The Old Oaken Bucket

This blog is no longer being updated.

2011-02-24T12:42:00.005-05:00

Goodbye for now!

2011-01-08T22:39:00.000-05:00

"Here Comes Santa Claus"

2010-11-30T20:50:00.019-05:00

Halloween came and went so fast that I didn't even post pictures of my orange and black decor. You will see a picture of the festive goodies being wheeled away for storage. I found a vintage shoe rack which is excellent for maneuvering the goods...it reminds me of the new merchandise cart at TJ Maxx which I always raid!

My Christmas decor seems a bit pale compared to all the orange color which adorned our home for two holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. This year, I decided to display some of my collections. The ironstone pitchers typically take up residence in our master bathroom. They are great for storing shampoo, wash cloths, soaps and anything spa-like.

Most of the Santa collection is handmade. The one hanging on the wall is from TJ Maxx, but the other ones were gifts or purchases from incredible artists. The Santa painting holding the Christmas packages was painted on a slate tile by my art teacher, Ann. She is my mentor and inspiration for all my creations. Speaking of my creations, I made the snowman sporting a JFG glass jar attire. My hope is to fill the jar with something white and yummy, so it gives the illusion of a snow body.

We are so thankful for all the blessings this year. We wish you and your family a very wonderful holiday season!

P.S. Thank you for all your support for our diabetic cat, Roscoe. He is doing great and has adjusted to his daily insulin routine and special diet.

~Lovin' Yellowware - aka " Martha" Bowls~

2010-09-25T16:13:00.009-04:00

When I started my collection of yellowware bowls, molds, plates, etc., I just started learning how to rug hook. I thought a primitive hooked rug displaying a nesting set of yellowware bowls would be fun to create. Yes, it was fun, but it took many, many hours to finish. Going forward, I decided smaller rug projects were more satisfying since they only took a few months not an entire year.

Collecting art is also one of my passions. Kim Skeen painted the crow dough bowl and her mom, Janet McCarter, painted the spooky-eyed owl. The coverlet fabric covered stars are from Home Goods. I might try to cover some of my metal stars with old quilts or vintage french linen.

My very favorite find is the vintage metal heart with bells. I stubbled across a picture of these bells on Flickr and saved the image to my computer. After a year or so, I found the bells at a local thrift shop for $12!

Three Angels & A Poem

2010-05-16T20:48:00.005-04:00

Touched by An Angel by Maya Angelou
We, unaccustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness

until love leaves its high holy temple

and comes into our sight

to liberate us into life.

Love arrives

and in its train come ecstasies

old memories of pleasure

ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,

love strikes away the chains of fear

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of love's light

we dare be brave

And suddenly we see

that love costs all we are

and will ever be.

Yet it is only love

which sets us free.

Yellow - First Sign of Spring and My Favorite Color!

2010-03-28T20:39:00.009-04:00

We had the most beautiful yellow daffodils this year. They seemed to be everywhere I looked...our yard - neighbor's yard; along the country road - along the interstate; in the fields - in the woods. The ones I picked from our yard only stayed pretty in my pewter vase about 7 - 10 days. I actually lost count of the days, but it felt like a week. Tomorrow I plan to pick some more. I can only imagine they will be gone soon since my tulips are starting to take their place.

Valentine Swap ~ Primitive Doll Candy Container

2010-02-07T20:56:00.013-05:00

The Valentine Day Swap has come to an end and the primitive doll candy container I made is on its way to my Valentine, Sharyn at sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com. As usual, Lil had to check it out and make an appearance in the picture. I am sure Sharyn is not ready to share her candy!

The hooked penny heart and decorated box is for my dearest friend, Kelly.

"A friend is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow." William Shakespeare

~Happy Valentine's Day~

Little Tokens of Love - Valentine Swap

2010-01-10T21:47:00.005-05:00

Please join me in participating in the Valentine Swap hosted by Prim & Whimsy Girls! Last year was my first year being part of the swap and I just loved it. My gift or "little token of love" was completed this weekend, so I am anxious to find out where I will be sending it.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T14:48:00.002-05:00

WE WISH YOU A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply "Santa"

2009-12-09T18:44:00.003-05:00

Decorating for Christmas is as much fun as decorating for Halloween. Everything sparkles just a little more and we get to enjoy some cooler weather. We received our first mentionable snow last weekend and it just puts me in the holiday spirit.

I love collecting vintage Santas as well as beautifully handmade ones. You will probably recognize the work of some extremely talented artists. The tall Santa with the skeleton key is made by Cart Before the Horse. The gourd Santa was made by my friend, Janet McCarter. The whimsical Santa is by Johanna Parker. The Old World Santa dough bowl painting is by Kim Skeen. The carved Santa is by Johnny McGrew. The other items are part of my vintage Santa collection.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

A Lovely Life, A Lovely Farm

2009-11-15T20:21:00.008-05:00

We spent the weekend with our good friends, Shawn and Kelly. They have the most beautiful farm. Kelly and I could talk for hours about shopping (primitive antiques are our favorite), decorating, cooking and our love for animals. They just adopted a bird dog and named her Babe. She stays in complete "puppy mode" and can hardly be slowed down to get a little lovin'.

