Just BEEcause!

I hope not to offend anyone  by the following  if I do I am sorry

                                                                         Last night, as a swarm of big "B" words spewed from my mouth,  "Bitch, Bastard";  I  paused and gave the benefit of my doubt to the perpetrator who gave me multiple computer viruses.  "Poor souls with low self esteem....only way to get noticed!  What a shame that such computer savvy talents are wasted on the unsuspected.  I know within a few sites of where these "B" or "B" dwell in blogland...and that gives me some sad satisfaction.   "B's" and "B's" please  make yourselves useful as I know you can be.  Get some help if you're angry....just get over what ever it is and be a blessing in disguise. 

....and be kind to one another, full of pity having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you ...(and me)

Pale Madame

"Why doth your highness look so pale and wan"?

-Titus Andronicus  -Shakespeare

This is my latest Art Doll project. 
 The shoulder/upper arms are not jointed. 

"Hmm,  you say?

  It is vital to the design for them to be stationary.

I finally have a vision for  Madame.

Nothing short of beautiful!

There's A Bear at the Door.... Party Crasher!

The bear will be another story! I can't find the picture!  Sorry

Well the drive was long, the food was made, the party is over it's time to call it a day!  That was how  last week was for Lily, Tim and I.  We made the trip to Northern Minnesota to co- host along with Terese and Lawrence,  my in- laws 50th anniversary. Tim and I were in charge of the food....I cooked for a small army.  I had the best time and enjoyed every second of the prep and presentation of the food .....great times had by all.

Lily is an excellent traveller...perfect the entire 970 miles one way all in a day!

We  pulled in our driveway Friday AM at 3.  All kids- with- paws were accounted  for.... but.....no Ming....finally at 4:30 AM....he showed us his tail and only his tail slithering in the basement he was angry  and let us know.

Mia Sophia  one of  our Siamese twins was very ill....little response and very thin....was she going to make it?  We took Mia to the vet  on Friday and she is showing signs of dehydration etc...Mia and Su are 18 years old and things are bound  to go wrong.  We are giving her antibiotic, and water I.V. treatments.  As of tonight she is getting her spunk back!

I hear there was 100 degree temps most of the time we were gone.   Not good for man or beast.

I have not posted much on my blogs and I have done NO sewing since May....I needed time to take stock in what I would like to accomplish in the next year.  I think it will be very busy.  I am tossing around an idea for next July  a huge themed open house maybe....all I know is I want it to be the best and way over the top....I will keep you posted as everything proceeds.....thinking big!!!

Do you remember  "Sam and Libby at the State Fair "(hot air balloon)?  Yesterday they found a forever home!  Thank you Ms.S.Y.   and yes I did cry when the words.."I would like to buy ..."  were uttered.   I keep promising myself ..."I will not cry....I will not cry."... but I do.

I have to get my derriere  moving and do tons of sewing.....vacation is over!     I do hope everyone one of you  are having a great big summer...working some but enjoying yourselves even more!   It's time to get busy because the great Pumpkin and Santa Claus will be here before you know it.....then cupid and the bunny.....life goes on....Keep Creating!

(Hope you like the music...Bob Grones sang this at our wedding!)

I Will Be A Beautiful Chair!

It's trash to treasure night at http://www.primchat.com/   I must admit I have been distracted for the past 3 weeks getting ready  for my in laws 50th anni.  I will be cooking for 100 friends and relatives 850 miles from home. 

The CARjunkOL collection is bulging and my dear husband has ordered me to finish at least a few " priceless" pieces of dare I say with a cringe....JUNK!  

Well this chair is the specimen I chose.  I have a real problem painting  wood.  I am tempted on this piece. Should I just go nuts and paint it like a crazy quilt... then add faux leopard print cushion....I think I will go more subtle with black aged it up and add a handpainted something to the back panel.  

Time will tell... don't hold your breathe girls!

We found this1940-50's toy chest in a curbside pile. ... could not resist the graphic.  There was no lid and bottom.  We used nice pine, a few different stains, and a lite coat of poly. It blends well together and still looks vintage.  This is so strong it will last another 100 years.

