Boo! It's Halloween!

It's here at last~ my favorite day. I will be on the road most of this evening for a little weekend get away at the Goode Comfort Cottage. We don't get little ones knocking at the door,dressed in costume at either place. I really do miss that. I will celebrate just the same. We have an array of Tim Burton movies as well as Practical Magic. Some popcorn and candy corn and I'm all set to wrap myself in my little studio in Rotterdam. I will be taking some pictures to share with all of you, it's still in the beginning stages, but it is a studio and computer room. Tim surprised me with it in mid September, and slowly, we have been making it a creative work area. I'm so fortunate to have someone beside me that loves me and my work.

Now... it IS Halloween AND the last day of the month, which means Lemon Poppy seeds!!! Yes, I will have some items up for all of you. I'm not sure just when DJ will upload it all, but if I don't get my skeletons moving, I won't get good pictures!!

A Little Adirondack Surprise

Okay, I do love that we have all of the seasons here in Upstate NY, and I am always trying to work ahead of the holidays. I keep candles and music as I work, movies to inspire....but I'm not quite ready for snow yet. It's tried a couple of times here just lately. Sneaking in and trying to blend in with the raindrops, but not covering the leaves with white just yet. That could all change by morning. Insert a big sigh here.

Fall is my favorite Season and so much of my Halloween stays up year round. I continue designing for Fall, sneaking in sketches while I'm drawing bunnies. It's just who I am. Tomorrow night, we will all await The Great Pumpkin in front of the television as we have for most of my 46 years. Sometimes you just never grow up. I will be working on my projects, Santa's, snowmen and ornaments. Hopefully by then the wet, slushy white stuff that is supposed to start the day will be gone. Only just a gentle reminder that those Santa's and snowmen need to get going. I'm not trading in my Pumpkin Spice coffee for Hot Chocolate just yet.

Madre Stagione

Madre Stagione is the Mother of the Seasons. She is as old as time itself . Madre Stagione carries the whispers of the winds that bring each season, within her feathers. She walks carrying her all knowing Spirit Stick.

Madre is my artful journey offering this month on TDIPT. She is more a fantasy piece and as her spirit took hold, she changed a bit from her sketch . When completed, she looked like something out of the movie, Dark Crystal. I haven't seen the movie in ages, but how fun to see that influences can spring forth while we are so unaware in creating our art. So much of my art through High School and Art School was embracing the wee folk of fairies, gnomes, dragons and mermaids. Madre was a project whose emphasis was on the feathered wing work more than anything. She clearly went beyond a study as her Spirit whispered to me and I listened with my hands. She taught me more than I expected to learn.

The Mad Dash

It was the mad dash this weekend; well through out the week for us. Home was a flutter of activity getting everything settled after the show and getting some crows off to a lovely shop in Greenwich, I will post more on that later. My TDIPT offerings are finished and pictures sent (and quite late, sorry Jan). My Dad did give us a scare and went to the hospital again, but hopefully this infection was caught early. I am catching up on emails, packing summer things away and making leek soup for our dinner tonight. The leaves are almost at peak here and the air smells beyond wonderful. I wanted to share our Saturday "Mad Dash", which was to see Jessie and the Granville Cross Country Modified Team do their "Mad Dash". Dash they did! It was held at Saratoga State Park. Jessie is the second from the right. They all did well~ congrats Granville!!!

Introducing, The Goode Witch of Washington County

Click on the witch to take you to the newest blog, The Goode Witch of Washington County. When you are done, come back and take the link to Lemon Poppyseeds. Even though I don't have anything to share this time, there are many wonderful artists that do!

This Good Wife is Pooped!

At least right now. It was a wonderful show despite the rain and we all had a great time. Such a beautiful time of year, as the Berkshire Mountains were showing their Autumn skirts and the misty rain just added a "Sleepy Hollow " touch to the show.

The Goode Wives are at work on our art daily in some way or another. Even with this show now behind us, there are a couple more in store, before the New Year comes forth. Today, I am back in front of the sewing machine with my beloved raven patterns for a last Hallow's Eve hurrah of orders. I will continue to make all goode things Halloween for upcoming shows and orders, but they will take a slower pace as Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching. There is nothing like a show however,to let you know just how truly your work touches another person's heart. There is no better sight for me, than to see someone approach our booth and light up from heart to eyes with our creations. It is this simple joy that makes all the late nights and sore fingers worth it.

