Springtime Teases

February is unfolding and blossoming nicely. It can be a bitter cold  and stormy month, but sometimes, as the days stretch longer....we get a little taste of what the early days of Spring will be like. Ahhh.. there is hope then! My heart smiles with anticipation. Yesterday was such a day and even though today is beautiful and blue.... the temperature brings me back to reality. Not before I had some time to dream of the coming days that are filled with sunshine and smell of dirt and grass.

My TDIPT offerings reflect my feelings in my choices of which wee folk to bring to life.  I was also in a mood for getting the grunge on.....perhaps knowing that mud season comes with Spring also! I love their simplicity of style and enjoy that the slightness of expression can carry a mood.

This morning I carried down my doll house... it is rustic and primitive. I LOVE it. It was given to me by a dear friend. My youngest daughter, Jessie was beginning to walk when we would visit and Jess would play with it as  I worked away. It is such a wonderful gift packed with memories... and now I will enjoy setting it up and filling it with wee friends. Sunshine will pour into the window cut outs and even if Grandfather Winter isn't ready to let go just yet, I can enjoy my own little world a bit. Sometimes, you just never grow up....I love that thought.

My Goode Days

This winter is definitely one we will remember weather wise.While the snow falls and the cold wind blows, I am snug in the little Cape that I now call home. There is always so much to do and getting back to work is very important to me. It is a drive within me and I can only go so many days until I HAVE to bust out into creating.  I have been sculpting since I was a young child. I was so fortunate to have parents that encouraged art and the creative spirit. They supplied us with all different media to explore and create in.

I have so many tools to help me bring life to these wee folk. Some were not meant for clay at all, but I found that they do what I need them too.

My most favorite tool, however, is the humble toothpick. Many times it is the only tool I will use.


I am still learning about different armatures and different types of clays. I am comfortable enough now to work up several pieces at once, as these folk come alive in layers. In the first picture above... top and center is a challenge piece to an upcoming release. She doesn't look like anything yet and still has a bit more armature work.


The technology of today, brings the ability to research right from home. In order to become successful, I need to capture certain elements and blend them in a way that realism meets whimsy. I'd hate for someone to say~ "I love your duck ladye", only to find that it is supposed to be a completely different kind of bird! It can be difficult enough to have fingers replicate the  mind's eye without a serious faux pas because I didn't do my job researching! While my wee rabbits are fun and whimsical, my challenge piece is exactly that, meant to challenge myself. So here I am, a bit rusty in my sculpting, but armed with key elements and the right tools in which I hope to succeed!

An Old Fashioned Winter

It seems that every time the snow melts off from this, more comes to stay.

Another favorite outdoor piece that has moved with me. Hoping that some wee birdie family will make their home in it this Spring.

Miss Alice is still shy, but nearly has all her finishing touches done.
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It seems, that an old fashioned winter has grabbed on to our neck of the woods and it is sharing with more of the rest of the country than usual. It is one for the books at least. With it comes so many memories! From dipping a pitcher in the milk vat at the barn, to make the best tasting hot chocolate, to sledding over various hills and skating on a nearby pond. It is a great season for snowmobiles here also.... oh the fun we had as teens! Trail riding, racing in cornfields in nearby Vermont and cooking hamburgers over a camp fire. 

My work is still at a much slower pace as we spend weekends at my Mom's to cook and run errands. There is still much work to do settling in but I have been able to sketch new wee folk ideas here and there. 

There was no American Holiday Artist release this month as the leaders are reformatting the site~ our big reopening will be on the 25th of February and with it, an artist's challenge. Miss Alice won't be making an appearance if my challenge piece turns out well! Until then, I will be spending my time with new sculptures and new pattern releases. My days in the little Cape on Curry road are full and happy.....no matter the weather.

