Times Past Today

New Large Valentine-Christmas Santa w/ Special Extras!

2012-02-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

Two Santas for the price of one! He comes with interchangeable clothing and boots. His upholstered chair has secret storage. The hat and shirt are reversible...one side for Valentine's Day and the other for Christmas. A large heart shaped ornament with a vintage Santa can be displayed with him or on your tree!

The boots are handmade felt with velvet ties and cream fur with a sparkly tie! Go here for all the delightful details! Have a great weekend!

2011-12-31T21:06:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!

Be safe and blessed in the new year my friends!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays my friends! It's been ages since I've posted, but here I am and with a beautiful designer Father Christmas Doll. A more unusual color scheme than most Holiday dolls. Click on Ebay for more pics and description. I pray that all are well in spite of this rocky economic climate. I just keep my faith in almighty God to provide and He always does! Blessings, Jan

2011-07-04T12:16:00.004-04:00

Happy Independence Day!

Let's remember to give God thanks for this country, our troops and their families for their tremendous sacrifices and our veterans!

God Bless America!

2011-05-18T22:18:00.001-04:00

I'm A Winner!!

Rachael Kinnison of Diamond K Folk Art had a celebration drawing after getting a clean bill of health following a cancer scare but thank our God that the tumor was benign! She is also celebrating a whopping weight loss of 60 lbs in 5 months by lots of walking and eating healthier! Good for her and me as I was the winner of this beautiful pin cushion dollye!

2011-05-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

From the Internet Cafe...

In a perfect world Mother’s Day would be perfect and life would be uninterrupted and simple. But life as we know it is not always that way.

There are mothers whose children are incarcerated…We pray for them.

There are mothers who are incarcerated…We pray for them.

There are mothers who patiently wait for the return of their children from foreign lands as they protect our freedoms…We pray for them.

There are mothers who see their children return from war very different people…
We pray for them.

There are mothers who watch their adult children make choices that break their hearts…
We pray for them.

There are mothers who are victims of abuse…We pray for them.

There are mothers who have sent their children home to heaven…
We pray for them.

There are mothers whose tragic choices have separated them from their children…
We pray for them.

There are mothers who step in to become something every child deserves;
foster mothers…We pray for them.

There are mothers who did not bear the child that has stolen their hearts, adoptive mothers,
We pray for them.

There are mothers who sadly live on the streets…We pray for them.

There are mothers who have given their children up in hopes of a better life, longing to know they are safe…
We pray for them.

For Mothers…in all circumstances.

In a perfect world, it would be just that…perfect.

But life as we know is not perfect, that is for the eternal.

So this Mother’s Day, amidst all of the “sentimental verses” the women at the Cafe pray for the real mothers.
Living very real circumstances.
Very real lives.

2011-05-02T13:16:00.001-04:00

Into The Light!!

Greetings, everyone and blessings from our gracious and merciful Father! Many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers us from them all! I am coming out from under a cloud of testing and tribulation, but thank the Father that He has not left me without help but with the Comforter/Holy Spirit!! My granddaughter was hospitalized for 2 weeks and several days after her release her mom was hospitalized for 7-8 days!

But look at God! I have went from being right at the edge of homelessness to the owner of a new home never lived in and with brand new appliances! All within the last 7-8 months!!! A bit later I will elaborate on what a loving God and doer of miracles has been up to while the enemy has been a pain in my royal_ _ _!!!!!

For all those who are in need of or are desiring to own a home go to NSP.com in your county. There are federal monies available that will assist you with 20-50% of the cost of the house of your choice that you meet criteria for from their list of available homes. Study the criteria and in and outs of the program and you could be a homeowner in an average of 4-6 months. It is all 100% legit and under governmental supervision. I gotta go but stay real and in God's presence!! Love, Jan

2011-04-12T19:16:00.000-04:00

Bunnies At Dolltown!

2011-04-05T16:50:00.000-04:00

On Ebay Today!

2011-04-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

Picture Perfect Bunnies!

2011-04-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

With Or Without Face?

I have a dilemma and would like your input please! For a more primitive look I am considering not adding any facial features. What do you think? Should I leave well enough alone, or face the idea of eyes, noses and mouths? Thank you in advance for your valuble input.

2011-03-29T22:22:00.001-04:00

DollTown.....A Great Place to Visit!

Don't forget to check out the greatest new site for one of a kind art dolls! There are some of the best doll artists in the business selling there! Yours truly, of course has lovely dollies for sale. Browse. Buy, or just drop in and leave a comment to let me know you were there! Share the site with your family, friends and peers! They''ll be glad you did! Have a blessed week!

2011-03-09T15:26:00.001-05:00

Paris In Springtime

New French Santos Cage Doll w/ Lantern on Ebay!

2011-03-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

Pray Without Ceasing Please!

