Yes Virginia, There Are Santa Trout

The Kitchen Table Studio has been a flurry of activity, to match the flurries of snow all week. This is the second season that I have made these fun little guys and they make plenty of giggles from all who walk in to this home. 

Once they have their hats on, you can hear them singing Christmas Carols if you listen closely~

 This school of Santa Trouts are on a mission.......

The Arkell Museum~ a click on the picture will take you to the details for this Saturday's event, along with directions. I am very honored to have been asked to join other Artisans for this Holiday Fair. Check it out!~ it's quite a surprising gem and I can't wait to see it myself. I am trying to talk to those silly little trout and tell them just how exciting it is to be in the same building with  works from some of my favorites; Homer, Wyeth, O'Keefe and Cassett. I'm not so sure about how successful I will be where they are concerned, but I do know that all of us will have a great Saturday!

Friends, Family, Turkey and Pie

 This Thanksgiving was spent with family, friends and a show.There are very few show years that have not included one on Black Friday. It would be easy not to. I could just say. "oh, it's a time to spend with family."  This is purely about friends and family over the years. Our family has always opened our hearts during this Holiday Season. My Father worked many a Thanksgiving. He served our country overseas and protected us. He later served our County and Village while families sat together and ate, telling how they were thankful, but not knowing that it is the extension of time and service by others that gives the best meaning. There are Firemen,  Police Officers,Nurses, Doctors, Aides and other hard working people that most people don't think of until there is a need. I worked retail for twenty years and always worked a shift on Thanksgiving.The hustle and bustle and Black Friday crowds are not my cup of tea. It was never as important as those service fields until you looked beyond the crowds and saw your friends and family there. 
  
Our family is spread out from Afghanistan to Arizona and hours from this sleepy little village in New York. My holiday started on Wednesday as Jess and her boyfriend, Chris trekked up the mountains of Vermont so that we could set up for the show. There were memories made and smiles as we saw fellow vendors that I had not seen but for this show. How quickly we become friends and a sort of family over the years. On Friday morning, bright and early, we all gather at the playhouse and do our last minute touches as we share our holiday and catch up with those not seen on Wednesday. The doors open and for the next two days we enjoy people that love the gift of handmade. For some it is their first time, but for others it is well beyond.It is that special gift as they make a love connection for their someone special.Customers that have been collecting my work for over 10 years, still come and visit along with family that live near the area. We laugh, we cry, we hug and enjoy. We have become extended family and this is our time to get together. My work will be carefully wrapped for someone to love on Christmas morning. The smiles and love will be passed on for another year. It makes it all worth it to see the love connections between these wee folk I make and the friendships that continue. Even the snowy ride home made memories that we will keep. I can't imagine spending this holiday without opening it up beyond my immediate family and including all of you.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

The Goode Wife has been very busy the past couple of weeks. The house has been in an uproar, with some much needed work done. In it all I am packing and trying to create for my last two shows. The Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis in my hand have made it nearly impossible to get anything done....but I have chanced upon some exercises that are really working. I am hopeful that the progress will continue and I won't need surgery

 The Kitchen Table Studio is a bit noisy as so many wee folk are coming to life. I can't stay here long, but I can share with you the details. This is among my most favorite shows. Should you get a chance, do stop in. Weston is a quaint village and the Playhouse will be filled with many unique vendors. The gift of handmade is truly special. 

The 30th Annual

Christmas Bazaar

The Weston Playhouse

November 26th & 27th

10-4

but there is more.................................

If you have never been to the Vermont Country Store...  you have missed a truly amazing place! This quaint family owned business holds our child hood memories inside...think I'm kidding? I double dog dare you to step inside and NOT smile or say ....remember these? A quick Google or map quest visit will bring you  to the most unique Black Friday (and Saturday) of all. Fair warning.... it could just become a goode tradition.

