Deb's Country Crafts

Holiday Dollies

2012-01-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

I'm slowing getting back into the groove of doll making for 2012. These are two of my latest creations, they are for sale on my Etsy page right now. I'll be making some spring/Easter dolls next.
My Mom was recently hospitalized with pnemonia and then went home with hospice care so I'll be spending lots of quality time with her and crafting in between. Life sure is hard sometimes I'm trying to remember to live in the present and enjoy every good thing and not dwell on the reality. My 2 sisters, and 1 brother an I gave my Mom a bedroom makeover yesterday. We made it really girly, lots of pink floral, garden theme and cheerful. She loved it!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T16:11:00.000-08:00

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

A Very Merry Christmas To All Of You!

2011-12-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

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!

Worth reading

2011-11-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

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.

It's been awhile!

2011-11-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Little Falls Art's and Crafts Fair 2011

2011-09-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-09-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

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!

26 days left before my BIG art fair!

2011-08-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

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!

I'm offering free shipping on my Etsy page.

2011-04-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

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!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-04-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Some of our new calves born this week 2011

2011-03-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

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!

St Patricks Day "Jade" ready for adoption.

2011-02-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

"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!

Back from a wonderful trip to Playa Del Carmen MX

2011-02-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

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!

Zoe has cabin fever too!

2011-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

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!

This made me SO happy!

2011-01-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

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!

My "NEW" Valentine Raggedy Ann's

2011-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

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!

I've been busy making "NEW" dolls!

2011-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

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!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

My wish for you is for a Happy & Healthy 2011 everyone! 2010 has been a year filled with amazing joy and the deepest saddness I've ever felt and more stess than I thought I could handle sometimes. It's hard for me to say I'll be happy to have 2010 behind me since some parts of it were amazing and wonderful others well you know.... I hope 2011 is a good one for everyone! Wow how time flies!!!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all of you out there! Speaking of all of you out there, I've added a counter on my page to count the hits on here, there seem to be a lot of you reading this, but where are the comments :(???? I am feeling like NO ONE (except a few faithful friends, you know who you are, thanks so much) is out there reading this but my counter says otherwise. Please let me know your there by leaving a comment. I've had a couple comments lately that I can't read because they're in another language, is there a program on here that changes comments to english??? Not sure, I wish there was though. I've been told by a few of my customers at craft shows that they read this, please if you are reading will you let me know. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it or not to me to keep posting.
Hope your all having a stress free weekend before the BIG holiday weekend. Take care!

Three "NEW" pairs of recycled wool mittens done!

2010-12-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Three "NEW" pairs of recycled wool mittens done yesterday and listed on my Etsy page I may have to make myself a pair of these lavendar an green mittens. While I was making these it occured to me that they would match my down coat perfectly and I do need a pair of mittens to go with that coat, so I guess I better get busy on them since we got 5 inches of new snow on the ground and it is really cold here! It's looking like we will have a white Christmas here this year. That isn't a big deal for me having a white Christmas but I know it is for a lot of people. I grew up in Florida so snow doesn't represent Christmas for me. Lots of fun events to go to in the next few days so I'll be out and about in this winter wonderland of ours! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

They sold so FAST!!!

2010-12-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

I finished these two pairs of recycled wool mittens up on Tuesday night, love the way they turned out, then I listed them on Wednesday mid morning and both were sold within a couple hours. I sent a note to my email list that I was listing them and to hurry to look since they would probably sell fast and they did so sorry if you were one of them that was interested. I promise I'll make more starting tomorrow. I also sent a doll to New Zealand today, Merry Ann, fun, she has a long journey ahead of her! Cyber Monday and Black Friday were a major bummer no action, zippo for me on my Etsy page. So I hope my recent sales are a sign things will pick up for me. I plan to be working on alot of great new things before Christmas. The ideas are going round and round in my head! Byeeeee now!

I miss my Granddog Roxy!

2010-11-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

This little sweetie is my Granddog Roxy! My sister sent me this picture over the weekend. Oh she's such a sweetheart! I haven't been able to see her since August. My daughter and son in law are coming home for Christmas but they can't bring Roxy since they're flying. We are going to there house in March so that will be the next time I get to see her, boohoo. She's a Pomeranian and a little cuddle bug, lover. I miss you Roxy!!!
I am almost finished with two new pairs of felted wool mittens, my first batch this year so far. It must be the very cold snowy weather here that inspired me, there's NO doubt about it winter is here! I'll be listing them on my Etsy page probably tomorrow if your interested hop on over and take a look. I have a ton of stuff on my page right now. Hugs!

Sale starts today on my Etsy page!

2010-11-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

I am having a 10% off sale 11/24-11/29 on my Etsy page just enter coupon code annie4u at the checkout. This cutie is one of the items listed she is two sided one side happy one side sad. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend everyone! Hugs!

Getting ready for my show at North Branch

2010-11-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

I've been getting ready for my show on November 20th at North Branch High School. I finished these four snowgirls, also 3 two sided happy/sad Christmas Annie's done too. I'm working on some santa's, vintage looking Christmas elf bust and a snowman bust right now. Hope you can make it to the show it's a good one.

New dolls added to my Etsy page

2010-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've added these three new dolls to my Etsy page today. I spent yesterday organizing and cleaning my craft room so I can start working in there again. The first new things I'm going to work on are small zipper coin/makeup bags, I have nine started in really great color combos.
My Dad's funeral service was beautiful last Saturday. A special thanks to our cousin Ben for writing a wonderful, beautiful, touching tribute to my Dad. I know life must go on for all that he left behind but it sure isn't easy. There are so many things we miss not having him here our hearts have a forever hole in them. My Mom is doing ok in spite of her deep deep saddness. On Saturday October 23 it will be there 56th wedding anniversary.

Sad day for our family.

2010-10-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away today peacefully with his loved ones by his side from his 8 month couragious battle with brain cancer. This is my Dad, the first man I loved. Thank you Dad for showing me what a real man is and what I wanted in a husband and father of my children and for always telling me that I'm beautiful. You are such a GREAT Dad and I will miss your picky kisses on my cheek! Rest in peace sweet, sweet Dad! There will be a forever hole in my heart with you gone. I miss you already!!!

