Tree Toppers.... Mother's Dream Style...

 Simple yet sweet, both of these tree topper, table sitters are a new addition to my designs. They were fun as well as relatively fast to create, which makes for a nice change of pace from what I normally do. Don't you just love it when creativity flows?

Both of these can be found at ebay

Just so heads don't roll....

 I often use rice in a tub to help steady what I'm working on, or for a place to put things to dry. I had so many little snowman heads though that I had to resort to a pizza pan to keep the little darlings from rolling over and crushing their hats. What do you use?

Here's a sneak peek at some WIPs I'm finishing up as well. The big show set up is Tuesday, eeek! I'd better get back to work!

I'm on the Creative Paperclay Design Team!

I have been so remiss in making this announcement! I was chosen to be on the Creative Paperclay design team for the next few months, and there's been so much going on I haven't posted this as I should, so here I am now, sharing the exciting news! I am looking forward to testing new products, and challenging myself to new heights, or lows....lol. We shall see what happens, but what ever may come, I know this will be a fun and growth promoting experience. You can follow us at Creative Paperclay Blog to see the rest of the team, and the fun new projects for you to try out.

Primitive Vintage Victorian Style Folk Art Driftwood Santa

I have a confession to make. I'm one of those folks who find it very annoying to see Christmas decor up in stores before we've celebrated Thanksgiving. I know, I know, sounds contradictory doesn't it? Lol. Yes, in some ways it is, but I so love the colors and feel of Autumn and harvest time, that I want to savor it as much as possible. My heart swells at the sight of freshly harvested fields, pumpkins stacked on porches, warm apple cider steaming in mugs.
Sure, I have been creating Christmas art for months now, but due to the nature of the buying public, and the need to be ahead of the game, I must do what I do. So being the accommodating person that I am, I will be offering a multitude of Santa pieces on ebay as well as etsy and Reasons to Believe . As a matter of fact, all three places have some of my newest creations available. So take a moment if you would, grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and wander off to take a peek at my newest offerings. The hand carved Santa above is at my etsy shop now, and you can see him here

So many things to share, so little time, and a chance to win!

 The second of three posts today, I'm trying to squeeze in computer duties with sculpting. It's been crazy busy here and there, which means I'm busy at home and at the in-laws. I've sequestered myself into my apartment to get ready for a show at the Nugget here in Wendover this Saturday, so snowman heads are popping up all over, little Santa figures are coming to life, as well as an angel or two. I've need to share though that I have the Santa above on ebay right now. The auction ends on Saturday.

This adorable driftwood ornament is part of a give away my friend Denalee of Silver Strands is having at her blog. Head on over for a chance to win this one of a kind ornament, as well as inspirational and uplifting words and shares. She has some heady connections so stop by won't you?

We have a Hiver Winner!

Thank you to all of you who left comments on my blog, and at Creating the Hive  for a chance to win a year with this delightful Terrye French Halloween clock in your home. I'm pleased to announce that Eleanor, from Cornerstoregoddess is the lucky winner! Please take time to stop by her blog and see the delightful jewelry she creates, and get to know her better. Eleanor is a prolific and talented writer,  magically weaving words throughout her blog posts on her newest creations, that keep us coming back for more.  So you get a twofer, beautiful jewelry and words to uplift the spirit. I'm off to let Eleanor know...

A gourdeous Santa

How's this for a jolly Santa with a round tummy? He is about 12 inches tall, all signed and dated and waiting to be adopted. I have a surprise waiting, but will reveal that later. I'm off to see if the surprise is ready yet!

Manny, Man in the Moon Shines for You

 

The Man In The Moon

Author Unknown

The Man in the Moon as he sails the sky
Is a very remarkable skipper,
But he made a mistake when he tried to take
A drink of milk from the Dipper.
He dipped right out of the Milky Way,
And slowly and carefully filled it,
The Big Bear growled, and the Little Bear howled
And frightened him so that he spilled it!