Cozy Creating

The Holidays are behind us now. Most everything has been moved to my new home and the unpacking has come a bit slower than I thought. My patterns are back up and running for the most part. I'm still trying to figure out how to get them all up on one website, in a way that I can take care of it easily. The pattern sale was amazing and the last of the orders will be going out tomorrow as we are quite snowed in today.


Snowed in! I am so thankful to say that I work at home on days such as these. I watch as Tim heads out to work before it's light out and the snow has been falling already for hours. Even with four wheel drive, it won't make a difference when the snow changes to the freezing rain predicted. As thankful as I am for me, I still think of friends and family that need to get places. I have a deep respect for those that go out, no matter the weather to care for others.


Today I get to do some drawing for a fast approaching deadline. My head spins with ideas and a good time period movie,  will keep my head and heart inspired. Hot tea and flannels seal the day's fate. I enjoy a good snow....hope that it doesn't turn icy and nasty and above all, I'll wrap up in the goode of it.

A New Year, A New Life

I have been away far too long and I am glad to be back here. So much has happened since my last post! As most of you know, I have been a Caregiver for a very long time. Now, I am....a daughter. My Mom has Aides with her around the clock and should have something set in place permanently in the coming months. And me? I have moved......moved out of the area that I have lived in for over 35 years and into a much more Urban setting. I am an hour and a half South and in the Schenectady, NY area. I knew that I would miss my daughters and yes, those mountains, but they are never far and I visit every weekend.  


It has been a crazy ride. Moving, the Holidays and a 3 room makeover at the cozy little Cape that is now home. It's still somewhat crazy, but it is gaining a little every day. My days are busy settling in and getting the patterns back up and running. I did not realize how tired I was and how much stress was taking a toll on me. As difficult as it was to say, "I can't do it all", I am now seeing that it does not mean failure nor makes you less....it makes you better all the way around.




 I love that I can visit my Mom and enjoy her as a daughter. I have been able to bring her many of the Italian goodies that we would make before she was no longer able. It is my best hope that I can make them myself and carry on these traditions for my family. 


My girls are now young ladies. Bailey is loving Cosmetology and Jess has a special guy, which we have welcomed into the family. Bailey and Jess are enjoying life with their Grandparents. The big farmhouse on the hill, is often filled with their cousins and plenty of giggles. As much as I would love to have them here beside me, being a parent does mean listening  and doing what is best for them. They know I am beside them and love them...but we are doing things just a little different. In turn, they have been given opportunities and great memories to carry them forward. 




So what becomes of the Goode Wife?  Well, with the move and getting everything settled, I am not able to do a big show...yet. This month, I will be working on designs for patterns and licensing...along with my regular offerings. I'm thinking of having a web show soon and I do believe that it is time for a pattern sale on Etsy.  Last year was amazing for my wee folk. They were recognized both locally and internationally. My sculpted folk were well received and all have gone to wonderful homes. This year looks to be full of creating and is off to a great start already. I have lots of show requests to sort through and will be picking out at least one big show and then some area ones to include Vermont and Massachusetts. This new year and new life have a lot in store. 


***PATTERN SALE ON ETSY~ 15% OFF- Starts FRIDAY JAN 7-JAN 14th Check here for the coupon code ***

Yes Virginia, There Are Santa Trout

The Kitchen Table Studio has been a flurry of activity, to match the flurries of snow all week. This is the second season that I have made these fun little guys and they make plenty of giggles from all who walk in to this home. 

Once they have their hats on, you can hear them singing Christmas Carols if you listen closely~

 This school of Santa Trouts are on a mission.......

The Arkell Museum~ a click on the picture will take you to the details for this Saturday's event, along with directions. I am very honored to have been asked to join other Artisans for this Holiday Fair. Check it out!~ it's quite a surprising gem and I can't wait to see it myself. I am trying to talk to those silly little trout and tell them just how exciting it is to be in the same building with  works from some of my favorites; Homer, Wyeth, O'Keefe and Cassett. I'm not so sure about how successful I will be where they are concerned, but I do know that all of us will have a great Saturday!

