Shenanigans

This morning was a very chilly one in Upstate NY. The kind of morning that makes you want to linger under the warm quilts and ask...is it Saturday?.....

Many of you know my little Mousel, Josie. She runs the Wee Doll House, here on Curry Road. She's been busy, night and day, pulling out Fall decorations to decorate with....Bobo the cat takes naps beside the house during the day, but lately at night, she sleeps with us. Apparently, Josie is making quite the rucus!  This morning, I awoke to find the pot belly stove set up for the season and Josie in a hat and shawl. 

Generally, Josie is known on my Face Book page for her photo-bombing expertise. It is never dull here at the Wee Cottage...no, not at all. No matter how busy the days are here, there are plenty of shenanigans to keep me smiling. It's so nice to have smiles and laughter as you work, so I'll take the shenanigans and enjoy them. Life is too short, not to have fun while you work.

Say Hello To September

 

I always find the first of September so bittersweet. As much as I love all that is Autumn, it is difficult to say goodbye to those carefree Summer days. Jess starts college in a couple days and it was great to meet up with her for orientation at the college. It was a beautiful day in the Adirondacks. The drive up was picture perfect and the changing leaves just starting. Thirty years ago, I stood on that campus along with my Dad, both of us completing our degree. I know he smiles down on Jess.

This morning I awoke to the smell of tomatoes simmering on the stove and coffee brewing. It's that time of year again as garden goodies ripen fast and furious.

My day began with a few finishing touches on Wee Folk and a lot of patience as the computer is still limping along; at least for another week or so.It took awhile, but there are 4 new friends on Olde Primitive Peddler. Kirsten, above is inspired by Kirsten Dunst in her role as Marie Antoinette. I loved her wedding gown and also the scene where she has tea with her brother. Voila!

There is also Kit, inspired by the character in the novel, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond". I love her flax hair, and didn't have the heart to put it up in a bun....

I love exploring and growing with the mice and I am content that I haven't settled into one distinct style with them.

There are also 2 offerings of my new, North Woods Crow. This one is "Meara", Irish for merry. Merry- making she is with her own wee Jack O'Lantern.

And her more serious minded sister, Morgan....who is gathering the harvest.

And last, but not least on Simply Primitives, I have a new Fall design from my local shows, "Edna Nettles Shoe". It is a good size wall pocket and you can change out the Sweet Annie with your favorite dried arrangement. There are only 2 available for my online customers~ many of the new designs will be for my local shows only.

September may be young in it's first day, but oh has it been busy! 

Life's Ups and Downs

As each business grows, there are always growing pains...I can certainly attest to it this week! I am thankful to family and friends that have come to my aid. After nearly 2 weeks, I am up and running. There is still a lot of work to be done, but I can work and process orders. 

A click on the logo will take you to my Etsy Shoppe. A special thank you to those that had orders during the "big upheaval" and were so patient and understanding. Also, to my nifty neighbor, Colleen. I lovingly refer to as "Wilson" with all of her over the fence wisdom and fun. She had me up and running while Tim's Son In Law has been repairing the sick computer. Where would we be without goode friends and family? I am certainly blessed and grateful.

In all of this, we had the first show of the season at my favorite "Early American" inspiration spot~ The Mabbee Farm. I always come away with new friends and a head spinning with ideas!

It has been quiet without the computer and I have enjoyed being even further away from all of the social media than I have been this year. It's nice to find the balance and I'm glad to have less to do on there and more work....speaking of which~

Ah yes~ Coming to news stands in September~ Prims! It will feature two different styles of my Prim mice. It's been awhile since I submitted, but I'm glad that I did. By the end of September, I will have publications in three magazines and two of my pieces will be in a book....I am so excited for the opportunities given and I will share the book details when I can! Till then, enjoy the last lazy days of Summer and I will be working on new offerings!

Twice Is Nice

The day has dawned a dark gray, making the lights to stitch by cast a warm, golden glow. The rain started shortly after sunrise and there have been rumblings of thunder as cool Canadian air makes it's way to us. A goode day to enjoy hot tea and play favorite movies as I work. Above, a new witch to give a stern, old fashioned tone to the Wee Doll House. I chuckle as I play around with her hair and try different hats to her. No matter what I do, she looks like she could be George C. Scott's mother...can you tell which version of A Christmas Carol has been played lately?

It is still very busy with pattern orders since the release of Country Sampler and I am still stunned to see the pattern designs in print. I am also pleased to announce the publishing of another piece in Better Homes and Garden's Holiday Craft Magazine.

