A Unique Primitive Art with a whisper to the past~

These truly ARE the voices in my head.







Saturday, November 29, 2014

ETSY~ It's A Pattern Sale!


My Show season has ended, 
and I will be getting ready 
for the changes ahead for me in 2 weeks!


I thought it was a great time to celebrate the Season~


I added some olde friends,
that are new to my Etsy Shoppe.


so why not celebrate with a sale?
Coupon code:

HOLIDAY14
at checkout

will give you 25% off of your order!

Sale ends 12/3/14
* click on any picture to take you there 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

My Last Show of 2014




How fast this year has gone... 
I have come full circle..
the last show until next Fall. 

I am excited for the changes ahead, 
starting in December
but....
it is bittersweet to know that I will not be attached to my sewing machine..

And so on this Sunday, 
November 23rd, from 9:30 to 4
I will be at the Gloversville Middle School.

The Hadassah Show is now 
The Soroptimist Craft Fair



You can stop by my Facebook business page to see where I am located, ask a question if you need, or just say HELLO!

if you would be so kind, please give me a "like" and click to follow me.

you will see my new journey ahead.





Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Big Changes At The Wee Cottage






November is a month of changes...
leaves give way to bareness, rain to snow and Thanksgiving to the  Christmas season.
 It also heralds in my cozy season. There is nothing like  bonafide jammie day! 
Candle glow, a pile of movies and gentle works as snows and wind dance outside....





This month will bring bigger changes for me.
 I will enjoy my jammie days and my hibernating, but I will also enjoy something a little more special to make my heart sing in the days ahead.
 A wee package that will be fussy at times and need feeding and changing frequently! Let the Nonnie duties begin!





On October 3rd, Tim officially became a Grandpa.
 Daughter Kelly and Son in law, Kenny became very proud, first time parents. 
Kelly and Kenny are as dear as my own... 
we started blending our two families nearly 10 years ago.





The changes continue. 
The past couple of months have taken the wind from our sails
but
also given us Blessings. 
That is the way of it, no?

This journey with my art has been a wonderful blessing in itself, 
but after months of much thought,
I have decided to make changes for the new year.

I will be looking after the wee one as Mommy returns to work. That will force me to take on the direction that I have wanted to do for a few years now....


I will be designing more and making less finished dolls online~

You will still find an offering on  Early Work.

You will still see peeks of my work...
but you wont see as many dolls~

Until they are released as patterns.

It has been so difficult to do both; 
it's time to devote to the patterns.

The patterns will also be expanding in other ways, to include other stitching arts.

and my drawings will grow in number and continue to become fun paperworks!

I am excited to start this path.
To see where it leads~
I have been practicing new techniques
 and 
reacquainting myself with olde.

all goode things grow with love
~*~




Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Gift of Handmade


Saturday is coming rather quickly.

We will be in Wilton NY for the

19th Holiday Craft Fair

at

Ballard Elementary School
300 Ballard Rd.
Exit 16 off of I87
9-3:30

We love this show, It is fun to do and everyone is so pleasant. 
It's a halfway point to Granville for me,
 and so many friends stop by and say hello~
The Goode Wife will be in the Main Hallway this year,
just past the entrance.

A perfect opportunity to pick up Handmade gifts...
something unique or special...
be inspired.


I have been making a few things from some of my favorite designers...
sometimes taking them for a spin,
 like the little Angel Kitty.

Their designs fit and allow me to work on the techniques that first drew me to Primitives.
you can see and feel the love this way.

I have been missing that.
the weight of rags...
the feel of grass~ like olde horsehair...
for me,
 it is like old memories being awakened.




Friday, October 31, 2014

Merry Hallowe'en


It couldn't be more perfect for a Hallowe'en celebration tonight. The breeze was crisp; the beloved smell of leaves and earth made her heady with excitement. Years of memories had attached themselves to that smell.

Fanny had planned this for an entire year....
suddenly she became pensive. It had taken so much hard work and loving care to grow her special blue pumpkins.....
just for tonight's celebration.

Ahhhh, she knew that when tomorrow dawned, the process would begin again....

and her heart smiled.


*Fanny Weed is a Pineberry Lane design

Thursday, October 2, 2014

October Has Arrived!



A Merry Fall to all of you.
This time of year is truly where my heart smiles the biggest.

The smell of the leaves is intoxicating...
 every year I smell the candles in stores, 
hoping that perhaps one day, 
they can capture that smell. 