My 12 year old granddaughter A'keyla has been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks with pancreas and liver related issues. Pray for her healing and for the wisdom of the medical team in working with her. Pray for her peace of mind because she doesn't need to worry about missing school or any other thing. I've taught her to pray and she became a born again Christian at about 8 years of age.

Also keep her 8 year old brother Jonathan in prayer because due to a flawed court system his dad has had physical custody of him for almost 4 years in Miami and he desperately wants to live with his mom and sister in Naples. I've also taught him to pray and he says he prays every day.

Pray for Nikki, the kids mom who has her plate full with all this and missing work. The plan is for me to go and relieve her at the St. Pete hospital and stay in the hospital room .

Lastly pray for yours truly to walk in the peace of God through all of the above and more! Not to forget that God's got it!!Blessings! Jan

2011-03-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

My! What Big Eyes You Have!
Oh la` la`

Coming soon!!

2011-02-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

Doll Town Grand Opening!

Doll Town is abrand new fine art doll site opening Sunday Feb. 27th at 7 p.m. EST. The brainchild for this site is Jane DesRosier. You'll see a large group of doll artisans under one artsy buying umbrella (including me of course!) with their one of a kind dollyes available for sale to collectors. There are lots of dollye eye candy by the most artsy, creative doll makers. I have two dollyes listed for sale on the site. Join us tomorrow for the grand opening! Come on by/buy!!!!

2011-02-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

What A Ride!

I am like a kid at Christmas! The following are blogs and their owners that I won giveaways!

1. Indulge Yourshelf.com-----Laurie Jackson...Parisian themed goodie package
2. http://mymommymakesit.com-------Lesley Kevinak....felted mushroom pin
3. cherylstrait.wordpress.com---Cheryl Sstrait.......heart necklace
4. ylmommyx4--------------- Diane Stanley.....market bag
Many thanks to all who visited and for the compliments and encouragement. Can't wait to see what Lisa does in 2012!! Thanks Lisa, you're marvelous!

2011-02-17T10:08:00.002-05:00

A Big Hand Clap for Nicole of Beadwright!

How ironic! My one and only child is Nicole (A'keyla's mom) and the winner of my OWOH giveaway is Nicole! #45 of the random generator! Congratulations! Contact me with your mailing address and chose your Picatoo necklace! I hope it gives you a bit of cheer on the days you're not feeling well! I shall pray for you as well! Hugs and Blessings, Jan #269

Congrats To Me Too!

I won Laurie's of Indulge Your Shelf fab giveaway of Parisian themed goodies! Yaahoo!!! To check it out go here!!!

2011-02-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all my followers and a special welcome to the new ones! Hugs and Blessings, Jan

2011-02-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

N Progress!

I had to delete her face and hands as I was not happy with them! Back to the drawing board!

Blessings!

2011-02-11T15:51:00.004-05:00

Too Cute Cupid Picatoo Necklace

Say hello to Cupid Picatoo, a delightfully whimsical felt pup on a necklace made of tulle, seed pearls and grosgrain ribbon. He is an absolutely one of a kind folk art necklace and even has his own little bow and arrow made of found objects and pink aluminum wire! His hair is a feathered tuff of black boa, the eyes are pink and white sparkly pom poms with sequin pupils. His smile is formed from a fragment of faux floral

and the nose is a round wiggle eye. A black satin ribbon makes a big bow around his neck and the piece de resistance is a vintage floral heart on the left chest .

Cupid Picatoo is almost too special for words. Click on my link and check him out at Etsy! I do custom orders for Picatoos as pendants, brooches as well as necklaces. They're great gifts for birthday parties, surprise gifts for your fave girl or boy pal. They can be color coordinated for bridesmaids gifts or for any reason at all!

2011-02-03T17:27:00.004-05:00

Little Miss Valentine

At just under 10 inches tall, pretty and petite is Miss Valentine personified! Made with polymer clay, artists acrylics, new and vintage fabrics, she carries a heart that says "Love Conquers All". She has chestnut brown mohair, and a pretty hat of feathers, netting, ribbon and sparkly stamens adorn her head. She has hand painted aquamarine eyes, and heart painted lips.

2011-01-30T10:42:00.006-05:00

And We're Off OWOH #5!!!!!

For our final One World One Heart ride I am offering one of the Picatoo necklaces. A'keyla my granddaughter collaborated on the development of these pretties and is very proud of them! Just leave a comment on this post per rules and the winner will have a choice of one of the cutey-wutey folk art necklaces pictures here! Click on the OWOH logo to the right for all the info!! Have fun everyone!!

2011-01-28T10:12:00.000-05:00

We Love Pink!!

A'keyla loves pink as much as I do!

2011-01-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

Change

I just love making something old and dusty new, fresh and beautiful!

