Thursday, December 29, 2011

Happy New Year!

Here's to all of you to have a VERY Happy, Healthy and Proserous New Year!

Friday, December 23, 2011

A Very Merry Christmas To All Of You!

I'm wishing all of you a VERY Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Safe travels to all of you that will be traveling!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Worth reading

I got this great email from a family member last week and I thought it was worth sharing with you.
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into
high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced
goods -- Merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American
labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the
gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an
excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced
by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to
fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift
certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about
some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American
owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift
certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking
down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that
grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed
for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local
golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what
about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks
this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your
home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep
their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of
a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people
spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and
pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and
leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or
ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand
Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of
light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those
kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a
nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring
about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away
to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we
care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we
couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
This is a wonderful idea but my husband thought of something that makes sense if you buy someone something they will buy themselves anyway like a haircut is that really helping the ecomomy???  He said you need to buy them something they wouldn't buy themselves, that may be a haircut I know some of my family members need one right now, not naming any names though, lol.  Speaking of buying handmade I am going to be doing a show this Saturday from 9-4 at North Branch High School North Branch MN.  Take care and hope to see you there.

Monday, November 7, 2011

It's been awhile!

It's been awhile since I've posted hasn't it, not sure why but I just lost interest in posting.  I've also been busy making new things for my show on November 19th at North Branch High School this is the link for more info: http://www.stmawt.org/craft_show.htm   Hope to see you there!  It's a fun show!
I sculpted this scarecrow pictured above out of paperclay.  I really enjoy making small paperclay sculptures but they are very time consuming so I've only made a few of them.  This little guy is for sale on my Etsy page along with a Raggedy Ann I sculpted too.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/debscountry  
Until next time then gotta run.   Happy Fall Yall. 


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Little Falls Art's and Crafts Fair 2011




2011 Little Falls Art's and Crafts Fair is behind me now for another year.  This was our 15th year there, unbelievable how fast time flies!  The crowd was way down this year.  I'm not sure what all the reasons for that were but one of them was that it was one of the last dry beautiful warm weekends for people to go to the lake and I think that's where alot of them were.  It got alot hotter than predicted it was 90 degrees by late afternoon instead of 82 which sent most of the shoppers home by 3:00 and the show went until 6:00.  Then on Sunday it was the slowest  least amount of shoppers there in the 15 years we've been there.  I'm the luckiest woman in the world to have my husband Gordy helping me with the whole thing, I couldn't do it without him.  All in all it didn't rain, an it wasn't windy, setting up and tearing down on Friday night and Sunday afternoon went smoothly with special thanks to our oldest son Brad with that,  also to my sister Renee for helping me on Saturday.  Thank you to all of my faithful wonderful customers and all of the great comments that is what inspires me to keep doing this. 

Thursday, September 8, 2011

This is just one of the examples of some of the great new items I'll have at Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair

Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair in Little Falls MN is this weekend Sept 10th and 11th.  I will have LOTS of new unique items this year like this snowman wreath perfect to have up all winter season, so hopefully you'll be there to check it out.  Please come and say hi if you're one of my blog readers let me know I often wonder how many of you are out there.  The weather is supposed to be gorgeous sunny 80 degrees, that makes me so happy!  Gotta go now get ready so byeeeeee!

Monday, August 15, 2011

26 days left before my BIG art fair!

Wow, summer's  flying by at record speed it seems!  I know it's been forever since I've posted.  No excuses  just plain didn't feel like it, not sure why.
I have this bunch of cutie's done and ready for Little Falls arts festival.  They are a new design of my Kid's Safe Raggedy Ann dolls.  They can be washed and the clothes are removable.  They a sure to bring a smile to your face,  the doll on the far left is currently for sale on my Etsy page. 
I'm working on finishing up some fall things now scarecrows, and cute black cats.  I've also started a dozen other dolls with various themes.  Hopefully I will have a very productive next 26 days. 
By the way don't forget to come see my at Little Falls arts festival on Sept. 10th and 11th in Little Falls MN.  I'll have a bunch of new things this year!  Please say hi and let me know you read this!  Hoping for weather as nice as last year was that weekend too!

Friday, April 22, 2011

I'm offering free shipping on my Etsy page.

In honor of Easter and Mother's Day I'm offering free shipping on my Etsy page  Use coupon code spring2011 in the checkout.  These two cuties are listed on there right now!  Hop over and take a peek, I have tons of things on there right now.  Happy Easter everyone!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is the best Mom in the world's birthday!  It's my Mom's 76th birthday today.  This is my Mom and Dad with my sister Cathy on the right and me on the left.  I love this picture the way we look so secure with them holding us.  I hated picture taking, hence the look on my face.  My Mom said she would be sad today because my Dad isn't here for her birthday, he was for by her side for 56 years of birthdays so I can understand her saddness.  She says she doesn't want to celebrate but I told her it is a celebration since the day she was born was one of the best days for so many people that love her.  Mom please know how happy I am that you are here today and I will celebrate it with you!  I love you so very much, more than words could ever say.  You are my Mom and my friend, thank you for everything you've taught me and given me it all makes me who I am today.  I hope I make you proud. 

