The Big 5-0...And Other Goode Things

Today dawned cloudy and blustery. A perfect March day. For years, as I've lived in Upstate New York, my Birthday wish would be the same.....Blue skies, green grass and 70 degrees. It's always been impossible to have all three. Now as I listen to the wind chimes by the kitchen window, I remind myself that this has been the closest ever, to having that wish come true. The skies are now all blue and the lawns green. An apple tree across the street is in full bloom along with daffodils and my very favorite....magnolia trees. Our hedges are full of tiny green leaves and the tulips don't have far to go before they bloom. I have all but the 70 degree temperature today, but you will find no complaints here. All of last week, I was able to enjoy those temperatures and even warmer...making the green grass and blue skies of today possible.


Since daylight broke, the phone has rung, texts have come in...and my Facebook!!!! I will be days, getting everyone answered! I'm so thankful to have it all.


 I look back over the past 10 years when I reached 40....how different! Single mom to two young girls, I was just beginning to feel confident enough doing shows. I had my first pattern release, making the front cover of Country Marketplace. It has been a huge journey, so many beside me all the way. Family and friends encouraging me....all knowing that this wasn't some mere hobby....this was my heart and soul. I've loved it all, taking new wee folk to school, all safety belted in the front seat, for Jesslyn to see and show her friends. Flash forward to both her and Bailey folding patterns with my Dad in what seemed like a never ending sea...... and ending in them earning a trip to Arizona.


Life has changed so much for me. My girls are quite grown and live with their Grandparents so they can finish and enjoy school among family and friends. Bailey graduated High School last year and is finishing Cosmetology school.  Jess still has another year to go. She is working for the local vet and looking at college. I live a little farther south...the mountains only minutes away. The one pattern has turned to many and Raven's Haven is now 9 years old. I miss my Dad dearly, but I have my Mom to enjoy and spoil. When she called me today to wish me a big 5-0... I told her that I didn't feel a day over 12. She said, that she expected nothing less. 


One of the best things that has happened over the past decade is Tim....my sweetheart and partner in life. He was my most unexpected surprise seven years ago. I'm fortunate to have such a supportive and loving guy. My Father thought the world of him and thought of him as a son. We have many wonderful memories of my Dad during his last years, surrounded by Tim, my Mom and my girls. My girls think highly of Tim also and they are all close. I'm not sure what the next ten years will bring, but there will be goode friends, family and creating involved.

It's The Little Things

We are certainly having a strange March, like many of you. I have been busy with yearly paperwork and applying to some area shows. Oh, and lets not forget, entertaining a couple viruses that have found their way to me. A new environment will always shake you up like that...and I'm ready to move on to Spring and all it's glory. I'm  prepared for an early allergy season and determined that it will not rule my days. I have lots and lots to do!

My inbox has been stuf't with requests for more of my wee mousies. I cannot make them fast enough....but there are many more in the works. I'm having so much fun! I love the personalities that emerge. They are endearing to me. I miss my daughter's mice that she raised several years ago and many of these are named after them.

These two have been spoken for and are leaving today for their new homes. They have enjoyed their time at the Wee Doll house and have said their good byes to all of the new Mousies that are taking up residence. It is back to the sewing machine for me as I finish new mousies and complete a couple of orders still needing to go out. The Wee Doll house along with a bunch of new mousies will be traveling down the road with me for the first show of the year for me. If you are in the area, I'd love to see you and say hello!  

REXFORD CRAFT FAIR

Rexford/John McLane Hose Co.

NY rte 146 / Balltown Rd. Rexford, NY

MARCH 31st, 10 am- 4pm

A House Full of Mouse

It's been snowing since yesterday morning here in Upstate New York. Judging from the lawn furniture that we have been able to still use this year...we have about 10 inches and it's still steadily falling. Inside the The Cottage on Curry Road, we are all toasty warm, sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying the warm glow of candles. Spring will be here soon enough, so we may as well celebrate our big snow for the season.

