Cobbler Cottage

~ SAM & LIVY ~

2012-01-28T14:14:00.000-05:00

Just in time for "Valentines" and "President's Day", two of the several dollies that I have been working on. These are on their way to Sharon Renninger's Gatherings at Country Meadows in Kutztown, Pa. I am also finishing up a new doll for Early Works Mercantile to be listed later Tuesday evening. Will keep you posted.

BTW, just got back, these gals Maude, Lola (or maybe this is Lula), and Hailey are still available at Country Meadow's. If you are interested, you can hop on over to Sharon's website and give her a call. Thanks,

Maude

Lola

Hailey

~Sunny Yellow Calico ~

2012-01-19T16:08:00.001-05:00

I'm in love with this 19th century sunny chrome yellow calico that I just picked up. I can definitely see some new frocks evolving..... don't want to waste an inch..... Hope your day is sunny too!

~ Blooo Monday ~

2012-01-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

You say "Blue Monday" like it's a bad thing? ..... No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just nesting in my studio makin' dollies. You are welcome to check out my Facebook page and "Like" it. (Yes, I know that sounds soooo jr. high..... my kids talked me into it....) Hope you are keepin' warm and have a great one!

~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~

2012-01-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

A Very happy new year wish to all of my friends and followers. May 2012 be your best yet!

~ HAPPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU ~

2011-12-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

A big "THANK YOU" to all of my customers and followers. May your holidays be filled with much happiness and many blessings!

~ Some More Holiday Snippets ~

2011-12-16T18:58:00.002-05:00

Some more holiday snippets for you. Just got my new camera. When I say my other one was on it's last leg, I wasn't exaggerating. So I hopped around the house and quickly snapped some pix. And (of course) with out reading the manuel, played around 'til I got them on board here. The Santa here is made from corn husks..... Enjoy!

This tin is a favorite. It belonged to my nana.

This is what you get when you take the doors off the cabinet over your stove... I painted the interior to go with the stove. (the flash made the paint look much shinier than it really is) I think it needs some moulding around it yet... Hope you have a great weekend! Ok, back to the studio now.......

~ Mary ~

2011-12-08T09:59:00.001-05:00

Just thought I'd introduce you to Mary. She one of the dolls I delivered to Sharon Renninger's Gatherings!

Holiday Snippets

2011-12-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

Just some snippets of my porch decorating. The lantern was on our lamppost out front. It is small and looked awful there. When we took it off the pole, and it was setting by the trash can, I thought " Hey it doesn't look so bad OFF the pole?" ... so I included it in my porch decorations! Guess I'll hang on to it now.

~ FANNY ~

2011-11-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

Good evening! Miss Fanny here will be my December offering on Early Work Mercantile! A prim young lady, she'd love to have you stop over a bit later and visit her and all the other offerings of the talented Early Works artists! Hope to see you there!

~ GRACE ~

2011-10-31T16:38:00.006-04:00

Grace and her dolly!
Sold Thank you, Cathy!

Autumn Garden Party

2011-10-27T17:23:00.001-04:00

These gals are enjoying the last bits of autumn warmth by partying in the garden. They are off to a Christmas, (I can hardly believe I'm saying Christmas) Open House. As I am still trying to finish another redhead, I didn't even get to name them....

OK, as you can see I started this post yesterday, (when it was beautiful outside, they're talkin' the "S" word here for Saturday, yikes!) ... just finished Hattie ... at least SHE told me her name!

~ A Phew Phun Phall Photos ~

2011-10-10T19:54:00.000-04:00

~ Witchies ~

Just some simple decorating...

"Don't be scared little teddy"

HAPPY AUTUMN!

~ MAUDE ~

2011-09-30T08:23:00.001-04:00

Just finished this week.

~ TITUBA of Salem 1692 ~

2011-09-21T21:13:00.001-04:00

Some of the dolls that I have been working on for Country Meadows these past weeks...

Two versions of Tituba of Salem Mass.; The one on the left, as a young girl, she was brought from Barbados by Rev. Parris of the Salem Puritans to work in the Parris household and care for their children. Along with several others, she was accused of witchcraft in 1692. The elder version, on the right, I call "Survivor" because it is said that, after recanting her forced confession and being spared the gallows, she did survive thirteen months in the jail to live out her days with the person who paid for her release.

