New Patterns

It's about time, right? I've poured over designs, added...taken out. Let me tell you, it's not easy, trying to pick things that you feel that everyone would be successful at and still have fun with.

I get lots and lots of emails with requests, and I listen! To become a pattern, there has to be more than ease of making... there must be lots of feedback and be "show worthy".

I've learned a lot this past year. While many designers decided to move on, I decided to continue and encourage others.

You see, there will always be people that will take advantage. They will copy..some even swear that they don't look on the internet at anyone's work, yet you see that they have. Actions speak louder than words ever can. It's not like they are fooling anyone. But, in the end, it is what defines them. 

I learned instead, to forgive them and move on. I have too many goode things that I want to do. and my life is surely not long enough!

A goode friend shared her views, and I wrap up in them and now live them. I give my designs to the Universe and share. I trust that the Universe will give back to me in a way that I can make a living and share the talents given with me.

So here I am, charged and ready. I picked 8 patterns that people were talking about, the most requested....the most smiled upon. It was difficult to choose just 8...so I will be releasing again later in the Summer. I already have a pile to work on.

Until then; a click on any of these pictures will take you to the shop, so that you can order. I take all forms of payment (I'd even take a chicken, if they would let me... I LOVE chickens!)

....and for my direct orders~ just email me at:

thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com

Keeping the Faith

I have learned long ago to have Faith and know that things will fall into place as they should. It's not always easy, I admit....there are always obstacles ...but it is the obstacles that make the journey memorable.

I was asked a short time ago, through one family member , if I would consider making one of my Wee Mousels for a cause that another family member was working on. A run and auction for Autism.....I was thankful for the opportunity. As some of you know, my oldest daughter has Asperger's and although it is mild, it wasn't an easy road for either of us....it still isn't. We have good and bad days, but we get through it.

Shawnna was told when she sought out a Mousel for the Cause, that they always go to homes where they belong. I'm sure that many who have adopted them will tell you this is true.

This Wee Mara Mousel started out on her journey from New York and was to travel to Florida. It was supposed to be a two day journey, but after the second day passed and no Mara, Shawnna was very nervous. "We got this", I messaged her, Keep the Faith, send good energy out there. The next morning, she called her Post Office and Mara Mousel arrived in time for  the event.

....And then it rained....and poured. It poured so, that the run was cancelled. The sale of tickets continued. This event was too important to let rain get the best of it! In all of this, Wee Mara Mousel kept disappearing from the table. There was a young man in his 20's with Autism that was smitten. Although not too verbal, he kept calling her beautiful. His parents bought 75 tickets. Mara Mousel kept disappearing from the table, being kept safe by this young man. A worried Shawnna was beside herself, she told me. What to do? Should they donate and give the young man the Wee Mousel? There is a love connection here, and when you see that with a person having Autism, you realize the importance. Autism Speaks ~ I'm sure you have heard of the organization. It speaks for those who cannot. This young man, may not have said much, but he moved many. Mara, the Mousel...  in keeping the Faith, went home to the person that she was supposed to...the fine young man, who had such a love connection. 

To him, she is beautiful, but to me, he is special. He knew exactly where she belonged and he had Faith.

I am thankful, not only with the opportunity to give, but to know just how memorable this journey would be.

Bittersweet

My offerings this month on TDIPT Mercantile are were uploaded with a bit of sadness in my heart. At the end of the month, we will all say goodbye to this remarkable selling site. Years ago as my selling site, Crow Soup ended it's run, the gals at TDIPT took me in. I was known only as a pattern maker, so this was quite a step for both of us. I am so glad that they took a chance with me and I thank them for giving me a place to shine.

I've received quite a few emails as people have heard the news. I must tell you that even though change comes to us all, this one is bittersweet. I have enjoyed my fellow Artisans here and their great works. I have been working on changing my online presence over the course of a few months, but not being on TDIPT was not one of my changes!

I trust in reasons and keep the faith that I will know my path. I have never been disappointed. There are winds of change ahead and I will announce them each step of the way......

It is sad to say goodbye, but I am also excited for my journey ahead.  For now, however, it is a time to enjoy and celebrate a remarkable site, put together by remarkable women.  Thank you for having me.

Do stop by and do write us. We love to hear from you and it's always nice to know how much you have touched someone's heart.

Ready?

