Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

To everyone in "Blog Land", especially my followers- I wish you and your loved ones a very safe and happy new year!!!

Be safe, take care of yourself, and my prayer is for God to bless all of you and your family!





Debbie @ Uneekdolldesigns

In laws- and Dr. Phil

I rarely watch t.v. but one day I was watching Dr. Phil and I was shocked, and it struck me as funny ,when he made the statement that he doesn't do the in-law thing...ever.

WHAT???? "How can you avoid it?" I was wondering.

He proceeded to say that he made it clear from day 1 to his wife that she could visit her family at any time but he wouldn't go. Now I know some people think that is being mean, but in some ways, I can see his point.

(I think all this started when hubby wanted to stop and spend a night over at his parent's house on one of the last days of heading back on our honeymoon over twenty years ago...not a good idea! )

I told my Hubby I can see why it is hard for either spouse to go to a family gathering of in- laws and feel like you really like being there among strange people who have odd ways about them compared to what you are used to being around. (Of course Hubby's family is odder than mine!)

For example, I laugh and tease and talk a lot, (shocking, I know!) but when I get to my in law's family get togethers, I often feel like I must have a huge wart on the end of my nose! Often when I say something that would have made everyone on my side of the family laugh , all I usually get is a sickly smile at best with the in laws, if that. And, when THEY laugh about things or talk about what I would call "loaded subjects", I know it just isn't funny to me because I have no idea what or who they are talking about! It also makes me glad we cannot read other's minds, otherwise no one would never speak to each other again! Wait a minute...that doesn't sound so bad after all!

And of course there are the in-laws who dispense child rearing advice to you when it is very obvious that their own haven't turned out all that well. Or, they talk about how cute it was when their little Elmo said something that you would have washed your kid's mouth out with soap for saying! That's just a few examples, but I could write a small book if I wanted to on it.....

Often I don't say much when I do have to go visit, and I sit there trying hard to be quiet, (no easy task at my outspoken age!) even when I hear statements I strongly disagree with, or that make some interesting retorts pop in my head, or make me want kick hubby's shins under the table and give him the pleading look that says "Can we go now? "

Don't get me wrong, I realize the fact is that this is my spouse's side of the family. He grew up around these people, as I did around mine, so each of us is more used to the characters we grew up around. But , except for rare cases, I would say most people don't do cartwheels of joy when they have to vist the in-laws. It is sort of like you have to be on your very best behavior and not really be yourself . (And who really likes doing that?)

As you can most likely tell, I just got back from having to be with the in-laws. Walking in our front door after visiting was like taking a girdle off after you have been wearing it all day. (or being let out of jail...not that I have experienced either of those, mind you!)

My in- laws? I would never intentionally try to be rude or hurtful to any of them, but after this past weekend, I am beginning to think Dr. Phil had something there when he said he doesn't do in-laws! Gotta admire his honesty any way!

Men...What Are They Thinking?

I have been married a good while, over 20 years to be exact. And if I have learned one thing.... it is that men do NOT think like women!

This current holiday season is a good example-

Just the other day, my husband told me to pick up something that he could put a screwdriver in that he had bought his dad for Christmas.

I go, find an elongated gift bag, and proudly show it to him...he took one look and said, "I 'm not using that, it's for girls..."

What???? "Since when???" I ask him. He shrugged and said, "It just is, gift bags are for women.." Dear, this is not a purse, it is a GIFT bag for GIFTS! No matter, he wasn't going to use it. So, I guess he is on his own. I told him he should just wrap it in newspaper...for that masculine touch. (Or toilet paper!)

Then, we started discussing what else we should get his hard to buy for father. "How about a Lowe's hardware store gift certificate?" I suggest, knowing his dad is always working on a project of some kind around the house. Hubby makes a face and says , "That seems so cheesy to me, a Lowe's gift certificate. I was thinking about an Outback Steakhouse gift card."

"Errr, ummm, dear- isn't a gift card to the Outback Steakhouse the same thing? A gift card? What's the difference?"

He paused and said, " I guess there is none, it just seems better to me..."

I shrug and say, "oh well.."

Finally, he tells me when I get home that I am to call his mom by HER request and give her all our kid's sizes, what to get them for Christmas, but she absolutely won't buy any electronics or dvds of any kind, and would I please give her suggestions on what to buy my hubby and me?

I looked at him and said, "I am no longer doing that because I do it every year and she never likes what I suggest and I hate suggesting gifts for us anyway because I have no idea what price range they mean and I don't like asking for things from anyone but you dear. Besides, you don't call my parents up and give them suggestions- so why am I having to do this?" (I said it with a pleasant smile, mind you....)

To my embarrassment, he e-mails his mother instead of calling and tells her we have no ideas for the kids becasue all they want are electronic related items and we don't want anything because what we need is too expensive anyway! I told him his mom is going to think I put him up to saying that and he probably made her mad at him. He shrugged and said, "It won't be the first time I have made her mad..." (Sigh)

Well, I have to say this...it certainly makes things interesting to see the difference in the way men and women think. I think life would be dull indeed if we did think the same way, and I suppose just because you wouldn't do it that way doesn't mean his way is wrong...just a different approach.

