Lolo's Child

Upstairs Re-do; During

2012-01-26T08:13:00.005-05:00

A few during shots - far from perfect lighting, all the usual apologies...

Over the weekend, our helper painted all the ceilings, and started on some trim work. Gerry taped ceilings, patched holes, ripped out more carpet and weird looking tack strips, etc. My entire contribution was emptying the fabric cupboard and loading it into the already-burdened living room.

The stairwell is dark, and had one wonky little single-bulb light in a 1960s Early American design. We finally replaced it. As you can see, the tape still has to come down, but I'm really happy with the wall color (Homestead Cream) and the satin finish of all the paint we are using, giving a little more reflective surface to bounce some light around:

This corner shot of the guest room gives a look at all the angles and issues to deal with - but isn't quite accurate with the color:
Another shot of the guest room - on my monitor, the color is a little more accurate. I love this color - Pale Cucumber. Note the nasty brown shag carpet still on the floor in this room:

Only the ceiling has been painted so far in my treehouse. The white that we are using for the ceilings and trim is my new favorite white, called Dove White (the color is from Lowe's line, but we buy Behr paint, just have it custom mixed). This room will be a different shade of green, slightly warmer. Both ceiling lights in the upstairs rooms have been replaced - I'll show you another time:

The poor, poor living room has had to accomodate all that has been boxed up and dragged down. What a mess (though Cosmo thinks he's found a new world to explore):

I've set up a temporary sewing/creative corner in the lower level family room. While I feel lucky to have the space to do this, it also makes it official that not one room in the house has escaped the two-room re-do. Of course, I also took this time to empty drawers of old magazines and try to sort them out and get rid of a few, as well as to empty the closet of clothing that no longer fits.

The new carpet will be installed next Wednesday, so we have a lot of painting to do over the weekend. We've also been doing a lot of research on how to put together the treehouse again for maximum storage and workspace, without disposing of any more goodies!

Visitors (Deer)

2012-01-21T16:06:00.002-05:00

Last night as I left my desk for the day, and headed toward the stairs to fix dinner, I spotted this young doe across the lower deck. That's the closest to the house we've seen them. She appeared to be grazing through the garden area. So...since she had three companions, we decided to go to the apple farm today and get bags of horse/deer apples to supplement what they've found in our garden!

Upstairs Re-Do, Guest Room Before

2012-01-11T08:25:00.003-05:00

Because the entire upstairs is being re-carpeted and painted, I'm showing some shots of the guest room, as well, even though it doesn't present anywhere near the challenge of the Treehouse. These photos are kind of "before" - before emptying, pulling up carpet, and re-painting. (Look! Some color on the walls!) However, they are not before things spilled into the room from emptying the treehouse.

This view is toward the southwest corner of the room. The window looks out on the front lawn and road. The maple bookcase has been in my family as long as I can remember - Lolo refinished it. The blanket chest was made by my grandfather. The bed we bought while living in NC.

This view is toward the hallway and the Treehouse on the other side. Those two sewing machines are for sale. That closet in the hall has (surprise!) floor to ceiling fabric. See those "60!" poofy centerpieces on top of the bookcase? Someday, one of them is going to be the base for a doll.The east wall - three closets. The left one has Oldtimer's off-season clothing, the right one has my off-season clothing, and the middle one has built in drawers full of... art supplies. I tried so hard to not spill into this room...
Though it doesn't look as challenging as the Treehouse, I've been working on breaking down this room for about three days now. I've packed up all the books and carted them down the stairs, but there is much more to do.

We got the carpet estimate yesterday, and of course it is more than we expected, and we thought we were over-estimating. Looks like we have two to three weeks to repair walls, paint, and get ready.

Upstairs Re-do - Treehouse During

2012-01-10T07:47:00.003-05:00

The treehouse is empty. My Oldtimer spent most of Sunday pulling out ancient carpet and pad, yanking staples, removing quarter-round, etc. The only piece of furniture remaining in the room is the antique library table (the carpet installers say they can work around some pieces of furniture).
One of the things I could not understand when we bought this house, was the fact that it was listed as "freshly painted" yet it seemed so dull. As we've worked our way through the rooms, we've realized that almost everything was painted with the same, flat, refrigerator white - even exterior doors. I've speculated that it is all white primer, not even paint. This room is no exception.

The west wall, shown in previous post as the wall of shame:

The southeast corner:
The north wall, with the lonely window (which Murphy now LOVES to look out):
SOME of the holes to be repaired in the north wall. I think they installed the wall shelves with railroad spikes:

Also, a during shot of the stairwell. After pulling the carpet, my dear Oldtimer scrubbed this entire set of steps thoroughly. Please note the cat at the foot of the stairs:All photos should be clickable for detail - not that you'd really want it.

Upstairs Re-do (True Confessions?)

2012-01-09T08:14:00.004-05:00

After six years living in this house, we finally agreed it was time to re-do "the upstairs." The 1970s era brown shag carpet was dreary, at best. At its worst, it was a vivid display of every piece of lint and strand of thread dropped on the floor. In a sewing room. Think about that one.

I thought it might be fun (no, that's not the word I'm looking for...) a good idea to document the process. Hopefully, there will be a significant difference.

We started with the tree house. My sewing/art/paper retreat at the top of the stairs. At 15 feet long and only 6 feet wide, the room is (was) filled to maximum capacity. Besides my collection of cotton fabrics, batiks, India silks, paints, beads, fibers and many other oddments, it is home to two sewing machines, a serger, and soon - an embellisher.

Oldtimer hassles me about it on a regular basis. He didn't believe I could get it emptied in one day, but I did. Now he's suggesting that when the new floor and paint are in and I'm ready to move back in, I can't take it all back in with me. We'll see.

So, in interest of full disclosure, here's a set of before photos. Later, there will also be during and afters of this room, as well as the guest room on the other side of the 3' X 3' "hallway" at the top of the stairs. (All should be clickable to view larger, if you are feeling brave.)

The north wall, with the only window in the room. I do most of my non-machine work at the antique library table under the window. The sewing machine and serger are opposite the window. This is what you saw when you walked into the room:

The east wall is short, because of the sloped ceiling. It houses a huge bulletin board and all the stuff I've printed out for inspiration. You can also see the vintage school desk shoved into the corner, housing most of my colored pencils, markers, etc.:

This is the top of the south wall. A rustic board full of hand-hewn hooks holds an assortment of fibers, beads, and displays the many ATCs I've been gifted. The machines, though not visible, are below these hooks:

The real wall of shame - the west wall, filled with paints and sparkle sprays and jars of buttons, tubs of buttons, drawers of clay faces and silk flowers. It's difficult to see here, but none of the wall shelves (which were here when we moved in) are straight across the wall; they are staggered, making it very difficult to keep things from keeling off the edges. It's crazy:

The lower portion of the west wall, and a good look at the ugly brown carpet:

(Boy, am I glad all that was generally behind the door.) Next up - a few "during" shots, now that the carpet is out (revealing an ugly Masonite subfloor - thus the decision to re-carpet), holes to be repaired in the walls, and the complete absence of my entire stash of art supplies.

Amish Country Butter

2012-01-07T15:27:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to purchase when I make a trip to Middlefield Cheese. It's hard to get an outdoor lighting photo now that we have the steep slant of the January sun.

Dark Madonna - Almost Done

2012-01-05T11:57:00.002-05:00

This doll, the Dark Madonna, has been dancing in my head since the November fabric selection from Gypsy Pamela arrived. Throughout the holidays, I've snuck in work when I can, and am finally to the point of just having the last few stitches and finishing touches to place. (And yes, I know there are white headed pins still in the doll...)
Back view:

Winter Blooms

2012-01-04T08:33:00.004-05:00

My dear Oldtimer knows how I get when real winter sets in - frantic (trapped?) and low. It doesn't take very many days of winter to get into that frame of mind, either. He brought home some bright spots of indoor winter blooms to help alleviate some of that feeling. I'm so grateful!Magenta kalanchoe blooms for the dressing table in the bedroom.

A fabulous amaryllis on the buffet in the dining room.