I am excited to share that Goody Pumpernickel is a free pattern. I had so many email and call asking that she be a pattern when I made her. It was difficult to keep mum that her pattern (with a few tiny adjustments) would not only be available, but would be included in a magazine along with other creative projects to delight and inspire. How fun it is to have 2 magazines; both with Goode Wife designs, available at the same time. Pretty incredible for this Granville Daughter from Upstate New York. It could take a long time for the "pinch me" bruises to fade.......

Wicked Goode

Years ago, just after my youngest was born, I had asked around as to how to cast chalkware. I grew up with ceramics and clay, so it was another avenue. I was not a stranger to casting and mold making, but this would be a different process to what I knew. I was fortunate to learn a bit from a friend and have dabbled in it here and there. I want it my way though...a little different technique in finishing. I know what I want the final pieces to look like in my head...now to execute it. The best things come slowly, right? It has been a very busy year, so it is stolen time here and there that adds up. With faith and tenacity pieces come to fruition. Sculpting is much easier on my hand as is drawing. While they have been constant mediums for many years, I still love Primitive design and dolls. Now to balance them all in the best way~ You do what you love, right? Even if it is more than one medium.

All in good time though... there is so much to do as I gear up for local shows with new designs and complete the orders that have been a steady blessing.

* Don't you LOVE the box lid? It's from Pam Dervarits of Our Pioneer Homestead. I LOVE her work and there is a link to her blog on my sidebar.

Willow made a reappearance on Simply Primitives. A little bigger and a few changes (time always changes your perspective and so revisiting and adjusting can be fun). She was adopted right away!

On Olde Primitive Peddler, this guy was a hit. He is also spoken for  and one of those pieces that touched a lot of hearts. You never know...as much as he touched mine, the feedback was amazing.

And finally~ Sullivan & Co. There is something so fun with wire spiders. He is not spoken for yet, but he will find exactly where he is supposed to go when the time is right.

Welcome to my August...while some are still thinking Summer, I'm thinking that it's gonna be a Wicked Goode Fall!

A Pinch Me Moment ~

A few months ago, friend and customer; Vicky Huckaby wrote and told me that her home would be featured in Country Magazine. How wonderful is that? I can't imagine what a thrill....I wouldn't even make it in "Where Women Create" because the Wee Cottage can often look like a mad Scientist is at work......

Anyways, she asked if she might make one of my patterns up for a give away through Country Sampler.... "well, sure!" was my reply.  She said that they would post a link to my blog ~ how nice is that? Well, to say that I have been blown away by it all is an understatement.  Vicky sent a picture of the finished piece and she did a BEAUTIFUL job. I couldn't wait to see her home in print and was thankful for how nice she was to make sure that I got a hurrah and credit.

Didn't she do a lovely job with the Herb Crow Ladye? You can stop by here and sign up to win her! I couldn't wait to get a copy, to see everything. I had heard through some Facebook and Primitive loving friends, that the issue was well done. I was prepared to get some pattern orders and amazed as they started pouring in.....

It truly is a "pinch me" moment to see your designs published. It always shakes me up...always. It is nothing short of magical...

What I wasn't prepared for however...was this....

Rachael Crow! In another persons home!... and to put me over the edge in disbelief.....

Baxter! There are  THREE different Raven's Haven designs in three different homes!

Holy Macaroni and Cheese!

so now what do I do??? 

Well, Baxter has not been for sale for a couple years, so I brought him back along with all my Lab patterns and listed them once again. This time on  Etsy. 

You can use the Etsy link or the Raven's Haven logo above ans see them under "Goode Doggies.

Baxter

Bailey

Clancey

Fat Lab

Lab Folk

and...

Lab Ornies

Now they are all together and joining their friends in my little Etsy Shop.

I'm amazed and so very thankful for all the goode that has come my way from Vicky. I could have never imagined that I would ever see more than one design in a magazine feature, let alone three.

I am thankful for the gift of Vicky...

Pinch me....

Soul of Olde

I try to be patient. It's difficult for me. It's hot....and not a dry heat either. I enjoy the Northeast and the change of Seasons, so very distinct. I love the history also. Can you see where my head and hands have been working?

Olde Gravestones call my heart. I must have lived and loved in another time. Everything in the pictures call to my heart.

Quill pens and the sheen of dried ink. Dried blossoms will be a forever reminder that my beloved loves them also. Ladies accessories that will become pin-keeps and will speak with a voice of long ago when complete. Ribbons and thread on a wooden spool, remind me of Williamsburg and a trip the Millinery....ever etched in my memory. 