Fall is here

2010-10-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Beautiful fall weather here in central Minnesota. Crisp cool air, bright blue skies and fall colors. We've had frost here the last two mornings, brrrr. I think the trees are even prettier this year it seems like in one week they turned just beautiful!
Yesterday we celebrated my baby brother's 44th birthday. On Tuesday we will celebrate my wonderful Dad's 77th birthday, that will be a day to take in and be thankful for indeed! On Thursday we celebrate my sister's 51st birthday. My sister from Colorado flew in late Friday night and will be here until Wed. to help with the celebrations. It's great that she's here it's been so hard for here being so far away right now.
As you all may know my Dad has been suffering from brain cancer since the middle of Feb this year. He is declining a little each day but is so brave, strong and cheerful most of the time, he's a REAL hero. It is the hardest thing anyone could endure on all sides the person going through it and the family and friends that love the person. Our family is staying strong and together and that is all you can ask for during this. We are all still going day to day minute to minute grateful for all the time we have together. So on Tuesday we will celebrate that our Dad is with us for one more birthday. Happy 77th Birthday to the most wonderful Dad anyone could have, I love you SO much!

New things I added to my Etsy page

2010-09-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Etsy page

I added some "NEW" Fall things to my Etsy page today. Fall officially only one day away and it sure feels like it here in Central MN for the last week it's been chilly. I like Fall but I'm not ready for it yet, summer seemed to fly by at record speed this year. The leaves are starting to turn and there is a crispness in the air.
Still busy with family priorities right now. With Little Falls Art Fair behind me I'm taking a small break from my crafting but I'll be back to it soon. Happy Fall everyone!

Little Falls Arts Fair 2010 behind me!

2010-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, my biggest show of the year is behind me now! These pictures were taken on Sunday the second day of the sale because I forgot my camera on Saturday. The booth isn't as full as it was on Saturday as you can see in these pictures but you can get an idea of what it looked like. One night I couldn't sleep and thought of the idea to hang a refridgerator door in the booth on one of the walls to put magnets and give it a kitchen feel, my husband found this door in a junk pile at our farm it used to be on his fridge when he was little, cute huh. Everything went great, beautiful weather, wonderful helpers and awesome complimentary customers. The crowd was down on Saturday from the usual amount which was a little disappointing not sure why the weather was good. All in all I'm very satisfied with how it went, with all that is going on in my life right now I wasn't even sure if I would be able to be there and also get enough merchandise done so I did so that makes me happy. Yes!!! I added some new fall things to my Etsy page today and will be adding more all week so please go check it out! Hugs!

My BIG weekend coming up next weekend!

2010-09-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken last year at the Little Falls Art Fair. I can't believe it's coming up next weekend Sept. 14th and 15th, my space # is I 5&6 come see me there! I have LOTS of great new things I just haven't had the time to take pictures and post them. I'm hoping as always that the weather is nice. I'm in the frenzy mode now so hope I can get everything done in time. Hopefully I'll see you there!

July flew by!

2010-07-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post! July flew by so fast, well the whole summer is going way too fast! These beautiful Phlox are blooming in my garden dispite the neglect of time I've shown them this summer. It's been hard for me to blog lately since I'm sad most of the time. As some of you know my Dad has brain cancer. He was hospitalized again last week with a seizure they think, not quite sure. Hospice came to set things up last week for my Dad, that was a hard, hard day. This is the hardest thing I've had to go through so far in my life, it totally stinks. It's so hard to see my big strong Dad deteriorate and get weaker and weaker. I'm so grateful for my family members though who are all sharing with caring for him so we can keep him home where he wants to be with his wife/my mom of 55 years and his 2 doggies.
Also my father in law was hospitalized overnight this week too. We aren't sure whether it was him mixing up his meds or his heart valve that caused his situation. He's fine now though, whew! Way too much drama here lately, way more things than I want to mention right now! Maybe more about the other stuff later.
I did manage to work all day today on a big batch of dollies, I think there are 21 little darlins. Thank goodness I have that to take me away from thinking about sad stuff. I keep telling myself that this is just a bump in my life a huge bump but a bump none the less. Hopefully I still have some people out there reading this I've been such a crappy blogger. Hugs to you!

Check out these cuties!

2010-06-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

This batch of cuties is finished and ready for adoption now! It took me a while to finish these because I had to sneak in time here and there to work on them but I think they were worth the wait, I love the way they turned out. Now I need to start on another batch of lovelies. It's so hard for me to decide what to start next should I make Fall dolls or everyday dolls? What do you think, are the dolls for fall like scarecrows, witches things like that more marketable or everyday dolls? I welcome your input on this question.

My Dad is doing ok he is weak. He was in the hospital a few weeks ago with pneumonia and a low blood count, VERY ill. He's been trying to regain his strength but it's going slow. His latest MRI after treatment showed no change in the tumor since before treatment. That was sad and ok at the same time since we were worried it was worse. So basically the treatment didn't reduce the size just slow it down. Still trying to just go day to day moment to moment and appreciate the little things.

Pile of 10 new dollies!

2010-06-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

I bet your wondering where I've been! Very busy! I'm working on 10 new dollies right now. These are going to be super cute when they're done! I've been trying to work on them a little each day while still keeping family my first priority right now.
My Dad the sweetest guy ever and my hero finished up his radiation and chemo last week so we are now hoping for some good quality time where he feels good and can have some normal life and fun back even for a little while. The doctors don't have a good idea of how much time he has. He isn't scheduled to have an MRI until the end of June to check how things are going. We are just taking it one day at a time one memory at a time. My sister Cathy (she lives in Colorado) has been here helping for a while and she is leaving to go back home on Thursday. She has been taking family leave to help out here, taking care of and spend quality time with our parents. Wow family leave is nice but they sure make you jump through hoops to get it. It will be a lot more difficult to manage when she leaves she's been wonderful. Both of our parents require round the clock care. She will hopefully be able to come back again soon!
I'll post pictures of these dollies when they're finished. Take care, hugs!

Flower Power!

2010-05-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Oh, the power of flowers to brighten your day! On Mother's Day Gordy, my 2 sisters and I walked around in our local Munsinger/Clemens Botanical Gardens. I don't think I've ever been there at this time of year, but from now on I won't miss it in the spring. It was spectacular!!! My sisters and I were snapping pictures like crazy of all the beauty and the smell was amazing too. What a sweet ending to a great Mother's Day! Our daughter that lives in Colorado is flying in today for a week, Yeah!!!

Blooms Galore!

2010-05-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

My yard is in full bloom right now! The plum, and crab apple trees look beautiful and the fragrance is amazing!!! The phlox is full of blooms too. They are blooming about two weeks ahead of schedule. We had such a warm April but so far May isn't. It's been windy and cool here and more cloudy than sunny. Come on May please warm up! Hope all is good with you, hugs!

More magnets!