Now please excuse me while I go see if he has let go of the t.v. remote yet.....(another male oddity I don't get...)

Christmas Nostalgia

Most of us all have memories of Christmas....

I can remember quite a few as a kid growing up...and trust me, that was a long time ago!

When I was a kid, we didn't get a real tree too often. A green artifical one was out of the question...not sure why, but for years we has a small 4 foot or so aluminum christmas tree. Mom and Dad would put an electric color wheel in the corner, and I would be mesmerized watching the reflection of colors on the tree.

Mom and Dad weren't, and still aren't well off, but they always got us something for Christmas, no matter how bad things were. Even the time when Dad was laid off from work for over 3 years. I imagine they did without some things to do that, and that's what parents often do...

I know, because I am a parent of four!

I remember a few gifts as a kid, and for some reason, they stick out in my memory more than others...maybe because they were pretty simple. I got a bright red vinyl pocketbook and a rocking chair one year, and I have a vivid recollection of how exciting that gift was. Not sure why, but I felt so rich with that red pocketbook and sitting in that rocking chair!

One Christmas in particular sticks out in my mind as being one of the most thrilling I ever remember. That was the year that my parents got me a talking "Drowsy" doll. She had on pink polka dot pajamas, and short blonde hair cut in a "bowl" hairstyle. She had droopy eyes and she said different phrases when you pulled her string. I missed that doll after she no longer was around...but the funniest thing happened. ...

As an adult , I was driving into our neighborhood one day, and I saw this very same doll sitting out at a yard sale. Grant it, she was new, but the replica was exactly the same, except there was no string. You squeeze her and she talks. the exact phrases that the ancient relic did. I was thrilled to find her, and she has a special place on my library book shelf.

Now before you think I am a nutty middle aged lady who is regressing in her faculties to being a child, (Ok, at least I admit to the part of being a nutty middle aged lady!), just remember this:

Certain things we see or do often conjure up memories, good or bad- especially at certain times of the year. I guess that is why I bought that doll, because it made me remember a special Christmas when I was very young

I like thinking on the good things, just as the Bible instructs us to do. Negativity abounds in this world enough as it is, so dwelling on pleasant things is a good thing . We will stay happier and healthier , and we will be more fun to be around too!

Merry Christmas to all of you, God Bless!

Weddings? Been A While!

Making this couple- Frankenstein and his bride- today, made me realize I can't remember the last wedding I have been to! I have been racking my brain trying to remember and it has been so long that I can't recall when I did go...

I love weddings, but only enjoy going if I get a good feeling the couple is going to get along! I can remember going to a few weddings that I have to say were very amusing...

Like the one where I watched one of the groom's men turning sort of green while standing up on the platform, then he started weaving, then next thing I knew, he had keeled over backwards. No one missed a lick though, a couple of ushers came up and carried him off, and that was that! (I hope they didn't bury him!)

Or take the time I went to a wedding where the bride was twice the size of her groom. When it came time to kiss the bride, she bent HIM over backwards in her arms and kissed him. Bet I can guess who will be the boss in that union! :)

One wedding I attended, the minister got all mixed up and said , "We are here today to join this man and this woman in holy matlock...) Hmmm...isn't Matlock an old t.v. detective show starring Andy Griffith ? No matter, they were joined in holy "matlock" anyway, and I guess they are still together to this day!

While I am on the subject of wedding bloopers, I was a bridesmaid in a wedding where the dress was just too long on me, and as I went on the arm of one of the groomsmen, I tripped over the dress and fell to my knees on the steps of the platform...I should have prayed for the couple while I was in that position, shouldn't I have? :)

I even went to a wedding where the pianist was standing next to the candalabra on the platform while getting their pictures made. All of a sudden, her hair ignited. Luckily, her quick thinking hubby beat her head enough the flames went out. (Made me wonder if he had been waiting for such an opportunity to have an excuse to swat her...) It sure did stink up the place though!

Anyway, weddings are fun to go to, but as I have always said, no matter how fancy and nice the wedding, the real work comes after! ( Especially if you marry Frankenstein!)

Fabric Scraps Are Flying

I can not go into a fabric store without buying something. It is like being in a bakery!

Ummm, ok, maybe not that tasty, but I sure do love looking at the styles and colors and envisioning what it could become!

I think one of the strangest things about having a business online is the randomness of sales. On second thought, brick and mortar stores probably say the same thing.!

After all.who knows what makes people decide to stampede to a shop and start fighting over the merchandise or grabbing things right and left and clamor for more one one day, then the next, crickets are heard?

I have a way of handling that... it is called my surf board theory...you get on and ride the wave of activity in your shop untill it ebbs away. Then, you wait for another wave to come along. It may be a big one, or it may be a puny one, but just the same, it is a wave....and any wave is better than no wave.... (Er, I think so anyway...I have never surfed a day in my life and do not plan to, so what do I know?)