Friends, Family, Turkey and Pie

 This Thanksgiving was spent with family, friends and a show.There are very few show years that have not included one on Black Friday. It would be easy not to. I could just say. "oh, it's a time to spend with family."  This is purely about friends and family over the years. Our family has always opened our hearts during this Holiday Season. My Father worked many a Thanksgiving. He served our country overseas and protected us. He later served our County and Village while families sat together and ate, telling how they were thankful, but not knowing that it is the extension of time and service by others that gives the best meaning. There are Firemen,  Police Officers,Nurses, Doctors, Aides and other hard working people that most people don't think of until there is a need. I worked retail for twenty years and always worked a shift on Thanksgiving.The hustle and bustle and Black Friday crowds are not my cup of tea. It was never as important as those service fields until you looked beyond the crowds and saw your friends and family there. 
  
Our family is spread out from Afghanistan to Arizona and hours from this sleepy little village in New York. My holiday started on Wednesday as Jess and her boyfriend, Chris trekked up the mountains of Vermont so that we could set up for the show. There were memories made and smiles as we saw fellow vendors that I had not seen but for this show. How quickly we become friends and a sort of family over the years. On Friday morning, bright and early, we all gather at the playhouse and do our last minute touches as we share our holiday and catch up with those not seen on Wednesday. The doors open and for the next two days we enjoy people that love the gift of handmade. For some it is their first time, but for others it is well beyond.It is that special gift as they make a love connection for their someone special.Customers that have been collecting my work for over 10 years, still come and visit along with family that live near the area. We laugh, we cry, we hug and enjoy. We have become extended family and this is our time to get together. My work will be carefully wrapped for someone to love on Christmas morning. The smiles and love will be passed on for another year. It makes it all worth it to see the love connections between these wee folk I make and the friendships that continue. Even the snowy ride home made memories that we will keep. I can't imagine spending this holiday without opening it up beyond my immediate family and including all of you.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

The Goode Wife has been very busy the past couple of weeks. The house has been in an uproar, with some much needed work done. In it all I am packing and trying to create for my last two shows. The Carpal Tunnel and Arthritis in my hand have made it nearly impossible to get anything done....but I have chanced upon some exercises that are really working. I am hopeful that the progress will continue and I won't need surgery

 The Kitchen Table Studio is a bit noisy as so many wee folk are coming to life. I can't stay here long, but I can share with you the details. This is among my most favorite shows. Should you get a chance, do stop in. Weston is a quaint village and the Playhouse will be filled with many unique vendors. The gift of handmade is truly special. 

The 30th Annual

Christmas Bazaar

The Weston Playhouse

November 26th & 27th

10-4

but there is more.................................

If you have never been to the Vermont Country Store...  you have missed a truly amazing place! This quaint family owned business holds our child hood memories inside...think I'm kidding? I double dog dare you to step inside and NOT smile or say ....remember these? A quick Google or map quest visit will bring you  to the most unique Black Friday (and Saturday) of all. Fair warning.... it could just become a goode tradition.

More Than A Flurry of Snow

It can be difficult to put Halloween wee folk down for a bit and move ahead through the Holiday season. As luck would have it, snow flurries have arrived to fuel those holiday feelings and set this season in order. Turkey is simmering on the stove already this morning and will soon fill the air as I sew. This house will be even busier as some much needed work is done. There is a show ahead at the end of the month and new wee folk to be introduced there. My time is very limited in The Kitchen Table Studio this season, but I do promise some new and fun wee folk ahead. Today, I am introducing Charlotte and Timothy on Simply Primitives. A click on their picture will take you away for a nice visit with several talented Artisans as well. 


In all of this, I am packing and moving what I can to Tim's. Bit by bit, box by box. I am more than ready to start my life with Tim. It will be bittersweet at times as I trade my surroundings. I know I will miss waking up to the mountain range that I have called home for 36 years, but I will visit often. The girls are all settled and doing well. They have quickly become young ladies and near ready to stretch their own wings. Now I just have to wait until the final word.