2010-04-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Twelve more delightful magnets that I've finished up. I like the way they turned out. Still working on ten new dolls, a little at a time. I'm spending a lot of time with my family these days, it's my top priority right now. As I've posted previously my Dad has brain cancer and he is going through treatment now. There are a lot of close family members flying in to see him. We're making beautiful memories and trying to stay positive no matter what is in our future. It's hard to do sometimes but I'm so lucky to have a family we hold eachother up and when one of us is down the others bring us back up. Yesterday my brother called me he said "hurry over we're having a apple pie and ice cream party", you better believe I did forget the makeup I just got dressed and got over there, YUM, what fun that was!!! Family, what would I do without you!

Tulips are brighter now!

2010-04-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

I took this picture yesterday of my tulips, they are prettier than they were at the beginning of the week so thought I would post an updated version of them. I'm so glad I planted these I think it was at least 10 years ago now, they give such cheerful color every spring and so far have never failed to please. I planted 50 bulbs that time, it was so much work but well worth it don't you think! Today is a rainy Saturday here but that's good we need the nice slow rain SO bad we haven't had any for such a long time. When the rain stops and the sun comes out WOW it's going to be bright green, nature has been waiting for this!

Magnet LOVE!

2010-04-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

I'm having fun making super cute magnets! These are six of them that I've finished so far and I have a bunch more almost finished. Just a little something new to add to my shows. It's been a way to get creative while being super busy with other things lately. I can work on them a little bit at a time here and there. I'm also making ten new dolls, bodies are done now onto the clothes.
I can't believe it's already Friday the week flew by!!! Have a fantastic weekend!

Spring beauty!

2010-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

My tulips, phlox and hyacinth are blooming, yippee! Everyday is just a little bit brigher and more colorful here in central MN . I just LOVE spring flowers, green grass, bright green leaves on the trees and even dandelions because it means summer will be right around the corner my favorite time of year! Yesterday was such a nice warm day it was in the low 70's, today it's a little chilly and has a cold breeze but sunny.

I'll be stuffing dollie parts today, it's not my favorite part of doll making but they won't get to be dollies without that part so that's what I'll be doin today stuffing my fingers to the bone, haha. I am also finishing up some cute magnets too, something new, fun to make since I can get really creative the ideas are endless!

Hope your all having a wonderful spring week, don't forget to take time to smell the flowers!

"Birdie" and "Sasha"

2010-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

These two cutie's are "Birdie and "Sasha" my newest creations. I listed them on my Etsy page today. They're both ready for Spring! Fun bright colors.
I'm sewing dolly bodies today, it' my first whole day back to crafting in a long while, it feels good. So now I gotta get back to work. Hope your all having a good week!

Life is a rollercoaster!

2010-04-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Life has been like riding on a rollercoaster for me and my family lately. This picture was taken on Saturday, we took Mom and Dad out to there summer camp for the day. They had such a nice day there it was a gorgeous day. My niece Chandra took Grampa down by the river looking for rocks she could use for hot stone massage since she is a massage therapist. One minute complete joy then deep sadness, laughing then crying. Yesterday was my Mom's 75 birthday and my Dad's first chemo and radiation treatment for a brain tumor. The day started out with a fun breakfast together, then 11 am cancer treatment for Dad then delicious birthday lunch, then shopping with Mom at her favorite store, then pizza party in the evening. I think Mom had a good birthday. We are just trying to find joy in everything we can and live moment to moment memory to memory. I guess that's all you can do, stay positive and enjoy eachother.
I'm hoping to slip a little time in each day for creating. I working on some new dollies now and I purchased a bunch of supplies for great new things to start on.
Remember to enjoy the little things since they are the BEST things in life!!! Hugs!

2010-04-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

I listed both of these new dollies on my Etsy page this week. I am hoping to find time to list a couple other cuties in the next few days.
My birthday was on Thursday, I had such a fun day. It started out with breakfast with my Mom, Dad and my brother Al, then Al and I went for a couple hours to a casino, then we picked up my brother David who lives in Florida from the airport, he flew in to surprise my parents for the weekend. Out that evening for dinner and drinks with my hubby, 4 of my siblings, 2 of my kids, niece and her boyfriend. Great day!
It's another beautiful sunny day here, going to be in the 60's which is above average for Minnesota in April. I know that doesn't sound too warm for you southerners out there but we are loving it here. I'll be out enjoying it and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend too!

Happy Easter and Hello Spring!

2010-04-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter and Hello Springtime!
I found this nice little surprise blooming in my garden. Even though my gardens are still covered in leaf mulch these springtime beauties still popped up to say hello. This means spring is officially on it's way here. The sun is shining brightly this morning but the wind is making it chilly out. I think it's supposed to be in the low 60's for a high today.
Hope you have a wonderful Easter and don't forget to enjoy the sweet little surprises of Spring!

Back to work!

2010-03-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've been back to work in my amazing craft room this week, these are the items I got finished up. There are five more adorable dollies just waiting for there hair to be sewn on. A friend of mine is coming by this morning to purchase this wallet, don't you love the spring feel of this fabric!
It's been exciting to get back on track and get something finished this week I hope I can keep the ball rolling. The weather here in central MN is gorgeous, it was in the low 70's yesterday and is supposed to be in the low 70's again today and tomorrow, which is unreal for us in MN to have these warm days already the end of March. I'm hoping to put flip flops and capris on today and enjoy it!
Have a GREAT day wherever you are!

Cuteness!

2010-03-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

These are our new baby calves born this month so far. Aren't they adorable! So cute and fun to watch. We have four born now and three more on the way in the next few weeks. We've had a warm dry month which is helpful for the little guys.
My Dad is doing good he is getting his strength back after having brain surgery to remove a tumor. He has Anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III) brain cancer. He will start treatment next month which will include chemo and radiation. He is being so brave and strong through it all. It's been hard for the family to deal with this my Dad has never been sick and hasn't ever been on medication until now. He's the most wonderful and loving man and best father anyone could ask for.
My father-in-law had surgery last week to open his arotic valve. The surgery went well and now he is on a waiting list for minimal evasive valve replacement. The doctor said it will probably be the first of the year before they can do that. In the meantime he will probably have to have the balloon surgery again to open the valve. He is doing well.
I still haven't been able to get back to my crafting but I plan to in the next few days. I haven't been feeling the best the last few days, partly flu and partly exhaustion. I hope to be sharing pictures of some sweet new dollies soon. Hugs to you all!

One hurdle

2010-03-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

We have one hurdle behind us now. My Dad had brain surgery on Friday, so far all is going well and he may be able to go home tomorrow. We are at St Mary's Hospital which is part of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. We are at the best place possible for this. He has a wonderful neurosurgeon, Dr Parney. We don't have the biopsy results back yet but the doctor think it is a malignant tumor. We will take it one day at a time. Thank you for all of your sweet comments and prayers, please keep them coming it is helping. Hugs!