Monday, March 7, 2011

Some of our new calves born this week 2011

These are some of our new calves that were born in the last week 7 out of 21 have been born.  We had one that didn't make it, that was hard to take.  It was so cute, we tried for hrs to get it to come around but in the end it didn't work, poor little girl.  I hope all the rest are born without any troubles. 
I've been busy working on dolls lately and have listed a bunch of new spring/Easter items on my Etsy page  Hop on over there to take a look.  Charlotte rabbit is going to be on her way to her new home to Duluth Mn in the morning.  The three little Annies named Ella were inspired by my memories of when I was little the dresses my Mom used to make us and the bonnets we wore they were fun to make.
Have a great week everyone!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

St Patricks Day "Jade" ready for adoption.

"Jade" is still awaiting adoption on my Etsy page   She had a twin but she is off to her new home in NJ with her friend "Arianna" springtime/Easter Annie.  I've started working on some rabbits now.  It's good to get back to sewing dolls after a little break. 
I'll be taking another little break this week, my brother and I are taking my Mom to Las Vegas for a 4 day getaway.  Sister Cathy  in Colorado is meeting us there, yippee.  As most of you know my daughter, son in law and son are all in Las Vegas so can't wait to see all of them.  Mom's brother lives in Vegas also, she hasn't seen him for at least 5 years so that will be a sweet reunion too.  That will be one thing off my Mom's bucket list.  Hope the weather will be nice while we're there, we are supposed to get dumped on here today maybe a foot of the white crap, yuckie!  Just when you think spring may be in the near future.....NOT!
Hope you're all having a great weekend!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Back from a wonderful trip to Playa Del Carmen MX

Don't we look like TOTAL tourists, lol!  I just love this picture because we were having so much fun and it looks like it!  This was taken on a catamaran snorkel cruise that we took http://www.catamaya.net/  I totally recommend it if you are going to Playa Del Carmen or Cancun.  The ocean temp. is so perfect, snorkeling is really fun.  It was an awesome beautiful, sunny, warm day.  Great memories!  We took this trip to try to reconnect and heal and get some warmth because 2010 was a tough year for us.  I wanted warm sunny days and we got them it was only cloudy one day out of 7 so that was good.  Now back to reality!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Zoe has cabin fever too!

Zoe is just OVER winter, like the rest of us, right.  She's so bored and wants to run outside, go for long walks and play frisbee, but for now naps are good.  She also misses Luke who she totally adores, he went to Vegas to live with his sister for a few months, the weather is beautiful there 60's and sunny, lucky!   For Zoe's sake I sure hope spring isn't too far away.  I'm going to get a couple breaks away to warmer weather in the near future, YES I need warm sunshine!  This morning on the weather they said 6 wks from now sunset will be at 7pm here, yippee, that's not that far away right! 
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

This made me SO happy!

This comment was left in my feedback section on my Etsy page for me today. 
Debbie did a wonderful job of recreating my uncle's childhood companion, Reenie. It brought back so many memories to my entire family. We were all brought to tears with his return and haven't stopped taking turns hugging him. Thanks so much for all of your hard work.
It almost brought me to tears that I could do this for them.  I was so scared I wouldn't be able to recreate it but the story was so sweet I really wanted to.  When the uncle of the woman who ordered this doll was young he had a doll that he LOVED and carried it with him everywhere he went and one day it disappeared.  She wanted me to make one like it for him.  The doll is a little different than I'm used to making.  I was practically holding my breath hoping to hear back if they liked it or not.  So this made my day! 
Hope you're all having a good day too!


Friday, January 7, 2011

My "NEW" Valentine Raggedy Ann's



These are my three new Valentine's Day Raggedy Ann's up for adoption on my Etsy page.  Pop on over and take a look at them.  They are way cuter in person, I know I always say that but it's true really they are!  Now on to my next project tomorrow. 
It's was freezing cold here today hopefully this really cold stuff doesn't last long it isn't fun.  Even the 20's are ok but once it gets to the single digits and below brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr not good especially when the wind is blowing like today.  How many more months of winter?!!@#
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

I've been busy making "NEW" dolls!


I'm starting out 2011 making some cute new dolls.  This one is Taylor Ann, she just got caught in her curlers hence the surprised face.  My inspiration to make her was finding these adorable vintage curlers in an antique store.  I just LOVE finding cute things that give me inspiration to create something new.  I'm currently making 3 Valentine dolls to add to my Etsy page in the next few days.  Then maybe St Pats day not sure I have a bunch of cute vintage toys to give me ideas for the next cuties. 
Winter is back to it's normal COLD, snowy self this year here in MN, we haven't had one of these for a while.  It's a good thing I'm gonna get a couple breaks away to someplace warm in the next few months, I know I'm sooooooooooo lucky, I wish everyone could get away.  Hugs, hope your staying warm!