All goode things come with time, right? Be on the watch...it's almost here. New patterns are nearly ready......

Perspective

Perspective.....a point of view. Either as part of the appearance of objects or how we regard a situation or a fact; both are tied to the artist. We need to have a handle on each to be successful. An Artist is affected by things that touch their lives~ people, places, memories. Add with that studies in science or math and you have a wonderful marriage for your work.
Art is your personal stamp.

I love doing graphic works and am so thankful for the gift. The gift is nothing without all of the hours of hard work and study though. I took many science classes that have helped so much in my work now. Whoda thunk? 

Thankfully  I had wonderful counselors and trusted them. Things that I would have never thought I would use, are the things that set me apart. My education didn't change my gift, it just made it stronger and balanced it better.

I love drawing and I'm often asked, "Why don't you just draw?" "You should be an illustrator".

I remember when I discovered Primitive Dolls. I raced to my parents and told them that I found out where I fit. My Father was disappointed at first....I can draw, paint and sculpt quite well....but a doll maker?  I turned down the opportunity to finish schooling and move towards a career with a well known greeting card company, as well as turning down a scholarship and the ability to be an "Illustrator for the Sciences". 

My Father knew....anyone that is a true artist and not just spitting out pieces for the money knows. Simply....happiness. 

Art is how we feed our soul. We don't make art because we need to financially, we make it because it is what drives us. I can draw and could probably just draw and make a wonderful salary...but it is only a part of my heart. I could not be successful with my Folk Art without drawing AND the whole package....nor with my sculpted works. Beyond that are the challenges that each media hold. Above all, I love the opportunity to challenge my abilities. I want to continue to grow, not just settle into something because it is comfortable.

Over the past 8 months, I have started to make changes to better balance my personal life and my online presence. I was tired of all the negativity and wanted a better balance. We are in charge...sometimes we forget that. 
I took people off of my Facebook news feeds, unfriended.. yes...... I did an overhaul. I still am~bit by bit. I have so much that I want to do, and so little time...even if I live to a ripe old age. I am busy creating. I don't want a computer tied to me.

Let the drama, the negativity and those that feel the need to follow my lead in trends and characters do so. 

You see, the Universe gave me these gifts and I am giving back to the Universe. 

A dear friend reminded me of this...Thank you my dear, you are such a wonderful gift to many.

It Takes A Village

 Art is certainly a journey and we grow along the way. My work is so much better than it was when I went to Art School ~ but without Art School, I would not have gotten where I am today. There are people that tell everyone, they are self taught Artists...and I am not sure that "taught" embraces it all...certainly, you were taught things, but you also have to have a great deal of motivation, a sense of the media and bravery to put it together your way.

 I was taught by many....Mrs. Howe in Grade School, my Gram as we stitched up "Beans" the frog.... Mrs. B for those oil painting lessons. My Father ~ every step of the way. I'm proud to tell everyone that I was taught by many. I was touched by many more in my life and they certainly impacted my journey and taught me things. My gift was given...my motivation was strong....I was willing to learn; to take what I learned and improve my skills. I also made a point of giving back to others and still do to this day. 

I know that I would not have succeeded with this piece when I was in Art School; they taught me the technical ability...but I had to grow my gift.

In it all, I didn't think I was ready. Faces are so difficult for me. This technique was unconventional in my choice of paint also (I made my own). While it certainly came out better than I imagined, there were times that I though I had failed and it would find it's way to the trash. Motivation and the knowledge that I had nothing to lose brought me here. Now, I know I can grow and do better.  It took a Village of people for me to get here....

There are still people that will touch my life; to inspire and share, as I will with them..it's a circle. I'm happy about that. The pieces that you do are your voice, but there was a chorus of teachers behind you to give you the ability to make your piece sing loud and clear. Cheers to so many that inspire and share. 

I am happy with the direction that my work is going and growing. There are changes ahead for me and I am anxious  to explore and learn some new teachings...as well as share what I have been taught.

Here's to those that teach, encourage and inspire. You don't have to have a certificate or degree to share your knowledge. Something you say, or some piece of information that you share could change a life..it could change many. I find that exciting....

The Hunger of an Artist

I know that I am different. I feel the hunger 24/7... to create...to design....to feed my soul. That is what it truly is about...feeding your soul. You push yourself to do better within your art. Step it up; compete within yourself ~ always striving for better. We live for those artistic "AHA" moments.