It's been a VERY difficult three weeks!

2010-03-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

On February 13th my Mom called from Florida saying my Dad was just sitting there unable to speak or respond. I told her to call 911. We called her back 10 min. later and Gordy talked to her to calm her until the ambulance arrived. I immediately called my brother David that lives close by them in Florida and my other siblings, then started packing to go to Florida. My son Luke start looking online for plane tickets for myself, my brother Al, my brother Bruce and my sister Renee to fly there on the next flight out to Florida. The first flight we could arrange was for the next morning. They took my Dad to the hospital by helecopter, the closest hospital was 30 miles away. It was a VERY scarey roller coaster night for my Mom, my brother David and the rest of the family we were communicating nonstop over our cell phones. It wasn't certain whether my Dad would still be with us by the time we arrived on Sun. afternoon. My sister Cathy,she lives in Colorado she also got the first flight out and arrived in Florida a few hours after we did. My Mom was so happy to see us, all six of her children together for the first time in 11 years. For a week we didn't know what caused him to be there in the first place was it a stroke, his heart or brain? It was such a scarey time. Four of the days he was on a ventilator so drugged up we didn't know if he would know us when he came out of it or not. On the forth day they took him out of the coma and were able to remove the ventilator. I have never seen so much pure LOVE in someone's eyes when he saw my Mom his bride for 55 years, he was a wonderful thing. We were so happy he was with us again. He was in ICU for a week then he stayed in the hospital for another week until he was strong enough to make the trip back to Minnesota. His primary doctor in Minnesota got him an appointment at the Mayo clinic in Rochester Minnesota for March 5th. My Florida cousins, uncles and aunts were so wonderful to us, thank you so much to them for everything you did while we were there! My brother Al drove my parents motorhome with my Mom and Dad, sister Cathy and I back her to Minnesota. Thirty miles out we had two rear tires blow which damaged some other things. We called Good Sams road assistance, they sent out a repair truck with a super nice guy who changed the tires right on a major highway and got us on the road again. We arrived back here to Minnesota late evening on March 2nd. We took my Dad to the Mayo clinic last Friday for his first visit and now we have another appointment on Monday. So far we know that he has a brain tumor but not sure of all the details yet. Please send prayers, positive energy whatever you believe in our way. He is the most amazing husband, father and grandfather and we love him so much words can't even say. My father in law who is a very amazing man that I love VERY much is also doctoring at the Mayo clinic for replacement of a heart valve. He will be having a ballon placed in his valve March 17th then hopefully in May they will do a non evasive valve replacement. What a nightmare to have two Dads to worry about!

I have been unable to work on my dolls or even think of it right now so I'm not sure how long it will be but I have other more important priorities now. I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again but I will when I can. Take care, hugs!

I have some "NEW" Easter/Spring dolls in progress!

2010-02-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

This

Plus this

Equals seven "NEW" super sweet Easter/Spring dolls. There bodies are done now and I'm in the process of putting there clothes together. I found these adorable rabbits and this little story book at various antique stores this winter, they are the inspiration for these seven new dolls. I'll post pics when they are completed!
This morning I'm going to get my haircut. I've had such trouble for the last couple years finding a hairstylist that understands me, can cut my hair the way I want it. Either it's me or they just cut from a mold and just don't listen, not sure but I hope it turns out the way I want it to look today. I've given up on the idea of growing it out and have realized I just look better with short hair so I'll be going short again today. Wish me luck!
Hope your weeks going good and your staying warm!

Shannon O'Grady "Kiss Me I'm Irish" Annie

2010-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

This is Shannon O'Grady "Kiss Me I'm Irish" Annie! She is already adopted and will be going to her new home to live with one the wonderful ladies I have on my email list.
I was inspired to make this doll when I found this "Kiss Me I'm Irish" button and so then whimiscal/silly/adorable Shannon was born. She was such fun! Now I've started making some Easter Annies that will be holding small bunnies. Thank you to all of you who wrote me to tell me you're there, it's so nice to know. I'm going to have a giveaway soon which involves helping me pick a new name for my business so please check in to see when it is!
Happy Hump Day!

I has a ponder?????

2010-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

I was just wondering who reads this??? Is anyone there??? Really??? I've heard from some of my customers that they read this and some friends and relatives tell me they do, but I'm not sure how often. Every post I make goes to my facebook account so some of my facebook friends will read this and comment on my facebook but WHO is actually reading this???? It's hard to blog on a regular basis because I don't get very many comments. If you are reading this PLEASE leave me a comment (a shout out) to let me know you're there, that I'm not just writing into thin air. I need some inspiration people, come on, lol.
I'm almost done with a really neat doll her name is Shannon O'Grady, Kiss Me I'm Irish Annie, she is all puckered up and ready for a kiss. Pictures soon!

All done!

2010-01-31T18:51:00.001-08:00

They're done! I listed the rabbit in the 3rd picture today on my Etsy page and it sold right away and it will be on it's way to Canada tomorrow morning. I will list the rabbit in the 1st picture tomorrow and one in the 2nd on Tuesday. I love the way they turned out. There was so much detail in these I didn't think I would ever get them finished but I did and oh they are so sweet, even cuter in person!
I had a nice weekend I hope you all did too!

Cutie's In Progress!

2010-01-29T08:53:00.001-08:00

I have these three cutie's to finish up today. They are tons of work lots of details. I can't wait to see what they look like when they have they're personalities. That's the most fun for me is the finishing the rest can be kinda boring sometimes. I know I can't get to the fun part though without the rest so that's what keeps me going. I have a great new idea swimming around in my head for a St Pat's Annie with big kissable lips so stay tuned for her.
Stay warm and have a fun weekend!

It's COLD here!

2010-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

This picture says it all, brrrrrrrrrrrrr frigid out today, the high is 5 degrees for the day today. The sun is out though so that helps a little bit, I think I'll stay inside where it's warm and work on finishing up three adorable rabbits I'm making. If I just keep working hard I'll have more time to spend outside when it does warm up right....awww the thought of tulips blooming, I can't wait!!!

My hopes of flying somewhere warmer during these cold winter months is on hold right now because we have a more important need to be here close by. My 87 year old father in law is going to have open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve in the next few weeks. VERY scarey but necessary or he will not make it much longer. He has a 10% chance of major complications and a 30% chance of minor complications at his age. He is in good overall health otherwise. All of the opinions from the experts are for him to go for it. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Well I have to get to work now I'm at the home stretch with my rabbits, the fun part now giving them personalities!