My First Time......A Honeymoon Memory

Our eighth anniversary is fast approaching, and I have several dozen stories I could tell.   "My first time" is very pertinent to the art that most of us finds ourselves immersed in; I just did not realize it at the time.
We started our honeymoon in Duluth. We would travel the Lake Superior Coastline stopping at several Bed and Breakfasts along the way  headed to our destination of Mackinaw Island.
Our car was packed to the radiator with gifts.....  The front of the car was aimed for outer space..... the trunk toward hell.  I had to stop at this rock shop and I found a fifty pound amethyst rock that "I just have to have  it Tim"!  ( I knew he would never say no to his new bride).
Next door to the rock shop was  a small old factory building that is now an arts and craft gift shop.
Walking into this high ceilinged  room, I never to this day have ever seen so many of the signs that are popular to hang in your house...you know....All BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE.   Floor to ceiling every wall.  Nuggets to live by.  Then I saw it....I was shocked!!!!! What in the world are they selling  a doll like that for....I don't know what that is but it was  wrong on so many levels.....!!  I turned to find Tim and sure as heck there is another one!!!  The two ladies at the counter were jovial lassies...."What kind of people are you?"  I thought.
 With my devilish red tail wagging like a cat's ....I wanted to ask them if I could take a closer look at the sign nearest to the ceiling in the far corner.  Tim then reminded me to be nice to the ladies or they may turn you into one of those UGLY DOLLS!
 We were smelling pizza in the establishment... so we asked were the Pizza was sold?  The ladies looked puzzled and said, " no pizza here".  "I 'm smelling Pizza" , I commented....."OH NO that's a skunk under the building!!".   Tim we are so out of here.!!!  I think we were in the twilight zone episode.."When Skunks are Pizzas".
Fast forward to 2006....I am searching e-Bay for a customers request for a primitive cloth strawberry.
 I was seeing a lot of dolls that we had seen at "THAT SHOP".   I spent the next 8 months researching, trying to figure out this style.   I remember seeing Olde Homestead Barn,  Lucy's Lazy Dayz, Tennessee Ridge Primitive, Moonchild Primitives....many  patterns were available and I bought one that was a strawberry garland....and the rest is history and a future....in folkart!  
This past Monday I was a featured guest artist on "PRIM CHAT"  with Lucy and Vicky....Just goes to show there are so many first times!

A Girl Has To Dream..Doesn't She?

I tend to have huge dreams! I look at things, especially properties and say "What if we....?" This is certainly that dreamy, what if, property for me. I have always wanted a Bed and Breakfast/ Artist Retreat Center. This masterpiece of a property is perfect for such an endevour...........I gotta go and buy a lottery ticket.... I hope I win!
Moral of the post is ...It doesn't hurt anyone if you have big dreams and lofty goals. I have made a dream board with pictures of all the little and big things I would like to have and accomplish... You'll never know what can happen!

I have posted 2 new recipes at www.twodeadbananas.blogspot.com

Remember It's Memorial Day Weekend!

It's Memorial Day Weekend.  Please remember those who served our country and your ancestors that came before you at your picnics and gatherings.  Go for a walk and think about our freedoms.  I am going to visit  the cemeteries where my family members are buried.  Doing a little tidying up of the graves and leaving a few flowers just  as a  token that I remember.  Leaving flowers are for the living.  The ideals that our departed loved ones left us are to be memorialized. 
Memorial Day,  Decoration Day, as they used to call it, was a big deal when I was growing up.  Mom and my Aunt Elizabeth would have many discussions, weeks in advance, on what flowers should be purchased that particular year and which cemeteries each one would do.  I love that memory!  Have a good one!

How Sad!

I was just reading the local paper on line and saw this picture from the gulf.  How sad not more is being done!  I am sorry I posted such a sad thing. ..I just felt I needed too.
I chose "Simple Gifts" for music if you would like to listen.

3 New Items at the "Merc"

I have just listed 3 new items on Maple Leaf Mercantile.  Click button on side bar to take you there!

Folk Art George

I have had this lovely piece of folk art for 7 years. He was not priced to sell in the store. Finally, I decided he should not be up for buyer's temptation any longer and deserves a place, some place in my 1920's style home...but just where, I'm not sure.
Not much is known about this piece that we affectionately call ..."Folk Art George". He once hung in a Maine barn. His chin moves up and down. (Click on photo to enlarge)...Could he be an Indian? One of our customers from Cleveland admired "George" ...2 years later she returned and told Tim that she saw a picture of a similar piece and it was a cat symbol....soooo that's what we know. Do you have any thoughts or knowledge of this piece? I would really like to know... Nothing bad has befallen us since he arrived ...and that's a good thing!!!