Our baby, Jack, had a nasal polyp which was surgically removed from our local animal hospital last week. He was starting to sound like my neighbor's pug...not a good look on a little orange kitty! His regular vet had him on antibotics and antihistamines for months. After determining the drugs were not making a difference, I decided to see if I could locate another reason for his symptoms on the internet. We visited a different vet and I discussed my internet findings with her. She was completely receptive and did an incredible job locating the polyp. She referred us to the animal hospital to have it removed. The surgery was successful! However, Horner's Syndrome is one of the many complication from this type of surgery and it causes him to pull to the right. It creates dizziness, so he stumbles and cannot walk straight...he walks in circles. Also, he is not able to close his right eye. We were told his problems are temporary, but it is certainly tough to watch him struggle during his recovery period. Once he has completely recovered, I will be back to my studio...I really miss it!

A Whole Month of Halloween Fun!

2009-09-27T15:06:00.005-04:00

Rain, rain and more rain did not keep Kelly and I from antique shopping all day Saturday. We were in search of fun, festive, spooky goods to decorate our homes. Our search revealed some incredible finds, but the old marble-eyed, black tin cats are definitely my favorite. The shop owner was holding them behind the counter until Halloween. But, I was absolutely determined to take them home and start enjoying them immediately which is exactly what I did. They are displayed in the windows as a backdrop for the festive decor. The sun shines with such an eerie sparkle through their marble eyes. As usual, Lil wants to be part of the fun, so she made an appearance while I was snapping pics of the black cat lanterns!

The Mermaid

2009-08-13T22:17:00.008-04:00

My good friend and very, very talented artist, Kim Skeen, gave me a wonderful idea on how to finish my Mermaid which I started many weeks ago. I wanted to add sequins to her tail, but I could not decide on the best technique. I was at Kim's house and she had some antique sequin pinned fruit she gave me since she knows how much I love antiques. When I saw them, I immediately knew it was the final inspiration I needed to complete my Mermaid doll!

The Mermaid Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Who would be A mermaid fair, Singing alone, Combing her hair Under the sea, In a golden curl With a comb of pearl, On a throne?
I would be a mermaid fair; I would sing to myself the whole of the day; With a comb of pearl I would comb my hair; And still as I comb'd I would sing and say, 'Who is it loves me? who loves not me?' I would comb my hair till my ringlets would fall Low adown, low adown, From under my starry sea-bud crown Low adown and around, And I should look like a fountain of gold Springing alone With a shrill inner sound Over the throne In the midst of the hall; Till that great sea-snake under the sea From his coiled sleeps in the central deeps Would slowly trail himself sevenfold Round the hall where I sate, and look in at the gate With his large calm eyes for the love of me. And all the mermen under the sea Would feel their immortality Die in their hearts for the love of me.
But at night I would wander away, away, I would fling on each side my low-flowing locks, And lightly vault from the throne and play With the mermen in and out of the rocks; We would run to and fro, and hide and seek, On the broad sea-wolds in the crimson shells, Whose silvery spikes are nighest the sea. But if any came near I would call and shriek, And adown the steep like a wave I would leap From the diamond-ledges that jut from the dells; For I would not be kiss'd by all who would list Of the bold merry mermen under the sea. They would sue me, and woo me, and flatter me, In the purple twilights under the sea; But the king of them all would carry me, Woo me, and win me, and marry me, In the branching jaspers under the sea. Then all the dry-pied things that be In the hueless mosses under the sea Would curl round my silver feet silently, All looking up for the love of me. And if I should carol aloud, from aloft All things that are forked, and horned, and soft Would lean out from the hollow sphere of the sea, All looking down for the love of me.

Hannah and Humphrey have a new home & friend, Phoebe!

2009-08-04T21:46:00.006-04:00

I was the lucky winner on eBay of Tonya Renee's (Back Porch Pickins) first fully detailed dollie for Halloween, Hannah and her friend, Humphrey. I also ordered a little white pumpkin doll from Kaf at Olde Cape Primitives. They all seem to be getting along nicely and are looking forward to seeing their new friend, Newcomb Hollow!

Lil gets upset if she doesn't make my blog post, so she gave me her ususal pose in my bent willow apple basket!

We just got back from a great Virginia Highlands Antique Festival weekend in Abingdon, VA with some very good friends, Shawn and Kelly. I will post a few pictures of our recent finds in the coming days!

Stars & Stripes....striped cat anyway!

