Pieces of Olde

I treasure my pieces of olde. At times I wonder if I left my heart in a place of long ago.....I am always drawn to them, be they shoes, gloves, pictures and diaries. Most things old that hold within, a person of long ago. 

It is a dreary and rainy Solstice in Upstate New York. As dusk arrives, it brings with it a fog ...making it a Sleepy Hollow dusk. There is beauty in the bare trees that stand in this misty fog. Inside, the lights and candles give the house a warm and cozy glow. I was upstairs sewing and I noticed the olde diary which is kept on my treadle table. My beloved treasure of a table, now is home to a much newer, but still basic sewing machine. Beside the diary, an olde shoe that I brought with me when I moved here three years ago. 

As I stitched away, my thoughts went to those who wrote diaries such as this, so long ago.  We don't do that anymore....we have so much at our fingertips and yet we don't do the simple things like write a note or a letter to those we love on a regular basis...nor do we journal our days and lives. Even the tombstones of old would many times document the life of the person at rest, with words of their passing or symbols carved with love and meaning.

I picked up the diary of Rufus Henderson, dated Monday, Dec.12, 1896. There are reminders to note the thermometer reading and weather. He wrote:

"Just snow enough
to cover the ground

 no sleighing yet 

ground frozen very

hard"

It is difficult to read in parts as the pencil seems to have faded with time. I will enjoy a little slower pace in the year ahead. I want to take time to enjoy more Simple Joys such as these....

Saturday, December 21, 2013

It has rained most of the day and the temperature has not varied much and is in the lower 40s. Half of our snow has melted. We are fortunate with our weather, as many have had ice in parts of our Country today. Evening could bring worse weather to some States. The street has been busy today with the holiday approaching. I am happy to be home and mixing chores with creating. Blessings to all, this Solstice.

A Gentle Season

We are welcoming December here at the Cottage on Curry Road with turkey soup simmering and Christmas Carols on the radio. It is cold and the sky looks like snow.....

Our Thanksgiving was full of joy and laughter as we traveled to enjoy it at the home of Tim's step daughter. My youngest has worked the whole weekend at the Vets, keeping all the fur babies that are ill or in boarding ~ wrapped in love and treats. She loves them as much as they love her. My oldest is in New Hampshire with her Sweetheart and his family. We are never far with the help of cell phones. My girls have grown into fine young women.

We did not shop for gifts on Thanksgiving day, nor did we run from big box store, to big box store for "door busters". We try to keep Thanksgiving special... family and low key. Today we head to Tim's oldest daughter for a dinner of Venison Stew....these are the memories which we will hold dear.

I was late... a little after midnight, getting my offering up on Olde Primitive Peddler ~ but within minutes, "The Cratchits" were adopted. It was fun to revisit this cartoon and primitive look. When I came across the sketch from a few years ago, I knew that I had to share.

I also have more news to share; both happy and sad. 

This is the last month for me to offer my Wee Folk on Simply Primitives and Olde Primitive Peddler. It was not an easy decision and it came with much thought over the past few months, but it is time. I am thankful for the opportunity given me on both venues and hope that you will continue to stop in to see other Artists.

On the other hand, I am excited to go forward. It has been an amazing year for me and so full of opportunities....they continue. 

I have new shows ahead as well as my selling Shoppe in Sharon Springs. I will still be on Early Work Mercantile on the 15th of each month as I will be focusing on Early looks and keeping with my look of the past year.

I will also be hosting web shows. This will give me the chance to do a nice body of work and be able to offer them around my shows and deadlines for other work. In the weeks ahead, my blog will get a bit of a makeover and links to all things Goode Wife.

I will be going forward with new chalkware designs and may even offer the pieces in blackened beeswax. There are sculpts ready to be made as molds and I will make offerings on my web show.

The pattern line will continue and there will be new releases ahead. It was so busy as the magazines broke that I was unable to work on them....but they are coming~ promise!

I will also be starting another pattern line. I mentioned it last year, but with it so busy, it wasn't to be. I have had requests for years and I think it is time to offer punch needle. I can't wait!

This year has been very goode to us here at the Wee Cottage on Curry Road and I am excited to get working on all of the new.......

but not before I enjoy December with my family and friends. I look forward to soft snows and candle glow.....hot chocolate and cozy slipper days.

Here's to the gentle season

Opportunity

I'm still pinching myself, still trying to settle into the blessing of such an opportunity. A couple phone calls over the past two weeks, found me back in Sharon Springs....