Introducing, Miss Jovi

With a big mug of hot Peppermint tea and a wistful look, I sit here at my computer putting up pictures of Jovi and adding the link that will take you to the AHA Studio Marketplace. What did I want to say to you beyond what was written up at the Marketplace???

She certainly came out far better than I thought. The biggest challenge yet, with her dress and bonnet. Most of you know me from my work in Primitives and patterns. Many of you know that I didn't know how to sew  beyond adding fabric to the bottoms of my bell bottoms, when I started Primitives 13 years ago. On the Web, I am not known for my sculpting, but those from my Hometown know me as a sculptor first. It wasn't until I sat here thinking of what I may write, that I realized that this same girl sat in this same room 34 years ago working in clay and frantically getting ready for her first show. People stop and tell me that they still have my wee sculptures of elves, dragons and of course....critters. It's difficult for me to think that they um... are now vintage. Today my work is at a much different level. I am loving it and still balancing my other loves. I have never stopped learning in this journey and I am glad. Jovi presented several challenges and spoke often about what she wanted from me. She seems quite content. Me? I just hope that I am creating the next 34 years.

These Fleeting Days of Fall

October is my favorite time of year and I love these crisp days. The smell of the leaves mixed with pine and woodsmoke are intoxicating. The girls are back to school and I have enjoyed watching them and wrapping up in it all. The football games at school, Homecoming, field hockey and open house. Bailey is in her Senior year and Jess, her Sophomore. Two more years...where has time gone? These years, like the few weeks before the leaves turn and fall seem to go faster and faster as I get older. I'm trying to hold on to it, really~ I am.

My days are full ones. A full time Caregiver, a Mom and an Artist. The deadlines are my biggest challenge right now, as I don't have as much time as I'd like and need for my work. I was not prepared for the wonderful outpouring of mail and calls once the Prims magazine hit news stands and mailboxes. Thank you Jenn, the magazine has given me new friends and opportunities.  I am so lucky to be able to follow my dreams. 


On Monday, October 25th at 5 pm EST, AHA Marketplace will release our new works of heart. Above is a little sneak peek of Jovi, my Snow Ladye. It is the perfect time to enjoy work from some of your favorite Artisans along with the chance to find that special gift, and make a love connection  this Holiday Season. 

Decisions, Decisions.....

It is that time of year for me. I look back upon my work and also look ahead. I am excited to be published again, it's been a few years. Will there be more?....yes. What else is ahead? That takes some sorting out for me.


I always look back upon my creations within the year. What worked, what didn't?  What did I find the most enjoyable and the least...and above all, did I grow? My challenges and competitiveness come from within my own self. I look at each year as it's own portfolio and most importantly keep it all true to myself. I step back and critique these wee folk and find out how I can make them technically and creatively better.


This year I took a leap of faith with my sculpting. When I first started making primitives, I knew I would have to set aside my sculpting and painting to focus on learning how to problem solve in fabric and make a pattern line. Last year, I had many a heart to heart with my Dad, my greatest supporter ...and pusher. I look back at how he would always look at everything I made and say, "That's good, but...". If I came to him with an idea, he would tell me that, " you can't....".  He saw how he could challenge me, so that I would learn to challenge myself. The negative, would bring out the positive. Early last year, I told him that I wanted to try sculpting again and told him my ideas. He told me not to stop, never stop any of this. I won't Dad, I don't know how to... I just have to figure out how to balance it all.




What is ahead for me? Well, I hear from so many of you that enjoy the patterns, but I don't get a lot of time to put many out. I think that is what I will do after the first of the year. I'm excited about this and I've kept in mind the ones that you have asked to become patterns, along with my stash of some that you have yet to see. I have to find which ones will be the most successful for a wide audience along with what folk you enjoy. I am also mulling a collector series of patterns. I will  literally be, back to the drawing board and I'm excited about that. I will do some small, local shows and continue my path at a little slower pace, so that I can handle it all. It's all goode things ahead and I can't wait.

