Kicking and Screaming

Time, please don't rush by so quickly...

I have so much to do still. 

Summer is going by in a blink.

I am enjoying the sun and the flowers~ 

watching the bees work so hard.

Butterflies in the sunlight

 and

 fireflies in the moonlight.

It can't possibly be that July is coming to an end.

August is at the door....

I'm just not ready.

Not quite yet.

Summer Love

Our days at the cottage are wrapped in lots of Summer love. 

The days bring a hum as creating is in full swing. It may not seem it you all of you, but it is.
You see, changes are coming about ~
I am following the plan that was started last year and it must have been the right path, because we found that there was one more BIG change.

...remember the 5 weddings in the Walsh clan?

well, 6 babies will be given this year. So far, 4 have arrived. Tim's daughter, Kelly and her husband expect a stork visit in October.

As we step in to lend a hand, my work ability will change depending on how much this Nonna will be needed....

 So the preparations in my work began when snow still covered the ground.

My offerings have been mostly sculpted  or Mousels...and this month, both!

As time moves on, you will see the path I am taking for now. I think you will be as happy as I am.

til then, enjoy butterfly days and firefly nights.

Summer Goodes...

Click on Marjorie to visit the Picture Trail Show * Note Cards are available to purchase also.

How do these long Summer days just fly by so fast?

A blink ago it was May.....

now it is almost July.

We have had plenty of gatherings among family members.

 Some near, some a little farther. 

My creating takes a back seat seat on weekends during the Summer... 

The weekdays are always a bit wild.

This week was the opening of my first 2014 Picture Trail Show~ 

if you haven't stopped by, you can click on the picture above and enjoy.

There are still plenty of fun things left.....

Francine and Thelma

These two are photo faced and rag stuf't.
Perfectly prim; the technique used will embed the photo into the fabric and allows me to age it.
( THAT was a good day!)

Joyce and Ester

These gals have dusting skills.

Quirky fun. 

I had to keep one in my China cabinet.

Design by Netty LaCroix

Love these tucks. 

Netty's patterns are my very favorite.

Netty's Shoe Pinkeeps

I've loved these little shoes for forever! My first Primitive Pattern was this one. 

*******

A couple of my favorites that have found homes already....

Sally Starling

This year, I embraced my Starling friends.

There is a group that make their homes in the building next door to us and each year I watch them raise their families.
Did you know that their beaks change color? Yellow in the Spring and Summer and black for the Fall and Winter.

Eliza's Gloves

One of my designs from the beginning years and a classic. I don't do the white gloves as often as I should, but they are  always treasured.

Some more quirky fun~

The cream basket is still available.

Stop by to see the whole show.

Mrs, Munson's Tea

This piece is becoming a series.
(and more)

 I can't wait until you see what is ahead! 

 Something "wicked goode" is on it's way.....

but alas, 

that is for another day.

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.