Here are some sneak peeks of Sharon's shop as she was still opening towers of boxes filled with Hallowe'en goodies to add to her awesome antique enhanced displays, just in time for this weekends Extravaganza. Don't you just love the droopy branches hanging everywhere? They are compliments of Hurricane Irene and really add to that wonderful Hallowe'en flavor!

Delphine & Maurah are going to Renninger's Extravaganza

2011-09-06T01:24:00.000-04:00

These are some of the dollies that I delivered this weekend. They are so excited to go to the Antiques Extravaganza in Kutztown, Pa. Sept. 22, 23 & 24. Lots of antiques, and Sharon's Gatherings at Country Meadows store is being newly redecorated and readied for the autumn festivities!

Early Work Mercantile Sept. 1

2011-08-31T17:24:00.000-04:00

Sarah Jane is one of my listings on Early Work Mercantile this month.

Dorcas Elisabeth is my second offering . You can take a peek at them this evening about 10:00 est.
Thanks,

~ Honey Bun ~

2011-08-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

The other morning I was up very early to put the finishing touches on Eulalie, affectionately known as "Honey Bun". When I would have her try on her clothing as I was making her, I would say "OK, come over here, Honey Bun" and the name stuck. Just had to use a treasured piece of old blue calico for her apron. Gave her a hug and sent her off...

Light, Airy Dresses on a Summer's Day

2011-07-27T17:25:00.001-04:00

   Hi! This is Biah and Flossie, two of the several dollies that I have been working on during this past heatwave. Since it's been too hot to spend hours outside, I've been hold up in my fabric scrap littered, paint and clay spattered, studio. Not complainin' about the heat at all. To me it's still way better that shoveling snow and freezing all the time!

   Still in their Sunday dresses at an afternoon picnic. Biah, the "more grown up" one in her drop waist dress, ever the young lady. And, well, Flossie, .....  I can imagine her sneaking off to catch salamanders in the cool waters of the creek! ( Just like I would have done!) .... Later, Keep Cool!

   ~ Sold, Thank you, Teresa ~

~ HAPPY 4TH of JULY! ~ A Little Red, White and Blue 4 You!

2011-07-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

Have a fun and safe one!

~ BEEZY ~

2011-06-30T21:10:00.000-04:00

This is Little Beezy. She will be my July offering on Early Work Mercantile.

Bezzy is a 10" weighted stump doll, fashioned after my larger Black dolls. Hope you stop by and take a peek, Thanks

Off to Renningers we go!

2011-06-17T16:06:00.000-04:00

This is Iris and Retta (short for Loretta, of course...). Just finshed Retta up yesterday. Love those vintage flowers she wears in her hair. They are off to visit Sharon Renninger's in Kutztown, Pa. Did you know that their B I G Antiques and Collectables Extravaganza (23rd ~ 25th) is next weekend? Lots of 'tiques and prim goodies, for sure!

Oh, and this is little Mazie. She and Indigo and Lily will be joining them. Hmmm, I smell a tea party coming on ......

Lily in the Garden...

2011-06-09T19:05:00.000-04:00

Just a little gal that I've been working on this week. In this heat, I went for that light and airy look. Hope you're all keepin' cool!

~CLAIRE ~

2011-05-31T20:48:00.001-04:00

Claire is my June offering on offering Early Work Mercantile. She will be listed later this evening. Hope you stop by to visit her. Thanks, Becky

~ Sold, Thank you, Joan ~

Dahlia & Peachy go to play at Country Meadows

2011-05-13T15:10:00.002-04:00

Peachy

Dahlia

That's SHARON RENNINGER'S GATHERINGS SHOP AT COUNTRY MEADOWS in Kutztown, Pa. I am honored to be offering my dolls through her fabulous country primitives store.

It was a bit chaotic when we arrived, as she was preparing for a special "Bear Scout" show this Sunday, but the girls seemed to settle in just fine. You are welcome to click on the store name above and check out her website and click on the images below to get a better view. Thanks, Becky

~ Caroline ~

2011-04-30T20:00:00.001-04:00

Caroline is one of my newest dolls.

Indigo

2011-04-25T20:04:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd pop in here and show you what I have been working this past week. This is Indigo, my "work in progress". Her name is inspired by the old blue calico I used for her pinafore. She doesn't have her legs attached yet... yes I know, some times I just get a bit ahead of myself ...I couldn't wait to see her dress done, so I did that first, shoe sculpting in progress.... OK, back to finish my yard work before the next rain storm.....