Letting My Heart Lead The Way

My life has been topsy turvy the past couple years. Both family and creating have been my sure thing~ they keep the most hectic or difficult days sane and give me even greater joy on the awesome days. I am an Art Geek in my goode work. It's nothing that goes 9-5 on Monday through Friday. It is a part of me and I have learned to fit it in from early morning until the wee hours. Even on holidays, I can be caught doing something wee folk related. I go about my days balancing what I need to do along with what I love to do. Imagine my surprise when Jennifer Jackson of Prims magazine asked if I would like to put my work in the magazine? I have been over-the-moon, bursting! It is my great pleasure to tell you that the new issue will hit the news stands (Barnes & Nobles is my Prim fix of choice) on October 1st ~ A few wee folk grace the pages along with the work of kindred friends and colleagues. 

Some of you have noticed the winds of change in my work. Jacqueline is my latest piece and is showing at the American Holiday Artists Studio this month. Long before I discovered Primitive Dolls, I created with clay. With new clays available and the introduction of armatures, I have found a soft place to land and broaden my love. The difficult part is that right now, there isn't enough of me. I have been struggling to keep up with everything and there is the weight of my big show every January that looms. I have decided that I need to take some time and balance some time for me to not work such long hours. I won't be doing a show in PA this year and I will be making some changes with my goode work ahead. I will continue both my fabric and clay work. I am excited  to start and I think you will be as you follow along beside. 

On The Road Again!

I'm very excited to announce that The Goode Wife will be at the Hancock Shaker Village on September 25th and 26th from 10-5. We were there the year before last and loved it. I applied late and awaited a visit from the Postman to see if I would go again this year.


 If I didn't get in, I wasn't about to waste a precious weekend and time away from my Caregiver duties and so we discussed a visit to the Walker Homestead~ Simple Treasures of the Past Show. The Postman delivered the other day and our decision was made~ Shaker Village here we come!  We will certainly be thinking of our friends at the Walker Show also and how goode a visit would have been. If you would like more info to either of these shows, click on the bold font for a web visit. If you are at the Shaker Village do stop by and say hello~ we'd love to see you!

And The Winner is.....

Congratulations to Gail in Virginia! Lucky number 15 in the random number draw and winner of the AHA Celebration free giveaway!  Woohoo!!!

AHA will will open again on September 25th with more artists and a wonderful array of talent. This could be a great time to find that perfect Holiday gift for someone special! Above is a little peek of what I have in store. I just love making those wire & wonky Spider cages!

Summer Ditched Me....

It's hard to believe that it was nearly two weeks ago that I was able to leave my Mom in agency care and do this quaint show overlooking the Mohawk River.  I had planned a couple shows for when I would be all moved in Rotterdam.  Sadly, a year was lost and my brother, Kevin now gets the brunt of paperwork to help get my Mother settled and me on to my life. Ah well....I did have an enjoyable show at the Mabee Farm~ I was able to see some of Tim's family and even....

meet up with Noelle. Noelle is the magic behind Tricky Stitches on Pfatt Marketplace. I have adored her work all these years.I can't wait to get settled in Rotterdam and enjoy the creative connection and smiles we shared that afternoon.  The Mabee Farm was beautiful and the weather perfect. I hated to leave, but I look forward to returning!

Since then, the days have passed by in a blur. I have been putting the finishing touches on a very late store order as I juggle my days and other obligations. There are changes ahead for me with my wee folk. I have to figure out just how to balance my work obligation (which is my  greatest joy) along with the (fingers crossed ) temporary needs of my Mother. I can't wait to enjoy and just be her daughter. 

These last weeks of summer have passed me by, but you can be sure that I will be wrapping myself around Autumn with a grin as big as Isabella's below. 