2011-01-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

February is Black History Month

Honoring...........

2011-01-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

BY A 15 yr. Old SCHOOL KID IN ARIZONA

Since the Pledge of Allegiance

And

The Lord's Prayer

Are not allowed in most

Public schools anymore

Because the word 'God' is mentioned.....

A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer:

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites,

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..

The law is specific, the law is precise.

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all..

In silence alone we must meditate,

God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...

They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.

It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,

We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong..

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles..

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen

If you aren't ashamed to do this, Please pass this on..

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father.'

2010-12-31T17:04:00.002-05:00

Have a Blessed New Year!!

2010-12-30T14:35:00.005-05:00

One World One Heart Event

The last one?!?! I invite everyone to click here for the last world wide blog event by blogger A Whimsical Bohemian. The fun, the people, the giveaways you don't want to miss, especially since this is the 5th and final one!

Read rules at the link to participate and on January 30th. 2011 the fun begins!

2010-12-25T11:52:00.000-05:00

2010-12-24T22:09:00.003-05:00

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Here are two new ETSY offerings just in time to celebrate the New Year, a handsculpted little fashion doll and an organza ribbon folk art necklace. Check out the pics! Stay safe and have loads of holiday fun. Let's remember to keep Christ in Christmas! For unto us a babe was born! Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, peace and goodwill to men!

2010-12-19T17:03:00.001-05:00

In Progress!!!

2010-12-19T15:19:00.003-05:00

Little Miss Muffet Will Be So-o-o Jealous!!

Coming to Etsy today is a first of a kind for me, a handsculpted fairy princess tuffet! It was a labor of love and took several weeks to finish. If you love girly-girl pink, click on my Etsy link!(That rhymes doesn't it?)

I hope every one is being safe in their Christmas shopping! Stay aware of your surroundings and your wallets! Blessings!!

2010-11-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son (repeat)

And now let the weak say, 'I am strong'
Let the poor say, 'I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us' (repeat)

Give thanks!

2010-11-15T23:22:00.001-05:00

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!!

These are a few ornaments and decorations I've made in years past. I don't know if I'll have the time to make ornaments for this years. So little time!

2010-11-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

Father, I am waiting!

2010-11-11T23:24:00.000-05:00

New Look For the Blog

Check out the new banner and blog background! Also 18th century music is added to my playlist. Enjoy and spend time with Jesus Our Lord! God is glorified when you do! Blessings!

2010-10-17T16:28:00.003-04:00

Jon & JT- Cracker Barrel In Pembroke Pines, Fl

JT is my great nephew(niece Topeka Barnes) and 6.5 yrs old, and Jonathan is my grandson(dtr Nikki) is a big boy 8 years old. Cute as 2 buttons aren't they?

2010-10-16T15:46:00.001-04:00

WELCOME WITCH HILDEGARD & TILLY!

Hildy and Tilly are available today on Etsy! I think they are most charming Halloween dollye set. They are a Cheeky Rose Boutique Original of course and 100% hand made with no molds. Tilly's ensemble is totally hand stitched and the hat is removable.

2010-07-30T15:53:00.001-04:00

Visit Early Work Mercantile!!

See newly listed for August my dollies on Early Work Mercantile tomorrow night after 9pm EST. Lera is a sweet grandmotherly Queen Anne in pink, and Janie Mae the sweetest little African American dollye you will ever see!

2010-07-11T21:23:00.002-04:00

Miniature Queen Anne Doll & Custom Garden Display Box

With joy I present this special little 5 1/2 inch Queen Anne lovely and her summer garden display box! Her name is Lisbeth and just she adores her garden box! She is sculpted of paper clay on a wire frame and can be gently posed at the elbows, hips and knees. She comes with her cotton wove dress of pink and white, with netting accents. Her pantalettes are trimmed in lace as well as the overdress. Her petticoat ties in the back with a pale satin ribbon..

Click on my Etsy link in the left column for more info and pictures!

2010-07-10T09:31:00.001-04:00

In The Garden

Coming soon to an Ebay near you!! Beautiful little package is 90 percent finished! Just a bit more to the costume and special touches to the display box and she'll be ready for posting sometime tomorrow!

2010-07-08T13:12:00.002-04:00

What The Best Dressed Dollies Are Wearing!

My Izannah Walker inspired dollye in all her glory! For a ton of pics, click on my Ebay link to the right!

2010-07-07T20:46:00.002-04:00

Hoorah! My 22 Inch Izannah Walker Doll Is Finished!!

Here's a few preview pics of this young-old lady! She doesn't have a name as I will leave that honor to whomever wins the auction on Ebay! Yes, she will be posted sometime tomorrow on Ebay. Tonight I will dress her and take a few more pics tomorrow morning. Talk about a labor of love!! This was not a simple task. Her face was redone twice, the eyes being the more difficult part of the process. She is weighted for ease of posing. Lots of sewing took place as she will come with four pieces of dainty handmade clothing. Love the red shoes and striped socks! Enjoy!