Mammy's Mother's Day!

I didn't plan on having Mammy, Orlie and Sukey completed for Mother's Day... but here they be. This pattern was designed by Happy Hearts.

GALA 2010 Conference: A Doll-Lightful World

Oh Ladies! If you are attending this doll conference please please email me! This is taking place 7 miles from my store/home. It is at Punderson Manor Resort. I guess it is sponsored by www.clothdollconnection.com.
My local craft supply lady mentioned it about 6 months ago. I didn't give it another thought.....until tonight! I looked it up on the web....WoW! Oh WoW! Christine Shively is one of the instructors...she is incredible. I have a few of her patterns (I have not made yet).
If any of you are in the area of Punderson State Park, Newbury, OH May 14-16, 2010.
Contact me by e-mail at butternutcreekfolkart@hotmail.com. or give me a call (440-286-3765)...It would be great to meet you!

A Crime and A Recipe

See who the culprit is in this week's continuing saga. Click the button on side bar.

What's Been Catching My Eye

I have been captivated by the beauty and artistry of Diamond K Folk Art and the Izannah Walker dolls by Dixie Redmond. At times, I have to turn away from my monitor. I am just that moved by their work... Dixie offers classes and the work that has been created by her online students is also delightful and inspiring. Her next workshop is this fall but you can sign up now and get little head start.
I would so like to do this workshop...I have never done a class in any shape or form ...so I am apprehensive. I wanted to learn a few more techniques on my own before I could ever think I may slightly consider myself capable of joining this class. I am embarrassed even entertaining the thought... Oh never mind, forget me. Just go and visit these two wonderfully inspiring sites. Dixie is at www.northdixiedesigns.com and www.ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com

Soleil's New Home

Soleil and Madame Flutterfly did not feel at home in the primland of Butternut Creek Folk Art. Faern-Laega Fantasy Art Dolls Blog is finally accessible. You can now click on the button on the right sidebar and you will be carried to the fantasy!

Wednesdays: "open by chance"

Last Wednesday, Tim and I went to our favorite second hand store.
Tons of things I wanted to bring home....however,  the stash was limited to what is pictured ...sans the quilt.  I paid $50 bucks.
This morning.  I  was visiting Suzanne's blog  at  piecedpastimes. She has picked up some amazing  things  in her out and abouts.  Her firkin was $5.00.  I was looking at one Wednesday at a firm $35.00  No thanks!
Anyway, my pile was growing .  Tim walked over and said "What a great pile of CarJUNKol "?  With my wide eyed stare, I replied  with my most irritated, "What was that word"?  It didn't make any sense to me until he wrote in down.  O.K. I must admit it was a little cute........Oh, maybe a lot cute.   I think I  like it!  My stuff has a name!
Tomorrow, it's off to the beach ....beach CarJUNKol   my favorite!

In Memory of my cousin Kathy

who died of brain cancer.  She was 42 years old.

1968-2010

Two Dead Bananas!

May sound silly and maybe a tad rude...rough around the edges...SO WHAT!   Did  you have a kitchen screw up...a recipe malfunction....I would like to hear about it..... all of them.

  

http://www.twodeadbananas.blogspot.com/

My brand new just-for-the-heck-if-it blog  is

Two Dead Bananas 

I will periodcally ask a question and I hope you will share.

But please don't get all prim and proper... just say simply...i.e"I just burned the water tonight".

Let's cook up some fun from the kitchen 

and see what we get!

Cheers!

DoeDa!

Spring has sprung  at ButternutCreek!  There was a rumor that there maybe fairies on the premises....low and behold we have spotted DoeDa.  You can read more about her over at the "Merc".  http://www.mapleleafmercantile.blogspot.com/

Ahoy! Mateys!

There has been a wedding at Butternut Creek!
Wendy Deckwalker and Walker D. Plank  have tied the knot.
It was a-lot-o'fun  bringing this couple to life.  Fun and easy to make. Click on picture to see the details.
The pattern is by Nanny Norton.    I have made several Walker's,  and  my store patrons felt bad he had no mate...ta da...Wendy arrives on deck!  They  are listed on The Maple Leaf Mercantile.
"Argh! Argh!"  "Oh...Walker behave!"

