Never Disbelieve

I don't know how to explain it..perhaps there is a better explanation...but my heart says that it is him. Maybe I'm just plain silly, but his words echo today....never disbelieve. He was a dreamer and an artist..I certainly do take after him there. Above all, he was a Soldier and perhaps that is why he chose today to let some of us know he was near and remember his words...never disbelieve.


I was sitting at the computer and getting ready to make my way upstairs to sew. A few hello's on Facebook, a check for recipes on Pinterest and an email or two to answer. My regular morning routine. I usually leave the computer up and Tim will hop on while he is around. He was outside this morning though, so what I heard was just for me. I didn't take three steps from the computer, when I heard it, a few bars from a favorite theme~ the theme from Little Women, a beloved favorite of mine. I stopped, not believing what I just heard....dismissed it and walked upstairs to sew. As I was working, I kept thinking that I must have had the blog up. It's on my playlist there, and it isn't the original from the movie, it has a video of a young woman playing it....it kept bothering me though..why would it suddenly start playing?


I kept thinking that it was a fluke...yes, that's it, I must have left the blog up. When I came downstairs I checked it. My blog was not up at all...nor the playlist for whatever odd reason. Just the three pages that I had had up. It's hard to wrap your head around... I told Tim and texted my girls. I told them to keep their eyes and ears open, perhaps their Grandpa would send them some kind of message. Why not, I thought...This Holiday was so special to him. He proudly brought the girls to the parade every year and had showed them his name on the memorials. They were often accompanied by his beloved pup, Finnegan.


I promptly got messages back from the girls.. Jess thought it was very cool, but Bailey seemed perplexed and I explained it to her in a little more detail. I was not prepared at all for her reply. She loved Dad's dog Finnegin and Dad would always tell her, that if something happened to him, Finn would be hers. Sadly, Finn had to be put to sleep a year before Dad passed. Bailey keeps the ashes of Dad's beloved Finnegan with her, along with several mementos. This morning when she awoke, a candle and a poem were missing....and the lid to Finnegan's urn was off. A visit perhaps? She asked me what it meant. I don't know...but I hope it was my Dad's way of letting her know that he was near...and perhaps the Finn too.


I've waited for Jess to text and tell me something has happened to her....and then I realized it. Late last night, my Jess texted me in earnest and I thought something was wrong. She finally told me about her drawing. How it just all came together for her and it was the best drawing that she has ever done. Last night I was so proud to think that one of my daughter's would have the artistic gift that I have..I texted to her, and told her that there are times, that seem so magical, like a spirit takes hold and it all comes together, every line and curve...perfectly. It's really special when everything flows so perfectly. But now, I wonder if that was her Grampa beside her, as she drew so perfectly last night. Perhaps he really did touch us all in some way. Perhaps there are better explanations...but I prefer to think that my Dad let us each know that he was near and thinking of us.

Welcome Back, Primitives

Lena

After taking some time away from Primitives to explore other media that I love, I found that I really did miss these wee folk! My friends and colleagues that have traveled the same path all these years have had a discussion for a while now... have Primitives moved on? It's been difficult to tell over the past year, given the economy, but since I decided to design them again, I've noticed something. Some friends that had moved on from Primitives have been starting their sewing machines moving in that direction again....and loving it! Their customers have too!  The feedback from customers has been like a welcome home hug. My inbox has been flooded with emails asking for more..... new and fresh primitives; and patterns oh the pattern requests!




I thought that it was time to bring some oldies but goodies back to my PictureTrail site. Some of you will see them and remember them...for others it is a first time. There will be new ones on the way, but until then, I am offering you  some other friends. These friends of mine, often rotate in popularity from year to year. Perhaps you will be be saying, "AHA! That's who made that design! Others may be inspired in a whole new way!


Above is Lena the crow. Lena is reminiscent of an elderly Polish woman in the village that I lived it. Oh how I loved her! She always walked Main Street with a coat or sweater and a Babushka. Who knew that she would begin the Babushka trend with others! Here are a few of her old and dear friends, ready to make their home at Raven's Haven PictureTrail.

