The Climb

Gosh, the past two months have vanished in a blink of an eye and here I am wondering just where time went to. We just received word that my Father will be back in Granville and in rehab very soon. Well, geez, you say.... where was he? He has been in the hospital since June 10th. It was a dash for me back and forth to the hospital any chance I could for 3 weeks. As a Caretaker for my Mom, you can imagine how difficult it can be to get away, but I was able to visit him between tests, surgery, biopsies and even more tests. Every June for the past twenty years I have visited the LARAC Arts and Crafts Festival any chance I could. I kept faith that if it was possible I would go. This year it was by glimpses driving by on my way back and forth to the hospital. The hospital transferred him to Mount Sinai, NYC so that his transplant team could check his liver. Right before he was scheduled to go, he fell and broke his hip very badly. He was not strong enough to go through a hip replacement but they were able to put a plate in and after he was stabilized, sent him downstate. He was scheduled to return about a week ago but suffered a heart attack. He now needs valve surgery but has to regain strength first and will be coming back here for that. He is, without a doubt the biggest fighter I know and my hero. On days that he has struggled and been so far away, we have all been cheering him on and telling him to keep the faith. This whole year has been an uphill climb for him and he has amazed all that know him with his fight and will to live.

It has been little steps for me in getting back into my Folk Art groove online. Behind the scenes though I have been fast at work filling patterns orders that come in nearly every day. I've finished some commercial contracts and awaiting final decisions on a magazine and illustration contract. There is more work available than there is me at the moment, but certainly no complaints, just very thankful to have such opportunities!

Above is one of my side profile witches. I've done a new one every year for four years now and love it. She's just "Goody" right now but by mid August, when I return to my online venues, her spirit will clearly show through and she will whisper her name to me. Somethings never change.

All Goode Things Come in Time

I have started back to work on my beloved friends this past week and loving it. I am still in transition and stalled with the move, but I am cocooned in the bliss that is creating and loving everything all over again. I am working ahead of the season, but as long as I can fit a pumpkin or witch in, I'm happy and don't mind the snowmen as much. There are still never enough hours to balance what everyone needs and work full time, but I will gladly take what time I can get with my wee friends! The phone has been ringing with customers and orders, it was as if nothing ever stopped for me. I know that this is still a very close family time, but it doesn't mean that this Good Wife is slowing down down or hanging it up... no, no way! This Good Wife has plenty of goode creating ahead!

Step by Step

The fourth was a working day for me, but we did get to make it a bit special. Ours has always been a family of Service. My Dad and brother served in the military over twenty years each and have fought to keep us free. My father went on to serve his community as a Sheriff for another twenty years. My Mom and I worked retail in our communities and spent many a holiday outside of the home and volunteered our time and hands to help earn money for our community. Phone calls keep us all connected these days, with so many miles between us. Both brothers have been able to visit over the past two months and that was certainly our time to enjoy family coming together. My Father is far away from us right now, but he is on the road to recovery. Slow, but progressive. Yesterday was nice and quiet with a little barbecue dinner for Tim, my Mom and I. We watched part of the John Adams series to set the mood.

Today shines bright and the cobalt sky is a treasure, after so many rainy days of late. There is a gentle breeze, nice and cool with no sticky humidity. The guide that I set forth for this Good Wife a couple weeks ago is certainly on it's course. Yesterday I received word that my work has been accepted by a company that was just a hopeful wisp weeks ago. Now, I will need commercial samples very soon. I have a list to go by and drawings today that will turn into sewing today or tomorrow. There are also store orders to complete along with pattern orders to fill. I am so blessed that in such delicate times, my little friends will continue to bring smiles near and far.

The Road Back

It is a slow road I am traveling right now, but it is a good one and the days are cherished. They are busy and full. I have been wrapping myself up in family as one would wrap up in an old quilt that Grandma made. I have been reflecting on so much that has been my life here in Granville and especially these wee friends I adore creating.

I remember the day I came racing in to share my great epiphany in knowing just what I wanted to focus on as an artist. "A doll maker!", I told my father. He instantly put on his best, "You can't be serious" look. He reminded me that I did not know how to sew and I had such a wonderful training; a dream come true at Lake Placid's School of Art. In all these years since, he's still not understood, or seen that special moment when a doll's spirit connects with who they are meant to belong to. No, he hasn't understood at all. Not the kitchen table covered with fabric and doll parts in nearly every room, but he's proud of my choice and the places that my wee friends have taken me. Mostly he is proud that I have always followed my heart, no matter what anyone thinks.