2010-06-28T12:35:00.002-04:00

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!

My first attempt at an Izannah Walker cloth doll is taking shape. They're also called "Izzies". It is very different from my past doll making efforts. I am using a pattern by doll maker Dixie Redmond of North Dixie Designs.com. She has a cloth body and a paper clay head and bodice. She is a generous 22 inches tall and I hope to have her finished before midnight Wednesday. I'll probably post her on Early Work Mecantile or Ebay. In addition I am working on two miniature dollyes, a little Izannah Walker type with cloth upper legs and a little Queen Anne. Boy, I'd better get cracking if I'm to finish all these by July 1st! I may take one, two , or all to the Acts of Art Gallery in Fort Myers, Fl. I'm just not sure!! Please go here to learn about the history of the marvelous original Izannah Walker dolls.

2010-06-16T11:35:00.002-04:00

Lady Matilda Frye's Final Look!

What a grand Queen Anne she is at 35 inches tall, not including the stand. As a comparison Ruby with her basket is 13.5 inches, and Lula with her dollye Lillie is 10 inches!!

2010-06-16T11:24:00.002-04:00

I Just Love Collages!!
Click pictures to enlarge!

2010-06-12T18:13:00.002-04:00

Beautiful And Smart!

My beloved granddaughter A'keyla graduated 5th grade this week with honors! She received an honor for straight A average and a presidential silver award for excellence signed by our own Barack Obama! In spite of the many health challenges she had this year my girl hung in there and shined! Her teacher the lovely Ms Onuska, has been amazing, visiting A'keyla in the hospital and at her home one weekend for special tutoring! What a jewel she is, God bless her heart!

2010-06-12T17:56:00.000-04:00

Celebration!!

We celebrated mom's 90th birthday (June 10th) at Manor Care of Lely in Naples where she now resides. My oldest brother Tommy flew in from Chicago for the event! Today was the party at my youngest brother's home (Vince). Mommy was a princess and a diva and had a wonderful time.(Click for larger pic)

2010-06-02T18:11:00.000-04:00

Time Out!!

Hubby insisted I take time away from dollies to spend with him as he's not seen me for the past several days even though we live in the same house!!! So he whisked me away to our favorite little spots here in Naples for some R&R. The weather has been wonderful although warmer than usual so the coolest spots are on the ocean.

This space is a wonderful little park and yacht docking area just south of downtown Naples and behind a cove of shoppes called Tin City. Sometimes porpoises are playing within a stones throw! That's our favorite bench.

This is hubby and I playing at downtown Naples beach. The long scaly guy is our house pet.! He's a lazy sort of guy but a good watchdog!

2010-06-01T17:03:00.001-04:00

Who's The Cutie-Wutie With The Doggie?

That's A'keyla at 4 with Sammie the Shih Tzu, that's who!!

2010-05-31T22:26:00.000-04:00

A Lady of Means and Mercantile!!

Visit her at Early Work Mercantile! You'll love her!!

2010-05-30T22:35:00.000-04:00

A Quick Peek At Lady Frye!!

2010-05-30T17:40:00.000-04:00

I Think I Have A Fever!!!

I have been feverishly working almost non-stop for the last couple of days preparing for my debut at Early Work Mercantile. I will finish I tell you by 3 PM tomorrow. My seller's page will go live around 9 P.M. tomorrow night. I've made changes to Lula and Lillie so that they would be more era appropriate for Doreen Frost's site. I 've had to take new pictures and post them, make and finish 3 wooden stands and create the big girl Lady Matilda Frye. She is wonderfully aged and antiqued to appear as a well-loved dollye for the past 150 years or so! Here's a sneak peek of her early stage! See ya Monday night and Tuesday A.M.!!!

2010-05-25T13:37:00.000-04:00

Dollies In Progress!!

I am working on a long legged beauty of a dolly that will be about 33 inches tall for Early Work Mercantile. She will have her own hand made wooden stand and other lovely needfuls. Still not sure of the hair color or even her costume exactly. I have to stop at Boca bargoons for some fabric inspiration! Have a spectacular week!

2010-05-20T13:43:00.006-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I give thanks to God for the gift of my 53rd birthday! This shall be the year that my creativity explodes and takes off with the force of a missile launch from Cape Canaveral! I give God all the credit and bless His wonderful name! Yoohoooooo!!!

2010-05-18T13:55:00.000-04:00

Eureka!

By golly I think I've finally got it!! Three columns for my blog and I did it through blood, sweat, and tears! Now I have to be about getting more dollies ready for my Early Work Mercantile launch on June 1st!!