It has been busy here at the cottage. I have been exploring a different way to make mousers and I am enjoying it.  I have new friends chattering about and visiting in the doll house. I like that I can pose these friends and they are able to stand on their own... These three are now available for adoption. The two white lasses are available on Simply Primitives. Bea, quietly sits about, ready to do the mending, while little Katie is a cheerful little chatterbox.  Lovely, Miss Sweet Annie is a grey mouser and she loves a goode flower garden. She has been ordering seeds for Spring, spending hours pouring over catalogs.  Sweet Annie is available on Olde Primitive Peddler . 

The wee lasses have been chattering excitedly at the thoughts of new homes and have enjoyed the wee dollhouse. I, on the other hand, have more mousers to bring to life.  You see, I won't know what to do with myself when the house turns quiet again.....

Forging Ahead

This Winter I have been having a bit of fun. I taught Tim how to cast chalkware, from some of my old molds. He always sits beside me as I map out my business plan for the year (or as of late, 6 months ahead.). This Fall as we checked out area shows and met new friends...we took notes. (Thank you Mindy for encouraging and inspiring~ I can't wait til September!). I alluded to the plan I am working on now, back in September, and now it's going forward! A few weeks ago, we started acting on them...first by teaching Tim the casting and lately by me sculpting again. You thought it was just going to be the paper clay dolls, didn't you? Ahhh no... you see, Tim and I are teaming up. I'm sculpting and making the molds ( thank you Dad for showing me the world beyond just pouring Ceramics for the shop!). Chalkware is just one of the media that we will offer at shows.....we will also be pouring beeswax. Of course, I have a little different presentation idea that I hope will continue to reflect my work...The Goode Wife Way~

Inspire And Be Inspired

In my last writing, I spoke of beginnings. Who knew that Ira's words and mine would touch so many! I believe that being a creative person means that you will always have beginnings.....being so visual, we are constantly inspired.  Sometimes, inspiration comes for me in the silliest places. I can look outside or at a picture and see something in the negative space...a shape that inspires my next piece. Sometimes my inspiration is a result of my escape. 

My inspire for Sophia did come from my escape.... Downton Abbey and the BBC's Victoria & Albert. The sets, the clothing, the characters! Oh the eye candy! How could it not reflect in my work? The difficult part for me, is that I sew simply, I am truly self taught in my approach and simple patterning. I know the look I want in my head and the challenge is to pull it off without a lot of patterning or sewing skills. What works in primitive patterns, just doesn't cut it here! I am still a beginner in this arena...and I realize that I can embrace and grow, or be safe. Sophia, went through a couple fashion changes to get where she is. So many, that we missed last night's upload for TDIPT . I wanted a simple elegance, and after a couple changes, we got there. I looked at her this morning and thought... I did that?

I also pushed myself in a new Mouser direction. I've wanted something more realistic and free standing for awhile...there is something about the delicate fingers and toes on mice that I adore. It took a lot of changes for me in fabric and patterning along with inspires from  artists before me. Miss Maddie is my first ....my beginning, but she is a Wee Folk that I can grow with and explore.  I ended up mounting her on a base, until I grow a bit more with making her more sturdy. She also looked so nice on the black stand! I am in love with the concept and have changes already for new ones..... now that I know what I'm doing! 

Art is a personal journey, but we also need to remember that it is a voice and reflection of so many things... it is who we are and what catches our eye. It is others that inspire us and it is inspiring others. It is personal challenges and growing....and it doesn't stop.

Thank You, Ira

You have to love it... absolutely be in love with what you are doing...or it shows. Oh yes, your beginnings are just that...the place where you start. With time and work though, you push through those beginnings and your style shines through. There are no shortcuts... I had one woman that wanted me to teach her how to do Primitives, tell me two weeks after starting, that she awoke that morning and decided that she wanted to be a Folk Artist... not down the road, mind you, but starting at that moment. Well... its good to have ambition too. It is fuel for the passion in your heart... but you also need the right fuel.  Is it about the quick satisfaction that a sale will bring? What about following the success of another with what they do?....or is it about mastering your media or technique in a way that is the voice of your heart? Like any thing you do, you  put yourself into it fully in order to learn how to do it well. You just can't wake one morning and feel... I'm going to be a hairdresser, right now. I'll do a couple of haircuts on my friends and now I can have my own salon. You need to put your own sweat equity into it. Learn and master the basics...then take it and make it yours. You also need to learn what is the best way to get your work out there.