Planting My Garden

Life is a garden~ we sow seeds, give plenty of water and sunshine, hoping to reap a great harvest. It takes constant work and loving care ...and we do it all without a second thought. After one harvest, we prepare for another, and another.

I am not able to tend to the garden at the Comforte Cottage this year, but I am tending my life garden. Getting ready for life and changes ahead. I may not be able to do all that I'd like right now, but I'm doing what I need and keeping all that I can normal. I think of how many times my Mom and Dad moved all of us here and there from one military base to another. You pack things wrapping them in memories of the past, knowing that they will be a part of your future as they are unwrapped again. There is a scale in front of you as excitement and sorrow are placed gently on opposite plates. Sometimes it dips over too much on one side, but in the end its quite balanced.

I've moved forward on what this Goode Wife needs to do for the next six months and even farther ahead. My heart still holds pumpkins and witches tight...not to mention a skeleton or two. I do miss working on my little friends as much as I'd like, but they never complain and patiently wait for me. I enjoy life's unseen gifts and take the chances that I may not have done in the past. Like new seeds, they grow as I nourish them and anticipate their bloom in the months ahead.

The Gift

It's official, Molly has been with us for a year now, and boy does she make our lives complete here! Molly is a Sato (Puerto Rican Stray) and makes her home here with two other local rescues, Murphy and Rylie. Right now, Miss Molly is in her glory, searching out all the wild strawberries on the lawn. She has become my constant companion and so meant to be here! My days are very full right now and even though I can't create as much as I'd like, I am drawing and writing notes so that when the time comes and I am not so needed, I can continue doing what I love, full force. I want to thank everyone for all of their well wishes and warm emails. I miss all of you!

Looking Ahead

Stacey's Grande Adventure has begun~ there has been gardening time, family time and yes, creative time. It is still very much The Busy House with a constant liveliness to it. Raven's Haven has been very busy as well as the paperwork dealings for my parents. I've been enjoying connections with colleagues and customers that have become the dearest of friends. There is a gift within each of these hearts; the gift of who they are, all wrapped uniquely as their own spirits. There are events to plan for and ideas to be shared... you see, it's time again to write a business plan.I am an Artist that also has an Art Business. That can be difficult, not because I am doing what I was meant to and what I love. Rather because to succeed, I need to balance with what you enjoy and love and not be selfish with the gift I was given. My business plan involves much more than the business of dolls or patterns. It is the spirit that each wee friend I make wraps around, as well as all of you. Without any of you, I could not be all that I am, all that I do.


I'm not sure where this economy is going but that is why a 6 month business plan in good times and bad is a necessity. I will be moving downstate which will afford me the chance for different shows, but I will also continue some up here. I'm even thinking of expanding my show venues if I can. I will be scouting out some of these local events. The beauty of living here right on the border is that I have the best of both worlds with shows and have plenty to choose from in New York and Vermont. Here is where I can enlist some help from many of you as well. So many of you visit my blog and live nearby. Where would all of you like to see the Good Wife? I will be scoping out LARAC this weekend to start. What are some of your Good Wife favorites? Skeletons, witches? The new Homestead series? More St. Jigs? Let me know~ a wonderful chance for goode friends here to share ideas and events!

Taking Some Time Off

As much as I would like to keep my life simplified, it's going to be awhile. There is a lot going on here at The Busy House and it will continue through most of the summer. I've decided, with great reluctance of course, to take a little time off from my online selling with the exception of patterns. I'm hoping that this will afford me time for many things, but the priority being my family. There are changes ahead for all of us here and in it all, I will be moving...closer to the city.. a Burbs girl. This will be a slow process and will take most of the Summer, but it is a very goode thing and I'm looking forward to it.

I will also be working on orders for stores and some more commercial ventures. (The dolls above are at Waterside Antiques~ Ginny is so much fun, I've enjoyed her from those early Brimfield days!) I'm hoping to sneak out some patterns for all of you too. I will let you know how all of this goes of course. This Summer is Stacey's Grande Adventure!

I Just Can't Help It

Conflict rules quite a bit as I work on my friends. Sometimes it really hits at the very end as I'm putting the finishing touches on everyone and giving them their soul... their eyes. Whimsy quite often rushes out in the form of bead eyes in a flounder like fashion. I can't help it. I try to paint a little eye on, or perhaps a more serious button, even the vintage glass ones from old shoes. The pattern pieces even have the nice little eyes drawn on. I can't tell you quite how it happens, but one moment I'm talking to my little friend and telling them that they are almost ready to view the world, before the world views them. Somehow two eyes end up on the same plane and there is life. I suppose though in all honesty, two eyes are better to view the world, even if you are at permanent profile stance. Pictured are my Lemon Poppyseed offerings...Okay, I did manage one normal friend.

