A Fine Season

Sunday morning has slipped away already, but not without "brunch". Who says that you can't have pie for breakfast? Especially fresh strawberry rhubarb at the peak of strawberry season in the Adirondacks. Days like these were meant for spending outside. Long Summer days do speed by quickly as we get older.

Miss Bailey will be finding that out now.She has worked hard to be able to graduate on time with her class and I am very proud of her. If you have a child with challenges, you know the struggle it is to get what you need for your child in the school system. Bailey and I have both learned along the way...and are both better for it. She has completed one year of Cosmetology and will continue full time next year. Bailey was also surprised with two scholarship awards to help her on her way. 

She couldn't wait to show Gramma Judy; and Gramma Judy couldn't wait to see and hear about it all. Bailey was quite saddened that her Grampy wasn't here to watch her, as he promised long ago. Ahhh, but he was watching it all, I reminded her. Didn't you feel him beside you the whole time? 

And so, as the tassel is moved... so is a lifetime. Bailey's life will never be the same, she will make mistakes as well as great accomplishments. Her family will be beside her. She will know they are there, because she knows and feels their love for her. It is this love that will give her wings to fly and courage to reach beyond what she thinks she can do. Congratulations Bailey, to you and your class. It is a fine season, indeed. 

Striking A Balance

 It's hard for me to believe that it has been nearly six months since I moved to my new home and life with Tim. I'd love to say that I am all settled, but everything has come slowly.I still take care of many of my Mother's needs even though I am not living there. There are groceries, bills, housekeeping issues as well as staff that still takes plenty of time. By going up and staying a day or two a week, she has been able to stay at home for about a month or so longer than planned.

I never realized how exhausted my body was from all of this, until I was able to rest...REALLY rest. I have been able to rest and heal my body and soul. I am loving the simple joys such as gardening now that Spring has come. I'm also enjoying time with my daughters when I go up weekly. They have grown, it seems, in a blink of an eye. We are closer than ever and the miles between haven't been as difficult as we thought.

There have been a lot of changes with my business too! Tim's computer as well as mine were about the same age and after about 7 years, both needed to retire. We upgraded to a large touch screen and I love it! It is much easier to process my pattern orders. We also upgraded our cell phones and have become up to date with technology. At least for the moment. I have always been a basics person when it comes to a phone. I just needed something so that my kids or Mom could get a hold of me quickly. With the travel, I needed something with me on the road too. Now, I have an amazing phone, access to the Internet and can answer emails...even text, which I thought I would never get the hang of. It works well and as I start doing shows again, I will be able to process credit cards with the phone.

I also have STAFF! For those of you that have a cat, you fully understand the picture. Bobo is the hub of what goes on here...well, she thinks she is. She inspects ALL incoming shipments of supplies and her favorite job is Quality Control Checker in the Stuffing Department. She makes sure that the "loft" of the stuffing is always perfect. 

Murphy is Security and Entertainment. He's sporting his new Summer haircut and thinks himself quite the spiffy looking man. He's right on top of making sure that the house is secure and the birds and squirrels stay out of the garden. This gives me time to hunker right down in my work and not have anything to worry about.

And finally, there is Mollie. We aren't quite sure what her role is...except perhaps Company Princess. She is my constant companion, until Tim comes home...and yes, has her own tiara. 


The past six months have brought a lot of changes in my life. There is a peacefulness here in the little cottage. My days are filled with my goode work; be it art, garden or home. I see my mountains, my Mom and my girls quite a lot and the miles between aren't really so far.


 I've had a lot of new changes, even in my work. I'm loving the graphics that I am doing for Monahan Papers. The sculpted dolls always give me a challenge which is important to me. My wee folks and patterns still move forward, just a bit slower with everything else.  Life is always changing, sometimes little by little...and sometimes leaps and bounds. It all falls in place as it should. There have been changes that I haven't been too happy about, but in the end, everything is balancing out quite nicely. 