Four NEW dolls finished up!

2010-01-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

I just finished up these four new dolls today. The top three are Lovey, I listed her in my Etsy shop today. The last one is Lucky I'll list her tomorrow. Pop on over and take a look at them, they are WAY cuter in person! I LOVE the way they turned out, so cheerful and happy looking aren't they!
Hope your week is going good!

Valerie Valentine's dolls have new homes!

2010-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

All three new Valerie Valentine's dolls that I just finished yesterday have great new homes,yippee! I LOVE the way these dolls turned out. Each one is a little different but all are 15" with round heads, unique in there own special ways. I've started some more Valentine/Love Annie's now "Lovey" is her name. I will hopefully get them finished in the next couple days so they can arrive in their new homes by Valentines Day. Lots and lots of new ideas for dolls waiting in my head to be made oh my, my head is spinning! One at a time though, one at a time!
It's sunny here today, YES, finally some sunshine! It's going to be in the 30's a heat wave here, lol! Maybe an afternoon walk is in order today! Have a wonderful weekend!

Meet Valerie Valentine's Day Annie

2010-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Meet "Valerie" Valentine's Day Annie, 15" of cuteness. I finished her today then put her in my Etsy shop, so go on over an check her out. I have two more to finished up then I'll post pictures of them too. I found out recently it's better to list one item a day rather than a bunch of items the same day, you get more lookers that way since they come up as fresh items/just listed. I seem to learn something new every week about listing on Esty there are so many different parts to it, fun!

I had to run to the post office today to mail out "Kids Safe Annie" with the pink dress to her new home. It has finally warmed up a little here this week, which has brought foggy kinda dreary weather but at least it isn't so frigid it's in the 30's today. I wish we could have sunshine and 30's though that would even be better. I will be happy if the streets, sidewalks and driveways get melted off, they have been so treacherous, I even slipped in my driveway last week, scarey but I didn't get hurt. One of the news guys interviewed a doctor in the cities that said this has been one of the worst years he can remember for slipping on the ice injuries.

My 86 year old father in law is going to have open heart surgery sometime soon for aortic valve replacement. Very scarey but necessary he has been going downhill fast and will continue without the surgery. We are hoping he will have a fast and problem free recovery.

Hope your week is going good!

NEW Kid's Safe Annie's

2010-01-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

I just finished up these two adorable "Kid's Safe Annie's". They are 14" tall and can be machine washed cold water, gentle cycle and then line dried. The sweet little dresses and bloomers can be taken off, the dress has Velcro on the back and the bloomers have an elastic waist. I pre washed all of the materials and didn't use any buttons so they would be safe for even the littlest doll lover.

Now I am off to finish up three Valentine Annies!

Antique store goodies!

2010-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

Look what I found! Cute little goodies at an antique store in Omaha NE last weekend. I'm going to put them with some cute dollies I'm gonna make. I LOVE finding little treasures that are cute and unique like these. It gives me inspiration to create! I have started three Valentine dolls that will be holding vintage Valentine cards. I'll post pictures of them when they're done then I'll put them in my Etsy shop.
We are still in the deep freeze here in MN but 30 degree temps are in next weeks forecast so that is something to look forward to, it's going to feel like the tropics, lol, sad but true though.
Stay warm and cozy, and have a lovely weekend!

My Zoe's 8 today!

2010-01-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Today is my Zoe's 8th birthday! I found her a organic, healthy dog cookie that looked like a birthday cake. She ate it so fast though I couldn't get a good picture of how cute it was. At least she loved it, yum, yum! Most days she still acts like she's a puppy, I hope that she stays that way for a long time. She is loved and pampered here by lots of people. Happy Birthday Dear Zoe and PLEASE have many more!

Fun New Year's weekend in Grand Island NE

2010-01-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

We had a super fun New Year's weekend in Grand Island NE! Gordy and I met our daughter and son in law & sister and brother in law halfway from where they live in CO and where we live in MN for a short but sweet trip over the weekend. It was wonderful to see them! We'll have to do it again sometime! Maybe a warmer island next time?!!! Warm people frigid temps it was super cold there. We are in the deep freeze here up north! It was -15 degrees here in central MN this morning when we got up, brrrrrrrrrrrrr! I don't know when it's supposed to warm up here either this weeks forecast looks COLD so I guess I'll just have to stay inside where it's warm and create new things for Valentines Day, Easter and spring.
Hope all of you had a terrific New Year's weekend too and that you have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

My wish for you....

2009-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

2009 was a wonderful year for me it flew by with lots of love, family, fun, creativity, traveling, excitement and all the good stuff! I'm a VERY lucky lady, I know! Lets hope that 2010 will be even better for everyone!

My New Year's resolution is to start exercising regularly again, me and a million other people I bet but I'm really gonna do it I've been on a exercise break for a little while now so I really need to get back on track. My start date is Jan.5th wish me luck! Do you have any New Year resolutions?

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

2009-12-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday here at our house! With a winter snow storm outside we wanted to play it safe so our house turned into a B&B on Christmas Eve nine of our family members slept over. It was a blast, fun times with games, stories, present opening and good cheer and yummy food. We missed some of our loved ones though, our daughter and son in law, neices and nephews, parents and siblings across the country, they were all in our thoughts the entire time we were wishing they were here with us. We will have more family get togethers spread out for a week now that I look forward to very much! I just LOVE the holidays, since family time is truly my FAVORITE thing! Hope all of you had great family times too!
I'm wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Almost ready for Christmas!

2009-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

The presents are wrapped! I am almost ready for Christmas just a few more stocking stuffers to find and grocery shopping to do.

Finished making up this order for a wallet, I love the way it turned out hope the lucky person getting it loves it too!

There's only 4 days left till Christmas day, wishing that you are all on schedule too! We'll have a white Christmas here like most of the U.S. it seems. We have family members traveling by car from New Hampshire this week so I hope they have safe travels and good roads. I hope for the same for all of you that may be traveling by plane, trains or automobiles to spend the holidays with your families. Take care and Happy Holidays!

It's looking a lot like Christmas in our home!

2009-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

It's looking a lot more like Christmas in our house now, finally! I decorated the Christmas tree today and I put up a few decorations. I LOVE how the tree turned out this year and it smells SO good and fresh. Thanks Brad you picked out a beauty! I have a lot more to do around here until I can say I'm ready for Christmas but at least I've started. I'm not finished Christmas shopping and not to mention wrapping the presents or mailing them out to family out of state! I'm still busy finishing up some orders for special customers!

