Pattern # 7 and other thoughts....

Hello friends!

I signed in to my blog account to find out it has been updated! Now I am not one who is keen on change such as this. I feel like I finally really got all this blog stuff down, and they go confusing me with changes! I am sure it is all there, just have to figure out where it all is SIGH... Oh well, I am sure I'll catch on to the new system in no time. It kind of reminds me of the feeling you get when you walk into a store and find it has all been moved around. For me this sparks immediate irritation... We find comfort in sameness now don't we?

I have been MIA lately....yep, pretty much a BAD blogger. I sincerely hope my followers have not given up on me altogether! This is the hardest time of year for me to keep creatively motivated. I feel I have been going through a dry spell both mentally and creatively. I know that my fellow artists know just what I am talking about here.

I truly will be thinking about what fun things I can share with you in the upcoming months, not just what I am doing, but what I can offer.

I have finally finished pattern # 7, this one took at least 3 times longer than the last ones simply because I am dragging my feet right now. This little girls name is Abby! basically Cookies twin, the difference is Cookie hangs on the wall and Abby sits and has a skirt as well as an apron. So far I have her listed on Pattern Mart, I will as time allows get the pattern on all my selling sites.

Abby is 21" tall. I constructed her in such a way that the body and legs are done in calicos so once sewn, the body and clothes are done basically. There are no separate body and leg pattern pieces.

Here she is in full view, not a whole lot different than Cookie except she is not for the wall but sits. Her cute little crow apron is made from a Ewe n Me printable, printed on muslin ran through my ink jet printer.

I don't even want to look outside today, rainy, dark, grey and dreary. I am feeling soggy around the edges!

On another note..... for some reason certain gals comments on my blog I cannot respond to. What happens is I hit reply in my email and I only get some email like "nor-replyblogger.com" or something to that effect and no personal email. Now mostly this is not the case, I would say it is only happening with a small few. Still it frustrates me and I want to say that I would respond to ALL comments if I could. so just know that if you don't ever get a resonse from me, it is because I don't have your email to reply back. I appreciate the comments even so. One in particular is Weslaine, she visits my blog and always comments with such nice notes, but I cannot respond, Weslaine, if you are reading this I want you to know I appreciate each and every comment!!

Well I need to go and figure out what is next on my crafting agenda!

It's a new day...

I know this picture I took is not all that exciting, but there is something about it's simplicity that I like. This was taken early in the morning, this little bird was basking in the first sunlight of the day. It reminds me that we need to be more like these little birds, stop and take time to bask in the promise of the day, breathe and appreciate.... Does he wonder if God will take care of him? No....

This indeed is a new day. It has been a week now since my son's accident, he is healing very quickly and doing so much better. I won't say it hasn't been a hard week full of pain meds and little sleep, but every day is so much better now than the last. He will be fine and good as new soon, I am so grateful! I appreciate the prayers and concern of friends and family, this is it's own medicine.

I am officially starting pattern # 7, I figure I had better march on and get busy. I will keep you all posted.

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers concerning my son, I really appreciate it.

An Easter that went totally wrong...

First off I want to say that even though Ginger and Trixie just sold, Cookie is available for sale as on PFATT Marketplace! The new artist ads come out on the 10th of each month.

Life sometimes seems like an endless roller coaster ride, some ups and some downs, other times it feels like you are forever waiting for the ups to come! Never take for granted that your day will turn out exactly like you have planned, it may have other things in mind.

Easter started out nicely, the weather was mild, my son was visiting for the weekend and all "seemed" well. I will back up and say that the previous day my hubby and son built a bike jump with the tractor, this is nothing new at my house. Both my boys are experienced bmx bike racers and love to ride the jumps and have for years. As a Mom I always have the worry of what if.... this particular jump is a double, and HUGE, nothing to sneeze at and only for the experienced rider. I was concerned anyway.

My son Tyler was going to take this jump for the first time and asked if I would come out and watch. I of course did but I am always nervous watching my kids do this stuff even though I know they are capable. I did however have a sick feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. As I watched Tyler come off the hill toward the jump panic started to engulf me, as he launched I instantly knew all would go terribly wrong even before he touched the ground.

 I witnessed my son's body being thrown like a rag doll and slam into the hard ground. The horror and shock of what my eyes were seeing will haunt me for a long time. The scream that involuntarily came out of me felt like it was coming from someone else. I was rendered useless as my husband told me to call 911. We were in the woods and I needed to ride the 4 wheeler up to the house, but in my shock I could not figure out how to even turn it on! Dan turned Tyler over to see he had lost conciousness and his eyes were rolling and his body twitching. He shoved me aside and went to make the call. I then had to sit alone in the woods with my baby like this, not knowing just how badly he was broken.