Sunshine & Whimsy

 Today, I have two sweet offerings for Simply Primitives. When I work, there are two things that you can count on, that I am listening to beloved movies or classical music. Either will keep me, "in my zone" to a time I am drawn to. There is no clutter of lyrics and I can put my everything in my work. If it is a movie, it is one that I have watched over and over or read in such away, that I don't have to watch the screen; I can be lulled by it as I work. I have passed this on to those I have mentored, just as it was passed to me. I even get a giggle to see that the one person, I had to let go for dishonesty, still makes it very public that she keeps this lesson close as she works along. Anyways, my wee Amy is small, but full of character in her simple expression. Her inspire was the movie made from my favorite novel, Little Women. Dear, impish Amy March~

 .....And wee little Maisy? She is inspired by another movie that keeps me company and is also a novel. The Secret Life of Bees. This wee one has a huge love of bees and the sweetness of their honey, which they kindly share with her. The bees and their hive can teach you many lessons in life.

And finally.....The cycle of life as it circles in our gardens. Thousands of baby spiders are hatched and use the Parsley to start their life journey. They will keep our gardens under proper care and balance this Summer. It's the simple joys~ 

Anwyn, Dyed Papers and Breezes

These are very much busy times for all of us. It has been quite rainy lately in Upstate New York, but like many, I am thankful that it is just rain. My heart goes out to so many, whose lives have been in peril with the tornadoes this year. Tim and I have been busy planting the flower beds as we can and this weekend, the rest of the vegetables will go in. 


I am balancing new drawings for Monahan Papers,  filling pattern orders, monthly offerings and finished items for upcoming shows. A smattering of Care Giving on weekends for my Mom and all of the things that two teen girls need done, make me wish for more hours in the day. 


Yesterday, I put the finishing touches on Anwyn. Her name is Welsh for "pale one" and she is a nod, in this way to my heritage. I have been working on several wee folk, but I chose her for my AHA Artist's offering. It is her clothing that is a reflection of what has been inspiring me lately. The deep blacks of ink and mottles tones of aged looking papers...yes, my inspire was the hand dyed papers of my beloved friends.


Today finds me writing this post as a cool breeze makes it's way from the kitchen . The wind chimes are my music to work by this afternoon. A melon scented candle blends with that of a bunch of Sweet Annie that dances with those window breezes. Simple joys as I work.


...and so goes the beginning of Summer time for us. Graduations, barbecues, ice cream cones enjoyed with concerts in the park...and fireflies dancing about at the Drive-In. We welcome thee, Humble Summer.

Big Show, Olde Crows

New York City has a bit more hustle and bustle in it today as the New York Paper and Stationary Show opens. It is a show that I've heard about for years and never ever dreamed that my designs would be a part of. Our dreams never come by our work alone and Stephanie has certainly given me a wonderful opportunity, as family and friends feathered my wings on this adventure!

Today also is the opening of TDIPT Mercantile  . I'm introducing 2 new...ahem, OLDE crows done in Olde World Style. You can just see them going about their days sweeping their nests along with other daily duties. They remind me of the little old Italian ladies of my youth,especially Mrs. Santoros. She knows that I would gladly help her do most anything, except clean squid for dinner. I still remember her laughing eyes on that one!

There is much to do ahead with new designs going to Stephanie for after the show. Halloween is my favorite and I will be in that mode for the paper and rubber stamp line fully......although, I have a suspicion that it will flow over to other areas. There is also the Simple Goodes Show. This is a dream show for me; I'm over the moon about meeting so many of my on-line friends, but I have to plant my sewing foot firmly on the pedal. I am loving that I can fully dive into designing, it's been a long wait for me! 

Keeping the Faith

My oldest daughter, Bailey will graduate in June. She has had her struggles with Asperger's and there were times that I was afraid she would need more time; perhaps she would not graduate with her class. She is on track and has made Merit Honor Roll this year to boot. She has worked, so very hard to get where she is and although she still has a ways to go in different areas and may need a helping hand in others ~ she is doing just fine.


I find myself reflecting on my own High School Graduation and how my parents told me, that it would mark the start of my adult life. My life would never be the same. I look back again to the day that I walked into Art School, in Lake Placid. Other than painting lessons as a kid, I was self taught in all the other media. How would this change my life? I learned that it did not change my gift, it gave me knowledge to better direct me and improve upon it. Foundations were better laid, but I still had to do all of the work...and work very hard.