2010-05-12T17:46:00.000-04:00

Work In Progress

Please excuse the look of my blog while I try to figure out how to activate a 3rd column and make it the posting column! Looks kinda crazy doesn't it?

2010-05-12T17:35:00.005-04:00

See My Dollies At Early Works Mercantile!!!

What an honor to be included with such wonderful artisans on this marvelous site! Come June 1st I will be listing whatever dollies or needfuls I can that have that lovely antique 18th-19th century flavor. I did the banner above especially for my sellers page for Early Works. Click here and have a wonderful look-see at this creative and flavorful site!

2010-05-09T12:30:00.002-04:00

Blessed Mother's Day to all!!

2010-04-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

The Creative Connection is having a fab contest with stampington.com! Check it out!

2010-04-16T00:28:00.000-04:00

Say Hello To Ruby!!!

Ruby is my newest dollie, finished finally amid tons of boxes and chaos as I prepared to move to a new residence! I've barely escaped with a vestige of my sanity intact, thank God! Nevertheless, Ruby is a vision of loveliness, showing off handmade tags as a pretty robin red breast nestles in her quaint little basket. She wears the prettily decorated straw bonnet she insisted on having to adorn her soft ebony mohair. Her entire outfit is hand stitched and she wears a bum roll beneath her petticoat to enhance her figure. What a doll!!

2010-04-06T23:41:00.003-04:00

New African American Primitive Dollies!

This little cutie is 10 year old Lula and her cloth dolly Lillie! Both are dressed in hand stitched outfits ready to go visiting with Mama! I think I will be focusing on more African American 19th century dollies for a while. The larger naked dolly is waiting rather impatiently to be dressed in her finery as well! She wants a bonnet to complete her ensemble so I guess I'd better be about it quickly!

2010-04-04T17:44:00.003-04:00

Best Wishes For A Blessed Day!

Happy Easter and have a great day to all! Giving thanks to God for the most precious gift of all in the person of His dear Son, Jesus!

2010-03-28T13:05:00.022-04:00

MOON OVER HIBISCUS

What a fun and interesting time we had at the KAW Gallery in Naples where some of my work is exhibited! There was live music, live painting on canvas and people, a live caged cougar and a huge iguana! Close to 500 people attended including my family members (see pics).

It was an opportunity for great networking and just meeting lots of
people. The wine and food were tasty as well and just a fantastic time was had by all. I am looking forward to the next KAW event. See A'keyla's and mine Cutie Wutie Picatoo Necklaces?!? A'keyla is looking cutie wutie herself in new glasses. My daughter Nikki is in hot pink and my adorable grandson Jonathan is showcasing those gorgeous eyes of his. My brother Vince(not shown), sister in law Tracey(in white) and her two girls were there to support me and enjoy the festivities.

2010-03-15T19:34:00.001-04:00

One Of A Kind Cutie Wutie Picatoo Necklace

What a fun and artsy necklace! A 35 inch pink sparkly glass nugget necklace from which hangs the happiest mini Picatoo ever! Hand crafted from wool felt, vintage jewelry pieces and found items, the Picatoo is 4.5 inches tall with it's perky hat, and just over 3.5 inches without the hat. the vintage ribbon that ties around it's neck is the perfect accent. Pink soft and fuzzy wool roving peeks from under a cone shaped hat. For versatility it can be worn long or shortened. See it at my Etsy shop today!

2010-03-13T19:34:00.008-05:00

What is a Cutie Wutie Picatoo?

According to my 11 year old granddaughter A’keyla, a cutie wutie picatoo is anything that is soft, lovable and colorful. It can be almost any shape, size or color combinations. It cannot be an animal, person or thing known to man, woman or child and it has to be more than one color and texture. Most Cutie Wutie Picatoos have to be safe and able to be held by a child old enough to hold a sippy cup while supervised by an adult. Some have special embellishments and vintage jewelry and is for big kids only 12 and older. It is great company if one is sick at home or (God forbid!) in the hospital. A'keyla had several recently when she was at Children's Hospital and the nurses and doctors thought they were wonderful for sick kids! It is great for big people too and can be a comfort to have in an office to squeeze when the workday is more work than it usually is! It has to be made from natural fibers like cotton or wool on the outside and has to be stitched or glued with non toxic adhesives and filled with a really super polyfil that doesn’t bunch. When needed, it has to be placed in a pinned pillow case and machine washed with a mild detergent in cold water on a short gentle cycle(It can also be hand cleaned). It then has to be fluffed and air dried or machine dried for a short time on the lowest temperature possible.
Most importantly of all, it must be a lot of fun and the best friend ever to whomever is fortunate enough to own one.(or more!)

Coming really soon to my Etsy store! New ones will be oncoming in future days and weeks as A'keyla and I collaborate.

