Uneek Musings

Clothespin Dolls "Hanging Out" in Fisher - IllinoisHomePage.net

2011-12-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

You can find out a little bit more about me as an artist in this television interview here...

Clothespin Dolls "Hanging Out" in Fisher - IllinoisHomePage.net

Business Tips Round 2

2011-06-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

What are some things an artist can do during times when the sales well is dry, or crickets are chirping?

Some of the things I do that I have found to be useful are probably not new to all, but I find them to be of benefit and always seem to pay great dividends when I keep at them:

1. Don't complain..I know, it is hard not to. And when things aren't going to well it is easy to get on the gripe wagon
and think of whose fault it is that one is not selling hand over fist...okay, maybe not even a pinkie over fist. The economy gets blamed, the seasons , the lack of supplies, the lack of money to promote, the website one sells on, the internet SEO, even Great Aunt Ethel on your mother's cousin side can get the blame- but the truth is it could be any or none of those. The bottom line is complaining does little to help and using the slow time more positively is a way better choice!

2. Try upping the promoting during slow times, and try some new venues you haven't done before- Yes, I know, everyone uses Twitter, Facebook, and their blog to promote if they have one. That's good, but there are plenty of unusual ways to get people to know about your shop if you look around. A good start might be to google things like, "art wanted" or magazines that cater to your type of art work. (Magazines often hold contests and you could possibly enter what you do in them. You never know what could happen!) Blogs that center around jewelry, or parenting if you sell child related items can be a good place to try. Never miss a chance to hand out your business card. Keep a supply stashed with you so when the subject comes up of what you do, you can whisk out a card. It will happen, trust me! Always be on the alert for that opportunity that will let people know what you do. (Just don't make a pest of yourself, use good manners and judgement!)

3. Write down new ideas - During slow times one's creativity can get sluggish due to lack of inspiration. After all, what is more inspiring than to have people clammering to buy your art work? But when that slow time comes, it is a good time to go idea hunting for some fresh thoughts and ideas and begin working on them. You will be glad you did when things pick up and you have less time to go scouting around for something to create next. I keep a thick spiral notebook and keep it busy with scribbles. It keeps me busy and full of ideas to interject freshness in my art work!

4. Finally, try cleaning your work space...That is a biggie for me. You should see my floor during a work binge. Scraps of fabric and thread everywhere and piles of fabric stacked everywhere that I used but haven't yet placed back...scissors hidden beneath thread spools, trim and doodads needing to be placed back in drawers. I find when things are slowed down, it really aids my productivity to make everything back to neat organization. Clears drawers that stack are my best friend and the more I have the better. I am not a neat nick so to speak, but I detest my room being in a mess for long- and slow times give me that chance to regroup and make things better for the big pick up that is sure to come sooner or later!

Those are my tips for round 2 - I hope that they help you and increase your productivity in your creating business!

Ways to Increase Your Business

2011-06-24T07:51:00.001-07:00

Now let me start off by saying I am not an expert in the field of business...but that being said, I have been selling my art work online for going on three years, and each year there is a substantial increase in my sales. I have learned some things and thought I might share a few with you- just in case someone out there may benefit!

I have been fortunate enough to have been "discovered" and featured by some pretty notable places, such as the Today Show, Telegraph UK, Art Doll Quarterly Magazine, some museums, Showtime, and some others I won't bother to mention.
With all that, I know that there are many out there starting out and wanting to know how to do well when they start a business. Even if one has a long time established business, there is always room to learn more and improve!

While these tips I share won't be earthshaking or maybe not even new to you, they are for sure must haves in order to have some success in selling what you have! Are you ready? Here goes...

1. Have something people want to buy-

Want to sell crocheted kleenexes , peanut scented breath spray, battery operated socks with massage action, or anything else? Try to get a feel for what is already out there and how large a market you may have. And if you do want to sell something that is in a highly competitive market, make sure you have some ideas on how to really be distinctive in what you do. If you can't be different, you will have a tough time being found or getting people to want what you have!

2. Do your research and see what you will have to do before selling-

Making a bunch of items, popping them on a website and then sitting back and waiting for the sales to roll in just won't happen.
You have to know what you are getting into and do a lot of leg work before counting on making a bunch of easy cash. Easy cash is a term I cringe on since I just don't think there is such a thing. Know the laws of your state for selling online, or what have you. Ask lots of questions of those who have gone before you, read helpful articles, write out ideas for what you will sell, ideas for getting your business built step by step.

3. Be patient-

If you have done the above and now you are set up and wondering why the sales aren't pouring in, I have news for you...
they generally won't! Success in selling or in business is 99.9 percent of the time a waiting game. I know, you did not want to hear that, but it is true.

Success is built slowly in most cases, and one step at a time. It involves a wealth of patience, learning, rebounding from setbacks, and running into the occasional "break" that you just might get when the right person comes along and finds you. It involves a little bit of gambling too, since no one can really say for sure what form of advertising may trigger a boost in your business- It involves careful thinking about who your buyers are and where they may be. In other words, don't run an ad for your diamond encrusted tiaras in an agricultural magazine , or buy a commercial spot for your knitted dish towels during a football game...

And may I add, even the best of all business have dry spells and dips...you have to ride them out most of the time.

4. Customer service-

To me, this is a no brainer...but you would be surprised how many times I have heard other businesses and sellers say things like.."I don't have the time to say 'thank you', I'm too busy for that. I send their item to them and that is enough"...I hate to say so, but one should never be too busy or too important to say thank you to their customers!

If there is one huge tip I have for those in business it is this...Be as personable as you can. I don't mean you strike up a friendship with all of your customers, but letting them know you appreciate their patronage and are friendly and approachable is a good thing.

If they buy something, or have questions then be prompt as possible in your response. Show your appreciation by saying "thank you" and be polite for heaven's sake! You should never be too big or busy to say so, period. If a customer is being "difficult", you can still be polite while being firm... Yes, there are demanding people out there, and no, you don't have to give them everything they want- but you sure can be polite while telling them so. The bottom line? Treat your customers how you would like to be treated...simple and effective most of the time!

Those are my tips for the day, and stay tuned for future tidbits. I wish all success in their business endeavors!

Debbie Ritter- Artist and Designer @ uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

Frida Kahlo, Another Interesting Personality

2011-06-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Until I started doing my art work, I had never even heard of Frida Kahlo.

Born in 1907 – died 1954, Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo was a Mexican painter, and perhaps best known for her self-portraits. At the age of six, Frida developed polio, which caused her right leg to appear much thinner than the other. It was to remain that way permanently.

Later, Kahlo had a marriage with the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera. She suffered lifelong health problems, most of which resulted from a traffic accident during her younger years. These issues are perhaps shown inspired in her works, many of which are self-portraits of one sort or another. Kahlo suggested, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best."

One of the interesting benefits of what I do in my art work is when I look at who I want to do next, I many times run across new personalities that I know nothing about and learn a slew of facts that really add a needed flair to my art. Somehow it helps me to capture an overall feel for the look I want to convey when I read some background on the character. In other words, I really not only create, but I really learn something too, and that makes what I do all the more enjoyable!

You are quite the interesting character Frida!

A Little Bit of Percy for the Poetry Lovers

2011-05-16T03:54:00.000-07:00

I don't read poetry as often as I do novels, but once in awhile I do because I am in the mood to do so....
Today, I am in that kind of mood... and thus, I share a bit of prose from this little guy and share the characters I made in honor of the Shelleys and their marriage....

Love's Philosophy

by Percy Bysshe Shelley

The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In another's being mingle--
Why not I with thine?

See, the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower could be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;--
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

I had insomnia this morning at 3:44 so I decided to get up and watch the beginnings of the Royal Wedding via computer.
I was so glad I did because I found it very intriguing from start to finish. So many elegant things to watch and see, I loved the pageantry and even the solemn proceedings!

While I know some could care less about such matters, I enjoyed it partly for the reason that the news has been so sad of late that
it was quite refreshing to see something of a positive nature, and with a hopeful tone. I sat there while watching the proceedings and thought of how whether we are very poor, or very rich, a prince with every material need met, or just an ordinary person who labors to make it day by day, everyone has the desire to love and be loved.

I wish the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge every happiness and long wedded life together for many years to come!

Laura Ingalls and Her Legacy

2011-04-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

I love the Little House on the Prairie books, all of them! I read them years ago, have read them several times since then, and confess that even now that I am much older, I still like to take them out and read them. Being an avid history fan of almost any kind, anything related to the way of life and adventures of various pioneers always captures my attention. Laura Ingalls Wilder has left us a treasured legacy in the telling of pioneer life as it was when she was growing up!

She was a most interesting author and I do believe I have read just about every biography book about her and her family- which is what inspired me to create some of the family members themselves.
Charles and Caroline, her parents, were recently finished this past week,

I added Laura and Almanzo based on photos taken at their time of marriage,

and I had to do a little miniature of Laura as I pictured her being a young girl.

Stay tuned, because I may just add some more characters to this theme, that's the fun of doing the art work that I do- I never know who I will get a fancy to make next!

When the Lights Go Out....

2011-04-20T20:16:00.001-07:00

We had quite the storm pass through last night, the power actually went out and there all six of us sat...in the dark in various parts of the house- except for the glow of my four near adult children's hand held games they used as flashlights to find the family room where I was...somehow it wasn't real cozy feeling that way!

I tried to remember where I stashed my candles but since I couldn't remember right away, I broke down and lit the decorative candles that have been sitting on our mantle. So much for keeping them in perfect decorative shape for years to come. I had to light them so I could make sure we didn't stumble and fall on each other. Husband sat next to me on the couch as we all sat watching the candles flicker, and I told him how romantic it was sitting there in the glow of the candles...but somehow he didn't buy it since our four children were crowded on the couch too, playing their electronic gadgets. (Sigh, oh well..)

After an hour and the power was still off, husband gave up and went to bed, even though it was only 8:30 (according to our trusty cell phones). So there I sat with everyone silently playing games and I couldn't do anything else to do for lack of sufficient light.

I finally decided to pull up a chair at the dining room table and began to read part of Dickens's ' A Tale of Two Cities' by the glow of a small candle- no easy task mind you. I had to keep turning the book towards the candle light just at the right angle to be able to see what I was reading. And if it did anything, it made me appreciate all the more the modern conveniences we take for granted. I kind of liked reading by candle light, but I sure do like a good lamp much better!

Thank goodness for the privilege of living in the 21st century!

Charles Dickens himself!

Buck the Patient Hound Dog

2011-04-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

We got our dog Buck way back about 10 years ago when he was a little pup sitting in the corner of a pen at the Humane Society. Little did I know how big he would get, but now I don't care. ..I am actually glad he was a good sized dog, he has done more than his share of scaring off strangers who walked behind our house on occasion!

He is an outdoor dog, and with good reason- his fur is that of an Alaskan Husky in the winter and sheds tremendously in the summer. (And may I add, he is a spoiled mutt at that. He has a super deluxe well built solid wood dog house with tiled roof, built-in heater, patio chair cushions, the best dog house I have ever seen - all designed by my engineer husband, (who tries to pretend he doesn't like the dog, but I think he does!)

At any rate, the thing I enjoy most is his very patient disposition. As you can see by posted pictures, he allows us to dress him in the most ridiculous hats and other costumes, and even holds for pictures. (One year we even made a full calendar of him in different themes for each month...not easy, but a lot of fun (for us anyway!)

If only we could all be so laid back!

What's the Weather Report?

2011-01-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here in Illinois, we are getting a supposed really 'bad weather coming our way' report. What is the first thing people do when they hear that?

Well, they make a run to the grocery store of course! And not to be out done, I got up with my husband at the crack of dawn, (here that would be around 5:30 a.m.) and made a beeline for town. With it being 25 minutes away, I don't often make random, impulsive trips- so I make sure I get what I need to survive... I now have enough chocolate to get me through a big blizzard...

I noticed that there were actually a substantial amount of cars there, and 99 percent of the customers in the store were elderly...so I joined in and told my son, ( who was with me), that one more old lady at the grocers won't hurt! And wouldn't you know it, he agreed!

Now I am back home, watching intently for the ice storm and then the piles of snow we are supposedly getting- and knowing Illinois weather , that prediction could change to a sprinkling of flakes or springlike temperatures by nightfall. But just in case we DO get the bad weather that is gloomily being forecasted, I am very well stocked in food and art supplies- enough to make a whole massive army of characters should the need arise.

Actually, I don't think I hardly enjoy anything more than to sit by my picture window in the work room and watch wild weather happening outside. (Either that or watching the shenanigans of the neighbors perhaps...) It feel cozy to be working on some fun art project all nice and warm with a glass of tea while large white flakes of snow fall heavily outside...or a good thunderstorm.

And now, I am ready, so bring it on!

My latest project, the cast of characters from Gone With the Wind

Vanity Fair on the Upcoming Royal Wedding

2011-01-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it is one of the hot topics of the media, the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate...I imagine it will be THE wedding of the year by far!

This article on Vanity Fair.com shows some of just a few of the items that can be bought commemorating the big event, including (much to my surprise) my own pair of the famous couple in miniature clothespin form.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/01/royal-haul-middleton-merch-edition.html

Will I be watching the events of that day? Maybe, if I can remember to turn on the television when I get up. I am not much of a television watcher at all, so it would be a big event in itself if I remember to even turn it on!

