Excuse Me While I Fly Around!

Kitchen Witch
 

It's been too long since I have traveled in Blogland.   It is looking a lot like Halloween the past few months at Butternut Creek Folk Art.  Some new "friends" are in the store now .....but they will all be out for our  Open House on October 5, 2013 (Saturday). 10-5pm.  It will be fun. Our Favorite Time of the Year is Almost Here!

Christmas Greetings!



Farley's Store Soy Candle

Well here it is the magical time of the year!  I wish everyone of you the very best the season has to offer.  If my blog is looking sparce I am in the process of taking down many of my pictures and albums as it seems that folks from other countries are copying my work.  It is a pleasure to share what I have been working on but I am  not pleasured by theft.  
I don't really know if Blogger and FaceBook  are really doing me any favors.  To post or not to post that is the question? I am thankful beyond measure that I have a store were I can meet , interact and KNOW  my clients....I love that.
God bless you guys and gals that must rely on the internet for your sales!  

Merry Christmas!

p.s.  Vicky Ingwersen  has encouraged me to make candles  and I am loving it!

Hog Has Left the Building





It's Maple Time and A Sad Time

Sap Buckets and Remembrance Bows

It's Maple Time in Chardon, the Maple Syrup capital of Ohio.  All of us that call Chardon and Geauga County home, look forward to this time of the year....it's a rite of passage.  The  annual Maple Festival is taking place at the end of April, at the town square park.  Thousands will visit our town and celebrate Spring. 
This year is just different we usually average about 140 inches of snow. Last I checked we are under 50 inches.  
This year  Chardon is hurting.  Many of you may have heard the reports on the news  of the Chardon High School shootings, leaving 3 dead, 2 hurt.  Our people have been injured.  Chardon is  mourning. 

Our Town Square Park

Mia's Bridge



Mia 1993-2012 
above picture in her prime



Mia, let us know this morning that she was too tired and too weak to go on another day.  19 years, 8 months and several days were enough for our dear Mia, a Siamese kitty.  The last four years were a struggle and with many close calls and rebounds.  A year ago I became uncomfortable with all the testing and the medications and IVs.  Tim and I decided to let Mia tell us what she wanted.  I would have gone with the meds and all again....but why?

Until late last night she was still jumping up on things...knocking over things....wanting to be held.

Then there was the change.... almost instantly .

Being only 3 pounds I brought her into our bedroom this morning and laid her on my chest.  She looked up at me and with a silent meow she told me...and I knew. 



Open House Drawing Winner Is Announced

And the winner  of this snowman is:
S. Horton!

Christmas at Farley's Country Store

Christmas at Farley's
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
at Farley's Country Store
Our open House is 
10 December 2011
10 AM- 4PM
Hope to see you!
Dolls...Goat Milk Fudge..Maple Products

Barn Stars.... 

food samplings and refreshments!!!!

Now, that I have been sewing like a mad, crazy,woman for the past 6 weeks. I look around at my work and I see that there are NO SANTA'S!!!

Tim and I are hosting the annual holiday open house at Farley's Country Store December 10th....do you think anyone will notice?
Sure I have a multitude of snowmen, elves and ornies ...WHAT NO SANTA's!!!
Truth is, I couldn't think of a Santa I wanted to make. Nor could I find a Santa pattern that I wanted to make.
I am feeling a bit guilty at this posting.....maybe I should make at least one Santa just because I do believe in him!

Update:::: Guilt truly overcame me!  I was up til  1AM last night finding the one and only Santa pattern for 2011. 
 "Hidden In the Attic's"  "Santa Holding Deer" is my pick.  

Things are Flying at Faern-laega






It's fall and Odette is flying the skies of   Faern-Laega.

She would make a great tree topper for  your All Hallows Eve Tree.

 Design from the lovely mind of Susan Barmore.

Hello My Pretties!

