.

I know it is unnecessary to send something and you know how I feel about each of you, but I just wanted to let you know how special you are and how your donations have really brought comfort to the recipients of domestic abuse. It is just a tiny token from my heart. I am waiting for 8 address confirmations,but all will be mailed on Tuesday because I don't think the post office is open tomorrow. I will be transporting them in my new and beautiful tote made by my dear friend Terri.
By the way, if you want a feminine tote like mine, she still has a few in her Etsy shop,and I must say they are very,very reasonably priced. I hope I didn't embarrass you Terri, but I love my tote and want other's to have a chance to own one too.

Again, I thank you for all of the wonderful dolls that have been sent to shelter's. You make hearts sing!

10th dozen to Bethany House in Somerset,Kentucky

I was waiting to finish embellishing dolls to include in the 10th dozen but I have decided since we are already there,to go ahead and send them off. This will give me time to make several for the future donations.
Here we have the 10th dozen Comfort Dolls. The 9th dozen was collected and distributed in New Zealand with the help of Jo Newsham. Thanks again Jo!!!!!
The donors of these dolls are:
Fanchon Mandras (France)
Pam Kellogg (Illinois USA) 2
Freda Butler (Illinois USA) 2
Linda Baudreau (Canada) 2
Eliane (France)
Sylvie Leandre (France)
Linda Barraclough (Vic Australia)
Mesuline (England)
Carol Anne Conway (England)

These will be mailed tomorrow to Bethany House Abuse Shelter in Somerset,KY.
Thank you all for the continued support,comments, and donations to the Comfort Doll Project. You are responsible for many smiles.

Comfort Doll from Carol A Conway of England

This beautiful embroidered comfort doll made it's way from England. Carol Anne Conway hand embroidered this exquisite doll using fine silk and metallic threads. The vine with floral pattern is so pretty. Thank you very much Carol for donating this beauty.

Comfort doll arrived today from Melusine of England

This beautiful purple crazy patch doll was sent from Melusine from England. This is Melusine's second attempt at CQ and I think she is a natural. She has a shi sha mirror,beading,fancy embroidery and a sweet face. The words Love,Trust,and Respect are embroidered on the doll to ensure a gentle reminder for the recipient that she is worthy. Thank you Mesuline for donating this beauty for the Comfort Doll Project.

Organized Comfort Doll project binder.Thank you giftie

This morning I was feeling a bit under the weather so I made a cup of cocoa and gathered my comfort doll papers,cards from you all, photos,letters from shelters, and a new binder. I spent the last 5 hours organizing it into something that makes sense and is a handy reference. As I was taping the photographs of your dolls to each donors page,I felt such strength . I know these dolls can't help but be a support,a secret message of hope to their owners. Thank you all so much for your past and continued support in this project. I still get letters from people just finding out and wanting to join in. Yes, it remains open,so spread the word. All are welcome to participate.

We have sent 8 dozen to US states, and Jo is about to sent the 9th dozen to a shelter in NZ, and I have 10 dolls ready for the 10th dozen. I will be adding the last 2. These will be going to Bethany House in Somerset Kentucky.

I must say, I feel much better now after reviewing the kind letters you sent me and just thinking of the hours and thoughts that each of you freely gave to this project.....all from your hearts and hands.

Speaking of hearts and hands, I wanted to send a little thank you to each of you. A token of my appreciation if you will. I found exactly what I was looking for last week.It is small, but the meaning is big. Since our "logo" is a heart in hand, I bought everyone a beautiful silver tone charm of a hand holding a heart which I will be sending out very soon. These pretty charms are bigger than I thought,and will be perfect to wear. They have the word "Love" on the heart . Exactly what you put into making your dolls.I want you to wear it around your neck, or on a key chain to remind you of the wonderful project you made happen. Thank you everyone for every doll made and given to a special woman. Hugs all around.

Letter from Safe Haven shelter in CT

I wanted to share the letter from the Safe Haven shelter in Waterbury CT who received the 7th dozen Comfort Dolls. The story she shares is exactly why we are doing this,I think this tells it all........

Browsing a bit and found a lovely thought..