I got myself a new digital camera this weekend so WOW it's always so hard to figure out the picture loading process and a new picture file program. Hopefully this camera will take nicer pictures for me, I got a Kodak easy share M340. Not sure if I like it yet or not.

Well I gotta go for now, hope your week is going good so far!

Two new dollies!

2009-12-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just finished up these two new dollies! They are two sided, on one side Annie is sad and the other side she is happy. The top Christmas Annie has a tag on the sad side that says "Santa I can explain" then the other side she is smiling because she got a present. The next Birthday Annie has a tag that says "Turn that frown around" and the other side she is smiling because she has a present. I got a special request order to make one of these at my last show so I thought I would make a few extra. I think they turned out really cute, what do you think?

Winter has started here in MN it's been brrrrrrrrrr cold the last few days and sounds like some snow is on it's way for the middle of the week. That should put people in the mood to buy recycled wool mittens on Thursday, I've made 5 new pairs to sell.

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Wow how the year flew by!

2009-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast 2009 has gone by, it's already December 1st, WHAT!!! It snuck up on me! This picture is of some of the lights Gordy and I put up on Saturday afternoon in the shrubs in front of our house. I just LOVE the way white lights twinkle in trees and shrubs! We buy a real Christmas tree every year, mostly at a local farm that you cut your own. Last year my son Brad got us one at the place he works, it was so pretty that we asked him to PLEASE get us another one this year. We will wait a week or so before we get it though since it is a real one we don't want to have it up for too long or it will dry out too much an be a fire hazard. A lot of my family and friends have artifical trees but we still prefer the real ones, awe the smell, love it! I read the other day in O magazine that it takes 20 years of using an artifical tree before it becomes a lower carbon footprint than a real tree. What do you prefer real or artificial?

I'm working on making happy/sad Annie dolls right now. They're gonna be so cute! I am making one for a customer which was a special request so I thought I would make extra to sell on Etsy or my shows. I'll post pictures of them when they're done.

Hope you're all having a great and productive week!

Beautiful sunset!

2009-11-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

This is the beautiful sunset we had in my backyard Thanksgiving evening, a nice colorful scene to end a wonderful day. Hope all of you had a great day of thanks. I am most thankful for my family and friends and their good health.
I have put a bunch of new things in my Etsy shop so please go check it out.
Hope you all have a terrific weekend!

New things for the Arts Fest on Saturday!

2009-11-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

These are the new things I have finished for the North Branch Arts Fest on Saturday it's from 9 am to 4 pm at the North Branch High School. Get there early for first choice of these cuties, hope you can be there! Well off to work now, have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Luke!

2009-11-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Happy 26th Birthday Luke! Time sure flies, my youngest son Luke is turning 26 years old tomorrow! I hope being 26 is good for you Luke and that you accomplish your dream of being a Pro fishermen. We are very proud of you and love you so much!

Piles of dollies!

2009-11-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

I'm working now on getting some new dollies done. There will be 2 Santa's, 5 snowgirls, and a bunch of other cuties. I got sidetracked from my work last week because my daughter from Colorado was home for a visit. We had a great time together! Now I need to get back to work and get all of these done for my art fair in North Branch in 2 weeks.
Our weather has been gorgeous here in central MN so that makes it really hard to stay inside to work. November is usually our cloudy dreary month but it's been beautiful so far, lots of sunshine and temps in the high 50's. I will take time out to go for a nice walk though, Zoe will make me!

I've listed some Christmas things on my Etsy page!

2009-10-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

I listed these Christmas/Winter things in my Etsy shop go check them out if you are interested. I'm working on lots of other new things right now, snow girls, Santa's, Christmas Annie's and other dolls. I'll post pics when they are done. Hope your having a great week so far. I can't wait our daughter Rochelle is flying in from Colorado on Sunday!

Back from a trip to Florida!

2009-10-25T14:32:00.001-07:00

My brother Al and I flew to Orlando Florida last Sunday rented a car at the airport, and then drove to High Springs Florida. The next day we rented a 17' Budget truck, loaded it with all of his furniture and two days later headed back to Minnesota. It took us 2 1/2 days to get home. We had some nice weather and then a lot of rainy weather. Beautiful scenery as you can see from this picture most of the country was a it's full fall color peak. We were VERY happy to be home safe with no problems, it went good.
Now back to work this week!

This jewel tone hat will be off to it's new home!

2009-10-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks Chandra (my niece) for being such a cute model in this hat, she's a doll! I wish I looked this cute in hats! This recycled wool sweater hat is off to it's new home to keep some lucky lady warm. There are two more hats in my Etsy shop if you are interested, they're really cozy!
I started making a bunch of different Christmas/Winter items yesterday. The weather sure has put me in the mood. Most of the snow that we got is melted and the sun is shining brightly today so that's a pick me up. Now off to work!!!!

What happened to Fall???!!!!!

2009-10-12T08:04:00.001-07:00

This is the wintery scene out my back window this morning! I have NO idea what happened to Fall! The leaves just started turning colorful and then it started snowing. As you can see most of the leaves are still green on the trees. VERY strange weather! I was SO hoping we would have Indian Summer yet but now I'm not sure. The forecast for the week only shows temps in the low 40's for highs. This is gonna be a long winter!
My parents have a summer place here in MN and it usually closes the 15th of October but this year with the freezing temps they shut the water off last week so they are parked in our yard while they finish packing up and then head south for the winter. Lucky them going to warmer places! This is the first time it's snowed on them here in the Fall. It's nice having them right outside close to visit. I miss them terribly when they go south.

This is putting me in the mood thought to make winter/Christmas things. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I listed some cozy recycled wool hats and a pair of mittens in my Etsy shop yesterday in honor of the weather, check them out! Have a wonderful Monday!

I put some new purses on my Etsy page!

2009-10-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Go check out my Etsy page to see these new purses I just listed. Etsy shop I have a new model for them my niece Chandra she did such a good job.

SNOW here today YUCK!!!! I am not liking it, way too early! Hope your all enjoying your weekend.

Two more items going to there new home.

2009-10-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

They are off to there new home in Saskatchewan Canada! I hope JoAnn LOVES them, she purchased them on my Etsy page! That was my first experience with international shipping. If any of you out there have some helpful hints for me in mailing international I would love it!

I'm going to have a busy weekend with my sister and brother in law flying in tomorrow night and 3 family birthdays to celebrate. Fun times ahead! Hope you all enjoy your weekend too!

My Zoe!

2009-09-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

This is my Zoe! She is a 6 years old Australian Shepherd. Zoe is VERY active and still thinks she's a puppy, her energy level never slows down. She loves people, food, toys in that order. Having her with us brightens our lives. What a sweetie she is!!! I wish everyone could have a dog in there lives the world would be a happier place!