Looking In The Mirror

Karen from My Colonial Home  posted a great entry this morning causing alot of peeps to respond.  The idea of folks leaving blogging in the dust and going to Face Book....oh just think of those blogs left all alone in  Blogland  getting covered with cyber dust  ... sleepy dreams and thoughts someone once had and was vulnerable enough to share.
Where did good blogging habits go?  I am guilty! I read many blogs everyday...do I leave a comment...not very often.  Do I wonder why people don't comment on my blog...you betcha!  
I am not the kind of person ...... and I think alot of people are like me...... who just don't talk or write for the sake of commenting.   Several forums that I have joined or tried to join have stipulations, that you MUST reply frequently and will be monitored  and can not just hang ... WHAT!!!! ...so be it...I will stay out of that realm and  become a better friend and neighbor to fellow bloggers....Visiting and responding willfully.


This is why I don't leave comments:

1. WHOA!That's just crazy thinking ...I will quietly leave now!
2. Amen Sister !..I couldn't have said it better.
3. I am not worthy.
4. So what!
5. My opinion dosen't mean that much or would  not make any difference.
6. They have a bazillion followers.
7. They can not possibly read all the comments left.
8.  I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY!

We have a great free speech platform and we need to respect it by using it!   I will do better, will you?

ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

I'm Tim (Carol's husband) from Merchant Connection.  I've been in the creditcard  processing business for 15 years. 
I have several programs available to allow you to accept creditcards no matter what type of business you own.
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If you are already processing, I may be able to save you money! 
Email me at merchantconnection@hotmail.com or call me at 1-800-880-2816  9am-9pm EST

Happy Easter To You

              HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

It has been a busy last few weeks.  I have to admit I didn't do as much sewing as I should have.  Tim and I went to the movies and saw "Alice In Wonderland"  we did love it and  if you can fit it in do see it!Then last Saturday it was the much awaited "MOONDOG CORONATION BALL"  which was  just great.  I regret I did not bring my camera.   For Easter, we will be going to Parkside Church. My cousin Carane just  got back from a tour of Israel and Jordan. I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip.  The three of us will be going to "Mavis Winkles Irish Pub"  for an Easter buffet. 

Do you remember these panoramic sugar eggs?  I found mine this morning and it is still in perfect condition.

The next picture is Easter 1960  of  Mom and Dad's girls.  I am the little one. 

       Have a hippty-hoppity Easter Day!

Yeah!.... and What Else Is New!

Can someone tell me what happen to March?  It flew by!   I have been  busy sewing. I have posted several  items over on the Maple Leaf Mercantile, my selling blog.   I was asked,  "Why did you  add a selling blog ....you have the Butternut Creek Folk Art blog?   Well..............because I wanted to!  Oh, now that wasn't nice was it.  But when you sell, you have to be  about doing business...and the folk art blog is work space I would like to call it a fun space...a place where thoughts and ideas and are born and nutured and I expose the real me . Kinda of like the good the bad and the ugly.  Ugly....  I hope not to much of that, but, then again, ugly happens.

Shhhhhh!   Don't tell anyone but.......  I am going to have another blog......I heard that... "are you freakin' nuts" in the background!

It  is called    FAERN-LAEGA,  art dolls.  This is where my art dolls will  live and be discussed . This blog is ME!  The music and the blog background  the castle picture it's just ME !ME! ME! I go there and just meditate when I have a creative block. You may have seen the button on the side bar...yep that's  mine.  (Sorry no click link yet )  Faern-laega  is old saxon for Farley, my maiden name.  Farley-Hungerford Castle is  my ancestral digs.  What better name for fantasy art dolls!  You should know by now that  all  my endeavors  have an attachemnt to my life.  Butternut Creek is in my back yard.... thus Butternut Creek Folk Art.  Farley's Country Store  my home, my store and mission control.

 My selling blog Maple Leaf Mercantile ....Just because!   My  blog ....of crenels and thatched roofs....my family had castles and thatched roofed cottages and many, many lives and lores. 

Go to the place where I go to get grounded  and where beautiful things will live.  http://www.faern-laega.blogspot.com/.

 I have ambled  on enough for tonight ..talk again soon.  'nite!

St. Patrick's Day....All In The Family!

When I think of St. Patrick's Day...these images come to  mind.

Picture one is circa 1907 just after my  grandmother Jennie Ruddell and her father James Ruddell, came to the United States from Portadown, Ireland.  The other picture, circa 1903, is of the home and family they left in the motherland.


