A Sparrow's Sweet Song

I've been wanting to do this wee Sparrow for over a year now. I guess, that I needed to wait until just the right time. While shopping a couple of weeks ago, I came across the fabric for her dress. It needed to be inspired from the woods in my back yard. When I came across this piece, I knew that it was time to make her. I was watching Jane Austen's Persuasion last weekend and I knew just who my little Sparrow would be,. Dear Anne was sweet, beautiful and bright....yes, my sketch would take form in fabric, it was time and I was ready.

As three snowstorms hit our area this week, I was dreaming of the earthy smell of a Spring forest and the song of the birds way before the sun peeks over the mountains. I always love bringing the stuft muslin to life and each step she stole my heart. I never thought that I would capture a sparrow's looks as well as I did. She took many hours as layer, by layer her markings brought her to life. I am so very please with her and I know that she will fly away to a new home and be loved. Like any Mother though... it won't be without a tear shed.

Anne, along with her friends are on Simply Primitives as it opens tonight. Enjoy my treasures along with those of my fellows artists.

My Job Or My Life?

Looking back over the past 7 years and trying to put up my new website, I wonder how I managed to come up with all of my little friends. If you could see my little Kitchen Table Studio and the areas that my work spills into, you would probably be asking why I ever wondered that at all. There are an amazing amount of pattern pieces, files and sheets of paper. Sometimes I think my ideas have all dried up. I have ideas yet to be sewn to pick from when the block hits, but then, at some point the ideas come back. Sometimes it's one or two here or there. Sometimes it's a barrage and I am torn between wanting so badly to fall asleep and being afraid that I'll forget by morning. I've been known to race out of bed and go straight for paper and pencil.

After I finish writing this, I will in fact, end up in the Recliner Studio. Tonight, I'll do some detail stitching for my Simply Primitive offerings on Sunday night. Paper and pencil are already right beside me in case I am inspired and I am hopeful that the approaching storm is not too bad. Perhaps If I am lucky, tomorrow will find me working on several things, such as finish work, uploading and pattern masters. This house has a life to it and other than a few hours at night, it is rarely quiet and peaceful!

I've learned over the years, that this is who I am. There is no off button. I can't just do this 9-5 and have weekends off. I feed my heart and soul with it and balance the rest of my life as much as I can. I can't imagine the concept of retirement and my girls can attest to the fact that even on vacation, I bring a few things to work on. I am fortunate to do what I love and even more fortunate that friends and family understand. I can't imagine working for someone else again. As a fellow artist told me at our last show, "Where else can I walk into work in my pj's, a cup of coffee and be a half an hour late." It's not an easy job, but it does have a few perks, no pun intended.

The Most Wonderful Show of The Year!

Well, for me it is! It has been a month now since we met up for this yearly event. Shop owners and Artisans come from all over the US meet up in Valley Forge for a few days of buying, selling, ooohs, ahhs and catching up! We meet new friends and embrace old. This is my fourth time doing this show and it is like "old home week".

At first I was sad to learn that Cathy from The Cheswick Company would not be showing, but she did arrive to help a friend. We were all so happy to see her! She is pictured with me at the top. Not only is her work beautiful and distinctive, but Cathy herself is truly one of my favorite friends here. The next picture is of Millie and Robert Huckabay, owners of American Country and considered in my heart to be the closest of family. Their log cabin is featured in Jill Peterson's book, The Settlement. It is a "must have", for those with a heart for Early American homes and furnishings. Jill was at the show, but I was unable to meet her as she was ill. It is my hope to travel to Georgia and visit with Millie and Robert in the future.

Finally there are a couple of pictures of my Halloween set along with some new wee folk making their first appearance. It was goode to visit and I am already anticipating next year!

Ahhh, L'Amour

I always think back to when my work would slow down after the Holiday Shows and Valley Forge. I would have a month or so, to recoup, regroup and rest. Not so anymore, but I am in no way complaining. Sure, I wish that there were more hours in the day to balance the care taking. be a Mom and take on a thriving business. There is little time to do much else, but I know in it all I am so very fortunate to do all that I love. My work is my own personal journey and I am ever amazed at just how many people that it touches. You see, sitting here and going about my days, there is no concept of just how far my work and this little blog reach until you look at the emails, articles written and phone calls. When I get a chance to surf around, I smile as I look at other artists and see how some of the things I do inspire others. It is full circle in the art world as so many inspire me.

During the past couple of weeks, I have been busy making samples and designing my TDIPT offerings. I have been busy between The Kitchen Table Studio and The Living Room Chair Studio and both are suffering from finishworkitis. Today I am working on reorganizing and looking ahead with my Business plan for the next 6 months. Tonight, I will be back at samples and then new patterns. In between: a soup or stroganoff, a daughter to transport to practice and doggies who seem to need lots of loving, which in turn, makes them have to go out quite often. My mother will keep me busy with her needs and I will bask in enjoyment as Tim stays an extra day. I realize that it isn't the perfect life, nor the one I dreamed of, but it is chocked full of love and laughter that makes them simply, my ordinary days.

Above are two treasures that pull at my heart. The Dapple (always my favorite) was a commission, and is off to his new home. Skye, the Raven was my challenge, and challenge me she did with her dress. She reminds me that beautiful works come about as we reach beyond what we think are our abilities.

It's Goode to Be Back

It is very goode to be back and to feel the excitement of another year ahead. I will be posting pictures from our February show, perhaps a bit later this week. There is still paperwork to finish and samples to be made up and sent out along with an order, but I am elated to be looking ahead with a brand new year ahead of me. Oh the possibilities!

Today opens Simply Primitives. Do stop in and see some fantastic works from all of us. This site is growing and filling with amazing artisans. I am excited myself to see new artists with every opening. It is a great chance to own a signature piece of American made Folk Art. Above is my personal favorite from my own offerings.