Painting From the Past

2011-04-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

This painting was done about 30 years ago. I actually looked in my files several times for a photo of it, because it shows my fascination with old doll s long before I started making my own interpretations of them. I could never find a photo. Also, the lady that bought it, was a huge inspiration in my life, one of those (I call) angels that appear and influence the direction our paths take. Not only was she a real "doll" herself, but she had and amazingly creative talent for decorating her home, in every room and corner, in lovely primitive antiques! She also had several wonderful antique dolls, that she even let me photograph, which was my first experience with seeing these beauties up close. Obviously this made a huge impression on me. At that time, I just wanted to paint them, never even imagining that I would try and make dolls myself. This woman moved away and I lost touch with her. I have searched for her at times, with no success, just wanting to thank her for being such a wonderful positive influence in my life.

Now comes the interesting part.....

Yesterday, I received a note from my dearest aunt in another state, a true artist in her own right, and another one of my angels. It contained this photo of the painting and she told me how a friend went to go and visit a mutual friend of theirs down south, and in mentioning my aunt's name, the woman showed her this painting, knowing we were related (we all came from the same small town)! My aunt was flabbergasted to hear this and find another of her childhood friends too. Now I know my dear friend is alive and well. Hopefully we can get together online and I can thank her for her inspiration in my life!

~ PATRICE ~

2011-04-06T06:32:00.009-04:00

This is Patrice. I sculpted her awhile ago, but always felt she just wasn't quite finished. Sometimes you just need to set them aside to get a fresh perspective. So, I made her a very delicately hand stitched "straw" bonnet, aged her flowers and added a basket, ... oh, and gave her more of a matte finish, which enhances her glass eyes.

MAGGIE

2011-03-31T17:23:00.003-04:00

Maggie will be my April listing for Early Work Mercantile. You are welcome to hop over and take a peek. Thanks,

~ Sold, Thank you, Barbara ~

A Very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you!

2011-03-17T07:40:00.000-04:00

~ A Quick Visit ~

2011-01-31T15:18:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would practice with my camera since I haven't in such a long while. So a few quick pix from around my home..... Trying to take my mind off the coming ice storm.....

Some inspirations in my studio...

A small collection on my bedroom dresser....

A doll I made many years ago that sits in my kitchen. At the time, I had no idea how to apply hair, so I made all these tiny braids of wool and stuck holes on her head with an awl and glued each one in! She's wearing an old christening gown and I love her.....

I spy a touch of green even if it's dried ... Spring? (Pllleeease???)

Top of my $ 3.00 jelly cupboard. Yes, many years ago at a garage sale, a gal had it priced at $5.00 because the two top drawers were missing (hence the piece of homespun). Well, I had to get the price down, (if just for the principal of being a good bargain hunter) cause I already had a washstand with many layers of paint in the truck and I wasn't sure what my husband was going to say when I brought home more work for him.... Now, of course it has been on my "Honey-Do" list for years, because I know if he can build gate leg tables and corner cupboards etc, he can make two simple dovetailed drawers..... Time, never enough..... someday..... AHHh, hope you keep warm and dry,

~ What Inspires You? ~

2011-01-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

Is it the pattern of and old piece of fabric? Or the colour of it, ... or the speckled, textured glaze of an old crock ..... or the features on the face of someone you pass during the day,... or the way the morning sunlight dances across an old basket, an old toy or doll's face? And of course the visit to an antique shop. Not just the wonderful treasures it holds, but that musty, dusty old scent of the objects and if you are lucky enough, the timeless, old building that it is in! I have found too, that as life seems to travel full circle, that many of my creative inspirations can in some way be traced back to the things that I loved and that "spoke to me" as a child..... Yes, I was one of those odd kids that love antiques even as a little girl, when my mom would take me to country auctions. I can still remember buying my first crock at about 10 yrs. old. Of course it was chipped and probably cracked, and I'm sure the kind auctioneer was humoring me because nobody else wanted it, even for a quarter!
These are some pix of Pikeville Antiques near Oley, Pa. that my daughter took this past Dec. It is her favorite. Her birthday is this week and she too, is afflicted with the "Antiqueing Bug"! Happy Birthday, Amy!

