Harvest Moon Designs, Valerie Weberpal

This just in: A Christmas Show!!

2011-09-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yes....Christmas IS on it's way, ready or not! I'll be READY!! And if you want to be too, come to the Christmas on the Fox show, Nov. 26 & 27, 10-4 each day, at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, IL! I recently signed on to do this ONE Christmas show, so please mark your calendars! I'll have new dolls and new stockings and new hats and new......whatever else! Come see!

Thanks to EVERYONE who bought from me at the Country Living Fair and the Folk Art Fest! I am always overcome with happiness knowing my work makes others happy! I hope to continue to dazzle you! I try hard! It's YOU, my customers, that I keep creating for! If not for you, I'd be lost! So thank you SO SO MUCH!

And as always, friend me on Facebook to see all my new stuff before it hits the shows! : )

Upcoming Shows!

2011-08-13T04:48:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again! Where does the time go? I spent my summer hoping to get a lot more work done than I actually did! With my kids gone off to camp for 6 weeks I was hoping to be a lot more prolific in my creations! But by showtime I will be ready!!

I will be at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH, on Sept. 16, 17, 18, under the Earth Angels tent. The CLF is Country Living Magazine come to life. There is so much to see that a person needs 3 days to see it! Consider taking a fall getaway with a girlfriend to Columbus to see this show. You will not be bored or disappointed! There are demonstrations, food, antiques, clothing, and some of the most creative art and folk art in the country. If you come, make sure you stop by the EA tent and say hi to me!

After a bit of contemplation I have decided to be in the Folk Art Festival again this year. This show runs at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, IL, on Sept. 23, 24 25. (Friday evening, Saturday, 10-6, Sunday, 11-4.) And the REAL surprise here is that I have asked my friends (and fellow Earth Angels Artists) Cheryl Kuhn and Letty Worley to share a booth with me! So, brace yourselves for the THREE of us toegther in one booth! Cheryl is the very best assemblage artist I've ever seen, and Letty does master handiwork in her making of bears, dolls, and bear/doll purses, all HAND sewn with the finest wool furs and vintage trims. These ladies are at the very top of their art and are DEFINITELY worth seeing and meeting. So PLEASE come and see us! The FAF is a great way to spend a fall day! The show has been sold to a new promoter who is doing a fantastic job, so I am very optimistic about it this year! However, because the sale went through after building scheduling had taken place, we will be in the previous facility. So, plan on attending! Metting Cheryl and Letty will be a treat in itself!

As always, please friend me on Facebook. You will see me post new work, silly inspirations, and show dates as well. I use Facebook much more than I use this blog, so if you have a FB account please send me a friend request (with a message so I know who you are).

I am not sure if I will be doing any other shows than these two. Please check back here for more information.

Thanks again for all your support and I hope to see you in Sept!

Up and Coming

2011-06-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

On May 21, 22 I had a most WONDERFUL time at the Earth Angels' 10th annual Spring Fling in Saratoga Springs, NY. I met a lot of really terrific people, and I think my biggest fan, Theresa, who owns many of my pieces. The weather was lovely, for the most part, as we did have a little rain. But the experiences, and getting to know these wonderful artists even better as women, was a thrill for me. I just love them all so much.

When my somewhat nerdy children went to Interlochen Arts Camp for their musical talents a couple summers each they always returned home saying, "I finally met other kids who are just like me." I was so happy for them to have found a group that accepted their eccentricities as normal, and wondered how that might feel. Now I know. And I want to thank the wonderful EA women and especially Jen O'Connor, without whom I'd ever dare to dream the way I dream now.

Coming up for me......I will be at Country Living Fair under the Earth Angels Toys tent in Columbus, OH on the state fairgrounds, Sept. 16, 17, 18 (as listed above in the ad), and then......SURPRISE......I WILL be at Folk Art Festival in St. Charles, IL on the Kane County Fairgrounds Sept. 23, 24, 25. The show is under new ownership, but we will be in the old facility due to scheduling conflicts. But it will be EXTRA wonderful, and EXTRA worth the trip, because I will be sharing a booth with Letty Worley and Cheryl Kuhn, two very very talented artists from Earth Angels. Letty makes phenomenal bears, dolls, bear purses, and miniatures, while Cheryl is by far the best assemblage artist this world has ever known. And to top it off, they are both lovely ladies and a TON of fun! Letty and I were stranded all night in the Albany, NY airport after the Saratoga show and we became fast and close friends. I am SO looking forward to these shows.........

I will be sending out cards soon announcing dates so be on the lookout in August sometime.

The advertisement above is the one that you will see in magazines coming out this summer!

What's Happening??

2011-05-09T16:12:00.001-07:00

It has been a LONG and depressing winter for me. The only good thing about it was I got a lot of inventory made for the Earth Angels HeART of Winter show that was in early March down in Florida. It would have been nice to attend but I had committed to helping my sister in Cleveland care for her kids and my mother while she and her husband went on a warm vacation. But on Feb. 12 my mom died from her longtime COPD illness. It made an already rough winter even more so. So when I went to Cleveland to help out my sister, it was only her kids I had to care for. Reminders of my mom were all around because she lived with my sister. It was a sad time. And the constant snow and rain and cold really didn't help my mood. We saw barely any sun the entire month of April, at a time when I really needed to see the sun.

However, May is here, and with it a little warmth. I've been able to do some things in my yard and remember how my mom loved her flower gardens with every tulip that blooms. So much of her is in me, every day.

Above is the postcard for the Earth Angels Spring Fling in Saratoga Springs, NY, in which I WILL be attending, and I am so excited! It's always great to meet new people who love this funky art we all create, and to see my EA artist friends who I've gotten to know so well over the past few years. So, if you are an East Coaster, come on out to this event which promises a great weekend! Visit the earth Angels website for more details, as I think there are lots of goodies in store!

Pictured below are some new cats and ELEPHANTS (REALLY new!!) that I've been working on and have been sent along to EA for the upcoming show. So excited to try new animals and new embellishments. It is always my hope that my creations make someone smile.

I have a very busy summer planned taking care of things around my home (painting some interior rooms, gardening, taking my son on college visits, working at the candy store more than normal), and keeping Earth Angels stocked, which has become a full time job!! (Thanks to all my wonderful fans......I really appreciate you!). I am not planning on any local shows this fall (maybe one, if I have time to make inventory, and I'll keep you posted if I do it). I WILL be at Country Living Fair under the Earth Angels tent in September. It was so much fun last year. There is SO much to see and do at this Fair, you could easily make a girlfriend weekend out of it! ROADTRIP!!!

Have a great summer and I hope to meet some of you along the way. And as always, special orders are welcome. E-mail me harvestmoon00@gmail.com AND friend me on Facebook! I put up a lot more photos on FB and it's always fun to get to know you, even if it IS virtually!

Tootles!

Stories galore!

2011-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, April, asked me to make her these "Bedbugs" as an inside joke with some of our Facebook friends. April and our friend Helen write a blog using dolls I created, Martha and Jane, that live in a fictional world, and live in their world with quirky characters. April does a marvelous job of setting up and taking the photos, writing the story, and sending the whole lot onto Helen who organizes it and gets it on the blog. The bedbugs have made a short appearance in the Martha and Jane blogland, and they sure have created a stir!! Named Bjork, Babs, Bolldoozman, Beakman, Benny, and Bilbo, they're on their way to far off places once they leave the blog. Click on the link and let it take you to the story of Martha and Jane, and how the bedbugs attack a local toy store! www.marthaandjane.blogspot.com

Tootles!

The heART of Winter with Earth Angels Toys

2011-02-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Earth Angels Toys is headed SOUTH this winter to host heART of Winter in Sanford, Florida! Join Jen O'Connor and some of the Earth Angels artists, hosted by the wonderful Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery on March 4 and 5, 2011. It will be a spectacular event with great art to view and purchase! More upcoming EA events are listed on Earth Angels' web site and blog! I'll also be announcing them here. www.earthangelstoys.com

Tootles!

Up and Coming!!!

2010-11-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of you! I am sorry I do not keep up with my blog as much as I'd like! In order to end the frustration of visiting my blog and finding nothing "new", please sign up to be a fan, and I believe you will get an e-mail alerting you when I post anything new.
What's coming up? I will be at Christmas on the Fox show at the Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL, on November 27, 10-5, and 28, 10-4 (sat and sun, Thanksgiving weekend). Make a day of it and come out, walk around the beautiful new facilities and enjoy the work of juried artists. Get a jump on your holiday shopping by taking the Handmade Pledge. One of a kind items may cost more than a factory manufactured item, but look what you get......the chance to have what NO ONE ELSE DOES! So, come visit me. I have elves, snowmen, ornaments, scarves, mittens, blankets, and I'm still working on new items. ALL one of a kind!

For those of you who do not live in my area, Earth Angels Toys has a line up of fabulous shows coming up, the first of which will be at The Paula Shop in Tustin, CA, on Dec 3 and 4. My work will be available there for sale, as well as many of the other talented EA artists. We are really looking forward to this great venture with The Paula Shop! Listed above on the image of the post card are dates and times for this, and other upcoming EA events.

My work will be available for your viewing (and purchasing if you choose) pleasure at Carthage College's H.F. Johnson Gallery December 1-17 and January 5-22, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Entitled "The Marvelous Toy and Fabulous Thing Show" my dolls will be featured as well as art from other artists with a childlike quality. It would be a great outing with family! I will be there at the artitst's reception on Friday, Dec. 3, from 4:30-7:30. Come say hello!

Now I have to get busy with my sewing machine! Thanks to all my customers! As I always say, without you, I'd just be twiddling my thumbs. : ) Tootles!

Whazzzzzzzup??

2010-07-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

One of my very observant customers wrote me today and said she thought I must be very busy because I haven't updated this blog in a while. And Susan would be right!! Between it being summer and all the events that entails, and my kids being home from college, and the yard work (which is being VERY neglected), and working, and trying to find time to sew for 3 shows this fall (yes, I said 3.....and I think I'm nuts) I've barely had a moment to write this blog. I will be at the Folk Art Fest in St. Charles at the Kane County Fairgrounds the weekend of Sept 17, 18, 19. I will then join the Earth Angels artists in Columbus, OH on Sept. 24, 25, 26. I will also be doing a Christmas show this year, also at the Kane County Fairgrounds, Christmas on the Fox, on Nov. 27 and 28. And, if that's not enough, my work will be included in a gallery show at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, called Marvelous Toys and Fabulous Things, beginning in December and running until January. I will be there in attendance on opening night. More to come about that, though.

So, I've been busy getting ready!! If you haven't already and are so inclined, please send me a friend request on Facebook. On Facebook I post photos of what I've been doing and daily thoughts an such. I'm a bit addicted to it, however!!

I hope all is well with all of you! And please check out The Adventures of Caruthers P. Davenport (link above) as he traveled to Little Rock and Vermont this summer!!

Tootles, and hope to see you at one of my upcoming shows!

