Taking something Old and using it in something new

I try to use items as much as possible in my dolls that have a past life. Not always something I have purchased, but something from me. 

I realized this awhile ago; That the most rewarding part of creating these dolls is the fact that a little piece of me is traveling to places and homes unknown and that someone made a connection with them. It is an incredible feeling. So not only am I sending a piece of me in the form of hand sculpted art but I enjoy the fact that some little piece of trim or metal or old jewelry that once was enjoyed on its own merits is getting a new life.

Mila has bits and pieces that once belonged to my Father. He was an organized collector of tools and parts to replace and repair everything. We made an enormous Family move from Napa Valley in 2004 to Mendocino County. The combined belongings of 2 homes and 6 people made their way to rentals and garages while our houses were being built. My Father's collection of bits and bobs were piled into boxes new garbage cans and anything else we could shove them into. He had many plans for his collection. In a new Garage he wanted benches and cabinets built. He had plans of a new shed forsitting watching the wild turkeys roam the hillside and and tinkering the days away. The day came the houses were built and we made the final move. Unfortunately my Father was to only spend one night in his new home. He passed away at the hospital after a heart attack, he was 83 years old. Never to unpack his collection never to tinker the days away watching the Turkeys. It has taken me 6 years to start looking at his collection and seeing it for the treasure it is. 

Mila was sold on 11/5 and a piece of me is making its way to homes unknown ;)