More Than A Flurry of Snow

It can be difficult to put Halloween wee folk down for a bit and move ahead through the Holiday season. As luck would have it, snow flurries have arrived to fuel those holiday feelings and set this season in order. Turkey is simmering on the stove already this morning and will soon fill the air as I sew. This house will be even busier as some much needed work is done. There is a show ahead at the end of the month and new wee folk to be introduced there. My time is very limited in The Kitchen Table Studio this season, but I do promise some new and fun wee folk ahead. Today, I am introducing Charlotte and Timothy on Simply Primitives. A click on their picture will take you away for a nice visit with several talented Artisans as well. 


In all of this, I am packing and moving what I can to Tim's. Bit by bit, box by box. I am more than ready to start my life with Tim. It will be bittersweet at times as I trade my surroundings. I know I will miss waking up to the mountain range that I have called home for 36 years, but I will visit often. The girls are all settled and doing well. They have quickly become young ladies and near ready to stretch their own wings. Now I just have to wait until the final word.

Introducing, Miss Jovi

With a big mug of hot Peppermint tea and a wistful look, I sit here at my computer putting up pictures of Jovi and adding the link that will take you to the AHA Studio Marketplace. What did I want to say to you beyond what was written up at the Marketplace???

She certainly came out far better than I thought. The biggest challenge yet, with her dress and bonnet. Most of you know me from my work in Primitives and patterns. Many of you know that I didn't know how to sew  beyond adding fabric to the bottoms of my bell bottoms, when I started Primitives 13 years ago. On the Web, I am not known for my sculpting, but those from my Hometown know me as a sculptor first. It wasn't until I sat here thinking of what I may write, that I realized that this same girl sat in this same room 34 years ago working in clay and frantically getting ready for her first show. People stop and tell me that they still have my wee sculptures of elves, dragons and of course....critters. It's difficult for me to think that they um... are now vintage. Today my work is at a much different level. I am loving it and still balancing my other loves. I have never stopped learning in this journey and I am glad. Jovi presented several challenges and spoke often about what she wanted from me. She seems quite content. Me? I just hope that I am creating the next 34 years.

These Fleeting Days of Fall

October is my favorite time of year and I love these crisp days. The smell of the leaves mixed with pine and woodsmoke are intoxicating. The girls are back to school and I have enjoyed watching them and wrapping up in it all. The football games at school, Homecoming, field hockey and open house. Bailey is in her Senior year and Jess, her Sophomore. Two more years...where has time gone? These years, like the few weeks before the leaves turn and fall seem to go faster and faster as I get older. I'm trying to hold on to it, really~ I am.

My days are full ones. A full time Caregiver, a Mom and an Artist. The deadlines are my biggest challenge right now, as I don't have as much time as I'd like and need for my work. I was not prepared for the wonderful outpouring of mail and calls once the Prims magazine hit news stands and mailboxes. Thank you Jenn, the magazine has given me new friends and opportunities.  I am so lucky to be able to follow my dreams. 


On Monday, October 25th at 5 pm EST, AHA Marketplace will release our new works of heart. Above is a little sneak peek of Jovi, my Snow Ladye. It is the perfect time to enjoy work from some of your favorite Artisans along with the chance to find that special gift, and make a love connection  this Holiday Season. 

Decisions, Decisions.....

It is that time of year for me. I look back upon my work and also look ahead. I am excited to be published again, it's been a few years. Will there be more?....yes. What else is ahead? That takes some sorting out for me.


I always look back upon my creations within the year. What worked, what didn't?  What did I find the most enjoyable and the least...and above all, did I grow? My challenges and competitiveness come from within my own self. I look at each year as it's own portfolio and most importantly keep it all true to myself. I step back and critique these wee folk and find out how I can make them technically and creatively better.


This year I took a leap of faith with my sculpting. When I first started making primitives, I knew I would have to set aside my sculpting and painting to focus on learning how to problem solve in fabric and make a pattern line. Last year, I had many a heart to heart with my Dad, my greatest supporter ...and pusher. I look back at how he would always look at everything I made and say, "That's good, but...". If I came to him with an idea, he would tell me that, " you can't....".  He saw how he could challenge me, so that I would learn to challenge myself. The negative, would bring out the positive. Early last year, I told him that I wanted to try sculpting again and told him my ideas. He told me not to stop, never stop any of this. I won't Dad, I don't know how to... I just have to figure out how to balance it all.