Bernadette The Baguette Lady

Lena's Glorious Ride

Bickey Brown

Muriel Bovine

Jacques

Skyler


~And this is where you can find them~

You can order direct at any time using my email address through Paypal, or just let me know what you would like and I will invoice you~
Happy Creating

thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com

Who Says, You Can't Go Back?

As April was closing the door behind, and May was waving Hello....I was fast at work, putting the finishing touches on my offerings for both, Simply Primitives and Olde Primitive Peddler.


I am so excited about where I'm at...back to the soul of the Primitives....yesterday, I was in a phone meeting, getting specifics for some design work. We talked about how business is changing and many want a lighter look....not so dark. I smiled... in as much as there are those that are lightening up their homes for a more Country to Cottage look....the extreme prims still fit. They provide texture, contrast and a focal point. As I hung my new friends up to photograph....I saw it for myself.  My Fox, Jackie, has simple lines and is very distressed. A polka dot dress in a aged apple green, makes her a standout. 

Lucinda is a little bigger version of one of my older style hens. She is very prim and gives a wink and a nod to a more Americana look with just her coloring. She is a mix of simple lines with textured details.....

And last in the more extreme Primitive look; is Claire. My love of a simple sheep design clear. As much as she is so simplistic....she calls for someone to take a look at her...or pick her up and hug her.


These three Wee Folk are listed on Old Primitive Peddler and the emails coming in do make me smile. I've missed doing these prim friends of mine and many of you have written to tell me. It looks like the heavy distressing and simplicity are here to stay!

Now, my other offerings  on Simply Primitives, tend to have more whimsy, than prim to them...at least right now. Don't be fooled though...they are merely going through an adjustment period.  Carmen refuses to do anything but celebrate her favorite holiday.

Her wee friend Lizzie is her best friend......and partner in Halloween celebrating. But Fiona... well, lets just say I was inspired by a young friend that asked me one day, if I believed in fairies. Her inspiration brought me to a little different place....but if you have seen my works as a young teen.... you see Fiona. Oh yes.. I do believe... I believe in many things. Fairies are but one.

I am fortunate to love all that I do. I've had a wonderful time with drawing and sculpting. They have been a strong part of my youth and I still visit them regularly...I've loved spending a couple months with them.


The Primitives called me home, however... they live within my soul. I'm back and I love it. I'm fortunate to do what I love, in as much as many love what I do. 

Wrapping Up In Cozy

So far, Spring has been warm...Summerlike at times and dry. Then, yesterday afternoon, the rains came. Today is damp, raw and overcast. Downright dreary. After running errands, I settled into the afternoon. A sauce simmers on the kitchen stove for dinner, the light shining through to the living room is more of a glow. Warm and cheery.


As dreary as it is outside, inside is so much different. Armed with a cup of peppermint tea to keep the dampness at bay, I pulled out yesterday's shopping booty. Oh how colorful! And who quickly snuggled in, but a wee mousel!


A young friend had asked recently if I believed in fairies...Oh yes, I have always believed and held them close to heart. I have tiny clay sculptures of gnomes and even of a mermaid....done long ago. I was just a lass, about the age of my young friend. 


I love my little Spring garden of violets and Lilies of the Valley. There are solar lights and lanterns about, perfect to dance under the moonlight. Every so often....if we are very, very lucky, we will find a fairy ring of mushrooms in the yard. Oh yes, I still do believe and keep a place for them to stay.


 I am making my new friend, a wee fairy mousel...but before I really begin with fabrics that I am not sure of, my little mousel here will help me along. It seems also that there is also another wee mousel that has seen the fabrics and has a request for a dress and tiara. I think those mousels are ganging up on me.....

Moving Forward

Well, it has been longer than I wished since I last posted...simply because I needed time. Time to deal with the changes in the wind and figuring out the path of my own Journey.  While finding that my images were used as some one's work at a show was disheartening to say the least, the next bump in the road was potentially career altering.....for many more than just I. Let me explain a bit.  Some have heard and others have not....and this NEEDS to be heard and passed along. This is nothing that one gets over... this is something that will be passed forward for a long time while we educate ourselves and all of you. 