I don't do things like this well, but had to somehow. I quickly remembered God's promise to us that he is an ever present help in times of trouble, I did all I knew to do and that was to call out to God for help! A groan I will never forget left his body and he was coming around after what seemed like an eternity. He was so very confused and asked me over and over what happened?  not 2 seconds passed and he asked this same question again and again and again, I knew then he was in a bit of trouble.

We spent the good part of the day in the emergency room as they determined his injuries. He sustained a concussion, broken collar bone, small hole in his lung, scrapes, bruises and a lot of pain. He will heal, and he will be okay, for this I am grateful beyond what I can say. I am grateful that he had a full face helmet on, this is a priceless piece of equipment and not to be taken lightly. He is in a lot of pain, but we are doing all we can to help him through this healing process. We all feel a bit traumatized this week, it has thrown everything off in a way I cannot explain.

It occurs to me that if we wait for life to be peaceful, up and happy all the time, we will never be happy, life is just not that way. If we wait for our circumstances to be wonderful to determine if we smile, we will always be frowning. I am still learning how to find peace and joy in spite of what the circumstances may be. This is one of my weaknesses, I like to feel secure and in control, but we don't live in that world so I need to adjust my thinking on this somehow. I remember a time long ago when this was the case for me, the season in my life where all WAS well... I want it to be that way again, but maybe it won't, then what? I will just need to trust that God will take care of the what ifs in life! I am not there, but I am really working on it. I am so grateful to have my son with me, that right there is a reason to smile!

Meet Cookie... A Prim Kitchen Dolly

Hello Friends...

I  want to share a new doll I just finished, this little girl and Ginger the kitty will be my PFATT offerings for this month on the 10th. I may make her into pattern # 7, am still pondering...

Meet Cookie, a sweet primitive dolly to hang on the wall and bless your kitchen! She holds a child sized spatula I found in an antique store. Her apron was made using ORP's method of transfering images onto fabric. The apron has a picture of a crow. Her face and shoes are hand painted. She is stained nice and prim! I love how her sweet face turned out, just makes you want to pinch those cheeks.

I figured I had better get on here and post an update, I know I have been terrible lately, sorry... This time of year is a tough one for me to stay motivated, the delayed nice weather doesn not help!. Truth be told I have been dealing with my own personal struggles, one of them is fighting off depression. I know a lot of you are no stranger to this "thing". I do not always deal with depression, but wow when it comes knocking on my door I have to practically wage war against it. If you are like me, it is best you do not even turn on the t.v news or read about it, this is so toxic when you are already vulnerable. I have to remind myself of where my hope is, it cannot be in the world and it's circumstances, but in God. When I say some prayers, escape into my world of creating and whimsical dolls, I feel like things are going to be okay.

I hope you all have a nice Easter!

Ginger N' Poor Lil Trixie.. Kitty Pattern

Oh no! what a situation for poor Trixie to be in... She is hoping someone will happen to see her plea for help! Could it be that Trixie only "thinks" Ginger has bad intentions? Perhaps Ginger is really a nice Kitty hoping to make a new friend... You can decide if you think Trixies in trouble or not, this could be a case of an over reactive mouse!

The pattern will be available within the week! This Kitty is a wall hanger.

My patterns can now be purchased on my website! See the link on my side bar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Good Kitty... Bad Kitty?? AND my unique wind chimes

Happy Friday! I wanted to share with you all a small PEEK at my next pattern project. I will let you decide what you think of this kitty's beaming face, can you guess?.... is she smiling because she is naturally a sweet, happy go lucky kitty?? OR does that smile suggest something more?  perhaps this kitty is mischevious and a bit naughty..  Something may be up with this sweet, or not so sweet feline! You will see.... I should be done with her within a few days, and the pattern shortly after "hopefully".

I will tell you that this kitty will be one you hang on a wall. The rest is a secret for now. :-)

I also wanted to share my unique wind chimes, the pictures aren't the best but you'll get the idea. I love these on my front porch, they are different and I love that! There is an artist I buy these from when she is at the Spokane Fairgrounds bazaars, they have them twice a year if you can ever make it. They are made with antique tea pots, goblets and plates. The silver utensils are antique as well, they are pounded out flat and holes drilled in each piece as well as the tea pot etc... A special wire connects the utensils, not sure what is used here. Any lids are glued shut. I really love how these sound in the wind, they  really are  nice not to mention so adorable! Here they are

This is my favortie piece! It gets quite a patina on it from being outside, but I bring it in every once in awhile and polish it back up.