What is ahead for me? Well, I hear from so many of you that enjoy the patterns, but I don't get a lot of time to put many out. I think that is what I will do after the first of the year. I'm excited about this and I've kept in mind the ones that you have asked to become patterns, along with my stash of some that you have yet to see. I have to find which ones will be the most successful for a wide audience along with what folk you enjoy. I am also mulling a collector series of patterns. I will  literally be, back to the drawing board and I'm excited about that. I will do some small, local shows and continue my path at a little slower pace, so that I can handle it all. It's all goode things ahead and I can't wait.

Letting My Heart Lead The Way

My life has been topsy turvy the past couple years. Both family and creating have been my sure thing~ they keep the most hectic or difficult days sane and give me even greater joy on the awesome days. I am an Art Geek in my goode work. It's nothing that goes 9-5 on Monday through Friday. It is a part of me and I have learned to fit it in from early morning until the wee hours. Even on holidays, I can be caught doing something wee folk related. I go about my days balancing what I need to do along with what I love to do. Imagine my surprise when Jennifer Jackson of Prims magazine asked if I would like to put my work in the magazine? I have been over-the-moon, bursting! It is my great pleasure to tell you that the new issue will hit the news stands (Barnes & Nobles is my Prim fix of choice) on October 1st ~ A few wee folk grace the pages along with the work of kindred friends and colleagues. 

Some of you have noticed the winds of change in my work. Jacqueline is my latest piece and is showing at the American Holiday Artists Studio this month. Long before I discovered Primitive Dolls, I created with clay. With new clays available and the introduction of armatures, I have found a soft place to land and broaden my love. The difficult part is that right now, there isn't enough of me. I have been struggling to keep up with everything and there is the weight of my big show every January that looms. I have decided that I need to take some time and balance some time for me to not work such long hours. I won't be doing a show in PA this year and I will be making some changes with my goode work ahead. I will continue both my fabric and clay work. I am excited  to start and I think you will be as you follow along beside. 

On The Road Again!

I'm very excited to announce that The Goode Wife will be at the Hancock Shaker Village on September 25th and 26th from 10-5. We were there the year before last and loved it. I applied late and awaited a visit from the Postman to see if I would go again this year.


 If I didn't get in, I wasn't about to waste a precious weekend and time away from my Caregiver duties and so we discussed a visit to the Walker Homestead~ Simple Treasures of the Past Show. The Postman delivered the other day and our decision was made~ Shaker Village here we come!  We will certainly be thinking of our friends at the Walker Show also and how goode a visit would have been. If you would like more info to either of these shows, click on the bold font for a web visit. If you are at the Shaker Village do stop by and say hello~ we'd love to see you!

And The Winner is.....

Congratulations to Gail in Virginia! Lucky number 15 in the random number draw and winner of the AHA Celebration free giveaway!  Woohoo!!!

AHA will will open again on September 25th with more artists and a wonderful array of talent. This could be a great time to find that perfect Holiday gift for someone special! Above is a little peek of what I have in store. I just love making those wire & wonky Spider cages!

Summer Ditched Me....

It's hard to believe that it was nearly two weeks ago that I was able to leave my Mom in agency care and do this quaint show overlooking the Mohawk River.  I had planned a couple shows for when I would be all moved in Rotterdam.  Sadly, a year was lost and my brother, Kevin now gets the brunt of paperwork to help get my Mother settled and me on to my life. Ah well....I did have an enjoyable show at the Mabee Farm~ I was able to see some of Tim's family and even....

meet up with Noelle. Noelle is the magic behind Tricky Stitches on Pfatt Marketplace. I have adored her work all these years.I can't wait to get settled in Rotterdam and enjoy the creative connection and smiles we shared that afternoon.  The Mabee Farm was beautiful and the weather perfect. I hated to leave, but I look forward to returning!

