Time Marches On

I just love my friend here, The Undertaker. He was one of my first Halloween pieces that I made for the September Brimfield Show 2001. I came across quite a few of my friends as I have been sorting and filing my designs. The Undertaker has been redone now to my liking... all I needed was time and experience to really take him to the level that I had pictured. It's really interesting to look back that way, to see how far you have come. Beginnings are always just that, in everything we do. I have some new beginnings ahead in my personal life as well as my dear wee friends here. There is one new beginning ahead for me to share. But that, I'm saving for the next post.

Road Trip

I'm looking in my rear view window as I drive ahead on this artful journey. I've watched and been a part of Primitive Folk Art for twelve years now. It was difficult to find at first. I remember coveting one of the last issues of Country Folk Art magazine. Found in dog-eared pages, were a few "Prim" dolls in all of their tea dyed glory and old looking wood pieces with paint taken off the edges and corners. I would scour the local LARAC show for these works every Spring with friends. I was hooked the moment I stepped into Netty's home and spent many an hour paging over every detail of Hollyberry Hill Catalogs. There, the hand drawn artwork captured so many of us and we were introduced to Nicole Sayre, Deerfield Farmhouse, Folk and Whimsy and the Ragged Edge to name a few. Little did I know back then, that I would later meet and get to know some of these talented women whose work nestled into the hand drawn pages and came alive in my mind's eye.

I would yearn for a stolen day or two to explore Market Square Shows and catch the Hilton Show at Valley Forge in the cold winter days before Spring. Brimfield was a magical land filled with antique dreams. With two young daughters, it was a world and years away... but l reached for that star above that holds our dreams, I grabbed it and I'm still holding on to the ride.

I sit proudly beside so many of you. Not of the very beginnings, but still new. We have done good shows and bad, Port-A-Potty and school gyms. Drenched in rain or sweat from the sun. Sold everything or nothing and have many, many wonderful memories and chuckles. Some of us became friends at shows and some through the Internet. We have enjoyed the heyday of Crow Soup and Folk-of-Art. We've cheered each other on for auctions on Ebay before their rules changed. We've seen our work and each others in magazines.

Over the past couple of years. we've watched new venues and new artists come aboard with welcoming smiles for their journey ahead. We know that there is room for all of us on the journey. The ones to watch will have to put time in, pay their dues and let their own style define them... they will set trends because they aren't afraid to take a chance. They will inspire us all. The ones in it for the art and spirit will let their work pave the way just as ours has. The journey still has miles to go...for all of us.

The Devil Is In The Details

I can't tell you just how much I love what I do. I've always been drawn to textiles and have enjoyed using them to showcase my ideas. Now, trust me, I could never sit through my Mom trying to show me how to sew a skirt and failed miserably at my V neck shirt for Home Economics....but give me a piece of muslin and a pencil and I'm off. When my girls were little, I did attempt to make mittens for all of my nieces, thinking how difficult could it be? I found a pattern marked in big red letters...EASY. Perfect. Little mittens with a fitted thumb and a simple hat. A migraine and two weeks later, I was talking to a friend who made many of her own clothes for years. I showed her the pattern sheepishly and thought to myself.. I'm gonna feel like an idiot after she shows me what I was doing wrong. Hallelujah.. I was not an idiot after all! The pattern was not as easy as it proclaimed and my seasoned sewing friend wrote them a letter a couple weeks earlier, letting them know just how badly they messed up.



Now I look at some of the things I make and wonder, just how would I explain how to do THAT? Thankfully, in the years that I have been writing patterns, I haven't messed up too badly. I want my patterns to be above all, fun. I like putting in some little detail that not only makes the piece, but gives someone a little something different to try. Tonight on TDIPT, I have three offerings and all three have something in common. The use of wire for the details. Will I make any of these patterns? I'd certainly like to, but you can bet that as I write up everything step by step...that fitted thumb issue will nag me to keep it simple!

My Hero

The Season of The Witch

At least it is around here! And not just regular witches, but pumpkin witches and rat witches. I am having fun with old friends and new. I've even been sculpting again. My sculpting has always been in ceramic clay and without armatures. I decided to take a class and revisit Paper Clay to start. I had tried it about nine years ago, but but my primitive fabric friends took the lead. Now, as a promise kept, I am moving forward in all that I do and embracing my gift beyond my dear wee friends here, to share with you what others have seen for many years. The gift that I was given in other areas, such as pen and ink and now the sculpting. This is a very happy time for me not only in the work I do, but in embracing my very favorite time of year. With my trusty mug of..."caw-fee" and the cool, crisp air of morning gently saying hello, I'm off to see what new friends await.

Meet Some New Friends!