Old Goblet

This picture really is bad! This plate is neat and this picture does not do it justice.

Another charming plate, no I wasn't trying to add in the orange electrical cord. :-(  Besides that, you can see what a neat idea this is to repurpose antiques in such a way! I hope this gets your creative wheels spinning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Old Road Primitives Giveaway!

Kim from Old Road Primitives is having a wonderful giveaway! Spring Fever Any Way You Want It. She always comes up with the most creative ideas and this is no exception. She is giving away a very generous chance to win $50.00 cash. The ending date is yet to be determined. You have to check out her tutorials too, they are the best! Her last one was on how to use your printer to print directly on fabric. You will love how she does this. Go check out her blog and get signed up.

Clara Belle Bunny!

I don't know about you, but it is windy, wet, did I say WET! cloudy and just plain yucky. I see birds though so Spring is coming!

I want to introduce the latest member of my pattern family.... Clara Belle Bunny. She luvs her carrots and believes in eating them everyday. :-) Her personality is just as she looks, slightly shy and oh so sweet! She has wired ears and arms. She is 14" NOT including her ears. She stands all by herself! Her face is handpainted. I am thinking this might be my last bunny for awhile, I feel like I should move on to other things... we'll see. I will have her pattern ready either tonight or tomorrow.

A Few Of My Favorite Craft Room Supplies

Today I am going to share with you some of my must have craft room supplies! These are things I would be lost without and make my life a lot easier when I am creating. I am a supplyaholic so when I say the word "some" I really mean it!! LOL I have a room full of loved supplies, but these are the ones on my top list. What I am going to show you can be purchased at www.dollmakersjourney.com , www.clothdollsupply.com , http://www.airtex.com/product/prdFiberfill.asp .

First up is waxed linen cord. It comes in 25 yard spools. Why do I love this? Sometimes even crochet thread can break if you are pulling it a bit too tightly. This happens to me a lot because I stuff my things very hard! I use this cord to anchor necks, arms or whatever I need anchored tight. It threads fine on my larger needles. It has a waxy coating that makes it so when you pull tight, it stays so you can knot it off without having trouble keeping it tight. It is just plain wonderful stuff and I have found many uses for it. I have tried  my best to pull and break this stuff and I can't do it. If you sell your dolls you want to be sure things won't come undone on your piece.

Barbara Willis Stuffing Forks, oh my if you only knew how wonderful these were you'd be ordering them today. They are a rigid metal with a notch on the ends. It grabs the stuffing in the ridge and pulls it anywhere you want to put it. Sometimes all I need to do to get it going is just push, in small areas with a smaller amount of stuffing, just give it a twist first and walla!! These come in extra small for tiny doll fingers and such, and the blue is the regular size which is what I use 98% of the time. If I can't find it I panic!! I simply would not stuff too small of things before this tool, now I can stuff anything. The best invention ever.

This is Air Tex Pemium stuffing, the absolute best stuff ! I have used them all and it really is as good as they say. This is the stuff  top doll designers use and it's for a reason! Regular craft store stuffing does not even come close to this. Some stores will carry the air tex, but it has to be the (Premium). It does not lump, feels nice and stays where you put it. I order it in the 5 lb box, shipping is reasonable and if you have a business license you can get this big box for 16 dollars and some change. Shipping UPS is 11.00 to 12.00 dollars.

Mica Flakes are what makes all my snowmen and Christmas projects sparkle and shine. These are like the old fashioned mica flakes were, they aren't white but a nice hue as you can see. Love this stuff for winter creating.

These are hemostats, lovely tools that lock shut when you pinch them tight. They grab those small areas and allow you to turn your projects right side out with little to not trouble. Mine is a medium length and slightly curved on the ends. I could not turn my pieces without this handy dandy tool!!

GRRRIP Gue is fantastic stuff! I beleive it's the dollmakers journey site that has a small demo on how you can use this to reinforce your seams like fingers etc... It is a flexible glue and super strong. This stuff will glue anything and is my second favorite behind fabri tac glue. This is a must have!