I've had this lovely tintype for quite a few years now, but somehow, I lost her. She wasn't with my other collection that I had carefully packed and moved with me a couple years ago. Yesterday, she found me...after months of searching as I packed my belongings for my moved to Curry Road, I had not seen her and thought her lost. Alas.. I opened my Punch Needle box to start working on new patterns.. and there she was, hidden and nestled in the box. It is not good to pack when you are grieving, I have learned. This was one of the first things that I had packed a couple years ago. 

I love this picture, as I do all of my old tintypes and cabinet cards. They are not related to me, but they have a home here and I often wonder about their lives. They are not forgotten.....

Wish me luck.. I'm pushing my comfort zone with my next project and this is the inspire.....

Simple Joys

Spring Blessings~ my newest piece

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since my last post. Where does the time go? 

 I have been fast at work, doing quite a few projects. There are classes to teach, shows to apply to, writing, pen and ink...and the list goes on. I decided early this Winter, that I would make some changes to my online presence, back away from some of the negativity that we often see in Social Media...and simply do my work. The work that is my great joy. I have to tell you, that the changes and positive energy that I have made in my life are nothing short of wonderful. It is something that I have done in small steps. Many a night, I will post what my Simple Joys are on my Face Book. It is a chance for me to look at my day and voice the little things that made my day special...to not forget, in this age of technology, what makes my heart truly smile.

A chat with dear friends gave me inspiration to continue the path of my Mousels~ to push myself to do better and grow. Art is a study, it s a hunger to make better. I found this quote on a friend's profile and it sticks in my head. I believe that it is his words, and it resonates ~

"Always be happy in your work. Never be satisfied"

It speaks of my need to always push ahead, to study and perfect technique. To compete with myself. 

It is no secret that Beatrix Potter is my inspiration all of these years. I adore her soul of an Illustrator and Scientist. Her children's book,s that we know so well, hold a simple formula of realism and whimsy along with a dash of humanism.

This is the part of Beatrix that I hope to embrace in my own work. Above are pictures of my first two tries at a shrew~ Tilda.

I still enjoy this style of Mousie and I am playing with shape and form. This is Tinker.

My Deer Mouse version (Halloween never ends here)

And a last hurrah to Winter.

There are always muslin musings. Spring has arrived inside the Wee Cottage...if not quite outside.

Beloved Dutch bunnies are about~

Taking over, it seems~

but then, the sheep had to poke their nose in.....

and make their own statement.....

and inspire in different media.

And so after some sharing, it is time for me to get back to my work. I'm off today to work on a note card series; Hollyhock Hill.

Make a Mac and Cheese. Enjoy a family dinner....and post my Simple Joys that make this day special.

Pattern Mob #3

\

Primitives.....you either love them or leave them. For me, it was love at first sight. When my youngest was born in '95, I was searching for anything with,"the look" and took a paint class that offered the techniques. By the time Jess was walking, I was sitting in the home of my dear friend and learning all about it...in fabric. I knew when I saw the dolls, that I belonged to it. I knew that day, but what I didn't know was just how much my life would change because of it.

As Primitive Artists and Pattern Makers were starting to really emerge in our area, I had worn through a couple of Holly Berry Hill catalogs. Magazines filled with eye candy and websites for primitives were popping up. One of those designers that stood out was Pat Kildare of "Off The Beam". Tonight on Facebook, Robin Seeber and I are posting a "Pattern Mobbing". A click on the picture will take you to Pat's Etsy shop if you would like to  purchase, or you can go to her Photostream, here. 

We hope to support a fellow Prim Artisan by purchasing a pattern (or more)! Some may already have this pattern and may want to purchase something different. Above all, we hope that many will drop a note to offer kind words and encouragement. It's nice to know how many people that you really do touch with your work! If you would like to join us on Face Book, look us up on "Pattern Mobbing" and give us a "like". If you are like me, you already know that you can't ever have enough Prim Patterns!

Using My Muse

I LOVE Jarrahdale pumpkins. They inspire. My friends also inspire me. Last Summer, friend Lori, from Notforgotten Farm, made a wonderful pin-keeps for Ghoultide. She changed the classic, Heart and Hand theme, to a heart and pumpkin one. She placed the pumpkins on the palm of a hand and I was smitten. I even wrote and told her. With her kind words to create what my muse tells me to, I knew where to take the inspire. In my own voice, I wanted something different, a wall hanging.  My muse ~

Edna Nettles. Her plumpish hands were a perfect inspire, her basket of Sweet Annie would fill a glove wonderfully. 

