The Call of Fall

This morning has once again dawned overcast, but gone is the steamy humidity and a big chill sets in for the next couple of days. The skies change from milky to dark gray and a misty cold rain falls. The candles are burning and Mother Nature is giving me a nudge to keep me fueled with Fall inspire.

For me, it is more than a love of Halloween, it is wrapping up in the yesterdays of olde. A little history..a sprinkle of Puritan and I find my heart content. I love my wee Dollhouse; the rituals and treasures that make it ever changing and ever filled with possibilities. They set the stage and Mother Earth gives me a reminder every once in awhile and I am lost for the day......except... I  need one more thing to seal the spell....a mug of Hot Chocolate.

Works of Heart

I saw this lovely Lily of the Valley heart idea on Pinterest last year, but time escaped me and I didn't follow through. As my Lilies opened this year, I was determined. It's not that it took a long time to do ~ in a few minutes, it was complete...it's just tearing myself away from what I am working on.
Sound familiar?

Art is truly a wonderful journey of self exploration. while there is really no concept that hasn't been done, it is how we choose to put our personal stamp on it. With me lately, it is not just about  making a mouse or sculpting a piece, it becomes a bigger picture. I love the play of texture and form...I love a range of whites. I am drawn to areas that that have been painted and how, in time, the wood shows it's grain...it's voice.

Of course, those that really know me, know that there always has to be humor! Nothing like a photo bomb, right?

Create what tugs at your heart, you will never go wrong. Time will put a stamp on what you do and with time, you and others will see what is clearly you. No matter where concepts, or heartstrings lead trust that your style, your heart will come through.

The Magic of Fridays

I love this time of year. The smell of the grass as the lawn is mowed....birdsong that begins before the sun rises and the magic of Fridays. 

Do understand that  I have worked mostly retail and my own business. Rarely a Monday through Friday job....but I do try to make weekends more of a family time this time of year, as shows will creep into the Holiday Season. It's not for long, but it is treasured. 

I've finished this week of packing orders and getting my first Early Work offering. It has been  jam packed  and steady. I'll still "work" this weekend; but it will be creating, designing and putting some finishing touches on a few of my Wee friends.  Tonight I am smiling and ready to dig in... two whole days of POSSIBILITIES!  How can you not be excited???  ~ it's the magic; the favorite part of what I do...and it starts right now!

The Fickle Month of May

May can be a fickle month here in Upstate New York.  She teases you with warm temperatures and lures you into opening your windows for gentle breezes by day and the lulling of peepers by night....Iced tea is made, the grill is getting a workout and the gardens are starting to take shape. Then, without any warning, she sneaks Jack Frost back in to have one last Runamuck!

For me, I have been busy with family and work.  I do want to thank everyone that took part in my sale ~ It was amazing and I'm still working on orders!

In between it all, I have been busy squeezing some creating in. Life gets so busy from May to December for me. I am getting the show applications in as fast as they are coming in the mail, it seems. I will settle on a few nice shows and leave some time for my other endeavors. 

This morning was my first appearance on Early Work Mercantile. I awoke to several requests to adopt dear Stella. The emails have still continued with requests to see more. When one door closes, another opens.  I have come to Early Work, the place that was the best fit for my work. Thank you Tina for the invite, and thank you Mr. Frost for the inspire.

Altho Stella is spoken for, please click on her picture and enjoy the very talented works of some wonderful Ladyes~

Celebrate '13

It's fun to look back and see where we were and just how far we have come. Raven's Haven Folk Art Patterns have officially turned 10 years old.  The sewing journey started 5 years earlier though. I had 
no sewing experience. A "D" on my sewing attempt of a shirt in Home Economics, in 7th grade. Talk about being self taught!

Although I giggle about having a pattern company and not knowing how to sew~ it certainly made my success. I kept it simplified because I didn't know how to sew.I admit, that it was daunting at first and not many doll makers would share. My Mentor simply told me to draw it out on fabric, stitch it up and stuff it. Sometimes it will work out and sometimes it won't. She is a Vermonter to the core, but with her words, she gave me wings. While I watched others switch a bunch of pattern parts around from other designers and call it theirs; I was using my gift of drawing. I could truly go to a show and say, these are my own designs.....and that I did.

Until the economy got wobbly. With the help and a huge shove of an Internet friend, he walked me through the scary parts. I took a 8 week course in my county for how to start your own business and still my knees were just as wobbly as the economy. In order to make a living, I needed to do more than just local shows and patterns were an answer. My designs were good sellers and when shared with other doll makers, they did do pretty good. ....but a pattern?

I approach my designs as a problem to solve and with not much experience, it was all about simple and straightforward  Primitives have a simplicity to them. Clean lines and technique. A seasoned seamstress may wince, but most seem to just have fun.

As I have grown, so have the patterns. Most are simple, but none are difficult. I try to keep them fun and make sure that they don't take too long. It works....10 years, yes, that is something to celebrate!

My patterns will be on sale until Sunday, May 12th at midnight. We are celebrating Mother's Day too! This is the last weekend. You can click on any pattern and you will find yourself there.

Enjoy

Create

Thank you so much for a successful sale. Happy stitching, everyone !

Early Works

I have been doing a lot of thinking over many months. I enjoy doing local shows and have had some fun opportunities besides. I sit down every six months or so and make a plan...what works, what doesn't and most of all~ what do I want to do???

I had thought with the closing of TDIPT, that I would simply take a break for awhile.....but goode things fall on your lap. Well, more than goode, here~ simply wonderful! 

I was contacted by Early Works Mercantile. Over the past couple of years, I have watched this talented group grow to become a stunning site. One of the plans that I have been working towards, is to lean towards a more Early and Primitive style~ to go back where I love to create. It was like a sign...so here I go! I will open my spot on May 15th and I have a couple of goode pieces, I have been working on. I believe they will fit in rather nicely.

Until I get there, do stop by and enjoy the many Artisans and their goode work. A click on the picture above will take you

~*~ 

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.