What does Uncle Sam, a Bunny and a Witch have in common?

There's a lot going on in our neighborhood, with Spring just around the corner, "Go Green" challenges and as always what's the news of the good old USA today.

The witch you see above was created for the "Go Green Challenge we are having at AHA. She was made from a wood box I found at a yard sale, and her hat embellishments include a strip of a net orange bag, and a vintage button.
Uncle Sam was created from a chunk of closet rod, clay, tree branches and a small wood base. His arms are wired into place.
The darling bunny is created over a gourd, she actually opens for a place to stash wrapped candy. Stop by my ebay today to see more on these. They are 3 day auctions only and will end on Saturday so don't delay!

PFATT Marketplace for March

Here's a sneak peak at what I have for sale at PFATT this month. Catch them while you can!

More WIPs

This little bunny went to market.....oh wait a minute....lol. She's a topper, and you will have to come back to see what I mean.


In the mean time, my hubby bought me Les Miserables for my birthday, not the complete version mind you as he doesn't like really long books, but this one has at least 1000 pages with all the commentary. So far I'm enjoying it thoroughly! It really makes you think about people, situations; what's going on in the economy right now that mirrors the philosophy of Victor Hugo's writing. Life can really be as simple or as complex as we choose to make it depending on whether we base our lives on values and solid principles or living by a whim, and what ever makes you feel good at the moment.







I love the saying, "Let a smile be your umbrella." Smiles are a sure way to light up another persons life, and help chase the clouds of doubt and despair off to rain on another unwatchful recipient. So, in a good portion of my creations you will see a smile. I'm not into the sad and morose looking Folk Art, so artists like Suzanne Urban of Smirking Goddess Studios, constantly delight me with their fun and whimsical art. Visit her blog to see what I mean.


Wheels and carts, some say we may end up back in the horse and buggy days, which will really put a cramp on internet sales don't you think?! But seriously, being down to one car since our roll over has me really thinking about transportation and whether we really need to get another car to replace mine. I'm a tad selfish in that I really don't like a manual transmission or a car as small as a roller skate, so I'm having a hard time with the idea of not getting a car for myself. But we will have an excellent opportunity to pay off the roller skate. I'm thinking we teach Annie to drive the roller skate, and let her buy it (well sort of, she is a starving student) and then get us a slightly larger vehicle with all wheel drive for winter driving and hauling things around. Something used and cheap, but still running . :-) No need to decide now though and in the meantime I'm getting ready for this months PFATT Marketplace.

Going Green!

We are going green at AHA for the month of March so here's a little preview of some of the re-purposed items and their partly finished creations. My little bunny will actually be on PFATT this month, but he will be utilizing toothpicks.....

The taller bunny will have a covered jar lid for a base, and his neck was a cork.

The man in the moon will be a candy container created with the gourd head, and a tin can for a base. The top hat I will create for him will utilize an empty shampoo bottle and toilet paper roll. I will continue to take photos as I go so you can see the steps and how I recycle throw away items into my work. We don't have a recycling center here so for me, the queen of recycling, this is an extra fun challenge. Oh, the challenge will start on the 8th of March and run through the 31st. We will be featuring the winner on our AHA blog. Stay tuned for more info!

A new Bunny in town....

Meet Bernard P. Wigglebottom, a rather dashing and distinguished rabbit. Bernard is a professor at Hassenpfeffer University and chair of the department of antiquities. He has recently acquired for the universities collection a rare signed set of the Beatrix Potter series. Proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather, his progeny looks up to him for his wisdom and wit. He's the newest of my one of a kind creations found on ebay.

Featured on Layers Upon Layers

Nancy Malay of Vintage Whimsy and Folk Art Originals shared with AHA artists a way to be featured on Layers Upon Layers, a blog devoted to mixed media art, so I thought why not try it?
I sent off an inquiry with photos and a couple of paragraphs of my work and association with AHA and she was very happy to add me to the snow art features. A big thanks to Nancy! So, head on over to Layers Upon Layers and see all the wonderful artists and articles. I'm heading back myself as there are things to be learned and seen. P.S. I still have that secret something waiting to be unveiled.......

I have a little secret.......

A little birdie sent me a note today to share a little exciting news, but until I see the proof I am not telling, nope not gonna do it, but! it has something to do with this little guy. Check back to see.......

Signs Of Spring

What do you consider a sign of Spring? Is it the crocus peeking up from a blanket of snow, or the pussy willows fluffing up on their branches? How about robins seen pulling worms up from the yard, or daffodils happy bonnets waving in the breeze? It's coming, I've seen the signs, and with all this new life comes Easter and the glorious message it brings. Bunnies are always a symbol of Easter so I painted this sign as a sweet and gentle reminder of what is to come. Find this lovely piece on ebay now!

Bunnies are hopping through......

You would think it was Easter already as the bunnies are hopping through the neighborhood, trying to find goodies to nibble on. I haven't shown them where the daffodils are peeking through yet as I love their sunny faces and bright green leaves that stand at attention as ensigns of Spring.
These bunnies might find their way to ebay soon, am still deciding on when though. Stop by again and see what's a poppin around here.