2010-03-06T13:40:00.002-05:00

FOR ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!!!!!!

Email me or click on Etsy link for more purchase information and more pictures!

2010-03-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

My Etsy Shop

I would like to share photos of some items presently listed on at my Etsy shop. There are lots of vintage and handmade items available at great prices! Click on link in left column to visit the shop. You'll be glad you did!

2010-02-28T22:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, TDIPT!!!

TDIPT is celebrating another milestone with a wonderful Birthday Giveaway! Go to http://todwellinprimitivethymes.blogspot.com to get all the delicious details!!!

2010-02-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Dolly Alert!!

A new dolly or two will be available next week for purchase! The dollies can be purchased here or via Etsy. Check back Tuesday, March 2nd for preliminary photos. One will be African American but both will be more primitive than I have been making! You're in for a "dolly" surprise!

2010-02-22T11:36:00.001-05:00

AUCTION IN PROGRESS!

The three little ladies below are now on Ebay with an active bid in progress! Two bids have been placed so far with 4 days and 10 hours remaining for auction! Click on Ebay link in the left column if you want to get in on the bidding!!

2010-02-17T11:37:00.002-05:00

These little ladies are available as is or they can be clothed. Contact me through the info to the left if you are interested in purchasing these cuties eitiher singularly or as a group.

SOLD

2010-02-15T11:20:00.002-05:00

SORRY!

I looked at #22 on the OWOH blog list instead of #22 on my comment list!

The actual winner is Constance of Rochambeau! I apologize to Bethany and Joe, but I did have to correct my error! So, congrats to Contance!!!! Email me your address Constance!! Luverly!!!!

2010-02-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

AND THE WINNER IS........

Teresa!!! She was the most persistent and constant of commenters and is now the fortunate owner of Valina! She is carrying a heart-shaped signed that says "Love Conquers All". And what a fly hat she is wearing! Enjoy her Teresa!

2010-02-09T15:22:00.003-05:00

BIG DAY TOMORROW

Valina is at the the salon getting ready for her big day tomorrow!

2010-02-08T20:04:00.001-05:00

This is a primitive paper mache heart necklace for sale. Click on the Etsy link for purchase information. Isn't it sweet?

2010-02-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

Here are more pics of the Valentine dolly! Almost finished! Just some embellishment at the waist, a pretty little necklace, and of course her hair! Also she will be carrying a sign of some sort! Happy commenting!!!

2010-02-05T19:50:00.001-05:00

WHAT IS IT???

2010-02-05T09:39:00.000-05:00

AND SO THE SAGA CONTINUES......

This doll maker met with a second gallery owner and all the remainder of my dolls were placed there with strict orders for more!!!! What a learning experience and what fun this all is! The second gallery has been operating only since Oct 2009 and is already making the art news here in SW Florida. It is the KAW gallery and is absolutely supportive of only local artists with all kinds of goodie social activities planned for the artists and the community including a children's program. So you know where I'll be if you don't see me....making dollies!

Due to the above activities I am a bit behind on the Valentine doll but will be posting preliminary pics tonight!

2010-02-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

Valentine Dolly Giveaway!

Just a note about the dates for the giveaway! I will be selecting the winner on Feb 10th, so comment, comment!!

2010-01-31T17:20:00.007-05:00

New Girls On The Block!

Here's three of the cutest little girls I have ever seen! A golden blonde, a redhead, and a strawberry blonde to boot! Right now I'm working on perfecting their "do's" before putting the costumes together! How cutie-wutie are they? The measurements from left to right are 3 1/2 inches, 3 inches, and 6 1/2 inches. They're all little Queen Annes and will probably be sold as a family. I just hate to separate my sweeties, just like the Divas I'm giving away together! What does that say about me I wonder? I would appreciate some input with naming them as all my dollies must have names before leaving the roost! I'll have a special little prize for the author of the winning name!

2010-01-29T20:14:00.004-05:00

Yahoo!!!!!!!!
Well my dears, I did it! I am actually under contract with the coolest, Soho-ish, funkyish gallery in S. Florida! They kept my Santos(Maria), Emily Charisse, and my little Janie Mae! They were displayed in the front of the gallery even before I left the building! They will be adding me to their website and scheduling my own show! I feel so grownup and validated as an artist now! I will be posting gallery info and pictures in the near future! The curator is also introducing me to 2 other galleries on Sanibel Island and Matlacha, FL. If this is a dream, please don't wake me!!!!!! Thank you Dear God!

2010-01-27T14:31:00.005-05:00

My friends, old and new! Here are my latest lovely to share with you! So sweet and pretty in pink is my newest Queen Anne dolly, Lera. At 10 and 1/4 inches tall she has the softest of platinum imported English mohair with little paper posies for accent. She has cream pantaloons and the most gorgeous full lace petticoat. Around her shoulders to keep out the chill is a vintage lace shawl.I think she will be exhibited at the art gallery along with all her friends in a week or two unless I can be persuaded otherwise!