January- The Start of New Opportunities!

2011-01-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the year almost always makes one think of a new year of possibilities. I found myself in December wondering what kind of doors would open, and what doors may close.

At any rate, I take the month of January and do several things to get a fresh start- one of them is to beef up my supplies with things I know I will need- and toss the things haven't used since I had it in my stash for over a year and it's covered in dust bunnies.The other thing I like to do is make a long list of new ideas to work on and set a schedule for myself to complete them. (It can't hurt to plan, can it? Even if we don't always stick to the program!)

Already my year has started off with unexpected and fun opportunities- one of them is I have the honor of being featured in the At Home in Illinois magazine as a local artist. (There' something strange about opening up a magazine and seeing your face staring back!) I also will be a featured artist in the online art magazine at www.lovenuart.com starting January 7th. So take a peek at them if you can get a chance!

Mu husband commented that he didn't really understand the big deal of people getting excited about New Year's Day, to him it is just another day and no different. I suppose in one sense he is right on that...but I still like to picture things as a gate has been shut on 2010 and now I am going into a new year of 2011. I like to think there is a possibility of new chances, happenings, and opportunities that will be different and exciting than even 2010. Attitude is everything I think, and I for one hope to have a good one for this upcoming year!

A King Henry VIII Christmas

2010-11-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

It is a cold and snowy Christmas morn at the castle. Once again, King Henry and his 6 wives gather
about the toasty fire and exchange heart warming gifts that bring tears to their eyes.

(Nothing like a gift that
touches one's heartstrings...)

To each of his wives Henry presents a copy of a book entitled, "How to Not Lose Your Head", and a framed picture of
himself with the caption, "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I am angry".

(Fair warning Henry, thank you...)

To Henry his wives present two special books entitled "How to Make Your Marriage Last", and "1001 Ways to Curb Your
Temper".....not that you need the help Henry, mind you...

Well, that's it- a small glimpse into the lives of the Tudors on Christmas morn...kind of gets you right in the heart, doesn't it?

Friendship, Friendship....

2010-10-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched that episode on I Love Lucy where Ethel and Lucy put on a show together to sing the song, "Friendship" and end up buying the same dress? That episode always makes me laugh because I think it is SO true- no matter how much you may like others, if they show up at an event in the same outfit as you, there is a slight "well how do you like that!" attitude that one feels that you now no longer look original!

And what's more, this type of situation DID happen to me in my college days. I spent hours looking for a formal dress that I was sure no one else would wear, walked in on the arm of my escort, and voila! There in front of me was a girl with the exact same dress on. I was embarrassed, and so was she, and everyone seemed to notice we had the same dress on! I couldn't decide if I thought it was funny or irritating, but to be honest I think I felt both!

(Luckily we didn't start ripping things off each other's dress as Lucy and Ethel did in this particular episode!)
Now that I think about it, I don't think any of my friends would want to dress like me anyway! So I have nothing to worry about!

Just for fun, I found this version on Youtube, although I have no idea who "Bumpy" and friend are... enjoy!

So Many Ideas, So Little Time!

2010-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am at the stage in my life that if I didn't have a big notebook with all the things I need to do written down, well, they would probably fall into the sea of forgetfulness!

Which is why I am thankful I have a super thick binder full of pages that I can write down all the ideas I have for my upcoming art characters...I get inspiration at the funniest times... (yes, even while going to church (oops!), cooking, sleeping, and the grocery store, to name a few!)

If you are like me, you must also carry a little notebook in your purse, satchel, briefcase or what have you also...because a 3 inch thick pink and white binder isn't handy to stick in your purse. And for heaven's sake, carry not one, but at minimum 3-4 writing utensils because you know if you don't the first few won't write when you really need them!

This little harlequin was one of my "out of the blue ideas I better write down before forgetting" and so glad I did, he was fun to create!

If you want a quick tip for how to come up with ideas for your craft, this is it.... have a big notebook (or two!) nearby at all times for those little
ideas that fly through your head and just don't settle unless you write them down!

Visiting New Places

2010-08-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

My husband talked me into it, going along on an overnight business trip with him. I suspect he needed me with my gift for gab to go along and chatter in his ear to keep him awake at the wheel...but that could have the opposite effect if the truth be told!

I am glad I went along though, he took care of work business and I got to drive around a new town and find all the spots where I could add to my ever growing business supplies stash. I never pass up an opportunity to go in a new place and look for that unusual or different item that will add just the right tweak to my newest creation! It was such a fruitful expedition that I am thinking that even if uninvited, I may just stow away on his next business trip!

Never pass up a chance to go to a new place and go exploring for that spot that may add what you didn't have and should, it can really pay off!

I wanted to also thank the people at Showtime for contacting me this week and purchasing my Clarence the Clown to be used as a prop in a new and upcoming series , what a pleasant surprise! (Just goes to show you that you never know who will stalk your wares!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24765633@N04/3782575708/

Hoard Those Supplies, Write Down Those Ideas!

2010-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

When I first started out doing my specialty art work, you could have seen all my supplies in a small box. (And then I thought I had so much!)

But it seemed then that someone would always ask me if I could do so and so and I would then have to go out and get the necessary items...which then led me to buying things that I thought may be some day would be used to make this character and that character. And next thing I knew, I had to have better and more numerous places to put all my wonderful little goodies , doodads, fabrics, yarns, threads, and a host of other things!

I moved off of the kitchen table to having a whole room to myself and from one cardboard box to 7 or more triple drawer units, and two multi mini drawer units that hand on the wall. (And I confess to needing twice as many as I type this!)

So, yes, I do hoard supplies, of all kinds,and I have an thick notebook that I keep alphabetized ideas in, sketches and the like for when I need direction. It is the best way I know of for any creative person to avoid having a dry spell in their creativity!

My husband says I have enough things to make 400 dolls...he's probably right, but
it doesn't stop me from seeing that perfect little item or fabric that begs to be taken home and added to my "someday I will need this" stash! One can never have too many supplies...right?

An Inside Look At What I Do

2010-07-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

For the curious, I wanted to show a little bit of the process it takes to make my art character dolls.....

I take a basic wooden clothespin-

Holes are drilled, wire threaded through, and clay is used to form the head, arms and shape of doll-

I then paint and design the doll's facial expression and begin the work on designing their costume-

The finishing touches are made on their costumes, sometimes requiring a bit of hand sewing-

Hair styles and finishing touches are added, now for the other character!-

Now the characters are complete, and ready to be displayed!- (Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan)

I hope you enjoyed the little mini tour, and seeing the process of what goes into making my creations!

Stop in again soon!

Just Do It!

2010-07-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

Today I was looking over some of my first art doll characters that I made- ugh...you can tell I was learning! But you know, everyone had to start out somewhere, right? So I kind of smile when I see those, and I like to keep them as
a reminder of how far I have come.

I used to only make female dolls because making male dolls scared me since the clothing was much more of a challenge. I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I avoided pushing myself to learn....but that bugged me.
So, I forced myself to get past my apprehensions and do it anyway...I don't know
how many made it to the trash bin, but I am sure there were quite a few that did!

I guess the moral of the story is, it is a good thing to stretch yourself. To try things that sound tricky, or hard. It feels good when you set a challenge and then
realize that if you try hard enough, you will see the reward.

Do I still try things that are new and potentially difficult? Yes indeed I do, and I will always try to do something new if I can- as a matter of fact, I have a book I keep new ideas in for me to try,(if I ever get around to it!).

If you are toying with some ideas to try and are scared to do it, my advice is to
go for it, you just may be surprised at the results!

Coming soon...

2010-06-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I often get asked what my next ideas will be or what will I be creating next....
which is why I am glad I have my "never ending" ideas book. It is a large spiral notebook with dividers and it is full of ideas of characters to do, what I want to add, pictures of how I want to do it, and so forth.

That really helps when you hit a stale wall...trust me. And hitting that wall is something all artists or creators will do sooner or later.

Some of my upcoming designs include Rhett Butler, Tom Sawyer, Tatiana of Shakespeare's play, Mary Pickford, and a lot more.

Just for fun, here are some of my newest creations-

That's Life

2010-06-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been quite the month, I must say. I had my twins just graduate high school, my husband has a tentative job change possibility, but the biggest shocker
was our daughter coming home after 3 years of college and telling us she had signed
up to join the Marines...(of course without talking it over with us first). Now I ask, where did THAT idea come from?

( Now I can see why some species are known to eat their young! )

Well, my husband and I are having to learn what we all must, and that is to make the best of what happens, there is no other alternative- (since we tried the kicking and screaming route but it didn't work!)

Times like this are what make me appreciate having an outlet in my creating. It's better to snip and cut fabric, glue and paint, and put my focus on something
that will distract me from the things I don't want to think about... or rather can't do anything about.

While it may not give a resolution to the problems at hand, it does help me realize that life is life and you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it one step at a time- which is all any of us can do!

This rainbow I took a picture of is a good reminder that things can get better after a storm.

Handmade Spark - Uneek Doll Designs

2010-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Handmade Spark - Uneek Doll Designs

Here is another place you can find me, should you need to!

Cute Little Toads

2010-06-03T20:02:00.001-07:00

Well, this is off the subject a bit but my son loves toads and frogs. He has for a long time, and I am afraid it's my fault...

I bought a science project from a curriculum company that said you could raise your own frogs. They didn't say what kind, I just assumed they were the run of the mill kind that you would find in any pond. And the success rate for the kit was pretty low so I figured maybe if we were lucky we'd succeed in getting one set of tadpoles to grow.

Not so...all 10 tadpoles lived and thrived. We did lose two eventually, so we had 8 African clawed frogs that all survived and it ended up costing my husband and I hundreds upon hundreds of dollars because we had to buy a much larger tank, several filters, food, and other assorted goodies to keep up with these good sized critters. (These aren't the kind of frogs you see in a pond so putting them there wasn't an option.)

All of this has served to encourage my son's enjoyment of amphibians and here where we live, there are toads EVERYWHERE. He finds them and brings them in for me to see...(from afar please, thank you!)

By the way, I will be reading the fine print if I ever buy any more science projects throught the mail!

A Christmas Carol Isn't Just For Christmas

2010-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

I know some people think the story of A Christmas Carol is a holiday themed story, and yes, I have to agree it is, in one sense- but in another sense, not so much.

You see, the other day I was pondering on what I wanted to work on next and it hit me- the main characters from the Charles Dickens tale of A Christmas Carol. Yes, it was May, and yes, it is 90 plus degress out, but I happen to love the version with Patrick Stewart in it, he made the best acting Scrooge I have ever watched! Anyway, as I enjoyed the movie, I found myself getting out my supplies and work away I did.

Christmas or not, the message of the novel and the movie has a strong year round lesson about life and how it should be approached- and I felt that though most think it as a Christmas themed tale, I happen to believe it is more of a life themed tale.

Oliver Twist and Charles Dickens

2010-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

I am a fan of classic literature, (in case you haven't noticed!). I have slowly, but surely been working my way through reading all of Dickens great novels- including my most recent finished read, "Oliver Twist". I have to say thus far it has been one of my favorites!

I was so isnpired by the story, that I created a little Oliver Twist to add to my collection of finished works- so here is Oliver created from the sad little scene when Oliver walks up to the headmaster of the work home and feebly asks, "Please sir, may I have some more?" because he was still hungry.

Poor Oliver!

Creator's Block- We All Get It

2010-05-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

If I go in my workroom and see all the fabrics stashed away, and the supplies I have collected- well, they seem to say "get in here and finish that Sheriff on Nottingham you wanted to do!" or "Isn't it about time you started crossing off one of those characters you have written down on your to-do list?" I really find myself at my most relaxed when I am sitting at my work table and finishing another project.

I have heard lots of other artists talk about "creator's block". Do I get that? You're darn tootin' I do! What do I do to get past it? That depends...I often will leave the work table and do something completely non related- like go out and pull weeds out of my flowers, or watch HGTV for a short bit, go for a walk, or -(one of my favorites) pull a book off my shelf and lose myself for while in a well written classic or bit of history. Sometimes I will even go as far as not to make a thing for a few days just to get away from the pressure of trying to make myself do what I think I should be doing.

I think the trick to keeping oneself from becoming too bogged down with always trying to be creative is to just let things be. If you don't feel like doing it, don't. Walk away a bit- however long you need to. Do something else for awhile, something fun, maybe even a bit out of the ordinary for you.

If ideas are your problem, then go look for them. Look through books or other places to get inspired,and keep an ideas notebook. I have a big binder that I have filled with pages of ideas and thoughts on projects I want to do. If I reach a blank, I reach for the notebook, and it jump starts my brain into getting busy.

What do YOU do when you reach that creative slump?

The Artist

2010-05-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

It's quiet here in the house...really quiet. My dear husband has taken our teens for a morning outing, and I am not used to the silence. I thought about trying my hand at cart wheels or back flips, but, well... I am not sure if I did that I could reach the phone to call 911...ah well, just think I will enjoy the solitude and not try anything foolish!