I have a soul of Olde.

Just A Little Different

Yesterday, as I was finishing Wee Folk for Early Work Mercantile, I was thinking how different life is for me as compared to others.

It may be different....but it is never boring.

The kitchen has a "creating station".  On upload days, it tends to grow. There are paintbrushes drying in the dish drainer, along with silverware.

A variety of paints, sealers and glues hang out with a bowl of instant coffee, mixed to just the right level for "aging".

If there are good smells from the oven...generally it is nothing that anyone wants to eat, when I take it out.

I do use the coffee table for coffee....and stitching and building.....it also works great for sculpting.

If you come to visit, there is usually some level of "Creative Disarray"....it mirrors the disarray  in my head as well. As one character is finished, I have 3 more in my head that I try not to lose!

In it all, I may not have a fancy job. A showroom house....nor am I a slave to fashion.

I have the ability, however, to do what I love ~ give back to the Universe, the gift that I was given.  I get to inspire others to create along the way.

Balance

July has sprung forth in full glory. There is no slowing down at this time of year for me. If there was a rest to be had, it is in those first six months.

I am loving this sculpt. Clay like other mediums is something that you grow with if you have an inclination. I've tried about every clay made and have found what makes my work sing. Textiles and texture all blend together making a simple photograph a celebration.

I feel that I have settled into a place that I enjoy. I am fully in my "Beatrix Potter" inspired journey and loving it. 

It is not all work though. When it is not stormy or soupy, we have enjoyed music in the park (If you have never heard "Screaming Orphans", do look them up on YouTube, you won't be disappointed). We have had dinner under the "Cabana" with family and friends, along with quiet evenings sitting by the fire pit. Marshmallows required, of course. There are more family gatherings ahead in the next couple weeks. We are truly blessed to have such simple joys.

Settling In To Summer

After days of downpours and flash flood warnings, the sun has come out for us in Upstate New York and it is darned hot. It is a quiet and simple Holiday, as I work away stitching Samples. The next couple of weeks will bring lots of Family gatherings. 

I have a couple friends that aren't spoken for and would be happy to bring smiles to your home~

~ Trixie ~

and Dixie~

crack me up. They are sassy things and are so fun. I've had a lot of requests to do them as patterns, but with their carved beaks, I think that I will keep them as one of a kinds.

You can find them at Simply Primitives.

Last but not least, is Jarrah. A sweet Queen Anne inspired Pumpkin Ladye. Her unique coloring draws your eye from across a room. She is the star of the Wee Dollhouse....for now.

She can be found at

Olde Primitive Peddler

Blossoming...

I awoke this first morning in July, to milky skies and a light rain. We have been dodging showers for a few days now, and it looks like it's not going to change very quickly. The dew point is high; which I don't really care for, but I'm not complaining. It is so much hotter and difficult in other areas. I can get lost in my work. I am grateful to have the ability, to do what I am most passionate about...every day. I'm not one to settle into a comfort zone in my work and I have been working on a new rodent~ Matilda. She is a Meadow Mouse, also known as a Vole. We have quite a few of them here at the Cottage, so it was just a matter of time.

 I do live a different life. I saw first hand this weekend as Tim's kids had a get together that included the parent's of their friends. It was nice to meet new friends and fun to watch the expressions on the parent's faces. They walked around inside the Cottage and had a peek of my world.....from my dolls, to my olde portrait collection; or as Tim refers to them....my dead people. This is my "Imaginarium", no matter what room I decide to create in. Sometimes, you just never grow up...and it's a rule for this house. It was wonderful to see the sparkles of the eyes and the smiles that come from the heart as new friends enjoyed the Wee Folk around the house.

I feel that as I create lately, I am working on my original vision when I first stepped into the world of Primitives. I loved the simplicity and the "wonky" that it held. It is easiest to to create a cute or cartoon like look. As an Artist, I wanted to challenge myself and Extreme Primitives captured my heart. I have wanted them to have a look of whimsy and charm, in a more grown up way. 

These Starlings have been the latest in that voice. They were so fun to do. I carved their beaks, a first for me, as my Father was the woodcarver of the family. He must have smiled down from above, because they really made the Starlings a stand out.

Above all, I am having fun and growing with each new piece. I have to keep a notebook close at hand as my brain imagines faster than my hands can create. 

I am loving my Art and I believe that the secret to a happy heart, is to not feel confined, but free to blossom.

Please stop by Simply Primitives and Olde Primitive Peddler to see the first of the month offerings of myself and other Artisans.