Hopping Through February

I love the carrots!

As Early Work Mercantile opens

in the midst of a bumpy start~

(we had a frustrating day of service interruptions)

I am excited...

mild days

are mixing with cold and snowy ones.

You can feel Spring 

working up from your toes

and nesting in your heart.

It certainly shows up in my sketches

and enters 

my work table.

As I created Bea Bunny~

it was with

a bigger picture 

in mind.

I love taking simple, 

humble

muslin

and bringing it to life

with dyes

and stitches.

A clever detail,

doesn't have to shout,

but rather

embrace

and melt into the piece

like a warm hug.

Time and stitches

add up to

a big love

and a thankful heart.

Not only for the ability

to work from home...

but for 

the opportunity

to build on the gifts given me.

To grow it....

As snows and cold

give way

to the rebirth

in Spring...

so does my heart

with the growing 

of 

research driven by ideas.

 Forging ahead;

growing my seeds 

made of ideas,

so they may 

bloom.

A Peek Behind The Curtain

I loved meeting and getting to know Joyce and Kaf

I've done many shows...

big and small.

This one takes the cake~

it is like no other.

(I was told it would be)

It took me a good two weeks

upon my return,

to fully

digest it.

( they tried to prepare me!)

The artwork of

my gifted friends

is so amazingly unique to them

and at such a high level, 

that 

pictures cannot

take the place of 

seeing and embracing 

the senses!

This is such a brilliant

gathering of

artists

and 

they form a unique family.

Words just can't express that,

and I am at a loss....

Perhaps,

a peek behind the curtain

may help.

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I came home

beyond honored...

and

with a mission

to 

embrace visions

of my characters 

telling their stories~

by learning 

different techniques 

in my sculpting

and bringing them to life.

I am so honored

to be a part of 

Bewitching Peddlers

in 2018~

I am thankful 

for 

the opportunity

and for my family and friends

that support

me.

A special thanks to

my beloved husband

and

Team Sutter

in advance...

you allow my work to shine

Here Comes the Snow

We received word.

that our two grandies 

would not be here today,

everyone is anticipating

.....

The Big Snow!

I have sculpts

in various stages of 

developement.

~*~

I am also exploring 

different ways 

for armaturing

and assembly.

This will allow me to grow

my vision

of bringing some of my drawn characters 

to life! 

I once read 

of a person that was 

a beginner sculpter

cheerfully saying

that the sculpts were

all clay

through the process,

the person discovered 

that the delicate

neck

was not very sound

and a reluctant change

 in neck thickness

had to be made.

What was not understood,

 was that her piece would remain

delicate and breakable.

We have such a wonderful resource

with the internet.

More and more,

I learn from

researching

those that will share the basics.

I am building a library

of books as well.

I grew up

sculpting with

ceramic clays.

Armatures are important!

As I changed to

Paperclay

(which I adore)

I have learned 

about different kinds of armatures.

My Bewitching Peddlers 

family

opened my eyes to possibility.

Upon my return,

I have researched

different ways, 

to make my visions

come to life!

Trying a new technique!
I love the possibility it gives.

Clayworks like this,

need a skeletal system

and one that will

form a good solid piece.

There are several ways to achieve this

and each person

has to figure out

what works best for them.

Now, this has to be said...

when you see

how a tool is used

be it a light box for graphics, 

to a armature

that will carry 

a sculpt~

Remember 

to use the TOOL

as just a TOOL

and do not copy

the finished piece or style,

but rather

trust in your gift.

Trust in yourself...

 I believe in 

encouraging

creativity.

Sharing how to begin...

and basics.

The rest becomes

your journey.

I will be showing parts of my journey, 

going forward.

In hopes

that it

will give someone

the wings that they need

to reach

their vision.

On this snowy day...

I will be working on my

friends to bring them to life...

and enjoying

the day~

Snowflakes out the window...

my Gram's recipe for sauce simmering...

and

a candle from 1890 Gable House Goodes burning...

(The above blackened beeswax is new from 

Misi's store  and might I say~

it smells just amazing~

enjoy her link!)

Whatever your day is... 

grab onto it and make it yours!

Goode February

January 

it seems,

can go on forever.

We have had bitter cold,

snow and rain.

Although February,

 can be rather cold itself.

It carries with it,

hope

 that Spring

will find it's way soon.

As you can see..

Sping has been first and foremost

in my work.

I love Netty LaCroix's patterns

and I love using them.

Sometimes I stay true to 

the techniques

and sometimes 

they reflect my vision.

(an egg or a sleepy mouse?

...ponder, ponder.)

I have added my own

 tiny, humble stitches.

It gives a homey

olde finished look

and often inspires

the Early and Primitive 

look that I love.

I often envision a young ladye

practicing stitches

by the fire.

Last night,

EHAG Emporium

had it's first offerings for 2018.

If you haven't visited before,

hop on the link and enjoy

some one of a kind

Halloween Art.

(My wee friend has been spoken for, but there are still lovilies to be had)

It is a great way 

to start a collection

and see 

wonderfully,

talented

Artists.

February

brings 

thoughts of love

and the yearning for

the newness

of Spring.

I have

been tweeking

things a bit...

knowing that 

life always changes.

I have been

pondering, 

how to make those changes.

 Keeping 

the balance 

of home,

family,

and 

work that I love.

Embracing more

Hygge

each year.

(Pinterest has some lovely inspires)

embracing it

even in my work.

As the new Raven Witch

walks where

the Natty Rats

have been.

My work will

reflect

my heart

and roots,

and still challenge

my vision of growth.

~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~

If you would 

like to be notified of my postings~

(which will be more frequent)

at the top of the left hand column,

is a place where you can add your email.

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my work on FaceBook

I am under,

The Goode Wife of Washington County

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and..

you can find me on 

Pinterest

&

Instagram

under

theegoodewife

Say hello~

I'd love to hear from you!