LUNA

Yeesh!  It's been 2 months since I posted last.  Shame on me.  But I have not been idle.  I helped my Aunt and Uncle dispose of the remaining contents of my Grandma's house. This property has been in the family since the Revolutionary War...the land was a grant from the Western Reserve of Connecticut,issued to war veterans to help with the growing east coast population  expand westward.  It's a long, long story .. I was the recipient of many, many lovely items. 
There is one story that I have to tell at a later date about a trunk Circa 1828. 
The above wee lass is  Luna, a design from the lovely mind of Jenn West.  I made 4 Luna sisters and the have all found homes throughout the country.  I have just a few more items for the fall and Halloween to complete and then it has to be  only Christmas on my mind.
Salt Box primitive house have found their way in to the  list of offering in the store.  Nancy DeRosa, made one and I knew I had to give it a try.  Love them. 
My dear husband Tim and I have also be cutting out silhouettes of 6ft high witches, scary cats, turkeys, moons and star, roosters and ponies to offer our patrons. 
It will be a busy  upcoming weekend,  Apple Butter Festival, Covered Bridge Festival and more...the leaves on the trees will be peaking next weekend and the glorious color is splendid right now!  This is truly the best time of the year!
Oh! I am on Face Book and I feel quite guilty for neglecting my various blogs.  I find that blogs are so much more personal and you can really get to know about a person through this medium.  But each have their charming features!

ZenTangle





 I went to ZenTangle workshop last weekend.  I am not what you would describe as a Zen person, however, this art form does give your brain a chance to declutter....really it does in the first 10 minutes!  Yes, you say to yourself..."this is like doodling that I did on my 7th grade notebooks".  (you don't want to mention the word "doodle" to an ZenTangle instructor).   What ever your art form is I think you can apply ZenTangle to it.  The above work is not mine I just put it  up as an example.  Mine would not photograph well.   www.zentangle.com  give it a try...you can not screw it up.

p.s.  I am having a blast on facebook.

I am so ready for Fall





Yes I am!!!  I went into summer with  somewhat of a plan to get a fare amount of product completed by September 1.    It is never enough.  I feel good about what I have done so far.   This scary, kinda cute, Pumpkin Jack  was a  pleasure to make.  Lucy Rox has done it again.  The pattern is excellently written.   The result is a unique fall friend.   Jack is not up for adoption yet.  He reminds me of the lighter side to life.

I am now on facebook. ....not exactly thrilled with the idea.  But I am there....why remains to be revealed to me!  I am a blogger fan!  Makes more sense to me!

Remember to join all of the ladies of Prim Chat tonight  8pm EST.  See (hear) you there.

Meet Plain Jane

PLAIN JANE

Jane is  that one little girl we all had in our elementary school that was a  devilish lass.  The boys loved to pull  her  pigtails. 

This pattern was designed by Lucy from Lucy Lazy Dayz Primitives.  Jane is about 48 inches in height.  She is prim perfect.  I loved making this  doll....just an excellent  true prim pattern...I will be making several more of Lucy's designs in the coming months.  Please visit her at the link above.

 Jane will be the pre-holiday  special order item  for August at Farley's Country Store.

What's on the Worktable?



Circus Ella



Vintage Circus Ella

   Time has gotten away from me again.  I intended to post these two lovely ladies last week.  They have both found loving new homes .  I had the fore site to make multiples...so now I must get the others dressed....so they to can find someone to love them forever, and ever. G.O.P. Ella (as seen below) is out on the campaign trail.....you go girl!

The Ellas were created from a pattern by Brenda of The Vintage Polka Dot.    Brenda has really, really great patterns...visit Brenda's site by following the link.  

What's on the worktable:  Witches, witches, and more witches, pumpkins, Veggies, Big Prairie Doll by Lucy Rox, crows, Fraktur Birds, a little clown I dreamed up, a great pumpkin with vines from Lucy Rox, witches and mummy's on bobbins....I can't wait my favorite time of the year is just around the corner!!!!

Happy 8th of July!

