I won!!!

I found out that the International Art Doll Registry was holding it's July Contest and the theme was "Mermaids".  I immediately went to looking around the net for some inspiration and found this beautiful art piece on the Devianart site

The artist is from France (and the piece is called "Follow My Lead".  I immediately fell in love!  You can see her work here at  DevianArt - YGGDRASILE. 

I sent her a note asking her for permission to use her art as inspiration for making my doll doubting she would reply, but was very surprised when she said it was fine with her and to send her a picture of the doll once it was done.  I then began my sculpture trying to capture the essence and flow of the beautiful piece of art.  I think I somehow did....in my own way.

I was really happy with the results and I finally entered the doll in the contest.  As I waited for the deadline to arrive I became really anxious as more and more beautiful mermaid entries were popping up on the site each day.  Finally, the day arrived and it was announced that my "Serene" had won in the Novice Category!  What an honor.....

I immediately wrote Christelle and sent her a picture of "Serene".  She was really happy with the doll.  I so appreciate working with such a wonderful artist.  Thank you for your inspiration Christelle!

Please visit IADR so you can enjoy the site and check out the winning dolls!

The next contest will be harder as the stakes are raised.  I can no longer enter as a Novice.  It took me like 5 tries to win Novice, I expect it will take many more to rise up to the Intermediate Catgory.  Oh well, I have all the time in the world and if it is for me, it is meant to be or the other way around, I forget how the saying goes...