*Just a note:   I will have a story about Grandma Jennie, an Irish linen factory worker, on my  "...of crenels and thatched roofs"  blog sometime this year.

Introducing: The Maple Leaf Mercantile

May I introduce to you  " MAPLE LEAF MERCANTILE" my selling blog.  I had this in my thoughts since November and now it's finally done. 

I had several beaten and all primmed up shelves and dolls to put on the "Merc"  but I had one heck of a busy week in the store.  Now I have no shelves left and my Jelly Cupboard that I have had forever in the store...yep gone....alot of "smalls" ...yep gone again.  

Two sets of Ms.Melba and Friends dolls went to a very nice lady in Perry, Ohio.  She collects Aunt Jemima anythings!

So what better time than when  stock is down to start a selling blog LOL!    I am  not sure what I was doing but the "Merc" has an on line presence and I am sure I will need to tweek....alot.  Excuse the ruff edges...  constuctive criticism is welcome!  Take a look by clicking on the Maple Leaf Mercantile tile on the side bar to your right. Enjoy!

Saps A Risin' and a New Blog

Wow! We had 24 inches of snow on the ground last weekend and this weekend snow's gone  It was 69 degreesWednesday!  That means it's Maple time in Geauga County.  Chardon is known for being the snowbelt capital of Ohio as well as the Maple Capital of Ohio.  Tim and I celebrated Tappin'Sunday with pancakes and the local liquid gold. Yummo! Maple Festival will be the end of April!

My family had been in the area maple industry since the 1830's.  Here is a picture of Grandpa  in the 1930's .
Notice the shirt and tie...maybe it was Sunday!
                                  ***********************************************
Do you like seeing this kind of posting?  I have just opened up a new blog :... of Crenel and Thatched Roofs.  This will be about stories of life "back in the day".  I have had many emails from folks wanting a place just for my memorablia and stories...without the art.  I will post there when I have compiled a story to tell. Do you remember my past postings of the Civil War Diary and Lovina's Gift?   That is what  ...of Crenel and Thatched Roofs will include.... present day to medievil England.  You are more than welcome to step back in time with me!   You can  become a follower now....so you will be there when the next story happens.  ( I have not posted there yet.. this article will be lengthened and tweeked and then live there for evermore)  http://www.crenelsandthatchedroofs.blogspot.com/

Absolute Americana!

This piece was an absolute joy to make!   I felt like a 7 year old again.  Many small facets  make the piece grand...what fun...I was sad when the fun ended last night, as the flags went into the hands....It's done and I am so pleased!
Sam and Libby are stump dolls...the balloon is a nine inch styrofoam ball...making the total length 25 inches.  This is a Prim and Proper Folk design. (Click on picture for greater detail)

Leprechaun Class of 2010

What a fine group of  lads we have!  This was a fun pattern by Pea Pickers Primitives.  Fun Fast and Funky!

Sunday Morning Thought

I woke up this morning and I was going to bitch...yes bitch, about the weather...5 more inches overnight...blah...blah ...blah.

My thoughts went to the people that lost so much  in Haiti last month and the Chileans yesterday....What a spoiled brat I am. 

It is cold and beautiful  today... and I shall not want!

What Do You Think?

What is my plan for the big 85th this year.. I don't know!    My family was not the type to bring attention to themselves.  Advertising was unheard of ...an act of desparation so they said, back in the day. Fortunately, the store is located at the intersection of 2 main state routes...lots of  commuter traffic...but ask anybody and they  will know exactly where  the store is ..."been there forever"... possiblities are endless!

I am a procrastinating, spur of the moment...let's do this.. then think about it for awhile, kind of person.  I have been wanting to paint the store for about a year. I had totally redone the store in 1995, before that nothing had been changed since 1945.   Tim is color blind and he isn't seeing my vision.  This is what I am thinking:

The walls would stay the same, although, I wouldn't mind a change.  The green on the present shelves would be white with distrssed sanding and stain.

This shelving is on the entire wall 25 feet floor to ceiling.
 Am  I crazy or a genius?  I am tough... be honest!

Am I In Love...Really?

