Take A Break!

Elise

I usually take a break in the afternoon and make myself a cup of tea, perhaps toast an English Muffin and kick back for a little bit.

I LOVE when Early Works Mercantile opens, as it is my FAVORITE excuse to brew that tea, toast the muffin, and get lost...if only for a little while.

Isla

For those of you that have tried to get there today and haven't been able to, it is because of an issue with the cover page URL and it is in the process of being mended.

Until then, you can get there from here:

http://www.earlywork-artisandirectory.blogspot.com/

Florrie


These three ladies are my offerings for this month. I have wanted to make the Fairy Mice since meeting a very special Fairy at Sharon Springs.

Miss Florrie, doesn't have wings, but she is in charge of Mrs. Sparrow's wee egg.

It's windy out today and the skies are milky. Rain will be on it's way, but until then, a goode Nanny knows to sneak in a stroll ~

Old Skool

I am still fast at work creating for the next show which will be Memorial Day weekend in Sharon Springs.

I'm excited at doing a Spring show and have been enjoying Brimfield memories with friends.

Sometimes you do need to go back with your work; to what captured your heart...

the simplicity of Primitives.

It's roots...

See how far you have come 

and

where to go from here.

Keep the voice,

pay attention to the details...

the pallet...

the technique.

Remember what it is that makes my work unique.

for me, that means 

going Old Skool

once again.

Bursting With Inspire

Mrs. Munson's tea.  Not bad for a first try....keep going!

The sun is playing peek-a-boo today. There is a lovely breeze through the window and I love it, although it is causing me to keep the tissues near by. It will settle in a couple weeks; but until then, we muddle through the allergies here as best we can. "It's only temporary"... a mantra I repeat to my daughters in many a situation.


Lunch is done and I'm getting ready for a quick outing for necessities as I try a new technique. A dear friend and I are collaborating a bit with this technique and I'm off to get the ball rolling. If it works, I will be so happy! I have waited a long time to get to this place. It could be perfect timing.

A Netty Sheep with her friend

That is how Art goes. Sometimes, we are ahead of time; be it a process or product that will make what we have in our heads come alive. I discovered it to be true with my mouse journey. I sculpted them...but that was not what I was looking for. Tried felt and muslin and wasn't feeling the love. Fun Fur gave me hope, and eventually I stumbled along what I was looking for and the know how to get it there. I had to have time to hone my skills until I found what I was needing to bring it all together. So, like many things that we artists wait upon, today's adventure has been filed away in my noggin. Knowing what it is that I want and not just settling. Fingers crossed, this could be it!

The rest of the afternoon and evening will be working on items for a show. I'm enjoying a splash of different media with my designs. I tried a Mrs. Munson in Scherenschnitte (thanks for inspiring and encouraging, Lori). I seem to have my footing, and now have a friend of hers in the works. Mrs. Munson is an interesting soul, so why not have fun with her.. note cards, paintings and punch needle are on the agenda. Eventually I would love her in Paper Clay, but if I don't keep to today's schedule, I'll never get anything accomplished.

This Merry Month of May

May is here.

Much of Spring is still just beginning ~

it has been cold and damp.

So much rain, that many of Spring's treasures are appearing a little late this year.

An afternoon tea warms me and is welcomed.

It's still cool, upstairs where I sew. 

I have been working on new folk and playing with new  mediums.

I love designing....

trying new things, and new techniques.

Stepping back to old school Primitives and adding my style.

Needle and thread;

 making new friends and visiting old

A new show is fast approaching...

I am enjoying time with family,

walking the gardens in the back yard with the pups,

happy to see leaves and flowers sprouting.

Feeling uncaged from Winter...

May is a merry month indeed.

Breathing In Spring

These early Spring days are so magical. I love the breezes from the window as I work. 

The sunshine warms the pups and I, as we walk around the yard, capturing those first signs of life, as the gardens come alive. Even on the rainy days, the smell of the wet earth is intoxicating. The grass greens up quickly and the Forsythia is now in bloom. 

I'm busy making things for Sharon Springs.
Playing with designs, old and new.
This Hand is from last year...
My take on a classic pose.
I hope it inspires you... the possibilities are endless.
What can you put in a hand?

Of course, Spring has come to Tilda's place and she is enjoys watching the wee egg for Mrs. Hummingbird.

Spring cleaning is happening in the Meadow Mouse home also. 

There is always laundry.

Natty is always fun, with her gourds and her Hedge Witch ways.

It's time to plant herbs.

And there is a new Rat about... Nellie. She has a little different face, but has the details that have inspired others are a part of her also.

It is always nice to know how much your work inspires others, from seasoned to first time creators. Some write and share and others I see in their work as it grows.

That is the ultimate, is it not?

to inspire?

Spring In My Heart

Spring is on it's way.

I have to remind myself on days like today, when skies dabble in color between milky white and dark grey.

It's too cold to keep the window open... I tried for a bit.

A South Wind blows and it is cold and damp. 

The showers will green everything up quickly, so it's not so terrible.

