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.

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!