Outside, the landscape is monochromatic - the only spots of color are the cardinals and bluejays in the lilac bush. (Well, the fire hydrant is a bright spot of red, but I don't make a habit of photographing that.) All images should be clickable to view larger.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2012-01-02T08:17:00.002-05:00

This morning I took a photo of the morning sky pointed in the same general direction as yesterday, at just about the same time of day. Not only does it feel cooler - nearly 20 degrees lower than yesterday morning - it looks quite different. At least there's no mud for the dogs to track in right now!

A Fresh New Year

2012-01-01T08:40:00.002-05:00

A beautiful morning sky to start our fresh new year. Life is good.

Our Big Tree

2011-12-28T21:25:00.002-05:00

We've had this tall, skinny tree for several years now. We decorate it, Gerry lifts it onto the table, and we stand it in front of our tall windows. This year we used primarily white, gold, and red fake flowers and clear glass ornaments and icicles. Cosmo approves.

When Cosmo isn't admiring the tree, he's watching for birds and chipmunks outside. It's a very tall tree!

Sometimes Cosmo watches Molly, who watches Cosmo.

I made these two little angels for a "pocket angel swap" on the CPS list. I have three more to finish - one for each granddaughter.

Clumpy Snow

2011-12-28T07:38:00.003-05:00

It began yesterday afternoon, coming down in gobs.
It looked as though someone were above us, shaking white feathers from an oversized pillow case.

The snowplow guys were really happy. They zoomed up and down the street at least six times in two hours, for what amounted to less than two inches of snow.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T07:35:00.001-05:00

A beautiful, peaceful evening. I love "snack supper."

I may keep that wreath on the mirror long beyond Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T07:38:00.003-05:00

Both our trees are up, gifts have been shipped, and we are just about ready.

Bright blessings.

December birds

2011-12-06T22:44:00.006-05:00

Just before our Thanksgiving visitors arrived, we hung and filled the bird feeder in a new, easier-to-see location off the deck railing. Not only do we get lots of bird visitors, we're going through an extraordinary amount of bird food.
Today, I noticed the usual "food queue" in the bare lilac bush - but I also heard the annoyed "chip-chip" sound of a cranky cardinal. When I looked out the window, there was a nice sized Downy Woodpecker lounging in the feeder. The rest of the line-up was pretty annoyed with him.
Though I never did manage to get a photo of the woodpecker, I did get some of our other customers. Bear in mind these were all taken through the window of the back door, so may not be the best. I love these little colorful darlings. You should be able to click the photos to see them larger if you want.

Working on...

2011-11-16T23:01:00.003-05:00

A new doll, five pocket angels, and a few other things that don't show here.

At least four times a week, for the last six years, I've driven past this tree. Just a couple days ago, I noticed the very textural bark.

Beauty

2011-10-29T11:29:00.002-04:00

This is the beauty of autumn. Wish I could convince it to stay a little longer!

Dark Morning Sky

2011-10-24T08:07:00.003-04:00

We finally had two full days of sunshine! Even though that should make me happy, I was all set to sign on and grumble about today's dark and dreary skies. Got out the camera, took these photos, and realized how lucky I am to have the dark sky as a contrasting background to the brightly colored leaves still on the trees;
how lucky I am to have blooming plants in the yard and on the deck this late in the year;
and yes - how lucky I am to have all those wires out front bringing electricity and the internet right into my lap! It's actually a pretty day, when I think about it.

Completed Sidewalk & Front Landscaping

2011-10-23T17:04:00.002-04:00

The was finished about 10 days ago, but it took this long to have enough sunshine to take decent photos. It appears that Molly approves. (All photos should be clickable to view larger, if you're interested.) The only part of the project yet to do is some new path lights.

More Finished Projects

2011-10-10T20:56:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, I received a box of 12 pincushion mannequins, without explanation. The only thing I can figure is they were sent in response to my request for goodies for the Doll Gala LAST year. I handed them out to the gals in Cloth Souls, and we decided to make them into a challenge - to be completed for the October meeting, in some kind of holiday theme, any holiday.

Here's what they looked like before - some pink, some blue:
I made mine into a Christmas angel. The gold wires have crystals at the ends, and are the illusion of a halo. Don't you love those wings? I got them in a fabric packet when we visited Gypsy Pamela last June. The white clothing is all from cutter linens, with a stiffening agent.
Saw this Halloween candleholder at World Market, and turned it into a pincushion. Just a little bit of wool clippings inside the DOD fabric, stuffed into the candleholder. The pins are typical pearl-head florist pins, but have been pushed into the enlarged hole of some dollar store skulls. The hand is actually much more sparkly than the photo shows.

Iowa Retreat Doll

2011-10-08T12:12:00.003-04:00

The Iowa Retreat with Sherry Goshon and Jean Bernard was wonderful again this year. Our project, a gourd doll, was an incredible learning session, full of new techniques and ideas.

The base of the doll is the gourd we colored. In addition, my doll has a "scrying bowl" made of the very top portion of the gourd. I knew what I wanted to do with it, but Jean is the one that figured the way to achieve what I wanted - actually, she achieved WAY more than what I thought possible.

The resin faces we used were provided; Jean's "Scarlett" mold was used to make the faces. The body, arms, and neck are sewn, gessoed, and decorated. I'm showing both outdoor and light cube photos, because the coloring of the outdoor photo - though more accurate - has distracting things going on in the background! The facial coloring doesn't contrast quite as much as it appears in the light cube photo.

Still working...

2011-10-08T12:08:00.001-04:00

I know, I'm too impatient...

Front Sidewalk

2011-10-07T08:53:00.003-04:00

When we bought this house six years ago, we were aware that the front sidewalk was "heaved" by the roots of the large maple trees in the front yard. We focused on other repairs and changes first, however, (like a new roof and a gas stove!) but now that we've taken the house off the market, we've decided it's time to do one more thing to make it our own.

One of the huge challenges with a disrupted sidewalk is the shock you get when the snowshovel hits the ridge of concrete. It was time, as you can see in the three "before" photos below:

Like all good home improvement projects, this one suffers from the "mushroom factor." You know how that goes - you start out changing a burned out light bulb, and end up rewiring an entire room. We'd gotten three estimates from Pirc Landscaping - minimal, moderate, and ideal. We started out with the minimal, upgraded our thinking to the moderate (mid project, no less) and are ending up with the ideal, because of the issues uncovered with the grade of the dirt around the house.

Here are some during photos:

I'll be excited to share the afters, if for no other reason than the "scree" is now tamped down in the new pathway, but the dogs are tracking it in through the entire house. Two vacuumings and one washing per day are not enough to clear it out. It's now 9:00 am here, and I can hear the equipment running out front at this very moment. I'm thinking we'll see some pavers before the end of the day!

Ute Vasina Little Folk Results

2011-10-01T16:19:00.004-04:00

I've finished "Maude" from the Ute Vasina class I took a couple weeks ago. I pictured a female troll in girly-girl pinks, but Noooooo.... She wanted to farm and tend the grapevines. You will probably notice, however, that some of her lacy pink underwear is peeking out from the back of her pants around the tail.

Weekend Projects

2011-09-20T08:08:00.003-04:00

Actually managed to accomplish quite a bit this weekend! I took a class in Akron, sponsored by the Time for Dolls club, with Ute Vasina. Ute teaches (and makes, obviously) fabulously individual trolls. Here's what I've done so far with mine - her limbs are just pinned on, her hair plopped on her head - but her shoes look GOOD.
For that same group, we're making our holiday table decorations - which was supposed to be a Santa. I started under protest, but got him started. Now that it can be anything Christmas related, I'm not going back. He needs some clothing... and a haircut...

Leaving for Jean & Sherry's Iowa Retreat on Thursday. We do a pincushion exchange there - this is my offering. It's supposed to be Halloween or Fall themed. I figure some Halloween witch got hold of this guy.

And for the Cloth Paper Studio group, we're doing a swap of zipper pulls/pendants made of Wilson Art laminate chips. Here are mine:

And to think - I have more things in the works, plus the class with Sherry & Jean! Can't wait to share when I return.