~ Time to Nest and Create ~

2010-12-30T18:49:00.000-05:00

I'm not much for cold weather, but I find that snuggling up in my studio and working on dolls and rugs is a wonderful way to enjoy and survive winter. This is one of the gals that I am currently working on. I don't know about other doll makers, but these dollies always seem to take awhile to choose their hair and the type of clothing they would like to wear...

A Very Happy Holiday to All of You!

2010-12-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I have been busy working on several new dollies that I am looking forward to share with you in the coming months.

~ When Somedays, You Just Need a Little Reminder ~

2010-12-03T16:55:00.000-05:00

Do you do things like this? I like to use these old school slates all over the house. This one sits next to my kitchen sink. I wrote this on it quite ... oh, ... awhile ago. My kids laugh at me for doing things like this. I just tell them that it's not for them, but for ME to see when I turn the kitchen light on every morning.... I'm not sure if they buy that .... "Moms" .... What are you going to do??

Some More Wooly Playtime

2010-11-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Still having a ball practicing my hooking. I just redid the reds on this rug that I started this summer. (Hopefully my stitches have improved since then) It was inspired by an old piece of crewel work at the Landis Valley Farm Museum here in Penna. The only shades I had at the time were way too pink. I'm definatly not a pink kinda decorating gal. So I replaced most of them with shades of russets. Boy, ripping out on rug hooking is actually fun, compared to seem ripping in sewing! Trying to decide wether to make this a pillow or leave it a mat.....

My little painted child's chair needed a bit of an accent too, so another project completed. Gee, I hate to cover it up with a doll now.... So, feeling guilty I wasn't elbow deep in paperclay, I decided to continue sculpting this afternoon, and wouldn't you know it, I was so sure I had more paperclay...I'm sure I didn't accidently move it when I cleaned my studio... Well, .... I suppose it's off to Michael's to shop ...Oh, darn! Have a great weekend

Whewww!... Finally got those Christmas decorations put away.....

2010-10-28T18:01:00.001-04:00

Ah Ha, guess that's how this blog looks... actually I've been such a lax blogger that my last several posts are back in season!... Hmmmm Well, I HAVE been working on several dollies and as you can see in my side bars that I am practicing my rug hooking, (a doll making distraction, but such a fun one and btw, with a flash they do look much brighter than they are). It is far from "award winning" hooking, but I am having fun learning.... and oooh, the colours of the wools just make me smile! A great big "Thanks" to all of you followers that are actually still hanging around.

Thought I would try my own saltbox rug. Love learning something new with each project.

I even added a list of some of the beautiful rug hooking blogs that have inspired me below.
See you later... or sooner, hopefully....

A LITTLE DECORATIN' and DOLLY MAKIN'

2009-12-15T16:56:00.028-05:00

Antique Litho Creche ~ A Family Heirloom

One of my four trees. I opted for a smaller living room one this year.

A'Top of My Pewter Cupboard

Can Never get Enough Pomegranates

Bought this Prim Tree at (the old location) Aunt Daisy's at least 10 years ago. Back then, some people thought I was crazy buying a tree with so much brown in it! Glad I didn't listen to them!

An Old Chenille Tree with Old Ornaments

Just Two of the several Gals that I have been working on.... in between painting my kitchen, studio....
I suppose, posting is a bit like exercise...First you miss one week, then two, and then....Yikes! And the longer you don't do it, the harder it is to get back in the habit!

The Awesome Shoppes of Hereford (Pa.)

2009-09-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

Well, on the spur of the moment, (again) we took a ride down to Hereford and popped on on Judy and Tony's Cinnamon Stick. Sorry to have missed you Judy, ( she was upstairs giving one of her classes), I snapped these pix of their wonderful shop all decked out for Hallowe'en.

The last time I was there, I didn't have time to stop into Homespun Woolens, which is right next door. I had expected a tiny, little shop with a few patterns and some fabric. Well! To my delight, it was another treasure trove of a shop! Just like Cinnamon Stick, it's like stepping back in time! The shop is lined with it's original old general store shelving and counters. Oh, and the fabrics, and sewing antiques and scrumptious shades of wool! And of course Kay's (the owner) beautiful rugs! Both shops are a creative inspiration heaven! Their web addys are below in my "Antique Inspirations Sites" You are welcome to take a peak!

TEXTURES ~ in Bl-o-o-o-zzzz

2009-09-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

Textures ~ in Wood ~

2009-09-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

Well, fibers were such fun, I thought I'd try "wood". (Please try and ignore any dust that you might think you see....)