I have found that like all changes that we put in motion, most of it comes from within. We have to put in the work and hold hands with Ambition to move forward with it. It is a tougher journey to make a living at this..really make a living. I have trusted that if I do the work that I love, the money would come. All I have asked for is to have "enough" financially. I am thankful for my parent's who gave my children and I, a roof over our heads and food  in lieu of helping them and care giving for several years. At times, I could not work as I would have liked to, but I did what was needed. As a single parent, without the aid of child support, my ability to make some kind of living for my children was dire. I still had to provide for my daughters' needs beyond what my parents provided in in helping with their own needs.


 I learned that life is about the simple things and we do not need every gadget that comes along. We are not defined by the car we drive and as long as it takes care of us, I don't care what it is. I don't need a new car or a constant car payment. I love my jeans and most of my clothes have coffee and paint stains on it... I couldn't be happier.  Sleeping on a Futon through these years still brings a giggle. It wasn't what I wanted, but it met my needs. I had what made me happiest, my girls, a family, a home and the ability to do what I loved for work. My girls have learned that although they may not have everything that some kids do, they have what they need. Both have learned to reach beyond and work for what they want. They seem well grounded.




Now I am watching another piece of me take off on it's own journey. I have drawn several designs for Monahan papers and have watched Stephanie work magic with them. Above, you will see a stamp that I had made from an unfinished sketch. Above that, is a rubber sheet full of the finished design as well as others. My work, is going forward in a way that I had never really thought as reachable yet. With this opportunity comes dreams and wishes. Mostly, it comes with Faith; that it will do well and be "enough" to keep a small, "Made in the USA", business thriving. Above all, I hope it continues to give me the ability to keep me working in my well forged bond of Faith and Ambition. Cheers Stephanie, and forward ho!

Busting Out In Goode Things

Wee Janie is available on Simply Primitives this month.

Spring is busting out in full force here in Upstate New York. After what seemed like a never ending Winter of olde, we are ecstatic to see the first blooms of Spring and yes...green leaves on the trees once again. Our lawn is dotted with dandelions and I love their sunny blossoms. 


I'm having a great time creating, although quite a bit of what I have created you won't see right away as it is off to where it is needed for shows, licensing and publication. With it, I'll be packing also as I travel outside of my little Cape Home and watch my work go places that I have only dreamed of before. I am amazed, humbled and so very honored. I can't help but feel that my Father who urged me to go forward on this before he passed....is smiling down and cheering me forward.


The New York Paper Show is right around the corner! If you had said, "Stacey, this is a goode place for you to be." a month ago... I would have thought...no way. I am so thankful to Stephanie, who has worked her magic with drawings that I have sent to her and they are becoming papers, cards, framed art and rubber stamps....and I'm probably missing some items also! I hope that these designs go far, but in a way they already have. I would have never thought that they would look as great as they do, or be so versatile. I will share them and any info on them as I can. I hope that you will enjoy them also.


I'm taking a couple days to squeeze in some paperwork and pattern works along with the start of my show sewing. I will be going back to some bigger shows and traveling with my wee folk in the Walshmobile over a few states. I am very honored to announce that we will be in Ohio in November....yes, Ohio. That could only mean one thing, right? The Simple Goodes Show .
I am still pinching myself with this one! I can't wait, to see everyone, but if I don't get moving today, I won't have anything to show tomorrow~ And so, I am off to goode creating and thankful to the many opportunities that have come my way. Yes, we are definitely busting out in goode things here!

Investing

I know that when my daughters read this, they will shake their heads and roll their eyes, sighing..."MotheRRR". It has always been an important topic of their growing up. Invest in your family, your friends; their family..invest in what you love and try to make it what you do for a living. They hear it from me and they see it in all that I do.


Easter was spent at my Mom's, and with it, all of us knowing that this could very well be the last Holiday at the house. All of us spent some time with her (Uncle Frank too!) and we kept with an Italian dinner, which brings so many shared memories as we make new ones. We are more than keeping a promise to my Dad that we would not leave my Mom alone, especially during Holidays. We are continuing to make memories no matter the changes in our little family. Jessie's boyfriend, Chris came and spent time with us also. I have always told my girls they would know when the right person had entered their lives, because they would invest in our family as well as my girls would invest in theirs. With would be much love, a bigger family and great memories as time marched on. We have enjoyed getting to know Chris and love that he feels like one of the family that he is now...and Jessie; well you can see it in her smile and the way that her eyes light up when she shares the family gatherings at the Beecher homestead. Investing, full circle.