Anyway, I will sit and work on some items and see how much I can get accomplished. I have my own little work area:

Here you can see me doing one of many steps to design my little friends. I enjoy each and every one- can't really complain that I dislike any of the process.I do have my favorite part though, and that would have to be the actual creating of the costumes they wear, and the painting of the faces. I have to often ponder to decide what mood I want the character to express, and that is fun for me!
/

Here I am with just a few of the many characters I have completed, and I hope to get even more done this Mother's Day weekend.

Take care everyone and have a happy Mother's Day, too!

My Latest Projects

2010-05-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it again, I went out to a nursery not once, not twice, but 3 times this week...I have a huge weakness for planting flowers. I purposely leave gaps in my flower beds just so I can change the look every spring with different annuals. (I almost enjoy flower planting as much as creating my art miniatures!)

I did find time today after planting to go to my work table and create a couple of new characters:

John Keats, the English Poet

Antonio Vivaldi, the famous violinist

I may get into such a working frenzy today that I may even create a third character!
(We'll just see how it goes though- I may have to go plant some more flowers!)

Elizabeth Blackwell Miniature Art Charcter

2010-04-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Who was Elizabeth Blackwell you ask?

Originally from England, Elizabeth Blackwell and her family moved to the United States when she was still a young girl. After a dying friend told her that she would have rather had a lady doctor, Elizabeth then considered the possiblity of studying to be a physician. Later, she found the path to pursue that goal.

When she graduated from New York's Geneva Medical College, in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to earn the M.D. degree. She supported medical education for women and helped many other women's careers. By establishing the New York Infirmary in 1857, she offered a solution to one of the problems facing women who were turned away from internships elsewhere but determined to expand their skills as doctors. She also published several important books on the issue of women in medicine, including Medicine as a Profession For Women in 1860 and Address on the Medical Education of Women in 1864.

In honor of her accomplishments, I created this wooden miniature inspired by one of her portraits.

Thank goodness for lady doctors!

Just for Fun...

2010-04-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...planting and deciding what flower combinations I will put in the flower bed this year. The artistic side of me plots the colors and how I will plant them and where ...and the practical side of me thinks, ugh, weeding and digging! Oh well, to get something rewarding, one has to get their hands dirty, right?

So today I got out and planted a pink clemetis vine and some bluebell flowers. Last week I planted tomato plants because nothing beats a home grown tomato in taste fresh from the garden. Gardening is about as therapeutic as my art work is to me...but not quite!

Speaking of therepeutic, chocolate and vanilla are therepeutic, right? So with that in mind, take a look at this delicious collection of "chocolate and vanilla" goodies I discovered during one of my many excursions of shopping online!

Warning! It may leave you hungry!

The Return of Good Weather- I Hope!

2010-04-18T09:42:00.001-07:00

Well, things have been pretty warm here in Illinois lately. I got overzealous and decided to plant tomato plants- although I was told I shouldn't have until May 10th. (Shrug)....

At any rate, since I heard there was to be a frost last evening, I covered them with plastic bags just in case. Luckily there was no frost so all is well. I can hardly wait to taste a fresh garden grown tomato!

I also spent part of my day creating some new characters, since I can't seem to let a day go by without making something! (I feel restless if I don't!)

I decided upon making a Bride of Frankenstein, inspired by the old 1930's movie, and also made a Dracula, also from the old Hollywood version. I am not a fan of horror movies in any way, shape, or form- but the old vintage versions of the movie I have to admit though cheesy perhaps, are fun to watch!

So here they are, and try not to let them scare you too bad!

Poor Lady Jane Grey!

2010-04-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

I love reading Tudor history, or any kind of history for that matter.... as long as it is written in an interesting format.

My featured character for the day is Poor Lady Jane Grey. Why poor? Because I don't think she really wanted to be the queen of England, especially at being such a young age (15-16). She was basically used by her parents, and maybe some others, to gain control of the English throne. And it ended up being a very short reign, the shortest in British history, being a length of 9 days before she was executed by other wannabe- in- power royalty members.

This particular character stands at 4 1/2 inches tall, and her costume is inspired by one of the few actual known portraits of her. Many of the details are duplicated as close as possible.

Too bad for Lady Jane that she happened to be in the wrong family at the wrong time...it goes to show you that even then, relatives can be a nuisance and politics were often a game of greed and power struggles...

Taking a Day Off

2010-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

I took a day off from my art work this past Monday...
It was my husband's birthday, so he took the day off and hung around the house. He isn't like me, in that if I have a special day, I don't want to cook for myself- I would MUCH rather go out and eat. I want someone else to mess up their kitchen , wait on me, and I like leaving the dirty dishes for someone else.. But my husband would rather I cook for him...

So, I asked him what he would like and this dish is what he asked for:
Cyclone Pasta- made with marinated, grilled chicken breasts, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, basil and garlic in a creamy spicy sauce.

And, for the dessert finale I made a three layer from scratch German Chocolate Cake.
It turned out to be two layers because I dropped the third layer in the kitchen floor upon removing it from the oven. Oh well, guess it saved some calories, eh?

All in all, I enjoyed doing it for him, and I think it was kind of nice taking a break from working on my art- sometimes we all should do that to recharge our creative batteries!

My Addiction

2010-04-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Do I have an addiction? I would like to say I don't...but I do.

What is my addiction you are wondering?- It's not donuts, (altho I wouldn't refuse one should you offer), not chocolate, (although if you paid me in chocolate instead of cash I don't think I would complain), visiting my in-laws,(eek!) or housecleaning,(now I ask you, what normal person would be addicted to that?)...

My addiction is buying fabric and supplies to enrich my artistic endeavors. I love going in to a fabric store and going up and down each aisle, sometimes 3-4 times, looking for just the right material for a project I have in mind. No matter that I have scads of fabric now to do 500 art doll miniatures, I must have more, just in
case!

And supplies? Well, that is another problem! I have many little clear drawers full of little curiosities, embellishments, brocades, doo dads, and miniature replicas and other paraphenalia that will take me into the next century before I could use them all...but still, what if I run across something that will be just what I need for that next project? You can see my dilemma....

Well, I won't be harming anyone by this addiction, so I think I will happily keep feeding it, until I run out of places to put everything !

Am I the only one suffering with this malady? Say it's not so! :)

Some New Things For Spring!

2010-04-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

It's spring here where I live in Illinois- something about spring really gets me going. Seeing the trees budding, hearing birds out actively seeking their meals, watching for the first buds of the bulbs I planted last fall...it's a series of miracles!

To sort of celebrate the arrival of this refreshing season, I did a little window shopping and found some fun items that made me think "spring", so take a look and see what you think of some of my special finds!

Gorgeoous silk painted scarf in delicate spring colors by silkshop:

Adorable Spring Chicken bowl by PrinceDesignUK

A must have spring tote bag by LBArtworks:

And how about a refreshing spring cleaning with this vegan bar soap by SoapStore:

The Artist Behind the Art

2010-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

I love to sometimes take a step back and look at all my art work that is carefully
displayed in a four level glass and oak case. I think about all the hours it took me to get the characters finished, and wonder how I found the time- especially with having 3 teens, 1 college student, and a husband underfoot!

But you know? As anyone who enjoys doing any sort of favorite activity, we find the time to do what we want. So that explains how I have dones hundreds upon hundreds of characters. If I didn't enjoy it, I sure wouldn't be doing it. If you can't find me doing the laundry or cooking, you will most likely find me amidst a pile of assorted fabrics, paint, and bits of wood and doodads- watching episodes of Andy Griffith, the Waltons, or Little House on the Prairie...or maybe watching Les Miserables or The Count of Monte Cristo.

I enjoy my artwork, and I really enjoy the creative outlet it provides-hope you have one too!

http://www.uneekdolldesigns.etsy.com

Discipline...ugh!

2010-03-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Discipline is a not so fun part of life, have you noticed? If we don't practice it, a lot of things could go downhill...FAST!

Think of it...you are all warm and snug in your bed and that awful shrieking alarm goes off...it takes discipline to get up and get going. If not, you could get fired from your job, or the kids could wreak havoc in the house, or someone else could beat you to that half price sale at Macy's.

Or,you are driving down the road and someone suddenly cuts you off, or signals left while turning right... it takes discipline not to honk at them, doesn't it? (Come now, confess...)

You want to lose 10 or 20 pounds or more. There are two Oreos in the cabinet that you found..or you can have that pear sitting on the counter instead....it takes discipline to imagine that pear tastes as good as that Oreo. If you don't discipline the temptation, then you may just have to jog to Timbuktu and back to make up for it!

Sometimes I have to give myself a stern talking to..."Debbie, you know that you have 10 orders to fill and sitting here at the computer spying on Facebook friends while eating those two Oreos is not going to get those things done..." Not that I do that, mind you, it's just an illustration...

I have found discipline to be a hard, but necessary part of life. I don't always enjoy enforcing it,but I have found it to have its own rewards- a clean house, jeans that fit, orders that are done and ready to go, and I don't have to eat crow for not saying that perfect comeback zinger that could have started World War III.

Something to think about , right?

Parenting isn't for Sissies..Really!

2010-03-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, (jokingly, mind you), I will tell my husband had I known what I was in for 21 years down the road when I said, "Yes, I will go out with you", I would have ran when I had the chance! (ok, maybe not, but still...)

You see, when we had our four kids I hopefully envisioned them being easy to steer in the right direction as they grew - you know, clean bedrooms, agreeing with most of our parental opinions with smiles on their faces,( Oh Mom and Dad, I really respect your years of experience and really see why you said "no"), eating what I fixed for dinner with exclamations of delight, ( "Oh Mom, the onions you put in this meatloaf are just the right touch!"), and never causing us too much hair pulling ...(so why am I almost bald?)

Well...taint the way it is... Right now we have one in college that we never know what she is going to come up with - she changes what she wants to do all the time so we figure she will be in college for the next 10 years....or longer.

The middle two are twins, and learning to drive via their dad...(my husband made the mistake of telling me to ride with one of them on their first driving lesson-SO not a good idea!)-I screamed when one of them tried to park the car at the post office, went over the parking bump, and headed for the window of the building. That will absolutely be the LAST time I ever get in on a driving lesson for any of them...period! (And they are glad too! )

I had no idea most of the talking I would do at this stage would consist mostly of the phrases, "Because I said so and I am older and wiser than you, that's why", and "as long as you live here and we pay your bills, you will", and " What is that dish of mold doing on your dresser?"

Ah well, if there is one thing I DO know, it is that nothing worth having in life is easy to come by. It does take work, lots of hard work, and it takes perserverence. It's not like we can sit down and quit, because life goes on with or without you so to keep working at it is a very good idea! Kids can surprise you how well they can turn out, if you just keep at it...at least that is what my parents tell me. (Were they trying to tell me something?

Improving Where you Create...

2010-03-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been off my blog for way longer than I expected...I guess my online business
overcame my time to keep it going since it has been really busy the past few months...( not that I am complaining, mind you!)

Ar any rate, I have done some vast improving in my business and here are just a few simple ways I have done so:

A. Got my own work room- yes, no more working at the dining room table and having to clear everything off for dinner time- I really think if you want to create well, you have to be glad where you are working... now I have a 6 foot long folding work table so I can spread all my stuff out within convenient reach...Hurray!

B. Clear, multi drawer units and containers- no more scrounging through cardboard boxes on the floor looking for that "essence of fine
mist green" crushed velvet fabric....or losing that exquisite bauble that would have been the perfect touch to the finished creation of King Louis the 17th on his 63rd birthday...

C. Folders and organizers for all receipts and lightbox backgrounds- a real nice timesaver for hunting up just what I need

That is about it for now- I can't tell you how much easier things have been with just a few simple changes. My work is much more efficient, and I enjoy where my location is- so my creativity isn't as squelched! Which, if I may add, has increased now that I also keep a full ideas journal for any thoughts of new ideas for me to work on- and I have a daily planner of what I am going to create for the upcoming weeks each day...it really helps when I am stymied for what to do that day. (It's kind of like a menu plan only it's about art work...:)

If you are thinking about getting organized to better your craft, I say do it!
You won't believe the difference it will make in more ways then one!

Just For Fun...Jedward!

2009-12-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

I meet some wonderfully nice people through my online art shop. Just recently I had a lovely gentleman all the way from London, UK purchase some items and he mentioned to me that I ought to try making the twin sensations "Jedward" from the talent show,
"X-factor".

I am not up on those things, but curiosity got the best of me and I had to look them up. Well, I must admit they certainly are an interesting pair all right. They don't appear to sing, but they do seem to have something about them that is causing quite a stir...is it the dancing? the showmanship? or maybe the hair?? I don't know why some things become suddenly wildly popular, but at any rate I thought I would give them a try- one thing is for certain, they do have a look all their own!

A Mixed Blessing.....

2009-11-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

It has been almost exactly two years ago that our family moved from our home state of Indiana to Illinois. It wasn't fun, trust me - and after going through it, I am in no hurry to move any time soon! Now that we are here, I admit there have been some huge adjustments on my part, too.

Where I once could hop in a car and go to lots of major stores and towns and restaurants within minutes- now I must plan a 25- 30 minute drive. Where once I saw trees and hills and lots of houses- now I see miles of flat fields and maybe a clump of trees in the middle now and then. And a farmhouse or two once in a while...We got visits from time to time to from family, but now that has died off.