Time puts it's stamp on your work...and over time you will grow and your style will emerge.


For me personally, I am thankful for parents that nurtured my creativity when I was very young, giving me the opportunity to learn how to use different media and explore within it.  As each year ends, I take a look at the body of my work that I have produced and see if I have grown in it. I still have plenty of exploring and learning with much of it, and I am blessed that I am still doing a lot of work. My ambitions have not waned, but still nudge me awake in the mornings. I have much to do and learn still. With some things, I will be the beginner,but now, I'm good with it.

Balancing Life

It's February already. January can seem to drag on, but not this year. Perhaps it is our strange weather. For the past couple days, we would awake to the yard  coated in white as if someone sprinkled confectioner's sugar on it. As the day grew old, it would melt away revealing a great brownness that has taken over for Winter this year. As this first day of February dawned, it felt more like April first. The sun shined down upon the pups as they spent as much time as they could, baking under it. You could smell the earth. When the rain showers came, it only smelled better.


 My world is still a bit tilted (as my friend Robin would say...and it's perfect, Robin)....but it will right itself.  I have great Faith, and you see, Faith has gotten me everything. 


Above are a couple of my favorite ornaments that will be with Stephanie at the Monahan Papers Booth. As I was packing them for their journey, I began thinking beyond the Market Square Show. I've missed my needle; along with clay. I will take a few days now to clean the Kitchen Table Studio, organize and start some Spring Cleaning...You can bet, however, that I will be setting some "balance" time, from all that is tilted and dusty to create. Those voices in my head, just never stop...and I love it.

A Change of Plans

Every day, life will toss things towards you...I suppose to see how well you can juggle. We all get them, big things, little, and different levels of importance.  Somethings can be dealt with quickly, while others take more time.......... For me, life didn't toss me something, but rather, I think that it fell from the sky, somewhat Chicken Little style. Well, I suppose because it is important and will need quite a bit of  time, at least for right now. It has taken me from quite a bit of my work, and that is what I am sharing.


I've had to change some of my plans, the most important one is the show at Oaks. I have been beside myself because I love the Market Square Shows...the vendors, the shop owners...the drive and sharing all the new wee folk. It is like missing a family reunion.


I won't be there....but most of the Paper Wee folk will be. I am thankful to Stephanie and the crew at Monahan Papers as they will host my paper friends as planned...but without me. Some of the bigger items won't be there, but I will be working on a web show and offer them online instead.  I can't help but think that while it may be a change in plans, it will serve all that it touches in a much better way at the end.

Did Someone Say, "Pattern Sale"?

Welcome to my annual pattern sale! 

To celebrate, I'm releasing 3 new patterns!

ANGELIQUE

GERTIE'S NEW RIDE

TWIGS

Thank you everyone. The sale was a huge success! Thankfully, I have had some help filling the orders, but am still backed up a little. Happy sewing and do  keep a look out for another release very soon!

For The Love of Olde

 With Beatrix Potter as well as Thomas Nast  as pure inspiration for their detail and color work, there was no hope... I was a goner. Now, given the chance to draw and design, I am lost in a world and a time gone by. There is an endless number of these wee folk ready to transfer from my head and heart onto paper. Drawing them is one thing, but I want more. I lean them up in my little doll house and if I am quiet, I can hear conversations as a wee mouse dressed in Regency clothing awaits the teapot to whistle. Dear Papa Mouse has just come in from a long day at work, it's cold out and he still has his coat and top hat on as he warms himself by the fire.....

I'm getting lost in myself again... In time you will meet these friends, but until then, I have a couple of bunny pieces. They remind me of the old illustrations as well as the postcards  my gram would share with me, They were treasured by her once upon a time and long ago... and so, wrapped in all that I love, I am offering a limited number of these sets on TDIPT Mercantile  . Do stop by and enjoy a wonderful group of Artisans, and if you are awaiting new patterns and a sale... that starts tomorrow. Stop by here for the details!

