It's Almost Time....

The days have been working very hard to become longer and Mid Summer's Eve is tomorrow.

How does it get here so fast?

I have been fast at work with several projects and one of them will be happening next week.

The FIRST Picturetrail Show for me this year.
I have lots to put up, 

so get ready...

 this will be the only one for a few months.

I have no Shoppe to fill and it rained all day for half of the Sharon Springs event. 

 There is plenty to be had.
A maid?
Perhaps two? 

Company with Tea?
There will be quite a bit to choose from.

I also received a box of samples to go through. 

A good chance to get something special  for Fall or Winter.

The past weekend brought us to the very first Renaissance Fair to this area.

This girl was in heaven...
and henna.

Early Works opened also.

 Branwen (Welsh for "beautiful Raven") was immediately adopted.
The response was so wonderful~
Thank you to all who tried to get their email through and be the first....

and for all of your kind words and encouragement.

She is very different for me, 

but yet she is so true to my heart.I can't wait to continue her spirit and challenge myself.

***

"I think we do our best work as designers when we show truth."

Mondo Guerra

A Wicked Goode Friday

It's rained...and rained for days.
Cold and gloomy...

Mushrooms are growing in record numbers in the back yard and the roses are blooming despite everything.
Perfect for this Rose Moon tonight....

These days are perfect for candle glow...

hot mugs of tea...

and creating.
Something wicked goode is coming to Early Work Mercantile.

Tomorrow eve.
 Til then, enjoy and embrace your Friday the 13th 

and the Full Moon ahead.

Tea on a Rainy Afternoon

It's a cold and rainy day here at the Cottage.  A hot mug of tea helps to tame the dampness, warming me inside and out.

All of the gardens are in and settled very nicely.
Iris and Roses are blooming...
I have a blossom starting on my Hydrangea bush, We moved it last year because it wasn't blooming properly...

Now, I patiently await the blossoms that I adore.
Fingers crossed! 

Let it rain outside.. look dark and dreary.
It makes my work light take on a warm and cozy glow.

There are deadlines to meet and orders to pack.

I won't feel the tug of the outside calling, 

but rather..... 

I can wrap up in my work as one would a warm blanket.

One Fast Week!

Do you ever have one of those days, that you wonder where the whole thing went? How about a week?

It just dawned on me that it was Thursday afternoon.

I have packed patterns and orders most of the week and time does fly when you are busy. I am thinking about what hasn't been done and there is still plenty.

Aren't these a hoot????

For starters this weekend, I need to start setting up a Picture Trail Show.
It's been awhile, right?

With the Shoppe at Sharon Springs, no more, I have plenty of Wee Folk that are in need of a home. And perhaps I can sneak in a few more.

If time doesn't escape me....

Be on the watch, details ahead.

Sunshine and Fast Days

As the weather gets nicer, we are more and more on the go at the cottage.
I know that there are those that can't get outside easily and perhaps, don't wish to.

I'm so thankful for the ability!

The gardens are all in and seem happy.
there are quite a few bees....

and also changes ahead.

But first....

There are pictures to share!

The Garden Party at Sharon Springs.

Saturday was very rainy, and there were not many sales to be had.

I did meet with some wonderful friends that I have enjoyed an online friendship with through Face Book.



These gals set off many giggles, to all who entered the tent. 

I love how wonky the tea cups turned out.
As odd as they were, everyone had great fun with them.


Sunday was sunny and beautiful.

The Fabulous Beekman Boys stopped in!

 They were so nice. They thanked us for coming to be a part of the weekend. Both had a blast looking at it all ( The goats were all sold, though).

Josh was shy and soft spoken...and made sure that we were in the perfect spot for a nice picture. Brent was going 100 miles an hour, wanting to know if we would be there in the Fall and what Halloween would look like; Goode Wife style. He gave me some wonderful suggestions.

Monday was spent cemetery hopping.

We gathered early in the morning for a breakfast with Tim's siblings, then off we were to attend an outdoor Mass at the Cemetery of 3 dear family members.