Other investments are coming about for me. Last year, I began sharing my work in sculpting. I had been doing it on and off since I was a young girl, but it was only last year that I was able to bring it to life the way I loved...as a doll. It came about when my father wanted me to share all that I do in my art with everyone. Not just the Primitive Dolls and Patterns, to be honest, he never thought that I would go anywhere with them, but encouraged me when he saw it take off and knew how much I loved it. 


Since I was a young girl, my Father saw how much I loved to draw, paint and sculpt. There was always paint, clay...and plenty of paper. He encouraged me to work at it everyday. There was always critique, many times until I thought that I would never do anything good enough for him. It seemed discouraging, but now I hear so much he told me with a mature ear. You see, he knew Grandma Moses and sat for Norman Rockwell. He knew that both of them had invested so much time doing what they loved. Grandma Moses painted a lot of paintings...she started late in life, but she put her time in. No one comes to the arts with a couple of weeks of work and commands high prices. You may be a novelty for fifteen minutes, but to sustain, you have to put your time in and invest. Musicians, dancers, actors....they will tell you the same. Investment. People will always tell you how good you are, but it is you that needs to look closer and see how you can do better and grow...learn from mistakes that you made in a piece.

And, so it is time to share another part of me...my drawing. I have been given the opportunity to have some of my drawings go forward and they will be going to the NY National Stationary Show in May! A click on the picture will bring you to the M and M Dry Goodes blog with all of the info....and yes, the designs will be a part of their new rubber stamp line! It is my hope that this is just the very tip of the iceberg for opportunities with Stephanie and Beth. They have worked so hard and invested heart and soul into this journey. I am thankful that my designs can go forward with them and I love that theirs is a "Made in the USA" company, two women with a strong love for Primitives~ and it shows. Thank you Dad, for teaching me about investing and giving me the push...even if it's from above. 

The Comforts of Home

Spring is well on it's way here in Upstate New York. The lawn is the bright new green of the season and the tulips are sprouting up around the house. The neighbor across the street even mowed today......the first mower around us, setting the pace. Unfortunately, it was too cold to open the windows and enjoy it, the way that I would have liked. 


I am happy to have my quiet days here in the Cozy Cape on Curry Road. The dogs, Mollie and Murphy, keep me busy going in and out; barking at the squirrels that invade their backyard. Bobo the cat watches out the back door and appears to roll her eyes at their silliness. I am glad to be past all of the paperwork for tax season and happy to be creating full force. The next few days will see me with pen in hand; a favorite and my heart smiles with anticipation. Since my move here in December, I have had more than one door open for me. With that, The Goode Wife will be spreading her wings and offering her wares to a bigger audience....but the details on that will come later.


Until then, I have a couple offerings on TDIPT Mercantile tonight. This little Cape home inspires me to play around with a more Victorian look with Sophie's Glove. I love different tones and textures of white. White gloves tug at my heart and beckon my memories back to another time. I also love doing those wee little mice along with making wire baskets. I'm sure that both pieces will find homes to belong to, but until they do, I will enjoy them beside me as I work. Spring will be busting out all over in the days ahead. I can't wait until I can keep the windows open, to enjoy the breezes filled with fresh cut grass or the damp earth after a shower. Here's to a goode Spring ahead.

In the Company of Goode Friends

 It was such an honor to be asked once again to submit my wee folk to Prims Magazine. I knew immediately which friend to send along! It is always so amazing to me to see my work in print, and yes, I'm still recovering from the pinch-me marks.


The biggest joy however, was seeing so many of my friends and colleagues gracing the pages so beautifully also!  Hugs and congratulations to all of you! From my dearest of friends; Nettie, Pam and Trudy , to those that I've chatted with and met along the way. Hugs to all of you! 

Spring Wishes

I am finding myself drawn more and more to sculpting again. I love that I have learned enough sewing skills with my Primitives Journey, to make the sculpting come full circle. Granted, there is nothing fancy in the sewing, just simple; but I like things simply done. Alice made her appearance at American Holiday Artists Studios on Friday evening and was spoken for by Saturday morning. She is one rabbit that I will surely miss, but I know that she is going to the most wonderful home where she will be very loved. I have some wee bunny girls that I have been working on also and well, lets just say quite a parade of ideas that keep marching along! Thank goodness for sketches and notes. This home will be very full of wee folk, be them sculpted or sewn.