As a pattern maker, I realize that patterns are often shared with a friend...traced out perhaps between two friends or mother and daughter.. yeah, you get the drift. Note that I said ..."traced out". We expect that and this isn't what we are talking about. In much of the pattern world, Epatterns have been offered. Instant gratification! You can print the paid pattern off and start right away! ....I refused to go that route. I know how easy it is to forward to our friends, like e-chain mail, one can forward it to several, who will forward it and so on. While many think it is innocent enough (someone paid for it once, right?), it's not. We make our living one pattern sale to a time. I thought that by not offering E patterns, it would help. Um...no. There are people that will convert your patterns without permission (this is illegal) and the pass along game is on. Like all serious pattern makers, we depend on the money to make a living. Yes, we feed and cloth our children, put gas in the car, and shop in our local town for needfuls. Pattern sharing has effected many of us as we keep records of our sales. The more that we get together and talk, the more we are seeing the effects in our records. Enter this pattern sharing on a bigger scale, where one may receive not one or two...but hundreds over a few years. While a few have come forward (and we appreciate that) we as pattern makers have had lots to deal with on how to best move forward. Trying to duck under the mudslinging and get down to the matter at hand, has been slow. All emotional dynamics beside, as small business women, we know that if is happening to us, it is happening to ALL. Yes, ALL patterns, epatterns or not. Painting patterns, cross stitching...anything that you may pay for directions  and make is most likely out there and shared. 


The best way for us to move forward is by trying to make changes in the patterns, so you will know that you haven't bought a copy. In doing this and giving you information, we will try to slow the sharing. We need to let YOU know what you can do to help us. This is something that will take all of us working together...the end result will be more pattern makers putting out new patterns for you. We need your support and your good faith.

What can you do? 

* Buy directly from the designer or reputable Brick and Mortar/ Online Shops. If you aren't sure, ask the designer. We get questions every day from our customers and we love it! If you want to see our patterns in your favorite shop, let them know also.


* Be careful with online purchases! Many times, you will see patterns for sale on Ebay or Etsy. Make sure they are coming from the designer themselves. A big clue to a dishonest seller is their cover up of the designers name or no mention of it in the description. Others that do name the designer, may say that it is out of print. Contact the designer, most of the time it's NOT out of print...it's a scam to get you to put in higher bids and take your money. Many of these sellers are copying our patterns and you are receiving  a copy not to mention putting money into their dishonest pockets. Some of you have smacked your heads after receiving the pattern that you paid 30.00 for and found it at the designer's site for 9.00. If you suspect that you have received a copy of a pattern, let us know. We are working to get these people off of these selling sites, but we do need your help.


* Finally, if you are receiving patterns from people or are encouraged to send someone your pattern from someone that is group sharing ~ let us know. Yes, it is illegal. 


Many of us Pattern Makers are now forming groups, this way we can look into better technology or ways that we can make our patterns better for you. Some have and will stop offering E patterns, and although I know there are some frowns over this, please do understand why we feel that we cannot. We ask for your support and sharing of this information and many of us will continue to get the word out....you will probably see many posts in the months ahead and some posts that seem to be rehashing...but this is important and will need to be addressed on occasion.


I speak for many pattern makers in thanking our customers and for their support over the years. I know that many have been asking for new patterns and I hope that with every one's support, pattern sales will once again raise up to keep us in business. Remember, it is your purchases that are keeping our small business alive and running in the US. 


I personally will be offering new pattern releases. I am working on making them less likely to be shared in groups or copied for someone else's financial gain. As they roll out I will give you a peek, so that you know what to look for.