Since I am trying to make the best of this major upheaval, I have been trying to find things that are good about the situation. Since the land is so flat, I see beautiful sunsets like I never saw in Indiana. And while I miss the trees, I have found a kind of beauty in the fields and fields of green cornstalks that are now gold, and watching the farmers with their machinery harvesting the acres and acres that stretch out on either side when I am driving.

And while we are out where no relatives are, and haven't made a whole lot of friends as of yet, that can sometimes be a mixed blessing, if you know what I mean! We can maintain our privacy and have a pretty good reason not to go to reunions if we don't want to drive the distance...:)

At any rate, with the upcoming holidays, I have been keeping busy increasing my holiday characters since last year I was caught a bit short handed in that department and sold out of what I had. With less time running countless short trips into town, I now spend more time at my designing table- and have found more and more ideas to translate into my artistic endeavors...another benefit to living in the country-like spot that we do!

Gloomy Days and Santa Claus

2009-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

I don't believe I have seen the sun going on 4 days now...boo! I love the fall weather, but not sure I like this many gloomy days in a row! Well, it is good for napping, not that I do that mind you..and for staying indoors and having no excuse to avoid getting some creative work done. Which is why I went on a sort of Santa spree...the possibilities of making a creative and different Santa are endless, but to start out on the safer side, I made a few choices that would lean towards the traditional side-

Victorian Santa in Burgundy Velvet

A Pink Santa

and, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas too!

I thought about doing a Retired to Florida Santa Claus, and have him wearing a bright shirt. bermudas, and black socks with sandals, and maybe holding a little bottle of Geritol? - but not sure if that would be a seller or not...ah well, for now I will think about it and we'll see!

Jay Leno?

2009-10-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

On occasion...ok, maybe pretty often...I like to pick a random, out of the blue character to do...and I never plan it until the last minute.

I decided on Jay Leno...yep, Jay Leno. Why? Not sure except for a couple of reasons- He's well known, and I think he has a lot of interesting features. And that makes it a challenge for me to try!

And so, here he is- just done today, Jay Leno!!!!!!

My Latest

2009-10-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have a huge amount of clothespins in my supply bin, so I figure I had better get cracking at the designing table! I managed to get some things done recently, one being the special "Beauty and the Beast" character set. I'm making a list of more ideas along this line for the projects ahead, so stay tuned!

Prankster at Heart

2009-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I admit it...I am a middle aged lady that has never grown up.... and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

I still enjoy a good prank, even at my expense- which admittedly doesn't happen too often since most people I know are too mature to play pranks.

Take the time I decided to call my mom. Disguising my voice I said, "Mrs. Staggs? This is WXLZ radio station and we're calling you with a thousand dollar question. If you can tell us the first letter of the alphabet- you will win 1000 dollars!"

Long pause on the end of the line...my mom finally said, "I find that hard to believe"

"It's true Mrs. Staggs" says I.

"Well...it's A", she said.

Long pause...then I said, "Mom? it's me..."

She felt embarrassed for falling for it, and I felt just a wee bit guilty for raising her hopes in winning 1000 dollars, but I also knew she knew me pretty well and was used to it. So, she still laughs about that prank from time to time- which is good I guess! I haven't been disinherited...yet!

And one of the secrets of staying married for 21 years and actually enjoying it? Humor, of course, what else? Yes, my husband has suffered from time to time from my shenanigans....like when I hid behind the shower curtain and then jumped out at him when he came in the bathroom....or the time I ran towards him while he sat reclined in his Lazy Boy recliner all tipped back- and I leaped into his lap, only to cause the chair to do a complete backward flip and we both landed laying backwards on the floor. To this day, when he sees me coming toward him in his chair , he sits it up immediately and puts both feet on the floor...just in case.

And lest you think me one sided, I take pranks on myself quite well...most of the time. My son once came running up the stairs with his arm all bent backwards and said "Mom, I think it's broken"...ummm, not funny to a mother. But after I realized he was kidding, I laughed weakly....sort of.

Just remember that humor is essential to your life if you want to get through it without becoming sour. There is a time to be serious, and there is a time to laugh. Timing is everything!

The Ice Queen

2009-09-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

I know it isn't winter yet by a long shot here in Illinois...but since I started thinking of ice and snow, it got my creativity going and this Ice Queen is the result....

She has a snowflake crown, white fur cloak trimmed in icicles, and a full skirt underneath that looks almost like a sheer layer of ice reflecting the colors. She even carries a couple of "ice cubes " in her hands- after all, she is the Ice Queen!

Save Money on Books

2009-09-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are like me, a bookworm, it can get pretty pricey to go out and buy a new book every time the whim hits to add to your collection. I ran across this website called PaperbackSwap.com and have now discovered a way to get books I would like to have to add to my growing shelves.

The way it basically works is this: you have books you want to get rid of- you register free list them free at this website. When someone wants what you have, you get a credit for each book - which in turn means you can then find books you would like and request them from the one who has them. They send them, they get a credit.

This website is very easy to navigate, and I have only been there about a week and already have gotten rid of nearly 20 books I no longer need, and am in the process of getting some that I would love to read. All for whatever the media rate is for me to send my unwanted books to someone who does!

They also have sister websites for getting rid of dvds you no longer want: www.dvdswap.com and for cds you no longer want: www.cdswap.com

If you don't find what you are looking for on any of these sites, they have a wish list you can add your wants on and it puts you in line to be contacted when something becomes available. Pretty cool, and it will save you money on building your library!

Getting in the Holiday Spirit Already?

2009-09-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

I hate it when stores start setting their holiday merchandise out months before the holday happens..you know what I mean- They put Valentine's day stuff out right after Christmas, Christmas stuff start showing up in September of all things....Mother's day cards show up in early April...it's ridiculous really.

We all know why they do it, they want to push the consumer to start getting ideas in their head that the holday will be upon them soon and so they'd better get their stuff now before the pickins are slim-but when things are that far off, it is hard for me to get in the mood for certain holidays.

Therefore I don't know why but when I sat down to create today, I found myself snipping and sewing and gluing...and this is what I ended up with...

No Christmas music was playing in the background, the weather here in Illinois is close to 80 degrees, and Christmas was not in my thinking! I have no idea sometimes when I sit down what I will be making, but that is part of the fun I guess.

Anyway, I have decided to dub my creation "Mary Christmas"....and hopefully she will not be the last in my designs for the upcoming holidays!

Flowers and Stuff

2009-09-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

Way back when my husband and I bought our first home, I wanted to do something to the outside to "spruce" things up. And having come from a home life where my mom didn't mess with flowers too much, I had little experience to go on.

So, wreckless person that I was,(ok, maybe I STILL am at times...) I just winged it and planted a whole bed full... and I was hooked! 3 houses later I am still that way-It could be the artist in me, I don't know...but I have to have a multitude of color in the front and sides of our house or I feel bereft.

My flowers seem to attract all kinds of interesting things- grasshoppers, (and here in Illinois you will find THOUSANDS of them! I was scared this one was going to hop up at me, but I bravely took his picture...)

hummingbirds....(I have seen big fights over the feeder here)

...butterflies of all kinds... and toads. My son will pick the toads up and hold them, (Ewww!)

But while I think toads are kind of cute, don't put one on me unless you want to hear a middle aged lady scream at an ear piercing decibel that may cause you to lose your hearing...I don't think the toads are there in my flowers for the flowers themselves- but the banquet of insects that are there in huge numbers.
(Which is one reason I am reluctant to do my weeding as I should...)

Well, flower planting is just one more way for me to use my artistic side- the blending and choosing of colors is therepeutic for me- one of many ways to appreciate the simple beauty in this world!

I Refuse to Teach Anyone to Drive

2009-09-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

I mean it, no ifs, ands, or buts! I decided this after taking my oldest teen out on one of her first driving lessons not too ago....

I bet I sucked in my breath and screeched at least 10 times...and that was just while backing out of the driveway...

We went around the block and it seemed we were going to hit every mailbox in that neighborhood, and this was no small neighborhood. I tried not to cry out..really I did- but I kept envisioning all the irate neighbors we would have after we knocked down all the mailboxes like a set of bowling pins!

I know I had my eyes closed most the time and hadn't prayed quite that long (or fervently) in some while. When we finally pulled up back home, I knew that was something I would never do again...and three more teens later, I have kept my vow. My husband, brave soul (and mighty laid back) that he is, is the official learn to drive coach in our house. I resigned after that one trip around the block

I think all this has taught me a new appreciation for the Driver's Ed teacher. Who in their right mind would want to take a group of young teens out on a road and try to teach them not to swerve over the lane lines, stop turning and looking back at the people in the back seat, and brake without sending passengers through the windshield, not to mention parallel parking between two Mercedes Benz without taking off the fenders? ( I can't even do that!)

I think I will be able to survive the teen driving years, as long as I sleep through them.....

Ok, ok, I will share it already!!

2009-09-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

My jumbo chocolate chip cookie recipe that is...
I am a baker in addition to a number of other hats that I wear around my house.
This cookie recipe is one I found and developed slightly because I am always in search of that "perfect" recipe. Lots of recipes are good, but some are really really good- and this is one of them!

2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 TBSP vanilla extract
1 whole egg plus one egg yolk
3/4 cup real butter, melted
1 11 0z bag chocolate chips

*******************************
Preheat oven to 325.

Mix melted butter with eggs, sugars, and vanilla- blend well
Add dry ingredients and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened
Fold in gently the chocolate chips
Drop by 1/4 cupfuls on ungreased cookies sheets placing about 2 inches apart
Bake 17-20 minutes, depending on your oven
Let cool, then remove to an airtight container.
These are big cookies, and the batter will look somewhat messy, but not to worry!
If you follow the directions, it should turn out like this.....

If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix it!

2009-09-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

My husband tells me that all the time...do you think after 21 years of wedded bliss I would listen to him- but no, I don't.

For example, whenever I find a recipe that everyone likes, has loved for years, and I see a new way of doing it, one that sounds even better, I go off and try it. And it 9 times out of 10 is a flop. Then I tell myself, that's it! I will NEVER change the way I do it again...this recipe is in the family treasure vault for eternity -never to be changed...but still...I am a sucker for trying something to see if it could possibly be better than the tried and true way. (It's one of my weaknesses!)

My husband complains all the time that some day I will be wanting to exchange him because I like trying new things...well, he is safe in that department. It took me too long to get him to where he is now. Starting over would be a monumental challenge of gigantic proportions. Besides, I tell him he is one thing I don't want to change. (Ok, maybe I do have a secret list in my head but don't tell him that...)

Susan's Cinderella Story

2009-08-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Once there lived a young girl in Scotland. She lived a very simple life, and grew up facing many obstacles. Throughout her life, the girl harbored a secret dream that some day she would sing for the whole world, and for years she kept the dream inside of her. One day her chance came- and despite many who gave her a hard time , she kept going…. and sing before the world she did! And the world is glad she is sharing her beautiful voice, and will hopefully do so for years to come!

This special character is in tribute to Susan Boyle’s strong will to keep going even though many gave her a hard time for doing so. I created her in a black sequin dress, wine velvet cloak with fur trim, and a small silver crown upon her new stylish hair do. She stands a petite four and a half inches tall and is a perfect gift for the Susan Boyle fan- or as a little self reminder about what good things can happen when you keep trying!

Sometimes You're the Statue...

2009-08-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard, " Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue"?

I guess I never thought about it, but yes, there are days that life is like that.
For some reason, those days seem to last all day, not just minutes!

Take last Wednesday. I got up, decided I would get grocery shopping done early for once. Went out to the van , and it wouldn't start. The battery was dead. Pooh! I decided to drive our other car to save waiting on charging the battery.

Drove off and look at dashboard and realize the gage says "empty". Stopped at gas station, filled it with some gas, drove off and realize that the speedometer isn't working, and in spite of filling with gas, gage still says empty.

I kept driving anyway and tried to guess for 20 miles how fast I was going by how many cornstalks I drove past within 10 seconds. (Not a great method, but I tried!)

Got groceries, came back put them away. Went to work on some things and noticed a lovely fragrance of soap in the air. "How nice, the house smells so fresh and clean, " I thought. Went to laundry room and found out a 2 gallon bottle of laundry detergent has fallen of the vibrating washing machine and the broken cap let the detergent spill out and cover the entire floor of that room...not fun to clean!

Finally, I went to the fridge and reached in to pick up a jar of Miracle Whip, one of my teens had not closed the lid and , yes- you guessed it, the lid came off and the contents of the jar hit the floor, all over my feet and clothes, and a large portion of the kitchen floor.

Well, I have to say, over all, I handled myself well...no crying, throwing of fits, or running away to Bermuda...I really did see the humor in it so I figured things would surely be better the next day- and they were.

So try to remember to keep things in perspective when you can, and laugh when those days happen. You only have a few thousand of them to go!

Susan Boyle's Interview

2009-07-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

For those who may be interested, here is Susan's latest interview where she recieves the gift I made for her...I am so happy she got it, and seemed happily amused to get it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CcceeZhEhE

I look forward to her upcoming CD this fall!

What??

2009-07-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

(Susan's New Look)

I have to say this week has been one full of surprises for me...I got a call from my mother in law this past Wednesday morning telling me that she had just seen my Susan Boyle miniature I had made in honor of Susan's outstanding accomplishments on a clip of the Today Show. I was shocked because I had no idea that was going to happen!