Oh, and hope you all have a beautiful, fun and happy Labor Day weekend!

Textures ~ Make Viewing Life Interesting

2009-08-31T17:07:00.000-04:00

Been so busy being "sandwiched" in between generations, but squeezing in doll making time. I just loved seeing all your home's "texture" pictures, so I thought I'd throw in a few until I have some dollies finished to show you. My, it really is addicting! I really had to try and control myself! So, I thought, I would try and post the photos in groups. This one is "Fibers" ... hope you enjoy!

~ SUMMERTIME ~

2009-07-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

You have all been so generous and shared photos of your gardens and porches, that I thought I would send some back your way. This is part of my front porch. Hope you are enjoying your summertime!

These lilies are right next door to me. They are about 5-6' tall. Especially in the evening, the intoxicating vanilla scent travels throughout the neighborhood. It is wonderful!

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

2009-07-03T19:44:00.000-04:00

Well, after 3 tries of this simple post... just wanted to wish all of you, my blogging friends a very happy and safe 4th of July weekend! ~ Becky

36 YEARS TODAY and STILL TOGETHER

2009-06-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

Yup, that's us, around 1970. Now don't laugh, that was one of the first "shag" hair cuts around here! Me and my Hubs actually been together since we were 13!
Went out for a nice lunch, and when we came home, Willoughby, our Greyhound "grandson" gave us a nice anniversary gift... he raided the kitchen garbage can that I forgot to put in the garage. Wasn't about to post a pix of that!

MY VISIT TO THE CINNAMON STICK

2009-06-14T16:58:00.000-04:00

Well to my surprise this morning, it wasn't raining. So, we decided to take a drive to Hereford,Pa. to The Cinnamon Stick. Oh, what a delight! Now I've been wanting to go ever since I discovered Judy's cheerful blog "The Spice Cupboard"
http://thespicecupboard.blogspot.com/
You know how, when you walk into a shop, and you want everything you see, and you want to see eveything. (not miss a thing) You won't find all kinds of imported, mass produced crafts. Oh no, not here, but when you walk in you are surrouded by wonderful treasures of the past that Judy and Tony have creatively given a second life to. It's just one of those special places you can dream about....till you get the chance to return. You can check out her blog for pix.

~ GRETCHEN ~

2009-06-09T14:18:00.002-04:00

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PARDON A MOTHER'S SHAMELESS PLUG

This CD, THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies), the latest by the Black Eyed Peas, goes on sale today. Now normally, I wouldn't mention it, but this is one of the many projects my son Padraic has been working on for the past year or so. Paddy is Will i. am's studio engineer and production coordinator for this fine CD.

Isn't He a Dandy?

2009-06-03T16:45:00.002-04:00

You remember that little guy that I couldn't decide how to dress him? I originally made him a blue 18th Century jacket and trousers, but I always felt it wasn't quite him. So, considering that I almost never do holiday stuff, cause till I get it done, we're already into the next holiday.... Well, I guess I was inspired by some old Uncle Sam dolls that I have seen and loved over the years.

New Banner Photo

2009-06-01T18:14:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you know I am still here. Been busy digging in the dirt and trying to finish some of the dolls that were lying around my studio in various stages of completion. Didja check out my new banner photo? I am hoping to list a few on some venues. When we moved here, there were not very many flower beds so my reasoning is, the bigger I keep making the beds, (inch by inch) the less grass mowing there will be. Missed all of you, Becky

~ IVORY ~

2009-04-10T18:10:00.000-04:00

I'd like to introduce you to Miss Ivory. She was actually started last Dec. and sat on my worktable as a half sculpted head and torso all these months, kind of like a little butterfly in a cocoon, waiting to emerge into the world. I altered an antique doll dress, and let me tell you, if you think by doing so, it is less work than making one from scratch... well, it's not! But when I originally tried it on her, it went so well with her hair and complexion...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday! Even though it was quite brisk here, it was a beautifully sunny day, and I ate my share of chocolate. Got some pansies planted this morning. It felt so good to be out in the sun and not be freezing. This is a pix of my front door.

~ BLUE MONDAY ~

2009-04-06T16:13:00.000-04:00

It has been poring rain most of the day (better than ice and snow), and I am watching the lilac buds get larger by the hour... Just in case some of you may be having a "Blue Monday" , here's another way of looking at phrase... BTW, that doll got her arms redone twice today - they are now drying and I am finally happy with them. And I thought, since I was doing the arms over, (what the heck), I figured I could improve upon the legs too, so they are next. I know, you thinks I'm nuts....

