Extremely Goode

There is nothing so satisfying as to see your vision come together. Sometimes you don't realize just how long you have spoken through your work, until someone points it out. This weekend brought my dear friend and high school classmate home for a visit. She was looking at my little friends and giggled that the wonky bead eyes that I love, started long before this muslin journey. They were evident in drawings and sculptures made in high school. I drew constantly, and loved the feel of clay in my hands...and still do. The whimsical spirit if my work still comes speaks loud.


There is another side, however that pulls and challenges me. The simplistic nature of extreme primitives can be very difficult to capture successfully. It speaks to my soul and draws me in. My Early Bee Charmer is entirely personal and is very much my soul. I have always been drawn to the early tombstones in my area. I enjoy making rubbings and collecting them. A chat with a friend whose family is known for their beekeeping inspired and brought together my Bee Charmer. I love how the design elements pulled together and captured my inspiration.. she is

my personal favorite of all the offerings.

Tomorrow starts more Halloween friends and work that will actually make it's impact for next year. I have been fortunate to have a couple opportunities to try my hand at and although you won't see them until next year, I do believe you will recognize the work...even in a different media.

Do stop into TDIPT and enjoy the work of some very talented ladies!

Dancing With Bifocals

It's official. I've joined the ranks. A couple of years ago , I bought "cheater" glasses because I couldn't hold the small print past the length of my arm. Lately, I began having problems with the cheater glasses and off to the eye Doctor. I went. He laid it on the line for me... my eyes were getting worse. The astigmatism of my youth was still there and the cheaters were ruining my eyes. For the past 3 weeks, I have been trying not to use them, making computer work and sewing difficult.

Yesterday was my first full day with the new bifocals. I must say, it is an interesting dance. By last night, I was seasick. Going downstairs to do laundry resulted in a death grip on the handrail and toe taps to ensure each step was really where I thought it was. At times it was an odd, "I Love Lucy" show, but when it came to sewing on the machine and reading a book....it was heaven. I wanted to raise my hands and shout in glee~ "I can see! I can see!" It's going to take me time to fully get the hang of them. I'm sure that I will provide entertainment. It's a kind of "Right of Passage" to the 40 and over crowd. Recently as I was talking to the brother that is just a year younger than me. I found out that he has them already.... nanner, nanner, nanner on him! Sometimes it's the little things that make your day just a bit brighter.

Missions Accomplished

As I look at the photo's of my offerings tonight, the pictures seem serene. It in no way, tells the story of a mad woman blindly, working. Nor does it reveal the chaos of the entire kitchen; both the table where I work or the counters where my work spilled. Not a hint, that the stove and sink are piled with empty pots, pans and dishes. It looks more like a crime scene than that of a creative person meeting a deadline.

It seems that no matter how I plan my work days and leave a completely reasonable amount of time for my offerings... I am still working on at least one slacker on upload day. The past week has been a challenge indeed. Add to the mix that I needed to permanently set aside the cheater glasses and wait until my new "fulltimelearntodealwithbifocals" arrive. This should have been last Friday. Needless to say, I had no choice and cheater glasses did help me through this deadline.

Like many of you in the Northeast, the excessive rain hasn't been a joy ride. I am thankful that we haven't had the flooding, but I did have my own little sump-pump-turned-fountain drama at one in the morning. True, it is never dull and I never know what the day will bring. Right now it is bringing new help for a couple hours a day to take care of my Mom. I can't tell you how much it means to have someone help for just a little bit when you are care taking someone in your family. We have always been fortunate to have found good and caring people. It is sad to see someone leave, but this time it has brought a couple of aides back to us that we enjoyed and have missed. For all the bumps, trials and tribulations, everything did work out just fine. Tomorrow starts another day and I am nearly ready to crawl into bed....I hope. Enjoy my little friends on SIMPLY PRIMITIVES. Somehow they all came together after a bumpy journey.

Are We There Yet???