At any rate, I am busy cutting and creating... and if you come to my house, just follow the trail of scraps of fabric that are all over the place. You will be sure to find me at the end of one of them. I try to keep things neat, but in a rush, I throw being a neatnik out the window.

I guess I had better get back to work now...I am starting to babble and I have to get some things done tonight or they won't get mailed off in the morning!

Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me

Stocking Stuffers

With the holidays coming up, I bet some of you out there could use a few not too expensive ideas and also unique items for stocking stuffers. You know, besides the oranges, walnuts, and new toothbrush most end up getting? Spice it up this year and get some things they will still be talking about next year!


Visit Amy Jo's Handmade and see this ....


http://www.amyjoshandmade.etsy.com/




This "stuffed taco" is sure to be a hit with a mexican food lover on your list! Who wouldn't want something this cute in their stocking?




A man is often tough to find things for, but we women know that we like a man to smell good when he is near, so this bay rum goat's milk soap is a great stuffer for any guy's stocking!

You will find it and more at CarvelCountrySoaps:


http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com/







While you are at it, remember that most any one on your list can use some refreshing and moisturizing lotion. No matter what climate you live in, lotion is a nice luxury to have on hand, and even better when it smells like mint and rosemary! How refreshing is that?

Pick some up from BL Soaps and don't forget to get a few extra for yourself!


http://www.blsoaps.etsy.com/






I have one more cute stocking stuffer to show you-


But first, let me ask you, do you like S'mores?
You know, the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate all mushed together in a wonderful and high calorie delight? Of course you do!


But who wants the calories along with it? (Well, I guess I don't really care when I am eating one!) But one way to have a S'more in your hand and have it not add one more pound to the hips is this S'more notebook from Refresh:


http://www.refresh.etsy.com/









Who couldn't use a notebook to carry with them in case you need to write something really important down? (Like your mother -in-law's birthday, or a reminder not to forget what it was you are supposed to remember not to forget! )


There are so many wonderful little ideas at Etsy for stocking stuffers...but the time is now to get them or you may be shedding tears of remorse that you didn't act sooner!

New Shop!

Just a quick note, I decided to expand my horizons, and am opening a new online shop in addition to my Etsy shop. The web site is called Art Fire and it looks promising!

(Not that they promised anything, but it is nice to think positively, don't you agree?)

I just added a few new designs there, including a new Queen Elizabeth I character and an Audrey Hepburn from My Fair Lady.

If you check it out and like what you see, and decide to sign up there as a seller, be sure and use The Old Curiosity Shop as a referrral! :)

Link: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=12181

Not Again!

Just a postscript to last evening's blog on the adventures of raising teenagers....
My college age daughter , ( the one I stayed up till 1:00 a.m. for ), went out to her car this morning and in a few minutes I get a call from her on her cell phone that she is stuck in some snow.

I peek out the window, and she was up to the car's hind end in packed snow. And it was packed underneath too...yipe! (All because she turned the car in the wrong direction to avoid it.)

Dejavu...this exact same scenario happened last year. I thought she had learned from it, but...well...let's just say I wasn't too happy about it. Hubby was at work so I had to don full gear and shovel and try to get her out. The car was packed in...wind was whipping so hard I kept losing my muffler. I don't like cussing, and don't do it- but I admit I was searching my vocabulary for the way I was feeling...and the words I knew didn't work...LOL

I tried for 20 minutes to get her out...my teenage son tried helping...we just couldn't get it to do anything. Oh well- I called Hubby and as it stands, he is now out there trying to get her out.

(Why don't young people listen to our wise and ancient wisdom from years of mistakes and experiences? Or at least learn from their previous errors?)

I can't wait to see what happens next...LOL

ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ

Sleeping is what I am trying hard NOT to do! As I type this, I am waiting for my young daughter to get home from her job, and it is past midnight. She has college classes early tomorrow, and I get up at 6:oo- so we are both going to have bags under our eyes!

(Ok, so she's younger and I am probably the only one going to have bags under my eyes...come to think of it, I have bags under my eyes even when I do get enough sleep...)

I have heard a trade secret of models is to use Preperation H on the eye bags, and yes, I have tried it. Does it work? I have no idea, but at least the area under my eyes doesn't itch-

Having four teens at home, you can lose a lot of sleep waiting up for them , but I guess I signed up for it when I decided it would be nice to have some children.

( I just had no idea my hair would be decorated in silver from all the gray hairs the excitement of raising them has caused-including a few bald spots where I have pulled my hair out on more than one occasion!)

Well, Hubby and I will survive these years... Actually, he is snoring away, perfectly at peace while I am doing the "mom" thing and waiting until our daughter walks in the door. After all, isn't that we moms do best...worry?

Hubby is kind enough to let me do all the worrying for the both of us-

(What a guy! )

Working My Fingers Off!

After being in a semi comatose state after eating on Thanksgiving, I have found it a bit hard to get back to the designing table- but I know I must so I have been snipping and sewing and painting, etc. a big part of the day today.