I have been very busy...
This is always the busiest time of the year for patterns.
 Raven's Haven is growing faster than I can keep up, 
it seems.


The Harvest Festival is amazing and it is unbelievable how it has grown!
We had a new spot this year.
Etsy was also here and there was an Etsy Village along one street. 
Tim is just starting to put out all of our friends.
He is my partner in all things...


We were right across the street from the Roseboro Hotel...
The architecture in Sharon Springs is stunning, and this is just one beauty.


On Sunday, I made it to Beekman 1802.
So much traffic!
 their grass is trampled!
I did get to talk with them for a few minutes.
They had tried to stop at my booth on Saturday...
and then as we were packing Sunday. 
They were called to the shop  as they got to the tent.
I was glad that I had chatted with them earlier. Brent and Josh really liked what they had seen of my tent from across the Roseboro on Saturday.


They loved the banner.
I do too!
So many asked if it was for sale...
no.
It was a gift from a very good friend.
She has filled it with things that are special to me,
and created it with love.
it is my heart in paper form...
it is magical.




I fell in love with Petrie last Fall.
He's on the right...
He brought Stewart with him this time.
Rescues with special needs! 
Their Mom came in search of...


Dwayne....

I have a difficult time keeping bats in my Belfry.
I will have to make even more for next year...
and remember Petrie's special cookies.


I didn't get time to work on my next Raven Skull, and now I have 2 November  Shows ahead...not to mention~
A BIG CHANGE!

but, that part is for later.
For now,
 I do want to thank so many for their feedback on Branwen.

I still get emails asking if I will revisit her..
YES!

When I did her, I looked and looked through the internet to see how common a Raven Skull doll was.
I also wanted to make sure that she would be unique as a sculpt and also fully in my voice.

I think that as a professional Artist, it is a responsibility.

I was pleased to only see a couple, 
and neither even close to my Branwen.
Raven Skulls are not common in this area of Art.
Perfect for me, to chance upon the uncommon!

So, I will continue with her. 
I have a couple ideas ahead...
 I would have never thought in a a million years that she would capture the heart of so many 

and 
inspire other Artists as well.
whoda thunk, little ole me...






Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Harvest Festival!



A quick note, my friends...

it has been a busy and hectic time here at 
The Cottage.
The magazine release has kept me so busy,
for that I am so grateful.
We also lost a member of our family; unexpectedly.
We will miss her terribly
but she taught us all well. 
We celebrate her life.

I have also been trying to prepare for my most favorite show in my area...




A click on the banner will get you all of the information...

I look forward to seeing old friends and making new.

The ETSY team will also be there, so if you have ever thought of having your own online business of handmades, a wonderful opportunity is presented!

See you there!




Thursday, August 21, 2014

Sharing Mrs. Munson


You never know when you are creating... 
exactly what will happen.
 Sometimes a character will take on a life, beyond any expectations that you had, after you have created it....

It's especially surprising, when it comes from such a personal place as the memories that you hold dear.

I wanted a little witch tuck for the Doll House and also for my Fall show.
I didn't realize until she was finished, that she would look like someone held deep in my memory.
I do that a lot, but then, that is why we create and make art... it is reflection of our heart and soul.


I could not keep up with her.... 
I sold every one and made more.
Messages were pouring in.

While many were requests for her; 
there were some from those who had given a home to their own Mrs. Munson.

It didn't take long to realize that this stern and motherly Witch had become a confidante to many.



 When Better Homes and Gardens contacted me to see if I would release her to them; I thought, "how perfect"...so I have been mum to all those who have written and asked.

And she is ready!!!!



I can't wait to see what you all come up with! 

Please share your Mrs. Munson on my Facebook page. If you haven't already, put a "like" on my business page, please do so by clicking the picture for the link here:



and post your version of Mrs. Munson!
Happy creating friends  ~*~

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Kicking and Screaming



Time, please don't rush by so quickly...
I have so much to do still. 
Summer is going by in a blink.

I am enjoying the sun and the flowers~ 
watching the bees work so hard.
Butterflies in the sunlight
 and
 fireflies in the moonlight.


It can't possibly be that July is coming to an end.
August is at the door....
I'm just not ready.
Not quite yet.


Friday, July 18, 2014

Summer Love




Our days at the cottage are wrapped in lots of Summer love. 

The days bring a hum as creating is in full swing. It may not seem it you all of you, but it is.
You see, changes are coming about ~
I am following the plan that was started last year and it must have been the right path, because we found that there was one more BIG change.