Geek

There is something about black ink that has always tugged at my heart. In High School art classes, I discovered it as I dipped my pen in a bottle of India Ink and tried my hand at Calligraphy. Once dried, there is a richness and sheen to it. In Art School, I loved taking black ink out and warming it up with a putty knife on a board to prepare it for my etching plate. As much as I loved printing or writing with it, I did not like drawing with it. It is not forgiving and difficult to work with.  I could not get the lines to work and made plenty of blotches with my trusty Rapidograph. 

That was about 30 years ago.

Now there are wonderful pens that don't dry out in an hour or so. The nibs don't wear so fast  and the ink doesn't bleed. Ahhhh... technology! As much as I am always yearning to be pulled into the days of olde, this is where I really love today's technology! You still have to commit to the line you draw. It takes lots of practice to get the feel of the pens in order to pull off the delicate line work.  After hours of practice and learning the dance, I have been off and running with ink. Now with a show just a couple weeks away, I am drawing and creating like a mad woman.  I have loved the aged look papers that I have seen over the years and now I am in the heart of it. Whoda thunk? The dying brings a rich color to the paper and gives the ink that wonderful sheen that I'm smitten with. I think that would make me....an Art Geek.

It's No Secret...

It's no secret who inspires my work. From my patterns to my drawings, you see many a critter dressed in clothing that reflects my love of the past.  Beatrix has always been beside me...her characters kept in my heart, for as long as I can remember. I once had a painting teacher that refused to let me paint animals, because they were more difficult to master. She felt that I would only get frustrated. Little did she know, that she would only fuel the fire within. From then on I drew or sculpted animals throughout my high school years.  Eventually, I taught myself to sew with a few cues from a dear friend and fellow creator of whimsy.

I took a bit of time yesterday to do some cleaning here on my blog. There is nothing like a clean, new layout and cleaning in all of the corners, to make one feel that it truly is a fresh start to a New Year! I feel more like my work is coming full circle as I pick up my pen nearly every day and create. I'm excited with this new year as I plan area shows and what I want to focus on.


 I have been looking at those numbers....the ones that keep me working from home, instead of turning in my comfy flannels for something more appropriate to work outside of the home. I'm blessed to see that my works of whimsy have only continued to grow and in some areas, nearly double at a time when money is difficult for all. Thank you for all who have made it possible~ I hope to bring even more smiles this year. My Head is spinning with ideas, my journal has writings and thumbnails nearly every day. I have lots to accomplish, so,without further adieu, I bid you good evening on this frosty Winter evening. It is time now, to put pen to paper and create as "Miss Potter" keeps me company on the telly.

Hello, New Year~

I have been fast at work creating goode folk for the show in February...but there are still offerings to be had from the Goode Wife. I was fortunate to have a wee mouser and rat to dress in my chaos room that I hope to get under control this Spring. There is always so much to do!  

Spring is already on my mind as I create. Mind you, there has been no real snow of Winter yet...just teasers that melt away in the afternoon sun. While many are taking a break from creating this past year, I am in full swing. Part because of the show in February...and part because I just can't find an off switch on me! There are oodles of new paper ideas and I have to stop and jot them all down. I edit them as I form the basis of what I will create, hoping them to be a cohesive body of work...hoping. The way the gears go in my head, it is difficult, mind you. I can be all over the place and have to take great pains to reel in all the ideas and edit them to at least appear sane! 

As many of my offerings will reflect more of my paperie, there will be less of my soft Wee Folk available. I will be making those mostly for local shows this year. I do have a few sculpted pieces that I will offer from time to time, but for the next several months, I will be in full paper mode.  The rat and the mouse are available on Simply Primitives, and the wee dutchie tucks are on Olde Primitive Peddler . Do stop by and see the other fabulous Artisans as well!  May the New Year bring only goode your way~back to the drawing board for me!