I was browsing blogs a bit while waiting for a phone call and read this lovely message from Linda Baudreau. I love how she is getting so much from creating these dolls. She explains how she made a doll and offers a gentle plea for new Comfort Doll donors. She is so right when she suggests us to "Pay it forward". So many of us are blessed in many ways and we live such fast paced lives that we tend to forget how blessed we are. Slowing down a bit to create some small object that could mean so very much to another woman is not asking much if you think about it.
If you find a break in your day, perhaps you will design a doll in your head like Linda has done, and create it when you need uplifted yourself. It is amazing how wonderful you feel when you create for others from your heart and hands. I think you all know that. Thank you to all who contribute and to all who are considering a doll in the future. They are always welcome. We are about to find a home for the 10th dozen! Awesome!

Comfort doll from Fanchon Mandras of France

This Comfort Doll arrived from Fanchon Mandras of France last week. Isn't she a cutie? Fanchon embellished her doll with trims, beading around the hand drawn face, and a flying heart possibly meaning for the recipient to let her heart take wings and fly on to her new and happier life. Lovely cheerful gingham and petite floral fabric certain to bring a smile. Thank you very much for donating to the Comfort Doll Project Fanchon.

Comfort dolls from Pam K

Last week these two lovely Comfort dolls arrived from Pam Kellogg. I fell in love with the little mermaid door hanger. What a neat idea to send something the recipient can hang on her door when she has been placed in her own place. It could be a reminder of her strength to go forward and make that new,wonderful life. You should see the stitching on the purple

Two Comfort Dolls from Linda Boudreau

If you could see me now, you would notice my head has swollen a bit, well, a lot! I received such a sweet and very touching letter from Linda Boudreau along with her two adorable Comfort Doll cats.

Aren't they so cute? In person you just want to cuddle them like a real kitten. Linda used fine threads to add delicate whiskers and added silk ribbon embroidered flowers to both. Thank you so much Linda. Your donation to the Comfort Doll Project is much appreciated.

I don't want to embarrass Linda, but if there ever was an angel on earth, she is one I'm sure. Linda finds out if there are any little girls in her local shelter on Christmas Eve, she then chooses a doll from which she has collected throughout the year and slips it under the tree. She makes sure every little girl gets a doll for Christmas.I'm sorry, but that is just so sweet. That is just one thing she does,and she prefers to remain anonymous,a silent giver . Linda ,you are an angel,and you know the joy of giving. Thank you for what you do.

Comfort Doll from Linda Barraclough

Linda Barraclough from AU has sent another beauty for the Comfort Doll Project. It came with it's own little pouch and a little card which I didn't want to disturb but am sure it is as heartwarming as the doll. Linda used a fabric that looks like a soft denim type to me which I never thought to use...hmmmmmm. She added vintage lace and tatting,which she shared a piece with me,Thank you!!! A teddy bear and heart charm, beautiful embroidery and beading ,and sweet face make you want to smile. Peace and comfort are felt in this doll.

Thank you Linda for another Comfort Doll donation. She's a beauty!

Comfort Dolls from Freda Butler

Freda Butler,who I am honored to call my friend sent in these three Comfort Dolls. She used vintage crazy quilt pieces to construct two of these.Her special little beaded touches along with decorative embroidery stitching and open arm pattern will bring much pleasure to the recipients.
Thank you so much Freda. Your comfort dolls are wonderful. I also want to thank you for sponsoring a few shipments.You shouldn't have. You are so king and much too generous. I do appreciate all your donations to this project.

Comfort spreads .........from Elizabeth's heart to Mo

Elizabeth Woodford has found inspiration in the Comfort Doll Project and is spreading comfort through her dear friend touched by breast cancer. She has made a box full of dolls as you can see in the photo, using pink fabrics (for breast cancer awareness) and added embellishments which she will send to her friend to add her love to by embellishing each doll before passing them on to women in chemotherapy.

This is so awesome and brought tears to my eyes. You must read the whole story here. Elizabeth, I agree ,(quote from Elizabeth)"The more people that we can inspire to think beyond themselves, the better the whole world will be!!!
What a friend!

It is so great to see many of you who have learned of this project to adapt it to inspire your comfort project. There are so many who could use a comfort doll, a symbol, to know someone cares. It doesn't matter what cause it is for.Each doll you make is spilling with love. You can feel it when you lay your eyes upon each one. Every stitch you make,you are sharing of yourself. Keep on keeping on, there are many who could use a hug.