Birthday's are always so dependable and come along every year, right on time. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night...I'm forty eight today and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. The day will be nearly the same as most and a little more special than some. Life really is a journey and I still have a lot of journey left. Just like any other road trip, I'll interrupt it from time to time and ask...."Are we there yet?"

Celebrate Spring

March always finds me eager for Spring. Last week we were fortunate enough to have a wonderfully long stretch of sunshine and warm temperatures. Now it's back to our regular Upstate New York March and I feel a even stronger yearning. I am still caring for my Mom and creating as time allows. My heart however is at Millie's this week!


I can't tell you just how badly I would love to drop in on Millie and Robert for their Spring Open House. We have shared many a laugh and a tear together. As Millie would tell you, if we lived closer, we'd be dangerous together! She is a kindred soul and I'm sure that in a different life, we have played hooky and gone fishing for our dinner. Millie and Robert are Caretakers of Olde. Their home is featured in Jill Peterson's book, The Settlement. Jill's magazine, A Simple Life has just been released and is a huge success. If you are not close enough to stop by the shop, just click on the invitation above and you can step into the shop and browse from your home. Millie and Robert are happy to oblige you and I know that you will enjoy them as much as I do. Much love to you both~ I miss you!

The Long Way Home

I'd like you to meet two of my new BFF's: Corinna the chicken and Paulette the cow. Animals are an endless source of inspiration for me and where I live, farms are close by. You would think that these critters would be just flying from my brain and on to paper on a regular basis. Sometimes though, the idea can be simple, it's just pulling exactly the look you want and putting it on paper. While Paulette came trough rather easily in face, I wanted to play around with sticks for legs. Corinna however just was going to be stubborn. I found that with Corinna after hours of sketches, pictures and yes, the real thing...her face came from looking back on my own work. Maybe you will see a bit of my Jake the Turkey in Corinna. These two wild and crazy girls are available on TDIPT tonight. Do stop by and visit them along with the works of many other talented artisans.

It Takes A Village...

It is evenings like these that make my heart smile. I am me, wrapped in memories and knowing that I am who I am, because of so many. As I knead the dough for pizza, my mind brings me back in time. My brother and I holding tight to each one of my Mother's hands as we make our way across Main Street and to DiBernardo's.

This is the place that my Mom worked as a teen. As we walked in, Angelo would shout, "Hey Scrubbo!" to my brother and ruffle his hair. Many times we would walk through to the kitchen where Jenny would be at the stove, over looking the biggest pot of sauce I had ever seen. Many times we came with our Mother for a soda and if we were very lucky, a piece of candy. These times would find us sitting up to the counter as we twisted our bottoms on the stools. We would always take a peek under the counter and check out the blobs of multi colored gum stuck there.

Sometimes we would sit at the booths and have a meatball sandwich for lunch. This simple lunch was pure heaven, but it was Jenny and Angelo's pizza that ruled. It was what we based any other pizza on, and still do. I still can remember the smell mixed with the cardboard box as it made it's way to Grandma's kitchen table. There were times that my Mother would make it for us as Jenny taught my Mother how to make the pizza sauce. Although it was very good, there is something to be said about the proper oven for a pizza. Jenny passed away a couple of years ago; she was 94. Tonight though, she was beside me and I smiled the whole time. I realize just how fortunate I am to have had them both touch and be so strong a part who I am, even for such a humble task, as making pizza for dinner.

A Sparrow's Sweet Song

I've been wanting to do this wee Sparrow for over a year now. I guess, that I needed to wait until just the right time. While shopping a couple of weeks ago, I came across the fabric for her dress. It needed to be inspired from the woods in my back yard. When I came across this piece, I knew that it was time to make her. I was watching Jane Austen's Persuasion last weekend and I knew just who my little Sparrow would be,. Dear Anne was sweet, beautiful and bright....yes, my sketch would take form in fabric, it was time and I was ready.