Back To The Drawing Board

We are basking in the afterglow of Christmas in our wee cottage on Curry Road. It was a wonderful time filled with family...and yes even a bit of creating (family needs their wee folk also). One would think that the days following, would be perfect for putting the feet up and hanging a vacation sign up on the online venues. Holiday handmade show season is finished for everyone...but the Trade Shows are just getting fired up. Trade show or no; it is a rare day that pens, needles,brushes or sculpting tools will sit idle all together in this home. There is always one tool in use at some time during the day or night. A dead giveaway of a truly creative soul.

Creating has always been a part of my soul, drumming to it's own beat and never mindful of weekends, holidays or even to be containing itself to a 40 hour work week. It tags along on vacations and soothes me when I am sick. It is known to have me jump out of bed at odd hours to dance a bit with my journal.  I am fortunate that although Tim can't fully grasp how the gears all work in my head....he sees the joy that wraps around me and is ever beside.

I am literally back to the drawing board as the February show is just around the corner. Tim shakes his head and keeps me fed as I sit for hours drawing. Yes...hours. The concepts may come quickly, but the inking can take many hours. It is delicate and non forgiving; but when complete, it reveals my heart and soul.  These inked labors of love will go on to become many things .... but best of all, they will bring more smiles than I can visualize.

It's dark now, and I am enjoying the glow of our tree as I write. The day has been full of orders to pack and drawings to work on. It's time for a hot cup of tea and my drawing board once again. Well...perhaps I'll take a few minutes to put together a custard pie before I sit to draw. We don't have such treats often...but tonight I am feeling a bit nostalgic. I'm missing the winter of a different time when I would sit at my Gram's table after dinner and draw, as she would make a custard to take the evening chill off from the house. It is a fine season indeed and no matter how much the creating part of me may rule, there are new memories to make in this wee cottage on Curry Road.

Making Christmas

Tim and I are celebrating a year together. When I sat my suitcase down last year, and two unruly pups walked in with me, it was a whole different house. There were three rooms in chaos as sheet rock and paint were coming together. We simply celebrated how we could, but mostly we celebrated being under the same roof. It took years and faith to be together, but it was right.




This year we are settled in and even though there is chaos still, it is of a different sort. There has been a big show in Ohio, a wave of wee folk that have been adopted as never before....and pattern orders that have not slowed down in December as they usually do. In it all, we are trying to find our way as to making the Holiday season ours by making our own traditions. It is our hope that some day, the kids will take from them as they start their own families.

It didn't take much arm twisting to decide that the theater is one thing that we would like to keep doing. Last year we saw the Albany Repertory Production of "A Christmas Story" and we loved it.  After a couple years of a slow economy and a reminder that supporting our area small business would help and create jobs, why not make the theater top of our list? The arts usually have the biggest and first cuts. We are just outside the city, why not take advantage of it all? This year, it was off to Proctors Theater (which has a long history of it's own) and "A Miracle On 34th Street".  I'm loving it all! This small town country girl has had a wonderful time seeing the city light up this holiday and I'm loving the window displays!

One tradition now has a great start. Now for our Christmas. Christmas Eve is spent with Tim's family and is always great fun. A dish to pass, gifts to exchange and babies to enjoy! Our Christmas day will be one of travel, as long as roads are passable, we will be there for my Mom and my girls. 

It is our Christmas Day meal that we have long pondered. Tim is Irish, I am a good mix of Scottish, Irish and Welsh....but mostly Italian. We decided that Christmas dinner should be a wink and a nod to the Irish/Scottish and Welsh  side of things. So off we go today, to see the local butcher to order our leg of lamb.We will make a side of colcannon and decide upon our dessert. It will all fall into place and we are both full of happiness, not only to be celebrating as a couple, but in starting our own traditions. Not to mention, supporting our local businesses. The circle goes round as we put our earnings into small businesses as many of my customers have done for me. Thank you everyone, for all of your orders and adoptions. You have kept me working and made it possible for us to  in turn keep others working or possibly creating jobs. I can't help but think that while it is nice to make Christmas for ourselves, we've done a greater thing by making so much more for others.

