F. Magdalene Austin

Today I went to Dollar Tree to pick up a few things for the house. I decided to put a few of my art pieces in the car with me to maybe peak the interest of other shoppers. I took with me two pieces, both very tiny. The image size was 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (business card size). I matted and framed the prints. As I shopped I had them in my cart. In one store a lady came up to me and asked where I got my picture. She was talking about Simple Miss Rose. I told her I painted it. I ended up selling it to her right then and there.

The second painting I had of the same size, also matted and framed was Forgiveness. I pretty much bartered that piece. I was at another store and the lady in front of me kept looking at my mini art. I showed it to her and explained the meaning behind it. I’d seen her earlier in the store because we both were looking at formal wear for small children. We wanted the same dress but she got there first. See, I’m also a doll maker and I needed a dress for a new doll I’m making. I wanted that dress but I wasn’t going to beat her down for it ya know? That would be wrong so I sort of stuck my lip out and left quietly. Later in line she kept looking at the mini print. She wanted it. Even after the lady already purchased the child’s formal silk dress she was willing to trade me the dress for the mini print. I came home a happy camper with cash and a dress for my new doll.

Here are a few of the dolls I made. All are hand sewn with painted faces.

This is a doll for therapy clients. She’s called an inner child doll. I accept orders for these. This doll here has a home already.

This doll here is an African American hand sewn rag doll made for a lady who wanted something pretty.

Here is currently the only doll I have still waiting for adoption. She’s a sweet little girl with a hand made hat and painted face. She was fun to make. I call her Sweet Dolly Sue.

So now you know why I was willing to trade mini art for the dress. The dress is for a larger size doll soon to hit my Etsy shop. It was an awesome trade!

http://www.sundrip.etsy.com

Today was a beautiful day.

F. Mag