Josie, Tim and I fell in love with the village and the people here. They hold that small town magic and pride in their village that I remember as a child. They ARE what Main St. USA is all about and encourage everyone to support and shop Main Street stores, wherever yours may be.......

I received a call from store owner, Joe. Store space had become available in the building he was in. He had an idea and wanted to try something.....would I be willing to put my work in some shop space and rent it with a few other Artisans from the Harvest Festival? Of all of the vendors that September weekend and so many wonderfully creative people, I was one of several selected... We are 7 Artisans strong right now. Each unique and from different areas. 

Yesterday, we started bringing in our wares. I quickly found these gentlemen are so giving  and friendly. I had so much fun learning about my colleagues and these gentlemen of Main Street. Doug, the Mayor (if you've seen The Fabulous Beekman Boys, you have met Doug) stopped in to see us. I had met him in September ~ he is funny, warm and welcoming. This village is amazing and you quickly feel like family. I feel hugged by Sharon Springs and it reminds me so much of home.

I am truly blessed......

Today is the "soft opening" but this weekend will have us truly open, "Pop Up" style through the Holiday Season. From there we will gather and see...one never knows what an opportunity will do, until you walk through the door. If you are in or near Sharon Springs, our works are at 197 Main Street, behind "The Finishing Touch".  

Putting On The Olde

The day before offerings are due, the Cottage on Curry Road becomes bustling with extra activity. Today was a little more special as Early Works celebrated the holiday season....

I can't tell you how much I enjoy being a part of this group of artists with the same love of olde.

As the year draws to a close, I always reflect upon my year of creating. There is never enough time to do it all, and this year has been no exception. 

I look at my offering for this month and it is only when it is complete; that I see memories.

I look at the colors and I am reminded of a favorite Professor, that would ask me to get bold with color..."just splash some red in there", he would say. 

I look at her face...those eyes that capture her kindness of heart....and I realize that she looks like my beloved friend, Becky. How does that happen? It always does... whether from a sketch or simply my mind's eye....when I set it down as finished, my piece often looks like someone that I have a personal connection with.

I love the inspiration of the Queen Anne style~ I never know just how they will turn out. Not just the sculptures, mind you, but the clothing. I'm very basic with my patterning and self taught. Every bodice is patterned and stitched to the piece. I never know how it will end. There is never anything drawn out or fabrics picked...they come when the piece is painted and aged...only then do we visit the fabric laden sewing room.

This time, the fabric choices weren't up to my liking.. they were what "spoke", but they needed to be tweaked. The usual warm brown tones of coffee dye were not what I wanted, there was too much warmth....I needed grays.

I tried a different technique and oh how I love it. This could be another addiction ....

another technique of olde to wrap up in~ 

Let the Show Begin~

I was in a bit of a tizzy this year as I booked shows. Some of my favorites overlapped each other for the Holiday Season. I have been on the waiting list again this season for Hadassah and did not get a spot~ I will keep trying tho for next year, so keep fingers crossed!

This Saturday  November 9th, I will be at the Ballard Elementary School, just off the Northway at Exit 16 in Wilton. Last year I saw so many Granville friends and I hope that I will do so again~ it's like coming home! Look for me in the Hallway by the Office. 

My Wee Folk will be very limited but there will be some fun new friends as well as some favorites such as Rappin Rude E Reindeer above. Come early and enjoy the array of Artisans and Craftsmen ~ it is one of my very favorites to do!

November At The Door

Tis the busy season at our Wee Cottage. The trees on Curry Road have been dressed in their finery, awaiting November, to dance their final dance. 

November arrived promptly in a stern and no nonsense way. At dawn she was dark and brooding and rain fell hard to accentuate her mood....by late morning, her mood changed sharply, as if someone drew back curtains to let in the morning sun. Gray gave way to cobalt and fresh air comes through the kitchen window....perhaps for the last time before Spring. I'm soaking up the smell of leaves....it is intoxicating.

Skeletons and tombstones give way to turkeys and all things snowy as the next couple of weeks will finish off my very busy year.

I'm ready to fully settle in. Hot Chocolate with a dash of Almond milk will take the place of my afternoon tea and movies are lined up to welcome Grandfather Winter. He's not far now and in the upcoming weeks, he is sure to whisper into Miss November's ear and ask her to dance.

