New Patterns

It's about time, right? I've poured over designs, added...taken out. Let me tell you, it's not easy, trying to pick things that you feel that everyone would be successful at and still have fun with.

I get lots and lots of emails with requests, and I listen! To become a pattern, there has to be more than ease of making... there must be lots of feedback and be "show worthy".

I've learned a lot this past year. While many designers decided to move on, I decided to continue and encourage others.

You see, there will always be people that will take advantage. They will copy..some even swear that they don't look on the internet at anyone's work, yet you see that they have. Actions speak louder than words ever can. It's not like they are fooling anyone. But, in the end, it is what defines them. 

I learned instead, to forgive them and move on. I have too many goode things that I want to do. and my life is surely not long enough!

A goode friend shared her views, and I wrap up in them and now live them. I give my designs to the Universe and share. I trust that the Universe will give back to me in a way that I can make a living and share the talents given with me.

So here I am, charged and ready. I picked 8 patterns that people were talking about, the most requested....the most smiled upon. It was difficult to choose just 8...so I will be releasing again later in the Summer. I already have a pile to work on.

Until then; a click on any of these pictures will take you to the shop, so that you can order. I take all forms of payment (I'd even take a chicken, if they would let me... I LOVE chickens!)

....and for my direct orders~ just email me at:

thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com

Keeping the Faith

I have learned long ago to have Faith and know that things will fall into place as they should. It's not always easy, I admit....there are always obstacles ...but it is the obstacles that make the journey memorable.

I was asked a short time ago, through one family member , if I would consider making one of my Wee Mousels for a cause that another family member was working on. A run and auction for Autism.....I was thankful for the opportunity. As some of you know, my oldest daughter has Asperger's and although it is mild, it wasn't an easy road for either of us....it still isn't. We have good and bad days, but we get through it.

Shawnna was told when she sought out a Mousel for the Cause, that they always go to homes where they belong. I'm sure that many who have adopted them will tell you this is true.

This Wee Mara Mousel started out on her journey from New York and was to travel to Florida. It was supposed to be a two day journey, but after the second day passed and no Mara, Shawnna was very nervous. "We got this", I messaged her, Keep the Faith, send good energy out there. The next morning, she called her Post Office and Mara Mousel arrived in time for  the event.

....And then it rained....and poured. It poured so, that the run was cancelled. The sale of tickets continued. This event was too important to let rain get the best of it! In all of this, Wee Mara Mousel kept disappearing from the table. There was a young man in his 20's with Autism that was smitten. Although not too verbal, he kept calling her beautiful. His parents bought 75 tickets. Mara Mousel kept disappearing from the table, being kept safe by this young man. A worried Shawnna was beside herself, she told me. What to do? Should they donate and give the young man the Wee Mousel? There is a love connection here, and when you see that with a person having Autism, you realize the importance. Autism Speaks ~ I'm sure you have heard of the organization. It speaks for those who cannot. This young man, may not have said much, but he moved many. Mara, the Mousel...  in keeping the Faith, went home to the person that she was supposed to...the fine young man, who had such a love connection. 

To him, she is beautiful, but to me, he is special. He knew exactly where she belonged and he had Faith.

I am thankful, not only with the opportunity to give, but to know just how memorable this journey would be.

Bittersweet

My offerings this month on TDIPT Mercantile are were uploaded with a bit of sadness in my heart. At the end of the month, we will all say goodbye to this remarkable selling site. Years ago as my selling site, Crow Soup ended it's run, the gals at TDIPT took me in. I was known only as a pattern maker, so this was quite a step for both of us. I am so glad that they took a chance with me and I thank them for giving me a place to shine.

I've received quite a few emails as people have heard the news. I must tell you that even though change comes to us all, this one is bittersweet. I have enjoyed my fellow Artisans here and their great works. I have been working on changing my online presence over the course of a few months, but not being on TDIPT was not one of my changes!

I trust in reasons and keep the faith that I will know my path. I have never been disappointed. There are winds of change ahead and I will announce them each step of the way......

It is sad to say goodbye, but I am also excited for my journey ahead.  For now, however, it is a time to enjoy and celebrate a remarkable site, put together by remarkable women.  Thank you for having me.

Do stop by and do write us. We love to hear from you and it's always nice to know how much you have touched someone's heart.

Ready?

All goode things come with time, right? Be on the watch...it's almost here. New patterns are nearly ready......

Perspective

Perspective.....a point of view. Either as part of the appearance of objects or how we regard a situation or a fact; both are tied to the artist. We need to have a handle on each to be successful. An Artist is affected by things that touch their lives~ people, places, memories. Add with that studies in science or math and you have a wonderful marriage for your work.
Art is your personal stamp.

I love doing graphic works and am so thankful for the gift. The gift is nothing without all of the hours of hard work and study though. I took many science classes that have helped so much in my work now. Whoda thunk? 

Thankfully  I had wonderful counselors and trusted them. Things that I would have never thought I would use, are the things that set me apart. My education didn't change my gift, it just made it stronger and balanced it better.

I love drawing and I'm often asked, "Why don't you just draw?" "You should be an illustrator".

I remember when I discovered Primitive Dolls. I raced to my parents and told them that I found out where I fit. My Father was disappointed at first....I can draw, paint and sculpt quite well....but a doll maker?  I turned down the opportunity to finish schooling and move towards a career with a well known greeting card company, as well as turning down a scholarship and the ability to be an "Illustrator for the Sciences". 

My Father knew....anyone that is a true artist and not just spitting out pieces for the money knows. Simply....happiness. 

Art is how we feed our soul. We don't make art because we need to financially, we make it because it is what drives us. I can draw and could probably just draw and make a wonderful salary...but it is only a part of my heart. I could not be successful with my Folk Art without drawing AND the whole package....nor with my sculpted works. Beyond that are the challenges that each media hold. Above all, I love the opportunity to challenge my abilities. I want to continue to grow, not just settle into something because it is comfortable.

Over the past 8 months, I have started to make changes to better balance my personal life and my online presence. I was tired of all the negativity and wanted a better balance. We are in charge...sometimes we forget that. 
I took people off of my Facebook news feeds, unfriended.. yes...... I did an overhaul. I still am~bit by bit. I have so much that I want to do, and so little time...even if I live to a ripe old age. I am busy creating. I don't want a computer tied to me.

Let the drama, the negativity and those that feel the need to follow my lead in trends and characters do so. 

You see, the Universe gave me these gifts and I am giving back to the Universe. 

A dear friend reminded me of this...Thank you my dear, you are such a wonderful gift to many.