2 BIG Earth Angels Events!

2010-05-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Two BIG, WONDERFUL EVENTS are coming up with Earth Angels Toys! First join Earth Angels artists on May Sat/Sun, May 15 and 16, for the annual Spring Soiree in Warwick, NY. It's a great getaway weekend to come browse all the incredible art and meet some of the EA artists. This is an event not to be missed every year for EA fans!
Second, Earth Angels will also be at the Hudson (super)Market in Hudson, NY on Sat, June 12. My work, as well as a few other EA artists, will be represented there. It sounds like a wonderful venue, full of lots of exciting and original work to see. So, for all you east coasters, or anyone who is planning a trip out that way this spring, consider stopping by either one (or both) of these fantastic shows! I will be unable to attend either show this year due to prior family commitments, but my work will be available to view and purchase (and my work is a LOT more exciting than I am anyway!).

Shown above are some of the Beloved Monsters I just sent off to EA for the Spring Soiree! Say hello to McIntyre, Louie, Grendel, Chickie, and Greenwood!

As for me, I'm VERY busy in the Creature Factory. I get summer hours at my candy store job after this week, which will leave me more time to create. I am excited to get to work on creatures full time......well....that is, as "full time" as a mom of 3 busy kids and the wife of a farmer in the busy season could be........ Plus I have to keep up with my running and training because it IS racing season! I ran a half marathon this morning, the one that opens my racing season every year!
As for this coming fall, the St. Charles Folk Art Fest dates have been changed to Sept. 17, 18, 19, at the Kane County Fairgrounds. Therefore, I WILL be attending. I will also be at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH on Sept, 24, 25, 26. I am also working on a Christmas show, TBA, in the St. Charles area around Thanksgiving. I'll keep you posted!

Tootles!

Spring At Last!

2010-04-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

These are some of the funny bunnies I sent off to Earth Angels last week. They have arrived there and photos will be forthcoming on the website!
I have hippety hopped through Easter and Spring Break with my kids and now it's time to get busy. It was a long winter and I am so happy to see the sun, the colors of green grass and blue sky. I am also happy to be running without loads of clothing as I prepare myself for a half marathon the first Sunday in May, and, more fun than that, a 200 mile relay race from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, with a team of really great boys!!! I hope they can put up with me, anyway....
Please check my blog for show dates, but as of now this is what I know for sure: I WILL be at the Folk Art Festival on the Kane County Fairgrounds. The date has been changed to Sept 17, 18, 19. The following weekend, Sept 24, 25, 26, I will be in Columbus, OH for the Country Living Fair under the Earth Angels tent. Both of these events are two of the BEST places to see really great art and artists. Check out Earth Angels website for info on the Spring Soiree in May as well as all the other great events in store for the summer and fall. Jen O'Connor is a wonderful promoter of her artists, and all art in general.
Hopefully I WILL be attending a show also at Kane County Fairgrounds in November to showcase my Christmas items. I have been looking for a Christmas show for a few years now and am hoping this will be the one for me. All of my northern Illinois customers will have a place to see me for Christmas items and I am very excited. I hope it comes through. I will keep you posted.
As always, look for me on Facebook. I often post new work, hot off the sewing machine. So, send me a friend request (with a message is helpful) and I will be sure to friend you. I have met the greatest people on Facebook!
Tootles!

The Road Ahead

2010-03-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

My Beloved Monster friend, Caruthers P. Davenport, and his friend, Abbot (a Woolie), are surrounded by all these new Woolies created this past month. Cletis, Lewis, Nigel, Percival, Sherman, Paloma, Cyrus, Tweeny, Sasperilla, and Weederman are all headed to Earth Angels Toys. They will be photographed much more nicely there and you will be able to see their detail down to the eyelashes. I had SO MUCH FUN making these guys and I hope they make you smile as much as they make me smile!
Next on the agenda are bunnies, cats, and Beloved Monsters, as well as a few new sketches to try (DOGS????). Also ahead will be Superdolls and Pumpkinheads! I know I don't write often but stay posted! I think there is a way that you can sign up to get an e-mail when I write a new blog post? Become a follower and I think you will be alerted to any new posts. Also, look for me on Facebook.
I hope you are following Caruthers' adventures. He will soon be taking a trip to Little Rock, Ark. and will have a fabulous time. Also planned is a trip to Chicago, if we can get a nice day, that is.
I am also deciding on shows for the fall. I WILL BE at the Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio (under the Earth Angels Tent.....Jen does it up right, let me tell you....) the last weekend of Sept. I say this with a heavy heart, however, because I will be missing the St. Charles Folk Art Festival for the first time in 5 years. I know my customers come from all over the Chicago area to see me there, but, not to worry. I am trying to get into a couple shows, in St. Charles, in the fall, equally as wonderful, and a chance to talk with all of you again! I love my customers! AND if you really want to have a fun getaway/girlfriend weekend (kids back at school, beautiful weather) consider making the trip to Columbus. The Country Living Fair is VERY well done....lots to see and do. Lots of vendors, good food, etc.
Thanks for reading and I hope to post some new things for sale, only here on my blog, in the next month. Be on the lookout! (I really have to update my picture trail.....All that stuff is sold.)
Tootles!

Woolies a-Wonder!!

2010-02-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

It's been another long and cold winter. I am glad February has come, as it brings the delivery of this bitter winter closer to an end. The weather's been ferocious all over the country in the last few days and it makes me wonder why I stay in Illinois. Oh....that's right....because I'm also a farmer. Unless there is some useful crop that can be grown on sandy beaches (sugarcane? bananas? coconuts?) in mass quantity then I don't see me moving anytime soon, unfortunately. However, the cold weather has brought out some new items and new ideas. The doll bodies in the previous post have already made their way to Earth Angels, all duded up, of course, back in January. Pictured above are new designs of what I like to call Woolies. These monster guys all are named (above: Jonas, Scamp, and Paddy), made all out of wool, and as they are created will become the siblings/cousins/aunts & uncles/friends of Abbot, who is pictured with Caruthers P. Davenport in his blog (see left sidebar). Abbot was the first Woolie I made and tonight I cut 10 more and hope to have them ready to go to EA very soon. I LOVE making these as well as my monsters because they are like playing colorforms with fabric....like making construction paper dolls, cutting and pasting these flat pieces together, then watching them come into 3-D with the stuffing inserted. Then the faces make them come to life, while the embellishments cause the creatures to practically jump off the table and run around my ankles like a looney animal (the Tasmanian Devil comes to mind). Anyway, I've been working on all sorts of new ideas. This IS a precious time of year, if only for this reason: It's when I get to watch my sketches come to fruition. I am the least harried in the winter and trying out my new ideas is always something I look desperately forward to. They don't always have the best results, but even the not so good ideas are worth the effort....a pinch and a tweak sometimes is all it takes.
Tootles!

Winter Weather Brings New Dolls!

2010-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

Caruthers is posing with some of the "blanks" that are being created right now in my Creature Factory, a new name for my studio/sewing room. If you haven't already, check out Caruthers' antics on his very own blog http://www.carutherspdavenport.blogspot.com/ . All these new dolls will be headed to Earth Angels in a bout a week. Look for them there!

Caruthers poses with a new Monster, Abbot, made totally from wool pieces. He was a blast to make on a day when I was feeling let down when my girls returned to school. If you like him look for more of him at Earth Angels this spring!

Speaking of spring......I have no shows that I am signed up for (yet) but I will let you know if there will be any. I WILL be traveling to Warwick, NY again in May for Earth Angels Toys' Spring Fling! If you are an east coaster, or want to take a weekend trip and see some beautiful countryside, join us in Warwick at the Fling. LOTS of the EA artists will be there and we LOVE our customers and have a great time talking with all of you! The HeART of Winter, EA's winter show, takes place in late January. Check EA's site for details.

I'll let you know of any upcoming shows (if any) and please be aware that all the work on PictureTrail has been sold. I am not sure how to remove it from the site!!

Thanks for reading....and stop by and visit Caruthers!

Tootles!

Thank You to All in 2009!

2009-12-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who have looked at my Picture Trail photos of my work for sale. A bunch of this work has been sold, but please let me know if there is anything you see you like. I can always make more!
Caruthers P. Davenport has been up to a lot of mischief, and sometimes he just goes with the flow. Check him out and his adventures at www.carutherspdavenport.blogspot.com and see if you get a chuckle out of him. And remember, monsters like him are available through me or Earth Angels Toys. www.earthangelstoys.com
Look for me on Facebook! Keep up with my new work and other goings-on. It's fun and not TOO addicting!!
Have a Happy Holiday Season and thanks to all of you who have bought from me this past year. I will have fewer shows this coming year (especially in the spring) so please shoot me an e-mail if you need something!
Tootles!

Check Out My New Blog!

2009-11-17T18:19:00.001-08:00

Check out my new blog, www.CaruthersPDavenport.blogspot.com and you will read about the antics and adventures of Caruthers P. Davenport, the green monster pictured above (with his friend, a dog, who is headed overseas). Join Caruthers as he journeys out into the world, having just been created, discovering all the world (maybe just this town....maybe the world, who knows?) has to offer. Check back on him every few days, as he likes to get out and about! And see other monsters like him at www.earthangelstoys.com , Valerie Weberpal.
Tootles!

New Link Takes You to My Work for Sale!

2009-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! Please take a moment to look to the left of your screen. There is a link posted that will take you directly to photos of my work that is for sale. Prices are listed per item. Please e-mail me if you are interested in any of these items! As of now, this is the only place to get my snowmen dolls, snowmen necklaces, scarves, and other things I will be posting soon. Remember that usually there are more available than what is pictured. I couldn't show it all!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you see something you like!

Tootles!

What's For Sale?

2009-11-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who bought from me at The Vintage Cottage show this past Saturday. It was fun to meet new people, both artists and customers. I have quite a few Snowman Necklaces left ($25) and snowman dolls (the ones shown in an earlier post, $45). I have Monster Purses ($35) and a couple hip bags made from sweater pieces with animal faces ($65). I have sweaters with animal faces (in med and sm, $40, yellow, blue, and pink), gorgeous wool blanket throws ($90), scarves ($30) and face mittens ($35). I have a few puppets left too ($25). Please let me know if you are interested in any of these items. I can photograph them and send you an e-pic if you'd like to see them. Or I will put the photos up on Flikr (as of yet I have no account, but plan to get one). Please keep checking back to the blog for updates.
All dolls have been mailed off to Earth Angels Toys. If you saw a doll or monster you liked you can find it at Earth Angels. And as always, if you need something special for Christmas, I am taking orders now. Depending on what it is you'd like, leave me plenty of time to make it and ship it to you!
Thanks so much again, to all of you, for your loyal support. Without my customers I wouldn't be doing this. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays. Make sure you check back here often.
Tootles!

Snowmen and SUPERDOLLS!!

2009-11-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Snowman necklaces! Snowmen! SUPERDOLLS! My latest creations will be available this Saturday, Nov. 7 at Vintage Cottage in Western Springs (see last post for details, google for directions). As always, if you can't make it, please shoot me an e-mail so I can try to accomodate you if there is something you want.