I am working on a full Little Women set since I just sold another set for the second time. Of course every time I make something, it always looks different, since patterns are something I don't use in my art form. ( I guess I don't like someone telling me what to do...not even a pattern! LOL)

Anyway, it has been a productive day since I have the Little Women set done, (almost!) and I also just finished a Cleopatra. I decided to do an Oscar Wilde, too. He is almost done, except he has no face yet!

I have a pile of papers with the intended projects I will be doing. I like to have my ideas a few ahead... so I can ponder how I want to do it.

Don't you love creating? I do! I feel like most everyone has something that is an outlet of sorts for them- I would venture to say everyone has an artistic talent of sorts. The trick is finding what it is for some, but it is there- dormant or not!

Well, it's back to work for me. I will be posting my new creations this weekend so keep an eye out...I have several more ideas brewing and I'd better get them started before my thoughts fizzle! (Having teenagers does that to you!)

Counting My Blessings

This being the Thanksgiving season, I wanted to list some things I personally am thankful for.

No matter how hard we think we have it, I know there are so many more that have much harder things to deal with. So where I am at in life, I am content.

I am thankful for :

1. God- He has helped me through so much, I can't begin to say.

2. My husband and kids...sounds cliche, but I am blessed with a good husband... and four kids who aren't perfect but I am thankful I have them!

3. Freedom- we live in a country that allows us to live in freedom- and while I am at it, I am very thankful for those who sacrfice every day to protect that privilege that we don't always appreciate fully.

4. The little treasures found in daily life..Every day has them, if we really look for them.

It can be that phone call we got from someone, a dollar we found on the floor at Wal-mart, a pair of warm socks we just put on, a delicious meal, an unexpected compliment, or the fun of going to a store and finding a supply of new and exciting materials to work with. The list could be a mile long if we try.

I am thankful for so many things, I really could never list them...

Do I have days that are hard? Oh yes! Do I grumble? Yes, I have to admit- I do sometimes...and that is when I have to kick myself and remember what my hubby always is saying..."In a hundred years will it really matter?" 9 times out of 10, he is right.

(The trouble with pity parties is that the only one who wants to show up is oneself...and it isn't much of a party!)

My prayer is for all of you to have the best of what really counts in this life. May God bless you

and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Food Talk

I love to cook, and I like watching people eat what I cook....of course being in a house where 5 others live, it isn't easy to make a meal without someone not being happy with what I make...

"What do you mean you don't like boiled snails with onion sauce??? I slaved over this meal and you'd better eat it or do without!"

I am a self taught cook, my mom didn't let me in the kitchen much except to wash dishes..HA!

Before I got married, my soon to be mother in law told me one day that of all five of her kids, that my soon to be husband was the pickiest of all eaters. Great. And I was marrying him and really hadn't cooked much. Boy was he in for a treat!

I went through my share of total cooking disasters too before I got to where I am now...

Like the time I made oatmeal cookies and it called for 2 cups of flour. I ended up putting like 4 cups by mistake and the cookies were so hard they could have easily been used as coasters. (I tried to hide my folly by putting a bunch in brother's coat pocket...but got found out!)

Or the time I made a cranberry pecan pie and took it to a big family reunion... and realized too late I had forgotten to add the sugar. You should have seen the faces of those who tried some! I kept quiet on who brought it.....

I tried one day to make Hubby some chicken and dumplings from scratch. Fine...the recipe said to boil a whole chicken until done then drop the dumpling dough into the boiling broth, keeping the lid on for 20 minutes. They didn't tell me I had to remove the skin and the bones first...Instead of chicken and dumplings , I had chicken and dumpings with lots of skin and floating bones. I haven't really tried chicken and dumplings since- but maybe I will someday!

I am happy to report that today I am (I say this in all modesty) a good cook- as well I should be. After all, if you cook for 20 years nearly 6 to seven days a week, you will get good at it eventually! It's just not cheap to take out 6 people to eat! ( In case you are wondering though, I do get taken out often and if I were to tell Hubby I couldn't cook that night, he'd be the first to say, " well let's go get something then! ")

My final blurb on all this is that I would venture to say that most anyone could cook if they practiced hard enough. If you can read, you can follow a recipe. And don't worry if you set the smoke alarm off or something. Some of the greatest inventions came out of mistakes and disasters!

Telling on Myself

We've all had them...those moments when we wish the ground would open up and swallow us because we are so embarrassed....Trust me, I have had so many I can't count. But that being said, I also have a good sense of humor and I am my own biggest mocker, so I keep busy shaking my head at myself.

Take the time when I was at my mother- in- law's house at a big family dinner...my then five year old daughter piped up out of the blue and said, "Grandma, guess what? My mom thinks you're bossy!" It was quiet for a few minutes, but luckily my mother in law didn't appear too angry. She said, "Well, she's right!" I still felt embarrassed, mostly because I knew I had said that a time or two to Hubby, and most likely had been overheard by little ears! (Lesson learned, though !) :)

Or take the time I went to a public restroom in a nice, swank department store...I left it, walked though the entire store, only to have a red faced customer tell me I had tucked the entire back end of my dress in my panty hose... (I bet THAT was a scary sight..) Oh well, you just untuck it and go on !