Since then, the days have passed by in a blur. I have been putting the finishing touches on a very late store order as I juggle my days and other obligations. There are changes ahead for me with my wee folk. I have to figure out just how to balance my work obligation (which is my  greatest joy) along with the (fingers crossed ) temporary needs of my Mother. I can't wait to enjoy and just be her daughter. 

These last weeks of summer have passed me by, but you can be sure that I will be wrapping myself around Autumn with a grin as big as Isabella's below. 

I'm excited as I look ahead and I know there will be days that my dear wee folk won't get the attention that I would like, but it will all fall into place. There are patterns to be released and new shows ahead along with a few other goode things to share...but those things are for another post.

AHA MARKETPLACE GRAND OPENING

Welcome to our Grand Opening~

 If you haven't visited the Marketplace yet, click on the banner for a wonderful ride~

We are celebrating with a Chriskindlemart, so do get comfortable with a cup of something nice to drink.

To celebrate this s occasion all Ahartisans are participating in a Blog Give-away! This Give-away will run from August 25th (5pm - EST) through September 12th (5pm - EST). The rules are very simple, and you have a chance to win more than one prize.

Here's how it works.

First, each Ahartisan has posted a picture of our give-away prize clearly marked on our blogs. on the 12th, we will each choose a random number.All you have to do is post a comment under each prize picture. Now, if your comment corresponds with the Ahartisan's chosen number, then hooray, you win the prize for that blog. So, the more comments you post, the more chances you have to win! Easy!

Each of us have listed our fellow Ahartisans on our blogs, so all you have to do is follow the list from blog to blog, find the prize and comment. What could be easier?

~ My Offering~

My tin whimsy is inspired by my love of Puritan Graven Art

~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~

Remember to leave a comment and enjoy a stroll to some of  my friends!

 Suzanne Urban Designs

 Mothers Dream Artwork

 Seasonal Whimsies by Susan Vanderhoek

 Folk N Fiber Blog

 Alycia's Art

 Back in the Day Originals

 The Christmas Corgi

 Elysian Fields Originals

 Fantasy Whispers

 Folk Art By Penny

 Folk Art From The Heart

 Ginny Diezel Studios

 Golder's Creaky Gate

 Granny Wolf Original Art Dolls

 Howling Moons Blog

 Lowell Country Designs

Grunge Goddess Primitives

 Whimsical Endeavors

 Skellyton Art

 Snippet Girl

The Goode Wife of Washington County

Wings and Paws Whimsies

Show Time!

I love doing shows and seeing the special connection made between my wee folk and their adoptive parents.  There are no words that describe the magic made in these love connections, but that moment brings me the greatest joy.




I will be doing a show at the Mabee Farm, in Rotterdam Junction. Not far from Albany~ Not too bad for my Vermont and Massachusetts friends and family to visit. I'm so excited! What's better than a show? A show at a Historical site! The Mabee Farm was built about 1670-80 and has a full sized Dutch Barn. I will surely be in my element! The show will be from 10 - 5. Do stop by for a visit~ I'd love to see you! For more information, click on the picture and visit the link~ 

It's An Honor~

About two weeks ago, I found the most delightful letter in my email box. A friend had nominated my work to be a part of this wonderful organization. American Holiday Artist's  juried my work and accepted me to be a part of their group of talented Artisans. It is a great honor for me to say thank you to everyone! If that wasn't wonderful enough, A.H.A. will be opening a new online marketplace next Wednesday!  The sneak peek  from my last post is my offering.

You will see my blog change a bit over the next few days as  I give this ol' gal a face lift for AHA's GRAND OPENING and prepare for some celebrating. ~ I do hope you are all in for some fine celebrating.....also as promised, there will be more news ahead. It just keeps getting better and better!

Ahhh...This Crazy Life~

The days continue to be very full here at my little Kitchen Table Studio. I am thankful to have the work in such a difficult economy. The house here is full of activity and giggles as my daughters spend time with me and prepare for them to go back to school. They have also been giving me a hand as I try to get all the orders caught up. 