Whata question?    Whata thought ...considering I am happily married?  I was reading Country Business  Magazine, during my morning soak today....  "Don't fall in love with your fixtures"  the article states.  Hmmmm...I want to call it sentimentality.
 I have a HUGE  island of shelves in the  middle of the store.  They have been in the store since the 1940's when my dad bought them from an old grocery store in downtown Cleveland.  They are old maple wood and held alot of  canned food items... I can remember what was displayed on each shelf.. cookies, crackers, pickles, peaches and pears, cake mixes, baby food, dog food, and on and on I could go!   On the very bottom shelf was where I used to hide as a feisty 5 year old  and scare customers by reaching my hand out and touching a leg or  a giggle seemingly coming from nowhere and watch  the puzzled look on their faces.
Today... The shelves are not working  as well as they should be for me ...I'm not sure what I would put in thier place..  a few round oak tables..  a big old farm harvest table... maybe I should  have the old shelves made into other display fixtures?
It's a touchy subject with me and I'm not ready to deal with it right now....Yes, I am In Love With My Fixtures!
Next time:  How to celebrate 85 year in business!

Ming Update!

Ming is home, taking a nap, and doing well!  Thanks for all your good thoughts today.

Think Good Thoughts for Ming Today!

This is Ming!   He is one of our two Bengal Cats.  This morning Ming greeted  me with his usual demanding cry...Feed Me Now!    He turned his tail toward me and there it was .....12 inches of thread hanging out the poop chute.   Blog buds with cats will know that thread can be a deal breaker in a cats life.
 I have tried to be  very careful .  Ming has a fetish for thread. ...especially if it is on a sewing machine.  He will go into a trance when he sees thread and will pursue until he gets to it or will watch to see were I stash the spool.
 Ming is a techy.. I have lost count on the number of thermostats he has dismantled... we have digital ones now.  He has issues with the guy in the answering machine ...and the printers don't get me started .  Ming thinks he was put on this earth to kill what lives the printers.
Well, Ming is at the Vet's office.  When we left he was on the way to x-ray and then the the elimination station... an intimate moment with Dr. Domico, I'm sure.  Then another x-ray.  Ming...Ming... Ming  I am missing him  this afternoon...the house is  too quiet and calm.
As a bengal owner a word of warning... exotics are beautiful and fascinating ..but know fully what you are bring into your home, hopfully, for the next 15 years.  Don't take my words lightly...be fair to yourself,your family and above all  to the magnificent creature.  
My project today is to tighten up my sewing supply security.   I became lax and Ming is paying the price!
Think good thoughts for my Minger-Man!

A Doll orTwo For President's Day!

Just put the finishing touches on two pieces.  George and Blueskin  was a fantastically (?) fun pattern to make . Both are about 20 inches in height.  The Uncle Sam Tames The Hare is just delightful to look at and  a great tool for story-telling .  Both patterns  were designed by Prim and Proper Folk.  Both pieces were requested  for purchase review.

Just a thought!

After a while you learn
the subtle difference
between holding a hand
and chaining a soul,
and you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman,
not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After awhile you learn
that even sunshine burns if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn
      that you really can endure
           that you really are strong
                and you really do have worth.
And you learn
        and you learn
             with every goodbye
                   you learn.....
                                
                                     -(V.S.)

Sew Little Fingers...Look What You Have Made!

Believe it or not I have been sewing.  I do tend to go on history rants....that's just the way I am.  I hope to have all seasons represented in the store.  Sounds  good in theory... We shall see  as I can never get too far ahead as far as inventory goes.  This fine young cupid to our left has been a great seller for me.  He is certainly a smile maker.  He is a "Nanny Norton" Pattern.  He is fun to make and will melt your heart.  As I said, he is a mainstay in my inventory. Next is "Dill"  She is a plump frog....  lots of "tude".  This is almost too cutesy, country for my liking....still a fun doll to make ....I have already sold one this week. She is made from a"Simply Nantucket's" pattern.

Next, what can I say about Vampire Bunnies...they are heart stealers.

fun to make ...mostly a painting project.. Well worth the time... my peeps are asking for them  even though it's mid -winter.  They came from the beautiful mind  of "Frowning Francis". 

What's  on my work table?  I have several simple  sweet bunnies.

A Queeen Anne Doll...that is looking very anemic tonight...she will have life in a few days.  Her clothes are beautiful and I can't wait to show her to you.  I have a skinny twin to "Dill" the plumb frog...her name is "Pickles"...A long , tall gal for sure.  I just received my glass eyes  today.   I had been looking since Christmas for them....very much worth the wait...they will bring life to an art doll that is way, way different than any pattern I have done before.  And I am going to have to try to create my own pattern for an order request to be completed in March.  I never thought I would be making my own pattern.... a detailed Dragon fly will be a  test for me. 