Almost Finished....

2009-04-02T21:52:00.000-04:00

When I started making her, I thought I would make her all dark and somber.... Guess she has a mind of her own.

Just testing my Camera

2009-04-02T21:48:00.000-04:00

Like the title says, actually figuring out how to upload and edit. This is a flag that I usually have out front, but with storms coming, it is propped against my pewter cupboard. I think it looks just as nice indoors too.

Just a Quick Belated Post

2009-04-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

Some of your lovely new comments made me realize how lax I have been in posting. I start working on several dolls and forget to take the time to take pix and post. I do enjoy making the folk art dolls that you are used to seeing here, but am always thinking...hmmm, I really would like to try something completely different so I have been playing with other things too. Some successful, and some, well I suppose we all eventually seem to develop a style of our own with out even realizing it. I guess that's what the long days of winter are good for...searching inside of ourselves and looking to find ways to grow...
I am getting used to a new computer and operating system, don't even have the camera hooked up yet so once I have an idea of what I am doing, I will send some pix your way. It is really sad how comfortable we get with these goofy machines. Once, one of my kids changed my desktop pattern and font and I couldn't function until I got it back to the way it was.. Gosh, this even FEELS weird, having no pix in here to post... well, thanks, for your patience, till later, Becky

One of My Favorites

2009-02-21T19:14:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you recognize this sweet gal from my banner. She is one that I have been working on for awhile now. She hasn't told me her name yet....maybe if I make a dolly for her to hold she will whisper it to me....

Crazy For Calico

2009-02-21T19:10:00.001-05:00

These are some of quilt tops I have bought over the years, of course with the idea of finishing them....someday...I have often wondered what was the attraction of these fabrics, and the quilts themselves, other than their obvious beauty. Perhaps, is it not only the wonderful colours that only natural dyes can achieve? But also , the repetitive, geometric patterns that are so peaceful and soothing to the eye?

These were quilt blocks that I made into a doll quilt.

I could just sit and study each swatch...and dream that I had at least a whole yard of each! Just think of all the dolly dresses that would make!

Just Some More Camera Play

2009-02-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

Playing With My Camera

2009-01-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

Just a few pix here, I am trying to understand the settings on my camera...too many numbers and settings. Give me colours and shapes any day! This is a corner of my kitchen. The doll, I made long ago, old calico and flax.

Two of my favorite antique Valentines. They aren't in "perfect" shape, but then, neither am I!

See what I mean about colour? I just love rainbow stacks of fabric,... calicos, wools and Prismacolor pencils....OOh, my inspiration stash. This old shoemaker's rack works well. Yes, shoemakers, not bakers...when I bought it at the antique shop many years ago, and brought it out into the sunlight...yikes! Covered with black shoe polish! Lots of scrubbing with "Greased Lightening". But it was worth it.

Oh, I almost forgot, if you take a peek to the right, you can see that I have added two slideshows of some of the dolls that I have made over time. Enjoy!

Snowy Saturday

2009-01-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

This is off my dining room...the chair is usually in the garden, but I hauled it up on the deck for winter.

Well all of you gals are puttin' me to shame. I am so far behind in blogging...I have been working on a few dollies though. It seems when ever I make a doll, I have to try and do another similar one just so I remember how I did the first. Taking notes would help, but who's that organized? This is another little Izzy I finished this week. I just love picking the dress fabrics and coordinating everything.
I remember, one of the first things I sewed,(as an adult,this doesn't include Home Ec. in jr. high) were some plain muslin curtains for my kitchen, about 5 yrs. ago. You know, straight seam cafe curtains? Well, I was so amazed that they actually looked presentable and the lengths matched! I'm not kidding, this gave me the confidence to try some dolls...Oye, the first one, a pancake style and the neck,(wait alright NO neck) was so fat, it looked like one of those He-Man action figures my boys had as kids!

My 'puter is in the basement family room, only because, when we moved here 2 years ago, we had to wait so long for the cable co. to come and hook it up,(this was the easiest place) and at that point, I didn't care if they hung it from the ceiling, just so I could get on line! So we have been building a desk in a closet near my studio, upstairs so I can come to visit here easier and not freeze my bee-hind off too!