My friends here can be seen on Olde Primitive Peddler. Sky has found her home, but Wee Martha hopes to find her family before the snow flies.

Sharing My Heart

No matter how far I have traveled in my life~ I am a country girl..and a small town girl at heart. I have traveled and lived many places. Home and family have always been along the New York and Vermont border in the sleepy Village of Granville NY. I have lived most of my life there, and must admit to being a bit bewildered to move just outside the city of Schenectady. Tim would ask me what I would miss (besides my girls)....my mountains; always my mountains. I still do, but they are never so far away. Here in Schenectady, one can walk along the city streets

and enjoy all of the revitalization projects..Visit artsy shops on a cobbeled street, perhaps stop by Little Italy for fresh bread or a gelato and go a little farther into the Historic Stockade. I am so lucky to have someone that has the same heart....

A short drive, brings us here, to Thatcher Park. We have come here a few times and I am always in awe. I forget just how much I love it. It is rich in history ~This area dates back to the late 1500's and below where we are standing in this picture is the Indian Ladder Trail. It was used by the Mohawk Iroquois. They would fell trees and use them as ladders to reach a trading post run by Henry Hudson. There is an area called the Tory cave, in which Jacob Salsbury hid from the settlers during the Burgoyne Invasion.

Today we are walking across the top of the trail and are located approximately in the middle. The leaves are at peak foliage in the valley and the day is a perfect, crisp October day. If you look to the tall mountain just right of the center, you see Mount Equinox, Vermont. Not so far from my beloved Granville and where much of my Dad's side of the family has roots. ~ now my heart smiles.

See that ridge to the right~ that is the top that we are walking along. Quite a way down, just to the tree tops. You can just make out the mountains beyond. That is Massachusetts. The stone to the left....well a couple steps beyond and what a drop!

Looking to the left is the Adirondacks~ oh, and the cliffs. Let's not forget those! We are going to walk along the trail to the left and you will see the other side of the Escarpment.

We walk along the wooded trail and the view is beautiful. We are ever mindful that we are along the top of the cliffs and yes, that is the edge where the brown leaves end. 

A break in the trees and you can see how massive this is. What a miracle that this birch has survived just above the tops of the trees along the limestone.

We come across a wee friend. What will the Winter hold for us Mr. Woolie?

And then we come to our destination. Nothing like a cup of Hot Chocolate on a hike! I picked some snowberries and found some hickory nuts for my candle bowl and to use in photo shoots,

The view of the Escarpment and the Adirondacks beyond is amazing. My heart truly does smile. I am fortunate to have a man that knows the way to this girl's heart~ never mind flowers, chocolates or yes....jewelry. Even though my home may not be where I thought it would be...it is not far at all from my beloved mountains...and oh what a view of them!

AS a grand finale, I found this beautiful video of the hike through the Indian Ladder Trail; which was below the trail that we hiked. I am in awe every time I walk it and hope that you will find the beauty of it also. Can you feel the history of those that walked it hundreds of years before us? It feels like one is back in time...it feels like Last of the Mohicans.  May it make your heart smile as it does mine. * You will want to scroll down to the bottom of my blog to turn off the music to fully enjoy the video.*

 

Web Show Fun

Today was a perfect day to get everything ready for a Web Show. Wonderfully overcast and Sleepy Hollow like! It's been awhile, but I did promise that I would put some items up after my last Fall Show. There wasn't a lot, but there was enough! I have a passion for Puritan skellies~

And even though I sold out of Mrs. Munson, everywhere...I had to make a couple! they crack me up. If one or both decides to stay~ I don't mind. We chat.....

The chalkware has come full circle for me. Nearly 20 years ago, I searched for how to do this. I had grown up with Ceramics and this was what I wanted to learn. Unknowingly at the time, I asked a customer at the store that I was working at, if she knew the process. Later, we would become good friends and she would become more than a friend, but my Mentor. We would do shows together...and I would be right where I am now. I don't live so close anymore, but we still laugh and enjoy the memories that we have made over the years.

This has been a fun thing to put together for you and I hope that you stop by to take a peek. There are still goodies to be had~ click on any of these pictures and take a trip to the show!

Under the Moonlight

You can smell the Fall leaves in the breezes here in Upstate New York. They are starting to swirl about in the crisp air. Apple harvesting has begun and there is cider and baked goods at many of the area stores. These next couple weeks will give the best memories to hold and inspire us in the coming year. Enjoy a mulled cider and donut with me on Thursday evening....