Just a fun little ditty I wanted to share. Here's where you can find Manny - ebay

Halloween Give It Forward Clock

 Last year I was the very fortunate recipient of this gorgeous clock, hand painted by Terrye French of The Painted Pear Basket. I was given the opportunity to keep this delightful clock through a Give It Forward event hosted by Lori Davis of Vintage Palette Art, an accomplished folk artist in her own right. I recommend you visit both Terrye's and Lori's blogs for some delicious eye candy, and perhaps a treat to bring home.
Now it's time for me to host a Give It Forward event, so that some lucky someone can win the opportunity to have this in their home for a year. Leave me a comment on this post, sharing your favorite thing about Halloween, or a favorite memory. Be sure to leave a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner. You have until midnight on Halloween night to get your comment in. Tell your friends to hurry on over for a chance as well.

Then I will place all names in a hat to be drawn out the following day. I will contact you and get your mailing information and get this in the mail. Inside the clock you will find a scroll with my name added to the other artists listed, and somewhere in the clock is a secret compartment with a hand crafted "treat" for you from me. Good luck to you all, and happy Halloween!

Just a little Santa....

Wow! I'm back from my 4000 mile trip and have loads to share, but work before play so I'm back at it, listing some new pieces on ebay. This is short and sweet, just like the Santa I'm offering because I still need to find my way through the mess of one trip after another, and lots of creating in between. I'm so glad hubby is patient. :-) To see the auction for this little fella stop by My Ebay Here!

Santa, Santa Everywhere!

Santa, Santa everywhere,
In the office, in my chair!

On the bookshelf, iron board....
In my kitchen and I'm floored!

How I got so many done,
It's enough to make me stunned!

Never happened this way yet,
I have more to finish, yes, you bet!

Okay, such silliness is done, I've been working like a fiend though, to get an inventory built up. I think I may get this under control, if I can find my way through the canning stuff.... well, that's another story for another time. :-)

An Amber Colored Autumn....

 Leaves have started to change their dressing..
Bright green fades to a golden blessing.

 A touch of amber is seen on some...
Or rust, like copper soon to become.

 Drifting slowly to the ground,
An amber blanket, all around.

They crunch and rustle in the breeze,
Gold leaves or amber, if you please.

Earrings can be found here and necklace can be found here.

Monday Muse....The Hidden Color

 It's always a marvel when the hidden color of leaves reveal themselves in the twilight of their existence. As the green fades away we are blessed with an abundance of vibrant color. It's as if Autumn is saying, "I will go out in a blaze of glory!", as she waits for Winter to arrive.

Who can doubt the hand of God and His handiwork when finding such an intricately "painted" leaf as this one, with it's dabs of gold, red, and orange?
"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;
Yea, for food and for rainment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul."
Doctrine and Covenants 59:18-19
May you have a blessed and peaceful Monday!

Falling Leaves

 As I rounded the corner into Lostine, a tiny burg not far away from where our Oregon home is, I was met with a literal wall of golden leaves, shimmering in the sunlight. "Wow! I wish I had known about this before I came into town so I could stop and take a photo. I will on the way back to Utah Thursday, as it was so pretty! It reminded me of Autumn in Alaska, with the paper birch brilliant with a Midas touch of gold, against the deep green of spruce and the pastels of the cloud laced skies.

There is a strong breeze blowing here, and the leaves are turning gold on our tall willow. They are falling to the ground, covering the grass with a blanket of leaves, so I will have to rake before I mow tomorrow. The dried leaves are skittering across the pavement, as if they are running away. Ahhhhh, the joys of Autumn.

Peter Pumpkin, the Candy Keeper

It's going to be short and sweet here for now as hubby is home and it's time to get dinner. Here's a new gourd creation, complete with his own candy container to fill with M&M's or whatever your little heart desires. For more info visit my ebay link. Hope you are having a wonderful Monday!