The snowman necklaces are made of bits of wool sweaters and bits of wool. They have shimmering silver beads dangling for arms and legs, and a button holds the black seam tape onto the backs of their heads. Each one is different, of course, and no pattern was used. They are all one of a kind.

The snowman dolls are created from an egg-like body, in 4 different fabrics. The head is hand sewn to the body and a crepe paper collar goes around the neck. The front of the snowman has fringed wool "buttons" I made. I love these because they also have sweet little top hats that are hand sewn.

The SUPERDOLLS are my favorites. I sketched them out a few weeks ago and then started cutting them out of different fabrics. They are all different, again, no pattern used, and when I started on their faces, I must admit, I was noticing they were a little menacing. However after I put them aside for a couple days and came back to look at them, I kind of was enthralled. They look a little creepy for SUPERDOLLS, but they'll keep the sinister Dr. Spinnaker on his toes. I plan stories for the 5 of them, if I have time! My daughter was home from school for the weekend as I finished these up. She is a cellist and was practicing her Bach, Beethoven, and Dvorak. Thus, these SUPERDOLLS are named Antonin, Johann, Paisley, Ludwig, and Dweezle. OK, so Paisley and Dweezle are not composers, but......

I hope you like them as much as I do.

Happy Holidays! I hope to have more photos of stuff for sale so keep checking back before Christmas!

Tootles!

Vintage Cottage and I'm Now a Marathon Runner!

2009-10-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is the ad for Vintage Cottage Holiday Market where I will be on November 7. Please come!For those of you wondering how the Chicago Marathon went, I did fine. No broken bones, sprains, or strains. I ran the whole time, save for a porta potty break (that added 10 minutes to my time, thank you very much.....not happy about that, but.....), and recovered in just a day. It was amazing. The crowd was a lot of fun and kept all the runners going clear to the end. I even had a little energy to kick it to the finish line. However, underneath my cool exterior (literally....it was like 35 degrees) my feet were burning with every step. My entire body hurt when I finished. I hobbled to The Art Institute steps to meet my daughter and we both sat shivering waiting for another friend to finish. I felt pretty hideous the rest of that day, but by Monday I was doing well. Just extremely tried. All week I was tired. I still am, by the way!!
I'm working on superdolls with capes and funny faces, and snowmen with egg shaped bodies, scarves made from wool sweaters and, hopefully, snowman necklaces! I've still got a couple weeks to get this stuff done and I hope you will come visit my booth! I hope to meet new people at this show, and see old friends as well.
Tootles!

Show Update! Snowman Necklace Update!

2009-09-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who visited my booth at the Folk Art Festival in St. Charles over the weekend! You were all so very kind and supportive of my work. I really appreciate it. I know I sound like a broken record (the younger crowd won't asimilate the reference!) but I'll say it again.....If it weren't for YOU I wouldn't be doing this. So THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart!
I have signed up to do another show in Western Springs on Nov.7, 9-5. The show is called Vintage Cottage and is housed in 2 historic buildings in the middle of Western Springs, IL. They published a beautiful ad in Romantic Homes Magazine advertising the event, which is a mix of artists and antiques dealers. Both in one show! It should be wonderful for finding gifts of all sorts. It's one day only so it won't take your whole weekend away from you. I am happy to have been invited to this show and I hope all of you will visit for my Christmas items which I will be creating in the next few weeks.
I had many requests from my customers that I make snowman necklaces similar to the witch necklaces (shown in a post below). I WILL have these at the Vintage Cottage show and I will be making them afterwards throughout November and December if anyone wants to order them. If you think you'd like one (or some) please order them soon so I can keep up with demand (should there be any!!) I'll post a photo when I get one finished so you can look at it first.
Please, look for me on Facebook. If you want to friend me send a request. I will friend everyone, however I do not friend businesses unless I know them personally. I am using Facebook to show photos of new stuff and get to know my customers, firstly, and secondly, to spy on my kids.......Shhhhhhhh.......
Tootles!

I Got It All Done For YOU!

2009-09-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

So, I made the hats, made the mittens, made a few more witch necklaces, and there's a ton of stuff for Christmas and Halloween. PLEASE come to the show Friday night, Sat and Sun, this weekend and see what fun it is! A reminder to my customers, I only take cash or checks! No credit cards, please! There is an ATM on the premises. At least there was last year.
I hope to see you there! Remember, this will be my ONLY show this fall! I still haven't signed on to another show. Please watch the blog in case I do! I will announce it here, but it's not looking good......
Tootles!

2009-09-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Say hello to a few new puppets. I have 12 made for the Folk Art Fest! Come see them in person! Next on my to-make list are mittens....and maybe a few more necklaces. So sorry that I never got around to making any hats. I am trying to design a new pattern, a new style of hat. It has to be wacky enough and I just haven't hit on it yet. Please keep checking back this fall because I hope to have one by then, at least some stocking hats, which turned out cool last fall when I made ONE! My kids fought over it.
Only 2 more weeks until FAF....Just trying to get you as excited about it as I am!
Tootles!

Flyers and Die-rs and Fairs, Oh My!

2009-09-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

The title of this post may be far-fetched, but the flyers are the witches (necklaces) and the die-rs are the ghosts and the fairs are where these items will be!! (OK, just go with it!) The above items will be available at Folk Art Fest (see previous post for dates and times) and I also want to mention the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH, (Sept 18, 19 20) in which Earth Angels will have a ginormous tent set up stuffed full with wonderful artists and their creations. I will not be able to attend this year due to a wedding in the family, but my work will be there without me! Please go and tell my dollies hello and take one home with you while you're at it! The Country Living Fair is a fabulous time and there is SO much to see, not just in the EA tent, but the whole event. Read about it at the Country Living web site. It is definitely a destination. Columbus is a gorgeous city! Grab a couple of friends and head over for the weekend!

If you cannot attend the Folk Art Fest and want one of the cuties above please contact me and we can work it out!

Tootles!

ONE SHOW ONLY!!

2009-08-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Well, isn't it the way? Plans change, things fall through, so I am doing only ONE SHOW this fall and that will be at the Folk Art Fest on Sept. 25, 26, 27 in St. Charles at the Kane County Fairgrounds in the gorgeous new facility! But, THAT'S NOT ALL! The Folk Art Fest has gone down to a ONCE A YEAR SHOW, which means you won't see me back for another year after this....unless I get into another spring show (and I'll tell you if I do). The business of doing shows all comes down to the customers (I am speaking for all of us artists out there). When the customer stops demading a hand made original piece of work, that's when the artists stop producing. In that lies the greatest tragedy of all, in which the creative minds out there have no reason to create. We create for YOU, our customers, our public, and for the sheer joy it brings us. Without our customers we have no reason to create. PLEASE keep supporting your favorite artists! A hand made, one of a kind, original piece of work is just SO much more meaningful than a mass produced item. Supporting art and artists is one of the best ways to live a happier life, in my humble opinion!
That said, please come visit me and all the other fantastic artists at FAF in September and bring home your very own, one of a kind original work of art! Bring your friends and cousins....Make a day of it! St. Charles is an adorable town, lots to eat and do! Come one, come all!! You won't be sorry!
Coming soon to my blog.....GHOSTS!!!! And AFTER the show......Stuff for SALE!!
Tootles!

Black Crows and Monsters

2009-07-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Above are a couple of images of dolls I made special order for a store in Santa Fe, NM. The store is called Casa and it sounds just wonderful! If you are traveling that direction anytime soon stop by and tell Susan hello.

It's been a busy summer. My children are all home for the first time in 6 years. One of the girls has always been at music camp for the summer, so this is the first time they've all been home for a while. In fact, this past July 4 was the first one we spent together in 10 years and it was great to go to fireworks and all that stuff together. However, what used to be 3 youngsters hanging out has now turned into 3 grown, actual persons hanging around, with quirks and personalities all their own. This has caused some riffs, naturally, mostly with mom yelling at them to, "clean up your belongings or you'll never see them again!" But, I figure, this will be the final summer I'll have to deal with this as my 21 year old, in her last year of college, will go off to grad school and move away for good after that (one can only hope). My 18 year old is heading off to college in about a month, and only 3 more years til my son leaves. You know how fast 3 years goes???? God, I'm old. I never thought I'd be this old. I don't know if i can grow old with grace.

On that happy note......

Tootles!

LIVE WEB SALE July 15!! And other fun stuff!

2009-07-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Please check out Earth Angels Toys' second LIVE web sale on July 15 at 8pm! I will have work for sale there, at great prices, as well as many of the other EA artists! The first web show was such a success back in May that EA is offering this event again! Check it out! It's the most fun you can have with your computer on a Wednesday evening! Go to www.earthangelstoys.com and click on the blog. This will take you to the live web show!! Remember....8pm on Wednesday, July 15!
I've been very busy making up cool new items for my fall shows. The only show I am certain I am participating in this fall at this point is the Folk Art Fest in St. Charles, IL, which runs the last weekend in September. I am also doing a trunk show at Crocodile Pie Books in Libertyville in December, TBA. One other show is in the works for November in Chicago, but I am waiting to hear. I will announce all dates when I know them.
Last night I had an excellent evening with my 2 daughters at the GreenDay concert in Chicago. I was blown away by how much fun they were, the band, that is, how fabulous the show was, and of course, the music. I am a full blown GreenDay geek and lover and figured this would be my only chance to see them as they don't tour very often. It was the best rock concert I've ever seen (although, I can't say I've been to hundreds of concerts....I know what I like) and I am grateful to my classical music-trained daughters for putting up with their mom whilst she let her hair down in a most dramatic fashion last night. I had the time of my life.......
Tootles!

Poppies and Puppets

2009-06-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the end of the school year has come. I graduated another daughter out of high school and she will be going off to college in the fall. I'll miss her terribly!! We had a fabulous party, though, and the graduation ceremony was beautiful. We were lucky we had a nice day for both! It's been so rainy and chilly here. I feel like I live in northern Michigan! However, the running has been delightful, AND I don't have to wake up at 6am to do it! The lack of heat has certainly slowed down the growth process for our crops on the farm. Corn needs heat to grow and there's been little of that. Soybeans need light to grow, and there's been little of that as well.

So, all my kids are home this summer. No music camps (no jobs!). This will be the first July 4 that we have all been together in 10 years because of music camps! We're going to make the best of it, too!

My 2 daughters and I will be going to the Green Day concert when they come through Chicago on July 13. We are very excited. I have to make the three of us t-shirts to wear so we can get all into it. Then, a couple days later, Harry Potter comes out and we plan to see that at midnight on the Ultra Screen. We've seen all the epics there...Star Wars, Pirates, etc.

Have a great summer1 I will announce my fall schedule as soon as I know it!

Pictures above are of my poppies (YAY! They grew back!!) and some puppets I made for a client!

Tootles!