Stand up for America and Freedom!

We as Americans are facing a tough time. But, with our usual grit and backbone we can get through whatever comes our way. I love to create Americana figures, especially out of things found in nature.

This Uncle Sam is created from a Y in a tree branch and detailed using air dry clay. He stands on an old cedar plank and is 19" tall. All my own design and work, he comes signed and dated. Have a peek at him on ebay.

A Valentine Treat.....

Chocolate is such a fun food! You can do so many things with it so I thought I'd share one of the ways I spoil my family. Here I melted one bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 bag of milk chocolate chips in a double boiler over low simmering water. You don't want to go to hot. While this is going on put 8 oz. of cream cheese in your mixer bowl to soften. You will find out later.
Next I lightly oiled, and I do mean lightly as the chocolate will slide down the sides if you over do it, my favorite vintage sand tart molds. With a spoon I spread some of the melted chocolate in and around the mold to cover the bottom and up the sides. You want it thick enough to not break as you take them out of the molds but not too thick as they will be filled with a yummy treat. Next I put about a 1/4 of a cup of the melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle with narrow tip.
I then piped out the chocolate onto wax paper and went over the designs twice to make them stable. The photo above is the heart shell inverted to show you the pattern. I actually put all of these in the fridge to set up. I took them out and tweaked the molds until the chocolate shells pop out. If they don't pop out fairly easily put them in the freezer for a few minutes.
Place the shells on a nice plate, you can line it with a doily or whatever suits your fancy.
Back to the cream cheese. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat on low. While this is going on melt 2 T. butter and add. Now add the leftover chocolate and beat one to two minutes. Add 3/4 to 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and beat until nice and thick. You can add 1/2 t. of vanilla as well. I used a cake decorator bag but you can just spoon the mixer into the chocolate shells. I added the little heart decorations I'd made earlier and then piped whip cream around the edges. Chill covered until ready to serve. Delicious. This recipe will make about 10 cookie size shells and filling.
Enjoy!

Angelia the Angelic

The name makes me want to have another child, just so I can use it....hmmmm I have a grandchild on the way...I could talk my daughter into using the name if she has a daughter....lol. Today as I was putting the finishing touches on this piece my grandson and I went through the button box together.
Emmett was having great fun taking the buttons out of the cigar box and putting them on the paper plate with me. I had to run in and put more flour in the mixer for the bread, and got caught up in something else and before you know it.....

The living room was covered in buttons of all sizes. I walked out and he, in his cute little way, with arms outspread and hands facing me, told me in Emmettator speak, about his reason for decorating the carpet, the couch, and hallway with buttons. He's a good boy though, and helped me pick them all up.
Angelia is my newest creation up on ebay. Take a peek at her auction if you get a chance.

PFATT Marketplace...It's Official!

It's official! I'm so excited to become a part of the fabulous line up of artists on PFATT Marketplace. Many of my friends are there, and folks who's art I've admired for years. I feel like I've finally grown up....lol. My first piece is the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
***********SOLD!*************
I love Americana and with the inauguration of our new president I'm sharing by creating some Black Americana pieces. These have been very fun for me!
Who doesn't look forward to Spring this time of year and Easter is just around the corner. I used paper doilies pressed into clay to provide a lacy look to this darling bunnie's collar. Check out the slideshow below to see more detail of all these pieces, and then scurry on over to PFATT Marketplace for some fabulous eye candy.

PFATT Video Thanks for stopping by!

Angelica the newest angel on the block....

Though Angelica has fire red hair, her temperament is sweet as can be. She's a combination of sugar and spice and everything nice. Created from wood, with soft wool hair, homespun fabrics, vintage buttons, and scrapbook papers, she's the perfect guardian angel to hang up by your bed, or in your favorite sitting room. Angelica is 20" long from the tip of her halo to the tips of her toes. She's simply sweet!

And the winner is.......

Judy! Congratulations Judy, I will send you an email to get your address so I can get these out to you. To everyone else who took the time to stop by and enter, thanks! Come back again, as there may be more give away fun to come.

Sneak Preview!

Well I can't say Lions and tigers and bears...oh my! But bunnies and a Sam, oh wow! They will soon be found on PFATT Marketplace, and I'll be sure to send you a note to share. This is just a sneak preview of what's to come...and there may be more!

A Rabbit....I saw a rabbit..... WIPS

Oh, yes....he was announcing the Queen of Hearts and then getting ready to run..... Where is he going you ask? Well, you will have to check back and see, I will be announcing that soon. He will also be joined by a few of his friends, including Uncle Sam. History and Bookland Classics are just a few of the places my creative mind wanders. So stop by again and lets wander together. By the way, if you haven't done so yet, scroll down to the announcement of our AHA Valentine Give away and get your name in, and then click on the banner to the right and follow the links to the other give away opportunities. Have fun!

Angelique ....Angels are among us....

Sweetness and light are emanating from her face as she looks upward with hope. Angelique was created using acrylics on heavy watercolor paper. The painting was mounted on layers of papers, embellished with lace, beads, feathers and a brass locket. She comes ready to hang and has a scripture verse on the back ... And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel.....Numbers 20:16. Stop by my ebay auctions to see her today.