As three snowstorms hit our area this week, I was dreaming of the earthy smell of a Spring forest and the song of the birds way before the sun peeks over the mountains. I always love bringing the stuft muslin to life and each step she stole my heart. I never thought that I would capture a sparrow's looks as well as I did. She took many hours as layer, by layer her markings brought her to life. I am so very please with her and I know that she will fly away to a new home and be loved. Like any Mother though... it won't be without a tear shed.

Anne, along with her friends are on Simply Primitives as it opens tonight. Enjoy my treasures along with those of my fellows artists.

My Job Or My Life?

Looking back over the past 7 years and trying to put up my new website, I wonder how I managed to come up with all of my little friends. If you could see my little Kitchen Table Studio and the areas that my work spills into, you would probably be asking why I ever wondered that at all. There are an amazing amount of pattern pieces, files and sheets of paper. Sometimes I think my ideas have all dried up. I have ideas yet to be sewn to pick from when the block hits, but then, at some point the ideas come back. Sometimes it's one or two here or there. Sometimes it's a barrage and I am torn between wanting so badly to fall asleep and being afraid that I'll forget by morning. I've been known to race out of bed and go straight for paper and pencil.

After I finish writing this, I will in fact, end up in the Recliner Studio. Tonight, I'll do some detail stitching for my Simply Primitive offerings on Sunday night. Paper and pencil are already right beside me in case I am inspired and I am hopeful that the approaching storm is not too bad. Perhaps If I am lucky, tomorrow will find me working on several things, such as finish work, uploading and pattern masters. This house has a life to it and other than a few hours at night, it is rarely quiet and peaceful!

I've learned over the years, that this is who I am. There is no off button. I can't just do this 9-5 and have weekends off. I feed my heart and soul with it and balance the rest of my life as much as I can. I can't imagine the concept of retirement and my girls can attest to the fact that even on vacation, I bring a few things to work on. I am fortunate to do what I love and even more fortunate that friends and family understand. I can't imagine working for someone else again. As a fellow artist told me at our last show, "Where else can I walk into work in my pj's, a cup of coffee and be a half an hour late." It's not an easy job, but it does have a few perks, no pun intended.

The Most Wonderful Show of The Year!

Well, for me it is! It has been a month now since we met up for this yearly event. Shop owners and Artisans come from all over the US meet up in Valley Forge for a few days of buying, selling, ooohs, ahhs and catching up! We meet new friends and embrace old. This is my fourth time doing this show and it is like "old home week".

At first I was sad to learn that Cathy from The Cheswick Company would not be showing, but she did arrive to help a friend. We were all so happy to see her! She is pictured with me at the top. Not only is her work beautiful and distinctive, but Cathy herself is truly one of my favorite friends here. The next picture is of Millie and Robert Huckabay, owners of American Country and considered in my heart to be the closest of family. Their log cabin is featured in Jill Peterson's book, The Settlement. It is a "must have", for those with a heart for Early American homes and furnishings. Jill was at the show, but I was unable to meet her as she was ill. It is my hope to travel to Georgia and visit with Millie and Robert in the future.

Finally there are a couple of pictures of my Halloween set along with some new wee folk making their first appearance. It was goode to visit and I am already anticipating next year!

Ahhh, L'Amour

I always think back to when my work would slow down after the Holiday Shows and Valley Forge. I would have a month or so, to recoup, regroup and rest. Not so anymore, but I am in no way complaining. Sure, I wish that there were more hours in the day to balance the care taking. be a Mom and take on a thriving business. There is little time to do much else, but I know in it all I am so very fortunate to do all that I love. My work is my own personal journey and I am ever amazed at just how many people that it touches. You see, sitting here and going about my days, there is no concept of just how far my work and this little blog reach until you look at the emails, articles written and phone calls. When I get a chance to surf around, I smile as I look at other artists and see how some of the things I do inspire others. It is full circle in the art world as so many inspire me.