G.O.P. Ella
(Grand Olde Pachyderm)

Just got back from our vacation and was it a jam packed one.    On our way home from Minnesota we  stopped in Tomah, WI and visited with Lucy from Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives.  I  met Lucy for the first time 2 years ago.  On Thursday  we  picked up where we left off two years ago.  Lucy's space at "The Cranberry Country Mall"  is just prim perfect!  Lucy's work is displayed  so you can see everything, and  each piece stands out and speaks for itself.   Her patterns are also for sale and I have 2 new ones to work on!   It is always inspiring to talk to Lucy.... and see Lucy's masterpieces.    Make sure you  join Lucy, me and all the Prim Chat  Ladies for Monday's show .... p.s. Lucy rocks!
G.O.P. Ella is one of several Elephants I completed just before vacation.   This is a pattern by Brenda Sanker of The Vintage Polka Dot.  Brenda's  patterns are beautiful, thoughtful and extremely comprehensive....try one soon.
Hope you had a great Independence Day and I will be back with more pictures of my completed dolls and let you know what is on  my work table.  Till next time......

Mama Bear and Baby Bear




 Joining Papa Bear is Mama and Baby Bear.  What a great project....the Three Bears!   Based on  a pattern  by Vicky from Olde Homestead Barn .




Papa Bear



Papa Bear

It's been awhile since have have posted to this blog....my hands have not been idle.   Farley's Country Store is keeping both Tim and I on our toes.  Sales have been good and we continue to thank the Lord  for blessing us with patrons.  I have several pics of new pieces  to  post in the next several days  ('bout time I know...where has the time gone this year??)
Papa Bear  is my version of a pattern by Vicky from Olde Homestead Barn.  This pattern from Olde Homestead Barn is truly rewarding.  The possibilities are endless.  It is a big, big piece!

Hog Of Faern-Laega Art Dolls

Hog
Copyrighted 2011

Here is my newest DOD.   To see more pictures of the forehead and back view of Hog (there is somthing special on  the back of his skull).  go to  http://www.faern-laega.blogspot.com/.

Grace at Faern-Laega Art Dolls

For a little more about Grace follow this link:
www.faern-laega.blogspot.com

Curves

We never know what our days will be comprised of.   We all hope for the good ....but still you never know  when there will be a curve thrown in.   This morning was one of those curvy days.   The store and our "nest" is located at a well traveled intersection.  Two cars met in an unfortunate moment and both of  the vehicles ended up  hitting two parts of our building.  Nothing  to major for us....but instances like this always bring to mind a lot of  "what ifs".  What if Tim and Lily came in from outside 2 mins later ....they would have been hit.   What if????   Anyway, most importantly I hope the one man is OK. He did not respond to Tim's calls to him.  The other driver is young and I am sure will be hurting in the next few days.  I guess what I want to say is remember to slow down, be aware of your surroundings. 

What's on the work table!

Elephants  (waiting for the material to come)

Day of the Dead Biker--as cute as a biker can get!

Goth Baby---My design!

Mini Lady Dragonfly---Just like the one I made at the Holidays!

Stay tuned!

                  P.S Date night on Saturday:  The Moon Dog Coronation Ball  ( Rock On)

Matchbook Comes Back Home

Matchbook from 1939 or 1940

EBay is such a cool thing!  Last week I found this listing and I knew I had to buy it....it needed to come back home.   I must admit I was stumped for 10 seconds on who J M Farley was who had a store in Chardon.  Then I knew JULIA M. FARLEY..... my grandmother.  Welcome back little matchbook!


J. M. Farley  @1900



Sheep, Rabbits, and Mice

Extreme Primitive Sheep Pull Toy



 


Whigleigh Doodle Dandy, Whighleigh's Carrots, Lord Whighleigh

 I just realized that I have not posted any of my "doings" since before Christmas.   I am battling the flu today. ...so I will not be going into details about the patterns I used.   I must say though,  the "Whighleighs" have stolen my heart.