AHA Valentine Give Away!

At AHA our hearts are all a flutter because we are hosting our first Blog give away! Several of our artists have created lovely goodies for you to try and win. All are celebrating Valentines Day so share the love with your friends and tell them to stop by our main AHA blog, and see who all is participating. All you have to do is leave a comment here and your email address and you will be entered to win my two "love note" cards with matching envelopes. These were created with graphically altered prints of a new angel painting I will have up on Ebay starting tomorrow. I added layers of scrap book papers or doilies, and sweet little Valentine stickers, glitter, and lettering so that each one is an original. I'm off to see what my fellow artists have listed on their blogs so drop me and line here, then follow me to the AHA blog by clicking on the banner to the right. Oh, the give away ends on Saturday the 7th so you will by notified if you win and asked for a mailing address to send your gift. Thanks for stopping by, and have fun!

Angelina, angel of love....

Love flies softly on the wings of angels
with tender words and hearts to share...
A kiss, a touch of loves first blush
as lovers eyes gaze into eternity....
And pledge forever love,
as hearts take flight on the wings of love.

See Angelina now on ebay!

Obama Inaugural Commemorative Ornament

Ben has a big smile on his face as he knows he's going to be celebrating big time next week! Another Black Americana piece, Ben was created using an egg shaped gourd. Check him out on ebay right now......

Celebrate America!

It's time to celebrate a new year and new president. Whether you voted for or against the incoming president we all have the opportunity to see history in the making. Many did not expect to see this upcoming day, when we would vote a black man into the office of the presidency, but I say, why not?! We are supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. No matter who they are, what their ideology is, it takes a certain amount of bravery to run for office in this day and age. So let's say thanks to the out going president for his efforts to keep us safe and secure, and thanks to the new president to be for being willing to tackle such a huge mountain of tasks that will come his way. In my efforts to get into the mood of the celebration I've created this Primitive Black Americana Uncle Sam. He stands 27" tall, so he would make an impressive addition to your Americana collection. Find him on ebay today.

American Holiday Artists and a day of rest

If you are looking for something beautiful to ponder go to the AHA blog and see what some of our artists are cooking up. There are bunnies, and horses, and kitty's and more. Our wonderful director Suzanne Urban has guided us in bringing on board the best of the best in creative arts. We have an excellent role of artisans who are from all walks of life, but who have the same goal to bring beauty and joy into the lives of their collectors. Come take a peek and you will see what I mean.


For those who like a moment of reflection here's a wonderful Sabbath day poem I found that I would like to share.


A Day of Quietude by Reid Crowell
It would not be at all amiss if we
Took one whole day to live deliberately....
To leave the ceaseless whirl and seek a lane
And walk its peaceful, shadowed length again
With thoughts attuned to nature's growing things;
To hear the feathered whir of thrushes' wings,
To stand in silence by a curving stream,
Unruffled by a vagu or fretful scheme;
To hearken to the whisper of the grass
As over it the playful breezes pass,
To bring our scattered selves to bear until
We really see the sky beyond the hill.
To have an evening meal with prayerful grace,
To note attention to a spoken word
And try to show we have truly heard;
To gain a calm in which to hear a sage
Speak from the frame of some old classic's page.
And underneath the sprinkle of the stars
Look upward from the earth and all its scars.
We would face days ahead in better mood
For living one bright day in quietude.

Coco, A sweet chocolate cupcake doll

Coco is my newest offering on Ebay. She is a sweet little chocolate cupcake doll. Made from muslin, hand painted and embellished with sparkly frosting trims. She's sweet, adorable, and ready to fill your home with love! As always each of my creations are one of a kind

originals. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are having a creative and restful weekend.

Beatrice Bunny is gearing up for Easter....yes....already....lol

Isn't she a darling little lady, all spiffed up for the parade? Well, actually she's been trying on different outfits, as Beatrice never likes to wait until the last minute. And since this is such a big event she does want to look her best. For a little FYI here's a link to see how big the Easter Parade has grown in New York City.

A New Venture.....

When you have an Aha! moment, and figure something out that has been haunting you for awhile its the best feeling in the world, well okay next to a hug from your grandchild or your husband tells someone on the phone how beautiful he thinks you are... 

Okay, so I talked my husband into letting me have a macbook for my birthday last year. I struggled at first having used a PC all my computer life, so I asked my dear friend and co leader of AHA what to do and she told me to start googling for all the things I needed to figure out. Wow! I never dreamed it would open up so many doors to creativity! But it has, and I'm addicted to designing on my computer now. So to feed my addiction I'm offering my services, for a fee of course, to help design banners, blog pages, auction templates and so on. So, if you like what you see for my back round and banner, contact me and let's get creative! I will still be working on my sculpts, paintings, ornaments, and dolls, but this is so much fun that I want to share it with you. I will be creating pages with links here on my blog and hopefully my website, with samples of my work that you can choose from, or we can do a custom design. 

Oh, and the photo above? My mom, grandma and great grandma. Aren't they beautiful? Mom was only not quite 2 there. She is my inspiration.....