It's Showtime!

This Saturday begins my Fall and Holiday Shows for 2012. I'm so excited to be back at the Mabbee Farm (and I will be inside in their new building!) I hope to see some of you there~ Stop by and say hello!  My Prim Skeleton Angel will be available.

The Goode Wife

of

Washington County

Show Schedule 2012

Mabbee Farm

*Aug 25 10-4

*Nov 17 9-4

* I am in the new building :0)

Apple and Wine Fest (Altamont Fair Grounds)

Sept 15 & 16

10-6, 10-5 Rain or shine~ I'm inside.

Niskayuna School

Oct 27 10-3

High School, Balltown rd.

Ballard Elementary School

Nov 10 9-3:30

300 Ballard Rd (exit 16 off of I 87)

Wilton

****If you bring a pic of the angel, you can receive 10% off of your purchase*****

Singing the Blues

TDIPT Mercantile  is full of new offerings once again and I am excited to share. I LOVE pumpkins, and keep many of my Pumpkin decorations out, as year long as I can get away with. I also adore all kinds of yummy pumpkin recipes. I do try to behave myself, but when it comes to pumpkin, it is difficult. I've had a blast in my Witch Garden out back, I am patiently awaiting to see what color tiny pumpkin gourds will fill my home with joy. One seed, I did not find as I was planting, was the Blue Moon or Jarrahdale. As you can see, from "Humble" above, they have sat heavily upon my imagination.

The color of these pumpkins, is striking and it went beautifully with the extreme Prim colors... but would it translate to others? This was a risky step and well.. that's what we as Artists do sometimes....take you on a little journey outside of expectations. It's like watching Project Runway... you put your heart and soul out for all to see, but will they love it, or hate it?

My email and Face Book pages have lit up with the verdict....thank you so much for all of the encouraging words and for all of the "blue pumpkin love"!

However, I didn't stop there!  I just love the tombstone angels and well, as long as I was mixing it up a bit...why not??? Sometimes, you hit upon your best designs when you just take a chance and let your creativity flow. 

.....and I even stretched a bit more. These journey's...or studies are a part of design. With goode editing skills, it is such an invigorating feeling to have a couple of designs and sketches grow with creativity. So, as you see, what started out with blues on my mind, grew and grew. As I stepped outside of traditional expectations, I surprised even myself. I'm thinking that I will sing the blues with wings next.

The Dance

                 

This Summer has truly been wonderful for us. This past weekend, a Father walked his oldest daughter down the aisle. Both were beaming...

Mr. and Mrs Wrobel

My youngest daughter, Jess cutting up with Tim. These two are always goofing off with each other. I adore this picture of them, it really speaks of their relationship. It was hard to not have my oldest, Bailey with us, but Texas is so far away.

A mix of olde and new, past and present as I pick up my love of Puritan Gravestone carvings again. This is Faith, and along with Patience, below, they are offerings on Olde Primitive Peddler.

Patience

And on Simply Primitives~~~

Ambrose

Sara

And Mercy....the angel that started it all, years ago. It has been a great journey and it has only just begun. The Goode Wife is still growing and from the response, it is growing in a great direction. 

"Made in America" is back in vogue.

"Buy Local Saturday" is growing and with it, keeping small businesses working. 

We are the ones that will build and repair the economy.

Life, truly is a dance.....

That Afternoon Cup of Joe

There is something to be said for an afternoon break with a hot, fresh brewed cup of coffee beside. A time to take a deep breath to reflect on the day's work and gather up before another plunge into finishing the orders and goals for my day. I don't need anything fancy...a plain and simple cup of Joe. My one must is my mug... oh yes, it is all about the mug. This is my favorite. It is my sunshine...even if the day outside is lacking.

This was the main part of my work the past couple of weeks. When I make mice....it's never one at a time. This is how they start...very blank slates, but with my clear voice and point of view. Mice have become very popular  and it becomes difficult to make a unique impression that is truly yours. It is all in the silhouette and then in the details. Their bodies and faces have remained the same from the start...their fashions however, are still developing. 

...and this was the main piece that was delivered yesterday. They don't have a home just yet. I am very honored to say that these two were made for a very special event....The Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure in Manchester Vermont this Saturday (the 28th) If you click on their picture, you will be taken to the site for further details. They are a part of the silent auction.

On a personal note.. I'm in no way a runner, but who has to run? We can help in other ways~ they can always use helping hands no matter where the event is held. For me...this was perfect. I love giving back...I am so thankful for all of the goode things in my life and the ability to work from home. I hope that these two mice get a very special home...but much more than that, I hope that the cure is found. Godspeed my little friends.