Join the party!

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Join the party go to http://www.katillacshack.com/ on Sept 30th to watch the parade or:
HOW TO JOIN THE PARTY:
-Post anything POSITIVE about pets: pics, decor, ideas-- on your blog. We need your links right away! Email links to: jhanson@kc.rr.com or leave here in the comments by Monday Sept. 28th 9 p.m. Central time. UPDATE: We have dozens of links -don't be left out!
-The party will feature the World Premier Video on what internet friends & bloggers did to help animals in need.
-You may embed the INSPIRING video and e-mail to friends.
-You can Twitter about it and post on Facebook.
-You can take the button and post it.
-Remember each link earns $3.00 from Design Gives Back and each comment $1.00 from us to help needy pets. All you have to do is COMMENT!

These two dolls were adopted on Etsy!

2009-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Stella Ann went to her new home in Minnesota.

Avery Ann is off to Hawaii, lucky her, I'm sure she will be happy there!
I have been VERY busy all week but only some of my time has been spent on creating. Fall seems to always be such a busy time for me. After the summer sped by so fast because I was so busy working it's hard to get focused again. I hope to be working in my art studio all weekend since the weather doesn't seem to look like it will be nice, we are supposed to get some much needed rain. I really want to get started on some holiday things since the time will be here before I know it, YUCK, winter there's no way to stop it, lol!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Jacqueline Annie

2009-09-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Annie was just sitting outside reading her little book in the sunshine today enjoying our beautiful summery weather! I'll be listing her on my Etsy page and I already listed a bunch of other things the last few days so please go check it out Etsy shop Jacqueline has the right idea don't ya think! I may need to do that myself! We are in store for a gorgeous weather this weekend too. It's in the 80's here, can you believe it! By next week it is supposed to turn fall like, be cool and rainy. So if you live in MN get out while you can and enjoy it.
I have a bunch of new ideas floating around in my head to start making now, I just have to get busy! I plan to make a bunch of winter/Christmas things to get ready for my next show in North Branch in November, since I haven't made any of that stuff yet.
Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Little Falls Arts Fair was a "Big" success!

2009-09-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

These are the pictures I took after putting out my merchandise on Saturday morning and then again on Sunday morning. Sorry about some of the pics being not so good I took them with my cell phone on Sunday morning. It's so nice to have my biggest show of the year behind me and it turned out to be a "Big" success! Since it is outside you never know what to expect with the weather. On Friday night when we went to set up our display it poured while we were driving there the whole way to Little Falls, it's a 40 min. drive, but then it slowed down to a light rain just in time for us to get our canopy's up then it rained harder while we were under it putting up the display. It turned out to be not a big deal but the first time in 15 years that it rained during the set up. Saturday and Sunday were rain free, beautiful temps until around 1 or 2 then a little hot but I'll take that over rain any day! The crowd on Saturday was bigger than it has been for years which was so great to see! I could not have done it without help from my AWESOME family, thank you SO much!!!! Thanks also to all of you faithful old customers and all of your new ones for making it such a great success! Thanks for all the wonderful positive comments about our booth, that's what makes it all worth it! I'll take a few days to recover then back to work again!

Little Falls Arts Fair this weekend!

2009-09-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Little Falls Arts Fair is this weekend! Hope you can make it, if so please come by to say hi. I have been working my fingers to the bone to get ready. I have to just let to and be happy with what I did get done and not dwell on what I didn't. I have a bunch of really sweet dollies for all of the dollie lovers out there! Awesome purses too and lots more goodies. I hope the weather cooperates the weather channels seem to change the forecast a couple times a day.
Have a wonderful weekend! I will let you know how it all turns out next week.

Fall is in the air!

2009-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air here in central Minnesota, in more ways than one! We had a unseasonably cool weekend with morning lows getting way to close to frosty for me and my gardens. I sure hope the month of September is warm. This summer went WAY too fast!!!

These are some fall craft items I've been working on. They've all been very time consuming but I like the way they turned out. I am also working on six new dollies too, I should have them finished up in the next couple days. Gordy, my brother Bruce and I finished up some wood items this weekend too. We made some super cool wooden mushrooms to put in flower gardens or on a porch. Great new chalkboards finished up too!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

We found the perfect home for this flower!

2009-08-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

We found the perfect home for this prairie flower Gordy made, on our daughter and son in law's front porch. We brought it out to Colorado with us for our daughter and son in law's three year wedding anniversary.

I've been SUPER busy this week creating new fall items and really cute dollies for my show in just two weeks, YIKES! My crazy mode is in full swing! I'm getting lots done though!

I'll be working all weekend but hope you all have a fun one!

34 years ago I married the love of my life!

2009-08-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 34th anniversary, the day Gordy made me the luckiest woman in the world! Our day started off with me getting these gorgeous roses from my sweetie!

Then my sweet sister Renee made us a yummy, romantic pancake breakfast.
Then the rest of the day was a fun busy day of going to, watching our son Brad and his fishing partner weigh in their catch at a fishing tourney on the Mississippi they got 1st place, yeah, riding down the field in a Gator vehicle to see the our cows, having a short but sweet visit with my parents, going to a sad wake of a distant relative, then going to dinner with our 2 sons and some other family. A VERY nice 34th anniversary indeed! I can't believe it's been 34 years, as the saying goes, the time just flies by when your having fun!

Two new purselettes!

2009-08-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

These are two new purselettes that I have just made. The top one has a Dick and Jane theme, I just LOVE Dick and Jane! They're a great size when you just need a few essentials. Zipper closure gives it a nice secure storage space. I've had nice feedback from people who've seen it in person.

I started on some fall items yesterday. I haven't made any fall things yet so I figured it was time to get busy on that. Fall things seem to be a big hit lately don't you think. Well I better get to work time is ticking........

Which one is your favorite?

2009-08-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

As promised here are the 28 new dollies that I've finished up!

This is Lori Ann she is 12", petite and adorable.

This is Kelsie Ann she is 14" tall, the fabric I used for her dress has vintage looking toys on it.

This lovely gal is Lilly Ann she is 13 1/2".

Averie Ann is wearing her little pink party shoes she is 11" tall.

Sunnie Ann has froggies printed on her dress she is 14".

This is 4 of the 9 of Stella Ann she has such great expression on her face, each one has it's own look, they are 16" long.

The other 5 of the 9 Stella Ann's.

So what do you think of these new dolls for my show in Little Falls MN on Sept. 12th and 13th. I hope you can come see them in person. Now I have to get back to work making some more little lovelies. Byeeeee!