2010-01-27T12:10:00.005-05:00

ONE WORLD ONE HEART IS HERE!

I greet and welcome you to the 4th Annual One World One Heart blogging event!

Come, come my friends and go with me on a magical carpet ride to One World One Heart blogs!! There are more than 650 blogs with prizes to win and new and old friends to greet and meet. So soar on over for the list of blogs.

The prizes I will be contributing for you to win are the Belly Jeweled Divas Mixed Media Dolls Nikki and Lily! I have to give them together as they would have a conniption if separated! If you would like to win them, leave a comment but make sure you have a blog or email so I can get hold of you. I will pick a winner on the 15th of Feb. and post it on the 16th . Click on the link to the left and start flying! God bless and I know you'll have a ton of fun!

Check out the Divas below!

2010-01-26T11:04:00.002-05:00

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been selected as an artist at an art gallery in Ft Myers, Fl!!! They love my dollies! This is an absolute God answer to my prayers, as my heart's desire was to have an exhibit at a legitimate art gallery! The name of the gallery is Arts For Act Gallery and they are located in the River District. They also facilitate the organization "Support Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc.", which is an added bonus for me as I am a strong advocate for all women support agencies. My daughter was a victim several years ago so it is an organization near and dear to my heart. Most of the dollies in the pics below will be part of my first exhibit! I will occasionally be listing a doll on Etsy or Ebay so check here frequently for updates!

I have to work on my artist bio and statement for the gallery. How exciting this all is for me. A dream come true! Thank you my dear Father God! You do bless what we put our hands to!!

2010-01-22T11:34:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of my exhibit at the Naples Doll Show. My daughter was my assistant for both days. It was a bit exhausting but great fun! I met wonderful people from all over the US and several international artists. This venue was for antique dolls and collectors and while a did make sales, it was more of a contact source for my business. There were some dolls there that were priced from $16,000-$32,000!! !There were some lovely vendors of antique and vintage fabrics and contact info was exchanged. I was asked to re do a vintage dress form for a vendor and will be considering that in the near future. Enjoy the pics!!

2009-12-30T12:40:00.003-05:00

Greetings! My, this has been a busy season and it's not over yet! I hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas and I look forward to the same for you for the New Year. I actually have 4 doll projects in various forms of incompletion: a Madonna Santos Doll, an African American 18th century doll, a more contemporary but primitive African American doll, and a more country styled doll dressed in shades of cream and red. Below is several pictures of the Santos stand in progress.

Tomorrow early in the A.M. I look forward to my first colonoscopy(yuk, yuk and double yuk!!). At the same time I will have an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), so I'll be viewed from both ends. Necessary evils I suppose, especially when you hit the big 50! I am a 27 year career nurse so I tend to give a bit more info from a clinical view! Enjoy
the pics!

2009-12-03T18:23:00.001-05:00

Here's my big girl, Leona Ashley, finally! She is 24 inched tall and dressed in mostly hand-stitched vault silk, layers of new and vintage laces for underskirt and petticoats, and a cotton cloth fur jacket.She has gorgeous champagne pearls around her neck and at both wrists. She proudly presents a pearl flower button ring on her right hand. Adhesives were carefully used in strategic places for durability. On her head is a soft fur bonnet tied with a satin ribbon. She is belted with a sparkly silver ribbon and a large vintage rhinestone flower is the crowning touch at her waist. Her shoes are adorned with vault silk ribbons and a crystal accent.

She is absolutely stunning in presentation with her painted big brown eyes and rosey cheeks! She is 100% made by me in handmade paper clay.

2009-11-29T10:13:00.002-05:00

Yea!!! I have finished my 13 angels for the angel swap for Nancye Williams' doll group and they will be mailed tomorrow! I have really been physically and mentally challenged the past 3-4 weeks, more so than usual! When this is happening I try to focus on others to be a blessing to them and in the process my situation does not seem so all consuming. Now I will focus on finishing the big doll A'keyla is holding in one of my earlier posts. I have her costume 2/3's finished so hopefully I can post finished pictures of her this week! Blessings to all!

2009-11-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

I am a bit behind in my crafting duties as I have been under the weather and have had several medical appointments, even to Tampa to the VA hospital. My sleep has been tremendously challenged (for over 2 years!!)due to a yet undiagnosed upper respiratory post nasal issue that causes frequent coughing and gagging! Sometimes I feel as if my inside organs are being retched up!!

Enough of the icky stuff, I digress! Some exciting news to share as I have been accepted into the annual Naples Doll Show and I understand it is a pretty big deal! Dealers from all over the states and some countries attend. I MUST get at least 3 more dolls ready for the show as well as several other projects in various degrees of doneness.