It's official, I'm back to creating! It's still mostly part time, but today was 100% wrapped in bringing some new friends to life as offerings on Lemon Poppyseeds. Meet two of my wee friends. First is my beloved Igor...I just love Young Frankenstein and there is no question as to my favorite character! This house has been full of giggles today since he got his hair and face. Next is Eleanor Higgins. She's changed a wee bit from the original, but has still kept her charm. She always brings a smile and I get many requests for her.

What could be better than being back on Lemon Poppyseeds with my new friends??? How about new PATTERNS?? I am happy to say that Igor and Eleanor are now a part of the Raven's Haven Pattern line!

All Goode Things Come With Time

Life is changing for me. I'm slowly able to pick up where I left off with pattern orders and wee friends going to new homes. Sadly I do have to cancel some orders and shows, but on the flip side there is great excitement as I go forward and prepare my continued future as an Artist. I am very much a creative spirit, and so when my outlet is taken away, I am unbalanced. Creating is like an addiction for me, I can't imagine my life without it. Yes, it does rule me, but that is part of my soul. With so many things needing my attention now, I would be mush without creating somehow. And so... the fruit of my creative outlet is my beloved ink drawings. Perhaps a stolen hour or so in the evenings, but cherished none the less. Meet Eliza, inspired from "My Fair Lady" with her dress. A friend suggested that she would be great on Invitation cards...the possibilities are many! I hope that as everything settles down, I will be able to share with you more of my joys in other media. Here's to goode things ahead for all of us!

The Power of Forgiveness

Several years ago, Pam (of Soft in the Head) and I met and became fast friends. We enjoyed each other very much....but we were younger then, both artists shaky and insecure with our individual gift. There was a rift because of it and it was huge; both spirits badly bruised.

It has taken several years and my Father's ill health that began our healing and new journey ahead. My Father was sooo very pleased that Pam and I had put the past behind and started going forward, doing what we did best with each other... being friends. Today, the door flew open and a voice exclaimed... "The bitch is back!" We have both changed in appearance a bit and are quite different than the two friends of long ago. Time has been our gift.. we both recognize the special part that makes each of us unique in what we do and who we are. We both have worked hard and earned our style of creativity over the years. We babbled on enjoying the funny stories of our adventures that both have held so dear in our hearts. Pam's friend, Rennie is wonderful and holds the title of Official BFF! There wasn't near enough time, but there IS next time and we do look forward to giggles and adventures shared. The really cool thing is that we are enjoy not just the friendship with each other, but in our mutual friends. I hope that Pam and Rennie's trip is just the beginning of all of us coming together. Safe journey you two!

Joys

In the next couple days, our family will be sending my Dad along to his next journey. It's not goodbye for us...if you knew my Dad, you know that he will be beside and letting us know it. As we gather there are many, many stories shared. It seems that everyone has a funny story to that starts as, "I remember the time when Jack....". The above picture is the last time photos were taken with him, along with son, Steve...retired from the Air Force. Steve is now considered to be a "Dirt Bag" with his haircut and received quite a bit of ribbing. I am packing a bag of Cheerios to send with my Dad. Not as a snack as one would imagine, but for the Gin Rummy games to be played with John C. who was notorious for eating them. There are still many tears and much laughter to be had, especially in the next few days. It is a new journey for us all.

The Next Journey

It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my Father this morning. In talking with family today, I told them that he did it all....he had an amazing life. He served in every branch of the Armed Forces, fought in 2 wars. Not only did he serve his country, but he served his community as a Sheriff and a Volunteer Fireman. He traveled the world, jumped from airplanes and gave his children an amazing childhood...perhaps different to many, but amazing none the less. He wanted a degree from college and earned one. My Father and I both earned our degree together making for a wonderful and memorable time (I had double duty rewriting all of his Term Papers too!). We were brought up Military style and with Military values. We rebelled of course, but to no avail. He could be the grumpiest guy but he was always on your side. A couple of months ago, when he was home from the hospital, he had a chance to read this blog. He sat and talked with me on how very proud he was of my writing and what I have shared with everyone. I will miss our talks but I know he'll still be listening to me.

August

August here is usually hot and muggy, but this year has been cool and rainy. The back deck for my parents is nearly complete and looks over a tiny gazebo and a grape arbor, that is on a growing rampage with all this rain. The two little tumbleweeds can't wait to go out and play around on the deck and tease when someone walks by the back door.

I am looking forward to completing my move downstate. Held up right now as my brothers are in charge of this part. I told them that I needed to settle in by September first, so now the heat is on them to pull things together for their parents.Okay Kevin and Steve... the world is watching!

This is such an exciting adventure for me. One of Tim's sisters asked if I would be working or anything outside of the home to get to know this new area. It is great food for thought as is the opportunity to continue my education as there are quite a few colleges to choose from there. I may be leaving my beloved little village, but the world is my oyster on this new adventure. I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I do know that my art will continue and perhaps the opportunity to share and give back to my new community. I'm so excited!

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.