Blessings and Fate

I love olde pictures. Scratch that... I love olde things, especially pictures. I've adopted many a tintype, cabinet card and even given large framed portrait or two a home with me. Tim will often pick at me and tell me that these aren't even my family.... All the better, I say! I love to have them surround me, to wonder about their life or how they spent their days.  I hope that they find comfort here, knowing that they are loved and not forgotten.

Blessings has been a piece that I have wanted to make for myself, for several years now. I decided that it was time to take on this project when I came across these wings~how perfect are they?  She turned out so sweet, that I just had to share her on TDIPT. She is full of timeworn sweetness that touches my heart. I was reminded as I was giving her those wings; of a picture my Grandmother kept in her room. Mother and child, clipped from an olde postcard perhaps? Wrapped just so, with satin and velvet creating their background and clothing. There is beauty in the simplicity of it and most likely a story within the fabric scraps used. It was old when I was little, and now brings new meaning. Simple items within the home can become the biggest treasures. I look at Blessings and see many more possibilities in creating time captured angels and I am excited! From sweet to whimsy, my noggin is full of ideas that I have been writing in my journal the past couple mornings.  


Blessings refused to be photographed last night for TDIPT. Try as I may this morning, she didn't want any part of it until late. I have struggled whether to just keep her here with me, or offer her online. I finally decided to let fate show her the way home, be it mine or another. She is a good sized hanging; a nice 30 inches from bow to toe. Her wingspan is just over 17. I can only offer her to my US friends ~ with shipping and insurance she would be $40.00.

Until fate decides, she will hang hear at the bottom of the stairs where she can keep watch of our family. Should you want her to live with you, simply drop me a line at: thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com.

Small Show Love

Yesterday we did the last show of 2011. This was the second year that I have done this show in Canajoharie. It's small and delightful, hosted by the Arkell Museum. As you can see, we were a bit punchy. Yes, the silly bald man is in his glory here as I hurriedly make any last minute adjustments before the doors open.




I love shows, big and small. A young man stopped by my booth with camera in hand. He had, "The LOOK".  It is the reason that I love doing shows. You can see an instant connection being made; first in the eyes and then with the smile. It doesn't matter if they purchase anything, it is simply, "The LOOK" that makes all those long hours and sandwiches for dinner worth it all. He politely asked if he could photograph the booth and I for the local paper.....well of course! After photos and an interview, he had to bring one of my paper ornaments to live with him. He picked a wee little mouse in Regency dress that he had been eyeing through the whole interview. After he left, I thought back to one of his questions. He asked which I liked doing better, the really big shows or the small ones like this? Both was my reply. I am thankful to be invited to do the big shows, travel and meet people that I have enjoyed for many years in books and magazines. I have made many wonderful friends and we all gather at these shows, like family ~ enjoying catching up with everyone.  It is the small shows, though, that make my heart smile. To see the connection made; to enjoy the friends and family that stop by (especially when they bring pizza)...to give back to the community and people that gave me my humble beginnings. 

I am beyond excited as I look ahead and put my plans for 2012 in motion. Today, I will start some of my paper works for the first and biggest show of next year....opening in less than 2 months. The paper works will be where most of my time will be spent for a few months, but I am excited to plan a few pattern releases and  a sculpted Wee Folk or two. As Spring breaks out in new leaves and birdsong, I will be planning all the local shows. This Goode Wife can't wait to meet friends, family, and mostly watch for that look to come across so many faces.  

Oh What Fun!

Even though I haven't been feeling too well this past month, I've had plenty to keep my busy. From commissioned work to an amazing amount of pattern orders~ my days remain full. Add to it, some show scouting for next year, and POOF a month has just vanished!

 I'm just finishing the last of  the wee folk and my last show of the season is Saturday. If you are in the region, it's at the Arkell, a wonderful little Art museum in Canajoharie. The area is beautiful. The show is this Saturday, the 10th from 11-4.  There is plenty to see and do there, a perfect way to spend the afternoon! Please do stop in and say hello~ I'd love to see you.