A Little Bit of Happy

2011-09-05T07:24:00.005-04:00

Recently, I've kicked up soap production again, realizing that the cure time is just about perfect for holiday sales. After brilliant analysis, I realized I only had a few sheets of printable handmade paper remaining in the drawer in the soap room.

Off to Creative Papers Online (no affiliation) for an order, but was quite good at resisting all their other goodies that I thought should find a home in the art treehouse. EXCEPT - at check out I was offered a Super Papercraft Grab Bag! and it was affordable and I did it and I'm glad! That photo above is all the stuff I got for $12.99.

AND...yes, I went back and placed another order. I NEED skeleton leaves in copper. I am within inches (ounces?) of "maximum occupancy" in the treehouse.

Flowers and Bugs

2011-08-20T21:59:00.005-04:00

The butterfly bush is blooming and attracting the bumble bees, the butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird. Just played with the camera around the deck a little bit today...

Plantings at Eton

2011-07-23T18:59:00.009-04:00

We are fortunate to live near a beautiful shopping center called Eton. Besides housing one of the few remaining Barnes and Noble stores, there's a Trader Joe's, Anthropolgie, Sur le Table, Penzey's...and lots of other terrific shops and great restaurants.

My favorite thing, however, is the beautiful plantings in the summer time. We went over early this morning and took pictures before things got busy.

Here's a "big photo" of the general look:
My pretty car, Stella, as seen between two planters:

The picnic tables you see below are outside "B Spot," Michael Symon's burger restaurant. The plantings surrounding the tables consist of pole beans, herbs, tomatoes, etc:

Here I am - all 5'4" of me - to show you the scale of some of the plantings:
And here's my Oldtimer, to show you the scale of another - outside Anthropologie:

I love this bench near the big chess board:

The animal print planters are very striking, too:

If you look around the base of the planters (above) you'll notice the "Supertunias" that are covering the ground. I've always seen them trailing from hanging planters - never realized they could almost be ground cover!

Random Images

2011-07-17T22:35:00.004-04:00

In no particular order...
The doll I made at CIFI in Albuquerque (still not complete):
My inspiration board (1 of 3) in the treehouse:
My new vehicle - her name is Stella:
This year's locations for the aqua rockers:
A necklace I bought at Waterloo 7 Gallery:
(The very same gallery, I might mention, where we are having a benefit fundraiser for Pets for the Elderly on July 30. PLEASE try to visit us - there will be food and music, and several wonderful pieces of art for the "Chinese auction" (which is still just a raffle, in my book).

Gen's doll at CIFI - too hard to see with those chairs in the background, but still:
A Hipstamatic view of the hosta garden below the deck:

Dew drop from an elephant ear - in front of a beautiful sunset, right here in NE Ohio!

I literally end up with a 12" X 18" space in which to work, when I start dragging out supplies, and "auditioning" materials. Cosmo is quite convinced I want to share that space with him:
We brought all of this home from the Lake County Farm Park farmer's market last Wednesday. We plan to go back this coming Wednesday, too!

Table Doll for CIFI

2011-06-21T12:03:00.002-04:00

On Thursday I leave for New Mexico to have four days of creative play with other dollmakers. Many of us are making and donating "table dolls" and this doll (the "June" pattern, by Frowning Francis) is my offering. As I've told several other people, she is definitely going to be the wallflower of the party!

Rose Bowl

2011-06-17T08:32:00.003-04:00

As I snipped these two pale pink roses this morning, wishing the "necks" of this rose breed were a little stronger, I remembered how delighted my mother would be with the occasional "too short" stem when she cut roses from the yard.

Lolo thought it was quite elegant to float a rose in a glass bowl - often a crystal ashtray or (more often) a custard dish. Many years later, when I was dealing antiques and collectibles in NC, I often found pretty cut glass rose bowls in glassware lots at the antique auctions. I'd never known that real bowls, designated purely as rose bowls, existed.

There are no pretty designated rose bowls in my glassware collection - yet somehow this worn custard cup, on a table next to my unpolished silver tray, seemed fitting.

One RR Doll Home

2011-05-27T09:13:00.004-04:00

A couple of viewing options on this lovely who came "home" recently from the Time for Dolls club round robin. My doll was made from a Barbara Willis pattern, and I sent along some pretty but difficult fabrics to use on her. I'm *so* impressed with what the others did with her. Each person who had her "dressed" a body part, and then I got to put her all together. I also wigged her with the pink Tibetan lamb.

All the dolls in this group were just terrific - there was some real creative costuming - beautiful, colorful, and fun.

I know the background is a little distracting. I've been committing neatnesses all over the house, and can't seem to put together all the parts of the light cube!

Blessed Spring

2011-05-15T03:58:00.005-04:00

After all my complaining and photos of the winter weather this year, it seemed time to show some photos that weren't of snow. Thank God it isn't snow season - with all the rain we've been having, we'd be up to our eyebrows in snow!

These photos are in no particular order, just a little something to make you feel hopeful.

Begonia planter bag on the pole outside the bedroom window.

Hibiscus plant, surround with some new-to-me lavender colored flower (in my mom's old sugar pot).

The freshened rock garden - note the replacement tree purchased. Apparently it was all the threat the pink dogwood needed to finally put out leaves.

A few hanging pots over the Hosta garden.

The geese that visit the pond every year - Abigail & Rufus - having a little chat with Cosmo.

My Oldtimer feeding A&R - note the action shot.

This is a shot of the neighbor's pond - the view outside my "tree house" window.

The geese came to visit Molly and me while I weeded the ivy lawn.

Not afraid at all, are they? (Molly is - see her peering through the daffodil tops?)

Yesterday, while trying to get the deck pots planted, it just kept pouring down on us. Nothing, however, deters my Oldtimer from accomplishing his to-do list on schedule.

More Opinion on the "Magazine Art Doll Quarterly"

2011-04-19T08:53:00.003-04:00

This is a long rant, just to get it out of my system. I don't expect anyone to read it all, but I have to vent.

Last January, after I wrote my opinion here about being disappointed in certain aspects of the magazine "Art Doll Quarterly" I decided to write a letter to the editor of the magazine, also expressing my disappointment. As a matter of fact, this is what I wrote:

Today I was rewarded for bundling up against the weather and walking to the mailbox – the Feb/Mar/Apr issue of Art Doll Quarterly was snug inside! I made myself a cup of coffee, snuggled down in front of the fireplace, and prepared for a delicious afternoon. I couldn’t help but reflect on what doll making has done for me – I came to it as a means of self-expression, a healing tool, after a difficult spot in my life. I couldn’t help but think of all the late-blooming artists who may be approaching dolls for the very first time right now, and thinking of this publication’s past Show & Tell galleries of dolls from “regular” doll makers; so encouraging to one just starting out.

There was just a bit of concern when I saw the number of big names contained within, especially when I read the paragraph in the Letter From the Editor announcing Adele Sciortino’s “The Business of Art Dolls” column. If I were just beginning doll making, seeking inspiration, I would wonder if this magazine would meet my needs.

Thus, elinor peace bailey’s wonderful article on “The Doll As a Tool” was even more significant. Her premise, that society does not value an item as art unless it can be assigned a monetary value rings true. And, when I read her last paragraph that states “I make art for myself. If you want to buy it, or award it a ribbon, that is your choice, but what I make is art that contains an abundance of myself in it,” well… I wanted to stand up and cheer. (Actually, I did holler a bit, and managed a small fist pump, despite being home alone.)

So about that column on the Business of Dolls? I won’t be reading it. I think it’s best suited to a different publication.

As you can see, I didn't state flat out that I don't think artists like Marilyn Radzat belong in the Show & Tell Section, but I believe that quite firmly. The new issue arrived over the weekend, and all letters to the editor but one were complimentary. There was one letter that stated more succinctly what I was trying to say, that she wished the Show & Tell section could be saved "for the rest of us who are not professional. Professionals have the rest of the magazine and advertising opportunities to market themselves."