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This is Ludwiga (on the right). I made her last fall and working on the second one. She is inspired the Andreas Voit papermaches of the 1800's. Ludwiga is the name of a sweet elderly neighbor lady. I have never heard that name before, isn't it so neat? She is always out on her yard, no matter what the weather, primping her flower beds and gardening. She always wears a smile. Oh, They have glass eyes and their hair is made of 150 yr. old (probably?) flax fibers. I have always wanted to use that for doll hair...

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BTW, Did you ever meet Gert, the bawdy ol' Colonial tavern wench? I know her counterpart, Miss Peyton is on my Picturetrail. Ain't she a cutie, missing tooth, freckles and all?

Later....

2008-12-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Wishing to all of you, my Friends,

a Very Blessed Christmas

and a Happy New Year to come!

I Should Probably Be Baking.....

2008-12-15T16:25:00.000-05:00

But I would rather be making dollies. Much less fattening too. So I'm working on some for the new year. This Izzy is about 15". I just love the tiny print fabric. Had so much fun with this one, (eventhough I completely made the dress a second time...just didn't like the fit of the first).. I'm working on some more....

Oh, and BTW, Sally got her legs today. I don't know about other dollmakers... Is it proper to make their underclothes first? I can hardly wait to pick the dress fabrics and design the dress. I thought, the brown flower stripe would make a nice pinafore, the blue in it matching her bonnet... so except for the Izzy up here, I usually make unders last.... more dolly updates to come....

Not sure what style clothing to give this young lad yet...

Just a few house pix here.

Yes, this is a potty chair and it is in my living room...everyone needs a conversation piece ( it probably, originally was in someone's large old, plumbingless bedroom). I actually saw on an old HGTV show, where someone used two just like it at a hutch table in their breakfast room! (It's realy very comfortable!) .... The beautifully carved, claw-foot Chippendale candlestand and the Hepplewhite table were made by my dear, talented husband. Ok, I confess my decor is a mixture of periods and styles, but each piece is very special to me. And, yes, I have to enlarge and paint the boring woodwork and do some more stenciling, but then I wouldn't get in my studio for at least month.....later,

ARTIE'S BOOKS

2008-12-01T17:12:00.000-05:00

I do love old lithographed toys and books. These wonderful old books belonged to my husband's great, great grandfather, Artie. I love looking through their delicate pages and seeing the stories and illustrations.

The hand written inscriptions inside the books date from the 1870's.

All we know about Artie, is that he was raised by two spinster aunts in one of the Stone Row houses pictured here. And, since it was very rare for a child to receive so many books as gifts at that time, I'm sure they spoiled him. The books are full of, not only nursery rhymes, but illustrated adventure stories. They must have really fueled his imagination, because it is told, that as a young man he ran off to join the circus that came to town.

The book in this last picture, the Christmas book, was given to Artie in December of 1886.
In my Picturetrail, you will find a photo of the doll that he inspired.

How Do You Name Your Dollies?

2008-10-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

How do you decide what to name your doll? Do the names come to you as you are sculpting their little faces? Is the name dancing in your head before you even begin? Sometimes, just the first letter for a name does that to me..... and then there are times, even though they can be some of my favorite dolls, a name never quite seems to come to me.

This doll that I just finished, I think I shall call Matilda. The letter "M" kept coming to mind as I sculpted, I even toyed with Madalyn, but to me I think she has the spunk of a Matilda. I am just finishing a little "you know what kind of"dolly for her to hold. Don't you just love her green shoes?

An Early Sign?

2008-10-23T19:18:00.000-04:00

This is a painting that I did, probably 25 years ago. At the time I didn't make dolls, I had not even thought of doing so. I only knew that when I was arranging the composition, I wanted "one of those old, cloth dolls with the painted hair" included. So I just painted her in from a vision I remembered of "those dolls", not even knowing what they were called. Little did I realize that years later I would not only be making dolls, but ones inspired by the very same ones that captured my heart many years before. I never sold the painting, and I am glad, because it now hangs in my studio.

Belle

2008-10-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

Belle is a doll that I have just finished. She is sort of an Izannah type, but I gave her sculpted hair and shoulders because of the style of dress. She comes with a cloth and straw brimmed bonnet and her own little tussie mussie.

Strolling through the garden

2008-10-14T15:08:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Toad lives underneath the salvia behind the watering can. She snuggles in her little nest in the mulch so well, sometimes I can only see her eyes moving.