Earth Angels Spring Fling 2009

2009-05-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from the 2009 Earth Angels Spring Fling set on the lawn of Charlotte's Tea Room In Warwick, NY. Thanks to everyone who attended. The weather was chilly, but at least it didn't rain. We were lucky! Warwick is a lovely little town, full of hills and valleys and sweet little stores. We especially liked the coffee shop where we frequented to keep ourselves warm. The hot chocolate and cookie I had were Sunday morning's breakfast (I don't eat very well on the road ((or EVER, for that matter!)) ask any of the ladies there!) and I had a hot cup of earl grey later in the day. I also had some ice cream there on Saturday.

It was a fun weekend catching up with all the artists in attendance, as well as with Jen O'Connor and her fantastic crew of workers. I must say I love these ladies more and more every time I see them! A HUGE thanks to Cheryl Kuhn (she does the best things with old photos) who drove me from Cleveland to New York. We had such a great time getting to know each other, listening to satellite radio (Lithium, baby!) and chatting about everything from A to Z. Cheryl and I became what Jen calls us now "Rocker Chicks" because of our most interesting tastes in music. The fuzzy, frizzy hair doesn't hurt the persona either! Cheryl is a plethora of knowledge when it comes to rock bands. The girl is a rock encyclopedia, I swear!

So, what sold? Monster Purses, Monsters, and puppets. The puppets went to the Jennifer L., Michelle and Debbie T. Mostly they used them as hand warmers.

Jo Packham, creator of Where Women Create magazine was in attendance all three days of the Fling, and gave a speech on how she succeeded, failed, succeeded, failed, and succeeded again. She was an inspiration to all! What a wonderful lady. It was such an honor to meet her and help her buy some socks!!

Earth Angels is such a dynamic group of women. If you read my blog I'm sure you've visited the web site. PLEASE continue to do so for there is always new stuff to see! These women are the most talented in the world and I am honored to be a part of their world. Honored, really. Thanks, Ladies!

In a month or so I will announce my fall schedule. It is unclear right now but I WILL be doing Folk Art Fest in St. Charles in Sept. and I am hoping to get into the Do It Yourself Trunkshow in Chicago in (I think) November, and I am planning a trunkshow of my very own at Crocodile Pie Books in Libertyville in December. My lifelong friend Kim, owns this store and has very graciously allowed me to crash it for an afternoon! Dates to come!

Tootles!

Earth Angels Toys Spring Fling....and, What Else? Running!

2009-05-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!
The Earth Angels Toys Spring Fling event is just a week away now. I am getting excited for my trip to Warwick, New York to take part in this event. It should be a great time for all who attend! I hope the weather is superb! We will be under a tent, but, if you read my blog and read about the Country Living Fair last fall, you would understand that a tent doesn't always protect a person from ALL of the elements! However, I am crossing my fingers for a fabulous weekend. Besides, I will have to get out and run a few times while I'm there. I am told it is a beautiful little hamlet.
And speaking of running, in case you were wondering, the half marathon last weekend went very well for me. I took 4 minutes off my time from last year, ran consistent just under 8 minute miles (except for mile 13, which sent the runners uphill....a dirty trick indeed!), and finished in 1 hour, 44 minutes and 36 seconds. I was happy about that. I got 2nd in my division and was the 21st female out of approx 380 women, and 130th out of approx 770 total runners. I am completely recovered by now, no more sore thighs. My daughter fared well, and another friend went along with us and ran too. Of course, when it comes to racing I am not a social runner. It's all about getting a good time. That's just me, though. I figure, why do a race if you're just gonna jog through it like any other daily run? It's a challenge for me.
Back to the original reason I'm posting.......
This year Earth Angels is going to do a Web Event on the Sunday of the Spring Fling. All you have to do is go to the EA blog at 8pm on the 17th (EST) and there will be exclusive items from all artists in attendance (plus a few more) for sale just for the bloggers. This way, even if you can't get to NY, you can still take part in the event. Please visit the Earth Angels Toys web site and blog to learn more about the event.
I am sewing furiously for this event. I will be bringing about 30 or so new items to the event. The event will debut my "Moonies" as well as my "Beloved Monsters", two new creations I've only shown at shows so far. I also have hanging angels that are so unique I am not sure I will ever make them again. So, when you buy one of my pieces you are truly getting something one of a kind. My style changes all the time, my ideas change....I mean, that's the way it should be, right?
Have a wonderful week and I hope to see some of you soon!
Tootles!

Where Dreams Come Alive

2009-04-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

So, I had to take some photos for Earth Angels of myself in my studio, and of just my studio. The top one is of me, of course, holding the beginnings of one of my Monster dolls. The bottom one is a peek at my sewing room. I can't really call it a "studio" because it is only a place to sew. Yes, it's small and messy, but seriously, even after I clean it, it ends up in mass chaos within a few hours. On the window back there is a straw hat that belonged to my Great Aunt Helen. My mother's baby picture hangs to the left of the window, with my father's college picture tucked into the frame. On the right of the window are my childhood photos, the top one my baby photo (I still hold my hands like that to this day) and the bottom one is a collection of school photos that my grandmother kept, and were returned to me when she died. Along the walls are my children's artwork, projects I've started and set aside, pinning them to the wall, and there is a valance across the window made up of vintage sewing notions. I will always take people's vintage sewing notions even if i have no idea what to do with them. I have oodles of stuff tucked away, sometimes so much that I forget what I have. On the opposite wall from where this photo was taken is a shelf that houses my CD collection, my Bose player, and numerous books that I love. And of course, there's the fabric. Lots of that. Almost a whole wall of fabric! So, I wish it could be more exciting to look at, but the truth is, the excitement is in my head. When I put on a CD (very loud, mind you) the whole world just disappears and I am in my dreams, with every stitch. If only dreams could last longer.

Speaking of Earth Angels, I am headed out to Warwick, NY on May 15, for the annual Spring Fling event. This will be my first time to Warwick and I am very excited. I am looking forward to seeing all the artists again and having a great time talking to them and the customers, who come from all over the country. If you want more information about the event, please check out the earth Angels Toys website and it will lead you to the blog with all the info on dates and times. It should be a good time. I hope the weather cooperates!

The Great Western Half Marathon is one week away. I think I'm ready to go, but again, if the weather would cooperate......SO much nicer the run!

Thanks for reading! Tootles!

Vampire Vacation

2009-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I have been absent from my life since my last show. That's when I picked up the book, "Twilight", by Stephenie Meyer. Well, I read that (about 600 pages) in 2 days, then went onto "New Moon". I read that in about 3 days. By the weekend I was onto "Eclipse". Then I had to work at the candy store for a whole week straight (selling chocolate bunnies, you know) so I had to read a little each day of "Breaking Dawn". I finished the entire series, over 2500 pages, in 2 weeks, which is a feat unto itself for me. I was totally absent from life, from the newspaper, from anything going on in my family. It was insane. Now, of course, I'm completely obsessed with anything Twilight (bought a t-shirt and a button for my purse, I go to Stephenie Meyer's blog and read all I can about it, etc). I am even reading a short excerpt Meyer wrote from a different perspective off of her site. Anyway, the whole phenomenon is captivating. I am totally absorbed!
In addition to this, I've found a new band....MUSE....who are absolutely, unbelievably compelling. Fantastic music.
I have to go now, but wanted you to know where I've been....hence...a Vampire Vacation!
Tootles!

Scenes from my Booth

2009-03-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

Some images from Folk Art Fest last weekend! On top are some cats, bunnies, and a pumpkin, oh my! Next are my "My Beloved Monsters", then a picture of my booth, and on bottom here are the Moonies. Some of these little guys went home with some of you. Can you find yours?

Thanks to everyone who came to the Folk Art Fest in St. Charles last weekend. The weather was beautiful and it was a lot of fun! It's important to remember all the artists who work so hard all year round inventing new and creative things for your homes. Ever since the caveman days art has played an important role in human civilizations. All cultures, all corners of the world have their special art and artists and without these creative individuals our lives would be incredibly boring. Thank God for the people who feel the need to create, and best of all, share their gifts with the world. It's important that we, as a community, a country, a world, continue to support their efforts. I can guarantee you that without artists there would be no color, no music, no poetry, no stories, etc. All these things make life worth living for. So, if you came to the show, thank you! And if you couldn't make it this time, try to catch the next one, and bring a few friends! In this tough economy it's ever more clear that we all need each other. So, support your artists, wherever they are, and support the arts in general. Isn't your life worth it?

Tootles!

Come One, Come ALL!

2009-02-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
The Country Folk Art Fest is making a comeback this spring! Yay! Please come and see all the new and fun stuff I've been making! I've got dolls you've never seen, blankets made from sweaters, throw pillows too, and the funkiest necklaces in the mid-west! Lots of fun and colorful items await!
Show dates are Friday, March 20, 6pm-10pm; Saturday, March 21, 10am-6pm; Sunday, March 22, 11am-4pm in St. Charles at the Kane County Fairgrounds in the beautiful new building. Please stop by and say hello!
FAF is one of the best shows in the entire mid-west, attracting artists from Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Iowa, to name a few. These are some of the most talented and creative people I've ever met. If you need something totally unique for your home, this is the show to see. You will not be disappointed!
I am unsure of my fall schedule at this time. I may not be in St. Charles in September, so please come see me in March! And as always, please let me know if there is anything I can make for you. I am happy to do special orders.
Thanks for your continued patronage. Without all of you I wouldn't be doing this!
Tootles!

Running, Pillows and Art, Oh My!!

2009-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Wow...well who else is absolutely sick of winter? Do I sound like a broken record? I sound a little like last year lamenting the fact that I can't get outside to run. I have signed up for a half marathon in May and am thinking if it doesn't get nice out soon I won't be able to train properly. This year my oldest daughter is running with me (actually...we will start together but we won't finish together! I will finish ahead of her, barring any injuries that I am not counting on. She's a good runner, but until now I've been faster. We haven't gone head to head in a while though...maybe she'll beat me???? Maybe I shouldn't jinx myself????) and we will have a lovely time. I hope the weather is good.
Anyway, in the photo above you will see my newest creations. I made 4 pillows for my couch out of, what else, sweaters. They are gorgeous and I will be making them for the Folk Art Fest Show in March. Please come and visit my booth! I am working furiously on the show inventory having noticed the calendar the other day, realizing, geez, I've got 2 months to make stuff. Not much time. There are some fall items left over, of course, but I hope to have a slough of bunnies and other fun stuff. My beautiful, colorful blankets are stacked 7 high in my studio here waiting for backings. So, if you like the pillows, want some of your own, let me know! The backing on these pillows are cool because they are graphic t-shirts I cut into bits to get the good parts on the pillow. One is from Germany, one cut up from my daughter's Interlochen t-shirt and others. It's gotta be fun, right?
I made a jumper out of sweater pieces for a friend I met at a show, Georgia, who lives in PA. She seemed to be taken with my stuff and asked if I would try making one for her. So I did it and it turned out cool. However, not having her close by made it hard to "fit" it on her. So, we took a chance anyway and it worked. I told her I wouldn't make another one, though, unless I get an extra 24 hours in a day for the next 10 years or so. It was a fun challenge but I really need to focus on it to achieve the results I would want.
I watched a video last night on Andy Goldsworthy. Wow, is he awesome. He's a Scottish artist and he's just amazing. You can google or youtube him. He seems to love circles as I do, and he's such an interesting philosopher as he narrates and comments on his work. I really connected with his ideas and I feel vindicated in that I no longer think I'm crazy! In fact, I would LOVE to narrate my ideas and my life into a journal, my thoughts, feelings, about what I am creating, and discern if there is a connection to daily life and how my work emerges. I really enjoyed the video and will hunt around for another. It's serene, beautiful, and oh so mesmerizing!
Until I write again! Take care and stay warm!
Tootles!