The editorial response made sense in one aspect, stating "The fact that a non-professional artist could be published next to a more well-know doll artist means that, in our opinion, the caliber of both the dolls is top-notch!" I have to admit, if one of my dolls were published next to someone very well known, I'd be pretty proud. HOWEVER, the statement "...when we meet as a committee to select dolls for the Show & Tell gallery, the name of the artist is hidden. In fairness to all submissions, we look objectively at each doll and base our decisions on the quality, workmanship, details, techniques used... "

I find that statement incredible, if not an outright lie. Most of the nationally known artists' work is so distinctive, so much their very own look, that whether the name is hidden or not, if those editors don't know whose work they are viewing, they don't belong on the staff of the magazine. Again, not to pick on Marilyn Radzat, but in the winter issue there was an article in the magazine about her work, and one of her pieces in Show & Tell. Come on.

Perhaps it's all explained in this issue's (dull again) Letter FROM the Editor. There's a picture of the editor with the triple divas of dollmaking - elinor peace bailey, Barbara Willis, and Patti Culea. The editor states that she finally met these three for the first time in January. Again I say, come on! I'm sitting here in suburban CLEVELAND for heaven's sake, and I've met these three...and she's the editor of the magazine?

I guess I'm just ticked off. I realize all magazines have staff changes, peaks and valleys, and so on. However, this just is not the magazine it used to be, and I'm thinking a lot has to do with an editor who writes dull columns and hasn't met the best know teachers and pattern designers in the business prior to taking the job.

Every issue from the very first one is on my shelf. However, I may not be renewing this expensive publication, unless things improve soon.

Spirit Dolls

2011-04-10T20:09:00.003-04:00

We made little wrapped spirit dolls at Cloth Souls this past Thursday evening (fetish dolls?). I wrapped three (over painted driftwood) during our meeting, then brought them home to finish. Now I need a source on small pieces of driftwood! They are:

Spirit of Joy:

New Spirit:

Spirit of Spring:

Here are the three of them together... the tallest is only about 4" or so.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-29T17:09:00.003-04:00

First blooms of the year!
Lone crocus:
Forsythia buds:

A few of the fish at the warm, shallow end of the pond:
Spring. Hope.

Projects

2011-03-27T17:05:00.007-04:00

Recently I joined a second "cloth doll club," and both clubs are currently in the early stages of round robins. I went to one meeting and learned about metal shank button joints, and have decided that the learning/experimental doll should also be the round robin doll for the other club. She truly is an experimental doll, because I rarely work with doe skin (haven't in years, and prefer not to), and she has my first wonky attempt at the jointing technique I mentioned. The journal that travels with her is made of experimental techniques, as well.

She isn't really as ET-esque as she appears - I took the photo at an odd angle.

In the online group, Cloth Paper Studio, we are doing a swap of journal covers made from items we would normally trash - thus "Trash to Treasure" book covers. These are my offerings:

I have three other dolls in progress on my work table, and I need to make some little 3 inch dolls for a swap I'm hosting. Crazy woman. Gotta get this all out of my system before it's time to garden!

"What Fresh Hell is This?"

2011-03-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

...says Cosmo. He is so NOT impressed, especially considering all this stuff was gone yesterday.

The look of resignation:

Surrounded

2011-03-10T07:40:00.003-05:00

Blogger just will not let me drag photos around to move them anymore. If I copy, delete, and re-paste in a different order, the photos are no longer clickable. I give up. I guess I have to continue to put a great deal of thought into what order I upload, or you get them in random order. Today, it's random.

I've had lots of dolls on the brain lately, and have been inspired to sew, sew, sew other things as well. Currently, I have five new dolls in the works (including two round robins) and I've been making myself some clothing, as well.

Last night, I told my Oldtimer that I just wanted to go upstairs and sit amongst the fabrics and think for a while. Cosmo decided to help. That is one stubborn cat. He knows that I'll try to chase him off the work table, so he jumps up, and dives under the things I have clipped up to view, or else tries to get behind the window blind. I thought I could ignore him last night, but he was having none of it. And then Molly gets wounded looking because she can't get on the table too. She either torments the cat, or climbs onto my bed pillows and pouts. Here are last night's photos - both of the things I like to look at while I'm thinking and making, and my difficult pets.

Icy Monday

2011-02-21T09:00:00.004-05:00

Mini (and many) frozen drips everywhere today.

And just 24 hours ago, this is what the yard looked like - complete with young deer!

Birthday Wish

2011-02-10T08:51:00.002-05:00

Shameless, I know. Tomorrow is a milestone birthday for me, and since I don't need a thing, lucky me, I'm asking for donations via "Causes" for my favorite charity.

Sure would love it if you could help out - or spread the word!

Many thanks.

A Look at Winter

2011-02-06T11:09:00.003-05:00

Just a brief look, really. Poor Molly.

We were fortunate - we didn't get hit like many other Midwestern cities, and our road crews do an admirable job. Still, we're all feeling a little hedged in. (Luckily, this house has *two* sheltered front doors, access via the garage, two doors to the deck, and a slider, so we aren't trapped! We just can't go out and sit on the deck.)

Our snow has only been in the range of 3 to 6 inches at a time, nice and steady, and on a regular basis; not a horrible blast, and then a huge dump of snow. It makes it all so much more manageable. Still, we've grown some dandy icicles, and we can't get out the back door.

I'm curious about these icicles on the northwest corner of the house. Do you suppose the wind was blowing that much when they formed that they leaned out sideways?

This is our current "dandy" icicle. It's not as huge as the one from son Chris' house, but my guestimate (judging by the width of the siding) is that it's a hair over 5 feet long.

2011-01-30T19:31:00.003-05:00

I'm hosting a "puffy hearts swap" in the Cloth Paper Studio Yahoo group. The swap is three for three, and I've made four - though I think I may have to make several more so they don't look quite this Valentine-y. I'm thinking of putting them on bases to make a heart forest...

In order to ship them flat, and let the recipients stuff them and use them as they wish, one side has a small opening - thus the strings hanging out to enable the recipient to close them.

Pin Doll Name Tags

2011-01-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a couple posts back that I'd joined a new-to-me doll club, and needed a pin doll name tag. They even provided the pattern, face and a bit of fabric. Actually, there were two possible patterns, and I was so inspired, I had to make both, though I used my own fabrics, and one face that I had "on file."

One is serene, the other more joyful, but I love them both. Perhaps my mood will dictate which one I wear to what meeting??

Art Doll Quarterly magazine - an opinion

2011-01-25T09:42:00.006-05:00

I love the magazine Art Doll Quarterly. I have every issue, right back to the very first one, published in the Summer of 2003. Recently, it's been a little less inspiring for me, primarily because I felt the submissions for the Show & Tell section were a little less abundant, a little less exploratory and joyful. There also seemed to be a hint of staging for the "professional" dollmakers. (Does anyone else think Marilyn Radzat does NOT belong in the Show & Tell section?)

Don't misunderstand me - I can appreciate those who make and sell dolls; those who make glorious confections; those who move me with the spirit of their creations. I don't particularly understand those, however, who churn them out with dollar signs in their eyes.

I also appreciate those who teach and are willing to share techniques. Though my exposure to those who teach is somewhat limited, I've found teachers often fall into one of two camps - those who are teaching to make money and self promote, and those who are sharing the joy. Some teachers want you to make a doll that looks exactly like their class sample; others are thrilled when you spring off in your own direction, inspired by what they have shared. For my money, those who share the joy are the classes I desire.

I came to make cloth dolls, or art dolls, or soft sculpture (whatever you want to call it, as long as it differentiates from making Raggedy Ann for your grandkids) as a kind of therapy. When I was going through an especially difficult point in my life, entailing a nasty divorce and teenage children, I felt an internal desire to express what I was feeling through a cloth doll. I didn't know such things were being done - it was, I thought, all internal to me. Though it took several years, and the beauty of online friendships, I ultimately found what I needed. (An online course with Barb Kobe on healing dolls broke the log jam for me.)