A hop in the car and we visited the Walsh Patriarch and Matriarch.

Finally, a longer drive North to the National Cemetery.
Sitting in the sunshine and enjoying a favorite of my Father's.. a PBJ.
*memories, laughter and tears*
He is always with me, but I still miss him so much.

 We received word early the next morning that Tim's Niece had given birth to a healthy baby boy!
(remember the 5 weddings the year before last? This year, there will be 6 births!)

It has been busy to say the least.

The Shop that was shared among several of us is closed and now the home of a fabric shop.

Which works well for me.
Life is changing for us and I will be a (step) Nonnie in the Fall.
I will also be taking care of the Wee One, when Mom goes back to work. At least for awhile. However we can help!

I will do a few less shows...
Change what I am creating a bit, and enjoying....

Not just those Grandparent duties...

 I have also become a Biker Momma.

Take A Break!

Elise

I usually take a break in the afternoon and make myself a cup of tea, perhaps toast an English Muffin and kick back for a little bit.

I LOVE when Early Works Mercantile opens, as it is my FAVORITE excuse to brew that tea, toast the muffin, and get lost...if only for a little while.

Isla

For those of you that have tried to get there today and haven't been able to, it is because of an issue with the cover page URL and it is in the process of being mended.

Until then, you can get there from here:

http://www.earlywork-artisandirectory.blogspot.com/

Florrie


These three ladies are my offerings for this month. I have wanted to make the Fairy Mice since meeting a very special Fairy at Sharon Springs.

Miss Florrie, doesn't have wings, but she is in charge of Mrs. Sparrow's wee egg.

It's windy out today and the skies are milky. Rain will be on it's way, but until then, a goode Nanny knows to sneak in a stroll ~

Old Skool

I am still fast at work creating for the next show which will be Memorial Day weekend in Sharon Springs.

I'm excited at doing a Spring show and have been enjoying Brimfield memories with friends.

Sometimes you do need to go back with your work; to what captured your heart...

the simplicity of Primitives.

It's roots...

See how far you have come 

and

where to go from here.

Keep the voice,

pay attention to the details...

the pallet...

the technique.

Remember what it is that makes my work unique.

for me, that means 

going Old Skool

once again.

Bursting With Inspire

Mrs. Munson's tea.  Not bad for a first try....keep going!

The sun is playing peek-a-boo today. There is a lovely breeze through the window and I love it, although it is causing me to keep the tissues near by. It will settle in a couple weeks; but until then, we muddle through the allergies here as best we can. "It's only temporary"... a mantra I repeat to my daughters in many a situation.


Lunch is done and I'm getting ready for a quick outing for necessities as I try a new technique. A dear friend and I are collaborating a bit with this technique and I'm off to get the ball rolling. If it works, I will be so happy! I have waited a long time to get to this place. It could be perfect timing.

A Netty Sheep with her friend

That is how Art goes. Sometimes, we are ahead of time; be it a process or product that will make what we have in our heads come alive. I discovered it to be true with my mouse journey. I sculpted them...but that was not what I was looking for. Tried felt and muslin and wasn't feeling the love. Fun Fur gave me hope, and eventually I stumbled along what I was looking for and the know how to get it there. I had to have time to hone my skills until I found what I was needing to bring it all together. So, like many things that we artists wait upon, today's adventure has been filed away in my noggin. Knowing what it is that I want and not just settling. Fingers crossed, this could be it!

The rest of the afternoon and evening will be working on items for a show. I'm enjoying a splash of different media with my designs. I tried a Mrs. Munson in Scherenschnitte (thanks for inspiring and encouraging, Lori). I seem to have my footing, and now have a friend of hers in the works. Mrs. Munson is an interesting soul, so why not have fun with her.. note cards, paintings and punch needle are on the agenda. Eventually I would love her in Paper Clay, but if I don't keep to today's schedule, I'll never get anything accomplished.

This Merry Month of May

May is here.

Much of Spring is still just beginning ~

it has been cold and damp.