And a while back, I went to a big performance talent show to see my niece play piano...I dressed up in this lovely new suit I had just bought...my first time wearing it, and I felt swank and posh in it, too! I went in to sit down, and when I did- the whole skirt ripped up the entire back...I kid you not...and I have no idea why, unless it's because I had only paid 19.99 for it? Hmmm, sometimes you do get what you pay for.....How did I get out of there without frightening the crowd, you ask? I borrowed my niece's jacket and tied it around my waist, holding on to my skirt so it wouldn't fall off- needless to say, I did get some funny looks!

I guess I love funny things, and when I do have a blooper moment, it makes life all the more richer to me. Even if the joke's on me! I could write a book on those kinds of moments ,as I am sure we all could. My view is that life is often too serious enough without the more lighthearted moments. Enjoy them, and share them with others because laughter really is the best medicine!

What Do You Listen To?

When I am working on a project, I can't really stand silence. Perhaps it is because having four teens in the house has conditioned me to think that if all is silent, someone is up to something ...





Well, at any rate, I like a bit of inspiration going while I am designing. I invested in a portable DVD player some time ago, and now I don't know what I'd do without it! I watch old t.v. shows on it, such as I Love Lucy and old black and white movies. My latest thing is listening to Andrea Bocelli sing in his latest concert on DVD...I have to tell you, I am in sheer creative heaven listening to it! (Although I have no idea what he is singing about for the most part, I could care less...he sings so beautifully you can feel almost what he is singing!)





What do you listen to when you are doing something?

Sorry about the Gap!

I see it has been a few days since I blogged...I have been super busy with custom orders lately. I keep waiting for someone to ask me to make a replica of their mother in law- or something bizarre like that!

Yesterday was really zany... I woke up to find several sales, several to be done custom orders, and while that was going on, my sweet hubby asked if I would mind baking a couple of home made pumpkin pies for his work luncheon today. (Now I know Wal-mart has them for 5 dollars, but they just don't taste like homemade...) so, I did that while doing everything else.

Wouldn't you know, my teen daughter who goes to college 20 minutes from here called saying she had forgotten her wallet and had no lunch and had to go to work and could I make her one and drive it all the way to where she works? Of course not, what are moms for? (cough)

So I dropped what I was doing and on the way thought I had better call her when I get there...so, I pick up my cell phone only to hear it beep it's last, it was out of power. No problem, I will use the trusty charger in my car...oops, it was the wrong charger. Now I have no phone to call her and tell her to come out and get her lunch.

I had to get to her work place ( a nice department store) and wander around the entire floor two times in my lovely old orange sweater and non fixed hair looking like a woman who had no fashion taste and had no idea where I was. (and the sad thing was, I have no fashion taste and was sort of lost!)

All's well that ends well though...and humor helps! I found her, gave her the food, got home and baked the pies , made dinner, finished the orders, and got everything sent off this morning.

Just remember, the most important thing you can do on a day where everything is bonkers, is too laugh at yourself. It really does help!

Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile

Writing a Note

I know I am going to sound out of date to many people, especially in this day and age of modern technology...but I have a thing for writing notes to people.

Not necessarily long pages blabbing about all the dull details of my life and putting someone in a coma reading them, but just short little snippets that might be a bit interesting . To me there is something really personable about handwriting a note or short letter to someone I haven't seen in a while.

Let's be honest- when we go to our mailbox every day, we are sort of wishing for something out of the ordinary to appear in our mail. A note or card from someone sure beats getting a bill from the gas company, or a junk mail flier promising we are a winner in the Hootchie Kootchie sweepstakes- that is, if we order 10, 000 magazines first! The days of a personal , handwritten note in the mail are dwindling, and that makes me feel sort of sad.

I have two people that I write on a regular basis...and for a couple of reasons.They are not the least bit likely to use the computer in any way, shape or form since they are in their upper 80's . One has really bad hearing, so calling on the phone is out, unless I were to scream, (literally!) the whole time. The second reason is they never get "good" mail and since they live alone, a card seems to really brighten their day. That's a good reason to write anyone!

Why not think of a person or two that you think could use a funny card, a short note asking how they are, or just a bit of telling them about what you are up to these days. I promise it will be more than well received, you will really make their day by giving them a happy mailbox!

Be an "angel" and send someone a letter or note to make their day!

Look at these!

Ok, I went on another virtual window shopping trip on Etsy. (We ought to be glad Etsy is online, your feet would be throbbing if you actually walked to all those shops!) There are so many wonderful things to discover, you could shop every day and not find it all!

But, at any rate, I like sharing some of my finds with others...just in case you see something that tickles your fancy and it compels you to purchase (you know what I mean, we've all seen things that say "buy me, buy me!")