........And a Happy New Year!

2008-12-26T05:53:00.000-08:00

A Merry Christmas Season to All! I am sorry it took me since Thanksgiving to post a new message, but I was just so busy, as all of you were/are. I made 13 dolls and sent them off to Earth Angels early in December, but because of the storms here and on the east coast it took time for the box to get there. Then they need to be photographed, etc. So check Earth Angels to see what's new because in all the hubbubb I didn't photograph them myself. I have 6 Heart Head dolls to complete for Valentine's Day and will try to photograph them for view on my blog.
So, how was Christmas? It was very low key here. We played a LOT of Pinnochle at the in-laws, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. We all end up in happy-hearted arguments with each other because SOME PEOPLE are SO LUCKY and get a LOT of MELD!! I guess the luck passes around, but my son gets SO lucky!! However, if any of us beat Uncle Bob then that seems a victory in itself!! He can be a real instigator. I supplied some home made spaghetti sauce for our dinner and it was OK, not my best batch. Made from our home grown tomatoes, it was just a pinch acid-y, if that's a word.
For my nieces and nephews I made puppets and purses filled with a chocolate sucker from The Confectionary, the BEST chocolate store in the world! Yes, I work there, and NO, I'm NOT biased!
(I just noticed all the caps I've used in this posting. One might get the idea I'm excited today or something!)
Today will be more of the same...more cards, more food, more bantering.
Have a great weekend! Do some shopping! Go running or walking! Stay active! Create something special today even if it's only a paper airplane to throw at your husband!
A safe and Happy New Year to all my customers and all of you who read this! Just one more thing....I will be at the spring show for Folk Art Fest in St. Charles in March. Which means I have a LOT of work to do. Please come see me there! Dates and info to come later....And just one more, one more thing.....Did you know that America has gone mad for hand-made this year? Etsy sales were up 300% because people want hand made goods, which carry a LOT more meaning than anything mass produced. Of course, I'm not on Etsy, but I am at shows and on Earth Angels and you can call me or e-mail me with special requests, I've done about 10 this season for Christmas and I love doing it so...feel free to contact me. When you purchase one of my hand made items you are getting a piece of ME, which sounds creepy, but my heart goes into each doll, each item I make. And the best part is that each thing I make is absolutely different. NO ONE will have an item like the one you purchase from me. No one. Something to think about. A little plug for ALL the artists out there. What would our world be like without creativity, beauty, art?
I went off an a tangent....sorry. Again, Happy New Year!
Tootles!

Waddle Before You Gobble!

2008-11-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

The 7th Annual Running of the Turkeys is nearly upon us again for 2008. I started this small race back in 2002 as a way to get running friends and family (some who run, most who don't) out on the road to boost the metabolism before a big day of eating and sitting around. Those of you who read my blog know I am somewhat of a running geek, because I run daily, to the point where I am clearly obsessive about it. No matter the weather, I have to run. On snowy icy days I have the treadmill (which I really dislike but will tolerate if I can't go out), and when I get really bored with that I have been known to don a facemask, double pants, triple or quadruple shirts, a scarf, hat, and mittens, while my furry dog runs along side me with nary a boot or jacket. Oh, to be a dog on a cold day.....it's unfair, I tell you!
The t-shirts are back from the printer and carry the ever-beloved motto of the race, "Waddle before you Gobble....amen" on the back, and this year's battlecry, "Go Ahead and EAT THAT PIE!"
I am still crossing my fingers that we will have superb weather....YES, we WILL....and that everyone who comes to the race feels a little better about themselves when they sit down to dine.
So, get out there, People, and do a little something at the start of the biggest eating day of the year! Then after you feel SO good about it, get out there a few times a week. It will make the holiday season a little more tolerable and it could even change your life!
Gobble Gobble!

Caring for your wool articles, and a NEW MAG!!

2008-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! Make sure you look at the photos below if you haven't seen them yet. This blog entry has a couple informative notes. First, if you purchased a scarf, mittens or blanket from me and I didn't tell you how to care for it do this: Hand wash in cold water with mild soap. The less agitating, the better. Agitating and warm water causes wool sweater fibers to shrink a bit. Rinse the same way, and gently squeeze the water out of the article. Let it line dry. You may have to go over it with an iron at the wool setting. Be careful not to scorch it! It's best to wash these articles as little as possible. They are functional but mostly decorative.
I just received my copy of a new publication "Where Women Create" and it's absolutely GORGEOUS! It's a thick magazine with exquisite photography. Jen O'Connor, the life and brains behind Earth Angels Toys is featured in the magazine with a huge article about her, and there are wonderful photos of her home and her displays of the Earth Angels gals' work. If that's not great enough, my work is fluttered throughout the article as well, along with all the other gorgeous artwork by Earth Angels artists. What fun! The magazine is beautiful and I know you'll just flip for it! Check it out!
Tootles!

Finally PHOTOS!!

2008-10-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here I sit at our town's public library uploading my photos, because, that's right, my server is still not working. Anyway, I promised photos and here they are. These are some items left from my shows that I have for sale. If you see anything you like please contact me. My e-mail address is at left, or leave me a comment.

On top we have my famous Face Mittens. These have been very popular at all of my shows. They are made from felted wool, rescued from the landfill thanks to Salvation Army and Goodwill. They are lined in a cotton t-shirt fabric and are VERY warm. Very sweet.

Next are a couple Mitten Purses. These are made from pieces of sweaters and have "pearl" straps. Perfect for a little girl, or a big girl to carry a little cash and keys. A cell phone pocket graces the back side. Very handy, no pun intended.

Then we have puppets. These are also made from, you guessed it, sweater pieces. These are smaller for a child's hand of maybe 7 years. They have buttons or beads so are not intended for young chewing, teething children to play with. There's a scary bear, a cat and a bunny. Please let me know if you want these and/or need more of them. I can make these special order.

Lastly, are my snowman dolls. They are about 10" tall when sitting. Their heads are wool and their bodies are sweater fabric.

Yes, I'm having a LOT of fun with the sweaters. I wake up in the night with visions of new stuff, new ideas for the stuff. Too much fun. I will hopefully post a photo of a couple of blankets made from pieces of sweaters.

I sent two boxes off to Earth Angels Toys today, www.earthangelstoys.com so please check the site often for my new items. You will also be able to find some of my dolls at Climate in Chicago in the coming month. I hope to do business with them for a while.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog, my booth spaces and, PLEASE, let me know if I can make your holiday shopping and gift giving more unique this year.

Tootles!

Photos Coming Soon

2008-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello! Thanks for visiting my booth at Christmas at the Faire in Wheaton last weekend! I want you to know that I still have items available for purchase, and as soon as I can get my server to upload some photos I will show you what I have! But first I will tell you, as most of you are familiar with my work. I have Face Mittens, a few snowman dolls, Monster Purses, and a few Mitten Purses. I have other stuff too so keep checking back for updates. I will try to get the new items up ASAP.
Now that my shows are done I can concentrate on my home and the holidays ahead. Don't get me wrong, I'm still sewing up a storm when I can. First I have to clean my sewing room, though, as it looks like there could actually be one of my children lost in there. Well, maybe not a kid, but a slipper, a couple socks, a few crumbs, even a cup or two. (Maybe that's where my MIA cat is??!!)
Also coming up on my calendar is the Thanksgiving Turkey Race at my house. I have ideas for the t- shirt and it should be cute. I am hoping for milder weather. One year I actually GUARANTEED milder weather a month in advance and it WAS!! Maybe I should do that every year!
So, please check back often and see what's new. If you didn't get to the Wheaton show then you missed a lot of new Christmas stuff. Have a Happy Halloween and a wonderful fall season and if I don't hear from you soon, I hope to see you next year!
Tootles!

Sewing My Fingers Off

2008-10-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard, making all kinds of new items for your enjoyment. I have many new things made from what I like to call "rescued wool sweaters". It's been a LOT of fun.
The Christmas at the Faire Show in Wheaton, IL, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds starts Friday, October 24 in the evening. (I don't have the hours in front of me.....what a surprise!!!) It continues Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th. I hope to see a lot of my customers there and a lot of new faces who'd like to check my stuff out. It promises to be a very elegant and high class show. As always, if you'd like to see examples of my stuff, scroll down to past posts here, or go to www.earthangelstoys.com and click on my name. Read the blog there, too. It has a re-cap of the Country Living Show which was a good time, despite the almost tornado.
So, come and see my new stuff! Lots of fun!
Tootles!

Fair Fun and Fictitious Forms

2008-09-28T18:52:00.001-07:00

What a fun weekend spent in St. Charles, IL at the Kane County Fairgrounds! For those of you who attended Folk Art Fest in the NEW building, I'm sure you noticed (without actually noticing) the air conditioning which was very handy this weekend. Temps outside were in the 80's. All the art was fabulous. There were many wonderful, talented vendors that have become my friends over the years. I look forward to seeing them each year. Thanks to all of you customers that I got to meet and who bought my stuff. I always say there's no better feeling for me than having a customer stare at my booth and smile or laugh. It means I've done what I intended to do: Manufacture a smile even if just for a moment.
My next show will be Christmas at the Faire in Wheaton, IL, on the DuPage County Fairgrounds. This show is Oct. 24, 25, 26 and promises to be THE place to buy all of your hand made, one of a kind gifts for everyone on your shopping list. This will be the first year I will be there, and I'm excited to do a true Christmas show. I plan on having a LOT of new items so please look for me there. I want to post some photos here on my blog, but, hey....why spoil the surprises??
Saturday at the FAF it got a little slow in the afternoon and I started cutting paper. More and more paper into little figures which I then "dressed". They needed to have stories, I thought, so the next day I brought my colored pencils and glue sticks and had myself a treasured walk through my bizarre mind and made these little guys into wacky note cards, each with a one sentence "story". They are ALL different and all are hand colored. I had a few ladies in the booth cracking up while looking at them and maybe I'm onto something? That's a tidbit.....
I hope to see you in Wheaton. Until then, I'm pasted to the chocolate machine at the candy store, and to my sewing machine at home. Can you say hand cramps??
Tootles!