We Are Pooped!

OK, it's official, we had a great holiday and we are all very tired out. It started Friday night for us as my youngest brother surprised us with a visit. It has been three years and I'm sure that he didn't expect that his nieces would be pretty close to looking him in the eye! He was able to spend quality time with all of us. He helped bring my Father home for 2 visits. I cooked us all a big Sunday dinner making my Grandmother's Spaghetti Sauce. It is such a treat now, not only because it feeds an army, but because of the diabetic/renal/heart diet in this house.

On Memorial Day, we sprung Dad loose for the parade and ceremonies at the Village Park. I'm awaiting the pictures to share of 2 generations of Veterans side by side. Father and Son; four wars between them (2 each). I'm very proud of them both, very thankful to have them because we grew up knowing the price, knowing that Freedom isn't free. My brother is at his home tonight and we are here, thankful of precious time shared. Memories made. A good tired.

Full Circle

These dolls have been my passion since I walked into Netty's home to draw for her twelve years ago now. I know with certainty that I am doing what I was meant to do. I'm just needed more in the other areas of life, which has now become more hectic than I'd like. I was able to grab hold of enough time to make three offerings for TDIPT. We were asked to do at least one offering as an Americana theme and I was off without another thought as to what I would do.

I have been wanting to do Abe for quite awhile. His face pattern has been sitting near my sewing machine since early December and with a few adjustments he was perfect for today. I will be off this afternoon to visit with my Dad and show him Abe. You see, not far from here is Robert Todd Lincoln's home, Hildene. It is a beautiful estate and it holds special meaning to my father. His Grandparents worked the land for Mr. Lincoln many years ago when Mr. Lincoln was alive. My father's mother, Jennie sat on Mr. Lincoln's lap when she a small child (not something that he did often, as my Grandmother described him to my father as "grumpy"). She would go on in later years and describe the kitchen area (a servant's entrance) to my father who passed it along to me. Several years ago, I was invited by the Hildene Staff to bring some of my work for a holiday show. I brought my father along and we were treated to a private tour of the home. Imagine our smiles as we walked into the kitchen and my father retold his mother's very accurate description!

Watching the Green Take Hold

Spring has taken a firm footing here and the Mountains are green again. It is a special time of year, when the early greens of Spring are so intense in color and flowers give the final touch. This past weekend, our Lilacs, Crab apple and Apple trees all took bloom. Mother's Day weekend was spent cooking up special dishes (we have them rarely now because of diet restrictions) and at the local Hot House for perennials to add to the garden. I will be moving some around and thinning them out this week. I did have a surprise to see that our Jack in the Pulpit has multiplied! I hope to transplant one to the front Fern Garden in hopes to give my Fairy friends a bit of joy.


There is so much to do everyday, thankfully I have help every day with my Mom and twice a week with the house cleaning basics. Now I also have the blessing of Respite Services just for me! As a new bride, I volunteered for Respite work to give families with challenged children a chance to have some time for themselves, knowing their loved one was being looked after. Now it has come full circle and I can't tell you how thankful I am. My Father is working hard to get well and I know that this takes away some of his worries too.


I've had many orders to pack and will still have some to do this week, but as I finish them I will be fast at work on several projects. I have some store orders and commercial work due soon and also I am working on a new website for my patterns. This one will be easier for me to update and I will be working on my free patterns as downloads. All goode things and even a few more to share in the days ahead. Enjoy these days of green, they pass so quickly.

A Friend's Dream

Take a little ride To Amelia's Cupboard by clicking on her banner. It is a dream journey of my friend Lucy (a single Mom of 4)and she's just starting to grow. Lucy has her own pattern line and is adding other designers and supplies. There is free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more, and she has the nicest wool! Congrats Lucy! I hope that you do well~~~

Full Speed Ahead !

Just where does the time go these days? It seems like it was just a few days ago when I made my last post. In the days since, my father has been back to the hospital, started rehab and is back in the hospital once again. I feel badly for him, he just can't seem to get ahead. I'm here holding down the fort, and find that the little blocks of time when I can work on new designs, treasured times. My art helps to balance my crazy life right now. I try to get to my emails every day and at least get my orders. Thankfully, Tim has been helping with them on weekends when he is here. It is a time for our family right now. I do try to post a little something on Twitter at least once a day and let you know what I'm doing creatively during those early hours in the morning before the Aides get here or the phone starts ringing.