So much rain, that many of Spring's treasures are appearing a little late this year.

An afternoon tea warms me and is welcomed.

It's still cool, upstairs where I sew. 

I have been working on new folk and playing with new  mediums.

I love designing....

trying new things, and new techniques.

Stepping back to old school Primitives and adding my style.

Needle and thread;

 making new friends and visiting old

A new show is fast approaching...

I am enjoying time with family,

walking the gardens in the back yard with the pups,

happy to see leaves and flowers sprouting.

Feeling uncaged from Winter...

May is a merry month indeed.

Breathing In Spring

These early Spring days are so magical. I love the breezes from the window as I work. 

The sunshine warms the pups and I, as we walk around the yard, capturing those first signs of life, as the gardens come alive. Even on the rainy days, the smell of the wet earth is intoxicating. The grass greens up quickly and the Forsythia is now in bloom. 

I'm busy making things for Sharon Springs.
Playing with designs, old and new.
This Hand is from last year...
My take on a classic pose.
I hope it inspires you... the possibilities are endless.
What can you put in a hand?

Of course, Spring has come to Tilda's place and she is enjoys watching the wee egg for Mrs. Hummingbird.

Spring cleaning is happening in the Meadow Mouse home also. 

There is always laundry.

Natty is always fun, with her gourds and her Hedge Witch ways.

It's time to plant herbs.

And there is a new Rat about... Nellie. She has a little different face, but has the details that have inspired others are a part of her also.

It is always nice to know how much your work inspires others, from seasoned to first time creators. Some write and share and others I see in their work as it grows.

That is the ultimate, is it not?

to inspire?

Spring In My Heart

Spring is on it's way.

I have to remind myself on days like today, when skies dabble in color between milky white and dark grey.

It's too cold to keep the window open... I tried for a bit.

A South Wind blows and it is cold and damp. 

The showers will green everything up quickly, so it's not so terrible.

My heart, however is light and sunny today.

I've finished the set up of a new book keeping program and I now have order where there was once a box of tortured receipts and papers.

It wasn't so quick this year, to get everything set up, but it will be so easy from here on out.

It's already keeping next year's information all neat and tidy.

What can I say... I'm an Artist, NOT a bookkeeper. 

I can hear the baby Starlings in their nest, next door to me.

 Another black bird to inspire me. 

Art truly is a reflection of your heart and I'm happy to settle in to my goode creating for the year.

Spring is in my heart.

As Winter Gives Way To Spring

It's time for my hibernation to end. 

The snow has melted and nearly gone. 

The lawn needs raking to lift the matted leaves and I'm sure I will see purple Crocus in one of the flower beds. 

The birds sing louder now from the Hedgerow.

 A sweet couple is building a nest in the crook of our bedroom window.... just inside where we can't see them. Soon, I will hear baby chirps as I awake each morning. 

It has been a very long Winter for most of us, but for me, it was I time to close a chapter in my life.

The home that I grew up in as a teen, 

 made so much art work in, and started my Primitive Journey in. The home that I raised my girls and took care of my parents.....

 this home so full of memories, 

is now the home of another.

 It was a bittersweet process, but in true small town fashion, it went to the couple that it was supposed to. There are two little ones that bring laughter and magic back and it is once again a home. I have known the couple since they were very young and before they started their schooling. 

 I have enjoyed my hibernation. It is a time for me to recharge... to work and plan.

A wonderful time to spend with family and simply sleep in if I want to.

I'm ready though...

to open the windows,

 have coffee in the back yard

Smell the wet earth after a rain storm. 

I'm ready to get back to this wee business of mine, bringing friends to life.

I've enjoyed so many messages and emails, asking me to keep doing those Mousels and Natty Rats...

I have had a little fun with Mrs Munson...

And her partner in crime (and tea), 

Mrs. Dibble.

I have a goode Spring planned, and even a local show....
so  while you may not have seen much of me here,

I have been the Maker and Thread Pusher (as a dear colleague refers to what we do).

I've been the Pencil Pusher...