Earth Angels at the Country Living Fair

2008-09-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

A little rain, a little sun, a little heat, and a gigantic wind storm in which our tent blew up into the sky (thankfully after we were packed and gone) all make for an interesting 3 days spent at the 2008 Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH on Sept 12-14. Nestled under the Earth Angels tent were 16 of us with a myriad of fabulous artwork. I met for the first time the creator of Earth Angels, Jen O'Connor, and all these wonderful women pictured (I'm the one all the way to the left). They are quite a group and I'm happy to have gotten to know them. They showed me a wonderful time in Columbus and I look forward to the next event we can all spend together!

The St. Charles Folk Art Fest is coming up Sept. 26, 27, 28. Hopefully all of you who are on my mailing list received your corrected date cards! I am sorry if I caused any confusion and I hope to see a lot of you there! I have new items and am going to try to get more done these next few days I have left before the show. What are the items????? You'll have to come and see!!

Until then! Tootles!

Attn: Read This About St.Charles Show!!!!

2008-09-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you know it, after I sent out ALL those cards to my mailing list that I got a date WRONG!! I hope all of you I sent cards to will visit my blog so you will know I made a mistake. Thanks to a kind person who recieved my card and corrected me, the actual show dates for Folk Art Fest in St. Charles are Sept. 26, 27, 28. PLEASE make a note of this! I am SO SORRY if I have caused any annoyances. I hope no one goes to the fairgrounds on the wrong date, even though I think there IS something pretty cool going on there that weekend. Google Kane County Fairgrounds for that info and for the hours of the show.
Again, I am SO SORRY, and I hope you all will forgive me if I caused you any trouble. Please, tell your friends if you think they are on my list also.
Thanks for your time! Tootles!

Summer Days Driftin' Away

2008-08-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a very hectic and crazy summer. I can't believe it's almost over. Soon my kids will be back to school and another year will fly by. I had to laugh with my sister Ann who said, "How come our kids keep getting older but we don't?" I liked that thought even if it's not true. So many dramas at my house this summer. My kids sure make my life interesting.
I have been working on items for the upcoming shoes this fall. I will be at Folk Art Fest in St. Charles, IL on Fri, Sat, Sun, September 19, 20, 21. I will also be in Christmas at the Faire, a new show for me, in Wheaton, IL on (I think....) October 24, 25. I'm pretty sure about those days. I'll have to let you know, or you can google the show. I will also be making another trip to Columbus, OH, but this time it will be for the Country Living Fair (a Country Living Magazine event) under the Earth Angels Toys tent. I will be there the entire weekend of September 12, 13, 14. So if you can't make it to any of the Illinois shows then you can see me in Columbus if you wish to do so.
Along with these fall shows I have a daughter who will be looking at colleges this fall. She will be my second daughter/child going into music school. If any of you out there have a child in music school you know how demanding their senior year of high school can be. A student going into music has to literally be accepted twice to a university. Once to get into the university itself and another time to get into the music school at the university. (Twice the applications! WooHoo!!) The second acceptance is decided by auditions, a nerve-wracking reality every musician will deal with their entire lives. My first daughter did it, my second one will do it, and I can say, I am crossing all my fingers and toes that my son wants to be a physicist, microbiologist, or something equally as tame, as opposed to going into music.
My computer is still not uploading. I kind of forgot about the problem this summer and now am working on getting it resolved again. This means I cannot upload photos for you to see (not that there are any at this point) unless I go to Starbucks or sit in the middle of the town square and suck up someone else's wireless service. These actions would pull me away from my sewing which is all consuming right now. So, you decide, do you want photos or do you want me to get more stuff made??????
I hope you all are having a fabulous summer and make the last couple weeks count!
Tootles!

My Beloved Monster

2008-05-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, YAY, for my internet server! I uploaded this photo and got lucky that it worked. The other photo I wanted to include did not upload though. I'll have to try again.
Anyway, this is one of my new creations, what I'm calling "My Beloved Monsters". All are extremely different and all have names. This guy's name is Ferdinand. They are labeled and signed and will be available, hopefully by the basketfull, at my upcoming shows in the fall. I have 10 made and hope to get to some more. Those of you who bought the Monster Purses will probably like these. All made from pieces of rescued sweaters, they have different textures and looks. The idea was for children to have a "monster" with which they could scare away other monsters.
I hope you enjoy looking at him, and again, I am willing to make these special order. Just ask.
Tootles!

Computer Blues...Sing it!!

2008-05-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Still having problems with my server. A technician came out to my house to run some diagnostics on our connection. We are pretty sure it is a server problem and not the computer's fault. So, hopefully it will get repaired soon and I can show you some stuff. I was even thinking of taking my laptop to Starbucks and using their WiFi. I may do that if I can catch a break in my ever expanding list o'stuff that needs to get done.
I have pretty much planted my yard and all my pots. Now I have to remember to water them every day so they don't croak. Also been busy with all the end of year kids activities. Recitals, concerts, prom, awards, etc. Everything is winding down, finally. But then I start to think I have only 3 months until my next show. I have to get on the ball here!
Tootles!

The Internet is Making Me "NUTS"

2008-05-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well, my server is having problems, apparently. I am trying to upload photos of a couple new things and my server keeps timing out. So glad I pay them $54.95 a month! At first I thought it was because we had a windy day yesterday. I had tried to send some e-photos, but they wouldn't go. Then later in the day I tried again. And again. Nothing. Earlier today I tried to upload to my blog. No go. And now, no go again. So, I will keep trying, and in the meantime I'll give my Internet service a call.

I suppose now it is OK to mention the international exhibition I am in. It's called "Mixed Nuts" and the exhibition is in Australia. The participating artists were all given a fabric shape, that when sewn up resembles a peanut. It was then up to us to make this "nut" into something. I got to view some of the artists creations and they are all fabulous. I am not sure the starting date of the show but once I get the thumbs up from Kirsty (an artist and creator of the exhibition) I will post all the info and a photo of my entry. That is if my Internet server decides to actually serve.
Until later.......

Cats out of the Bag

2008-05-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the finished cats that headed out to Earth Angels for the big party in a couple weeks. I have sent Jen probably 25 or so bunnies and cats for this big spring soiree. Next I will focus more on upcoming shows which will be in the fall. One in September and one in October. Expect to see a lot of new pumpkin head dolls, frank head dolls, witches, ghosts and a new design I'm working on. I will have many pairs of face mittens and ipod holders, and VERY cool blankets all created out of rescued wool sweaters. My collection of them is getting bigger and bigger. I can't resist anything striped or in a gorgeous color.
On the home front, baseball is starting for my son and already the other moms have been wondering why I'm not busy stitching mittens while I watch the boys play. Maybe the fact that I hadn't had a chance to make any yet, or the fact that the other night it was about 50 degrees with the wind gusting at 20 right into our faces.
I am also off duty for the summer at the candy store. However, I will be available to fill in for other employees who go on vacation (and eat my vanilla creams for free!). Because I never go on vacation. I shouldn't say "never", but I am not much of a traveler. I'd rather stay home and make stuff, garden and work on my house. I don't enough time for THAT!
As I type this it is raining again, and it's COLD. Tomorrow is a half marathon I am doing and I am hoping Mother Nature is a bit sweeter to all of us.
With that, have a wonderful few days until I write again. Thanks for visiting!
Tootles!

Up and Comers

2008-04-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so bear with me....The top image is a picture of some of my CD collection. People often ask why I don't just download the songs, and there are a couple of reasons for that. First and foremost is that people miss out on a LOT of really excellent music by just downloading a song they hear on the radio. Often times the rest of the CD is just as amazing or better, and I like to hear what else a band can do, not just one of their popular offerings. Secondly, I like to have the lyrics, which are included in the artwork that come with the CD. I love the artwork. I think the artist needs to be seen, and even if you download a CD and get the front cover image, it's not the same as holding the entire package in your hands, flipping the pages, reading them, and smelling that wonderful inky smell.

The next two images are my up and comers. They are basically naked. This is how they look before they get dolled up, so to speak. I just wanted to post some photos of something in the process of completion, so there you go.

If you are local, please visit the Folk Art and Friends booth this weekend, May 3 & 4 in Elmhurst, IL at "Art in the Park". It's a wonderful art fair made possible by Roz Long, a super lady who helps promote artists in the area. Her shows are always top notch.

We've had some lovely weather (I can't believe I'm saying that, FINALLY!) which has kept me out of the sewing room and in the garden a bit. I wanted to plant some peonies and worked up a new area for them only to find out they aren't at garden centers yet. So, I guess I'm ahead of myself now. Can you believe it's almost May?? Where does the time go??

Tootles for now!

Much Ado About Nothing

2008-04-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

Wow, I just realized I have nothing to show you all. Nada. The past couple weeks have found me sick, and then my daughter, so there has not been much time to play. The weather has turned for the better, at least for today, except the wind is blowing close to tornado speed. Therefore, the work I hoped to accomplish in my yard did not get done today and it's supposed to rain tomorrow. But, and I mean BUT!!, I didn't have to wear a coat, jacket, scarf, mittens, earmuffs, or any form of outerwear today besides regular clothing! I even ran in shorts this morning. It was a bit chilly, however. It reminds me of when my kids were little and they'd get so excited to wear shorts to school come April, that they would wear them on 45 degree days. But in the fall, when school started, and it actually was 70-80 degrees they'd want to wear their pants. Go figure.
I hope to have some new photos up soon. Currently I am working on the shows I'll be at in the fall, one in Sept, one in Oct. I'll post the dates soon.
Until next time!
Tootles!!

Want Killer Abs? Try Coughing!

2008-04-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

OK, this has nothing to do with art or dolls, but all to do with how painful my abs are this morning after 2 horrendous nights of coughing. I am sure that I've gotten a better ab workout in the past two nights than I have in the past year doing crunches. Seriously. For those of you out there who haven't experienced this cold/flu yet, all I can say is you are lucky and wash your hands. My whole family and everyone at work has had this in one form or another and I thought I had it whipped. HA! That's what viruses WANT you to think! They want you to become complacent and they hide out and hide out. Then when you're not expecting it, they ooze from your nose and slither up from your throat. OK, that was gross. But true. I feel like I've been stepped on by a big shoe. To quote Radiohead, "Crushed like a bug in the ground." UUGGGG.
I hope you are all feeling great and if you feel like I do, here's to a quick recovery!
Tootle-oooooooze

El Doggio's Big Break

2008-04-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Meet El Doggio. He is a dog I created for my friend Chris who is releasing a children's CD soon. El Doggio will go on the CD cover and insert. The name of the CD is "One Eye Blue" by Mr. P. and the Q's. El Doggio has one blue eye just like Chris' dog, whom the CD is named after. You can visit Chris' website and hear sample songs. Chris is a musician, and also owns a recording studio in which he records new bands and lots of other music. He wrote the entire CD and recorded himself on all the instuments. Check it out! www.musicandsoundco.com

Musical Weather

2008-03-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent my morning raking the dead leaves from one of my gardens (my garden never got cleaned out last fall because it went from 60 to 30 in one week....and stayed there...) only to have my tender tulips covered once again in 3" of snow. OK, so let's be positive here. At least there was ONE DAY that it was nice enough to be in my garden. My other gardens have not been so lucky, however, and maybe they'll be better for the lack of care given them. At least the leaves and dead growth are protecting the new green sprouts underneath.
I've had a very quiet week. I haven't done too much sewing, but have enjoyed my kids. My one college age daughter was home for a few days, and she brought her boyfriend for a "meet the parents" type of visit, and we had a great time. What I loved most was the music. Since the boyfriend is a piano performance major, he, along with my kids on two cellos and a violin, provided some of the best gardening music I've ever had. I love when they are practicing in the warmer months. They open their windows and the sound just floats out into the yard. Even though it may be scales or the practicing of difficult runs, there is nothing that compares with the live sound. I always have thought that I enjoy the sound of the orchestra tuning before a concert just as much as the concert. I guess I feel the same about listening to the practicing. I am not sure if the average person knows how long and hard musicians practice their pieces in order to sound the way they do. I guess it's in the knowing that all that hard work brings about the finished product. It's wonderful.
Until next time!
Tootles!