Lemon Poppyseeds will open tomorrow without me, as I will be taking some time off to complete some special friends. It looks like a new studio area for me is also in the works, (not to mention the one at The Goode Comfort Cottage). I will be getting fabrics and dollies in order as their new home awaits. I can't wait to share this special place with you.

I will also be on TDIPT with some new friends on the 15th. The clock is ticking and there are new friends and old here waiting to show their spirits. I may be pooped today after a show, but there is excitement in the air for The Good Wives ahead!

Come See The Good Wives!

Yes, it's true, the Good Wives will be at a most wonderful Show this weekend! If you are in the area, do stop by and say hello, we'd love to see you. This year we have decided to try The Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield MA. Fellow vendors and customers have suggested this show to us, so we decided to give it a try. Being lovers of history, we think it's perfect! For more info, take a little ride on the link above. Tim will be with us also, as he is our "Good GUY of Washington County", and can be found doing the "Wrappers Rap".

Sharing

Tis a goode Monday here this crisp day that will soon change to Autumn. The leaves are changing nicely and the smell of leaves and woodsmoke in the mornings is just this side of heaven.

First, I would like to share our weekend with all of you. You may have noticed that the music has changed a wee bit. Saturday was Jessie's 13th Birthday and we celebrated with a day out, at the Irish 2000 Festival. Just outside of Albany, in a little sleepy village of Altamont, a festival has been held for 12 years now. It is a rather full day of music, as two huge tents and a very large pavilion hold many a music lover and bands play continuously. We saw my favorite, Seven Nations. They played at the torch lighting ceremony at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Also, local favorite, Hair of the Dog brought huge smiles to all of us. You may hear a familiar tune from the movie, Titanic. Yes, Gaelic Storm was there. We had a wonderful day and were all exhausted when we closed our eyes that night. As many of you know, my daughter, Bailey has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Going to an event like this is a big ordeal for her. She did well, the crowds made her a little antsy at times, but we were able to redirect her so that she was able to enjoy herself and be just like anyone else.

Now, I'd like to present to you, the latest and most requested pattern I've ever been asked for, Jake. A little about how Mr. Jake came to be.... I had just gone to visit Netty one early Fall day last year and was greeted by Ted Turner, the Turkey. He announced my arrival and we had a short conversation before he continued his day, protecting the homestead and eating. Later that afternoon I sketched a bit, hoping to come up with a somewhat funny looking, skinny mouse. You've met him already as Seth Warner, my little Revolutionary War mouse. As I drew these angular lines, I thought one looked a lot like Ted, so I continued until the full body was drawn. It's one of those drawings whose spirit is fully shown in a matter of minutes. I chuckled and thought to myself, "now that is something Tim, my hunter, would like". It wasn't until a whole month later, that I did him up for "To Dwell In Primitive Times Mercantile". I thought to myself that no one would want such a lanky Jake when there were so many nice looking turkeys to be had out there. I could have not been so wrong. Jake was sold in minutes and there were requests for more of him...more than I could keep up with! So many of you have asked for him to be a pattern.. and I mean MANY. I am truly humbled with this guy, whose spirit was born in a few quick gesture lines and whose popularity has been unsurpassed in my pattern journey. I want to thank all of you for your request for him and taking the time to let me know how much you enjoy the patterns . This one is for all of you.

****To the right side, you will find ordering instructions. Happy sewing to all of you!****

Jakes on Parade

I just had to let these guys out for a little stroll and stretch their legs before they began their journey to Georgia. I thought you would enjoy the sight. When we lived up on the hill, Bailey would use her Dad's Turkey call and call the summer brood down the back meadow and into our back yard. She was quite good at it. What good memories they bring! Ah, you can almost hear them talking to each other ....wait, they are! Just listen in closer.Closer... that's it, can you hear? They are saying, "Stop by Monday for an important post that many of you have been waiting for!"