Also, remember our lady Nancye who continues to valiantly face her medical challenges. Pray fervently and often for her and send little messages of support!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

Fly me to the moon

Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby , kiss me

Fill my heart with song
And let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

Fill my heart with song
Let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, in other words
I love ... you!

Isn't this a great song? It just jumped onto my mind and I thought I would share it!

2009-11-10T23:27:00.002-05:00

It's Who We Are
Woman is born to create. In creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work, it is to give out ones own individuality.-Jeanne de

Vietinghoff.

As shared by Jo Packham of Where Women Create

A Crazy Kind of Faith!

2009-11-06T19:42:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to a beloved lady and doll maker Nancye Williams. It appears she is literally in for the battle of her life as she prepares for chemo for breast cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes! So all of my friends and family please stand with me as we believe GOD with a CRAZY faith that she will march through to restoration and renewal. Pray for the wisdom of the health care professionals as they work out the best possible care plan for Nancye. Pray for her peace of mind and that of her loved ones. We believe GOD through His beloved Son Jesus that she perseveres through the process and began thriving once more. Amen!!!!

A Different Perspective

2009-10-29T00:28:00.003-04:00

We all know that there are times when we are abruptly confronted with those raging storms of life that come so unexpectedly(not the aggravating and irritating storms), but the ones that momentarily cause you to question "Where is GOD in all of this?", that we tend to become blind with fear and fall into an acute and immediate state of panic which causes temporary immobility and paralysis. We are unable to think, to process reality or to make a rational decision as what to do next. I have found it extremely helpful to just breathe...slowly, deliberately inhale, exhale and continue the exchange until the feeling returns to my face, hands, feet, and well just my whole body! Then I may rant and rave(and sometimes I do!), cry, call my sister and best friend Dee in Rockford, IL(why the heck did she have to move there in the first place?) who reminds me who I am and WHOSE I am! We pray together on the phone until sanity takes over and my spirit is in agreement with what I already know. Then I go into my closet, figuratively and literally, with my face to the wall and continue to breathe, but this time I allow HIS name to slip through my lips into the atmosphere. Just Jeeeesus!!!

Big Dollies Lil Dollies, Everywhere A Dollie-Dollie!

2009-10-18T17:44:00.006-04:00

My beloved granddaughter who will be 11 in five weeks visited this weekend! She did her big Bratz doll

hair(over and over again!), and I modified a pair of khaki school uniform pants from flood length to capri length per her mom's request. At 5' 4.5" the girl is slim and growing straight through the roof! Look out Tyra! She worked on a science project using my paints and glitters while I tried to straighten some of the disarray in my workshop. We sipped on peppermint and lemon herbal hot teas - the weather dropped from 90 to 59 degrees in 16 hours!! I am working on a paper angel for an exchange for Nancye Williams at nancyesartdolls.ning.com. I've met several lovely ladies there. Check out below the big and little dollies of it all!

Hackers and Scams!!!

2009-10-15T21:13:00.002-04:00

Be careful!! Twice this week a hacker (2 different ones according to IP addresses) accessed my Ebay account, had my email addressed changed and today attempted to scam bidders on a vintage Mercedes scheme for over $17,000.00!! What disgusting crooks.! Thank God, and I do mean thank God, the attempt was foiled by Ebay security and because I check my emails several times a day, I was able to contact Ebay via chat to make changes quickly for more security to my account.

What a day we live in, trying to make a decent living doing the right thing and crooks running amok through the venues that help make this happen for us! I believe that checking your email frequently will assist in thwarting these schemes before they come to fruition. Stay alert and be blesssed!!

Lady Nocturnia Rules!

2009-10-03T19:53:00.001-04:00

She is a lady of the evening of a different sort, she presents with a couture loveliness! She carries that symbol of royalty the scepter atop which perches a miniature version of her royal self. Click on the sidebar links to my stores and have her for your very own!

Lady Eve Hallow A Halloween Pumpkin Primitive Paper Mache Queen Anne Doll

2009-09-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

She's here!!!! Lady Eve Hallow is a gorgeous one of a kind hand sculpted, hand painted, and hand stitched Queen Anne pumpkin doll with a hand made flickering lighted jack o' lantern! What a delightful pairing of art this is! Click on to Ebay or Etsy links for more pics and all the juicy details!!

2009-09-23T00:17:00.005-04:00

This little goodie was completely handmade by me and has a flickering tealight inside for the coolest jack o lantern effect! Whimsical and elegant, it will be accompanied by the classiest harvest queen ever!. The unforeseeable notwithstanding, she will be posted on Etsy or Ebay in the next 3-4 days! Don't blink, you might miss the opportunity to have this one of a kind holiday doll and lantern for yourself!