The full interview was on America's Got Talent that evening.,...and I was so happy that I got to see Meredith Viera give Susan the little miniature and that she looked happily amused by it. I love Susan Boyle, she is a lovely person and I cannot wait until her CD comes out, I will be first in line to get it if I can!

At any rate, I have enjoyed getting to watch Susan become an outstanding success- I just know she will do wonderfully in the months to come. I wish her all the best!!

Queen Mary of Scots

2009-07-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on here for quite some time...shameful I reckon...but I guess like some bloggers, I have been busy with so many things, I forgot to post anything here!

Anyway, I got contacted the other day from a lady in the United Kingdom asking me if I could do a Queen Mary of Scots. Of course I could! Now the problem is which portrait did she want me to do it from? Well, I sent her three and she picked my favorite, the one in which Mary wears a red full dress encrusted with jewels and wears a hat tilted to one side with feathers on it..(My husband and I had a debate on that...he insisted that she had little puffy cotton balls on her hat in the portrait, but I insisted they were FEATHERS!-I disagreed and did what I wanted, which was to accent the hat with feathers, what else?

I completed her last night and sent her off across the ocean, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed that particular commission! I love to do something that proposes challenge...which may explain why I had four kids.....

It's Done!

2009-06-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well, after 2 weeks of hard labor, hubby got the big doghouse done. He has never made one before, and I have to say, when I saw him building it in the garage, I wondered how we would EVER get it to the back yard. His solution was that all of us as a family- he, I, and the four teens we have- were going to use our mammoth strength to carry it back there. Umm, right...

Well, it didn't happen because after he finished it, he realized it was too heavy for even 6 people to carry between them. How did he do it? He and our strapping teen son rolled it back there a bit at time...go figure...I thought for sure it would fall apart, but I guess it was built way too strong and solid to do that.

Now, the dog is befuddled. He has this fabulous "mansion" and he isn't quite sure what to make of it. I don't think he realizes it is for him. I tried crawling in there and he came in for 3 seconds the first time...the second time he came to the door and looked in at me like I was a kook, then turned around and left. ( I guess I am a kook..but that's another story)....

Well, I will keep trying to convince him it is his. I sat in there today and it was so roomy that I pondered the personal use I could get out of the doghouse. It would be a good place to hide when the in-laws visit...or when I don't want to clean out the fridge... we'll see...

In the Doghouse...

2009-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have a family mutt...he is a Humane Society special and we have had him for 8 years, since he was a pup. Buck is his name and he is part Husky and Terrier mix.

He is what you call an outdoor dog. He doesn't like staying indoors, especially during the winter- mostly because he has a fur on him so thick that you can't hardly bathe him. He knows what you mean when you say "snack", "squirrel", "kitty cat", and "go for a walk"....and he knows "sit", "stay", "lay down", "speak", "roll over", "high five", and "shake". If only I could train him to follow, "do laundry "...

My husband tries to pretend he isn't real fond of Buck...but I secretly think he is. Out of the blue a week ago, husband decided he is going to build Buck a new doghouse. The old one is a simple plastic thing he's had for years. My husband is a lot like Tim the Tool Man Taylor in Home Improvement...he does things in a BIG way.

He went to the hardware store and began off the cuff designing a dog house. This doghouse is going to be so big, I dare say husband and I could both fit in it together...not a bad idea if we need to escape from our four teens in the house...

It will have wood slatted boards covering on the outside, tiles on the roof, a built in dog house heater for the winter, a swinging door , and even a mini porch roof to insure the elements won't get in. I think when he gets it done, the neighbors are going to think my mother in law is moving in it because it almost looks like an in-law quarters...eeek!

When it is fully done, it will be stained nicely and will most likely look like a wooden cottage...I may even go in it occasionally to read a book in peace...who knows? Finished pictures to come when the finished product is outside and ready, so stay tuned! :)

In Honor of Father's Day...

2009-06-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

" He who is taught to live upon little owes more to his father's wisdom than he who has a great deal left him does to his father's care"- William Penn

I know not everyone has had a great father, and for that I am very saddened. I was fortunate to have been blessed with a terrific father, and for that I am truly thankful.

I can remember my dad coming home from work, (he worked at Chrysler). and he'd always wear these pocket T-shirts. When he'd come home, I'd often run to greet him at the door and he'd swoop me up and I'd hug him...while sneakily reaching down into his t-shirt pocket...where I knew he always carried a packet of Doublemint gum.

Dad never had a lot of money, but he made sure we had the most important things, like any kind of ice cream or special treat when we were sick... He'd take us as a family to church, and when we three siblings were young- up until our mid teen years- we sang gospel songs together at nursing homes. I think that is one reason today I am so fond of the elderly!

Dad always took us to lots of places for fun, but they weren't costly, he didn't have that kind of money. He and mom would pile us up in the pick up truck and we'd go to a school playground and have fun on the swings, or go to a park and play there. One of my favorite places was the A and W root beer stand- That is the only way I will drink root beer to this day, in a frosted mug at a stand. (Odd, huh?)

I can remember my teen years and going on dates...and going out the door one evening and having him say, "Better button that shirt up a few more ." Ok, Dad, I will...even though it was already up my neck as it was! :) Or the time a guy I dated hurt my feelings really badly and unbeknownst to me, Dad took him aside and had a "talk": with him. My Dad was and is a gentle spoken man , but whatever he said, that was the end of dating that guy! :)He told me before I got married that no dad really ever thinks the man his daughter marries is good enough for her. (I like to tell that one to my husband every once in awhile to tease him...

I want to say I am glad Dad has passed on to me is his sense of humor, and the importance of having a deep faith in God. My Dad jokes, teases, and laughs quite often. Not everyone appreciates humor, but I can relate to that too! I would rather laugh then cry or be crabby any day!

So, happy Father's Day to all, especially you Dad, and thanks for raising me to have fun in life! I am grateful! :)

What I Do When Creating...

2009-06-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what other artists are doing when they're working on a new and creative project? What kind of music are they listening to? Do they watch television? Do they sit silently working? Are they sitting in a studio throwing scraps of material everywhere, or spilling paint on their clothes?

Well, here's what you will find me doing...Sitting at a large table by a picture window at the front of our house, my "studio" so to speak. You will see boxes of supplies sorted in various corners, and scads of fabric tucked in plastic bags in those containers...sorted by type of fabric. If you look under the chair where I sit, you will find a million bits and pieces of fabric, ribbon, that bit of trim I accidently dropped but didn't bother to pick up yet because I was waiting to drop more things to make it worth my while to bend over and pick up several things at once. (Sorry about that run on sentence!)

I also keep the curtains open so I can watch the neighbors, what few we have in the middle of cornfields, and see the storms playing themselves out on the unbroken horizon, or the sunsets...(I don't do sunrises, too hard to get up!)

The biggest thing I do though, while doing my art work is that I have to have noise. I know, you are thinking, "If she has four teenagers at home, why would she want more noise to do her work?" Working in silence is not my thing. Not any noise will do though. I have certain kinds of music I listen to...like Paul Potts, Andrea Bocelli, and some gospel music. But, the biggest thing I do, is watch dvds of old t.v. shows and movies. I watch dvds of shows like- I Love Lucy, Waltons, The Andy Griffith Show, Little House on the Prairie, and ( ok, this may be weird)... but I watch The Three Stooges occasionally too.

And yes, you will most likely find paint, clay, and bits of thread all over my clothes...I have a work apron if I could just remember to put it on once in a while...

So there you have it, a little peek into what I do and where I am at when I am making my art. I always think it is interesting and a bit insightful to hear of how others do their crafting and designing a project.

Where and what do you do when you are creating???

Can You Guess Who This Is?

2009-06-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

I love doing caricatures of famous people, well known characters, or authors, etc. It is a big compliment to me when someone knows who the character that I made is without me telling them...so, for fun...here are some ones I have done and see if you can tell who they are.... And I won't post the answers! :)

How did you do??

Yes, I Really Have Read it 12 Times!

2009-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Gone With the Wind, that is! I discovered it back when I was in high school...I don't remember how I found it...but I do recall liking it so much that every so often I would check it out again from the library, and read it over...and I really have read it 12 times...it is one of my favorite fictional classics!

Not sure what it is that appeals to me so much..maybe it is the time period, the descriptive writing, or that all through it you want to be annoyed with Scarlett because she is so spoiled...but somehow you sort of end up liking her too...go figure!

One thing is for sure, I like the movie, but really can't say I like it like the book itself. As is common, the movie leaves out a lot of must have details to get the full effect of the characters and story . If you have seen the movie, but not read the book, it is a must read, I really mean it! You will get a lot more feel for the story and the characters so much better!

My niece gave me a leather version of the book this past Christmas and I was so happy I could have carried it with me everywhere I went! But for now, it sits on my shelf, waiting to be read for the 13th time in my life...and I just may do it!

Vacation Time

2009-06-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know if our family will be going on a vacation this summer yet or not...but if we do it will most likely be camping in our pop up camper with a dog and four teenagers...doesn't that sound romantic? Actually it isn't so bad...

When I was a kid, I remember some vacations I never forgot- like the time my dad took us to Disney World. I remember I wore polyester pants that day, (I was 9) and there was a little cart train that took all of us to the edge of the massive parking lot. At that moment, the skies opened up and a sheet of rain came down so hard I couldn't keep my eyes open to see...and the rain quickly soaked my pants so that they slid to my knees...so my two siblings and I took off running like crazy trying to figure out where to go...we gave up and crouched down by a car to shelter ourselves, and pretty soon we heard my mom screaming "Kids!kids! Where are you?" (We still won't let her forget that one! ) And, to top it off, Dad had run to get the car and the rain was so bad, he drove past all of us and we had to chase after him!
After we got in the car, my older sister cried about her camera being wet..(sheesh!)

Or take the time Dad decided we should all go camping, and he bought a waterproof tent that was not waterproof...we found out the hard way when he set it up that nioght and it poured rain. Nothing stayed dry, not even the cereal, and of course my older sister cried- again!

Well, as many say, sometimes the things we do that seem not so funny at the time, will indeed eventually produce a chuckle in our memory. I know that to be so, because I still laugh at all the vacations Dad took us on and they ended up having some mishaps!

Hopefully my brood will do the same!

Just A Quick Note

2009-05-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

Lest any of you followers think I have fallen off the face of the earth, I haven't...yet, anyway!

I have somehow unwittingly been caught up in the tide of Susan Boyle mania and have been busy answering emails, phone calls, and other such things. regarding my Susan Boyle character mini. I surely am rooting for her, she has had to endure a lot of sudden attention...and I must say this whole experience for me has made me feel for those who have to be under public scrutiny. It's amazing the opinions and remarks that others will spout off about someone they have never met- I guess that is the unfortunate side of publicity, it brings out the nice comments, but also the cruel and cutting ones too.

Well, the best of luck to you Susan, I mean that! I want you to make that audience rock tonight!!!!

Paul Potts

2009-05-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, you must be wondering since I have talked about Susan Boyle, and now, Paul Potts, that I must watch Britain's Got Talent. Well, I do, on YouTube of course... and I have to say Paul Potts won me over immediately as did Susan.

If you haven't watched him try out on Britain's Got Talent, I urge you to. There was something so touching about how he was this very ordinary guy, working in a cell phone warehouse, and he harbored this special singing voice that most likely his co workers had no idea he had. Then he comes very timidly ,and looking very uncertain, onto this stage-in front of the notorious Simon Cowell, and the other two judges, and a huge audience...and he belts out a rendition of Nessun Dorma that made tears spring to my eyes. I liked him so much, that I immediately went into action and hunted for his cd...and now I can listen to him sing all the time , especially in my art studio. I just love working to inspiring singing!

The story of Paul Potts and Susan Boyle makes me think of something constantly now. When we go out to work, or just our daily business...I am willing to bet that we are surrounded by people who have a talent that hasn't been broadcasted...something wonderful, spectacular, and like these two, it stays hidden from the public world.

Many extremely talented people have normal, even mundane lives and you'd never know they could sing beautifully, or maybe paint a beautiful picture, or a hundred other special talents.It goes to show you, once again, what looks dull, ordinary, or simple and plain on the outside, could be sheltering something unbelievably special. It sort of makes you look at those around you with new eyes, doesn't it? It's a lesson we all need to be reminded of, I think!

Making Edgar in my Sleep

2009-05-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Edgar Allen Poe, that is...

When I first started doing miniature characters out of wooden clothespins, I made only female characters for the longest time. I found them easier to do. But, I knew that if I wanted to challenge myself, I would have to do male characters. Oh how I hated doing the suits...eeek! My first attempts were awful, in my opinion. I butchered them...

Well, persistance pays off folks...I kept at myself...learning, trying new techniques, and now I have practiced and learned and taught myself to the point that I no longer shy away from male characters... I can do Rhett Butler, Mark Twain, just about any one, kings of all kinds, and my top selling man character, Edgar Allen Poe and the Raven.

It takes patience to make things on such a small scale, but I have trained myself to have it and it has paid off...but as with most successes, it did NOT happen overnight! I have found that if you do something often enough, you can improve to the point that you really almost could do it in your sleep!