It's A Primitive Life

I just can't help it.... I love witches. Well, let's just say that I love all things Halloween, instead. This week it is witches, next week, it may be skeletons! I have been organizing a work room to sew and hold ALL of my fabric (I could open a store) and unpacking family treasures from my Mom's house. It is a great task, indeed. I am finding treasures long forgotten, both family and made of my own two hands. I came across some sketches of my "Goodie" witch series. Aha! The concept was there and with a little tweaking, this gal was born. That in turn set off a whole new bunch of inspires.... I think I need an assistant sometimes, I have soooo many designs. 

Another subject, very dear to my heart is the classic crow. How many ways can you make a crow? As many as it takes, I say! I absolutely love this one. A touch of realism, a unique 3/4 view done with simplicity. Both of these offerings can be found at TDIPT Mercantile.


The Summer is going at breakneck speed with family events. Tim's family has now grown with the birth of Great Niece, Maggie. 


His Niece, Julie has married also ~ what fun that was! A big welcome to Sergey ~ We've learned a few things of his Russian heritage. I learned that I'm not fond of caviar, no matter how expensive it is.


 Tonight, we are all waiting and ready to welcome another new member who has been taking his time getting here. We hope that Wee Baby Daus gives it up and gets here tonight. He will be another Great Nephew for Tim.


The days are going quickly and are filled mostly with blessings and joys. Like anyone else, we have our share of bumps, but thankfully, nothing major. We have watched so many dealing with a heat wave, so much worse than ours, along with wildfires and damaging storms. You will find no complaints here. Instead, a great appreciation for all we have ~ for the daily simple joys, for health and family, and for the ability to work from my home. It took a lot to get here, but I appreciate that I can enjoy the love of Primitives that have become my heart and soul.

A Goode Summer

Life is quite busy here at the Wee Cottage on Curry Road. It seems that the days are speeding by and it is difficult to believe it is July already. We are very dry here as most areas in the US. We have been spared the extremely high temperatures and are so very fortunate. Our hearts and prayers go to those that have been living a nightmare with storms and fires.

While this Summer is a family one for me, I am still working on Wee Folk. I just can't stop! I am not working as much though. June brought us Bailey's graduation and her move to Texas, to be with her boyfriend. I am very proud of her. It is often difficult for someone whose disabilities aren't seen, to be taken seriously when they ask for help. The airlines did not help her at all, even with repeated requests and making sure that the info was put into their computer systems.  Thankfully, she had her phone and family/boyfriend support to make her journey a success. My heart twinges a bit, to see her all grown up. 

Jessie will be a Senior in the Fall. At 16, she has had a job for over a year, got her license and bought her own car last month. This kid is full speed ahead and my heart twinges a little more to see her all grown and so independent. But that is how I raised them to be and they are succeeding, right?

 So, now I am working on new patterns to release, as well as resetting my Picture Trail which was deleted accidently.  The good news is, that I may be savvy enough to add a PayPal cart in. Wish me luck! It will be a process, but don't forget that my Etsy Shoppe is home to many of my patterns as I work along on the new Picture Trail. You can currently purchase any of the patterns listed on the Picture Trail, also.

I have had some fun with rats such as Belinda.....

Abe and Kringle, seen above, were mice that I was just itching to make last year and did not get the chance. Below is my personal favorite~ Wednesday. I could do Mousie Witches and Rats all the time.

And here she is pictured with her bestie ~ Clarice. The Wee Dollhouse is full of chatter with these two. (they are still available to adopt.)

I also tried my hand at a round headed Pumpkin Gal~ Blessing. I did have fun with her. I tried them years ago and did not really like doing them...but time and practice march along. I'm much better at sewing and problem solving than I was then.

~*~ The 2 mousies are still available, along with Jackie, the fox. They can be found on my first of the month offreings on Simply Primitives and Olde Primitive Peddler ~*~

   

Ahh...summertime. A time for new babies (3), weddings (5) all in the Walsh Family this Summer and Fall. I will be busy, and there will be lots of changes, but it is all goode!

Life's Pace

As the weather gets nicer, the pace of life seems busier. The days and weeks have flown by; it is difficult to believe that it is already Mid Summer. Where has all the time gone?  Tim's family is bursting with weddings, babies and showers. Five weddings and three babies to look forward to. There was one very sad loss as Tim's Brother In Law passed away suddenly. We still find it difficult to believe. Some people touch so many lives and make huge imprints. Tom was one of those people.

There was Prom for Jessie~ and the traditional picture with Gramma~

Graduation from Vo-Tech for Bailey, not to mention a big move to Texas for her, so she could be with her sweetheart....(and a big adjustment for Mom...)

The gardens are all in, and Tim enjoys reading his book in the evenings. He still has to fill in where the pool was, but all in due time.

And I have been fast at work with designs and pieces for commissions and shows. I have five shows this year! All of them local too~

Christmas......

...to Halloween, there are lots of new Wee Folk and other fun things.

Not to mention those wee mousels that take over the doll house from time to time...

And of course, new Prims.....

The busy season has started and now it is a race to get it all together. Live has a pace to it; and around here, it is never slow......

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.