But back to the magazine known as ADQ. I was thrilled to find it in my mailbox yesterday - another cold and dreary day. I was intrigued to see that elinor peace bailey had written an article on The Doll as a Tool. Then I read the letter from the editor, and was disappointed to see that there's a new, regular column on marketing your dolls. I experienced an instinctive sinking in the gut as I remembered myself a few short years ago, paging through and finding far more inspiration in the submissions for the "Bendy Doll Challenge" than I did with the perfect pieces, loaded with rare materials, and owned by the rich and famous. If I were to pick up my first issue of ADQ today, would I put it down, thinking "I'm not worthy"? (Hopefully not, if one gets far enough in to see articles like "Ladies in Waiting," "My Peeps," and "Misfit Art Dolls.")

Me? I don't want to create marketable dolls; I want to express myself. Thank goodness for the last paragraph of epb's article that read "I make art for myself. If you want to buy it, or award it a ribbon, that is your choice, but what I make is art that contains an abundance of myself in it."

Joy, soul, exploration, creativity - for me, that's what it's all about. Put the marketing articles elsewhere.

Cabin Fever

2011-01-21T08:13:00.002-05:00

Cosmo is restless. When he's not peering through the doggy door looking mournful, he paces from place to place in house, looking for new snoozing opportunities. Gerry's desk... (note the decimated catnip)

Behind the to-be-folded laundry...
Molly is destroying toys. Poor Gumby.

I made a fabric collage, but making the hanger for the back requires a trip to the garage, so it waits.
I'm hosting a "puffy hearts" swap over on the Cloth Paper Studio yahoo group. Perhaps working with some red and pink felt and lacy trims will move this cold front on through. First, however, I'm going to jam some rolled up rugs around the base of the exterior doors. Brrr!

Better Day

2011-01-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

What a difference one day of sunshine can make! Though I'm still not winter's biggest fan, I'm feeling much better. I think the primary reason was the vision of sunshine outside my workroom window. After weeks of gray skies, this was a welcome sight.

On Sunday, I met with a new-to-me doll club, and was so impressed and uplifted by the friendly, happy members. I came away newly inspired, and spent a good day sorting fabric, sewing, cutting, and stuffing. In fact, this group wears pin doll name tags, and even the two patterns for the pin doll are such joyful shapes, I had to make one of each!

My work table is once again littered with body parts, I have other projects in the wings - but the other end of my sewing room is back to being a disorganized mess. It feels good!

Winter Blues

2011-01-08T08:56:00.003-05:00

Actually, blue would be a welcome addition to my world right now. Can't remember the last time we had sunshine, or saw a blue sky. Another three months or so, and things should perk up - I'll just keep downing the Vitamin D!

Winding Down the Old Year

2010-12-30T11:30:00.002-05:00

May your New Year be filled with just enough tarnish and old lace.

Solstice

2010-12-22T08:14:00.001-05:00

My Very Favorite Ornament

2010-12-20T07:22:00.002-05:00

The first ornament made by my first child, away from home at kindergarten and brought proudly home to Mama. Knowing it was made of bread dough, he gave one corner a little test bite. I much admire the glue that held the glitter and sequins in place for the last 30 years. The silver string is original, too.

Decorating Done

2010-12-19T22:34:00.002-05:00

Let the baking begin!

Dining room end of the room.

Table top - old tablecloths, old silver with a bit of tarnish (including my Oldtimer's baby spoon.)

Buffet - again, old silverplate, aqua and clear glass items.

Tree is Up...

2010-12-18T22:45:00.004-05:00

...and I think we're finally getting somewhere. I opted for a crazy mixed up tree this year, using old ornaments, things the kids made when little, etc. Nothing matches. It seems rather odd, after the monochromatic, "adult" tree of the last couple years. Here's a peek - but I'm not done with the dining room table yet.

My dear Oldtimer put several strands of LED lights all along the split rail fence out in front, too. I like the look! Pix tomorrow, I promise.

Lawn Toad

2010-12-18T11:40:00.004-05:00

Wow. I can't believe I haven't posted in a month. Between work, creative time, and the holidays - I haven't even thought of it, I guess. Naahhh... the real reason is that I feel like the guy in the photo above. I don't get along well with winter - having lots of pity parties. This too shall pass.

PS - This toad used to grace the edge of the koi pond when we lived in NC. Do you suppose he's as disappointed as I am to live in this weather?

R.I.P., Old Roaster

2010-11-19T08:08:00.003-05:00

I've fallen prey to roaster lust. I read cooking and recipe blogs, I subscribe to Bon Appetit and Saveur, I watch Chopped and Iron Chef. I want to smile with perfect white teeth beneath my perfectly coiffed hair as I pull the golden turkey from the oven, to the approval of my family. (Yes, I know each of my children lives at least 600 miles from me.)

And so, though the All Clad roaster at Sur La Table sang the song of the siren, I picked up the less expensive Oneida version last night at the local wholesale club. I hesitated not over the price of the All Clad, but casting aside tradition. This old faithful friend has been replaced:

On the way home from the store, shiny new roaster taking the place of honor in the back seat, I thought about the old pan. I've had that old guy for 41 years. I think it was 41 years in July, maybe August. All I remember is tripping down the streets of the small town where I was working for a home builder, the summer after high school graduation, with my then-boyfriend. We made a "statement" of sorts, paying $1 for a roaster, at the sidewalk sale during Crazy Days - an unspoken plan for a future together.

Well, the future together didn't happen, but I kept the roaster. I married a different guy, and through all our years together, I roasted the holiday meats in this pan, and now I'm feeling a little fickle. Cast off the boyfriend, the husband, and now the roaster. Is that pan in the "fond memory" bank of my children?

Oh well - at $1, amortized over 41 years, I guess I've earned shiny and new, and it's about time that my dear Oldtimer gets a meal cooked in a pan without a past. Sure hope that turkey comes out golden.

Beautiful Fall

2010-11-10T09:47:00.006-05:00

Despite my dread of winter, it's difficult to ignore the beauty of the season that precedes it. After Saturday's bit of snow and slush, I began my annual whining, but if this is what follows that first wintery blast, I really ought to temper the complaining. The clear colors reflected in the pond are always a thrill.

The flocks of birds have been amazing. It seems the trees come alive with their chirping and chortling, and then they land on the lawn, en masse, to hunt for...what? Are they after the last surviving, but slow, bugs? Grass seed? I love to watch them flip over the colorful leaves with their beaks as they seek goodies beneath.

The fragrant roses and lush waterfall petunias may be gone for a few months, but there is beauty of another kind in a clear fall day.

Fathoms of the Deep - Done!

2010-11-03T22:15:00.003-04:00

In May, I started this terrific e-pattern from Colleen Babcock, called Fathoms of the Deep. The pattern has some wonderful techniques and I really enjoyed making the doll. About a week after I started the doll, I began traveling for grandchildren's birthdays, family vacation, and a few other - less pleasant - interruptions came along. Tonight, I'm calling her complete (though I just realized I need to do something about fingernails). Don't judge the pattern by my slowness - she's really lovely to make.

Full doll:
Upper detail:
Fin detail:
Waist detail:
I love her fishy shawl, the handmade starfish at her waist and fin, everything. Fun, fun doll. Thanks Colleen!

Key to My Heart Doll

2010-10-30T08:47:00.003-04:00

The doll club I belong to, Cloth Souls, recently used Sherry Goshon's pattern to create cloth hearts and swap them amongst members. The hearts are then used to create a triangular skirt base for a doll. Here's the doll I made with the three I got in the swap.
Her sleeves are made from a piece of embroidered sari fabric; her bodice is decoupaged with pieces of a pink napkin printed with red chili peppers!
The overskirt is venise lace.

The gold and fuchsia base cover is another piece of beautiful Indian fabric, given to me by my friend Rekha.
The wood base is decoupaged with pieces of napkin.

Sherry's online doll group also did a swap of three hearts. The three I received are more pastel than this, and I haven't made that doll yet. I really loved working with this pattern.

Soap & Fragrance

2010-10-17T11:08:00.002-04:00

A nice long talk with my friend Margie (of Hill Country Haiku fame) Friday evening got my soapmaking batteries re-charged. I love talking with Margie; she gets me thinking about fragrances and soap formulas, and beautiful colorations in soap. I needed some oomph so badly.