My heart, however is light and sunny today.

I've finished the set up of a new book keeping program and I now have order where there was once a box of tortured receipts and papers.

It wasn't so quick this year, to get everything set up, but it will be so easy from here on out.

It's already keeping next year's information all neat and tidy.

What can I say... I'm an Artist, NOT a bookkeeper. 

I can hear the baby Starlings in their nest, next door to me.

 Another black bird to inspire me. 

Art truly is a reflection of your heart and I'm happy to settle in to my goode creating for the year.

Spring is in my heart.

As Winter Gives Way To Spring

It's time for my hibernation to end. 

The snow has melted and nearly gone. 

The lawn needs raking to lift the matted leaves and I'm sure I will see purple Crocus in one of the flower beds. 

The birds sing louder now from the Hedgerow.

 A sweet couple is building a nest in the crook of our bedroom window.... just inside where we can't see them. Soon, I will hear baby chirps as I awake each morning. 

It has been a very long Winter for most of us, but for me, it was I time to close a chapter in my life.

The home that I grew up in as a teen, 

 made so much art work in, and started my Primitive Journey in. The home that I raised my girls and took care of my parents.....

 this home so full of memories, 

is now the home of another.

 It was a bittersweet process, but in true small town fashion, it went to the couple that it was supposed to. There are two little ones that bring laughter and magic back and it is once again a home. I have known the couple since they were very young and before they started their schooling. 

 I have enjoyed my hibernation. It is a time for me to recharge... to work and plan.

A wonderful time to spend with family and simply sleep in if I want to.

I'm ready though...

to open the windows,

 have coffee in the back yard

Smell the wet earth after a rain storm. 

I'm ready to get back to this wee business of mine, bringing friends to life.

I've enjoyed so many messages and emails, asking me to keep doing those Mousels and Natty Rats...

I have had a little fun with Mrs Munson...

And her partner in crime (and tea), 

Mrs. Dibble.

I have a goode Spring planned, and even a local show....
so  while you may not have seen much of me here,

I have been the Maker and Thread Pusher (as a dear colleague refers to what we do).

I've been the Pencil Pusher...

The Brush Mistress, and even tried my hand as a Paper Snipper.

It's never too quiet, no matter the season. After months of snow and cold....I am very ready for winter to give way to Spring.

The Simple Quiet

Although the weather isn't always the nicest...

this is a nice time of year for me.

If a stubborn cold wants to linger, I'm not under too many deadlines.

If the snow piles high, I am home with the wood stove and hot chocolate.

If I need to meet a deadline, the crock pot or the pressure cooker gives me the time I seek and a good hot meal (or two) for us.

It's not so crazy, busy and I can rest up a little.

It is the time of year for me to pick up my pen and draw new note cards.

This year I have the Wee Shoppe to think about too, so the pencil has been getting a workout with new designs.

There is plenty to keep busy, but I feel like I can catch my breath...

center myself...

try to pick up where I left off when it got so busy, last year.

Find those projects,

Set sail those goals that I did not get to work on.

I feel like I can think clearer.

Balance life.

Enjoy the simple quiet.

A Yankee Snow

Today we have been given snow.

It seems to be a good old fashioned, Yankee Winter. A school friend and I were talking today and reminiscing....circa, winter 1977.

Sleds and toboggans, sunrise to sunset.

Hot chocolate with milk taken right from the barn vat,

Mountains dressed in white.

Today's snow is a pretty one, each flake taking it's time....not in a hurry, like the last snowfall....

And so, my afternoon has taken suit. A candle glow day, that brings a warm, yellow light as the sun begins to fade.

Michael Lucarelli plays classical guitar for me, adding a coziness and a familiarity to days gone by.

The "big sauce" simmers and wraps the house in Sunday afternoons at my Grandmother's. 

                        Tiny stitches made with love are bringing Wee Miss Belle to life.
She is a little different for me and I am enjoying each step of the way.

I love days such as this.

A Reflection of My Heart

It's snowing again... or perhaps the better word is, "still".
I won't complain, it is so very pretty out and it's not bitter cold, either.
I love the smell of a fire in the wood stove. 

Ours is in the basement, it keeps the floors warm and all of us cozy.

I started sculpting my fine ladye horse last week.
She is my heart.....
I have loved horses for as long as I can remember.

 A freckle faced kid, chasing my father around and  for one. 

I never had one of my own, but I did spend my teen years beside them....

riding, enjoying and always sketching.

Enjoying the smells of a stable and all of that leather.
heavenly.....

It was just a matter of time before horses would creep into my sculpting.

I wasn't sure I was ready, but with a deep breath I dug into the clay, determined.

I can't tell you how surprised I am at how she came out.....every step of the way. 

I am awestruck at my own ability.

It was magic, I am sure of it.

I know, the man that was always my greatest champion in life and artwork is up above and always watching. 

Always critiquing and pushing me to do better; learn more.
(I'm still learning with these Queen Anne inspired.)