Autumn Elements...

Another of my Autumn clothing favorites was pulled out of storage, and thus the inspiration in part for this necklace. I figure that if I want to sell jewelry, it doesn't hurt to be a walking advertisement for what I do. Or, it's probably a great excuse to make jewelry for myself. :-) This soft burnt orange faux suede top matches a skirt with the many colors of this piece. So now I'm ready to show off some more new work as we head to the city today for temple and feasting at Benihana.

 Brass acorn beads, vibrant ruby Lucite leaves, moss green pearls and soft turquoise twists are complimented by gray wood beads in this Autumn elements necklace. I found a new bead store in Salt Lake City, and while some of the beads I know I can get much cheaper on ebay, they had some pieces that I've not seen in my internet travels through bead land.

Of course, what jewelry ensemble would be complete without matching earrings? Who knew jewelry making would be so addicting? If you have a special outfit that you would like some matching jewelry for, contact me and lets see if we can come up with a custom set or piece for you. You can email me at mothersdream@mac.com

Taking a bite out of Halloween

Ahhh, Jackson, all dressed up for Halloween festivities. We hear you've been taste testing the other trick or treaters, naughty boy!

To make matters worse, your pet spidey there has been scaring all the children. Now who can have a party with all that going on?! Now Jackson, if you promise to behave, you can stay at the party, otherwise, you will be sent back to your cave where you belong! Now please don't think I'm being too hard on Jackson, he has been giving me fits since I started working on him. His arms kept going where they shouldn't have, he wanted to tilt each time I added another layer of clay to his light bulb body, and then he would try and bite me as I painted his gourd head and the rest of him. I think I may need to go get some shots, if there is such a thing.... Well, I finally was able to finish him and get his little spidey friend put together, along with his little treat bucket. He's ready to come party at your house and promises to not take up much room at 13 + inches tall. Jackson will have no twins, so he is a one of a kind original who comes signed and dated. Jackson can be found by following my ebay link to the right. :-)

It's beginning to feel a lot like Halloween.....

 Everywhere I go..... I sure had fun pulling out the green tub and going through all my Autumn decor! I've hung the garlands, pulled out all the Halloween decor, and realize I need to buy a collectible for this year! Well, I may just have to run over to the American Holiday Artists Studios site and see what I can find. Hee, hee, I just found something to add to my collection! Yay!

 See how many artists work you can find here!

 and here! I got my feather tree from Benita Giacherio at Willow Springs Farm... you really should see the variety of feather trees she has. I have two now.

So it's time to get the mess cleaned up and enjoy the evening. It's raining here so I have the windows open to let the fresh air drift through the blinds....don't you love the smell of an Autumn rain?!

Two down, one to go....

 I just love it when a plan comes together! I had visions of fruit coming out of the tall Santa basket base last year, but just couldn't decide whether I wanted to paint, sculpt or add the fruit to this piece. I do love the vintage and antique fruits available at Blumchens so I dove right in and he came out just as I'd hoped! I do wish I could get a better photo of him as mine just don't do him justice, but here's a peek at him anyway.

 A simple and slightly rustic Santa is what I was going for here, and it looks as if that's what I got. I hand painted greenery and cones around his hat, and again, the photos just don't quite do him justice, but it is what it is.

 Don't you just love the long loopy hat on this jolly fella?

This little guy is a small but charming Santa that would go well with any collection. Now to decide where they will end up....

We Three Santa's.....WIP's

are waiting to be finished. Somehow our creator thinks she needs to feed her man person, and not attend to us. WELL!!! Ummmm, oh, excuse us, we forgot we are supposed to be jolly for a moment.... Okay, she says she will get to us later, whatever that means, but in the meantime here we sit. Guess we are going to have to wait until the morning because they are watching a movie later. Hey! We are sitting with a birds eye view of the TV.....wonder if the movie is any good.....will let you know tomorrow.