Patriotic Picnic Parade

 

What'da Think Mr. Groundhog

I sincerely hope all of you are safe and secure in  your "nests" tonight.   We are getting ready for 6 to 8 hours of hard freezing rain.  I would take the 2 feet of snow without question...that's happening about 100 northeast of Chardon.   I hope we don't loose power....we are as ready as we can be...the fish will have the battery power back up heater and air tank..... Mia, Max, Ming and Lily will sleep through it all...it's that Tim and Carol I'm not so sure about. LOL!

It's been a month since I posted and we had some fun in January.  I had mentioned last blog we were going to a Medieval Dinner....well that was fun!!!  Tim and I won best dressed couple by the King and Queen.  We won a nights stay at the Riders Inn (where the dinner was)  and a bottle of  mead "Honey Wine".  I think we look really dorky in this picture.  Tim looks like he swallowed a frog and I looked totally p.o'ed that he swallowed the darn frog.  Good time had by all.
                              ***************
    One of my favorite museums in Cleveland is the Western Reserve Historical Society.  On January 22 "Somewhere in Time Party" took place to benefit the museum.  When I received a letter asking for a donation to the !970's theme dinner auction.  I knew I had to make a day of the dead doll....(slap me on the head I didn't take a picture of him).   Anyway, he is like the "Peace" doll over at Faern-Laega Art Dolls .  I was assured on Monday that he found  a very good  new home.
 I have started  Dixie Redmond's Izannah Walker doll workshop.  I have never clay sculpted before and it is  a real challenge.  I will be learning patience....I have none  by the way.
                                ****************
I would just like to take a second and remind everyone to keep batteries in your smoke detectors....really  the detector will only do their job and save our lives if  the batteries are in the detector.   One early morning 3 weeks ago..our neighbor's house caught on fire and everyone made it out EXCEPT for the father...his 15 year old stepson tried to go back in for his step-dad who was in the basement....the fire was too far along.  Check your batteries right now...please!!!   And watch those candles and space heaters... we have an Edenpure and love it!
The wind is starting to pick up  and the roof is creaking...so I better sign off.   Take care and be safe everyone!
Until next time!

Twelfth Night Coming Up

Happy New Year to you!   We made it through another year!!!  Congrats  to us all.   Now, it being January 1, we can do the whole thing over again and

perfect the art of living.

I had a great year... I learned a lot ... pushing myself  past the comfort level that I am accustomed too...emerging victoriously... and can't wait for the next project which is just an email away.

My dear husband gave me an early birthday present tonight....

Dixie Redmond's Izannah Walker Workshop.  I have wanted to do the workshop, but it wasn't until  now that I had the time to commit to it. (I may be sweating bullets on this one).

My cousin Carane, gave Tim and I the best Christmas gift.   The three of us will be going to Rider's Inn for The Twelfth Night Dinner.  We will be going to the costume shoppe next week.  What should I be? 

Tim wants to be a Knight's Templar.

I will have to make a medieval dress  at some point.   For the last year or so, I have been researching medieval dinners....I hope to host a dinner in the next year or two. (it's on my bucket list)

All my best to you in the new year!

Lady Dragonfly...Again

I had a brain freeze the other day and deleted my post about my magical bug.  I had a couple requests for a full picture of Lady Dragonfly.   She is a big piece and is awkward to photograph with my very limited expertise.
Tim and I hosted an in store "open house" this past Saturday and it was very successful....we thank everyone who came...It was a great!  Lady Dragonfly greeted everyone as they walked in the door.   She will be living in Chicago.

Aye Karumba!

Taken from doorway of the store 3 days ago.

We are into day 3 of the Lake Erie Snow effect storm.  We have 30 inches of  snow...much higher drifts.....
and NO SNOW PLOW GUY ....poor Robert he was plowing my cousins driveway yesterday and someone swerved to miss him and an other man in a pic up T-Boned Robert.  
Well snowplowing in emergency situation comes at a premium in these parts.  One plow for ER plow $150.00 .  Gheez  I am in the wrong biz.   
I wouldn't  worry about the plowing but I have  the open house this Saturday and I  am really..really....nervous.  Tim says it will be OK.   I think we should buy a used pick up and a plow.  I don't want to be stuck like this.   
I have made a few more Christmas themed items and  I've done lots of baking.
I should have started this post  by thanking all of you for your thoughtful  comments and e-mails  about my cat SU who passed away Saturday.  Her twin sister, Mia, is very lonely and calls for SU at certain times of the day....sad.
Well folks think good thoughts for me that the snow stops and I can get a reasonable plow or that Robert is back in business by Friday.
Keep Warm!!!