...remember the 5 weddings in the Walsh clan?
well, 6 babies will be given this year. So far, 4 have arrived. Tim's daughter, Kelly and her husband expect a stork visit in October.

As we step in to lend a hand, my work ability will change depending on how much this Nonna will be needed....
 So the preparations in my work began when snow still covered the ground.



My offerings have been mostly sculpted  or Mousels...and this month, both!

As time moves on, you will see the path I am taking for now. I think you will be as happy as I am.

til then, enjoy butterfly days and firefly nights.






Thursday, June 26, 2014

Summer Goodes...

Click on Marjorie to visit the Picture Trail Show * Note Cards are available to purchase also.

How do these long Summer days just fly by so fast?
A blink ago it was May.....
now it is almost July.

We have had plenty of gatherings among family members.
 Some near, some a little farther. 
My creating takes a back seat seat on weekends during the Summer... 
The weekdays are always a bit wild.

This week was the opening of my first 2014 Picture Trail Show~ 
if you haven't stopped by, you can click on the picture above and enjoy.

There are still plenty of fun things left.....

Francine and Thelma

These two are photo faced and rag stuf't.
Perfectly prim; the technique used will embed the photo into the fabric and allows me to age it.
( THAT was a good day!)

Joyce and Ester

These gals have dusting skills.


Quirky fun. 
I had to keep one in my China cabinet.



Design by Netty LaCroix
Love these tucks. 
Netty's patterns are my very favorite.

Netty's Shoe Pinkeeps
I've loved these little shoes for forever! My first Primitive Pattern was this one. 

*******
A couple of my favorites that have found homes already....

Sally Starling
This year, I embraced my Starling friends.
There is a group that make their homes in the building next door to us and each year I watch them raise their families.
Did you know that their beaks change color? Yellow in the Spring and Summer and black for the Fall and Winter.

Eliza's Gloves
One of my designs from the beginning years and a classic. I don't do the white gloves as often as I should, but they are  always treasured.

Some more quirky fun~
The cream basket is still available.
Stop by to see the whole show.

Mrs, Munson's Tea
This piece is becoming a series.
(and more)
 I can't wait until you see what is ahead! 

 Something "wicked goode" is on it's way.....
but alas, 
that is for another day.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

It's Almost Time....



The days have been working very hard to become longer and Mid Summer's Eve is tomorrow.

How does it get here so fast?

I have been fast at work with several projects and one of them will be happening next week.

The FIRST Picturetrail Show for me this year.
I have lots to put up, 
so get ready...
 this will be the only one for a few months.

I have no Shoppe to fill and it rained all day for half of the Sharon Springs event. 
 There is plenty to be had.
A maid?
Perhaps two? 
Company with Tea?
There will be quite a bit to choose from.

I also received a box of samples to go through. 
A good chance to get something special  for Fall or Winter.


The past weekend brought us to the very first Renaissance Fair to this area.

This girl was in heaven...
and henna.


Early Works opened also.
 Branwen (Welsh for "beautiful Raven") was immediately adopted.
The response was so wonderful~
Thank you to all who tried to get their email through and be the first....
and for all of your kind words and encouragement.

She is very different for me, 
but yet she is so true to my heart.I can't wait to continue her spirit and challenge myself.

***
"I think we do our best work as designers when we show truth."

Mondo Guerra







Friday, June 13, 2014

A Wicked Goode Friday


It's rained...and rained for days.
Cold and gloomy...

Mushrooms are growing in record numbers in the back yard and the roses are blooming despite everything.
Perfect for this Rose Moon tonight....

These days are perfect for candle glow...
hot mugs of tea...
and creating.
Something wicked goode is coming to Early Work Mercantile.

Tomorrow eve.
 Til then, enjoy and embrace your Friday the 13th 
and the Full Moon ahead.


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Tea on a Rainy Afternoon



It's a cold and rainy day here at the Cottage.  A hot mug of tea helps to tame the dampness, warming me inside and out.

All of the gardens are in and settled very nicely.
Iris and Roses are blooming...
I have a blossom starting on my Hydrangea bush, We moved it last year because it wasn't blooming properly...
Now, I patiently await the blossoms that I adore.
Fingers crossed! 



Let it rain outside.. look dark and dreary.
It makes my work light take on a warm and cozy glow.

There are deadlines to meet and orders to pack.

I won't feel the tug of the outside calling, 
but rather..... 
I can wrap up in my work as one would a warm blanket.