The Brush Mistress, and even tried my hand as a Paper Snipper.

It's never too quiet, no matter the season. After months of snow and cold....I am very ready for winter to give way to Spring.

The Simple Quiet

Although the weather isn't always the nicest...

this is a nice time of year for me.

If a stubborn cold wants to linger, I'm not under too many deadlines.

If the snow piles high, I am home with the wood stove and hot chocolate.

If I need to meet a deadline, the crock pot or the pressure cooker gives me the time I seek and a good hot meal (or two) for us.

It's not so crazy, busy and I can rest up a little.

It is the time of year for me to pick up my pen and draw new note cards.

This year I have the Wee Shoppe to think about too, so the pencil has been getting a workout with new designs.

There is plenty to keep busy, but I feel like I can catch my breath...

center myself...

try to pick up where I left off when it got so busy, last year.

Find those projects,

Set sail those goals that I did not get to work on.

I feel like I can think clearer.

Balance life.

Enjoy the simple quiet.

A Yankee Snow

Today we have been given snow.

It seems to be a good old fashioned, Yankee Winter. A school friend and I were talking today and reminiscing....circa, winter 1977.

Sleds and toboggans, sunrise to sunset.

Hot chocolate with milk taken right from the barn vat,

Mountains dressed in white.

Today's snow is a pretty one, each flake taking it's time....not in a hurry, like the last snowfall....

And so, my afternoon has taken suit. A candle glow day, that brings a warm, yellow light as the sun begins to fade.

Michael Lucarelli plays classical guitar for me, adding a coziness and a familiarity to days gone by.

The "big sauce" simmers and wraps the house in Sunday afternoons at my Grandmother's. 

                        Tiny stitches made with love are bringing Wee Miss Belle to life.
She is a little different for me and I am enjoying each step of the way.

I love days such as this.

A Reflection of My Heart

It's snowing again... or perhaps the better word is, "still".
I won't complain, it is so very pretty out and it's not bitter cold, either.
I love the smell of a fire in the wood stove. 

Ours is in the basement, it keeps the floors warm and all of us cozy.

I started sculpting my fine ladye horse last week.
She is my heart.....
I have loved horses for as long as I can remember.

 A freckle faced kid, chasing my father around and  for one. 

I never had one of my own, but I did spend my teen years beside them....

riding, enjoying and always sketching.

Enjoying the smells of a stable and all of that leather.
heavenly.....

It was just a matter of time before horses would creep into my sculpting.

I wasn't sure I was ready, but with a deep breath I dug into the clay, determined.

I can't tell you how surprised I am at how she came out.....every step of the way. 

I am awestruck at my own ability.

It was magic, I am sure of it.

I know, the man that was always my greatest champion in life and artwork is up above and always watching. 

Always critiquing and pushing me to do better; learn more.
(I'm still learning with these Queen Anne inspired.)

Before he went home, he asked that I show the world all that I do, not just the Primitive dolls.
 I can't help but think that he had a hand in this...

a little magic, he would say.

Mariah is available on Early Work Mercantile.

Life Wrapped In Love

There is a quiet on my Facebook posts and on here...but don't be fooled. 

It's busy at the Wee Cottage.

There are taxes to work on....

Appointments to go to...

Special family time.

The wood stove has worked harder this year; no surprise, right?

Tim and I have danced with  colds here and there...and I have been doing battle with a virus. They can be tough bugs sometimes, but I am winning.

Spice Chai has been a goode friend lately.

In it all I have been working on designs and sculpting as I can. There are patterns that will need samples and my new line is coming along.

A couple weeks ago, there was a commercial for Valentine's Day, showing a beautiful necklace as a gift from a gentleman to his beloved....

I looked at Tim and said....

"I am just NOT that kinda girl. I would be happiest with a brick of clay...."

He laughed...after nine years together, he knows how true this is.

This afternoon he asked what I would like for Valentines Day....I replied that I couldn't think of a thing besides him, to which he smartly replied,  "and a brick of clay too?"

I kinda love that guy....