OOOOOOPs

2008-03-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

I showed the same bunnies twice!! OOOPs! Here are the other 3.

All the World's a Stage

2008-03-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

A puppet. Fit for a child's hand of about 5 or so. Mostly just to place on a shelf and look at.

The Oxymoron That is Spring and The Bunnies Who Will Need Parkas

2008-03-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe what is headed our way. Of course I am lamenting but again about the weather. It is a beautiful day today and starting tonight we are supposed to get 10 inches of snow. Maybe 12 if we are lucky! What holiday is approaching?? What? It's not Christmas??? For Pete's sake with the snow already! Haven't we had enough? No one ever wrote a song about a White Easter! White bunnies, perhaps, but SNOW on Easter? Can you say snowegg fight? Snow Bunny? Hot chocolate flavored with a few JELLY BEANS?

Anyway, pictured above are NEW BUNNIES! As always they are a blast to make and I did these between my very busy week at the candy store. I make bunnies there, too, but chocolate ones. It's been a long week and it's not over yet. Mostly because 3/4 of our employees are sick so I've been picking up the slack. Hope I'm not sick for Easter! I have some vanilla cream eggs with my name on them!

Look for these creatures at Earth Angels Toys, because that's where they're headed! But until they get on the web site there here's a sneak peak!

Tootles!

Hoppin Down the Bunny Trail

2008-03-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

New Bunnies! A whole lotta fun making these!

Have a wonderful Easter!

Like Rabbits in the Spring

2008-03-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

OK, they're reproducing. The bunnies I started making are slowly coming to life. I will have 10 done by Monday to send onto Earth Angels Toys. Oh, and they are cuties. It's weird, but I never know if they're going to be adorable or not when I start making them. It's hard to tell. But once they get their dresses on their personalities come out. One of them even has a cocked head to its side.
It all starts with a piece of wool. I draw a head onto the wool. then I cut it out, sew it, and stuff it. Next is the body, in which I eyeball the dimensions. Sometimes the body is pieced out of many scraps. The body rarely shows because it's covered by a dress. For this reason I often thought of just using muslin for the body, but then I imagine some day, like 1000 years from now, the dress will wear out and become holey (not to be confused with Holy) and the body might just be on display at that point. And what doll doesn't want a good body? So, the body is cut and sewn then attached by hand stitching to the head. Then the body is stuffed and a circle or oval is hand stitched to the bottom end. This makes a good place for the doll to sit. Then legs and arms are eyeballed, sewn, stuffed and hand stitched to the body. Then the face. The face takes the longest, and for good reason. I play with the colors and shapes until I find a face I like. Sometimes I like white eyes, sometimes not. It depends on the wool and what CD I'm listening to. I mean, if I have Green Day on, it might be a spunky bunny face, but if it's Radiohead then the bunny may end up more subdued. Same goes for the outfits. Anyway, my music keeps me sewing and going.
Now, can we talk about this insane weather? Global Warming, my tushie. It's still only 25 degrees today and this whole weekend is supposed to be a weather wash, rather, a freeze. I will be SO happy when I can get out and run, and run, and run. I feel like the proverbial hamster on a treadmill.
Enough of my babbling, though. I hope everyone who is reading this is doing wonderfully, and is happy and full of peace. We need more peace.
Until next time.

In Like a Lion

2008-03-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

Winter continues to haunt us here in Illinois without any hope of ever going back to its grave, I swear. We had warmer weather in early January. I wish it would warm up a bit and stop snowing, for Pete's sake. I think we're supposed to get more tomorrow.
It's March already and what have I accomplished these last 2 months of 2008??? Pretty much nothing. Unless you count taking care of the house and laundry....and cooking and laundry, going to games, recitals, and work, and laundry. I have managed to make 30 doll bodies, but they have no appendages or faces. Yet. Tomorrow that changes. All of these dolls will be headed to Earth Angels for the big Spring Fling party at Jen's house in May. It will take me that long to complete them. Then my plans turn to working on fall shows and more pumpkin head dolls and cross-dressing Frank dolls (Frankensteins that wear dresses.....who knew???). I love making them the most. I also plan on more mittens, and even kid sizes this year, for those of you who are too proper to wear the mittens yourself but would love them for your kids. So, this summer while I'm baking at the baseball park watching my son play, between those pitches and homers I'll also be sewing faces on mittens.
Peace to all.

A Valentine for NIU

2008-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day was quite a day. The candy store was busy, like I said it would be. But go figure, I believe my theory was wrong this year. Most of our customers on Valentine's Day were women. Now, I can only attribute this to the men actually listening to me in years past, begging them to come earlier in the week! Yes, I'm sure this is why!!
On a much more somber note, Valentine's Day will forever more remind me of the shooting at Northern Illinois University. My family and I spend a lot of time at NIU for music lessons and music activities. What happened on Valentine's Day 2008 feels like a violation to all of us who live here. It is hard to believe that the faces I saw on TV, and the voices I heard on the radio were people I know, friends and community members I see every day. I have cried daily for what has happened in this little town, so close to my heart, so close to home. Way too close. It is always hard to believe things like this happen, but when they happen in your own backyard it hurts all the more.
Here's to NIU and all the wonderful people there, the students who have to put this behind them, and to the communities of DeKalb and Sycamore who try to heal after this gut-wrenching tragedy.
May God put peace in all our hearts.

Stay On the Paper. Please

2008-02-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Like I said in my last entry, some thoughts just look better on the paper. How come I can't make the thing in my head come out of my hands? It's been a question I've had for a long time. How is it possible you can actually SEE the final product in your head, draw it out, and go create it only to have it be a dud? Does that happen to anyone else? I remember when I wanted to illustrate a book I had written and I simply couldn't make the characters in my head come out of my pencils. It's frustrating! I ended up asking my good friend Ken DeWaard (you wanna see awesome painting, check out his website....google him...he's amazing. We've been friends since junior high school) to illustrate it for me, but alas, we never got started, much less finished it. Anyway, it's frustrating. I may have to turn the designs into paintings instead.
We got like 12 inches of snow. It's absolutely nuts. My kids had another day off of school yesterday and were distraught to have to return today. I said to my son, "Hey man, you'd rather be in school now than in June!" I don't know if he thoroughly believed me. So, because of the snow, the snowmobilers are out in full force, offten zooming past my yard at 2am, no kidding. I'm in a dead sleep when all of a sudden the sound swings in from the right, gets deafening for a moment, then exits to the left. I don't know what these people do for a living that they can stay up all night carousing. They must require heavy doses of coffee the next day.
Until next time! Tootles!

Introducing Folk Art and Friends

2008-02-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't updated in a while and I am sorry about that! I know it is no fun to come to a blog only to find the same old stuff there. So, I will try to get on the ball and stay there!
I want to tell you about Folk Art and Friends, which is a new web site started by some very talented artists and my friends. Visit the site to find awesome one of a kind folk art. They will be advertising in all the big mags in the future as well as blogging and doing fine art shows around the Chicago area and midwest. So, please visit www.folkartandfriends.com and browse for fun, to get inspired, and, of course, to buy something wonderful to add to your collection!
I have just finished 11 blankets, rather, "throws" for Earth Angels, which they have yet to see. I think they're pretty cool, all made from rescued wool sweaters. Very fun and very contemporary. After Valentine's Day I will be going full force on dolls. I have some new ideas I've sketched out, but sometimes my sketches look better on paper (or in my head, even) than made out of fabric. But, nothing ventured, as they say.......
Valentine's Day at the candy store is a kick every year. It is by far the single most busy day in the candy store all year. The real kicker is that most all of the customers are men. Women are better planners and they come in a week or so early, but the men....they wait until the last minute. The store remains open until the last man exits the store. What should be a 5:00 closing time turns into 7:00 or 8:00, depending on when the dinner reservations are. The other funny thing about these men are that they only come in the candy store once a year. Once. I swear, I NEVER see 95% of them at any other time. This makes me laugh every year. I don't know what they're thinking....or maybe I do.
VOTE tomorrow!!! I will not be shy about it......Go Obama! I think he's awesome, just awesome. I met him in my hometown at our local library and he was just captivating. Great ideas, great man. I'll bet HE plans ahead for Valentine's Day.
Tootles!

Valentines

2008-01-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

These are a couple more things I've made. Stuffed Hearts and a Heart Purse. The Heart Purses I can actually make for anyone interested. I have quite a bit of red fabric (wool sweater fabric) and I can put any saying on you'd like. Let me know if you're interested. It's funny because those of you who actually read this blog can make this purse yourself easily!!!

In February I will be presenting a "class" for kids with our local 4-H organization on how to make mittens. They will bring in a felted sweater and we will make patterns for their hands and they will sew them up and decorate them. I was a 4-H leader for our local club for 10 years. It's a great organization and I loved it so much that it was hard to give up. But it was time for a new leader to come in a shake things up a bit.

I am already planning the purse I will make after the democratic primary is over. I am hoping the purse I make will say OBAMA on it, but if it has to say HILLARY, then it will. Go Barack!!
Tootles!

Hearts Alive

2008-01-09T16:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the Heart Head Dolls that I sent off to Earth Angels this morning. They were a lot of fun to make and very different from the ones I made last year. That's what I love about making these without patterns. They are always so different, doll to doll, year to year. They completely reflect my mood of the day(s) and my color preferences, which change all the time. I hope whoever buys them enjoys them. I always want to imagine my dolls in a home where they are gazed upon and loved as much as I love them. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to part with them sometimes. I guess I should be more like a doctor and try not to get involved with my "patients". So, whoever you are, please care for them lovingly! They left my hands with love, wrapped in tissue and placed softly in a box for their trip to New York and beyond.

