It Takes A Village

 Art is certainly a journey and we grow along the way. My work is so much better than it was when I went to Art School ~ but without Art School, I would not have gotten where I am today. There are people that tell everyone, they are self taught Artists...and I am not sure that "taught" embraces it all...certainly, you were taught things, but you also have to have a great deal of motivation, a sense of the media and bravery to put it together your way.

 I was taught by many....Mrs. Howe in Grade School, my Gram as we stitched up "Beans" the frog.... Mrs. B for those oil painting lessons. My Father ~ every step of the way. I'm proud to tell everyone that I was taught by many. I was touched by many more in my life and they certainly impacted my journey and taught me things. My gift was given...my motivation was strong....I was willing to learn; to take what I learned and improve my skills. I also made a point of giving back to others and still do to this day. 

I know that I would not have succeeded with this piece when I was in Art School; they taught me the technical ability...but I had to grow my gift.

In it all, I didn't think I was ready. Faces are so difficult for me. This technique was unconventional in my choice of paint also (I made my own). While it certainly came out better than I imagined, there were times that I though I had failed and it would find it's way to the trash. Motivation and the knowledge that I had nothing to lose brought me here. Now, I know I can grow and do better.  It took a Village of people for me to get here....

There are still people that will touch my life; to inspire and share, as I will with them..it's a circle. I'm happy about that. The pieces that you do are your voice, but there was a chorus of teachers behind you to give you the ability to make your piece sing loud and clear. Cheers to so many that inspire and share. 

I am happy with the direction that my work is going and growing. There are changes ahead for me and I am anxious  to explore and learn some new teachings...as well as share what I have been taught.

Here's to those that teach, encourage and inspire. You don't have to have a certificate or degree to share your knowledge. Something you say, or some piece of information that you share could change a life..it could change many. I find that exciting....

The Hunger of an Artist

I know that I am different. I feel the hunger 24/7... to create...to design....to feed my soul. That is what it truly is about...feeding your soul. You push yourself to do better within your art. Step it up; compete within yourself ~ always striving for better. We live for those artistic "AHA" moments.

I've had this lovely tintype for quite a few years now, but somehow, I lost her. She wasn't with my other collection that I had carefully packed and moved with me a couple years ago. Yesterday, she found me...after months of searching as I packed my belongings for my moved to Curry Road, I had not seen her and thought her lost. Alas.. I opened my Punch Needle box to start working on new patterns.. and there she was, hidden and nestled in the box. It is not good to pack when you are grieving, I have learned. This was one of the first things that I had packed a couple years ago. 

I love this picture, as I do all of my old tintypes and cabinet cards. They are not related to me, but they have a home here and I often wonder about their lives. They are not forgotten.....

Wish me luck.. I'm pushing my comfort zone with my next project and this is the inspire.....

Simple Joys

Spring Blessings~ my newest piece

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since my last post. Where does the time go? 

 I have been fast at work, doing quite a few projects. There are classes to teach, shows to apply to, writing, pen and ink...and the list goes on. I decided early this Winter, that I would make some changes to my online presence, back away from some of the negativity that we often see in Social Media...and simply do my work. The work that is my great joy. I have to tell you, that the changes and positive energy that I have made in my life are nothing short of wonderful. It is something that I have done in small steps. Many a night, I will post what my Simple Joys are on my Face Book. It is a chance for me to look at my day and voice the little things that made my day special...to not forget, in this age of technology, what makes my heart truly smile.

A chat with dear friends gave me inspiration to continue the path of my Mousels~ to push myself to do better and grow. Art is a study, it s a hunger to make better. I found this quote on a friend's profile and it sticks in my head. I believe that it is his words, and it resonates ~

"Always be happy in your work. Never be satisfied"

It speaks of my need to always push ahead, to study and perfect technique. To compete with myself. 

It is no secret that Beatrix Potter is my inspiration all of these years. I adore her soul of an Illustrator and Scientist. Her children's book,s that we know so well, hold a simple formula of realism and whimsy along with a dash of humanism.

This is the part of Beatrix that I hope to embrace in my own work. Above are pictures of my first two tries at a shrew~ Tilda.

I still enjoy this style of Mousie and I am playing with shape and form. This is Tinker.

My Deer Mouse version (Halloween never ends here)

And a last hurrah to Winter.

There are always muslin musings. Spring has arrived inside the Wee Cottage...if not quite outside.

Beloved Dutch bunnies are about~

Taking over, it seems~

but then, the sheep had to poke their nose in.....

and make their own statement.....

and inspire in different media.

And so after some sharing, it is time for me to get back to my work. I'm off today to work on a note card series; Hollyhock Hill.

Make a Mac and Cheese. Enjoy a family dinner....and post my Simple Joys that make this day special.