September Offerings

There has been a bustle of activity for several weeks now. It will continue until the first week of February and then I'll take a week or two to recoup before diving in for local shows. A local paper has been interviewing me for a piece among other area Artisans. I'm hopeful that I will be among those picked for the final write up.

Tim had a wonderful surprise two weeks ago as I was able to stay for a weekend at the Good Comfort Cottage. He took a room at the cottage and made it into a computer room and studio for me. He worked very hard to have my favorite "schmarm" table, sewing table and treasures set up to inspire. Molly and Rosie are content at our feet as we worked along this past weekend. Bobo the cat was very happy when I arrived with a new box of stuffing. She likes to curl up in it and check out it's loft.

I was only able to put up two offerings on TDIPT this time. I'm busy finishing an order for a dear loved one and getting ready for a show at the end of the month. The postcards have all gone out and it will be nice to say hello to friends that visit the blog and live nearby. Netty and I are looking forward to this adventure and both of us are at full speed in creating.

I wanted to share pictures of my two TDIPT offerings. I had such a good time with them. Durell was a celebration of my continued love of wire.. and Mrs. Brimfield well, she was my heart's surprise. An artists work is bringing what is in the mind and soul outward. Sometimes the idea takes a little trip and weaves itself in an out. What you have pictured exactly in your mind, may not quite match what your hands have done, but it happily speaks what the thought was. I enjoy realism, but whimsy generally takes over and sometimes all realism is lost in the final piece. Not this time~ Mrs. Brimfield surpassed what I had in my minds eye and joyfully surprised me with her outcome. She is one of those pieces that you shed a tear over as you pack her for her journey to her new home. I know without a doubt that the person adopting her feels the same and she will be treasured. I realise in it all, how blessed I truly am.

Silence, Prayer and Remembrance

It is a day for all of us to reflect and never to forget. All of us remember what we were doing when our world stopped. I do not know who to give thank for this wonderful piece of artwork, so if anyone does know I would be grateful to give credit.


I would like to take a moment and give thanks to all who served their country so well and gave so unselfishly during this time.

• To my little brother Steve who was serving Air Force 2, I'm glad that I was able to be with you in the days following. We all grew up a little more, and I am so very proud of you for ALL of your service.
• To my cousin , Brett. We did not know until many weeks later how you took it upon yourself to make your way to Ground Zero and look for survivors. You gave, so unselfishly. I know that you now have respiratory problems as many others do. I pray that others such as yourself can receive the care that they need so badly and insurance companies come through for all of you.
• To my other family members that served alongside their brothers in the Fire Department and National Guard. We are ever thankful.

These men and women are but such a tiny part of the many that served and continue to serve. They are all the heartbeat of our country. I ask that all of you take a moment to say a prayer for all of those that lost their lives seven years ago, and for the men and women that continue to serve our country, military or not and keep us safe.

Finding The Right Steps To The Dance

The house is quiet now. The bustle of the morning over, as two young ladies argued over the bathroom. The dogs have both settled, Rylie, now teaching Molly about the "School Time Vigil" that will end later today with girly giggles and wagging tales. My morning routine is shuffled a bit, but in a good way. I should be able to have a nice, quiet time to work. The morning is cool still and the smell of coffee and candles surround me..........it's too quiet.

The first day of school is always a time to reflect. The girls are much older now and the memories of me taking them into their classrooms before I needed to leave for Brimfield flood my head. This year holds also a bit of sadness. It's been a year now since I received a call , letting me know that my dear friend, Mark lost his battle with cancer. I still keep him close as well as the memories. He was like a brother and I miss his teasing. He was always good for a late night phone call to share something silly, and my girls adored him. He loved New York and the Adirondacks dearly and tried very hard during the last four years of his short life, to make it back to what was his heart's home. He is still near, very much so. We had a pact long ago, that the first one to leave would somehow let the other know that they were near. He has, several times, in ways that only he and I would know and understand. To some, it may be silly or they would brush it all off, but for me, these things bring a comfort, knowing that he is beside.