I wasn't able to devote time to TDIPT this month, but do stop by and visit the wonderful talent . You may find something special that speaks to you!


I am hopeful that I will get everything out this week and I'm also working on a little show. I had planned a couple shows near Tim's thinking that I would be settled in by now. We just do it a little differently at this point. I will give more information on this show and a couple other pieces of Goode News in the days ahead. Until then, here is a little sneak peak of something VERY special!

It's been a year since my Father went home. Not a day goes by that we don't remember his words or his smile. He has let us know he is near in ways that only he could. There have been a lot of difficult days....but the fun memories and the way my father would say things...left many smiles to comfort us.


I know he is very proud of me and all that I do. He made sure that he let me know before he left. At times he was a very difficult person and as a parent he taught us much about  honor and family values. It is not what you say... it is what you DO. He told me once while Tim and I were visiting him in the hospital... "Stacey, you are always my rock. No matter how tough things get, I can always count on you". It wasn't until many months later, did my Mom share with me that he had told her the same...and also told her that he was proud that I was always so independent and he never had to bail me out financially. My Dad and I had many, many rocky moments...but as he got sicker, we spent the time talking and listening to each other. I never was quite so sure he was proud of me, until those last few months. 


As many of you know, I have lived with my parents to help my Dad take care of my Mom. She has MS and is full care. My daughters lived with us here until my Father's illness created anxieties last year. I was supposed to move and my Mom have round the clock care in the home. After 7 years of being on call and 10 years of living here... I would like to just be a daughter. I've done everything that it takes...taking family leave time for weeks and months. I still had a mortgage and bills to pay and we did what we needed. Much to what was thought, my parents did not pick up those bills so that I could help them. It was never my style...there were very, very few occasions that I would allow it. It was my duty as their child to step up and help them when they needed it.


I'm still here a year later because it wasn't feasible for a promise to be kept and I would never dream of walking out the door without knowing that my mother was in good hands. It has been a rough 18 months of not being able to go to a family barbecue...a shower or even a graduation because someone needs to be here for her. I am fortunate to have a brother that has stepped into my shoes so that I could work and do a show in January. I am thankful for his time and his insight on all of this. 


I no longer say.. I will be moving or should be out and living my life as a daughter by a certain month or time frame. After a year  and a half of words without action, I realize that I'm still the rock for my Dad and I will continue to do what it takes for my Mom. I know he smiles...and that's all I need. My Father taught me well.

Where Does The Time Go?

It is amazing how fast the days can go by, especially when you are busy. I had started on several projects for upcoming shows and it was a good thing. You see, the summer is always a good time to sell patterns as people create for locals shows, for their own home and gifts. After seven years of new pattern releases and even a magazine cover, I would have never guessed that THIS Summer and THIS July, the orders would come in faster than I could process them. I am nearly caught up... but as I was folding and filling these orders I was worried about my obligation for finished items on Simply Primitives. Thank goodness I had some designs that needed just a wee bit of finishing. 
   My tombstone angel holds a reflection of my heart. I have always loved a stroll in an old grave yard and have been known to pack a lunch to enjoy,  as I walk through and read of lives  that were lived so very long ago.  What did he look like? How did she do her hair? What were their days like? What was this area like....oh if I could just step into their time and take a peek! I know that this place is filled with heartache, and there are tragedies told... but it is also a place for them to rest, and me to ponder. And so ponder I have, as I experiment with different layers and just how the paint should go. I am thankful for friends that send me pictures of old tombstones to share ~ I thought that we must seem an odd lot, but I find that each time I work in this direction, more and more people share the same love. Art does speak well to our hearts, doesn't it?

It's Goode To Be Back!

After some time away, it is certainly great to be back. I have been sewing, but for orders and samples. I had a difficult time trying to keep these wee folk from peeking out into the world before we were all ready. My Olde Salem Witch is one of my very favorites tonight on TDIPT Mercantile. I love Early Work and she certainly embraces it. I will be making her for local shows this summer.