New Year, New Saddle

2008-01-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

OK, the title of this entry may not make sense, but I wanted to say, Back in the Saddle Again. It's a new year, hence a new saddle........My cowboy-speak is not great.
I have finished 6 heart dolls and will sending them off to Earth Angels this week. I have a couple heart purses also. I will photo these and show them here. I have also been thinking about selling on Etsy, a few things, just to see how it goes. These would be things other than my dolls, mostly my paintings and other painted stuff. Maybe a couple dolls, I don't know. This blog is the closest thing I have to a web site, so I thought Etsy might bring more people here??
Thanks for the comments from you all when I was feeling blue. My daughter is back at school having a blast, between all her hard work that is. So, it's good, really. Crisis averted.
Thanks to Amber who gave me some sweaters and to Dawn who alerted me about one of my dolls being in Mary Engelbreit this month (I think on page 84, sitting on a small chair) and to the Crispell family who bought it and displayed it for the photo. It's as close to famous as I've ever been (mine is a meager existence!).
Thanks to Viv who asked me to be in a doll swap, and to Michelle (who lives close to me and I haven't gotten to hang with yet) and Jackie for their kind words.
My friend Susan Havens-Morris is starting a new web site for interested artists and buyers. It will be called Folk Art and Friends and it will offer for sale the work of some very talented ladies. If you think you might want to take part, Susan can be reached at team@middleburgfolkartstudio.com Please let her know if you're interested. And if you're person who likes to purchase folk art look for the site to be up at the end of the month.
That's all for now! Thanks to all of you!
Tootles!

A Whole Lot of Thinking

2007-12-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say I was busy creating all kinds of wonderful stuff, but all I can admit to is THINKING about creating wonderful stuff. I'm sketching a little and organizing the sewing room (and house....I always get the bug this time of year) but mostly just thinking. I've been busy with family commitments and that leaves little time for anything else. My oldest daughter headed back to college today and I miss her already. I hate that hole in your heart feeling after they leave. It's worse than the Christmas is Over letdown. I just hate it, even though I know she's happier out on her own. I know I have to let her go, but it just makes me feel old, unneeded, and obsolete (Mother's are SO last year!!). Anyway, I'm dealing with that melancholy and it's not very inspiring.
When I get some new items up I will post them. I have my own laptop now (thanks to my hubby) so I can waste even MORE time on the computer!!
Have a safe New Year's Eve, everyone, and a Happy New Year!

Paintings

2007-12-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

These are a couple paintings I've done. I have others but this is basically the style. I am working on new finishing techniques. Please contact me if you are interested.
Happy Day!

A Proper spot of Tea

2007-12-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Whew! It's been busy around here. We've had concerts, recitals, and general craziness! I have my shopping done, presents wrapped, tree decorated and most of my ornaments out. I have a lot.
Yesterday I spent a lovely afternoon with some artist ladies in my area. Susan Havens-Morris invited us into her picturesque home for a proper English tea. She made sandwiches and sweets and we had a nice afteroon taking time out of our busy lives to relax. Susan's home is a gorgeous old home you might see in a decorating magazine. In fact, her home will be featured in Country Sampler in January. Susan is a papier mache artist, and a very prolific one at that. She's a wonderful powerhouse of a woman with a lot of great ideas. You can check out her work on etsy.com or her website and blog Middleburg Folk Art Studio.
The weather has been crazy here as I believe it's been all over the country. We've had ice, snow, wind, and it's not even officially winter yet. It has put a real damper in my running mileage. I am destined to my basement treadmill until this weather breaks. The older I get the more I hate winter, but only for the running factor. Otherwise it's OK.
I've been working on heart head dolls and thinking very hard about purses. I am simply uninspired in that area. I have some paintings to show you and I will do that soon, hopefully today.
Have a Merry Christmas! Hope to hear from you....whoever might be reading this!!! Be safe!

Been Tagged!!

2007-12-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

Debra Schoch "tagged" me, which means I am to write 7 random things about myself. The second part of being tagged is to tag 7 others, but being new to the bolgosphere, I will have to pass on that until I am better acquainted with others' blogs.
1. I am a runner and I live on a farm where there are no trees or houses to block wind. Every morning the first thing I do is look out my window to see how much wind, which direction it's from, how fast it's blowing, etc, to determine if I will be indoors on the treadmill or outside on the road.
2. All 3 of my kids play stringed instuments. My oldest is studying cello performance in college and my middle child wants to teach music. My youngest plays to humor us, but he's pretty good, too!
3. I am not a musician but I have a drum set. I wanted one because I wanted my son to learn to play, mostly. "Girls like drummers" I told him. But, he won't play them, so I do, and not very well, I might add.
4. I sewed a little in high school. When I got married my dad gave me an industrial machine from his drapery shop. Luckily, my mom was the type of lady who always had to have the latest model Bernina and one of her daughters would get her used model. I still have the same Bernina she gave me in 1984. She doesn't do this anymore. It got expensive with all the computerized models.
5. My family and extended family love to play cards. We get rowdy and loud and tease each other mercilessly. We like Oh Heck, Pinnochle, and Wizard.
6. I am the middle child of 7 kids. I have 5 sisters and a brother scattered throughout the world. Gotta love those Catholic families!
7. I vacuum my downstairs daily. I hate crumbs on the floor. However, dusting.....that's a whole other story.....

Other Stuff

2007-12-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

Bunnies on boxes! A simple black cat and pink bunny! On the left, a one-eyed person standing on a crackled wood box.

2007-12-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of Monster Purses, made out of bits and pieces of bright wool sweaters. They have pointy teeth and googly eyes and would look perfect hanging from a peg in a child's room. They have thick yarn straps so they are suitable only for light weight content. Mostly they're fun to look at! I have a few left if you're interested!

Christmas Elves Galore!

2007-12-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

There are a few of the elves I have. The smaller one in the center is new this year. The tiny one to the left is a pin (he's one of my one-eyed creations). The tiny one on the right (also one-eyed) is standing on a half snowball on a circle box.
More to come!!!

Pumpkins with an attitude

2007-11-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

These Pumpkin Head dolls are dressed for a fall day. The two end Pumpkins have wool heads and the center one has a corduroy head. Dressed in linen and cotton, they hold close by their sides a Frank pin, Witchy pin, Ghost on a block, and a Pumpkin pin. All dolls have wool sweaters and personalities all their own. More to come!!

Many thanks to Debra Schoch!!

2007-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Many thanks to Debra Schoch from Hophopjingleboo for her wonderfully elaborate announcement of my entrance to blogland! Thank you, Debra. You are SO very creative! For those of you who don't know her, Debra Schoch is an amazing papier mache artist from the U.P. Michigan. I met her at the Folk Art Festival in St. Charles, Illinois about a year ago. I bought a couple of her pieces and she bought a couple of mine. Her characters are so colorful, sparkly, and lively that I can't bear to put them away as "seasonal" items. Therefore, they stay up on my shelf or tabletop all year round. I don't know how she does it (I have tried papier mache and it's quite a long and difficult process) but she has an imagination that soars above all! Thanks again to Debra, and I'll get a photo up of her as soon as I can figure out how!!!!
Please visit her awesome and gorgeous website www.hophopjingleboo.com and her blog at www.hophopjingleboo.blogspot.com and you will smile until your face hurts!
Tootles!
Valerie

Grunge hats and Creature mittens

2007-11-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

An example of Grunge Hats and Creature Mittens as modeled by my daughter. Isn't she sweet?

Turkey Race Update

2007-11-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Here in northern Illinois it was about 27 degrees with quite a hefty wind, giving us a windchill of about zero. No fun for a run. On days like those I stay in and run on my treadmill. But I couldn't wimp out for our big Turkey race! We had about 45 people running, mostly our local high school's boys and girls Cross Country team, that took 1st and 9th respectively at State. So, they're pretty good. Our top runner, who is a junior this year, ran 4 miles in about 23 minutes. Really amazing. I didn't do too badly, with a time of 33:48, however, I stopped to talk to the Verizon Man who was out fixing my phone line. Deduct me another minute or 2 please!! After the race we ate bagels and muffins. The Confectionary (the best candy store ever in my unbiased opinion....yes, I work there too) donated chocolate Turkey suckers for everyone and a chocolate prize for the winner that said, "I beat the butcher".
Have a safe Holiday season. I have grunge hats and creature mittens available for those of you who want them for gifts. Please e-mail me. I am going to photograph some today on my lovely daughter, my model, and hope to get them posted ASAP. Grunge hats are made out of 100% wool sweaters, all colors, all are different. All have ear flaps. These have always been a hit with the teens, but I wear mine for running every day in the winter. They are warm, not itchy (lined in cotton) and great for all outdoor activities.....even shoveling snow. It's winter, People!! For my dolls, please visit www.earthangelstoys.com. Most of my stuff is there.
Tootles!

Photos from From Our Hands Show

2007-11-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple photos from the From Our Hands Show in Columbus, Ohio, November 9 and 10, 2007. The top photo shows some black cats and a dog and a monster purse on the right side (hanging). The lower photo shows some bunnies and a tree topper on the upper right side. My daughter Francie and I had a lovely time in Columbus and met a lot of really terrific people. It was a long drive for us back to Illinois but it was good bonding time!

The Annual Turkey Run

2007-11-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

This will be Weberpal Farms' 6th annual Running of the Turkeys, a 4 mile run/walk fun race started in 2002. Each year we get about 50 runners to come out Thanksgiving morning for this flat, 2 miles out, 2 miles back, run. Some of the participants who do not run will walk, and some will only walk part of the mileage. It doesn't matter, however, because the motto is "Waddle before you Gobble". The point is to get out and exercise before you sit and eat all day. If you read my profile you'd notice I am an avid runner. I never really thought of myself as a hard-core runner, but I guess I am. It's the only sport I do. It's the only sport I have time for!! Anyway, our race is not advertised, but friends and family who attend (sometimes reluctantly on cold, windy Thanksgiving mornings) always feel a little better about their eating habits after a good waddle.
So, I encourage all of you to get out there and move around a little bit this Thanksgiving. Then don't stop there! Take it all the way though the holiday season and into the new year!
I'm hoping to get some photos up soon of some grunge hats and creature mittens. I also have a few monster purses left if there are any takers.
Have a great Thanksgiving, and please keep checking back. As soon as I figure out this whole blog world a little better I will have more to show and tell.
Tootles!!
Valerie

Christmas Elves say Hello!!

2007-11-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

These are a couple Christmas elves saying Hello! They have wool faces and bodies, beaded teeth and a cotton polka dot ruffle around their necks. I was just trying this uploading photo thing and I hope it works. Little elves, welcome to Cyberland! (Not very far form the North Pole!)

Hope you're having a safe and wonderful Holiday Season!

Getting the Word Out!

2007-11-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

I will be sending out post cards by regular mail to get the word out about my blog. I have to upload some photos and I hope to eventually have links to my artist friends' blogs. I will have photos of my newest dolls and stuff that you may want to buy, but until then, please visit www.earthangelstoys.com where you can find my dolls for sale. There is no one like Jen O'Connor, the powerhouse behind Earth Angels. She's amazing and I am forever grateful to her faith in me.
Tootles!
Valerie

Harvest Moon Designs has a BLOG!!

2007-11-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here I go! Just wanna see if this works.
Tootles!