I'm back from a summer trip to Colorado!

2009-08-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Gordy and I just got back early this morning from a trip out to Colorado to see my sister, brother in law and nephews in Longmont then to Steamboat Springs to see our daughter, son in law and grand dog Roxy. What a great time we had! Wonderful company, yummy food and beautiful sites. This last picture was taken on Monday morning after leaving our daughters house on Rabbit Ears Pass it's overlooking Steamboat, it was frosty at 6am, brr.
I promise I'll post some pictures this week of the new dolls I finished before I left. It's gonna be hard to get back to work but I have to I only have 3 1/2 weeks till my huge craft show!

The cows are growing so fast!

2009-07-30T18:18:00.001-07:00

Remember the pictures of the little calves I showed you 14 months ago, the top picture and the second picture is the same calf, well see how much they've grown. Can you believe this is the same calf? The second and third picture are the two steers we own. The bottom picture is of my father in laws cows and calves and some of our young heifers. It's amazing how fast they grow!
I've been having a productive week crafting so I'll have pictures soon to share! Take care!

Zoe LOVES to run!

2009-07-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Zoe LOVES to run! She would be so sad if she wasn't able to run free like she is in this top picture. When we take her out where she is able to just run as fast as she wants to with no restraints she is her happiest, she looks like she is smiling. She just runs and runs and runs! I feel bad for the dogs that aren't able to do this. I know some dogs don't enjoy it as much as she does though. I guess it's in her blood to run. All of the hard work has paid off with obedience training her, she is so well behaved and listens really well to come, stay and no so that is the only reason she is able to go with us and be unleashed. She is enjoying her summer, hope you all are too!

The power of lightening!

2009-07-26T19:26:00.001-07:00

The top picture is of what this big beautiful oak tree used to look like until early Friday morning when lightening hit it. A 60 foot tree just twisted and split to pieces then burned out through the middle. There are pieces of the tree all around that went flying up to 190 feet away. This was at our farm out in the pasture, luckily none of our cows where around it at the time or they would not have survived. Just goes to show you how strong lightening really is. Please don't any of you EVER stand under a tree in a storm for shelter!
I had a great weekend. The whole family in the area was here tonight for spaghetti and meatballs. Gordy made zucchini cake too. It was yummy!

Summer blooms

2009-07-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

These are some of the flowers that are blooming in my gardens right now. Oh, the sweet smells of summer, so pretty! It's so much fun to walk around each day at this time of the year when all of my flower gardens are florishing, to see what's new that day. I LOVE the way the Morning Glory in the top picture seems to glow in the morning dew, that's one I may to get developed and frame. Hope you enjoyed a little peek at one of my favorite things, flowers!

Something "NEW"

2009-07-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

These metal prairie flowers are something new my husband Gordy is making to sell at our Little Falls craft fair this year. They are around six feet tall. Each metal flower is a one of a kind piece, I just LOVE the way they turned out. Isn't he talented!

Come for a stroll with me through the prairie

2009-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Come for a stroll this morning through the prairie in my backyard. Isn't it pretty! I just love it! My son Brad works as a prairie restorationist so he planted this for us. What a bright ray of sunshine it is! Well I hope you enjoyed the stroll through my prairie.
I've been super busy all week with dollie makin!

Off to their new home!

2009-07-20T08:33:00.001-07:00

Tori Annie with her sock monkey and Annalise Annie with her pinwheel are off today to their new home with Kelly! These two dollies were adopted from my Etsy page over the weekend. I hope Kelly LOVES them both!
Gotta go now I'm working on 30 new dolls! Yes, that's right I said 30! I'll be busy, right!!! Byeeeee!

Beautiful Water Lily!

2009-07-19T17:58:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I went fishing today and I had to get a picture of this beautiful Water Lily. There were a bunch of these blooming on the lake we went to. The weather was gorgeous today 80 was our high, bright sunshine light winds. We didn't catch very many fish since there was a junior Bass tournament on the lake we went to. We didn't know that it was going on there or we surely would not have picked that lake to go to. But oh well it was still so nice to just be in our boat today in the lovely weather. I may have to get this photo of this flower developed to frame it, thanks to brother in law Dean for the quick flower taking lesson the other day!
Yesterday our family threw a 87th birthday party for my father in law Ron. Great fun! Happy Birthday Ron!
Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Look at the wonderful goodies I won!

2009-07-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Look what I won, all these wonderful cute goodies from my blogging friend Cindy from Cynthia lee Designs She had a blog giveaway last week and I won, how fun! Thank you so much Cindy I LOVE it!!!! What a great way to start my day!!!
I added some new things to my Etsy shop Go check it out!

Take time to smell the flowers!

2009-07-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

We all need to take the time out from our busy summer schedules to smell the flowers! Sometimes we get so busy that we forget how special these scenes are and how bad we'll miss them in the winter months. This flower garden of mine is at it's peak right now so I need to suck in the beauty and enjoy it!!! I hope you will all take the time out too and appreciate the beauty all around us! Hope your all having a GREAT week and summer!
This little cutie "Lucy" is off to her new home in California today! Her new Mom adopted her in my Etsy shop Hope she LOVES her!

Eight new dollies finished!

2009-07-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

These are eight new dollies that I finished yesterday for my sale at Little Falls in Sept. I love the way they all turned out. I have eight more started now of a different kind. Not sure why I'm stuck on the number eight, kinda weird that I choose that number of dolls to work on at a time. I need to stay on track now so I can get some crafts made. It's been VERY difficult this summer, we have so much going on here all the time. I won't get into the details but it's been hectic and so much fun but not too productive for me.

This is one of the things that's kept me from my work, fishing. I caught this Muskie it was 25", my biggest one so far but not too big for a Muskie so I know I'll break this record sometime. It sure was fun though! I caught it while Bass fishing on a artificial worm, I saw it bite not far from the boat so it put up a great fight. I released it safely after measuring it.

It finally rained hard here this morning, our first real rain for about three weeks, we needed it badly. My flowers an lawn are loving it!

Hope your all having a fun summer too! Now back to WORK!!!!

Craft's in production!

2009-07-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Eight new Dollies and their clothes, little sock monkeys too, coffee stained hanging out in the beautiful sunshine to dry. A little peek of what's to come!

My niece Chandra painting pumpkins for us. 17 pumpkins in the works.

We have had the most gorgeous stretch of weather here for the last couple weeks, this is what summer is all about. It makes it VERY hard to stay on track, I just seem to keep getting sidetracked from work. It has made for a lot of fun though which is good since summer is so short! Hope your all enjoying your summer as well!