Lori~ I hope that I have done justice to your inspire. Thank your for your kind words to use the concept with my own voice.

Another view as it is intended to be seen~

And as the "Heart and Hand" theme.

As I was making this Dutchie for TDIPT, those hearts did inspire, and so, the usual carrot would not do. I love her.

Finally... those thoughts of Spring cleaning. I'm enjoying these mousies...you will see me bounce around a bit and I am trying different materials and mechanics...but there is reason behind it and you shall see in time.

It has been nice to give my hand a break from the heavy demands of shows. I will be taking it lighter with some ink works and a few other things that I am exploring. It's all a journey, one that I love. 

This Year of Mine~

There is something about January that makes me burst with joy...well, there are a few things actually. I'm always happier knowing that the days are getting longer. January holds excitement. It is the beginning of a new year and with it, a clean slate. The weather can be nasty and the cold make your bones ache, but as glum and gloomy as it can be; I make it mine. A burning candle can make it cozy where I work...a mug of hot chocolate a treat. They are simple joys indeed.

This year of mine....What shall I do with it? First of all, as a parent of two young ladies, it is my job to show and teach them still. My oldest is learning the ways of stepping out on her own. As she told me, "Mom, I need to make my own mistakes". She will...but she will also make her own success.You never stop worrying.

 My youngest will be graduating in June, She will start another journey also. I hope that they both tuck any fears away, to look at life as opportunities and adventures. Perhaps they will learn to be just as excited in January. Grab hold of the year and own it. Yes, there will be bumps along the path and they may be given things beyond their control to deal with. There are always lessons to learn, great sadness and great joy wrapped up in a year. It is all balance.

You can see where my head is wrapped, in the pictures above. I am inspired by my own work as well as that of others. I will try new things and revisit olde.  My work will balance with family and friends (I always hope for a better balance here, knowing what an Art driven life I lead). It's only the beginning and I have much to do in this year of mine. 

No Signs of Slowing Down

Many of my friends take a few weeks off in December and the first few days of January. There was a time that I could relax a little in the first week of December, as the busiest time for my work was finished.

That's just not the case for me right now. There are no complaints, it's been nice to be busy. It has been steady, since August and I have been creating up a storm. The local shows were so fun and I am looking forward to what 2013 has to offer. For right now, though, I will share my first of the month offerings. This piece is inspired by the March Sister's in Little Women. You can click on any of the pictures to take you to Olde Primitive Peddler and see more about them.

Wee Maggie is also available there also. If you notice, she has a new look to her body to lend a more realistic look. I am having such a wonderful time taking these Mousels to different levels. It's nice to have a lively Doll House once again. These mice never stay long, but I have more coming to life.

On Simply Primitives, I am back to my love of Tombstone Angels. Meliora is a Puritan name of Roman descent, meaning...Better. Ah yes, I am getting better! I love the simplicity and the colors.

When looking up Puritan names, I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised for the names given this Angel, nor her twin. The Puritans were quite grim after all. This is Ashes....

And this...Dust.
A click on the pictures will take you to Simply Primitives.

One of my best things that I have done, has been with my friends on Face Book. Pattern Mobbing. It started with this guy here, a pattern that I was looking for. Long story short and an inspiration from my friend...and I was off. What if my friends and I could "mob" a unsuspecting designer with orders?  As a designer myself, I know how much the orders mean, especially at slow times of the year. Well, it is a success~ a click on the picture and you will go to where YOU can mob this fine designer. We have had such a blast with this pattern. Simplistic enough that you can put your style on him and really have fun creating.

This month's person to Mob is Christine, of Walnut Ridge Primitives. Click again on the picture and you will be in pattern heaven. I can't wait to make this for the Wee Cottage!

2012 was jam packed for me. It wasn't perfect and neither will this year be.  In the weeks ahead, I have orders to pack and send, contracts to look over and sign and shows to set up for....and that doesn't include the creating! I will be continuing the Pattern Mobbing and will share here. I have 24 more times to go. They are my 26 Random Acts in memory of those in Heaven from Sandy Hook.