That said, I'm getting excited, not just for the Holidays, but for my new work that I will begin in earnest on December 26th. Already, I have been making notes, drawing and gathering supplies. 

As you can see, sometimes I'm a bit indecisive about what I want and have to put it on paper and see how they play out. Just like the fabric wee folk, these take on a life of their own at times. This is just the beginning of their journey. They will go on to Monahan Papers and then who knows. There is excitement in that! I am discovering a different world and am so inspired. I will settle down though and with my plan for next year in hand, I will begin to set it in motion, just before the New Year begins. 

Changes....for now

I have written briefly about some changes I am making in my work...and I have been working on them....a little slower than I planned, but getting there. It seems that it is simply my turn to get a real good cold. I haven't had one in years, so you can bet this one has been ...nothing short of a grand one! That said, and finally feeling like I am truly on the mend... I will share the important stuff.


You will probably see some of my finished wee folk online a little heavier than usual during the holiday season. It is a great chance to adopt;  most some are one of a kind or limited....and I won't be revisiting them anytime soon.  I want to get them adopted as I am making time and way for my paper folk along with a few new things. I will be heading to the Market Square Gallery in February. The stuf 't wee folk need to take a back seat for now as I have lots of work ahead for me. It doesn't mean that I am done making wee folk, so never fear. I will be trying to put out some new patterns  as I concentrate on my work for the show, but I will not be making finished,stuf 't wee folk for online sales like I have been. At least not for quite awhile.

Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and see where you land. I wish there was enough of me to do all that I love with my creating...but in order to reach my goals, I have to adjust my time and creating to fit. I love this journey in paper and I have been given some great opportunities to share my wee friends here. Goode things do really come to those who wait...and my close friends and family will tell you that I have been waiting many years to be able to have the opportunity to draw and share as I have now. I am very happy that they will truly be all made in America, something that has been a difficult task. Perhaps though if I am very, very lucky, they will also help create more jobs here also...now wouldn't that just be the ultimate?

Simple Goods Show

I've watched the Simple Goods Show since it's very beginning and it has been on my "bucket list" since the photos of that very first show. Candy and Max have grown this show to be a very special event. I cannot tell you how honored I was when Angie asked me to be a part of this show, I don't know who was more excited for the chance to meet in person after a longtime online friendship, Angie Sutter or I! .

It was a long drive to Ohio...nearly 10 hours. We found a lovely diner to enjoy and meet up with Stephanie from Monahan Papers. It would take four of us to get this booth set up and filled!

I came in and found this beautiful sign that Candy made for me! That was just the beginning of the spoiling! The booths were all amazing, the meals were sooo good. We don't have the homemade noodle dishes like this in New York, so this girl was in heaven! Add to it,the Facebook friends and it made for one big family. I met up with some trade show friends and buyers. I can't tell you just how amazing it was! I know I will forget someone if I try and list them; but to all my friends that stopped by to see me and say hello, I miss you already! Angie, Jake and Mariah were right there for us and for anything we needed. I wish you were all closer, but then....we would be dangerous!
 There was a thirty foot blend of Monahan Papers and The Goode Wife. It was a chance for me to see my images printed in different ways and oh! The stamps! They were so fun! I am excited to be moving forward this way, and I will share more about that in another post, but for now, here are some booth pictures~

I love the antique wrap cutter, Stephanie has some wonderful display props.

The feather trees are beautiful, I loved the colors that were used.

There were even mini feather trees, to make vignettes.

You couldn't walk through our booth quickly, as there were so many items tucked in and about. You could always spot something that you missed at first glance.

I've done a version of this ticking mouse for over 6 years, but last winter, he evolved to a point that really speaks well to my heart. Both he and his sister have some new Holiday personalities, that still need a little nip and tuck, so they will make their appearance online.

Stephanie brought the glass display cases for the mice and elephant. I love how they look in them!

And a final look at the feather tree adorned with the new paper ornies, wax ones and dried oranges.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes, warm hugs and goode friendships. I had a wonderful time and have wonderful memories.