I am simply in love with fabri tac glue, and in my opinion no substitutes. There are a few times I need hot glue, but very little anymore thanks to this miracle glue. It is clear, non messy, glues doll hair perfectly, fabrics if you don't want to sew, just anything really. No more lumpy messy hot glue. On the bottle I beleive it says you can throw your hot glue away! Glues super strong and you simply cannot see it when it dries. I buy the largest bottle they make of this stuff.

I use a ton of glass glitter for my snowmen and winter projects, it is gorgeous. I use it along with the mica flakes and I also use a lot of glamour dust. I get the glamour dust and big jar of glass gitter at Michaels! Apply your micas and glitters over any surface you have sprayed adhesive or watered down grippp glue onto. I also have sprinkled these things over projects that were freshly coated with Delta's varnishes.

11-12 gauge aluminum wire is wonderful for adding wire to doll arms etc... flexible yet strong. I also like this 20 gauge copper wire. It depends on the project as to which one I use.

Last but not least is my beloved opti visor! Even if you think you can see just fine you would still love this if you tried it. I cannot see the details to paint, thread my needles etc.. without it. Fine eye lashes and crisp painted edges aren't possible for me without it.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my favorite tools!

Spring and new beginnings!

Good morning and happy Thursday! I am viewing sunshine and blue sky today, it is simply lovely. I am looking forward to Spring happening any time here!

I have been working on Pattern # 5 and hope to have it ready before the week is out. I do think it will be my last bunny for awhile. I am anxious to move on to whatever is next, it will have to reveal itself however. I will also have the made up Clover and Charlize for sale on my PFATT page this month on the 10th.

You don't have to love horses to appreciate these pictures, they are adorable so I wanted to share them here. Precious is the word that comes to mind when I look at them. They also remind me that along with Spring comes the promise of new life and fresh beginnings! Who doesn't love that?

New Pattern! A Primitive Bunny Make Do

Happy Friday! I just finished up my latest pattern and wanted to share it here with you all. Meet Charlize!

 Charlize is 14" not including her ears. Her base is an antique quill bobbin on top of a antique jello mold. I grubbied up everything for a nice prim look. Her tag says Welcome Spring! This pattern is now available and this made up bunny will be for sale soon.

Giveaway at Buttermilk Creek Farms!

I want to let you all know about Carol's giveaway at Buttermilk Creek Farms Blog. She is celebrating Spring and her one year Blogiversary! She is giving away this adorable 7" Spring mouse complete with watering can. This giveaway ends March 29th so hurry on over and get yourself entered for a chance to win! CLICK HERE to go to her blog.

Taco Casserole

Happy Sunday all! I wanted to share a easy, yet very yummy recipe that my family has loved for years. My kids requested this a lot and still do when they visit.

Who wouldn't want to eat that? It is a lovely feast to the eyes.  Here is the recipe and a tutorial on making it.

Easy Taco Casserole

1 lb. ground beef

3/4 Cups Chopped Onion

1 pepper (green, red or yellow)

1 (14 oz.) pkg. taco seasoning

3/4 Cups water

1 16 oz. can refried beans

1 (8 oz. ) jar taco sauce

2 1/2 Cups crushed tortilla chips (crush in zip loc bag)

1 3/4 Cups shredded cheese (sharp)

chopped jalepeno (optional)

lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and avocado

Heat oven to 400. In medium skillet over medium hight heat, combine beef, onion, pepper; cook until beef is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer 10 minutes.

in another bowl combine refried beans and taco sauce. I also chopped a few jalepeno pieces and added to this. In an ungreased 8 inch square  pan, layer half of the bean mixture, half of the beef mixutre, 2 cups crushed tortilla chips and 1 cup of cheese. Top with remaining bean mixture and beef mixture.

Bake at 400 for 25 minutes. Remove from oven; top with remaining tortilla chips and cheese. Return to oven; bak an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve on a bed of romaine and topped with tomatoes, sour cream and avocado. YUMMY!

Here is what you'll need to make this! All that's missing is the beef and I forgot to add the pepper!

Here I have my beef, onion and pepper ready to cook and brown.

In the mean time I have my beans, taco sauce and a few jalepeno slices mixed together.

I have my beef cooked, water and taco seasoning cooking and simmering for 10 minutes.

In my glass dish I have half my bean mixture spread out in my pan.

And half of my beef mixture.

Cheese and crushed tortilla chips!

Now the rest of the bean and beef mixtures go on top of that. It goes in your pre heated oven for 25 minutes. layer more cheese and chips on that and heat the cheese until melted.

And here it is out of the oven and ready to eat. Delicious!!

Enjoy this very easy yet super tasty dinner.