The Busy Season

The wee Cottage on Curry Road, looks calm and serene from the outside, but since July, it has been a flurry of activity inside. The economy has been slow, but there is a big demand for handmade in America and patterns.... oh the patterns! Add to this regular family needs and a big show in November...and you have madness~ goode madness. I just can't seem to ever be caught up with pattern orders, but you will find no complaints here. I am also trying to get some drawings in to make some very special ornies for the show. They will be a part of the 2012 paper line at Monahan Papers ~ and I hope just the beginnings of fun paper dolls and kits just as a start. Oh the possibilities! This gal is Meg, inspired by my love of Louisa May Alcott and Little Women. She will make her formal and finished appearance on November.

Promises Kept

I am so amazed at the feedback that I have received on my paper journey. I have thought long and hard as to how I want to walk this path that has gone before me...and make it truly my own.  If you had asked me a year ago, if I would be working with my designs in this way, I would have thought that I didn't have a clue or want to do anything like this. I promised my Father, before he passed away, that I would share more than my dolls...I would share my sculpting and drawing. As I bring these wee mousies to life as ornaments, I see that beyond a promise kept, I am growing in directions that I would have never guessed. I am loving it along with adding a creative dash of my heart to them. I wonder now.....did he know? 

Paper Doll Fun

Today on TDIPT, I have two offerings. Not the usual for me, but fun nevertheless. The images are from my private collection, but I am sharing them for some really fun things for 2012...but that is another story.Until that story is ready to unfold, I wanted to play around with these people. I wanted to explore how someone else can add a bit of themselves to a paper doll and make them a reflection of who they are. Now, I'm not sure just how many of you would sit and make a coif... but, she would look great with a black mask, a funny Santa hat...you got it!

The photos of this era were just so serious, that giving them some lighthearted fun seems at least celebrate them. This way, they are not forgotten. I've often sat and thought about this woman and how hard her life must of been. I think about the childbearing, the laundry and the fields plowed. I would hope that she would be smiling down, knowing that she is embraced  and enjoyed by so many.

Goode Things Ahead!

I'm so excited, I can hardly keep everything under my hat...but I have to! Oh there is so much ahead on this journey and I know you will be just as excited as everything moves forward. If you are on the "Made In America" train, you will most certainly be pleased that there are companies out there, working hard to keep the economy forward.  Long hours, little sleep and lots of sweat equity follow a huge leap of Faith. We are two such people, both bringing something to the table, and the feedback has been amazing. Okay...and a little scary as we both find that neither of us has been prepared for the number of orders and inquiries as we play around with images, designs and ideas.

I am pleased to have my graphics going places that I never dreamed of, through the hard work of Monahan Papers. Above is a picture of the new wrap paper done on craft paper. The plain roll  to the far right is much bigger~ 50 ft, but the fun starts with YOU as it is your blank canvas to stamp and create. Click on the picture to visit the blog with all of the wonderful information on the wrap paper.  After that,  stop by Monahan Papers to see more goodies. You will probably want to bookmark both places to be on top of all the new things for 2012.

 A special congratulations to Linda Heard of Lindowen's American Country. Linda has the first order shipping out! Linda has been a dear friend; she has had the opportunity to watch us grow through the years, both separately  and now as Print Company and Designer. She's watched our growing pains and is always there cheering us on. Woohoo! I can't wait to stop by and visit!

Decisions & Dollhouses

My life has changed so much since last Winter. I'm in awe of it sometimes. A few posts ago, I wrote about how difficult it was to let my daughters decide where they wanted to live and go to school. It was a difficult decision for two girls that have friends and family along with small town life. It was just as difficult for a single Mom, who had always had her children close to her side. Choices are not always easy.  Sometimes, you have to walk a bit down the road and look back to see if it was the right thing to do. I was amazed at the emails by other women, such as myself, that went through the same thing. Sometimes, you need to be the voice and say that it's okay that life isn't perfect and living differently than what others perceive as normal, does not make you a bad person. As women and mother's, we feel judged if we don't walk a path that other's feel would define whether or not we were good. Oh heck,I never led a normal life, why start now? As long as it works for my family and I, it is the right choice. 

The changes are still evolving. After nearly 20 years of being a caregiver along with that of a single Mom...I have been adjusting to leaving the caregiver roll; becoming once again, just a daughter. It has come in steps and I can't begin to tell you what a joy it is. There has been a weight off my shoulders to know that there are wonderful caregivers and aides for my Mom. She simply needed more than one person 24/7 and an aide for a couple hours each day.  It is not a bad thing to say, "I can't". No matter how well you have done, or how much you love someone in this capacity.....the person may need things that you can't give them.  My Mom has been making wonderful friendships that go beyond a person's job.  She and one of her aides, Ann have become close as they share a love for reading, cooking and QVC. I can spoil her and have been able to make her those special things that she used to cook for us...we chat and talk of friends, family and good times...making goode memories along the way. Yes, it's different, but as I can see over my shoulder, it is better!  

For me, I have also been able to expand my love beyond the wee folk and in different media...I am enjoying it and finding that there aren't enough hours for me to do what I love and keep up with so many orders! In all of this, I am learning how to balance my life a little better. I can do things like hop in the car and visit a friend, or pick up needfuls.  I can make a date with my girls and shop til we drop for a Homecoming dress. What many take for granted, I have a great appreciation for.

The pictures above show one of today's deeds. A fresh coat of whitewash on my beloved doll house (thank you Tim!). It was given to me by a dear friend and holds many memories for my daughter Jesslyn, and myself. It is a reminder of my journey and more than that, it is a piece that has always captured my heart.  There is something about a doll house....sometimes, you just never grow up. My wee friends above are settling  back into their little home. The stove is in place. Although you can't see it in the picture, there is a warm orange glow  from the stove that flickers and keeps the wee home very cozy. Mrs. Flannigan is beside the stove, warming her frog.. Tinker Mouse is looking for the teapot. The clock isn't up on the wall yet, but Tinker is sure that it is time for tea! As she is scurrying about, their friend the Hedge Witch stops by with fresh herbs and some visiting to do. Who says we are too old for this? We have many difficult decisions, so many things that we have to do.. why not simply enjoy a piece of yesterday? Tomorrow will be here whether we do or not.