Before I talked to her Friday, I made a batch of Lavender Coriander soap, and it smells so good. She sent me a photo of the batch she and her assistant made Friday - White Tea and Ginger, with a triple swirl. Margie's swirls are amazing, and I know I'll never achieve anything near her swirl perfection. Of course, she seems to admire my nose for scents, so we have a pretty good mutual admiration society going.

Between that and the trip Thursday afternoon to Oils by Nature, I'm all fired up and ready to start making lots and lots of soap before the holidays. I, of course, have all the old favorite stand-bys to make, but I also love to play - try new scents, make new blends, etc.

Right now, I'm off to make the Pumpkin Pie and Lavender blend that Margie mentioned. I don't know what proportions to use, but I do trust my nose, and I'm going to see if I can concoct that man-luring scent. However, I'd love, love, love to know what your noses are telling you these days.

Leave me a comment please? Tell me your favorites for any season, tell me what you've sniffed lately that you can't get out of your mind, tell me what you've been seeking for years and can't find. And fellow soapers - what trends are you seeing? Let's talk fragrance - I miss it so.

Book Giveaway

2010-10-16T14:01:00.002-04:00

I have some books to clear out of here - anyone interested?

Here's a listing - drop me a line if I can send them along...

3 CD’s of Dolls United with instructions and interviews – The Elements issue, The Celestial issue, and the Mystical Issue

Booklet – Crochet Native American Baskets

Booklet – Crochet Chenille Purses

Books:

Bags with Style, Stephanie Kimura (all patterns intact and unused)

The Magic of Free-Machine Embroidery, by Doreen Curran

A Charming Exchange, by Kelly Snelling & Ruth Rae

Living the Creative Life, by Rice Freeman-Zachery

Drawing as a Scared Activity, by Heather C. Williams

Saturday Night Hat, by Eugenia Kim

Transforming Fabric, by Carolyn Dahl

New Techniques for Wearable Art, by Rice Freeman-Zachery

Prevention – Women’s Choices in Natural Healing

(Herbs in Pots, Rob Proctor and David Macke) claimed

Health Essential Aromatherapy Massage with Essential Oils

Seasons of Aromatherapy, Judith Fitzsimmons & Paula M. Bousquet

(Eyewitness Handbooks Herbs, Lesley Bremness) claimed

Gifts for Herb Lovers, Storey Publishing

(50 Simple Ways to Pamper Yourself, Stephanie Tourles) claimed

Just a Little More Beadwork

2010-10-15T20:36:00.003-04:00

My "dangerous" mermaid (Fathoms of the Deep pattern, by Colleen Babcock)) is almost done at last. I just have to bead a bit more on her fish shawl, and we'll be all set. Poor thing got set aside a couple times, in favor of other, more pressing projects.

One Rose...

2010-10-12T07:45:00.003-04:00

...five ways. Playing with photo apps on my iPhone. Such easy fun!

Unedited, straight from the camera.

Two processes - Pic Grunger and Lo-Mob

One process - Lo Mob

One process - Pic Grunger

One process - Color Splash

This is just so impressive to me. I continue to marvel at all the things I can do with my "phone"!

Friday Shopping

2010-10-09T11:57:00.003-04:00

Friday was an "all about me" day. I stayed in my robe, late, shopped in places I love, and got a couple things I've been wanting.

The nearest Trader Joe's is in a lovely shopping complex which has a far too crowded (and frustrating) parking lot - as well as the street that approaches it being jammed and slow-going. It takes a special mental state for me to head over there - but once I actually get there, and find a parking spot, I'm always glad to have made the effort. The special plantings alone are worth the effort.

My plan was to shop Trader Joe's and take a look around Penzey Spices. Well, not only did I shop both places, I also shopped at Sur La Table, and bought something that's been on my wish list for quite some time. Meet the newest addition to our family!

You probably don't care much about the jars of spices, or the groceries I bought, but how about this bouquet of my favorite flowers - Stargazer Lilies? (In the pitcher on the left, below.) They scent not only the entire living room, but the kitchen, bedroom, and hall, as well.

Lovely day. Should hold me for a while. So why do I have this urge to drive to the antique mall today?

New Bed

2010-10-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

We've finally graduated to a larger (queen size) bed. It was time - we've not gotten any smaller, but we've both developed joints that ache and parts that fall asleep that shouldn't. Besides, we have most of the rest of the bedroom re-do done, so why not figure out the bed now, and then put on the finishing touches?

One view of the bed; will share more when we hang artwork, paint woodwork, buy rugs...

Doll Bookmark

2010-10-08T16:08:00.002-04:00

Last night at the monthly meeting of Cloth Souls, we made little doll bookmarks. I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but it's a simple body shape cut from tag board, and then a dress shape cut from paper or fabric. Some of the gals used wallpaper, some used beautiful fabrics, I used a napkin. Then the body shape is laminated and cut out with about 1/8" of lamination remaining around the edge. The face is done on a covered button, hair added, and thar you have it. I couldn't find the right size button cover, so mine's a little large, but this one isn't going anywhere, so I'm not too concerned.

I really like meeting with this group. We learn some little thing every meeting, but there's no pressure, no shows to put on, it's like getting together with a group of friends for sewing circle once a month.

The only "danger" - for me - is that it meets at Joann's in Mentor (OH) where I always find something extra to purchase. Last night I found a LOT of trims I couldn't leave behind - so I left the store $33 poorer with just a little bag of goodies!

Beautiful Sky!

2010-09-29T21:23:00.004-04:00

Tonight's sunset was gorgeous. I've tried to capture bits of the glorious color to share with you - saving what I consider the best for last!

I wanted a shot of the Dr. Seuss Brugmansia, but it had gotten too dark. I used the flash, and it really stands out against the glorious sky!

A Few Beach Photos

2010-09-29T20:52:00.005-04:00

The long-awaited trip to Emerald Isle took place at last in mid September. What a shock to realize that it had been 4 1/2 years since we were all together. There were cousins who'd never met, for heaven's sake! We were so lucky to get four families from four different states, all together in a fifth state to enjoy a beautiful beach house.

The weather was perfect, the house was phenomenal, and - as my friend Diane said - what's not to love? Ocean breezes, seashell collecting, and men who cook!

We've agreed to not post photos of the children on blogs or Facebook, but I can certainly post the adult children and some of the vistas!

Lovely sunrise:

We got some waves (and rip tides) due to Igor:

Here's one shot of the whole family on the beach - not very crowded! What a lovely way to spend a day.

This is the view from the doorway of Oldtimer & my bedroom:

And here I am with my three babies. My dear son managed to point out that the combined age of my three children is now 97 years! Way to make your old mom feel better, Chris!
My Oldtimer, going for the big one:

The carefree old folks:

August Past

2010-09-04T08:00:00.004-04:00

August was a heart-full month. It's odd, somehow, to think of how hot and dry and long the month felt, then to move into September and think that August went too quickly and I didn't get enough done! All of a sudden, I'm one month closer to reporting on snow drifts - a task I still don't enjoy, even though I no longer get out and commute to the office in them.

Judging by my August photo folder, I did a lot! The most important, of course, was flying to Minneapolis to meet my newest granddaughter. Our lovely Alysa was born 8/9/10 and did much to make the month heart-full.

While visiting, Olivia and I had a date to visit the Minnesota Zoo. It's a lovely place, and it was so much fun to see how Olivia has grown since our last date there. She's no longer as worried about the rush of water in the created tidepool, and she proudly told me about the zoo babies - a dolphin and snow monkeys.

I worked on just a couple sewing projects, finishing blankets for my Minnesota girls, and planning a new doll. Despite a closet full of supplies, I had to go out and buy "just a couple" more things for this new idea. I certainly seem to do my part to help the local economy.

After last summer of hoped-for weight loss, resulting in no trips to Dairy Queen the entire summer, (and NO weight loss despite it) - I've had several trips for my favorite Blizzards this year. How kind of them to introduce a new smaller size. It makes sense - I should try it sometime! For now, I'm hooked on Midnight Truffle, although the Turtle Cluster has a texture/taste thing that I really love.