So maybe before I go to bed, I will bring my art supplies to my bedside tonight and see if an Edgar Allen Poe materializes while I am sawing logs...you never know!

Moms Will Always be Moms

2009-05-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Moms are funny creatures..it seems to be a consistent quality of mothers to worry about all the things that no one else thinks of. And no matter how old you get, your mom will still act like a mother...

Just the other day I drove almost 3 hours one way to visit my parents just for the day with my four teens in tow.When I got there, my mom asked me what time I got up to get ready to come. "I've been up since 5:30 Mom" I reply. She shook her head and said, "You ought to go lay down and take a nap before you leave today or you will be too tired to drive home..." I'm fine Mom, really...I get up at that time every day to see Hubby off to work- really, I do.

Later, as I got ready to leave for home after the visit, my mom asked me if I was sure I had enough gas to get home. Hmmm?

Let's see...I am middle aged, raising four teens, married over 20 yeaars, worked several jobs including an online business and my mother asked me if I was sure I had enough gas to get home? Errr...that must be a "mom" thing...

Then, after I assured her I had filled the tank before I came, she proceeded to tell the kids to make sure they talked to me all the way home to keep me awake. Eeek ! That would have driven me nuts to have four teenagers talking to me non stop for 3 hours in a closed in space while driving at 65- 70 mph....I assure you!

But that wasn't the end of it- my parents both walked to the end of the yard and their heads moved back and forth together in synchronized rhythm watching for cars they thought I wouldn't see as I backed out. And right before I pulled away, I was instructed to call them when I got home so they could rest at night knowing I had made it home. (I did , by the way or Mom really would have worried about it until I called.)

I guess I have to admit though, I am most likely as bad as anyone in this area...my husband laughs at me when I give a flurry of instructions when my teens go off somewhere..."Call me when you get there, don't speed, let me know where you are..." and my personal favorite thing I say, "Remember to behave yourself because God is watching your every move and He'll tell me if you misbehave.."

I tell Hubby when he tells me to stop worrying that it is my duty and job to fret over the kids because someone has to since he doesn't do it enough for my taste...He still laughs at that one and I don't know why....

I guess I am like my mother after all...

I Hate Having to Home Sell .....

2009-05-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

No, we do not plan on selling our house - we just moved here a year and half ago...so I am hoping that doesn't have to happen any time soon. (But with the job market being so strange, who knows what can happen?) I simply do not like the whole process of selling and moving.... at all!

At any rate, I have been through two home sellings, and to me the worst part is trying to cope with the people coming in to see your house. I have gotten in some ridiculous situations with that...like when I had just made dinner so everything was in shambles in the kitchen and the realtor calls and asks if they can show the house in 10 minutes . I should have said no, but what did I do? I said yes and proceeded to shove every pan, plate, dish etc etc under the sink in the cabinet, even the food... I have no idea what the people thought when they smelled fried chicken coming from under the sink, but I don't think they bought the house...someone else did.

And once when a realtor called and wanted to show the house...we set a time, and they walked in the door an hour early, (without knocking I might add!) There I was, with my four kids sitting in the floor, and I am pretty sure we scared those people as well as they scared us...

Or take the time I had had it with having to get out of the house on those spur of the moment showings so I decided I would climb up in the tall playhouse attached to the swingset in our yard. I thought they wouldn't even see me up there. What happened? The couple being shown the house looked out the window at the same time I decided to peek over the top of the play house and I think I turned them off from buying...After all, wouldn't you be deterred if you saw a middle aged lady in a kid's playhouse peeking at you at the house you were considering buying?

Well for now, I hope that is something we just don't have to do any time soon...I don't think I could stand the thrill of it all. But if we do have to, I am practicing the words, " Tonight isn't good, or tomorrow AFTER dinner.."

Susan Boyle

2009-04-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

How I loved watching Susan Boyle on You Tube...I bet my husband and I have watched that video at least 50 or more times... I think it is fascinating how confident she was in front of the somewhat scary Simon Cowell - she didn't seem a bit intimidated!

I told my husband what no one would come out and say was because she was not considered beautiful by worldly standards, and was older to boot, well, she couldn't have been any good could she? I cheered for her over and over when I heard her sing... In fact, I even got teary eyed- why? Because she was showing everyone that beauty comes in different packages, and not to judge something because it isn't carried in a pretty and sparkling package.

In honor of Susan, I creatd my own Susan Boyle character miniature. I had a lot of fun making her, and I hope you enjoy her!

P.S. If you haven't heard Paul Potts on Britain's Got Talent, you really should watch it on You Tube.It is very touching too, much a story like Susan Boyle, only I believe Paul was much less sure of himself on stage than Susan!

Some Revamped Nursery Rhymes....

2009-04-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Mary had a little lamb
It's fleece was white as snow
and everywhere that Mary went,
the lamb was sure to go...

It followed her to school one day.
which caused a lot of smiles.
Unfortunately though, it got kicked out-
for leaving "little piles".....

Jack wasn't nimble,
Jack wasn't quick,
He didn't quite jump
oe'r the candlestick...
And as you can see, his clothes tell the tale
of how his stunt really did fail!

Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet
eating her bowl of goo,
when along came a spider,
who sat down beside her,
and got squashed by Miss Muffet's shoe!

Books, Books, Books

2009-04-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

I love books...all kinds, but especially the classics and well written history. (Not that you couldn't tell that by looking at what I design)- but I can clearly remember how it all started...

I never went to kindergarten, I went straight to first grade. I think I may have been at a slight disdavantage, because I seemed to be of the few who really didn't know much about reading. I remember the teacher on the first day sitting me at a back table, opening a basic reader, pointing to a word and asking me what it was. I stuttered over it and after a few pages of that, she huffed and said basically "you can't read, you are in the "green" group." That somehow seemed an insult the way she said it. It was the lowest group in the class, but I do remember that by the end of that year, I was in the top group, and by second grade when I discovered the school library, well, I went sailing past with flying colors. My favorites were stories like Grimm's Fairy Tales,Wizard of Oz, and Little House on the Prairie.

Snow White and Rose Red:

I fell in love with reading, and have kept it up ever since. I read all the time, and often have several books going at once. I have spent many an hour that way!

Charles Dickens:

About 8 years ago, my hubby gave me part of my dream by buying me about 5 ceiling high oak bookshelves for me to start filling up. He knew I had always wished for a library of my own to have all the books I wished I had read. And as of today, I have over 350 books on the shelves- and have been trying to work my way through them in between the days and happenings of life.

Maybe not everyone likes to read- and there are a lot of books that are, shall we say,"rubbish"? But one can't deny that a well written book is like taking a trip.. you can go places and meet people and learn things you would never dream of! And that's hard to beat! So get to reading!

The Lipstick Factor

2009-04-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my sister one day and we were talking about how when money was tight how we hate not buying anything. Cutting back is one thing, but eliminating any luxuries at all is a real bummer.I was told that when people buy something even in the hsrdest of times, it is called the "lipstick factor".

Evidently during the Depression and even the World War II years, many women got tired of cutting back and doing without all the time, so they looked for some small way to compensate by buying a little something to make them feel not so deprived. They would buy something affordable, yet make them feel as if they had splurged-therefore, lipstick was often bought because it was a luxury- but affordable. I like that idea! I do the same thing as a matter of fact!

When I have little money, I don't let it stop me from buying everything cold turkey. I may buy some new fabric, a chocolate bar, some new make up, or even something I have my eye on at Etsy- I just wait till I need a little something special after cutting corners until I start to feel deprived.

Now mind you , a new car , a new leather sofa, diamond necklace, a cruise to Alaska, and a cleaning maid would be nice pick-me-ups ...but certainly not feasible. So, I think of a little something that will feel like a little luxury, but not cause me guilt knowing that my utilities will be cut off because I chose to buy the item over bills that must be paid!

At any rate, my advice to anyone going through a tough financial time is to put the must pay or else items first, and certainly be wise in budgeting...but whenever possible don't forget to treat yourself to a little something now and then!

I'm Back!

2009-04-14T07:24:00.001-07:00

For someone who likes to talk as much as I do, I have been sadly neglactful of my blog..shameful, I know.

I guess I just got caught up in all the stuff that is going on lately...Easter happened to fall on my husband's birthday. Since we live in Illinois, we have no friends or close relatives nearby so I made sure I celebrated it with him as big as I could. (He hates being fussed over, but not me! Bring it on, I say! :)

I took him out to eat at a nice restaurant, and I bought him two Star Trek Model kits- a great sacrifice on my part since I really despise science fiction! He loves it, so I humor him! (Sort of like he humors me sometimes by going into fabric and craft stores- even if he could care less!)

We finished the celebration by my grilling marinated ribeyes-with baked potatoes and cherry cheesecake on Sunday after church. I am not an expert griller, but I managed not to burn anything, and even though I smelled like a smoked ham the rest of the day, I was glad everything came out all right!

Now, I can get back to making a few new designs to add to my shop....

To Facebook or Not?

2009-04-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how I feel about these socializing websites nowadays...they are great if you want to stay in touch with Uncle Eggbert in Kalamazoo, and chatty Cousin Bertha in Topeka. But I am a private person in some ways...believe it or not! So I am not sure how I feel about it.

I guess Facebook has it's plus side...

You can find friends on there you have always wondered what happened to them, you can talk to relatives that you want to talk to and not have to stay on a phone for two hours listening to them tell about going to the proctologist, you can see who is doing what to whom by reading in on their converstions and postings- (especially handy if you work for the National Enquirer... ) You can even see how much weight people you haven't seen in forever have gained, and how old everyone looks, which either makes you feel worse about yourself in comparison...or better!

But, on the negative side...

People can see what you are saying to someone else, and certain information should just not be posted in a public forum, if you know what I mean. And really, what is the deal about posting daily snippets about every move you are making that day? Who really cares if you are thawing out a roast for dinner, are now going to the bathroom to read the newspaper while you sit, or are filing your taxes... or that your dog just barfed on the couch?

I am amazed at the info that people post on their pages ...romantic, mushy endearments to each other , gripes about their boss, the color of the boxers their hubby is wearing that day...all fodder for nosy people (like myself) to read and draw conclusions from, speculate upon, and make smart comments on...Not a good idea if you ask me.

My bottom line is this...I am very careful what info I divulge to such a wide audience....and I post only the pictures that make me look as if time has hardly touched me.(If only I could just find one!)..and I don't add people whom I really don't want to connect to. Someday I would like to just get off of Facebook- but for now it is a good tool to use to spy on my teenage daughter-at least until she reads this blog!

You MUST buy some of these!!!

2009-04-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

My sister told me about this shop on Etsy where this wonderful crafter named Mary Ellen makes the most DARLING crocheted eggs (and the price is outrageously reasonable!) So, being one to never pass up a chance to peek at something that sounds that good, I did!

And these are soooooo darling, I just had to share! Mary Ellen makes these little crocheted eggs in the prettiest shades of crochet thread, and they are just the size of a regular egg!

How does she do it? I don't know, but every artist has their secrets and their talents, and these eggs are a must have! I bought some for my mother and she just called this morning gushing over them, she was thrilled!And I was feeling so nice I even bought some for my mother- in -law...which judging from my mother's reaction to them, she will LOVE them too!

Go check out Mary Ellen's shop and get some of these for yourself and anyone whose good side you want to get on, before it's too late!

http://www.maryellenscrafts.etsy.com

Trying Not to Laugh

2009-03-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have always had a problem with this...you know, trying not to laugh at things that are not supposed to be funny, but somehow I have found I have a weakness in that area. ..

Take the time my sister and I were taking my grandma to a department store. I was trying to show Grandma how to get on the escalator. Well, her timing was all wrong, and she stepped on, started losing her balance and my sister was trying to catch her by the hand and only managed to grab her finger so she started sort of twirling around and then she fell with her legs in the air and her girdle showing,(she had to wear one...). Some man below had the good sense to push the panic button so the whole thing stopped,but what a sight to behold. And all I was doing the whole time was laughing so hard I was crying. Of course I would not have been laughing had she been really hurt, but I could only imagine what all those people were thinking of me laughing at my grandma for her stunt on the escalator...

Or take the time I was in church and the minister was reading the portion of the Bible where it told of Rebeckah meeting Isaac for the first time...The minister read in a booming voice ..."And Rebeckah rose up off of her ass..." (meaning donkey of course) but he had gotten no further than that last word when several of us lost it and started laughing...shameful, I know, but that's what happens when you are sitting with a group of teenagers...

It seems to me the harder one tries not too laugh, the harder it is to hold it in...don't know why, but it's true. I love to laugh, but not necessarily at someone else's expense. So, I try to curb that...but I have failed a few times. And in case you are wondering, yes, I laugh at myself all the time-in fact, I do quite frequently since there is plenty to laugh at! I figure if one can take being laughed at with good humor and grace, then I figure you are truly a good humored person, and not so bad to be around!

Time For Some Lemonade!

2009-03-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, that time is nearly upon us...when the temperature goes up, and a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade would be most refreshing!

I remember when I was just a young teen, so young that I hadn't a clue about making fresh lemonade from lemons. And of all things, I got a job at a health food restaurant opened by a lady who was , how can I say it? She was not a nice person...she put me behind a counter where I was to make the tea and drinks.