Love That Pink Dessert!

What the....!

hoew styole mi spyell chieck ?

MoonDog Coronation Ball 2010

It's that time again when  Cleveland  celebrates it's  Rock and Roll  heritage.
Picture it... March 21, 1952, Cleveland, O*H*I*O.  Local DJ Alan Freed, the man that coined the phrase "Rock and Roll",  and a concert promoter sold 20,000 tickets to a  concert venue that had the capcity for 10,000.  Fearing a riot, the concert was shut down by firefighters after the first act.  This was America's first rock concert.
Freed was not deterred.  Becoming more and more popular with Cleveland teenagers, called by Freed "MoonDogs" and was known for his howl into the micrphone.....  The concert became an annual event.
Today, WMJI 105.7, hosts a more gentile event at the Quicken Loans Arena, home of The Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James. Nostaglia reigns for the evening for about 18,000  young and old rockers... just enjoying the sounds of their youth....  just one more time.
Tim and I have gone to this concert each year since we were married 8 years ago.  It's a guaranteed date night we look forward to each year.  This year we may add a visit to ... Cleveland's own Iron Chef America...Michael Symon's LOLA BISTRO.  I can't wait.
Last year,  we were entertained by Little Richard, Three Dog Night, Hermans Hermits, Jerry Butler and my very favorite Tommy James and The Shondell's.   It was the best!!!   MoonDog 2010 will deliver to the stage: Little Anthony, The Turtles, Grand Funk Railroad, and Paul Revere and The Raiders .   Sounds like a good show.
Cleveland, the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, invites the world to the MoonDog Coronation Ball 2010. 
Blogger friends, if you can come to Cleveland  that night,  Tim and I would really like to meet you.  Trust me Cleveland can be fun and beautiful....there's a lot of history and art in Cleveland and the surrounding areas.  Come on give Cleveland a try!

Lovinia's Simple Gift

I enjoy antiques.  If I can find a potential family piece that is just about as good as it gets for me.  An on line auction site was where the gem to the left  was discovered.  I won the auction with surprise.  I felt bad that I didn't pay more...I would have.  The white and indigo blue 1855 coverlet is in tough shape.  My thought was, "I want the corner with all the info on it , maybe frame it".  When I opened the package I fell in love with the entire piece ..I can't cut this up for "needfulls".  This is going up on the wall of our bedroom or Grandma Farley's old bedroom.....little holes and rough edges to boot.  I love it!
I  am also caught up in the history of the coverlet.

I have been working on the history of this textile piece of art for 6 weeks.  Lovinia LeBaron  born  19 May 1815 in Leroy, New York. Died 15 April 1876.  Her father was Dr. Francis LeBaron (1768-1832) born in Killingworth, Conn.  Her mother was Sabra Kelsey. The Doctor was Apothecary General of the United States from 1813 to 1821. His picture is to the right.
 So this is the lineage of Miss Lovinia:

• Lovinia Lebaron marries Benjamin Farley
• Franicis LeBaron marries Sabra Kelsey
• David LeBaron marries Martha Chatfield
•     (Served in The Great Rebellion in the Army)
• James LeBaron marries Martha Bensen
• Dr. Francis LeBaron  marries Mary Wilder

The last Dr. Francis (1669-1695) was a French Huguenot. He shipwrecked  in Buzzards Bay off Plymouth Harbor, MA.  Taken prisoner by the colonists. Later, he saved the life of  a townswoman. and became a freeman.  He lived and practiced medicine  in the Wilder Homestead.(pictured)

The final picture is a painting by Fredick Dielman "The Wedding of Francis LaBaron and Mary Wilder".1695

Lovinia and Benjamin Farley lived in Newfane, Niagra County, New York.  New England towns usually had 2 weavers....Newfane had only one between 1843-1860.  The town weaver was Thomas Gladding, born in England, about 1810. Weavings like Lovinia's would cost between $14 and $20.  Truly an investment for her home.

Benjamin was a genius farmer for the time. Serving as sheriff in 1857 and  State Assemblymen 1866-1869.
He is not a direct line ancestor to me.  We have a common ancestor and I will find the bond someday.