Monday morning, I reminisced as I worked about all of this. The phone rang and a cheery voice on the other end asked if there was Folk Art going on at my place. It was my colleague calling. We are both fast at work for a show at the end of September and remembering the adventures of Brimfield. My heart is smiling and I do hope that that I can go home to Brimfield, where it all began for us eight years ago. Time marches, girls become young ladies, we keep loved ones alive by never forgetting and with it, in the very core of my being, my art grows. The dance moves as it should, shaped in tradition by steps learned long ago along with new steps moving as life does, ever forward.

Where Did The Summer Go?

August has left and with it the carefree summer. As most of you know, I have been needed more with my Family. After another long hospital stay, my Father has returned home and I will be needed still. As you can see, I have been creating new friends as I can, and I will continue to do so. I would like to introduce to you, two new friends that made their appearance on Lemon Poppyseeds late last night. The first is Goody Wormwood. She is my favorite! Goody is this year's addition to the Herbal Witches and joins Goody Mugwart. I hope to make her a pattern in the future. My second friend is an older friend here, but new to you. This spring I went digging through my designs that I just use for shows and found this friend. Imelda was the inspiration for Mrs. Goddard, but is just as much fun and even bigger.

My posts here may come a little slower for a bit, but it is just temporary. There are shows ahead and 2 patterns to be released I hope by next week. Eleanor, and Jake. I will post them here when they are ready. Until then enjoy Summer's sweet end and the bounty of Harvest with friends and family.

What Inspires Me Today~

There is always something artsy going on here every day. This morning was overcast and misty as the sun was coming up. There were dolls drying in the oven and the smells of coffee, cinnamon and sweet grass filling the kitchen. I'm in Halloween mode nearly all year, but when Fall whispers, it also embraces me. I LOVE it.

This is Eliza's Glove, now available on Etsy. I look at it and smile. It was one of my very early designs that I would take with me to Brimfield. It didn't have the spider on it for a few years. It wasn't until Netty and I were in Fort Washington at the Gallery show, when the spider came about. I was mulling over the fact that it needed something and Netty said... a spider. That was IT! It is fun how people can look at your work and and inspire you to go further. Now there is another version that I sketched out that day. I think it's time pull it out and bring it to life. It just feels right.

Folk Art Fun

There is always something creative going on here. No matter how busy daily life gets, you can be sure that there was somekind of creating going on here before I climb into bed with my constant companion, Molly, snuggled up beside me.

Tonight, TDIPT will open and there will be a wonderful parade of talented artisans. I love creating designs among such company. Tonight, a dear friend Jane will make her first appearance on TDIPT under, Nothing Plain by Jane. Do take a look! Jane is a very talented doll maker that I have known for years and I know you will say what I do every time I see her work...WOW!

Now...for all my pattern customers, you can do a happy dance tonight. The two pieces pictured above are also available as patterns! You can order Goody Mugwart's Glorious Ride, or Duncan Picks A winner directly.

Goody Mugwart is 12 inches long and is holding a straw broom and a very ripe pumpkin.

Duncan is 12 inches high and holds tight to a ripe pumpkin also.

***To order***

Patterns are 8.50 each, $1.00 shipping for one and $1.50 to ship both. You can go directly to Paypal and plug in my email. snoraven@hotmail.com *Please make sure to type the pattern names in the message box. If you would like to pay via money order or check, just send me an email. These patterns will be in stock on Tuesday, the 19th and I will be shipping them right out. Enjoy everyone, and thank you for being a part of my art!

A Little Change In the Dance~

My pace is a wee bit slower the past few weeks. An old back injury has decided to make an appearance after quite a few years without. My mobility is making a slower than expected comeback. Apparently I think I should be healing the way I did ten years ago. Why not?

In it all, I am not one to have quiet hands, no matter what. Just means more drawing time to me! I wanted to give all you pattern gals aheads up. TDIPT Mercantile is fast approaching on the 15th of the month. Two out of the three offerings are the actual models for two new patterns. They are not past finished offerings. So why the photo's above? I thought I'd share a couple of my show pieces and one of them is a wee bit of a hint. I will post the new patterns here on the 15th, along with instructions as to how you can get them. Are you ready???