During the past couple of weeks, I have been busy making samples and designing my TDIPT offerings. I have been busy between The Kitchen Table Studio and The Living Room Chair Studio and both are suffering from finishworkitis. Today I am working on reorganizing and looking ahead with my Business plan for the next 6 months. Tonight, I will be back at samples and then new patterns. In between: a soup or stroganoff, a daughter to transport to practice and doggies who seem to need lots of loving, which in turn, makes them have to go out quite often. My mother will keep me busy with her needs and I will bask in enjoyment as Tim stays an extra day. I realize that it isn't the perfect life, nor the one I dreamed of, but it is chocked full of love and laughter that makes them simply, my ordinary days.

Above are two treasures that pull at my heart. The Dapple (always my favorite) was a commission, and is off to his new home. Skye, the Raven was my challenge, and challenge me she did with her dress. She reminds me that beautiful works come about as we reach beyond what we think are our abilities.

It's Goode to Be Back

It is very goode to be back and to feel the excitement of another year ahead. I will be posting pictures from our February show, perhaps a bit later this week. There is still paperwork to finish and samples to be made up and sent out along with an order, but I am elated to be looking ahead with a brand new year ahead of me. Oh the possibilities!

Today opens Simply Primitives. Do stop in and see some fantastic works from all of us. This site is growing and filling with amazing artisans. I am excited myself to see new artists with every opening. It is a great chance to own a signature piece of American made Folk Art. Above is my personal favorite from my own offerings.

Take A Magic Carpet Ride~

Welcome to the "One World, One Heart" give away!

Click on the logo to hop a ride, but before you do, meet my give away,

Dutchie

I am so proud to announce that I am participating in this event, started by Lisa of "A Whimsical Bohemian". It was Lisa's desire in 2007 to bring together bloggers from all over the world, and to make it fun. Click on the logo to read Lisa's story and find the list of ticket holders. Each ticket is a blog, a new friend and the chance to win a gift from this friend. Each person will be offering a "house gift" when you leave a message on their comment areas. It starts today and ends February 15th. Take a ride, meet new friends and enjoy.

Meet Dutchie~ my give away. If you would like a chance to win wee little Dutchie, simply leave a comment on my blog. If you do not have an active blog, PLEASE leave your name and email address at the end of your comment, so that I can get this rabbit to you! If I cannot get in touch with you *within 3* days I will pick another name. Also, if you become a "Goode Wife" follower on my side bar, I will put your name in another 2 times. I will number the names in the order they come in, and match it up with a random number drawn at noon, Feb. 15th, Eastern time.

And the winner is.......PIXIE from the UK! Thanks to all who have entered and here is to new friends made!!!!

New Year, New Decade, New Beginnings

It is difficult to believe that our year is coming to a close and a new decade beginning. I do believe that in looking back, one should always look at the good, remember the lessons of the not so good...and walk forward with a smile in one's heart. My little business has survived where many have not. I have work, and many do not. I am thankful, so very thankful and I want to share some goode things. Drumroll please....


First, I would like to formally announce that I am now able to take credit cards for your purchases! (suddenly my little business seems so big) and also, I believe we need a pattern sale to celebrate!


The sale will end at noon (EST) on Jan. 10th. My Etsy Shop will also close then until February 1st. I will be mailing out patterns until January 12th, and will mail any remaining orders upon my return from the Heritage Show.

Sorry, This sale has now ended.

Payment:

• Credit card: please email me at: thegoodewife.folkart@yahoo.com with your phone number and I will call you and get your information.
• PayPal: use the same email address above and make sure that you put the names of the patterns in the message area.
• Check or Money Order: * They must be postmarked by the 10th. Send me a list and make payable to Stacey Mead. PO Box 165, Granville, NY 12832

Finally, this will be my last post until February. I am getting ready for my annual wholesale show and I'm already fast at work making new friends and old for my buyers. I will not be putting up anything on Simply Primitives or TDIPT until my return in February.