But enough prattle... on to the good stuff!


Look at this Christmas light centerpiece from Maggiemags- http://maggiemags.etsy.com/



Isn't it pretty? I thought so!




For something fun and completely unique and affordable, you should look at Sock Monkey Cards http://www.sockmonkeycards.etsy.com/
These cards are sure to make someone in your life chuckle, and that's a good thing!


You must check out Tiptopapplesauce at http://www.tiptopapplesauce.etsy.com/ , especially if you have younger kids in your life that you need to buy for this upcoming season! You will be a big hit if you get them a hat like this!






With winter coming, I can't but help but think how nice it is to not only find something that looks beautiful, but will keep one toasty when the winter winds pick up!This knitted hood- sweater
piece is gorgeous...and it looks so toasty too! You can find it at jmaccknits http://www.jmaccknits.etsy.com/





These items are just a very small sampling of what these shops have to offer, so make sure you take some time out to visit them... and get ready to hear the words, "Buy me! Buy me!" reverberating in your head as you shop!

Guess Who?

I added these characters to my repertoire today, can you guess who they are?

Give up?



1. Sophie. Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose from Golden Girls

2. Lucille Ball- who else would it be?

3. Bette Davis

4. Marylin Monroe

New characters added all the time! http://www.uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

White Squirrel

I played hooky from my home duties the other day. My husband got up to go to work and he told me he had a day long business trip and would I like to go along? I knew I had a lot of work to do, but I thought being spontaneous is a lot more fun- so I went!



We drove to the place he had to do his business with, and I sat in a basically empty room for a total of 3 hours while he fulfilled his mission there. I read , wrote notes to a couple of people, did a puzzle or two, read some more...and admittedly listened to the talking going on out in the office by the door. (I learned someone was getting married, and someone else wished they weren't, or at least that's what it sounded like....ha!)



I ate lunch out with hubby, and on the way back, he stopped and got us ice cream. But, besides the fact that it was nice to be good company ( at least I tried to be!) to him on another wise dull trip, I found the highlight for me was passing through a certain small town called Olney. As we drove through it, hubby pointed out a white squirrel running along the grass in a park. I was thrilled, I have never seen one before!



They are very rare indeed, but for this small town in Illinois, they are known as the town of the white squirrels, and so it is! It really was a hgihlight for me!



Here is what they look like:



Aren't they the cutest??? Well, it made my day, I can tell you! Life sure has it's little treasures!

Pink Santa?

That's what I thought when I got a request from a customer to do this project for them. Now that I look at them, pink isn't so bad on Santa and his wife!

I guess if you want him in a different color, don't be shy about it, just ask!

http://www.uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

Ok, Now I have Been Tagged...Trying to Figure it Out!

7 Facts About Me- Uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com
So I was tagged by LeakyMouth.etsy.com and I have to mention 7 facts that can be weird or whatever you want to call it- it's just facts about me! Then tag 7 other's to do the same.Here's the rules:Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.~ Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.~ Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.~ Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Fact 1. My favorite meal is soup beans and cornbread- I LOVE them , but don't eat them often since no one in the family does but me...:(

Fact 2. I have over 3oo unread books in my personal library and have a goal of reading them all before I pass away.

Fact 3. I am double jointed.

Fact 4. I like to listen to Roy Rogers and Johnny Cash sing .

Fact 5. I didn't get my ears pierced until Iwas 26.

Fact 6. I like being around people who laugh a lot, and I like playing jokes on family members and friends.

Fact 7. I sang in a traveling choir when in college.



Ok, now I am supposed to tag some others so here goes!

http://bling-kin-eck.blogspot.com/

http://mybloggingworld.blogspot.com/

http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com/

http://vintagesnapsandscraps.blogspot.com/

http://justjaynes.blogspot.com/

http://circlesareforever.blogspot.com/

http://bathbodycandle.blogspot.com/2008/11/berry-creek-candles-choose-any-item.html

Stuff You Can Buy For Christmas!

I couldn't help myself, I had to shop browse today... ( OK. , no one made me do it, I wanted to!) and I found some really cute items that just may be the ticket if you are stumped for what to get your Aunt's third cousin on your Uncle Herbert's side, someone you really do like, or someone you are trying to butter up to get on their good side!

This is a super cute shoulder bag from Amarie http://www.amarie.etsy.com/

(It sort of has an Audrey Hepburn feel to it, don't you think?

Hand carved wooden owl- Sandra has an absolutely gorgeous selection of carved wood creatures ... this shop is a must see! http://www.sandrahealy.etsy.com/

This pendant is the cutest, and I bet you could give it to a lot of people on your list and they'd love it! Visit http://www.fashioncandy.etsy.com/ to see it and tons more ideas!

Isn't this a pretty scarf? It sure isn't your typical knitted muffler, this one will really catch the eye! Find it at Touch of May http://www.dreamsofmay.etsy.com/

Now before you start licking the computer monitor, this is not a real cupcake, but, it is soap.