The pets have been very much themselves - Cosmo, regal; Murphy, aging but loving; Molly, intense and bright. Molly has almost mastered bringing in the mail. Her giddiness and doing something that pleases us and results in a treat, unfortunately, has caused much leapt upon and damaged mail. Sometimes the mail gets a good, vigorous shake, causing it to fly into bits throughout the room. More and more of late, though, she manages to put at least part of it in my hand.

Molly disappointed (and shocked!) me recently when I took her to the vet to have her vaccinations updated. She struggled with the vet techs, and launched into a fury when other customers entered with two small, white "fish bait" dogs. The vet techs came running out to help me, and actually created a human wall to usher us out to the hot car to wait for our lab tests. I was told later that it sounded like a huge German Shepherd, rather than a little 40 pounder. I'm not sure what that was about, but with the way she adapted to our dogs and cat here when we got her a year ago, it was totally unexpected. Troubling.

Speaking of German Shepherds, we did the doggy DNA tests on both dogs, and Molly came back with intermediate amounts only of two things - miniature bull terrier, and German shepherd. We fully expected some lab, and perhaps some boxer. Murphy, our mystery mix who, at times, convinced us he might even have a little giraffe or alligator, is intermediate amounts (25 to 49 percent) of three things - sheltie, husky, and beagle! Having known his mother, we can see the sheltie and wonder if that's also where the beagle came in.

Last week's City Fresh offering was disappointing. Despite my commitment to photo each time we pick up, AND to find a way to cook each and every item even if unfamiliar, I couldn't do it this week. My personal disappointment got in the way. Our take included 6 okra, holey broccoli leaves, and some withered sweet potatoes makes me wonder if the dry and hot weather this year was just too much for the growers. We'll see what comes with this week's allotment, and decide whether to continue on or not. I'm always happy to get garlic, and we did get some fresh cilantro this time, too. And three tomatoes! However, I think $12 would have gone a lot further at a local produce stand, and I wouldn't be listening to my Oldtimer complain about city traffic.

Meals on the deck are very much a part of August!

If you look closely at the photo above, you will see the ears of two deer in the small wooded yard near a busy street on the way to our post office!

The photo above is a redwood at Duke Gardens - it's one of my all-time favorite photos, taken by Bekah about 14 years ago. She had it enlarged and framed for me, and it sits near my desk, bringing me much serenity. We call it a Wisdom Tree.

That's August in a rather large nutshell - lovely things if one just looks around. I hope it ties together all these random photos!

Vegetables

2010-08-24T19:53:00.003-04:00

In late spring, I found that the two mini purple potatoes, in a mini-potato selection I'd purchased at the grocery store, had started to sprout. When I was putting together the deck pots, I put them in a pot of their own. This week, one potato was showing at the surface, so I decided it was time to harvest. We got a dozen little purple potatoes, plus a summer of filler for the deck pots.

Last week I was in Minnesota - my daughter Bekah had a lovely little baby girl. While I was gone, my Oldtimer didn't want to pick up our City Fresh allotment, so no photo from last week, BUT...look at the loveliness we got this week! Isn't that mini watermelon just perfect for a "single share"? And beets again! I really do have to thank Serena for her suggestion of tossing beets with other root veggies in a little olive oil and ROASTING them. That's one of our new favorite grilled dishes. Looks like I'll be able to make my Oldtimer another batch of pepper relish.

Kindness

2010-08-21T16:45:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I sent a packet of unusual handmade papers and fibrous fabrics to my online friend Griselda. She makes beautiful Spirit dolls, and makes them highly textured, sometimes with wings, always infused with Reiki energy.

When I came home from visiting my daughter and family, there was a package from Gris. Not only did she send me a bunch of her fabulous face cabs, she also sent this wonderful doll called White Light, Moon of Creativity Healing Spirit. I certainly didn't expect anything like this, but am delighted to have her. She already hangs in a place of honor, above the window and watching over my worktable.

Gris currently has many Spirit dolls offered in her Etsy shop. Hers is actually the first Etsy shop I saved as a favorite, over three years ago.

Two Blankets

2010-08-20T16:36:00.002-04:00

These two simple baby blankets were started a long time ago, and I just never got the satin edge on them. Finally, decided I better finish them up quickly before I went to Minneapolis to meet the new grandbaby. I brought them out of the bag, and asked Olivia to choose which one went to her, and which to her baby sister. She, lover of all things princess, rainbow, and PINK naturally chose the one on the left. (Isn't that a great fabric? I think it looks like rows of corn, but it's a Kaffe Fassett print called "bead stripe.") Now I'm working away on other things - to be shared soon!

City Fresh, August 10

2010-08-11T07:35:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's single share from City Fresh. Amazing, isn't it? The cantalope is perfect, the corn and potatoes were delicious. Yes, we had them immediately for dinner last night!

I'm heading out of town in the morning to meet my new granddaughter, so I think the rest of this will go to my co-worker. I know Oldtimer isn't going to cook while I'm gone!

My Name is Betty doll

2010-08-06T09:14:00.003-04:00

Round Robin doll "My Name is Betty" came home last night. Isn't she marvelous?
All dolls in the RR started with the same theme. We created our beginning doll, gave her a face and a journal, and used the journal to establish her story line. Mine was the "Original Betty" - the inspiration for all the 1940 Betty pin-up girls and starlets. The pattern I used was from Sherry Goshon - a challenge doll. I made the entire doll from printed fabrics.
She became quite glamorous - with a secret wish to pole dance!
Here's the journal cover:
And my favorite page in the journal:
And like the page says, I am tickled pink over this doll.

I also got to work on "Betty Croaker," "Bodacious Betty," and "Betty Embers - Romance Writer."

Little Updates

2010-08-04T23:09:00.003-04:00

This mixed potted plant on the deck is doing better than any of the others. Look at the length of those sweet potato vines!
I was trying to get a photo of the butterfly, working the blooms of the butterfly bush (I love that fragrance), and ended up with silhouettes, instead.
Yes, this is really what the sky looked like near sunset one night last week.
I brushed Murphy yesterday before bathing. It looks like we could make another whole dog!
No matter how often she gets swatted, Molly won't leave the cat alone - even when he retreats to the top of the hot tub.

City Fresh This Week

2010-08-04T08:26:00.003-04:00

This week's City Fresh provided two kinds of fruit - small yellow apples, and peaches. We also got a standard eggplant, and four different kinds of peppers. I think I'm going to try making a pepper relish this afternoon. We used the "swap" box to trade in our kale and get a second head of buttercrunch lettuce - Gerry loves that lettuce on a sandwich.

We've gotten garlic almost every week and I'm loving it. Easy as it is, I may never buy the jars of pre-chopped garlic again. I'm starting to feel the same way about that as I do Cheez-Whiz.

Again, City Fresh

2010-07-22T07:34:00.003-04:00

I'll probably post these photos every week I participate, assuming I remember! To me, this is just the best of both worlds - bringing fresh produce to city dwellers, and supporting local agriculture. I'm delighted with everything I've gotten, made a commitment to trying everything - even the unfamiliar - and it's helping me stretch my Cleveland wings a bit, too.

As an example, I did not know that Cleveland had a Co-op, until I started participating in City Fresh. Images of Minneapolis' Wedge Co-op dance in my head - no clue if that's accurate, but a gal can dream.

Last night we had the yellow squash, the zucchini, the bell pepper, and the Japanese eggplant with some onion, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and some herbs, all done together in the grill pan. It was wonderful. The potatoes went into potato salad (which my Oldtimer claims is like candy). We had the corn on the cob the very night we got it, and it was delicious.

Every week, I feel as I've picked up a bag of treasure! Love this program, and think it's delightful that they allow weekly pay, instead of an entire season up front.

This Week's Photo - Favorite Things

2010-07-19T23:45:00.002-04:00

I took this photo several years ago, and may even have shared it here before, but it's still a favorite.

When we still lived in NC, we met a couple who gardened beautifully, and sold daylilies. One day, they took us out to their farm - a few acres outside of town, with a little log house. I just love this setting; as a matter of fact, I keep saying I want to live in the house, but the truth is that I would probably miss indoor plumbing.