Above are my Poppyseeds offerings. I had a great time with both. I love the simple sweetness of the Early Homestead Crow and Delores.... well, what can you say about her? She's a blend of my Gram and Aunt Julia and has Jessie's outlook on life with those wonderful "Delores" glasses. Even on the busiest of days, I do make time to feed my soul and let my heart smile. Busy with the important things in life is truly goode.

Meet My New Friend

My days are very full here at The Busy House, and generally, I like it that way. Spring is beginning to bud here and that means a wonderful time for my allergies. It seems like it is the most beautiful of days that they love to trap me. And so, the past week has been...the dance. Medicine or no? Would I like to breathe from my nose or my mouth? and how about a tickling cough to top things off? And so, I have been in battle, and thankful when Tim can come for a few days and help me pack orders. I'm terribly behind in sending out orders and hope that this weekend will find me caught up(crossing fingers).

The good news is that my Dad has made it home after a 2 week stay in the hospital. We are all hopeful that this will end a continual infection that seems to hide itself quite well. The bad news is...I'm terribly behind. I only have 2 offerings for TDIPT today. Whatchagonnado? Well, as I can, I'm going to offer Boo Kitty as a pattern very soon. I hope to take the next two weeks and put together a couple of my friends here that you have been asking for as patterns. Keep fingers crossed and hope the allergy monsters steer clear of me.

A Goode Easter To You

Both girls are home now and enjoyed coloring Easter Eggs with "The Big Kid", Tim. We all shared giggles as we wrote names and little messages on these little works of oval art. Molly kept close vigil, hoping that someone would give in with "The Really Cracked Ones" and share with her. Poor girl....


Tim is here and we will be enjoying a small but close family dinner. It will just be Tim, my Mom,the girls and I. My Dad is still in the hospital.He hopes to come home Monday, but I think it may be to early. They haven't found a source of infection, but stronger antibiotics are working and he can now eat. I haven't been able to visit with my sinus infection, so I'm really unsure about it all. They seem to send him home to early.


There are changes ahead for me, some easy, some more difficult. All in my art world will still remain, for that is a part of my very soul. My personal life will have changes and as I am ready I will share along the way. It is simply my time to grow and change. I have taught my children, to look to life's changes as an adventure and surely there will be one. For right now though I am at work making some new friends and patterns for you to enjoy. A goode Easter to you and yours, may you make goode memories and look towards the adventures ahead.

Sharing Me

One never knows just how their words will be remembered by another ear or how we touch another heart by our actions. As time passes, we hope that what we do or say will be remembered as goode.


I sit here in front of a blank page and never really realize just how many people stop by and read my posts beyond friends and family. There are many of you however, that stop by regularly and enjoy this little spot of mine; perhaps with their morning coffee, or a cup of tea in the afternoon or evening. Over time, you have created a picture in your mind of who I am given details and stories I have shared with you. Some of you have followed my work and I since Crow Soup, or met me at a show. Some have collected my finished friends and others have made their own. Some have simply stumbled upon this tiny thread of a web of the Internet and settled in. Along the way, I've shared memories and pieces of life here in The Busy House as well as the Goode Comfort Cottage. There's critters, kids, MS and Autism. Some days take on a life of their own and others can be wrapped around like a fuzzy blankie. I can't say that I've ever met a functional family, but here we can but the FUN in dysfunction.



I am surprised when I learn that my details such as wire smiles, babushkas, or flounder eyes inspire other artists. Everything comes with a reason for it's being and it is simply my way of problem solving. It is my turn to smile, when I tell you that when I started this journey, I didn't know how to sew nor have I learned any great mastery of it it. It's simply a vehicle to tell my story, or introduce you to someone that has touched my heart or left an imprint in my memory.


I am simply me, no great story teller by far, although I am humbled by those of you that let me know that you enjoy my writings. I am neither the best at my art by a long shot. As my Dad told me long ago, there will always be someone better than you. It's not a competition, it is a way of life, a passion within that doesn't work 9-5, Monday through Friday. It's not someone sitting there dreaming up the next trend. There isn't a concept that hasn't been done, there is just you, making your art, telling your story, solving the problem and sharing your take on a concept in your own way. I don't make my art because there is an audience, but I'm darned thankful for the gift and to share it whether through my writing, my dolls or a pattern. Thank you Minnesota for picking up the phone and letting me know that I do touch lives and inspire, but know that so many of you do for me as well.

I LOVE This Part!

My offerings for Lemon Poppyseeds was scheduled to go up last night. It was apparent to me as the sun dipped below the mountain, that I just wasn't going to pull it off. You see, Helene just wasn't finished speaking to me. I had been trying to sort out drawings and patterns over several days and I pulled out two that tugged at my heart, just waiting to be made. Helene was one... but how to dress her?