Pattern Mob #3

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Primitives.....you either love them or leave them. For me, it was love at first sight. When my youngest was born in '95, I was searching for anything with,"the look" and took a paint class that offered the techniques. By the time Jess was walking, I was sitting in the home of my dear friend and learning all about it...in fabric. I knew when I saw the dolls, that I belonged to it. I knew that day, but what I didn't know was just how much my life would change because of it.

As Primitive Artists and Pattern Makers were starting to really emerge in our area, I had worn through a couple of Holly Berry Hill catalogs. Magazines filled with eye candy and websites for primitives were popping up. One of those designers that stood out was Pat Kildare of "Off The Beam". Tonight on Facebook, Robin Seeber and I are posting a "Pattern Mobbing". A click on the picture will take you to Pat's Etsy shop if you would like to  purchase, or you can go to her Photostream, here. 

We hope to support a fellow Prim Artisan by purchasing a pattern (or more)! Some may already have this pattern and may want to purchase something different. Above all, we hope that many will drop a note to offer kind words and encouragement. It's nice to know how many people that you really do touch with your work! If you would like to join us on Face Book, look us up on "Pattern Mobbing" and give us a "like". If you are like me, you already know that you can't ever have enough Prim Patterns!

Using My Muse

I LOVE Jarrahdale pumpkins. They inspire. My friends also inspire me. Last Summer, friend Lori, from Notforgotten Farm, made a wonderful pin-keeps for Ghoultide. She changed the classic, Heart and Hand theme, to a heart and pumpkin one. She placed the pumpkins on the palm of a hand and I was smitten. I even wrote and told her. With her kind words to create what my muse tells me to, I knew where to take the inspire. In my own voice, I wanted something different, a wall hanging.  My muse ~

Edna Nettles. Her plumpish hands were a perfect inspire, her basket of Sweet Annie would fill a glove wonderfully. 

Lori~ I hope that I have done justice to your inspire. Thank your for your kind words to use the concept with my own voice.

Another view as it is intended to be seen~

And as the "Heart and Hand" theme.

As I was making this Dutchie for TDIPT, those hearts did inspire, and so, the usual carrot would not do. I love her.

Finally... those thoughts of Spring cleaning. I'm enjoying these mousies...you will see me bounce around a bit and I am trying different materials and mechanics...but there is reason behind it and you shall see in time.

It has been nice to give my hand a break from the heavy demands of shows. I will be taking it lighter with some ink works and a few other things that I am exploring. It's all a journey, one that I love. 

This Year of Mine~

There is something about January that makes me burst with joy...well, there are a few things actually. I'm always happier knowing that the days are getting longer. January holds excitement. It is the beginning of a new year and with it, a clean slate. The weather can be nasty and the cold make your bones ache, but as glum and gloomy as it can be; I make it mine. A burning candle can make it cozy where I work...a mug of hot chocolate a treat. They are simple joys indeed.

This year of mine....What shall I do with it? First of all, as a parent of two young ladies, it is my job to show and teach them still. My oldest is learning the ways of stepping out on her own. As she told me, "Mom, I need to make my own mistakes". She will...but she will also make her own success.You never stop worrying.

 My youngest will be graduating in June, She will start another journey also. I hope that they both tuck any fears away, to look at life as opportunities and adventures. Perhaps they will learn to be just as excited in January. Grab hold of the year and own it. Yes, there will be bumps along the path and they may be given things beyond their control to deal with. There are always lessons to learn, great sadness and great joy wrapped up in a year. It is all balance.

You can see where my head is wrapped, in the pictures above. I am inspired by my own work as well as that of others. I will try new things and revisit olde.  My work will balance with family and friends (I always hope for a better balance here, knowing what an Art driven life I lead). It's only the beginning and I have much to do in this year of mine. 

No Signs of Slowing Down

Many of my friends take a few weeks off in December and the first few days of January. There was a time that I could relax a little in the first week of December, as the busiest time for my work was finished.

That's just not the case for me right now. There are no complaints, it's been nice to be busy. It has been steady, since August and I have been creating up a storm. The local shows were so fun and I am looking forward to what 2013 has to offer. For right now, though, I will share my first of the month offerings. This piece is inspired by the March Sister's in Little Women. You can click on any of the pictures to take you to Olde Primitive Peddler and see more about them.

Wee Maggie is also available there also. If you notice, she has a new look to her body to lend a more realistic look. I am having such a wonderful time taking these Mousels to different levels. It's nice to have a lively Doll House once again. These mice never stay long, but I have more coming to life.

On Simply Primitives, I am back to my love of Tombstone Angels. Meliora is a Puritan name of Roman descent, meaning...Better. Ah yes, I am getting better! I love the simplicity and the colors.

When looking up Puritan names, I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised for the names given this Angel, nor her twin. The Puritans were quite grim after all. This is Ashes....