Now these two characters have a wee bit different tale to tell. Yes, they are available on TDIPT as finished pieces, but they are also available as patterns!  You may preorder them and they will be mailed out starting next Wednesday, July 21st. They are 9.00 each and 1.00 to ship one, add .50 to ship both.For orders outside of the US, please email me for shipping.

To Order Directly:

By PayPal:

Use thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com and put the names of the pattern(s) that you wish to order in the message area.

By Check or Money Order

Send payment with requested pattern(s) to: Stacey Mead, PO Box 165, Granville, NY 12832

Credit Card

Please call (518) 337-8055. After 7pm is best, if I am unavailable, please leave your name and number along with the best time to call.

A Goode Visit Had

What is better than a trip to see friends? Enjoying the history and the food along with their company! Tim and I only had a couple days, but they are already fondly etched in our memories. Bailey and Jess are still there and enjoying the summer with their new found friendships of Rose and Annie.  We had a wonderful visit to Williamsburg. I never get to see it all, but that's why you just HAVE to go back. Next time, Jamestown is the first stop. Yes, Virgina, there will be a next time...and not so many years will go by before we do it again. A big thank you to Ron & Susan for their fine hospitality and to Arlys, for a great evening of catching up. We'l be back!

Virginia or Bust!

Summer has come full force here and there is excitement in the air! I have been working very full days (til the wee morning hours) making samples and filling orders...lots of orders! Store orders, finished friends and quite a few patterns. It's that time of year when we all like to create. It's been a crazy pace with school finals and taking care of my Mom, but well, I haven't been bored since about 1987.


Tim and I will be taking my daughters to Virginia on Friday. The last time I visited my dear friend Susan, Ron and Rose; Bailey was just walking. Jess and Annie weren't even thought of. Now, four young ladies will get to enjoy each other...really enjoy. Aunt Susan is very, very brave to take on two extra teenagers. Bailey and Jess will spend a few weeks as they all have a grand adventure. Did I mention how brave Aunt Susan is??? 


I will be taking time off from Simply Primitives, but hope to have new friends on TDIPT ~ July 15th. I am trying my best to make this next week a full vacation for me...it's going to be difficult. I already packed paper and ink.....shhhhhhhhh, it will be our little secret.

Summer In The Palm of My Hand

There is something about Summer Solstice that just makes my heart smile. Perhaps, it is the memories of past or the joy of making new. It is road trips and the smell of barbecues, the laughter of friends and family. 




It has been a few years since I've felt the sand between my toes or enjoyed the milky smell of palm leaves. Tim and I are gearing up to take the girls down to Virginia and let them enjoy a summer with dear friends. This is bound to produce huge amounts of giggles, tons of hugs and friendships that will last them a lifetime. The girls will stay and test the strength of their much loved Aunt Susan and Uncle Ron. Four teen age girls will gang up in giggles, as adventure lies ahead. 


Tim and I will return, as I will be awaiting the heads up for my move and prepare what I can. A show is right around the corner and that means plenty of wee folk to be made. There is a lot of living and memory making to be packed into the next eleven weeks. Are you ready?...on your mark.....get set.....GO! 

Father's Day Above

Happy Father's Day Above ~ As much as all of us miss you, today is not a day for sadness, but rather celebration. You give us all wonderful memories filled with laughter. I know you and John C. are keeping The Boss very busy. 


My heart is with you Dad, not just today, but every day. You made me who I am. You not only encouraged me to dream, but you let me know that I had to do the work to make my dreams come true.Here's to you, Herbie, a Koolaid toast from all of us!

Dancing with Deadlines

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. I am Bella, the Princess of Pumpkins. I am here to tell you that The Goode Wife is fast at work bringing wee folk alive. In the  weeks ahead, she has much work and well..... hand loved friends are not to be hurried. You may not see some of these friends here, but chances are you will recognize them in several shoppes. It is also a family time for the Goode Wife as she will be moving all of us sometime soon. We do hope to give her a few days away to spend with dear friends. I'm sure she will come back refreshed and VERY inspired. Do enjoy the gifts that Summer brings and don't forget to visit often.