It's difficult to believe, that I have been at the cozy Cape on Curry Road for three months already! There is still much to do and sometimes it feels overwhelming. We go up nearly every weekend to make sure all is well with my Mom along with shopping, cooking and other needfuls. It's also a great time to get together with my girls. My week days have been full of deadlines, business paperwork and pattern orders. 


My head is in the clouds as I await the warm and sunny days of Spring. Winter has been long and stormy, so we are all more than ready! Tim and I are making plans for the garden, which has been overlooked the past couple years, having no one to really tend to it. I love having a garden and canning, so if the tomatoes do well, there will be plenty of marmalade and sauce for starters. I've also perennials to move about and seeds to start in the flower beds. It all takes time, but with any luck, we will have an area for the butterflies and humming birds along with a wee fairy garden. I'm sure there will be many inspirations from this to keep me sketching out new friends to stitch or sculpt. It's all just a matter of a little time, for Father Winter to say good bye and the Maiden of Spring to bring warm days and green promises.

Springtime in Vermont

I adore the Granville area in every season, but I particularly love Spring and Fall. One of the best parts of living in Granville, has been the fact that it runs right along the state line beside Vermont. That means that we are minutes from towns such as Poultney, Pawlet and Wells...a little longer and we are in areas such as Danby, Fair Haven, Dorset and Manchester. These next few weekends that I will be in Granville, we will be visiting friends in New York and Vermont. First, I will be stopping in to get some Maple Syrup. So many in this area make it and most of us have family and friends in both states that are quite busy, be it a hobby or a business. We have family~ The Grotolli's and it is a part of Spring for me to stop in and say hello to Mike and Laurie.

As the weeks move ahead and grass turns green, we will be heading for a quick drive to see my dear friend and extremely talented artist, Roy Egg. I have known Roy since I started this primitive journey. Well, actually, a bit before, when I worked in a area department store. Roy is simply magic and whimsy in a giant's body!  I remember when he painted his studio, pictured above. It's become a area landmark over the years. His paintings are sought after all over the US and he has one in a permanent collection at the White House. He was the winner for Vermont in a nation wide egg painting contest. Each state was represented on a egg that had been cleaned of it's contents and made into an ornament. The winners were all gathered at the White House for a tour and to view their display.

Besides his talent in the arts, Roy is true inspiration to anyone that enjoys any art or craft. He is so encouraging, no matter what your endeavor. He has a certain knack for making you feel  important and confident in what inspires you. He encourages young and old to see it through. He has often encouraged me to have a small show in his Gallery. Life has kept me busy in other directions, instead. He is such a dear friend, that it is his friendship and warmth that I hold dearest.

One of my most treasured pieces is one of his window chickens. I saw Gladys from across the Gallery and just had to bring her home to Rotterdam with me! This way, I always have a reminder that I'm not so far away from all that I hold dear. I usually find Roy at the local market, but now I will have to make a special trip to see him at his Studio and Gallery. By then, I'm sure I will find yet another treasure ! Big hugs to you Roy~ I'll see you soon!

Putting My Own Stamp On The World~

I'm happy to be settling in the cozy little Cape on Curry Road. There is more than enough to keep me busy with my work, unpacking and a home. I still spend weekends as a Caregiver to my Mom and enjoy time with my girls. 


I 've had a stamp made with my new address for orders and show tags. It was quite fun to play around with fonts and sketches. This is made from one of my very favorites~ My Pumpkin Princess. She turned out so well, and I love using it! The ladies that work at the Post Office have all remarked on it and as the new kid in town, it has helped to make friends. Who knew?  


The Artist in me finds it so satisfying to make my own stamp on the world~ what better way to send off patterns and packages to my customers, than with a little piece of me. I have designed stamps before, years ago, before I started making primitives. I've had so much fun with this and I've caught myself thinking about making more. How fun it would be to see my designs on cards and papers; to know that I've touched some one's heart with a design and brought joy to them in their creating.