Last Week's Photo

2010-07-19T08:16:00.002-04:00

The theme for last week's photo of the week was "something magical." We spotted this little guy in the driveway this weekend, and I think he (she?) fits the bill.

City Fresh, July 13

2010-07-13T21:47:00.005-04:00

Though I'm in danger of repeating myself - I just love this City Fresh program here in Cleveland, which is a type of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Thanks to Jude for showing off her first purchase, and Deb for cluing me in to what this program is called, so I knew how to look for it.

This is today's haul - and this is just a single share! I told Gerry when we were walking away from the distribution table tonight that I don't feel like I made a produce purchase, I feel like I received a bag of gifts. Love it.

Woodpecker

2010-07-07T23:06:00.002-04:00

This is the only shot I managed to grab - through the window, with a barely focused zoom - before this woodpecker flew away. He was HUGE - the biggest one I've ever seen.
When he flew to the neighboring tree, the thin branch actually moved under his weight. Amazing.

Hot - and today's City Fresh

2010-07-06T19:55:00.002-04:00

Hot in Cleveland today! No relief in sight. this butterfly didn't mind, though...
...even though he's apparently been nipped!
Here's today's take at City Fresh. I just love this! I'm already soaking the cucumbers to make pickles; we've never tried these little red onions, but were told you can even put the tops in your cooking. And look - a little bottle of pure maple syrup! This week's challenge will be the bok choy.

iPhone photos

2010-07-02T14:29:00.003-04:00

I've downloaded some new apps for playing with photos on my iPhone. These are from the "Vint B&W":

And from the TiltShiftGen app:

I think I'll be playing with these a lot more!

Beautiful Day

2010-07-02T13:01:00.003-04:00

The temperature, the atmosphere, the breeze, the sky - everything is absolutely perfect today. I need to find a place that is like this all year round. Of course, as Gerry would tell me, any place this perfect all the time would be way too crowded.

City Fresh, Cleveland

2010-06-29T19:51:00.003-04:00

A table full of treasure! I am just delighted to have learned about CSAs and to have found a program in Cleveland. We pick up our weekly share about 7 miles away, in the Coventry neighborhood. It takes a while to get there, but what a treat! I've signed up for the next four weeks. (photo includes cabbage, kale, beets, potatoes, dill, pickling cukes, romaine, zucchini, and onions. We've already eaten the zucchini, some of the cabbage, and some of the dill.

Monday Photo - Self Portrait

2010-06-26T22:45:00.001-04:00

Around the house and yard

2010-06-26T12:18:00.003-04:00

Not much to say...lots to show.

A cuckoo more to my liking.

Solstice Eve
Tree down!
Flowers - life requires flowers.

The potato sprouted in the bag under the sink. I planted it. Good filler!
Cosmo loves the sun.

Photo of the Week - Father

2010-06-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

This theme hung me up a bit. I posted a photo of my father not too long ago, and I didn't want to use that again. And I've been trying to use photos I've taken whenever possible.

My husband is not my father, BUT - he is a father to one, a step-father to three, a grandfather of two, a step-grandfather of almost three, and "daddy" to two dogs and a cat. I guess that works.

Here he is in a rare quiet moment on the deck - reading Dean Koontz, keeping the mosquitoes away with his pipe and a citronella candle. Looks pretty relaxed, doesn't he? Don't let him fool you.

Outside Looking In

2010-06-20T20:51:00.004-04:00

Last night was lovely - except for the mosquitoes. The community center a few miles away was having a concert, and I could hear it from the rocker on my front porch. It was lovely till the mosquitoes drown it out - I realized I was looking inside, wistfully.
No bugs in there - just light and flowers.
Beats live music any day...

Photo of the Week - Black & White

2010-06-14T07:49:00.003-04:00

On time, and multiple. I can hardly stand it, myself. As soon as JudiA announced the theme for this week, I knew which photos I wanted to edit - a trip to the playground and shops of Little Italy, when Bekah & Olivia visited in March. Truly, the weather was lovely, but because nothing had leafed out yet, many of the photos were almost black and white in appearance.

I couldn't stop - here they are. Two urban skyline shots, and one of shadows on the playground.

Photo of the Week - Heirloom

2010-06-13T18:55:00.003-04:00

Last Monday's theme was "Heirloom." This is one of the few pieces I have that came from my dad's side of the family. My grandmother called it a "dough bin," although during our stint in NC, we were told it's called a "biscuit table."

I'm not sure what the wood is, very close grained and light. My dad was upset when my mother hauled it home - he wanted nothing of that old stuff from his youth - only new and shiny for him.

It's a handy thing to have; for us, it finished off this cabinet perfectly. There's storage in the two drawers, more in the pull out bin, and the perfect place to stash small stuff...

...under the hinged lid!

Lookee, lookee!

2010-06-12T09:49:00.001-04:00

Somebody found the hummingbird feeder!

New Hummingbird Feeder

2010-06-03T17:16:00.001-04:00

It's an aqua, chandelier style feeder. Isn't it pretty?

Claira the Pig

2010-06-02T07:31:00.003-04:00

The finished product! Unfortunately, I didn't get a good photo of Claira before she left home...

This is the pig I made for Paige's first birthday. I used Heather Bailey's pattern - an incredibly detailed pattern; probably one of the most difficult I've ever used!

Paige seems to love her - I'm so glad!

Monday Photo - Things with Wings

2010-06-02T07:28:00.003-04:00

I turn into such a goof when spring arrives. I seem to photo the same flowers, leaves, and scenes repeatedly. Spring, the epitome of hope. Thank you, butterflies, for re-appearing!

Monday Photo - Signs

2010-05-26T17:18:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite parts of Cleveland - Little Italy. Look at all the signs on just this one tiny corner! I love the crowded buildings, uneven sidewalks, store banners, sandwich boards, all dominated by the church spires and statues. Of course, it is almost impossible to get a photo of any of these, without the ever-present electric wires draped across the sky.

Monday Photo - My Workspace

2010-05-18T08:33:00.005-04:00

The theme for this week's photo is My Workspace. Since I spent the entire weekend in the yard and garden, I really thought about posting that as my current workspace. However, the "treehouse" still has my heart.

The room is long and narrow, and runs across the back of the old part of our house. It truly is only about 6 feet wide, and doesn't seem that wide, due to the shelves, built ins, and sewing tables. While at work in this room, I tend to take off my shoes, and never wear a bulky sweater (even in the winter) because I feel as though I take up too much space!

Below you see my primary work surface, which is atop a long antique library table. It butts up agains an old school desk. The surface of the school desk is covered with things I can't store just yet, and things keep creeping onto the surface of the library table. Though I've cleaned it off recently, I have two projects going right now, so the entire surface is pretty well covered - but not too deeply! My sewing machine and serger are on small tables on the wall opposite the window.

The bulletin board on the end wall has print-outs of faces and projects I find inspiring.
Here's a peek at the primary work "hole" and the view out my lone window. Obviously, I'm auditioning fabrics!
I'm fairly adjusted to the cramped space - at least I have a space of my own - and am grateful to have such a beautiful view outside the window. The only thing I really dislike about the room is the 1980s era dark brown SHAG carpeting. Not only is the color dreary, it shows every bit of lint and thread!

Molly

2010-05-15T11:40:00.002-04:00

In motion:

In watch mode:

Observations

2010-05-14T14:31:00.005-04:00

Spring. Joy. Contentment.

What a Face!

2010-05-12T09:19:00.003-04:00

On Sunday I began working on Colleen Babcock's new pattern, "Fathoms of the Deep." So far, the head and face are done - rather a Norma Desmond look, don't you think? ("Ready for my closeup...")

This is the first time I've made one of Colleen's patterns, but I am definitely looking into rounding up more. Delightful. I'll share more of this one as I go.

Iowa Retreat - Last September

2010-05-10T21:15:00.004-04:00

I guess I'm on a roll - I finished another doll. This is my tattered moth from Sherry & Jean's retreat in Iowa last September.

Full View

Side View

Looking up

Face view

Back view

Wing detail

I'm really pleased, but I want to find the instructions and make another now that I have the learning experience behind me!