One day she stormed in and barked.."Make some lemonade.." and just handed me a sack of lemons. I was too terrified to ask her how, and she didn't ask me if I knew how or tell me how to do it. So, you guessed it, I spent ALL morning squeezing lemon juice into a pitcher, adding some honey into it, and that was it. You can imagine what happened when a customer ordered it and tasted it. Talk about getting chewed out! ! That was an understatement! That job didn't last long, I can tell you! LOL

Anyway, in honor of that sunny, citrus refreshment, I have found some cute and unique finds that reflect that wonderful summer drink. Think about taking a look at these shops to maybe brighten the fading winter blahs, and add some zest to your day!

Pink Lemonade Bunny Slippers:

Made by Emandsprout at Etsy

Lemonade Olive oil Shea Butter Soap:

Made by CrazyKBathandBody at Etsy

A really unique recycled purse from lemon-pineappleade containers:

Made by OhNoUDidntDesigns at Etsy

And finally, this cute little teacup coin pouch purse:

Made by hmmmbymel at Etsy

Enjoy! (And PLEASE don't drink the lemonade I make! )

The Joys of the Forties...

2009-03-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I feel like I have lost it sometimes...and may be I have! LOL

Did I use to do these things when I was younger? You know, like the other day I needed to go to the post office and I went to the closet to get my jacket and what did I do? I started to put on my fuzzy bathrobe...

And I find my self doing other things like:

getting ready to pour orange juice on my cereal

paying for something at the checkout then walking out without it

Looking all over for the house for something that is right there in my hand

Accusing someone of taking my craft scissors and finding out I was almost sitting on them

Giving the salesperson that asks me for my zipcode a blank stare then giving them my old one because I forgot my current one

Going to the store specifically to get something I desperately needed only to come home with 10 other things but not what I went in there for

And, something else have noticed is I speak my mind a LOT more than I ever did in my younger years. Is that good? Depends on who you ask! I kind of like myself doing that, it's quite liberating to say " You can go visit your relatives if you want to, but I am stayiing here- because if I go, I may end up causing mutiny on the ship for telling everyone what I REALLY think of them!"

I have a good reason for this you know. I am the mother of four teenagers...and what little brain cells I have left are being sucked up by trying to keep them in order. Yes! That's it, it has to be!

At any rate, I have noticed myself doing goofy things that show my mind is somewhere else...and that is really why I do the artwork I do. It gives me a chance to focus on something, enjoy it, and keep my mind off of what I really don't want to think about. Now, I am off to go find my craft scissors ....

Create Because I Must!

2009-03-13T19:51:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed this? No matter how hard times may be, if you go into a craft store, you will see it busy. At least where I am at, it has been.

I think that is because one can almost always find something they can make that is affordable, even in the leanest of times. If nothing else, one could go out in the yard, find some rocks, and paint the Mona Lisa on them, build a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge out of toothpicks, or crochet some toilet paper if things get really bad...no kidding! ( I found a lady on Etsy who actually does this...of course I am sure it is meant as a joke!)

There is something about crafting or art that is akin to therapy..it gives you something to do to take your mind off the fact that your mother in law lives next door, that you have a boss who makes Attila the Hun seem like a pansy, that those bags under your eyes are more like satchels, or the fact that your back goes out more than you do!

I love making messes snipping and sewing and creating...Rarely do I get in a grump when I am in my element - making what I feel is my niche or at least one of my niches! I sort of like the peacefulness of sitting alone in a room, by our big picture window, watch the sun set over the bare cornfields, spying on the next door neighbors, or watching an Andrea Bocelli concert on my portable dvd player. I think that is why so many people make things...it takes their mind off of things and they get the fun of seeing what evolves when they use the creative side of their mind.

I love seeing what others make, and I most likely will always be doing something in the field of art or crafting. It's either that or eat a cartload of chocolate...and since that would only make me have to exercise more, I prefer doing artistic things!

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

2009-03-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

My husband and I took a trip to Indianapolis not too long ago for fun, and I wanted to visit a shop my sister told me about called "Quilting Quarters".

I found it, finally, and wow-what a store that was! It was fabulous! It had wall to wall fabric selection of every color and pattern you can think of, it was sorted from fancy, seasonal, colors and all kinds of things. I wasn't expecting such overwhelming choices!

Now, when I think of quilting, I think of old ladies or a group of pioneers sitting in a circle talking about all the juicy things that are going on in the community while they stitch pieces of old nightshirts, worn dresses, and things of that nature...(not that I wouldn't mind being in on that.. )

While quilting is not my thing, (I wouldn't know where to start), it does seem like it would be like putting a jigsaw puzzle together...and I hate doing jigsaws!

I was there at that store because I use fabric with very small prints on it since my characters are so small, and finding fabric that will work is no "small" task... pun intended of course. And they had plenty of fabrics that suited the bill, but I couldn't buy them all...

I did limit myself though to about 5 or so swatches to buy since I knew that I can only use so much and a quarter yard of any fabric goes quite a ways for me.

I could easily spend all day at a fabric store , especially if they have a wide range of things to look at. It's almost as good as going into a bakery...er, but maybe not quite!

Have You Ever Done This??

2009-03-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am not always graceful, nor do I remember what I am supposed to be doing when I walk into a room ....and yes, I am willing to admit I have gotten lazy at times and have done things which have made more work for someone else....I tsk myself for that...

For instance....have you ever:

1. Picked up some underwear at Wal-mart then decided while in the grocery section you didn't need them so you leave them hanging in the canned goods aisle? (Shame on me, I know!)

2. Eavesdropped on a conversation at a restaurant?

3. Put the peanut butter in the refrigerator and the salt in the freezer?

4. Picked the wrong book off the library shelf that sends a bunch falling off the other side?

5. Talked real loud to your sister (or friend) while you are in a public restroom only to find out she's not there but a line of waiting people are?

6. Rushed to a dentist or doctor's appointement, sat in the office for a while, only to find out you are there on the wrong day?

7. Sat on the end of your sister's ribbon belt so that when she went up to the platform to play a piano piece, it unraveled all the way up there?

8. Forgot to put sugar in a sour berry pie and then shrug when someone asks who brought that horrible pie?

9. Gotten into the wrong car at a parking lot and tried to start it only to realize it isn't your car?

10. Put things into the wrong grocery cart and start to roll away with someone else's goods?

11. Spent the day at a big get together only to realize too late you had a huge rip or stain on your seat where you couldn't see it?

12. Asked the woman next to you when her baby is due only to find out she's not expecting?

13. Asked a lady you met if the girl next to her is her daughter only to find out it is her sister?

14. Woke up in the middle of the night to a terrible grating sound, only to realize it is you- snoring?

15. Looked like you just won a big slob contest while making a quick run to the grocery store only to see someone you know really well, so you hide yourself until you think they are gone, only to run into them at the check out?

Yes, all the things above are just a small sampling of things I admit to..there are many more, but I can't write a novel right now so a few will do.

It just goes to show you, we are all human and some of the things we do are silly or amusing.... or maybe not so amusing..but at any rate, I like knowing that goofiness happens to everyone -it's what makes us laugh at ourselves, even if no one else does, and maybe learn a lesson or two along the way!

Old Fashioned and Country at Heart

2009-02-27T11:58:00.001-08:00

I love simple things. (My husband jokes that's why I like him! ) True, but when I say "simple", I mean things that aren't complicated, that you can look at and tell what the message is without a bunch of yabberty gibberish...

That's why I like this shop on Etsy called Stickle Creek Store.
(http://www.sticklecreekstore.etsy.com/)

Shop owner Vicky Stanifer, ( who just happens to be my much OLDER sister) , quilts and stitches these darling pictures that will guaranteed bring a smile to your face, if not an out loud chuckle! Her designs are whimsical and they tell a story. You won't find something like these in any store and for the price she has them at, they are an artistic bargain.

These are just a few samples of the story pictures she has designed on her own , you really should visit her shop to see what else she has, you will really enjoy seeing her creativity!

How it All Began...

2009-02-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

Whenever I go to a fabric store,or craft store...I nearly always get asked what I am buying my items for. After all, who goes up to a cutting table and has a stack of material and asks for 1/4 yard please on all of these...maybe some, but I must be a little odd becasue I always get asked.

I usually have to go into a long explanation of what I do and how I got started...and it's interesting to see what kinds of reactions I get. I really don't even know how I got the idea to do my character creations ...it started as a seed idea and has developed over the past few years...

My mom gave my husband a dollhouse kit about 5 years back, hinting that she would like him to put it together for her. My husband loves doing that kind of thing, so in his spare time that was what he did...worked on the house. It was a large Victorian style...and it got me to looking. I looked for dolls to put in it. I started having a bit of sticker shock when I saw the priciness of dollhouse dolls...and that got me to wondering what I could do to contribute to the Victorian dollhouse. Basically after searching the net, and seeing clothespin dolls that others have made, I took off with the idea and started learning by trial and error. I actually made my mom over 50 dolls that year to go with the house Hubby made....

I shudder to think about my first dolls...I thought they were really good then, but when I look at them now it reminds me of when you look at a photo of yourself..."Did I really look like that???"

Ugh! Well, I have learned a lot since then and taught myself along the way some tricks, techniques, and things not to do when designing. It is quite gratifying when you realize you have overcome some bad ideas with some really good ones, and developed enough that you have a lot more confidence in what you do.

I truly love what I do...and it is so fun for me to feel that I can make just about any person if I give it enough thought. I used to avoid things that I thought would be too hard ....but now I make myself try it. If a few go in the trash, so be it...that's how we learn and stretch ourselves, isn't it?

Now, off I go to see what new character I can challenge myself with!

In Honor of the Warmer Weather Sure to Come

2009-02-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

There are some things I love about winter....

I like the coziness of sitting inside watching the cold wind blow, the snow falling, the pinging of ice pellets hitting the window, the howling of the wind outside while I sit and do my art work while I mock the bitter weather as I stay warm and sip hot tea. And I like sledding, yes, even at my age!

I like the way snow looks on the plowed fields where I live...sort of looks like white icing on chocolate cake! And when ice coats the trees and plants all around...I can't help but admire the way it makes everything look as if it is coated in sparkly glass, sort of magical looking!

The things I don't like about winter? Driving in it, the high heating bills, going out to retrieve my mail and nearly freezing to death just to find out I got more bills and no one sent me any money to pay them!

At any rate, I thought I would share a few finds that will make you think of spring and perhaps add cheer to your drooping heart. Check these out!

This sweet and soft bunny pillow found at http://www.norajane.etsy.com/ :

From http://www.sugarandflour.etsy.com/.sugarandflour.etsy.com/ , these adorable and tasty looking bunny and carrot sugar cookies:

A pretty and inexpensive touch of spring from http://www.sallyrags.etsy.com/ :

And finally...everyone needs a new piece of clothing to wear to remind them it's nearly spring!

From http://www.sewinggeek.etsy.com/ :

Make sure to stop by these shops and see if it doesn't make you yearn for spring!

Since it is Almost Valentine's Day...

2009-02-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

When I began dating , (long ago) I knew there were certain qualities I had to have in a potential husband. A sense of humor was one of them. I tested every guy I seriously dated to see what kind of person they were in this capacity. My sister and I to this day call it the "dirt clod test."

Why? Because there once was a guy I dated in college who traveled over 8 hours to come see me one time. Since most of my family happened to be there and we all went out to the front yard to watch everyone practice golf swings. As they bent over, I would take tiny little clods of dirt and try to hit the obvious "target."

Everyone was cracking up except this guy. He kept a complete and expressionless face the whole time. Not even a slight smile....and he was like that the rest of the day. Ok, not everyone thinks things like that are funny. That's fine, but I knew then he wasn't for me.

When I began dating my husband of 20 plus years, we had just dated a short time when I decided he needed to be tested. ( I lacked dirt clods at the time, so I tested him another way... )

We sat in his living room and he got up to go to the restroom.

I saw a coat closet by his front door and saw it had slatted door. I got up quickly and hid in it and waited. Sure enough he comes back, looks startled, and begins wandering all over the place looking for me. He even went outside. I was terrible...I stayed in that closet for at least 15 minutes and watched him going and looking and looking so puzzled.

I finally called to him from behind the door and told him I was in the closet. He laughed and sort of shook his head at me. I think that was the beginning of what was to be a pattern in our marriage.

He still does that head shaking and chuckling at me , and with good reason I must confess. But at least I knew and still know he has a sense of humor, otherwise he would have never married me!

Wishing you all a special Valentine's Day with those you love!

Incredible Knitting

2009-02-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

Someone shared this link with me and it was so fascinating, I just had to share.

This lady knits with the tiniest knitting needles I have ever seen and makes exquisite knit wear in miniature size.

It's a must see if you do knitting, love miniature, or are into crafting of any kind!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT5MFdAB7fI

Let Me Rephrase That !

2009-02-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever said something and soon as the words came out you realized how bad , funny, or dumb it sounded? I know I sure have, more times than I care to admit..but I guess that's why we are supposed to think before we speak..something I really need improving on...(which is why I am careful about what I say in my blogs! :)

An example of this was when I was in a church business meeting once. I sat in the back in case I fell asleep, or wanted to make remarks to whomever I was sitting next to without being overheard...not that I would have said anything bad, mind you....

The pastor got up and made a solemn announcement, "There was a break- in in the church office last night ..." Everyone looked at each other tsking and tsking when he said this.