Bunnies, Chickens And A Crow

The snow is melting outside of my little cozy cape in the burbs. The birds are singing a bit louder and I've been able to open the windows on sunny afternoons. Oh the promise of Spring! There have been ups and downs.....long days and evenings keeping the pump up in the cellar, muddy paw prints and shoes that never get a chance to dry. I came home to a little trip North, to a fine dinner and knowing that I was missed. 


My work is always beside me these days. There is plenty to do. TDIPT opened last night, but the internet service here had hiccups throughout the evening and into today. Too bad I couldn't upload with my Nook; that seemed to work pretty well!


My offerings are a blend of a few of my loves. Bunnies and chickens named as a memorial to my daughters pets...and of course a crow. Halloween lives here all year long. A click on the bunnies will take you to my page, but grab a mug of something goode to sip on and enjoy the wonderful work of others as well~

Wilder Than A March Hare Around Here!

I am still juggling and getting everything settled here in my new home, and I know so many of you are wanting patterns. March is always a time for celebration for me as I opened Raven's Haven in 2003. Eight years of patterns, and more to come. Please celebrate with me by enjoying a free download...one of more to come. Some you have this one, but, and I will be slipping in at least one new one in the days to come. Little Creek will be here for a week~ just click on the picture and download. He was a design inspired by the pattern (and real life bunnie runner, Rosie) Thank you Tim for your ideas, help and nudges forward...not to mention your love and support!

Diversity

February has flown right past me. I look behind and wonder just how that happened. There was a whole lot of shoveling in February...and January was big in that department also. Today is a March mix of freezing rain, sleet and now snow. A great day to spend in my flannels with some inspiring movies, my sewing machine and new drawings to try out from the wee hours of the morning.


Today is a definite fabric day... but it's not always like that. You see, I've had a long love affair with painting, sculpting and drawing too; well, for as long as I can remember. The problem is that to make a living, I've had to try to stay with the fabric side of things...but as you've seen over the past year... I just could not stay in one place and I felt a need to pick up the clay again. Oh how I've missed it! There are newer clays and techniques than that of my humble beginnings. After learning how to sew and problem solve in that arena, I can now clothe my wee sculpted folk.

My problem is that I love to draw, paint, sew and sculpt and I just can't settle into one thing. It's kind of like getting your hair cut...you grow your hair out long, only to get it cut short. Cut it short and afterwards, you have long hair in mind again.


I always felt that I had to stick with one media and do it well; not jump around. It wasn't until my brother pointed out that to him, he was impressed at my mastery of different media. My diversity means that I have much more to share. I never thought of it that way!


This March day is bringing a madness of it's own.. rain,sleet and more snow. My sewing machine awaits; and also my clay. I don't feel tied down this way....I am thirsty for more. Tomorrow may be a pen and ink day and that's fine too.It's just the way I roll.

  

Celebrating Jiggy

Today would have been my Grampa's 95th Birthday. We lost him suddenly, nearly 23 years ago.... and although we miss him very much, he left wonderful memories for all that knew him. He was a man of deep faith and community service. He never sat still...always puttered about and was a fixer of anything needing repair, for anyone.


Mornings he would often make himself a simple breakfast. First, he would begin by making a small pot of coffee. He would proceed to put a spoonful of sugar and a good amount of milk into his cereal bowl. When the coffee was done, he would pour it into his bowl, stir and then add cornflakes. I still do that every once in awhile and it is really quite good on a cold day. 


For my brother and I, he would often make us toast...always a little more on the black side than two little kids would prefer. He would then spread it with peanut butter and tell us that black toast was good for us.To this day, when someone burns the toast...it is referred to as Jiggy Toast. Other Jiggyisms are:

• A Jig Rig: anything fixed or reinvented to be useful from items made from things found at home.
• Tucci: Any good looking girl, especially if they were blonde. He would often tell my Gram that at his age, he was trading her in for 2 of these if she didn't behave.

Granville still fondly remembers him.  He was inseparable from Father Roman  and they were known as Sanford & Son as they drove about in Father's pick up truck. Father would often call my Gram and ask if Jiggy could come out to play. He was called Iron Lips Caruso, after he lost his teeth and relearned the trumpet without even his dentures. For me, He was the inspiration of my St. Jigs                                                                                                     

My Brother, Kevin shares the same Birthday today. They were very close and he will also send cheers Jiggy's way today. I've changed my playlist to honor my Grandfather. All that he was and all that he instilled in us.

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.