The date and time are set and I will have some special pieces available from my Fall line this year.

My Picturetrail will be set with goodies and it is first come first serve within the US

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thegoodewife@yahoo.com

Enjoying the Goode

It's been a bit of a busy Fall around here! It is show season and we have been off to a wonderful start. Josie hopped on board this last show; bound and determined to meet Ben Ashby, Editor of Folk Magazine. I met Ben a couple years ago as Folk was just starting out. We were both in Ohio for the Simple Goods Show.

Earlier that Sunday, Josie hopped on my shoulder and we visited Main Street. Ben has an awesome place! Just down from the Beekman boys (the grey building). *It's difficult having your very own photo bomber.....

Then there is just plain old silliness in the show tent...we tend to be a little over tired and giddy.

The most unusual art was that of Diamond Tooth Taxidermy. Beth Beverly has quite a take on the Taxidermy of today ~ her pieces are unique and give a wink and nod to yesterday. While taxidermy is not for everyone, her work is unique and artsy. Of course, no animal was killed for the express making of her work.

I loved this piece, although you can't see all of the jewel work.  I love the show "Oddities" and these pieces look like something that would would have found their way to that unique shop.

Prior to the show, I was contacted to make a piece for the Vermont Chapter, "Run For The Cure". This is the second year for me and I am thankful for the opportunity to give back.

Tim and I did take a day and met up with our friend Mark, for Irish 2000~ a day full of Irish pride, music...and lets not forget beer and food! Tim and I crossed this one off of our Bucket List....

Haggis.....It was surprisingly good.

Now comes the task of Holiday shows, a class and setting my sails for the path of next year. I am thankful for all of this and the opportunities that have come my way. 

Sweet October

October slipped in softly this morning....it drifted in on warm breezes and spiced coffee. The leaves are starting to change nicely and there is some harvesting, still to do. I am amazed at the blessings brought forth from the magazines. I've lots to share of the past couple weeks, but that will be another post. Today is my celebration of October.

I had to wait for the sun to rise for my Olde Primitive Peddler offerings. With such special offerings, one surely needs to show them off.
Charlotte, pictured above, is my last Pumpkin Sculpt for the year. She came with me to the Harvest Festival so that I could try to sneak in a few stitches, here and there. It was not to be, although she and Jarrah did get to chat quite a bit, before Jarrah waved farewell and set out for her new home in Georgia.

I love these sculpts. I grow and learn with each one. from finishing techniques to patterning and construction~ they are always a journey. Charlotte was inspired by her dress fabric. There is magic, watching how it will transform and change. It came off the bolt as a crisp white and gray. A little magic changed it to a warm, softer and more timeworn look, befitting such a sweet and gentle Ladye.

I love the way wire speaks to me and it has been a favorite since a High School Studio class, all those years ago. It can go so wonky and have such character~

Let's not forget about Mice. They have been great subject manner for many years  for me and I smile at how I have grown up with them....from ceramic clay in the 70's to felt in the 80's. They certainly look a whole lot better now! I am thankful for a couple of great gentlemen, who inspired me to keep going with them on a bitter cold day in January. Mice and birds have blossomed here on Curry Road and I could not be more thankful for their imput.

A gentle nudge to step them up a bit, has brought me to this place. This Wee Meadow Mouse is Reenie, and very special indeed. You see, last night as she was coming to life, I was told of a dear Aunt's passing. Somehow, in all of the magic that springs from within~ my little Mouse came to look like the sweet and wise Aunt that she is honorably named after. It is always amazing that these characters will reflect in look and character, those that touch my heart and my life. How sweet is that?

In My Zone

I love Fall, it shines in all I do. As the days get cooler and shorter, I wrap up and embrace them. Candles burn many days; a part of living the Grateful Life I have been given. I am thankful for all that I have and put my thanks and energy forward, sending those grateful energies to friends and fur babies that need them. All while working away. 

I look out of the picture windows and enjoy the chattering of the Hedgerow Sparrows that flit about and gossip early in the mornings. The morning train wails and the smell of the changing leaves floats in on morning breezes, mixing with coffee brewing....

I love this zone that I am in...the path I have taken and the path that it is leading. It has been a fruitful year and so many wonderful opportunities. I know the year is coming to an end and I need to think about my work next year.  There is still so much to do, but I can't help but be excited. It's going to have to wait a bit though, because I am busy enjoying where I am today.