Yes, raspberry vanilla cupcake soap. Can you imagine trying to take a shower with it and not eating it because it smells so good? (Then you would truly be "foaming at the mouth!")

Find this at Lily Bay Soap at http://www.lilybaysoap.etsy.com/

I guess that's enough shopping for now. Stay tuned for more goodies to come! (And make it a point to visit these shops...there's some terrific finds to be had!)

Two Movie Stars Are In My Shop

I love the old movies and shows...and here are two of my faves from the the olden days of yore!






Audrey Hepburn






Lucille Ball


I have a list of more to create, so stay tuned!

Meet Bev Morgan

Bev Morgan is an artist I met through the connections on Flickr. She is a delightful lady and I find myself looking at her photostream regularly just to admire her lovely watercolor paintings!

I interviewed Bev recently and asked her some questions about her work as an artist:

"What type of art work have you been involved in?"

I started teaching elementary school right out of
Teachers' College and remained in that profession until I
took early retirement nine years ago. During those
teaching years I taught all the grades, and after obtaining
my Art Specialist taught art on rotary from grade one to
eight. Because art was gradually being cut from the curriculum, I then obtained my Library specialist and worked as teacher librarian until retirement.

"What started you in watercolors?"

I have always been involved in art in one way or
another, but did not start painting in watercolour until
about 15 years ago. I took a series of classes with
Phillipine born Canadian artist, Art Cunanan. I admired
his work so much and especially his ability to capture
light in his paintings, that I fell in love with the medium
and consequently began to paint exclusively in watercolour.
I still take courses, some still with Art Cunanan, since
there is always something to learn, and I am never disappointed.

"What are your favorite subjects to paint?"

I love to paint flowers. I am not a gardener, so most
of them are from other people's gardens, from our Royal Botanical Gardens or from the wild. I also love scenery, especially the rolling hills of England and the rugged Ontario north country. I would like to paint more interiors, portraits and still life, since all of these subjects are of great interest to me. I am inspired by light and shape. I seem to see these two elements first and try to emphasize them in my paintings.

"What venues have you displayed your paintings in?"
I show my work on a very regular basis either with a
group or on my own. I belong to three art groups who
sponsor shows throughout the year, and I show with three
other artists, we call ourselves "Watermarks", in art galleries, libraries and museums throughout Southern Ontario. I have two shows coming up this month in which I was invited to participate. One is in Oakville, Ontario, and the other in Vaughan, Ontario. There will be approximately 45 -60 artists in each show. I always seem to be struggling to decide what to show and where.

"Do you sell your works, and if so, where?"

Naturally, my work is for sale and can be purchased at
any of the shows I mentioned above. I also sell from my
home, through flickr, and more recently through the Red
Bubble site. If anyone on flickr is interested, they can
reach me through my flickr site and e-mail http://www.blogger.com/www.flickr.com/photos/bevmor/

Be sure and check out Bev's work on Flickr, it is a real treat for the eyes!

Billie Holiday- Hot Off the Design Table!

I always enjoy designing a character I haven't done before. I had someone ask me recently if I have ever done a Billie Holiday, the soulful jazz singer from the 1950's.

So.....I got to work, and here she is! She stands a mere 4 an 3/4 inches tall, and you know what? I sort of wish I had a dress like hers! (I love the dresses from the 1950's, and 1940's also!) Maybe that is why I like the old television series" I love Lucy" so much...Lucy wore the neatest dresses. ( I can't imagine doing laundry in them though...)

Apple Pie

There's nothing like going apple picking! Somehow the apples picked from an orchard seem to taste far above anything from a grocery store. I drove to Indiana recently just to visit my parents, and the kids wanted to go apple picking.

Oh, the apples were huge...and so tasty! I hated peeling all of the ones we picked , but I learned the best thing is to get it done. I also went ahead and made apple pie filling and put it in freezer bags. I figured then when I got the craving for a good apple pie, all I had to do was pull one of those out of the freezer, thaw, and bake in a crust.

That's just what I did yesterday. I baked two big Dutch apple pies....and today every last crumb is gone. Why? Four teenagers live here- need I say more? Next time I had better make more!

New (and confused) to Etsy?

If you are new to the world of Etsy, you may be a bit timid or unsure about some things. That's o.k., we have all been there...now that I think about it, some of us may still be there even after being there awhile!

If you have questions about it, and you aren't too keen on posting questions in the forum setting, the perfect solution is to contact a mentor.

Etsy has a long list of nice "Etsians" who are ready to fall all over themselves to help you, answer your questions, and maybe even give just a word of encouragement if you need it. You can contact them directly just by looking at the categories of their specialty and clicking on their name. You can send them an email and most likely in no time get an answer your question or dilemma!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5781541

So don't hold it in, ask someone- ask as many questions to as many mentors as you like! Remember, those mentors are on that particular team, (myself included), because they want to

help. You will feel better, I guarantee it!