And this...Dust.
A click on the pictures will take you to Simply Primitives.

One of my best things that I have done, has been with my friends on Face Book. Pattern Mobbing. It started with this guy here, a pattern that I was looking for. Long story short and an inspiration from my friend...and I was off. What if my friends and I could "mob" a unsuspecting designer with orders?  As a designer myself, I know how much the orders mean, especially at slow times of the year. Well, it is a success~ a click on the picture and you will go to where YOU can mob this fine designer. We have had such a blast with this pattern. Simplistic enough that you can put your style on him and really have fun creating.

This month's person to Mob is Christine, of Walnut Ridge Primitives. Click again on the picture and you will be in pattern heaven. I can't wait to make this for the Wee Cottage!

2012 was jam packed for me. It wasn't perfect and neither will this year be.  In the weeks ahead, I have orders to pack and send, contracts to look over and sign and shows to set up for....and that doesn't include the creating! I will be continuing the Pattern Mobbing and will share here. I have 24 more times to go. They are my 26 Random Acts in memory of those in Heaven from Sandy Hook.

Waiting For Snow

As with some of my fellow Artisans, it has been difficult to create with a heavy heart. My heart has been with the families of Newton. Although heartbroken, they are not giving in to shadows. 

Today and in the next day or so, we should see some spits and sputters of snow. I'm ready, as you can see. I've pushed myself forward once again. Sometimes, friends will give you inspiration and renew your creativity. I usually do these mice in what is called a "stump", style doll. A chat with some friends, changed my direction with the little Mousels, I was now determined to make them free standing. They are well on their way....
As I finished their wee bodies, I stumbled across a small sled, and well....these two had a little different mission. 

My next piece is also close to my heart. I dearly love Canadian geese. I do miss hearing so many of them back North in Granville. I love to see them overhead and their beauty can bring a tear to this girl's eye. I'm like that, but now you know more of my heart. My work reflects so much of what I truly love. With Abby, I also knew that she needed to be dressed in Regency inspired. Nothing could have prepared me to the beauty of her as she came to life. There is such a warmth to her that the camera can't pick up. and so... on Jane Austen's 237th Birthday, comes Abby. 

And finally... a new Raven, Poe. I've been playing with the concept for months. I love it....He has a Winter Pine sprig...but I can see a heart...a crescent moon. Here we go again....back to creating.

December Mist

Olde Kinderhook Santa

I look at this blank page and think...December? how did that happen so quickly? I blinked in August and it was October.. I blink again and it is December.

Kris

It is a dark and dreary New England day here. The trees are just silhouettes of sticks and the misty fog softens their usual stark appearance. It is damp and cold outside... a mix of smells, between the wet earth...the fallen leaves and wafting through out like a ribbon...wood smoke. Inside it smells of pine and spices as candle glow casts a warm light. The tree is set up and awaiting decorations, but it will be a few more days still. I have a few orders to get out  to the mail and then the reclaiming  of the Cottage begins. Creating has been such at such a fast and furious rate, that there has been no time for recovery. I need to do it within the next couple weeks. There are Holidays to celebrate and family to enjoy. A time for my work to truly take a backseat...at least until New Years.Then look out.

Olde Mantle Deer

I have notes and plans all laid. As much as I have the sketches and directions along with shows that I will fill the calendar with... it always changes. There is an email or a phone call and a door opens. I'm thankful for it all. It is a part of the journey. I'm excited... while some things I already know, there are the surprises along the way. Until next time... a few pictures of some of my favorite friends..

Olde Schenectady Santa

Franklin

Myron

Tessa

Timothy

Little Women Inspired

It's the middle of October already... where does the time go to? It is my youngest daughter's Senior year. This Fall also holds other family events, such as a new baby, Great Nephew for Tim and two weddings this month. Time is  slipping through my fingers faster than I would like.  We had our first hard frost the morning before last. The garden will now sleep until Spring. I love the crisp mornings and the smell of the fallen leaves. Oh if they could just bottle that smell!

Tonight is the opening of TDIPT Mercantile and I have two Wee Folk ready to be spoken for.  Above is Marmee, the wise Barn Owl, inspired by the beloved mother in the classic, Little Women. She is painted and dressed in sepia tones ( or as I call them, Memory Tones)...back to another time.

And then, there is Jeremy the rat. He has been enjoying his evenings here in the Wee Dollhouse and will always keep a home feeling cozy in candle light.  Both pieces are very near and dear to my heart....

None so dear, however than that of my own "Little Women". Bailey fussed over Jessie's hair and that of her friend and Jessie went off with her beau, to their last Homecoming.  Jessie is my "Little Jo" and Bailey, a more serious "Meg". Life gives you sweet memories as you make more.