2009-06-03T22:30:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day to July 4th is all red, white and blue around our home! You will probably recognize some of the original art I have collected, so I want to give the artists some recognition. Gritty Jane painted the patriotic angels. You can always recognize her work by her spiritual style! The primitive dolls and eagle are by Starla Myers at Briar Rabbit Primitives. The decorated boxes and painted trinkets are made by me, Kristin Lily!

A Hare Raising Experience...

2009-05-26T21:23:00.004-04:00

Two weeks ago our cat, Molly, blessed us with this sweet little rabbit. Once we released him from her clinched jaws, he lay limp in the grass. We thought his hind legs were paralyzed as he lay there starring at us with those big brown eyes. We immediately treated his wounds (bites, scratches and one deep puncture). Next, we rounded up one of our many cat carriers to serve as his recovery room. The next day, we took him to visit our vet who gave us an antibiotic and wished us luck. He said wild rabbits get infected easily and do not adjust well to captivity. But, we were hopeful. I picked purple clover and fresh strawberries for him twice a day. Oh my, what a big eater...big eater! I started worrying I might be overfeeding him, but I figured two square meals a day would help speed his recovery. With each passing day, his wounds improved until the day finally arrived. Today was the day for him to see the world again. We kept all the cats inside for the entire day to make sure he had plenty of time to get acclimated. We released him at a neighboring farm. Hopefully, we will not see him again anytime soon. But, we will continue to enjoy the pictures since we got extremely attached to him.

Memorial Day ~ In Flanders Fields

2009-05-25T22:39:00.002-04:00

Poem ~ In Flanders Fields:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie?In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

Strawberry Pickin' with my friend, Nanci!

2009-05-18T18:50:00.003-04:00

My good friend, Nanci, scheduled a trip for us to go on a farm tour. We took a bus with 20 or so others to visit two farms, River Ridge Farm and Strawberry Knob. At Strawberry Knob, we picked strawberries for almost 2 hours. I cannot wait to try the strawberry jam I made...yummy!

The Winner Is...America Alcala!

2009-05-13T21:07:00.008-04:00

I just went to America Alcala's blogspot to let her know she won my blog giveaway. Today she posted a giveaway on her blogspot. Here is a link to site: http://lovelylovelyart.blogspot.com.
I am a firm believer that you get back what you give. I was recently at Lowe's and gave the lady in the checkout line behind me an extra coupon I had. The next day at Hobby Lobby I had a woman ask if I would like her buggy when she was leaving the store and then she returned to give me two coupons.

I hope you enjoy the video. Lil brings such joy to our lives. She is so full of personality and sweetness. I knew she would do a great job selecting the winner. Jack wanted to help, but she let him know she had it handled!

Blog Giveaway & A Big Thanks to 100+ Followers!!!

2009-05-06T21:45:00.010-04:00

I promised Lil she can pick the winner! Since she enjoyed picking up many of the spacers we used when we tiled our basement, I feel confident she can handle a small piece of paper. It might take me all week to number each one, but it will be worth it. I am going to video the entire drawing, so everyone knows Lil did not listen to Jack. I have a feeling he is partial to Jenny!

If you are currently following my blog, you will be entered automatically. However, if you would like to leave a comment that will give you a second chance to win the giveaway. I will run the giveaway for 7 days and announce the winner next Wednesday. If you win, please e-mail me at theoldoakenbucket@comcast.net with your contact information.

Here she is, my little Spring bunny painting giveaway for reaching 100+ blog followers. I really cherish the friendships we have formed thanks to these wonderful blogs. I especially love the passion we share for all things creative!

I Caught a Little Red Bird!

2009-04-25T21:29:00.012-04:00

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Johanna Parker's artistic creations. I regularly follow her blog http://johannaparkerdesign.blogspot.com/ and I was the first person to catch one of her original creations! She created a Collector's Catch where the first person who contacts her can purchase one of her original creations. I love this little red bird because it is an all-seasonal piece. Also, it coordinates better than I expected with my Spring decorations.

Another great blog I follow is Jenny Carter's Alley Cat Rescue at http://allycat-rescue.blogspot.com/. She just e-mailed me tonight say I won her blog giveaway for an ipod cover she made. Jenny is an incredibly talented artist and she has a huge heart for cats. She just rescued some kittens and was able to find homes for all of them!

As soon as I reach 100 blog followers, I am having a giveaway! I will enter everyone following my blog automatically, so you do not have to leave a post. For those just visiting, you can leave a post and I will add your name to the drawing. Thank you for leaving such wonderful comments...I love following your blogs! Please watch for my upcoming post about the giveaway...

One & A Half Acre Canvas for Earth Day!