Once she was stuf't and details sewn on, her spirit spoke. She reminded me of a long ago friend of the family. "Helene's" father was a diamond cutter and Helene was raised in the old South and a family fortune. She was ancient when I met her and oh, did I love her! She had a slight dowager's hump,and perfectly coiffed-in-a-beehive snow white hair.She was full of life and energy and all about what was proper. She and her husband had no children of their own and she enjoyed befriending a shy young teenager. Once her spirit whispered, the next step was to dress her and off I was yesterday afternoon, looking through my stash to inspire me.. and inspire it did with a shimmery piece of bronze fabric. as I played around I was taken back to a picture of my parent's wedding. The dress on dear Helene is styled as the one my Grandmother wore all those years ago. It took a lot of trial and error, but I pulled it off. I'm so pleased with this piece and she is so dear to me.My little friend Spumoni here was a sketch I did last week. We have all laughed as he was brought to life and Jesslyn asked last night if he could be named after her beloved mousie.

Finally, my inspiration doll, Rosaleen. Rosaleen was the other sketch I drew out last Spring. She was inspired by my friend and fellow artist, Janet from Beecharmer's Cottage. I have fallen hopelessly in love with her wax works and goat milk soap. Rosaleen's skep is an ornie made by Janet and it smells absolutely amazing. As Rosaleen came to life, I found myself humming a tune from another favorite, "The Secret Life of Bees". If you haven't seen this film yet, take a chance, it is a heartwarming story that will touch your heart and stay with you. Rosaleen is one of the character's and I have done her as a older woman, keeping the tradition of her other "sisters" alive.

I love when these dolls whisper to me and let my hands bring them to life and tell a story, if only just to me. They are my joy, woven with memories and people that touch my soul. I am truly blessed.

Waiting On the Green

Each season comes with it's special feeling and smells about it. I embrace each season and look forward to it. Today is the perfect "Bambi" day. The days have been warmer, warm enough to open windows and enjoy Spring's sweet smell. A "Bambi" day to me has been those first few days of spring that bring gentle showers to green the earth. The sky is milky , the clouds lay low over our gentle hills and the mountains beyond have disappeared. The lilac bush is quite budded and a little spider greeted me this morning in the window sill as I opened the window.

My days are blending here as I care for both parents now. I know that I won't be able to care for both of them without help or other changes for long. There are changes ahead here and some have begun...it's a process and it take a bit of time. As some of you know, Bailey has a Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Home has been difficult for her and her Grandfather's fragility has been very stressful to her. Together, we have decided that she would do better to live up on the Hill with her other Grandparents for now . It is difficult for me as her Mom to let her go, my heart aches, but my head knows that doing the right thing doesn't always come easy. She's been there just over a week now and has settled happily and doing well. We talk on the phone lots and there are always several hugs awaiting me when she's here. Jess has chosen to remain here for now, but knows it is her choice as we find out the best course of action for her Grandparents.

In it all, I want to thank all of you~ your thoughts and prayers have wrapped me close and kept me strong. I don't get much time to email anyone. It is slow to get orders out but I try to work on things several days a week. I keep goals ahead and know that although I am stretched at the moment, it will all work out. Life will fall into place as it should and I am thankful to have the gifts of my family and my art. Faith always gets you through and with it, you can find joy in the "Bambi" days even in the most difficult of times.

~*~ A Celebration ~*~

Come Celebrate with me! Raven's Haven Patterns is 6 years old today! To celebrate I'm releasing a free pattern for all of you. Merrie Mouse is a part of my Early Cupboard collection. To receive Merrie just send a SASE to me and enjoy her!



Also I am releasing 2 new patterns for spring!There are more coming soon. In the meantime, meet Daisy. She is a part of my "Picks A Winner" series and sure to capture a smile.

Finally, there is Louis. Now, Louis is a long ago inspiration. I found him in a pile of sketches marked 2001. Although I didn't formally make him until this week, you can see that he inspired my first Gertie the Witch.

March is National Craft month and what better way to celebrate then by enjoying some new friends! If you would like Daisy or Louis and would like to use PayPal, please send payment to snoraven@hotmail.com. They are 9.50 each, or both for 18.00. I will also include a Merrie Mouse with your order. If you would like to send a check, money order or your SASE for Merrie, you may send it to:

Stacey Mead

PO Box 165

Granville, NY 12832

*don't forget to make a note or leave a message telling me which friend that you would like to make.

Enjoy Spring everyone and have a wonderful time creating!