Someone asked if anything was taken. The pastor said, "Well, they did break into Mrs. Franklin's drawers, but they didn't take anything." (Mrs. Franklin was the rather prim and proper staunch church secretary...)

(Drawers??? Which kind of drawers???)

I overheard someone whispering rather loudly to their seat mate, "Bet they didn't find anything in her drawers they wanted!"

By that time several guffaws were heard, and a few even had to leave to collect themselves from laughing so hard. The funniest thing was, the pastor had no idea that what he had just said sounded so funny. At any rate, I never forgot it and still laugh about it to this day.

It did serve a purpose though, it made me rethink about saying things and having them come out in a way I never intended! It's great if it comes out and makes others laugh, but not so good when it makes someone mad!

The Silly Goose!

2009-01-31T17:29:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today how many times I have gotten myself in the most ridiculous predicaments one could imagine. Yes, I have and still do ...even though by now you would think a woman of my accumulated wisdom and maturity would not get into such situations- not so....

Take one summer when we lived in Indiana. It was a warm spring day. My then about 6 year old daughter came running in and saying a goose was chasing her. Huh? In a suburban neighborhood with no pond nearby? I go outside, and sure enough, there was a goose sitting by the fence of our home. What in the world it was doing there, I have no idea, but I suppose it could have had a nest or something nearby and was just guarding things.

I said, "Well stay away from it and maybe it will go away.." Next thing I know that goose takes off and chases my little girl and "bites' her on the leg. Ok, now that made me mad! I go, get a broom, and tried shooing it without hitting it. That goose didn't budge.

I thought about getting our new dog out and letting him chase the goose out of our yard, until I remembered our dog was just a pup, and would probably do nothing to scare the goose off. So, I go in and call animal welfare. Basically I was told I could do nothing to it, even though it was biting and chasing anyone who even so much as walked by. I didn't want to hurt it, I told them, I just wanted someone to get rid of it out of my yard. No help there, so I decided I would do things myself.

I brilliantly figured I could start up our push mower and chase it off the property by the noise and such. So... I started it up , started "chasing " the goose, and ended up mowing my entire front lawn and the goose went right back to his spot and sat down as if he were mocking me.... By this time, I was embarrassed and exasperated because the neighbors were actually coming out to watch the show.

It was then I remembered that my neighbor had two big old Bassett Hounds, (which never went for walks mind you!) and so I went to her door, knocked , and said, "Could I borrow your leash and use one of your dogs to chase this goose out of our yard? She gave me the leash attached to the dog and before I knew it, the dog took off like greased lightening. I actually lost my footing and fell, but I hung on like no tomorrow because that dog was chasing that goose and I didn't dare let go and lose the dog...my neighbor would have never forgiven me!

You know, that dog ran and ran and ran and I ended up going so far up into the neighborhood that it took me a while to walk back. I had to dig my heels in and almost sit to keep the Bassett Hound from taking me into the next town...

My face sure was red when I got back, from heat, frustration, from embarrassment at being the neighborhood clown, and the truth be known...from laughing at myself for being a cheap source of entertainment for the neighbors . The good news was that goose left and never came back, there was no nest to be found, and I made everyone around me laugh, so I was glad to be of some assistance, even at my own expense!

Things I Have Learned in Life

2009-01-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I ponder some things I have learned by trial and error, and also by simply oberving what happens to others when I see them doing something. Actually, I like the second better because I can feel less embarrassed because I didn't have to learn the hard way!

So, for now, I will post off and on some things I have personally learned while living on this earth...

1. Never call your mother- in- law "Mom", or she will think she is...(Of course, if you really need another mother, you can ignore this....)

2. Never stand next to a lit candle after hairspraying your hair .

3. Do not eat beans and cornbread with apple cider the night before you go on a long trip...you will never get there on time.

4. Don't wear a colored shirt when you are putting bleach into the wash water...or you will end up with a polka dot shirt-or two!

5. Pay attention to which cart is yours in a store..While in line at the store I once started sort of stepping up and down on the bottom bar to pass the time- and the lady in front of me gave me a dirty look and took her cart away from me...(oops, thought it was mine!)

6. People who think they know everything are annoying to us who do.

7. All the bad drivers seem to be out when I go somewhere ...

8. The only one who wants to attend my pity party is me, and that's no fun.

9. Money slips through my fingers like sand.

10. God REALLY does have a sense of humor.... just go to the zoo and see...or the shopping mall.... even church, sometimes!

11. Don't trust someone who says, "I can keep a secret".....

12. You can't buy what really matters in life

13. Remove the bones when making chicken and dumplings

14. When you don't know what to do, dont't do anything until you do know what to do. Do you know what I mean?

15. Be careful what you wish for....you may just get it and then you realize it wasn't what you thought...

16. Think long and hard before you say it ...words can never be retrieved, and people never forget. (I am working on that one!)

17. I need a bib whenever I eat out... I have the stained shirts to prove it.

18. Check your nostrils before a speaking engagement...

19. There will always be someone in your life who annoys you no matter where you are.

20. If something smells no matter where you go, check the bottom of your shoe.

That's it for now, stay tuned for more in the future!

Just a Few of my latest...

2009-01-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to restock my shop, and I have been buying tons of supplies this month so I can go on a making binge...my goal is to post at least one new item per day, sometimes more!

Here are a few of my latest....

Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes

William Shakespeare

Madame Pompadour

I have a small army of naked clothespins all wired and ready to be designed on , now if I can just get myself away from the computer and get to work!

All that Glitters is not Gold

2009-01-21T05:15:00.001-08:00

I have always found it very interesting how we look at people that are famous, glamorous, seem to have it all going on for them and yet if we only knew...

A lot of the time when I make my characters, I have to do research to find out more about this famous icon. I am always surprised by what I find in most cases.

Take Clara Bow for instance...

She was a very famous starlet in the flapper era, and looking at her pictures you see a young woman who from all appearances is young, beautiful. very rich, and apparently having fun. But after I read about her very tragic life, it made me realize how often people mislead themselves into thinking that what someone else's life has is better than theirs.

I haven't delved into the biographies of any well known person without thinking by the end of the book that I was glad I wasn't them! If one is rich, they seem to have to worry about how to get richer...or keep it all. If one is poor, they have to struggle with survival in paying bills and eating and everything else. Even being beautiful has it's difficulties... (not that I have THAT problem! :) You get critiqued for every zit, cellulite bump, sagging flesh or wrinkle that shows. Then you feel you have to shell out all kinds of dough to fix your perceived flaws to pretend to the world that you aren't aging or human in your flaws.

If someone is famous or rich, they are still not exempt from tragedies and illnesses, (as in the example of John Travolta or Patrick Swayze). The idolized are not all very happy, no matter what face they may show to the world . Every job or title that makes us think that a person has it made is simply not so. There are situations in every single life that are not to be envied.

Which is why I am content to have the life I have. It may seem typical, may be even humdrum to some, but I wouldn't trade it for anyone else. Do I have problems? Sure do! Do I wish for other things? Sometimes, but if I take a reality check, I realize that I really am fortunate in what I have and have no real reason to complain-(But admittedly I still do complain sometimes!)

As I look back over my life, I can see that things were being worked out during the not so good times and I didn't even know it - or think so at the time. And, while some things still don't make sense, I also know I don't know everything so I probably wouldn't understand the why of every situation even if it was explained to me. Turning to God in difficult times is my biggest source of peace... it really is!

A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2009-01-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

You know? It is pretty hard to feel too sick when you are laughing at something. Of course, when you aren't feeling so hot, laughing is much harder to do!

I am a person who must have humor in my life- yes, I know I have shocked you all by saying that, but it's true. There is a time to laugh, and there is a time to be serious- but to be honest, I will take the laughing times over the serious as being the most fun.

So, in order to perhaps bring a chuckle or two into your day, I have decided to sporadically post some funny things I have found from time to time, and hopefully, they will make you smile or snicker, or if that is too taxing, perhaps at least bring a weak and watery smile to your face.

(It's better than nothing!)

Things to ponder......

-People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who really do.

-A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you are in deep water...

-You know you are dieting when postage stamps taste good!

-Would a fly without wings be called a "walk" ?

-What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?

-Why does your nose run, and your feet smell?

-Why is it we call people liars, but we never call people truthers?

-For as long as I can remember, I've had amnesia....

Stay tuned in the days ahead for more little bits of humor to be posted !

Why Do We Do It?

2009-01-14T05:16:00.001-08:00

My older sister and I have had a lot of conversations about this...we both have to have some kind of creative outlet....

For her , it has been crocheting, ( you should see the beautiful mufflers and scarves that she does ), piano playing , ( she plays wonderfully ), running a used book booth , and her latest...learning to quilt. I received a quilt from her this past Christmas, and when she showed me another one she had made for a gift exchange, I talked her into selling it to me. ( I didn't want anyone else in the family to get it , you see.....)

Now the only thing I might be able to crochet is a string...and that is good for only a few things...dental floss perhaps, a string bikini, ( which would look really bad on me )... or as a reminder bracelet to help remind me not to crochet. As far as the piano goes, I attempted to learn twice in my life- and I realized I was never going to really get it. It simply wasn't where my talent was. Quilting scares me, so I haven't tried it yet, but I would be willing to bet it is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together..and I have never had the patience for jigsaw puzzles!

That being said, I do have my own areas of creativity. I have always enjoyed drawing pictures, painting, cooking , ( although my last two dinners have for some reason been what I deemed flops ), and of course, character creating.

I have found the older I get, the more my drive to find something to keep my mind focused on doing that which uses the fun side of my imagination.... and is in no way related to raising four teenagers, housework, and other assorted, annoying life circumstances. I think that is why most of us do artwork or crafts of some kind.

Even my husband nodded his head in agreement when we were talking about this very subject the other night. He knew what I meant. I laughingly said, " I have to do this to keep from going insane." I think that is why Hubby has been doing a lot of remodeling in our basement. With the job market being shaky for a lot, with the pressures of daily life, and all the other assorted surprises life throws, a creative outlet is a nice thing to take your mind off of things

When I go into the craft and fabric stores, they are almost always crowded . I think nearly every person has a need to create or design , even if it is related to building , art, working on a new idea to improve, writing, or just doing anything that is bringing an idea into tangible fruitation.

No matter who you are, I bet you have a special God given talent for making or doing something that sets you apart. We all do, and to me that is what is fun about trying new things. You never know what hidden ability lurks beneath and what will happen when you start doing it. Look at Grandma Moses, she was really old before she started painting, and look where it led her!

Your creative side may seem dormant, but if you dig deep enough, you may be surprised at the creativity that comes out if you give it a try!

50th Anniversaries..

2009-01-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

I sure do admire it when I hear about couples who have managed to make it through all kinds of marital weather and hit the 5o years mark. I have watched them and wondered who put up with who in order to do so!

Now, I am not sure why or where this comes from, but for some reason it seems that when parents are going to celebrate their 5o years of marriage, their grown kids are supposed to come up with a big idea on how they should celebrate. That seems like it would be a big problem to me...

You mean the 3 or 5 or whatever number of siblings that grew up together, fought and rivaled, and then went separate ways are supposed to come together and agree on a way that their parents should celebrate the big 50? Who came up with that nutty idea ??

When my parents 5oth came up not so long ago, they kept saying they were going to do something special just for themselves...like a trip or something. My sister and I figured that was good, since my brother wasn't' really involved with any family gatherings any way, (another story! ) and so that was something that would work out without us having to plan something we didn't really want to plan. A week before their anniverary, Dad decided they WERE going to have a big celebration with catered food, gospel singing, and a list of other things. Yipes! No amount of pleading would change his mind to at least postpone things so it could be better planned, so my sister and I had the rather embarrassing task of calling people up at the very last minute and asking if they could come help celebrate.

To make a long story short, it did turn out all right, even though I have to say that if my sister and I had planned it ourselves, it would have never been done that way...but if they were happy, I guess that was good. But I still don't understand why the kids are supposed to plan it...

Now, at my husband's side, we are facing another 5oth dilemma. His mom wants to plan her own celebration and her husband told her it wasn't the parent's job to do so..(What????) so she gets irritated and basically said forget it...Hubby's four other siblings have decided they are going to plan it all, (Hubby is not happy about this!) and have planned this big party that will cost an arm and a leg and is basically being planned without his mom's wishes being recognized. (In fact, one of the sons told her to basically stay out of it because they had it taken care of!-(Can you believe the nerve?)

I told Hubby that knowing his mom as I do, a beautiful trip to England would be what her dream 50th celebration would be. She's gone there at least 3 times, with a friend, because my father- in -law refuses to go anywhere like that. He hates traveling. You would think though, that for such a momentous occasion as a 50th that he would swallow his dislike and go on this one trip of a lifetime with her for her sake... but evidently it's not meant to be, though.

Hubby and I have talked about all this mess over and over. We told our teens on the way home from visiting his side just this past holiday that for our 50th ,we want them to stay out of it, let us celebrate it the way we want... which is most likely going to be a private, fun trip with just the two of us...no crowds or kids hovering over us. And in my way of thinking, that is the way it should be. Because that is how it all began, just the two of us!

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T18:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-12-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-16T17:18:00.001-08:00

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!)