**** On a side note, many of you ask what is the best way to let go of patterns that you no longer want or need. My best advice is to pass it along the most positive way you can. I always ask that you not do it online...I sell my patterns online, and also it helps me to find those that are dishonest. My feelings are; if you feel you need to resell it, sell it at a garage sale. To pass it along the best way...pass it to the Church Bazaar, the Library book sale, Senior Center, 4H or even Girl Scouts. Pay it forward :0) You may inspire someone's creativity and helping sales of supplies needed in your community.

Thoughts

It has been quite a week, and I admit that my faith in people has been shaken. I was upset that someone would take my designs...most likely tracing them from the screen monitor. Then to sell them as their own designs at a show... shock and betrayal. I stood up for myself and the designs....I had too, but that done, my head spins with thoughts.


I decided to take the post down ~ lesson learned for those that find that sort of thing okay and justifiable.  This blog is me...who I am and all that I love.  I did what I needed, but to keep it up is not who I am and what I am about. I don't wish to have people afraid to create and not show their joy, thinking that they may have copied someone along the way. I want them to create...to let their creating be another voice for them.


I look at my pattern company and smile...I do not think of myself as a great designer. Most are rather simply done. With the patterns, the simplicity works well in encouraging others to create. I put it out there for others to make extra money and the ability to work from their homes. I've gone to Senior Centers, Women's Clubs, Girl Scouts and 4H Clubs, encouraging and always with a free pattern to hand out. Whatever level that you think yourself to be... Create. Enjoy.


Some will ask me if they can use the pattern differently because they love rug hooking and such....I say go for it. Some will see  the character a little differently and ask if they may put themselves into it....I say with great glee, YES. I always ask them to share... I love the creativity of others.  All I ever ask is that they give credit design if they put it online...give someone else the chance to make the design and create. Treat the designs and protect them as they were yours...for in a way, they are.The monies for the pattern are how I continue to pay for the supplies and have some pin money for myself. 

So now I move forward. I have found a liking to the new way I am doing the mice. I can grow with them and challenge myself. Yesterday, Tim took me into the city of Albany and the chance to find different fabrics in which to make these wee mousels. I also have sculpting in process and sketches to put forward that will become patterns. There is always more than one project going on. That's who I am, just a woman with a gift and the abilitiy to share the best way that I can.


And so I move forward, a little wiser, probably a little more cautious, but my message ever stronger. Be who you are, create and take great joy in it. As you create more and more, your style will emerge. You may start out with patterns, but if you truly love it and want to grow or challenge yourself, you will see your own voice. Trust in yourself.


A special thank you to Robin...I know I had to stand up for my work and designs. I didn't like the madness born of it. Thank you for showing me differently and reminding me that the anger is not who I am and what I'm about.

Busting Out In Spring

Somewhere about the middle of February, I get the itch for the bright greens of Spring along with all of the other colors. I'm usually tired of white all over...this year it was brown. Maybe that explains the colors in the dresses of the wee Mousels.  Our week of amazing temperatures brought on the buds of green and the burst of yellow Forsythia. It's beautiful out, even though we are back into our normal range of temperatures. The early April chill has slowed some of the blossoming, but we are still ahead of usual. The lawn needs mowing and this country girl just got excited to see a dandelion ready to burst forth in yellow. I do miss the first fields of spring, covered in them.


My little friend above is Rosebud. She is my first rat and she's just loves color.

This weekend, we ventured down the road for what was the first show of the season. I'm new to this area, so I will have to try a bunch of them, until I land where my work fits best. It is a process of meet and greet and love connections made. As much as I loved the area and how we were spoiled by the Rexford Volunteers....I'm afraid I didn't fit too well. Generally we scout shows out, but I saw this one on a drive and thought ...why not? I'm a little wiser now to ask, what is your Crafter/Vendor ratio. This one has become about 80% vendors.....so not so good for me. Luckily, I did a big push in making Mousers as I knew I would have uploads the evening of the show. All of the Mousels were happy to do a photo shoot and before I was all uploaded, they were being adopted.

It doesn't get much better than that! They will be leaving in the next few days...and the Wee Doll House will be a bit quiet...

The Quiet will be welcome, at least for a day or so as I complete the next rite of Spring....TAXES!

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!