An Empty Chair

There is an empty chair at our table this year. My father's place. It has been empty many a Christmas, but never with the finality of this one. You see, he was a man of Service. I remember as a young girl, praying for his safety as he fought for our Country...and then as a teen waiting for his shift to end as he protected our County. I realize more than ever that there are many families just like ours this year. They have lost a loved one or someone beloved to them is serving their Country, their Community. Their hopes and wishes are not for toys or gadgets, but for someone they love. For Hope, safety and strength to carry on. There are also many families that are trying to celebrate this holiday knowing that someone they love will soon be deploying. Some will be working in our communities and giving their time caring for our elders, our sick, homeless, and travelers. The list is long, their deeds no less important.

I ask of you to take a moment or perhaps a bit more time. Say a prayer, stop and visit or even pick up the phone. Let those with an empty chair know you are thinking of them this holiday.

An Orange for Christmas

Looking back over the years, I still hold one Christmas in particular as my most favorite. I was six and our family was stationed at Goose Bay, in Labrador. I was hoping that I would get a new front tooth to grow in faster for Christmas, but as the day grew closer, I realized that these things can take more time than I would have thought. Life in Goose Bay was very different to the winters I had seen in New York, Maine and New Jersey. We had lived there for nine months when December came around. When we came to live there, daylight ruled and we kept blinds and heavy curtains over our windows to sleep at night. Now the days held very little light and we had to call for the wind-chill every morning before going out.




Everything we needed had to be flown in. There were very little selections besides basic needs. Care packages from family or friends back in the States were treasures. There were no cows and so our milk was mixed from powdered form in huge vats. Cardboard cartons were dipped in wax so there was a nearby and constant supply. We learned to keep a small strainer close at hand and pour our milk through, avoiding clumps of unmixed milk or chunks of wax.



I was intrigued with the Eskimos that lived near by in a town called Happy Valley. I had a Parka and Mukluks made by a dear Eskimo woman, named Voisy. Her son had fashioned her sewing machine on the arm of an old cushioned chair. Her home was tiny and the floors were dirt, but the oil lamps made it very cozy. I remember her answering the door, chewing on a piece of seal leather to make it soft for Mukluks. She didn't talk very much, but her eyes were happy as she went about her business measuring everyone and making sure that our Parka's would be special to each of us.



One evening, right before Christmas eve, my parents made sure we were all dressed in our Sunday best, Down the road we went to one of the big plane hangers for a party. There were two big tables mounded with presents, one for boys, and the other for girls. Beyond that was a table heaped with the biggest and most beautiful apples and oranges I had ever seen. Santa was there also. After picking a wrapped gift, we were able to pick out an apple or an orange each. It had been so long since I had fruit like this! Especially the orange! (The apple was beautiful, but with a tooth missing, I knew more difficult to chomp into!).



It took me several days to eat my precious orange. I treasured it and spent a few days just smelling it. Those days in Labrador are still wrapped close in my memory. We had few things, but mostly we had each other. Military families are one big, close knit family The simple gift of an orange, may be taken for granted by some, but very appreciated by others.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Like most of you, it is a time of reflection for me as the year is coming to a close. I've weathered a difficult year for business and have had a major loss in my life. I am finding that it can take a very long time to settle an estate, realize that someone won't be coming home and understand that there are many more changes than I could have ever thought. My wee folk are the balance to difficult days. I am most honored with emails and calls that tell me that they make you smile also

As I look back at the body of what I have created this year, I am thinking as I do every year... just how am I going to go beyond this???? Somehow, something sparks my interest or grabs my attention and I am right back in front of the drawing board, working out an idea. I am always amazed at what I come up with; happy to inspire and be inspired. This is my passion and what I was born to do. There isn't a button to push and stop this crazy carousel of creating. I have been making art for as long as I can remember and realize that it won't just end at a given year when I am supposed to retire. It is a drive... a calling.