Before he went home, he asked that I show the world all that I do, not just the Primitive dolls.
 I can't help but think that he had a hand in this...

a little magic, he would say.

Mariah is available on Early Work Mercantile.

Life Wrapped In Love

There is a quiet on my Facebook posts and on here...but don't be fooled. 

It's busy at the Wee Cottage.

There are taxes to work on....

Appointments to go to...

Special family time.

The wood stove has worked harder this year; no surprise, right?

Tim and I have danced with  colds here and there...and I have been doing battle with a virus. They can be tough bugs sometimes, but I am winning.

Spice Chai has been a goode friend lately.

In it all I have been working on designs and sculpting as I can. There are patterns that will need samples and my new line is coming along.

A couple weeks ago, there was a commercial for Valentine's Day, showing a beautiful necklace as a gift from a gentleman to his beloved....

I looked at Tim and said....

"I am just NOT that kinda girl. I would be happiest with a brick of clay...."

He laughed...after nine years together, he knows how true this is.

This afternoon he asked what I would like for Valentines Day....I replied that I couldn't think of a thing besides him, to which he smartly replied,  "and a brick of clay too?"

I kinda love that guy....

A Cold Wind Doth Blow

It's certainly a Winter for the books. Yesterday, we awoke to a snowy, blowy morning.

Out in the front yard, there was not a Sparrow or Chickadee to be seen in the Pine Shrub... the Hedge Row is only a stop for the nicer days...

of which we have had so few this year.

A few hours after this picture, the skies cleared to a chilly blue and the temperatures dropped, even farther.

In the midst of fighting colds, celebrating Birthdays, and being on standby as a loved one needed to go to the hospital, we were able to make a quick trip to our favorite Village; Sharon Springs.  I had to pick up a few things at the shop, take a few notes and make plans for an April re-opening.  The evening before had left a light covering of snow...

it's so beautiful there and reminds me of home.

Our Wee shop shares the same building as McGillycutty's Naturals

Our favorite place for goat milk soaps!

Above is one that Deb, personally picked for us, because it looked like Tim. The spots you see are bits of chopped mint.

killer.....

Do click on the link, and try some!

It has been frosty...

snowy,

blowy

and down right cold.

I have been busy with family and paperwork...with a bit of creating. My pencil has been at work, taking notes and sketching as always.

We are cozy, here in the Wee Cottage and I make sure that my day includes some time for stitching.

Soon....very soon, I will hold a webshow.

Snowflakes, Surprises and The Wee Shoppe

It's a snowy afternoon in Northern New York. It has been softly falling since morning. Our days at the Wee Cottage are switched around a bit as the Mister is working second shift. It has taken a bit of getting used to, as we were better at being early risers. 


This weekend, the inside of the Wee Cottage was filled with giggles and laughter as my two daughters and a boyfriend made the journey down from farther North. They are older now, balancing work and school; so to get them all together for a couple of days is magical.....

The reason for this? The Mister turned 60! His daughter Kelly and husband Kenny, orchestrated a surprise party for him. He was led to believe that the party was actually for his daughter instead. 

As families blend, they have the ability to grow in a special way. The Walsh family welcomed us with opened arms nearly 9 years ago. As a Mom, the choice to separate and end a marriage is difficult...I made a promise to my daughters before then, that life would get better and our family would get bigger. This weekend, my heart smiled at how beautifully it has  come to pass. The goode memories continue to be made and it is nice to see how much this family has grown in size, just in the 9 years that we have been a part of them.

The weekend was also one for big decisions on the Wee Shoppe that I share in Sharon Springs.......

It is with a thankful heart that I share with you that the Shoppe will continue. We will close at the end of the month and reopen in April, when the weather is nicer and the tourists visit the Springs. I feel so very blessed at the many goode things that this year holds for me. I am taking a leap in Faith and I know that no matter the journey this year, it is not made alone, but with many friends and family to cheer and lift me. Our success comes from many beside us. 2014 has only just begun.....

Winter's Voice

We've gone from bitter cold to warm Spring teases these past two weeks in Northern New York. Most of the snow has melted and a rain shower is due this evening. Even my heart does flip flops on what Wee Folk to start. I settled in with two offerings on Early Work Mercantile. If you haven't stopped by this selling site, it is a feast for those who love Early American inspired work. 

For me, it is the perfect site to let my heart play with my sculpts and extreme Prims.......and that I did.

For those of you that stopped by earlier in the day, Annella looks a bit different. Ever the Artist I am, and as I put her finishing touches on last night ... I realized that she didn't reflect who she truly was. When the sun rose, I ran upstairs  knowing that I just couldn't let her stay like that. A little time and tiny stitches and she is now where she should be. Who says you can't go back?

Gabby was the result of some gesture drawings. Those classroom drills keep me in sketches and characters. I love her folky look and true extreme form. 

It has been nice to enjoy a little slower pace...tea in the afternoons and Sunday evenings devoted to Downton Abby, without balancing work along with it. As January discovers it's Winter voice, I am discovering mine.