Su

Su April 1992- Dec.4,2010

Tim and I had to make the painful decision 2 hours ago to let our Suie  cross the " rainbow bridge."  She had been  ill the last 3 weeks and just couldn't get over the hump.  Tim gave her subcutaneous water IV's and Thyroid meds.  Su was eating again.....  I thought we were making progress. She was helping me paint some Santa ornaments yesterday afternoon.  I held her tightly last night something she would never, ever let me  do ......I am glad she finally  allowed me to hug her.  I had no idea that we would find her in the basement...still with us but ....she was just too weak.
Su was humanely put to rest with her head in my hand and Tim by our side.
It was a good run Su.

A Full Plate




OUR THANKSGIVING DINNER 2010
A Flawless Meal

 

I hope all of you had a fantabulous day!

The Menu is posted on
my food blog http://www.twodeadbananas.blogspot.com/

A Halloween Poem and My New Day of The Dead Dolls

   Shadow's of the night..

Falling silently

Echo of the past....

Calling you to me.

Haunting memory...

Veiled in misty glow

Phantom melody....

Playing soft and low.

In this world that we know now

Life is here, then gone.

But some where in the after glow

Love lives on and on.

Dreams of long ago...

Meet in rendezvous.

Shadows of the night...

Calling me to you.

Happy Halloween!

I Hate That When It Happens!

I have been working on bride and groom Day of the Dead Dolls.  With my fingers crossed, I will have them completed for November 2. ...just in time for Day of the Dead.  

The "couple" are very detailed and so far they are some of my best work.  I would love to show you a picture...only when they are complete.

Monday night the tux was nearly done....just a good pressing was needed.    My iron was way too hot....and it melted....."OH @$#&".
All of the clothing for my DOTD  dolls are made without patterns.  
I had enough fabric, so I started a replacement jacket.  Nothing went right...too big here..too small there....in the trash can.  

The nearest JoAnne's is 18 miles away.   I found the suiting material. and several other fabrics perfect for future Day of the Deads.  Moonlight Madness at JoAnn is this Saturday  and Sunday and I am using my 50% off to buy a mini quilters iron , just so I can get in all the tiny little prim spaces.   I think I need to get busy as Christmas is 60 some days away!  OH! OH ! OH!

Catching Up!

Wow!  Someone please tell me where the last 2 months went.  I haven't blogged for two months.....unbelievable.  Anyway.. this picture is me peddling my creativity  along side  a dusty road ....just kidding.... interesting picture, though.   I love the horse...dolls look interesting, too!  I should be sewing as I have dolls that have to be done this weekend.  I am working on  bride and groom Day of the Deads and another Hot Air Balloon with Uncle Sam and Lady Libby.  The bride and groom's "sugar" skulls are nearly done.  I know exactly how I want the bridal dress....but not sure how to construct it .....big HMM!!!

 I would like to take this opportunity  (it is long overdue) to THANK ALL OF YOU for following this blog as well as all my other blogs.   I  truly feel honored when I see another follower pop up.   I don't have contests or give-aways...I just write and if anyone really likes what I  blog ...I know that you are interested in my little world...plain and simple.    I would like to THANK ALL MY STORE CLIENTS for your continual support and patronage.  Even in these difficult economic times....you have been there at the store door...It is my sincere pleasure to offer my dolls and primitives to you!                                        *****************************************

And here is a picture from 1925 of my "nest "and store.   This is where I grew up and and live today with my husband Tim.    I will add a  current picture this weekend.  It has been so rainy and Saturday I am finishing up the fall decorations I have made for the front of the store......I love them....cats and witches pumpkin and mums.....my favorite time of the year is finally here!!!!