I am fortunate to be able to embrace kindred brothers and sisters. I'm ever humbled to think that so much of my work is a treasure for someone. A Santa or perhaps a Pumpkin witch, carefully packed away in some one's holiday boxes to decorate their homes and their lives. My heart smiles when I receive a photo of these wee folk, so that I can see them living happily and cherished in their home. There is no greater gift than to see a love connection in some one's eyes as they are drawn heart and soul to these little ones. Over 100 of my friends have been adopted this year...in a most difficult financial year for so many of us. I am stunned.

The New Year brings so much anticipation for all of us. We will look ahead with all goode things in mind. I know I am excited for the journey I am headed on. I know that there will not be great happiness without tears. I also know that I have goode friends and family ready to link arms and move forward. My work will continue and on a broader scale. You may see my designs in a gift store or at a friend's home. It may not shout out, "designed by Stacey"... but you will know. You will see the same spirit in the drawing or recognise a few of my friends in a different media. I am happy to grow and to share what gives me the greatest pleasure with all of you. I am most of all, thankful to have the opportunities to do this.

Tis the Season

November seems to have gone by me with great haste! My days are filled with caring for my Mom still and enjoying time with my daughters, who are adjusting well to living with Grandma and Poppa up at the big Farmhouse. I see them most days and there is so much laughter between all of us. It does my heart good to know that this decision made together was the right one and they will enjoy their school years here. We are all so much closer and appreciative of each other. I look back now and see how my parents had to make the same difficult decision with me. The best decisions are not selfish ones.

I decided to try doing a local show this past weekend. It is the first one since my Father took so ill and passed away. I wasn't sure just how much I could do to fill a booth with such busy days, but with some help, I managed to fill a small space. I went back to Weston this year and it was wonderful! A bit of winter fell softly upon us as we made our way down the mountain the first night and greeted us on our way back up the next morning. I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new. It is a tough year for all of us and one can't go into a show without being mindful of the loss of jobs. I did just fine, even with the move from my regular show. Now I begin my work for the January show that will be upon me in a blink.

Above are some pictures of the show, along with my Pickwick Toad on Simply Primitives. Enjoy the Season~

Let The Holidays Begin!!!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I am deep in my work. I can't imagine NOT working at this frenzied pace this time of year. So many of my wee folk are springing to life before my eyes and I know as they come together that this is exactly what I was born to do.

This is the perfect time to share with you exactly where the Goode Wife will be this week. I remember those beginning years when Pam and I would do 4 plus shows just during November and December. It was a very crazy work time, mixed with so many fond memories. I decided that it was time for this gal to go back home a bit.

Weston Holiday Bazaar

Weston Playhouse, Weston Vermont

Friday and Saturday,Nov. 27th &28th

10-4 pm

One of the best things about this show is that it is a quick stroll to The Vermont Country Store. If you've never had the pleasure, you will walk into an old country store and see much of your childhood. If you've been there before, I know there is a smile on your face as you read this... it is most certainly like coming home. What better place to spend Black Friday and Saturday ? Leaving the big box stores and rush behind and enjoying instead , a quaint Holiday Show with a piece of home for dessert. Do stop in and say hello, I'd love to see you.

A Love Connection

Our art is most certainly a journey and such a labor of love. We put ourselves and our heart out in a most public way and you see our visions. I am not sure how I am going to part with these two ladies when they are adopted. I have had the same thought for many of my friends, but these two show my journey, not just in the friend I have chosen, but the construction for which I have no training for. I cannot follow a clothing pattern if my life depended on it. I have found that with much patience, I can construct these small dresses and surprise myself in the process. My key has actually been the show, Project Runway. So many of my colleagues were talking about it and I thought to myself that I am no fashionista...heck, I don't think I own a shirt without coffee or paint on it somewhere. I decided to see just what my friends were talking about and I must say I am hooked. I love watching these designers as they manipulate fabric on mannequins and the enjoyment of working in a group studio. It has given me the inspiration to work on my own little models and work the vision.

Enjoy a cup of something hot and browse my fellow artists and I on TDIPT Mercantile where it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas~