Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives

New listings at Lemonpoppyseeds

2011-12-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

I've listed a new Snowman lamp, a Santa and several snowmen at Lemon Poppyseeds. The snowman lamp is unique. I found the lamp at a tag sale....it was meant to be a patio lamp burning oil. I converted it and it now has a LED candle that uses 2 AA batteries and requires no cord.
The snowman is handmade and he's actually stitched to the lamp. The top of the lamp lifts off to turn the candle on.

Busy busy

2011-12-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas is closing in fast and I'm not slowing down yet. I listed a couple of items in my Etsy shoppes today. This wonderful Santa is at Lucy's Lazy Dayz Folk Art. He was featured in the winter 2012 issue of Art Doll Quarterly and is so much more beautiful in person. He's the ultimate make-do. He's a half body soft sculpted, fabric santa assembled over a bird cage.
I've finished my Christmas orders, got my Christmas cards mailed, decorations up and now I'm going to start working on the patterns for all the great new creations I came up with during 2011. Included will be standing rabbits and bears, standing Santas, scarecrows, a new witch, new snowmen, and more. I'll be sure to announce the new patterns in my blog soon as they are finished. I'll also be sending out newsletters to everyone on my mailing list when they become available. If you want to sign up for my mailing list, go to my website Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives and fill in the sign-up form.

New Primitive Santa at Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives

2011-11-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

These wonderful primitive Santa dolls are available at Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives. The bottom of their bodies is rag stuffed which gives them weight so they sit very well. They are a Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives design completely handmade, signed, and dated by Lucy.

New Snowman

2011-11-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

I'm finishing snowmen and I've just listed the first one. The one shown on the bottom left with the cardinal. The Snowman in the mitten will be listed later today...there's already another version of him on my website, Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives.
While there, don't forget to check out the Santas. There are many different sizes and styles all designed and handmade by me, Lucy.
Everything I make is made with love and pride. I rarely use glue because I think stitched on accessories are much nicer. The candy canes, birdhouse and cardinal are all stitched in place.
If you're in the area of Tomah, WI, I have a nice selection of dolls at both Country Spirit, a shop in downtown Tomah next to the library as well as at The Antique Mall of Tomah on highway 21 by the interstate and Humbird Cheese.

New Santa make dos

2011-11-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

These beautiful Santas are Make-dos. I made them on spindles from a tiered wooden table. They have nice plump bodies under their clothing and stand on a nice 4" diameter wooden base. They're 18" tall with needle sculpted faces and they're just beautiful. See them on my website, Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives.

HALLOWEEN MAN in Autumn 2011 Prims Magazine

2011-09-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Carol Yapel from Butternut Creek Folkart emailed me a couple of days ago to congratulate me on being published in Prims magazine, available October 1st.
It was a total surprise and I was afraid to believe it (I believed Carol but it didn't seem real).
I got my issue today and there was my Halloween man. I'm still a little stunned. Here's the photo I took before he left for California........

Folk Art Black Raggedy doll Rootie Tootie

2011-08-20T03:54:00.000-07:00

I've just listed Rootie Tootie on my website. This doll is a nice large doll that sits in a child's chair as if it were made for her. She's got that wonderful ragdoll poseable floppiness and the lower part of her body is rag stuffed so she has good weight. Her eyes are buttons stitched to applique'd muslin circles stitched to her face. Her other facial features are hand embroidered and her beautiful fly-away hair is untwisted rayon cord that my mother purchased in 1942 for a project she never completed. It's tied in knots that are hand stitched to her head.

I have to share this photo

2011-07-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't this wonderful? Karla purchased the pattern for Hester Prynne and altered her legs to make her stand.
I'm always amazed at the creativity you ladies show. I love the orange polka dots and the ruffles on her leggings are priceless!

New listings on Lemon Poppyseeds

2011-07-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

These lovely ladies are my newest addition to LEMON POPPYSEEDS. The doll on the left is JellyBean The color of her dress just reminds me of those candies. She has wonderful 7" long feet and the most beautiful soft sculpted face.
The doll on the right is Stella a 28 1/2" tall cupboard doll. She's show here sitting but she looks wonderful hung by the thread I've attached to the back of her neck. She's made of fabric with a wonderful texture to the weave and after painting and staining, she looks as if she were made of coarse grained leather. Very unusual. Her muslin sheep, also handmade is stitched into her arms.

SO MUCH FUN

2011-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

2 years ago, I met Carol Yapel (the owner of Farley's Country Store in Chardon, Ohio AND one of the regulars on Prim Chat at blog talk radio) in person for the first time! We'd met ealier on the internet thanks to an internet radio show.
She came though Wisconsin again this year on her vacation trip to the boundary waters of northern Minnesota. She contacted me when they started home and I met up with her and her husband, Tim, in Tomah when they stopped for a bit of lunch.
It was so much fun to see them again and have time to talk in person!

New listing - Standing Folk Art Pumpkin Boy

2011-07-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've just listed this new doll on my website LUCY'S LAZY DAYZ PRIMITIVES. This new pumpkin boy is 20" tall and stands by himself
He is made of muslin. The "ribs" of his pumpkin face are needle sculpted for that authentic pumpkin look. He's been stained with my coffee/vanilla mixture and painted with a nice rich, orange paint.
His eyes, nose, and mouth are also painted and the eyes and nose each have a white "highlight".
Elmer stands with the aid of wooden support INSIDE his body. He stands on a piece of oak, recycled from the top of a vintage table. The wood still has remnants of the original paint in spite of being sanded. I sealed and waxed it. He's permanently attached to the base which has a bit of moss glued around the fronts of his feet.

If you are feeling very creative, the pattern is available as well. Both can be seen by clicking on the WHAT'S NEW button.

Fall Folk Art Pumpkin head make do with mouse pattern

2011-07-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

This Pumpkin head scarecrow is one one of the new patterns I've listed on my website. He's available as one of the patterns on my Fourth of July weekend pattern sale on my website Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives.

HUGE PATTERN SALE

2011-06-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

LUCY’S LAZY DAYZ PRIMITIVES IS HAVING A SALE TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY!

THIS SALE WILL RUN THROUGH TUESDAY FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT MISS IT BECAUSE YOU WERE OUT OF TOWN FOR THE WEEKEND

Get 5 Epatterns for $20 OR now you can get 4 mailed paper patterns for $30
Use the buy it now button below or on my website.
Put the names of the patterns you want in paypal’s comment box when you pay.....it'll be easier for you if you choose the patterns you want and write down the names before you you pay..OR you can email me with the pattern names. Emailed digital patterns are 5 for $20mailed paper patterns are 4 for $30

EMAILED DIGITAL PATTERNS
MAILED PAPER PATTERNS

Customer made dolls using Lucy's lazy Dayz Primitive Patterns

2011-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

These were made by Chris from Cedaredge, CO. The pattern on the left is Pru Priddy. I love the floral prints she used. The boys on the right are Lil Squirt but Chris paired them up with the pig from Pru's pattern...so great! Kudos Chris! The boys could also be made as white dolls and the girls as black dolls...I've done that!

Primitive Folk Art Uncle Sam Freedom

2011-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've just added this wonderful Uncle Sam on my website, Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives.

An original design, completely hand made by me, this 36 inch tall Uncle Sam, sits 23” high from “butt” to top of hat.

He’s made of muslin with a needle sculpted nose and mouth and stitched fingers. He’s been stained with a coffee/vanilla mixture. His eyes are sewn on buttons and he has clean raw wool, hair and goatee.

Primitive Folk Art Witch with caged skeleton under her skirt

2011-06-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you expect this would happen to the woman who tried to marry this witch's boyfriend? This one-of-a-kind piece is available in my Etsy shoppe Lucys Lazy Dayz Folk Art.

She will be mailed US Priority Mail and arrive signed and dated. AND shipping is FREE in the US.

SALE * SALE * SALE * SALE

2011-05-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives is having a sale to celebrate Memorial Day. 5 epatterns for $20

THIS SALE WILL RUN THROUGH TUESDAY FOR EVERYONE THAT WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR THE WEEEKEND.

Just click on the word SALE to go to my website.
find the 5 patterns you want (you can buy more if you like) and write down the names.......
Click on the buy it now button
After you pay, there's a comment box...just put the names of the 5 patterns in the box .....if you forget or get confused just send me an email...............lazydayzlucy@hotmail and tell me.

I'll send your e patterns as soon as I receive notification of payment. That's it....This is the first time I've done this so enjoy!

Primitive Folk Art Uncle Sam Eagle make do

2011-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've just added this wonderful 19" Uncle Sam Make Do to my website,

He's a perfect piece whether you collect Folk Art, Americana, eagles, or make dos. He's made of muslin with soft sculpted wings. I've hand painted him and added button eyes and a nice little Uncle Sam hat. The brim of the hat is lined and the hat has fiber fill inside to help it hold it's shape. The hat and wings are hand stitched to the body and the body is stitched and wired to the wooden base....no glue used here. I've added a tag to the wire with the title "American Pride". He's also signed, "designed and made with love, Lucy Rox".

Primitive Folk Art soft sculpture uncle sam doll on tricycle

2011-04-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is how Uncle Sam would look riding a tricycle, isn't it? His legs and arms are wired with fairly heavy wire so he can maintain that awkward pointy elbow and knee look.

I had the tricycle and thought I could use it to make a really different, wonderful doll. The idea for Sam woke me up at 5:00 one morning and I started it right away.

He's attached (almost invisibly) to the tricycle with wire and sewing thread. I drilled tiny holes through the seat and the bottoms of the handle grips. His feet are stitched to the pedals.

You"ll find him in my Etsy shoppe, Lucy's Lazy Dayz Folk Art

Primitive black angel w star

2011-04-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is the latest addition to my website. Meet HOPE. She's made of heavily textured fabric and the painting and sanding make her skin look like old leather. She's made to hang but sits so nicely. I love her cheesecloth over wire wings. They're the perfect touch. Notice they're not too big? That's because she's a new angel..they'll grow a little every time she gives hope to people.

You'll find more information about her and how she's made on the listing on my website.

Folk Art Father's Day rooster with egg cart pull toy

2011-04-09T04:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest? The little cart is hand made from a grapevine basket. I removed the handle and inserted an axle with wooden wheels. The egg is wood and it's nestled in dried grass. Available at http://www.LucysLazyDayzFolkArt.etsy.com

Handmade Art Fair

2011-03-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

It's finally Spring Time!

Come on over to Handmade Art Fair to help celebrate our April 1, 2011 Spring Extravaganza where you will find new listings and give-a-ways by some of our artists.

You will find sweet handmade items to help you usher in Spring and hopefully add a much needed ray of sunshine and smiles after a long cold Winter.

Visit Handmade Art Fair often.

We have updates almost daily!

New Primitive Soft Sculpture Black doll w cat

2011-03-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

I just added this little lady with her cat in my ETSY
shop. She has a full head of hair. That little kitty is handmade with a needle sculpted face and trust me, he has attitude.

New source for Printable Feed sack Logos

2011-03-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

My sister, Sandra, now has printable feed sack designs available on her Etsy site, SandrasBohemianBags. Each one is a PDF, is $4.50, and comes in 4 sizes plus reverse images for iron ons in each packet.

There is no watermark on what you purchase and there is no "designed by" or "copyrighted by" to spoil the effect of the vintage logo.

This is one of them. she also has rabbit pellets, chicken feed, goat pellets, and pig feed.

Primitive Folk Art Black Raggedy with pull toy cat

2011-03-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Who can resist this face? And that hair!? I've just listed this little cutie on my website . You can choose her, the cat or both.

Rootie Tootie (the doll) is made of muslin and hand embroidered with vintage rayon cord hair stitched in place. The pull toy cat is also handmade by me. He has a mouse dangling from his tail and reproduction vintage thread spool wheels. As always, shipping is FREE.

The pattern is also available for the doll. The link is on the page with her listing. No pattern for the cat yet.........

Little itty bitty raggedy

2011-03-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest pair--especially when you know the large one is 13 1/2" tall and the other is only 8 1/2" tall? They sit 8 1/2" high and 5 1/4" high respectively. I just designed the smaller one and they're listed on my website with quite a lot of other new offerings. There are raggedies with a full head of hair, a new black doll with very large feet, and some wonderful new lady rabbits with hand A-line pinafores made from vintage hand embroidered tablecloths, pillowcase ends, and dresser scarf ends. I've also just listed a 42" prairie doll again.

News and new listings

2011-03-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

First off, Rusty Tin Roof has just released the Spring issue. It has great articles and a FREE pull toy sheep pattern from your's truly! There are other downloadable patterns as well as crafting ideas.

Second, my sister Sandra is designing printable feed sacks. The first one is now available in her ETSY shop Sandra's Bohemian Bags. She's working on a Chicken Feed sack next.

And finally, I've been making Raggedies like crazy. The newest ones are listed on my What's New Page and there are a few more listed under Raggedies on my website. The doll you see at the left has a full head of hair. She wears a dress made of vintage fabric and a pinafore made from a vintage, hand embroidered pillowcase. Oh yes, I've got a raggedy in my own ETSY shop that is not on my website. She's an absolute beauty.

New Little Humpty Dumpty

2011-02-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

I've been busy sewing as you can see from the little Humpty Dumpty I've just listed on my website . He's 12" long but sits only 6" high with 6" off dangling leg. He's made of muslin and is soft sculpted and stained and painted. His pants are wool and the shirt and tie are cotton fabric. I'm showing you the doll I just finished but he's also available as a pattern, either mailed or emailed. The pattern includes his larger brother who's 2" larger and phone or email support if you need help.

As well as this great new doll, I've added several raggedies, a couple of prairie dolls as well as needle felted sheep in the past week. The sheep are something new and I'm really proud of them. They're needle felted on a body made from recycled wool and they're so soft to the touch.

If you've been disappointed that your favorite pattern is not available as an epattern , contact me and ask for it--I'll get to it sooner rather than later. I'm trying to make epatterns available for all of them. but it's taking a little longer than expected.

New Year New Ventures

2011-01-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I posted and I must apologize. I've been incredibly busy with new designs. With spring in mind, I've designed several rabbits that stand by themselves..3 are shown in the photo on the left. I've listed some on my website and in my new ETSY shop LucysLazyDayzFolkArt. There are more coming soon as well as new bears, something I haven't make in a really long time.
I've also been experimenting with needle felted sheep..photos coming soon. I just wanted to let you know I haven't disappeared, I've just been super busy with the holidays and the end of the year bookwork as well as the new designs.

Witches, witches and more witches

2010-10-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Delude! Isn't she the best? I wanted to experiment and play with things I've never done before so I attempted the scariest thing ever..........After I sculpted, stained and dried the doll; I painted her "skin" white and then painted and drew her facial features. No room for error her..........you can't successfully erase it so I'm so pleased and excited with the results I had to show them off! She's listed on my website under Halloween (of course) but also at the Lemon Poppyseeds Halloween shoppes.

Busy Busy

2010-08-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm busy as ever creating new Halloween items for my webstores as well as the shops where I consign. I have to show you 2 of my new designs. The first is this awesome pumpkin witch. the head has ribbed segments just like the real thing. The hat is wired and poseable. The base is wood, not a candlestick but my own creation made from a table leg and other wood pieces. The one on the right has a burlap scarecrow hat with a crow nested in the florals. They're so much fun to do and I keep designing new versions. Check my website because I keep adding more.

Sylvanie Synester - 53 Inch tall witch

2010-07-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't this witch awesome? She's made of muslin and she's 53+ inches tall. The hat is wired and can be pulled up higher. I added "ragg" to the bottom of her body so she sits really well. I also put a hanging loop on the back of her hat so she can "stand". I needle sculpted her nose and lips. I wish the black lips didn't resemble a mustache...next time I think I'll make them either green or a dark purple-red. The hat band is black nylon net with polka dots woven in. There's also a wild turkey feather in the hatband. She has shank buttons down the front of the bodice as well as on the 6" long cuffs on her sleeves. I couldn't resist giving her a nice splashy ring and of course it seemed necessary to "paint" her fingernails black too. Did I mention her fingers are wired so they're poseable? Her hair is nice curly wool. You can't see her shoes but they have high heels and black half ball buttons up the outside of each shoe. Oh yes, her pantaloons are a dingy gray...no white on this lovely lady.

BUTTON BUTTON, WHO NEEDS A BUTTON?

2010-07-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Do you need buttons? I've listed a lot of over 7 pounds of buttons on ebay with $10.70 flat rate shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300444376260

These are buttons I decided I probably wouldn't use--I seem to use the same styles and colors over and over. This is part of my stash, my mom's stash, my Grandma's stash and gifts from neighbors and friends.

Shelley Jean and her pull toy chenille sheep

2010-06-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

I finished dressing this adorable little girl last night and when I was taking her photo I realized that this sheep pull toy is just the right size to belong with her. so, I listed her on my website and discovered a way to offer a discount if you purchase both at the same time.She's listed here. Her sheep is made from a vintage chenille bedspread and I constructed the base myself from wood, wooden wheels, and screws.

I have so much fun designing and making my dolls but I must admit I enjoy posing them for photos just as much if not more.

Primitive Folkart Chickens

2010-06-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun creating new things. These primitive chickens made of osnaburg are the latest. My friend has one similar to the black chicken and before I'd finished painting her, I had ideas for a half dozen different chicken designs. I'm going to make roosters soon too. I've listed these on my website at Lucy's Lazy Dayz Primitives. There are new pull toy critters and dolls as well.

Note: There will be a pattern when I get my version done and figure out how to fit it on 8 1/2" x 11" pages. SOON--I promise!

Primitive Folkart Pigs

2010-06-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

I've just added 2 of the sweetest piggies you've ever seen. The pull toy pig to the right is 4 1/2" tall and 5 1/2" long not including his tail and his pull rope. The ends of his wooden spool wheels have images I created when I scanned vintage thread spools and made duplicates. I've listed both the pull toy and the pattern (mailed or emailed) for sale on my website. Just click here to go to the page where they're listed.

The pig below is listed on the same page as a finished pig. He's also made of muslin and he's a big guy....13 3/4" tall and 20 " long, not including his tail. He's a

very versatile piece that can be hung on a wall or used on a bench as a pillow.

He's listed on the same page as the other piggie.

Don't like the color? I can make the pig solid beige, black or rust. Or with rust spots or black on the ends and beige in the middle. As always, both are stained with my coffee/vanilla mixture and smell amazing.

Annie Ann Pattern

2010-06-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

Did it! The Annie Ann pattern is finished and available on my website as a mailed pattern or digital pattern that I can email to you within minutes or hours of your ordering ---it depends on whether I'm home or not.

New Halloween Pumpkin Man Pattern

2010-06-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

FIRST I HAVE TO TELL YOU THE ANNIE ANN PATTERN IS NEARLY FINISHED AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW.

I just listed the pattern for Harvey. He has a needle sculpted head and painted features. The pattern includes that wonderful ear of corn (made from chenille bedspread and muslin), the crow, and his burlap hat as well as the rest of his clothing. It's going to be featured in the Aug/Sep Country Sampler Magazine and is available as either a mailed pattern or epattern. He's a wonderful doll...25" tall. You can get your pattern early. If you want the finished doll, send me an email requesting the finished one.

Lady America and Sam Patriot

2010-06-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've just listed several new dolls including a Lady America and Sam Patriot designed to go together. They're perfect for 4th of July decorating. You can find them and several more offerings on my WHAT'S NEW page.

Sam's already a pattern, Lady America will be a pattern soon.

New Listings on my website

2010-06-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've just listed 4 new dolls on my website including the adorable little Annie Anne shown on the left. She's my latest design (pattern and epattern coming later this week......I'll post it here) and probably the cutest little Raggedy Anne I've made yet. There's also a small Mammy doll with hoop earrings, a wonderful beehive and an Uncle Sam that was featured in country Sampler magazine.

After you've looked at my new offerings, check out some of the other items I have to offer. There are amazing cats in different poses and colors. I have several raggedies, both black and white. There are many offerings in the dolls, Americana, Halloween and other categories.

More Christmas space at the Tomah Cranberry Mall

2010-06-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 photos of the right half of my space. It was so much fun. The entire wall above is peg board for wreaths. The shutters were attached with the louvres on the outsides ends to point up so I can easily hook S hooks onto it and hang dolls, wreaths and stitcherys. You'll notice I have empty spots to fill right away but it was so hard calculating how much I could fit in the space. I put toys under the Christmas tree including a vintage wicker cradle with raggedies sitting in it.

I enjoy making very large items like 5 foot tall standing snowmen--much too large to ship but I could put them here! Thanks everyone for looking and for your comments. I appreciate the feedback. This is the ideal store. I can arrange it to suit myself and yet I don't have to be available all day to work there so I can create to my hearts content.

Christmas year round at Tomah Cranberry Mall

2010-06-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 photos showing the left end and middle of my new Christmas year round space at the Cranberry Mall in Tomah, WI. The Cranberry Mall is on the south side of the Tomah Antique Mall located at Hwy I94 on Hwy 21 East. It's an opportunity for people to find handmade collectible Santas, snowmen, ornaments and other winter and Christmas related gifts at any time of the year. Open nearly every day of the year except New Years, Christmas, Easter,and Thanksgiving. Summer hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sun and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM the rest of the week.

Extreme Primitive Beehive pattern

2010-05-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

The pattern for this wonderful extreme primitive beehive with bees is now available on my website as a mailed pattern or e pattern or go to PATTERNMART for an instant download---same price.

And for those of you who don't sew,,,,don't fret. I've added the FINISHED BEEHIVE to my website.

Beehive for summer

2010-05-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Beehives and bees sort of belong to summer don't they? My friend was taking a wicker love seat to be sand blasted and repainted and wanted the fabric removed--all that was left was the burlap backing and she didn't want it so I brought it home for inspiration. I set it in front of my sewing machine so it could inspire while I worked. I glanced up and caught sight of a new snowman design and beehive sprang to mind. I used Mary's loveseat burlap for the prototype but now make them from decorator burlap (nicer weave and less "smelly".

The bees are muslin with black fiberglass window screen wings. When the pattern is ready (later today I hope) I'll post the link here. The finished beehive is available for sale on my website. The finished beehive comes with a generous amount of Spanish Moss to spread under it.

Armed Forces Days Craft Show

2010-05-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Armed Forces Days and since our town is located very near a military installation, they had a celebration complete with parades, street dances, carnival, volleyball tournament, horseshoe tournament, softball tournament, rummage and bake sales and I hosted a craft show for several local crafters. It was colorful, fun, and showed off our wares to people who came to town to participate in the fun. We all had flyers and/or business cards to hand out because when people come to an event like this, they don't necessarily plan to spend money.

Now they know how to find us when they do plan to make a purchase.

My cat enjoyed the weekend more than anyone. She lay in the middle of the drive way where many people could admire her "great beauty" and of course pet her. She's one of the 7 cats I adopted after they either strayed from their home or were abandoned by former owners.

New Listing on Lemon Poppyseeds

2010-04-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the most wonderful cat? His nose and lips are needle sculpted. His wonderful pointy teeth make his grin just the tiniest bit gruesome. His eyes are vintage metal buttons from a man's work shirt. They've lost most of the blue enamel paint they were originally coated with, thanks to those lovely old wringer washing machines........my daddy's work shirt buttons looked the same way when I was a little girl. You can find this cat and a few other offerings at my Lemon Poppyseeds shop. While there, don't forget to check out the offerings from all the other talented artists who exhibit their wares over there.

The other half

2010-04-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Sandy LaCoursiere has her wares on the left end of the wall of fence in the Cranberry Mall in Tomah. I wanted to share a couple photos of her paintings and Eric's hand crafted shelves and table.

Sandy paints on both wood and canvas and each painting is done one at a time.

Eric does beautiful work and his creations can be ordered in other colors. To see more of their work, check out the website, Country Spirit.

New Pear Make-Do

2010-04-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

These are the 2 sides of the same pear make do. Just think--You can change it every day just by turning it around. It's listed on Lemon Poppyseeds as well as on my website and it's only $29 with FREE SHIPPING.

New Adventure

2010-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I've found a new place to showcase my creations. I've rented space in Tomah, WI, at the Cranberry Mall . If you click on the words, you can visit their website for the hours they're open and directions.

I had to share photos. At this time it includes some spring and a mixture of everyday and fall. The bottom left photo is the left end of the space, the top left photo is the middle of the space and the top right photo is the right end of the space.

I built the fence in sections and assembled it when I got there. Isn't it fun?

Sunshine Award

2010-03-16T04:43:00.000-07:00

This is a first for me so I am feeling very, very honored.

Special Thanks goes out to...Suzanne of Poplar Street Prims for nominating me !
Please visit her blog and check out her wonderful offerings!

The conditions when accepting this award:
* Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
* Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
* Link the nominees within your post.
* Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Be sure to check out their blogs!!

Butternut Creek Folkart
Chickenlips Folk Art
Olde Homestead Barn
Plainworker Primitives
Sagewood Farm
Sassafrashill Primitives
Skunk Hollow Country Store
The Goodewife of Washington County
Sandras Bohemian Bags
Lemon Poppy Seeds
Yorkies Primitives
Stitches n Strokes

New Make-dos

2010-03-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

I've listed some wonderful new make-dos. These are such fun and would look good in nearly any situation in your country or primitive home. Click on the photo to see the rest of the make-dos.

New Listings On Lemon Poppyseeds

2010-03-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

I've listed several new offerings in my Lemon Poppyseeds shoppe. Spring isn't just bunnies although you'll find quite a few of them as well. These are 2 of my newest creations. I'll be working on the pattern that will include the bat make do as well as flying and hanging bats. As long as you don't have to try to hunt down the bat flying through your house at 2:00 AM, they can be fun. Lucy

New Radio Show

2010-02-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Beginning Monday March 1st at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time there will be a new radio show. If you click on the image it will take you to the show and you can book mark the page.
Here is a list of Talented Artists who are Joining us LIVE for our First Show

Nancy De Rosa from Stitches n Strokes
Dawn Pitzer from Harvest Blessings
Lucy from Lucy’s Lazy Dayz Primitives
Terri from The Pattern Cupboard
Vicky from Olde Homestead Barn

If you can't listen live, the show is podcast so you can listen when it's convenient...or even listen 2 or 3 times.

FREE ADVERTISING

2010-02-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

Rusty Tin Roof Ezine is looking for advertisers---You can get a FREE coupon spot in the next issue.

Click on the image and send me the information below This is only good for the first 10 people to contact me...........I have 1 already.

Heres what I need from you~
1 Business name
2- URL
3- Business email
4-in 25 words or less a brief description of your sale or special

You can do it too

2010-02-16T04:15:00.000-08:00

These wonderful folk art santas were made by Cherie, Reynolds of East Lansing Michigan. She used my Roly Poly Santa pattern. The Santa on the left is made from a man's robe. The santa on the right is made from decorator fabric. Aren't they beautiful?

New dolls everwhere

2010-02-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

I've listed lots of new dolls, rabbits and cats on my website as well as on my ETSY shop. This morning I listed this adorable Belindy . Click on the photo to visit my ETSY shop.

You'll find several new patterns as well as finished items on my website. Just wander on over to MY WEBSITE and click on the What's New button in the column on the left hand side.

Free Coupons

2010-02-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Would you like to advertise FREE in Rusty Tin Roof ezine? I'moffering free coupons to the fist 10 people who'd like to offer a coupon special on their website, blog, or etsy shoppe.

The catch? You have to put a link to the ezine on the site you advertise. It helps you and the magazine. Haven't ever read themagazine? Check it out--it's downloadable. You need Java and Adobe reader. Here's the link RUSTY TIN ROOF.

If you're interested, comment on this post and include your email address so I can contact you.

Like my new Humpty Dumpty Rabbit? He's available on my website today and he's also available as a pattern on both my website and as an instant download at PATTERNMART.

Calico Cats

2010-01-10T08:31:00.000-08:00

I love cats and make pretty good muslin cats. I was recently asked by a customer if I could paint one of my cats to look like her calico cat as a gift for her mother. I've painted cats with splotches before -- calico cat style, so I said sure. She emailed me a photo and it turned out to be a long haired cat and I had no idea how to do that. I played with it a bit and did lots of experimenting. I thought about every painting show and video I ever saw, and to my surprise, my "Juno" is a pretty good impression of her "Juno". She liked it enough she ordered a second one for herself.

Black Snowmen

2009-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I recently wanted to make a special gift for a friend who collects BLACK DOLLS ONLY. I visited the website of another friend who I knew makes them, because I had no idea what they should look like. Sue from Rabbit Hollow Prims had some cute ones and after I saw them on her website, I was able to turn one of my white snowmen into a black snowman for my friend. If you click on him, you can make the photo large for better detail. Isn't he just the cutest?

SNOWMEN

2009-12-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

I've been making snowmen ever since Halloween and wanted to share. Some of these are still available at Country Spirit in Tomah Wisconsin. Most of them have Christmas tree lights or candle lamps that light up. They range in size from 24" to 52" tall. My favorite is the little guy on wooden skates (top row left side).

The snowman in the top right photo shown has a hobby horse style red nosed reindeer just visible over his shoulder. The pattern is available at The Prim Pattern The snowman with the swag of greens is dripping with icicles (click on the photo to enlage it for better detail.)

Halloween

2009-11-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

For Halloween, we get together with our neighbor's family and "haunt" and scare this part of town. I had to share a few of the photos..........one of them is me....can you guess which?

It was only 32 degrees and very windy so the witch had a winter coat under her shawl.

This person is sitting under a table with her head poking through.

Needle Felting

2009-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

I just found the best place to learn how to needle felt doll hair. Cedara (Tracy Dun) of Thru the Attic Door covers the subject perfectly.

Cranfest

2009-09-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend, September 25th to 27th, there's a wonderful fall festival in Warrens, Wisconsin called Cranfest. There are thousands of vendors with country, primitive, antique, modern, new, and used items not to mention all kinds of food and entertainment. If you're in the area you might want to go.

I consign my dolls in a shop in nearby Tomah Wi called COUNTRY SPIRIT. It's on Superior Avenue near downtown Tomah. You can find out more about the shop by clicking on the shop name and it'll take you to the website. I wanted to show you a little of what's in the shop for the weekend. If you click on the photos it will enlarge them.

Make a Scarecrow to fit old clothing you have

2009-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

IF YOU CLICK ON THE PHOTO IT WILL ENLARGE FOR MORE DETAIL.
I just made 2 scarecrows that fit bib overalls and shirts I’d found in a thrift shop and the clothing fit the scarecrows perfectly even though one was size 4 and the other size 8. Each required a different body pattern but it turned out to be so easy.

HERE'S HOW TO DO IT.

Cover your table with taped together newspaper. Lay the pants in the middle of the paper with the shirt tucked in. With a sharpie marker draw a head that looks in proportion to the body. This is drawN just like any old rag doll so don’t get worried that it’s technical—it’s not. Now draw a neck about ½’ long and draw along where the shoulders are. Pull the sleeve over the top of the clothing and mark where the sleeve was but continue on down along the side of the pants to the level of the crotch. Draw a straight line across this body. Next you’ll cut 2 from muslin and sew up the side, around the head and down the other side. Turn right side out and stuff with rags and sew the bottom of the body shut.

Using the pattern again—cut 2 layers of burlap the width of the head but 3” longer than the head. Sew the sides and top and turn right side out and pull over the head. Cut a Triangle of dark brown felt and stitch this in place for a nose. I stitched a smile with 2 strands of black crochet thread—or 4 strands of embroidery floss. Sew 2 - 1” buttons in place for eyes.

The next thing to do is measure the sleeve. Subtract 2” and divide the number in half. You’ll cut 4 pieces of the arms. I used an old blanket for the arms but quilt batting would work very well too -----I cut 24” wide by that measurement . Roll each piece like a jelly roll and stitch along the edge so it doesn’t unroll. Using double thread in your needle, stitch one to the body where the arm should be. I used about 36” of thread double for each of these because you want it loose and I didn’t want it to come undone. After stitching the first piece to the body—stitch the second piece to the bottom of the first piece…end to end with big stitches so it can move like a joint. Do the same for the other arm.

Now put the shirt on and tuck the burlap inside the neck opening. Button the shirt cuffs. Measure about 40 - 8” strands of raffia and stitch through the middle so you have 80 - 4” strands. Fold in half and tuck into a sleeve end. Sew through the sleeve and raffia several times. Tie a length of jute around the sleeve. Finish the other arm the same way.

Measure the pant legs like you did with the sleeves and cut your 4 pieces attaching them to the bottom of the body where legs should be. Put on the pants and attach raffia inside the pant legs.

You may want to add raffia hair, an old hat, a witch type hat, an old straw hat……….the Possibilities are endless. The best thing about these scarecrows…they sit beautifully wherever you put them.

Fall windows

2009-09-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you click on the photos, it gives you a much larger view so you can see detail.

I'm so terribly behind in my blog posts as well as my sewing but I do have a wonderful new creation I have to share with you. I've been making pumpkins and made a really nice fall wreath with pumpkins and crows. I showed my friends who said at the same time "oh Lucy, you should use this idea on your windows"....these were windows I'd purchased and I was applique'ing a homespun star to be framed in each opening.

So I followed Cheryl and Sandy's advice. I added a windowsill to the frame and painted the entire thing black. I added pumpkins, grapevine ribbon to one and grapevine to the other and different cats to each. Aren't they wonderful? I'm almost embarrassed to say I quite impressed myself!

I also discovered a wonderful trick I want to share with you. I had a box full of purchased "silk" fall leaves on swags as well as bushes...but they're just way too pretty for primitive use. I experimented with them and discovered you can coffee stain then which is nice but even better than that, you can paint both sides with your slimy,coffee/cinnamon stain and they dry to primitive perfection. They sound like fall leaves, look like they might have a bit of dried mud on them and smell heavenly!

The new Lemon Poppyseed offerings are available..check out everyone's shop. There are a lot of them, but we have some amazingly talented ladies there.

Back to fall

2009-08-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

It's such a relief to have my Winter ad done for Country Sampler so I can get back to designing for fall! I've been making pumpkins for Country Spirit, in Tomah WI where I consign, and I've designed a wonderful PUMPKIN LAMP PATTERN that's available as either a mailed pattern or an epattern. There are little mice attached to the pumpkin. Included in the pattern is a plain ribbed pumpkin, I think they look well together.

I've added several new patterns to my website this week and have more started. The nice cool nights and mornings, even though it's only August, make it so much easier to look ahead to fall and winter.

Tomorrow I'll try to post some photos of my flowers. I've turned wash tubs, pails, tool boxes, wheelbarrows and old chairs into containers for them. I even have an old bicycle in the front yard with flowers in the basket and on the book carrier on the back fender.

Keeping up

2009-07-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Debra from Monnie Bean's Folk Art asked how I keep up with keeping ahead of the seasons.

It's not always easy and I work differently from a lot of designers and crafters. As many of you know, I advertise in Country Sampler magazine and the ads must be placed 6 months before the issue reaches the news stands. Because I have to make items to send in for the advertising, I always make at least one extra of each item. If I'm not tremendously busy filling orders at the time, I mentally stay in that season long enough to cut out and do the machine sewing on at least a dozen items for that same season. I might get a few finished but my goal is simply to start them. That way when it's closer to the right time to finish them....I have a huge head start and it seems almost easy!

During the last 10 days, I finished 2 witches and 4 pumpkin people and I still have several scarecrows, a wizard, and 3 more witches started BUT I have to wait to finish them because......

I have to have 3 items to finish for a Country Sampler ad so they're ready to mail by July 25th. These are for the Dec/Jan issue so I'm planning on an angel and 2 snowmen. I'll be working on them this weekend and as soon as they're done, I want to cut out clothing for some of the 11 Santa bodies I have finished and sitting naked in a box in my studio. I made some of these bodies back in January, 2 in February, and the rest when I was making the dolls for my Oct/Nov (which is the Christmas issue) Country Sampler ad. As soon as the clothing is made..I'll go right back to Halloween (because that's the next holiday), get the started items finished and 8 to 10 more cut out and the machine sewing done....then I'll switch gears again and get the Santas dressed. Why do I jump back and forth? It seems less like production sewing when I do that. I've also noticed I dress them more creatively when I don't do them all at one time.

How do I work on Christmas and Winter items when it's so hot outside? I have several tricks. My studio is air conditioned but before it was--I'd turn on 2 window fans on opposite sides of the room--both directed at me. I'd tuck an ice cube in my bra and I kept a bowl of cold water and a wash cloth handy to wipe my face...often. I was chilly enough to believe it was winter. Playing Christmas music and even having a Christmas tree nearby help a lot too.

The snowman and lady in the photo are made from a felted wool sweater (remember when your favorite wool sweater got tossed into the washing machine by mistake?). I've just listed them at Country Fried Primitives. Hope this answers some of those questions and feel free to ask more.......It helps when I don't know what to write about!

Meeting a new friend

2009-07-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

I received an email earlier in the week from a lady from Ohio that listens to Prim Sisters Talk Radio. She and her husband were traveling from Chardon, OH to St. Paul, MN for the holiday and a family reunion and was wondering if the trip would bring them close enough so we could meet. We arranged that she would phone me when she was within 100 miles and We would meet at Country Spirit, a shop in Tomah, WI. We spent about 45 minutes together and had a great visit. Both her husband Tim and my husband Tom were there and talked almost as much as we did.

The photo on the right (took a lot of retouching to make it even visible--my husband took it and must have had his finger over the flash but......)is Carol on the left and me on the right.

The photo on the left is Carol's shop in Ohio. Carol owns Farley's Country Store in Chardon, OH. She makes the most amazing folk art creations. She was taking gifts to family members in Minnesota. You should also keep up with her blog...she's promised me she'll post photos of her wonderful dolls and critters. Her blog is listed on the left...Butternut Creek Folkart.

Is this a catbird?

2009-06-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

I've taken in and fed stray cats for years. It's so sad that people just abandon them. The cat in the picture is one of the 5 or more strays I currently feed. She has water dishes on the ground and deck but this seems to be the one she prefers. No, she's never chased the birds.

Last summer a neighbor moved abandoning 10 cats, none of which was spayed or neutered. I don't know if the one in the photo was one of theirs or one someone else abandoned. She arrived at my house one day, scrawny, tiny, matted, and pregnant. I've got her tame enough to let me pet her. As soon as I can find her kittens, I'll capture them and they'll take a trip to the vet for spaying, neutering and hopefully I can find a home for some of them. I'll keep the mother. My cats tolerate her quite well and hopefully I can find someone to take her kittens.

New Neighbors

2009-06-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

We have noisy new neighbors but you've gotta love them. I've heard them for a couple of months, banging on my trees and earlier this week I saw them flying in and out of that hole. The photo with just the head showing is one of the young ones.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to photograph a woodpecker going into it's nest? Of course part of the problem might have been that my cat was hanging around to see what I was doing.

Retail therapy on a budget

2009-06-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today I finished an order and took my daily walk. A friend who sells antiques and collectibles in several antique "malls" was having a garage sale. I got some picture frames (for some stitcheries), a very old grubby flour sifter (to turn into a lamp), a large round enamel wash basin with handles (to plant marigolds in), a very old, slightly rusty potato masher (to use as a base for a make do), an old cream colored cream pitcher (just because I like old cream colored vases and pitchers) and a truly unusual cast iron cook book stand (you set it up like an easel and put the book on it and there's a cast iron cocktail fork that folds down over the page to hold your place) and 3 wooden picture frames for stitcheries.

I got home and decided I wanted some time off and some more vintage things to "play" with. My husband and I got in the car and went to a thrift shop about 18 miles away.

Along the way, we spotted a garage sale where I scooped up 3 pair of shoes to recycle on my dolls for a total of $1.75.

At the thrift store, I got 2 men's shirts and 2 suit coats--1 was wool__to cut the buttons from (each shirt has at least 8 buttons, the suit coats had 2 large and 4 1/2" buttons on one and 2 large and 6 - 1/2" buttons on the other. The wool coat will also make scarfs for snowmen and the other coat and the shirts can be used as rag stuffing. I paid less for the clothing than I would have had to pay for a card of 4 buttons in the store. The wool coat was $2 but there were the 2 large buttons, 6 - 1/2" buttons and all that wool so it was a great bargain. I also purchased a hand embroidered dresser scarf that I can cut in half and make 2 aprons from.

From there, we went to several antique malls but I didn't find anything exciting that was also affordable. On the way home, We did stop at another thrift shop where I got a huge polyfil stuffed pillow for 50 cents and another nice wooden frame for 25 cents.

Busy as usual

2009-05-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

I got my Santas, 2 snowmen, a stick horse, and an angel done and sent off to Country Sampler Magazine for the October/ November 2009 issue. It's always so hard deciding what to do. Especially since we're working "out-of-season".

This witch will be in the August/September issue with several other items. If you click on her picture it takes you to my website and a complete description. (I do 2 ads in both the fall and Christmas issues.)

I'm still working on lots of Americana dolls for summer and the 4th of July but it's never too soon to start thinking about and creating for fall and winter. If you think it's too warm to create and craft for those seasons--close your curtains and turn a couple of fans on directed at your body to cool you off. Get out some inspiration for the season you're working on--magazines, a Christmas tree, a Halloween witch, hand Christmas lights in your crafting area... If you can't see it's a nice summer day, and you're surrounded by the season, you'll be able to create!

Hester Prynne

2009-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

I've just finished a wonderful new Hester Prynne witch and listed her on Etsy along with the pattern and e pattern. It's hard to believe it's already time to start making Halloween items but they're my favorites.

I'm still working on Santas, snowmen, and an angel for the October/November Country Sampler ad. I hope to finish them tomorrow---if only I can get Santa's robe finished, stained, and dried. I have my fingers crossed.

Burnout solutions

2009-05-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've been asked about burnout...is it a problem for me, what do I do when I get it?

I have moments when I just want to quit but I'd be so bored by the second day...I don't do sitting around well. I do like to read but I'd rather listen to an audio book while I'm sewing.

I can honestly tell you 2 big tricks that work really well. The first is for stress....get out doors and take a walk. It really helps. You can walk as fast or slow as you want. OR, take a bicycle ride. Both get you outdoors and the fresh air is invigorating. I also get a lot of ideas while walking. OR try gardening. It's also a great stress reliever with lots of benefits....flowers, fresh veggies, and of course exercise and fresh air.

The second trick is for that "I just can't do this anymore" feeling. You know, when you work in an office, you get coffee breaks and a lunch break. Working at home I always take a luch break but I've learned to give myself 2 ME breaks. They're my answer to a coffee break and I have to do something other that the "job" I was working on.

I started a doll (Bewitching Bess--she's the pumpkin witch shown in a previous post) in March. I cut out the body and during my breaks I slowly worked on her with no idea where I was going with the design. I spent probably 2 weeks on the body/face. When it came to arms and legs, I must have cut them in 4 different sizes each to find something that worked with her body shape. Her dress took more than a week to design. It was so much fun to allow myself that much time to create a special doll. If you click on the picture of Bess, it will take you to ETSY where I've listed her and there are more and much better photos there.

So, when you feel overwhelmed or "burned out" allow yourself to play. My next ME project is going to be an ART DOLL! I'll post a picture when I finish her but don't expect her too soon...I also have to get my flowers planted and vegetables set out in the garden.

2009-05-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

I finished BETWTCHING BESS yesterday and listed her on ETSY. There are much better views there. If you click on the picture here, it will take you directly to Etsy.

Bess has been my "ME TIME" project for the last 2 1/2 months. When I need a break from the demands of making primitive dolls, I do something else I want to try. It saves "burnout".

I had so much fun creating her. I love playing with fabric and seeing what you can create by combining fabrics, needle sculpting, and painting. I like to recycle (only now it seems to be called upcycling because you're taking a discarded item and making something better, newer, or more valuable than you started with). I purchase shirts from the thrift shop and use the buttons for eyes, and I use the fabric for clothing if I can and "ragg" stuffing if I can't.

Bess's hair is rayon cord that my mother purchased in 1942, just after she got out of high school. She started crocheting a purse and gave up and the cord was still in her cedar chest after she passed away. Untwisted, it makes wonderful creepy hair.

Great new website - check it out

2009-05-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

I found a great new web site called MIXXMADE that I have to share with you. It's a community made of groups that you can join or not. Even if you don't join the groups, as a member of MIXXMADE--did I tell you it's FREE-- you can read posts by other groups as well as see who belongs and what they're doing.

Mixxmade is having their grand opening right now. I started a group there called PRIMITIVES & FOLK ART We're looking for new members. I'm not sure what exactly we're going to do there and I'm open to suggestions but I do know we can post links and photos and tell about ourselves and our art.

There are also groups for Etsy, Artfire, Recycling, Fiber Arts, Art Dolls, Marketing, Ferret lovers. Not only those but more and if you don't see a group that's your "thing" you can start one that is. Check it out. It's great to find a place where you can learn and associate with like minded people.

Cleaned and Reorganized

2009-05-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

I got up Saturday morning and came to my studio to start work and couldn't find the pattern I wanted to cut out..........Oh my goodness! My studio was such a mess. I wanted to cry.

Yes, I'd realized before then that I needed to clean and put things away but it was like being smacked in the face. I started to make a list of containers to purchased so I could sort things and put them away when I realized.......that's not the answer. Instead of starting in my studio, I went to my garage and spotted 15 plastic storage drawers with tools and woodwork items in them. I like them. You can see through them, and stack them quite high and still get into the bottom drawer without unstacking the whole thing.

I took the drawers off the shelves in the garage (the shelves in the garage are the height of 2 plastic shoe boxes apart so I wouldn't be causing a lot of inconvenience by switching storage containers) and emptied them --- all 15 of them. Then I used the plastic sweater boxes and shoe boxes I had in my studio (but rarely put away because of the unstacking problem) and resorted everything on the floor of the garage into the new containers. This resulted in re-organizing most of the 6 foot by 6 foot storage rack in the garage.

The next step was to wash all the drawers and let them dry. Meanwhile, I started picking things up in my studio and cleaning off the shelves. When the drawers were dry, I brought them in and put them on the shelves. Next I cut enough labels so I'd have one for each storage drawer. I sorted things and put them in the drawers and then I put a label on each drawer so I wouldn't spend even 1 day trying to remember where I put things.

I started at 8:00 AM Saturday and worked until 6:00 PM and Sunday I worked from 7:00 AM til about 5:00 PM, but it's so nice to walk in and be able to find things without spending 20 minutes looking.

I'm not quite done....I want to refold my fabrics and sort them by color AGAIN but that has to wait until next weekend. I accomplished so much sewing today and t was just because everything was so much easier to find. When I get that fabric resorted---WOW, there'll be no slowing me down.

Husbands are so funny!

2009-05-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today, after an early trip to the post office, my husband and I headed for La Crosse, 65 miles away ---- the closest place to fabric shop.

I had several shopping stops...I had to stop at one store and purchase flat black spray paint for my picture frames and pull toy bases and wheels.

The next stop was Hobby Lobby where I purchased the last 11 yards of dark red cotton with little white stars. This was for my America doll (I have to make 4 more) as well as vests for one style of Uncle Sam.

The last stop was Hancock Fabrics. This was just a time killer before lunch because I didn't really need anything and wasn't really looking for anything special but...........you never know what you'll find. Besides, cotton and upholstery fabrics were both on sale. I looked and looked and finally remembered I wanted more black on white floral print fabric for my black Thelma Lou doll . I found one I liked and told my husband he could take it over to the cutting table and tell the clerk I'd like 2 yards. I continued to look and found something else I liked a lot. I took it over to the cutting table in time to hear my husband say, "I don't see why she spends so much time picking out just the right color, she dyes it and stains it anyway and it won't look anything like it does now." Aren't husbands cute?

What a day!

2009-04-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

I feel exhausted and exhilerated at the same time. I finished a large order today and got it delivered to the post office before they closed (our post office closes at 3:45 PM). It was such a sense of accomplishment to be done with that one.

I have another order I want to finish in time to mail on Monday but I decided to take some time off this afternoon.

Isn't the pig cute? I had to make one for each order.

When I got home from the post office, I went to my garden. Actually, it's too early to call it a garden right now. The only thing blooming is the daffodils I divided last year and planted every 3 inches - wherever I didn't think I'd want something else. So-anyway, I went to the garden with a 5 gallon bucket and a hand spade and started digging out dandelions - oh yes, they were starting to bloom too. I filled the bucket with dandelions. After that, I fixed supper and took a walk. That was my "time off", but all I ever really need is a short change of pace.

Now I'm ready to start the order I want to finish and mail on Monday. I'll sit and watch TV with my husband tonight, and start dressing the 3 dolls for the next order -- I already have the bodies AND clothing finished for. I have 2 other dolls to finish for the order but don't have that clothing made yet.

It speeds things up a lot for me, if, when I need 1 doll - I cut out and sew 2 of that particular style. If I need 2, I cut and sew 4. I hate it when I'm all caught up and have no extra doll bodies made up to dress (oh yes, I make extra dresses too)........it seems to take forever to get "extras" again. I'll have to cut out more body parts as soon as I've got this order finished, packed and ready to ship.

Questions and answers

2009-04-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

Monica asked some questions: Is the muslin used its natural color? I always think of muslin as off-white. Well yes, but after I cut, sew, stuff, and sculpt the doll, I stain the doll with my vanilla/coffee/water mixture. When she's dry, if I want a black doll or any other color for that matter, I paint her with paint I've diluted with water. When the doll is dry again, I sand it with ordinary sandpaper or a sanding block if I have one (the block is sandpaper grit attached to a spongy surface).

Diluting the paint de-stabilizes it so when the doll is dry, more paint sands off and it looks older and more worn. I compare the look to my grandma's oil-cloth tablecloths where most of the paint was cracked and worn off.

What is needle-sculpting? Quilting is stitching vertically through the layers of a quilt to hold it together. Needle sculpting is stitching horizontally (although for fingers and toes it's done vertically) from one spot to another, pulling the thread taut to define a shape such as a nose, mouth, finger..... Pulling the thread taut is the part that makes the sculpted area stand out.

When were you first introduced to the primitive dolls, and what drew you toward them? I started making dolls professionally in 1980. Always cloth dolls - but at first they were for children. Eventually I started making dolls for grown-ups. There were anatomically correct babies, then collectibles like Little Lulu, and Annie and her dog Sandy. I eventually gravitated toward country dolls and started consigning with a huge new gift shop in a converted barn. Then in late 2002, my dolls sales dropped to almost nothing. A new friend mentioned that I should make primitive dolls. I had to do research - I'd never heard of them.

The big differences with primitives and what I had been doing previously was the staining, the lack of hems, and the worn and aged look.

I've totally fallen in love with the process as well as the finished look. There aren't many restrictions with primitives. They are art done by regular people with varying talents. Primitive dolls are at home with antiques and "old things" like nothing else could be. I've added the term folk art to my dolls but only because the word primitive scares many people.

Rainy Day Activities

2009-04-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

It started raining here with a noisy thunderstorm on Friday night and it's still raining. This is great weather for me. I have to work on my indoor activities.

Yesterday I spent time with friends working at building a new website. When I got home, I finished another America doll and stuffed, needles-sculpted and stained 3 more dolls.

This morning I listed this terrific weed collector doll on Etsy. She's available as either a mailed pattern or an epattern.

Today, it's still raining so I plan to cut out some more dolls and stuff, needle-sculp and pant.........great rainy day activities.

Art Fire

2009-04-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Art Fire yet? It's a great new place to sell your handmade creations. You can join the limited version of Art Fire and get 10 items FREE. Isn't that a great idea? That gives you a chance to try it out and if it works for you, you can join the unlimited version for only $12.95 a month. Listings last 3 months.

I just wanted to tell you about it. I've listed my first 3 items at Art Fire today. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=197349 I'd love for you to stop and take a look not just at my items but Art Fire as a whole. There are so many talented people out there and we need to support our artists, designers, crafters, and artisans. Handmade is a trend that's growing and we all need to support it.

Gardens again!

2009-04-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

I can't find the photo of my wheelbarrow, but I just wanted to add...you don't need an actual garden to plant flowers and veggies. Last year I planted them in 2 washtubs, 2 watering cans, 2 wheelbarrows, (all these were rescued from where I found them waiting at the curb for garbage pickup), a well used picnic basket and a bushel basket. the baskets were lined with garbage bags.

Then I found 2 old chairs that had originally had drop in seats. With some chicken wire I got from.....you guessed it, the curb.....I shaped a basket that fit in the opening and went for a walk. There's a shady place near the woods where lots of moss grows on the sandstone rocks so I scraped it off and lined the wire with that, filled it with potting soil and planted flowers. Sphagnum moss from the garden center works equally well. You just want something to keep the soil from falling through the wire. You have to water every day but the results are beautiful.

In the photo you can see the chair on the left side of the garage door and on the right side are 2 canning kettles with flowers.

Using your time wisely

2009-04-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

With sales a little on the slow side right now, this is the perfect time to join Twitter, start your blog, join Etsy, join facebook, design new items and make new items.

It's also the perfect time to take a class, learn something new, read a great book, or even plant a garden. The garden is great for exercise, looks wonderful and helps save money on groceries. Oh, yes, you can plant vegetables right along with your flowers. I plant tomatoes behind my marigolds. I plant green peppers in the middle of my old rusty wheelbarrow with petunias around the edges.

My side yard was dug up for plumbing repairs and rather go to the expense of having it leveled and a new lawn put in, we moved the bird bath and a garden arch to the middle of the space and planted vegetables and flowers with paths between. Beautiful, satisfying to work on, and we get tons of compliments.

Thoughts about primitive dolls

2009-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

I've often thought about what exactly primitive is. I know the dictionary definition basically says that anything handmade qualifies as primitive. We all know how many ways artists, designers and dollmakers create their dolls.

I was once told primitive dolls look like they were made by a 5 year old who knew nothing about sewing. Well I was once a child beginning to sew and even back when I was 5 years old, I tried to hem my doll dresses. They may have been hemmed with 2 inch long red stitches, but I tried. I tried to make their faces look like real faces. They got mis-matched eyes if I couldn't find 2 buttons alike but I tried to make them similar.

So when I think of a primitive doll; I think that whoever made the doll, where ever in time or place they made it, , did the very best they could with the materials at hand. That's why so many of my dolls have fingers and toes. That's also why I needle sculpt noses and lips as often as I do. There are so many different skill levels, but practice improves your skills. I'm sometimes astonished at how a doll turned out.

Beginning

2009-04-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today is warming and finally showing the promise of nice weather. It is a time for starting new projects.

I've finally listed on ETSY . I've also joined TWITTER. I've also joined Facebook and started this blog. I'll try to keep you updated on all my newest projects.

This morning, I've also listed new items on LEMON POPPYSEEDS

and COUNTRY FRIED PRIMITIVES.

I've got a wonderful Americana doll.