I'm excited as I look ahead and I know there will be days that my dear wee folk won't get the attention that I would like, but it will all fall into place. There are patterns to be released and new shows ahead along with a few other goode things to share...but those things are for another post.

AHA MARKETPLACE GRAND OPENING

Welcome to our Grand Opening~

 If you haven't visited the Marketplace yet, click on the banner for a wonderful ride~

We are celebrating with a Chriskindlemart, so do get comfortable with a cup of something nice to drink.

To celebrate this s occasion all Ahartisans are participating in a Blog Give-away! This Give-away will run from August 25th (5pm - EST) through September 12th (5pm - EST). The rules are very simple, and you have a chance to win more than one prize.

Here's how it works.

First, each Ahartisan has posted a picture of our give-away prize clearly marked on our blogs. on the 12th, we will each choose a random number.All you have to do is post a comment under each prize picture. Now, if your comment corresponds with the Ahartisan's chosen number, then hooray, you win the prize for that blog. So, the more comments you post, the more chances you have to win! Easy!

Each of us have listed our fellow Ahartisans on our blogs, so all you have to do is follow the list from blog to blog, find the prize and comment. What could be easier?

~ My Offering~

My tin whimsy is inspired by my love of Puritan Graven Art

~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~  ~*~

Remember to leave a comment and enjoy a stroll to some of  my friends!

 Suzanne Urban Designs

 Mothers Dream Artwork

 Seasonal Whimsies by Susan Vanderhoek

 Folk N Fiber Blog

 Alycia's Art

 Back in the Day Originals

 The Christmas Corgi

 Elysian Fields Originals

 Fantasy Whispers

 Folk Art By Penny

 Folk Art From The Heart

 Ginny Diezel Studios

 Golder's Creaky Gate

 Granny Wolf Original Art Dolls

 Howling Moons Blog

 Lowell Country Designs

Grunge Goddess Primitives

 Whimsical Endeavors

 Skellyton Art

 Snippet Girl

The Goode Wife of Washington County

Wings and Paws Whimsies

Show Time!

I love doing shows and seeing the special connection made between my wee folk and their adoptive parents.  There are no words that describe the magic made in these love connections, but that moment brings me the greatest joy.




I will be doing a show at the Mabee Farm, in Rotterdam Junction. Not far from Albany~ Not too bad for my Vermont and Massachusetts friends and family to visit. I'm so excited! What's better than a show? A show at a Historical site! The Mabee Farm was built about 1670-80 and has a full sized Dutch Barn. I will surely be in my element! The show will be from 10 - 5. Do stop by for a visit~ I'd love to see you! For more information, click on the picture and visit the link~ 

It's An Honor~

About two weeks ago, I found the most delightful letter in my email box. A friend had nominated my work to be a part of this wonderful organization. American Holiday Artist's  juried my work and accepted me to be a part of their group of talented Artisans. It is a great honor for me to say thank you to everyone! If that wasn't wonderful enough, A.H.A. will be opening a new online marketplace next Wednesday!  The sneak peek  from my last post is my offering.

You will see my blog change a bit over the next few days as  I give this ol' gal a face lift for AHA's GRAND OPENING and prepare for some celebrating. ~ I do hope you are all in for some fine celebrating.....also as promised, there will be more news ahead. It just keeps getting better and better!

Ahhh...This Crazy Life~

The days continue to be very full here at my little Kitchen Table Studio. I am thankful to have the work in such a difficult economy. The house here is full of activity and giggles as my daughters spend time with me and prepare for them to go back to school. They have also been giving me a hand as I try to get all the orders caught up. 


I wasn't able to devote time to TDIPT this month, but do stop by and visit the wonderful talent . You may find something special that speaks to you!


I am hopeful that I will get everything out this week and I'm also working on a little show. I had planned a couple shows near Tim's thinking that I would be settled in by now. We just do it a little differently at this point. I will give more information on this show and a couple other pieces of Goode News in the days ahead. Until then, here is a little sneak peak of something VERY special!