Just Under the Wire

It has been such a busy Summer here in Upstate NY. The leaves are starting to show bits of oranges and yellows. Enough to let us know that Harvest will be upon us soon. I wanted to share with you a special piece. Lemon Poppyseeds opened and all of my Halloween offerings were sold. I wanted to share my Pumpkin Angel with you. I drew out the concept late last summer and it has mulled about in my head on and off. I LOVE working with wire and it has been a part of my Folk Art since the very beginning. From my first crow feet on Snow Raven, to my Skeleton hands at Brimfield (they were too clunky, so I didn't continue) and then to stitched on wire mouths. This was a celebration of the wire works and the days when I taught painting and how to paint tendrils. This Pumpkin Angel embraced so much of what is "me".....I know there will be a tear in my eye as I wrap her to go on to her new home. Her new family loves her just as much as I and is eager to welcome her. My Angel has come full circle.

New Pattern Release!

It's official! Bobo is the newest to join the Raven's Haven crew. In the next few weeks ahead, I will introduce each as they are ready. There are a couple old friends and some new. I hope that you enjoy them.

You can order Bobo directly from here using Pay Pal, just use snoraven@hotmail.com . The pattern is 8.50 and 1.00 to ship for as total of $9.50. Just put "Bobo" in the message area. You can also take a ride over on my Etsy link where he will be available with several other friends of mine.

Bobo is 10 inches tall at the tail and just over 11 inches long. Perfect as a shelf sitter or in a basket. He is paint on muslin that has been distressed. All techniques and instructions are given along with a full sized pattern template. All you need is basic sewing experience. You can have a lot of creative fun with Bobo~ make him an orange striped cat, add a Santa, witch or top hat for the upcoming holidays. Quick and easy enough to make several for shows! Have a great time sewing and there is more to come!

New Offerings

It's Christmas in July at "To Dwell In Primitive Times" also known as TDIPT. My mailbox was filled with so many of you asking to purchase. I wish I had enough of each so that no one would be without their heart's desire. I am very blessed and humbled knowing that these little treasures from my heart also touch yours. It looks like all have been spoken for, but know that I'm fast at work already with more to come. Thank you, everyone for making these dear, wee friends of mine worth the wait.

A Pollyanna Summer

Simplify. It can be difficult to embrace in today's world. We have been trying bit by bit over the past couple of years but we feel that it is such a worthwhile effort for the kids. The girls have their chickens at their Dad's house and sell the eggs. They know now with the price of food, just how nice it is to always have eggs on hand, and how much work it is to keep them.

With gas prices, we are also more mindful as many of you are. The pool and screen house have been wonderful and it is nice when we are all together. We continue to do things like board games under the candle light and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows in the fire pit. We are also awaiting the best of summer's bounty in the garden. In it all we have looked back the things that were Summer to us.

• Catching fireflies and putting them into an old Skippy jar that Dad patiently holes punched into.
• Wearing hats and dresses to Church and no matter what...white gloves.
• Visiting family on Sunday, starting with "the Sunday drive."
• Sunday dinners, with everyone sitting around talking. After dinner there would be coffee and dessert.
• Sitting on the porch and swinging our legs. If it rained, you would stick your legs out and get them wet. This way you could get "legally" wet and Mom wouldn't yell because our clothing was dried.
• Packing a sandwich and a thermos and spending the day riding bikes with friends or fishing at one of the quarry holes.
• Long nights of kick the can that started after everyone wolfed down dinner and ended with the first Mom that called one of us in.
• Eating watermelon until we burst and the stickiness of our cheeks afterwords.
• Going to the Village Carnival and enjoying the booths more than the rides.
• Helping to make lemonade by squeezing the lemons.
• Snapping green beans for dinner.
• Lazy afternoons lying on a pony's back as they grazed.
• The sound of frogs lulling us to sleep and the chirps of birds right before sunrise.
• Talking into the box fan so that are voices sounded different.
• Curling up on rainy days and getting lost in a book.

These are just a few, and the biggest joy is remembering them. So much has changed in our lives. Some things we can change, others we can't. Embrace what you can and keep family the priority. Never lose sight of the child within.