New Art Dolls at Faern-Laega Art Dolls

A new couple just arrived at FAERN-LAEGA Art Dolls.  The  town has never seen anyone like them!   They look friendly enough...You decide.  

 Click on link to see the whole story .

 http://www.faern-laega.blogspot.com 

                                             

Stepping Out of the Pumpkin Patch.....

"Sew little fingers look what you have made"

See I have been busy!  I have new "friends" and  old "friends" returning to Butternut Creek.

JOY RIDE

This first wee lass is on her way to FAERN-LAEGA Art Dolls.   Her twin sister rode into the home and hearts of a collector.  This is a Frowning Francis Design.  What a rewarding piece that is 12 inches high and wide.  There is ton of detail...small twists and turns.  I would not recommend this to a beginner.

BETTZ TAKES A REST

Bettz is back again this fall by popular demand.  She is a wonderful and enchanting piece.  You need a large space for this piece and I think you could leave it out all year  and not tire of her.  She is a Grabby Gabby design.  A very rewarding piece to create.

PUMPKIN AND CROW CENTERPIECE

Impressive centerpiece..perfect for all of the fall festivities.  The Crow rests easily in the "Y" of a branch.  Remove him for a more formal look.  A big statement!

HEDRA  THE FIELD WITCH

Hedra is back again this year is a small doll  and loves to hide in the pumpkins.  She is a Frowning Francis design  and is delightful. 

SALEM......  THE SCARECROW

Salem isn't scary at all.  The crows love him..  This was  a fun make-do designed by Crabby Gabby.

  SALEM is now living at the same home as JOY RIDE.

  

What's on the worktable: Day of the Dead dolls

Carol ....What's with All The Houses!

"FARLEY MEADOW"

Lebanon, NJ
circa 1791

I found this property last night doing some family research .  I am doing further work to track down what ancestor built and lived at this site.  I wanted to share it with you.   I see a primitive blank canvas...do you?

This property is for sale.    Tim said,  "Just a few more dolls, Pussycat...a few more dolls".

P.S.   You should see the Halloween piece I'm working on!

A Sad Little House

Would this make a  great prim cottage ?   This little house has been in my thoughts since May.  I  was bitten by  the genealogy bug to find the property that my  great-great grandparents owned.   I have the maps with the land owners...however things change over the years....new roads and new developments.  I have hope that "our" farmhouse dating from at  least 1838   is still in existence.  Fortunately,  Music Street still has many, many fantastic New England style old homes from the 1820's.  Thankfully,  they are now well kept horse farms. .......but this little house pictured ..not so lucky...it is circa 1832, or 178 years of age.   If only I had a wallet filled with a lot of dead presidents wrapped  with a bungee cord.   I hope this  Prim Cottage gets  some love ....soon!

The Artist :William Bezek

I found this amazing artist's blog the other day .  He is living in Cleveland Ohio.  .   If you are into Halloween and Day of the Dead Dolls  you have to take a look.  Make sure you click on the first album on his blogs side bar and see his work.....5WOWS!  http://www.williambezek.blogspot.com

Two New Girls in Town!

Here is a sneak peek at the two new girls that just moved to  FAERN-LAEGA .  For full  description and more pix go to my Art Doll  Site
http://www.faern-laega.blogspot.com/

Some of My Kids with Paws

Ming decided he would take care of the customers at the store counter today.

I was cleaning and rearranging  dolls and things for a "JULY YULE TREE".Ming sees a camera and he will pose instantly.

He truly is my beautiful, priceless Ming.

************************

This is   "Max"imilian.  He is just a crazy love bug.  He is drunk with cat nip in this picture.

He is a beautiful Silver Bengal with a pelt coat that resembles tarnished silver.

Max is the house jester.

******************************************

Here is One of the Grand Dames Mia Sophia!   

 This is the gal that almost didn't make  last weekend.  Mia is doing so much

better.  Her identical twin sister Su takes the worst pictures just like me!  So I will spare you.