Finding Beauty in the Beast

Beauty and the Beast by Debbie @ Uneekdolldesigns


Opposites do attract....Have you ever noticed this? The things that bug you the most about someone will most often be their greatest strengths...Hmmm... that is so true if you think about it!

Think for a moment of someone you know- a spouse, a friend, one of your kids. or a co worker.


Let's say they are talkative....er, too talkative at times- to the point where you have a hard time getting a word in edgewise. Yes, chatty people can get on your nerves, yes they talk way too much at times, and yes, they forget to breathe and let you say something too. That is annoying for sure, but.... Chatty people are outgoing, often friendly, and often make good salesmen!


How about someone who is headstrong and stubborn? One thing is for sure, you won't find them caving in to pressure under most circumstances, and they know how to get what they want.


What about someone who is bossy? Someone who likes to be in charge often makes a good leader and gets things done. You find them being in charge at work or other places because that is their strength- annoying as it may be, to be given orders by them!



There are also people who are shy, quiet, and don't speak up. Yes, that can be a problem. But think how nice it is to be around someone who isn't alway blathering all the time, and will listen to you while you blather! Many times I have found that while quiet people say little, when they do speak , it is usually deep and meaningful.


Then there are those who cry at the drop of a hat, and there are some who rarely shed a tear.
Cryers can be very soft and tender hearted, whereas stoic people are often level headed during a crisis and often get things done with cool thinking. That has been my observation, at least.


My point in all of this is that the next time someone really begins to bug you, try to look at it from a different angle. Those things that are so irritating may just be the very thing that makes them special too. Looking at the plus side of a perceived flaw in someone will help you realize that there's usually something to appreciate about them by the same token.


Now, I am off to go chat and annoy my quiet husband so he can appreciate my outgoing personality.......

Getting by With Less-Make Sure it is Worth it!

Who couldn't stand to economize a little bit more to save money? I know I could always use a few more ideas myself.

I do look for ways to save all the time, but I am also careful not to be ridiculous about it. Let me explain:

My sister and I were discussing saving money and she told me a story about how she went to a friend's house one day. This woman was a strong believer in being frugal.

My sister said she watched this woman after everyone had eaten their fill of ice cream, go around and put the uneaten portions back in the carton. Ewww! Just think how flavorful that next round of ice cream would be at her house! In my view, that is going too far to save money, and it's plain disgusting! LOL

I have heard of other ways people think they are saving money, but some ideas make me wonder if it's worth the trouble.... such as :

1. Unplying the two ply toilet paper - makes no sense to me...wouldn't you use twice as much then to get it to do the job right?

2. Washing out plastic ziploc bags, aluminum foil and such things meant for disposal- seems to defeat the purpose of using them...after all, isn't that why you use them, for the convenience of NOT having to wash them? That's what Tupperware is for in my book! (smile)

3. Cutting open a tube of toothpaste or lotion bottle to get a tiny bit that is left. Honestly, is it really worth the hassle to do that to save maybe a few bucks , if that , for the entire year? Not to me!

4. Going from store to store to store and just getting the specials...that's ok if they are located right next to each other , or are on the way to where you are going- but it isn't saving anything if you have to drive out 20 dollars worth of gas to go collecting the bargains.

5. My pet peeve- people who buy something on sale and brag how cheap it was, put it on their credit card, and take the next 3 years to pay off the purchase. They end up paying over 100 dollars for a 10 dollar bargain that way. Not good! My method is if I must charge, never charge more than I can pay off when the bill arrives- otherwise going to a sale is pointless...

I am sure plenty of you could add more things to this list. I think being careful with one's money is a very wise thing to do. You should try and strive hard to live within your means. You should look for ways to save money and make do with what you have. Give up some things you don't really need have if it means you can pay your bills first.

But, my final thought is this...be frugal, but don't take the fun out of living. Saving money won't last long, if you don't allow some room for something you enjoy while being frugal, at least once in a while!

So remember, make sure you do what you can, but try to allow a bit of breathing room for something pleasurable while being savvy at cutting corners! You're more likely to stay with it if you do!

Have You Visited 1337art Yet?

I like to feature other sellers from time to time, and today I am featuring 1337art found at

http://www.1337art.etsy.com/

If you are a book reader, or know someone who is, then you should take a look at the selection of unique bookmarks that this shop carries. Like this one called Teatime:




With these bookmarks, you won't need to use scraps of paper to mark your page, you can be cultured and stylish while reading!

1337art also carries numerous other items such as ACEO cards, charms, supplies and magnets, and affordable jewelry such as these super cute pine tree earrings:




And take a look at this copper penny look bracelet: (It would make a "centsible" gift!)

These items are just a small sampling of what this shop has to offer in the way of hand made gifts, so why not go take a peek over there and see what else you might find !

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

I finally got this set done! I was surprised how tricky it was to create the dwarfs...I guess because they were so short (3 inches tall), it made it hard to maneuver around...but I managed!






"Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go......."




+



Snow White is hoping Sneezy uses the hanky, and not her skirt!



Feels good to get a big project done, doesn't it! Now off to the kitchen to make some banana bread!