2009-04-22T22:27:00.003-04:00

Wyland begins work on Earth Day painting atop L.B. Arena
By John Canalis, Staff Writer

LONG BEACH - In recognition of Earth Day, mural artist Wyland began creating the world's largest painting of the planet today on the roof of the Long Beach Arena.
"I get excited when I see blank canvases," Wyland told CNN.
The rooftop area is about 3 acres, according to a news release.
The image of the planet will be painted over a 24-hour period and complement "Planet Ocean," the world's largest mural, also by Wyland, painted on the arena's exterior walls. The artist told CNN that the image will be visible on Google Earth.
The artist is in the process of restoring that work and earned permission from the city manager's office to do the rooftop as well, according to LBReport.com.
The mural will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Wednesday in recognition of Earth Day, said Bob Magulin of the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Wyland on CNN video can be viewed at http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/ireports/2009/04/18/irpt.wyland.earth.cnn

Hippity hoppity, Easter's on its way!

2009-04-05T15:48:00.015-04:00

I did a hop, skip and a jump when Laurie Hardin from Monkey-Cats Studio agreed to sell me her Bunny Bowl! I love buying art as much as I do creating it. I feel so blessed to own some wonderful pieces from some extremely talented artists. Laurie's creations have so much expression. The Bunny Bowl which I have now affectionately named "Mr. Buggs" is sporting such a smirky grin. Laurie sent me two bags of speckled malted milk eggs for the bowl, but I could not bear to put them in the bowl since I was so afraid they might become cat toys and Mr. Buggs could easily lose an ear due to a little cat nibbling. However, I certainly enjoyed eating them with my coworkers! Mr. Buggs looks perfect with all my Easter decorations and I found the best spot for him where he is so beautifully displayed. Thank you so much Laurie...I just love him!

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from the Easter Bunny...

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.

Walk softly and carry a big carrot.

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.

no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.

A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.

Some body parts should be floppy.

Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans.

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.

An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.

To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell.

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey!

Camera Ham or Camera Hog?

2009-03-24T21:29:00.006-04:00

It always happens, Lil poses or pops up in many of the pictures. When I was taking pictures of the Easter decorations, she appeared during the snap and it reminded me of all the other times she popped up or posed for other pictures. I decided to ask Wikipedia the difference between camera ham and camera hog. Here the official answer: a camera hog "steals the spotlight" from others, while a camera ham is a very over-enthusiastic model for the camera, loves the attention, and loves to be photographed. A camera ham doesn't mind sharing the spotlight. And to think I thought a camera ham was a camera hog that had been "cured". Please check out those cute little knees and thumb sucking!

~Stinky's Self-portrait & The Jenny Award~

2009-03-12T14:25:00.011-04:00

Our cat, Alley, a.k.a. STINKY, is the best subject for just about any artistic creation since she has so much character. Her tenacious personality keeps her ahead of the Cat Pack...all 9 of them! When she crawled inside my Puritan rug hooking frame, I decided to hook her. If this rug stays around for 100 years, one day someone might wonder who owned this little kitty. They will never know what a stinker she was!

Speaking of cats, I was thrilled to receive the "Jenny Award" from Jenny Carter at Alley Cat Resue. Her friend, Fran Caldwell, created it for her site. I am very honored to be recognized for all the time we spend caring for and rescuing stray cats. We found homes for 23 cats and 5 dogs over the last few years. I am currently trying to rescue two dogs which have been abandoned near where we live. I named them Snoopy & Woodstock. I took a picture of them in the field as they were heading to their place of shelter. They eat in one barn and sleep in another. It has been over a month now and they will not let us get near them. It is so sad when a dog absolutely fears you...I don't see that as much with dogs as I do with cats. It took 3 months before our dog would trust us. After several years, he still only comes to us. Wish me luck with this rescue!

On a positive note, I ordered an Easter Bunny from Laurie Hardin. She e-mailed me yesterday and said she is almost finished with it. I cannot wait for it to arrive. I will post a picture of it with my upcoming Easter decorations!

KSGP Blog Surprise & Going Green

2009-03-06T22:16:00.011-05:00

It is time to rotate the decor to a green palette for St. Patrick's Day! Speaking of green, I was pleasantly and completely surprised to win the February blog contest from Kindred Sisters Gathering Post. My precious little doll was made by Kelly at MysticalEntities. Here is her site: http://mysticalentities.blogspot.com/

On her site is the sweetest picture of MacKenzie blindly pulling my name from a Valentine box. Here is the link to KGSP, so you can register for their March giveaway...it is a LUCKY month!!!

http://kindredsistersgatheringpost.blogspot.com/

Ten Cats & A Dog, Max!

2009-02-15T21:48:00.034-05:00

When the kittens came along, the big kitties felt a bit left out. The kittens are in the videos, the kittens are playing the games, the kittens are getting the "extra" treats...I know the big kitties think they get all the attention. It was hard to believe we found the kittens only two weeks apart and they are so close in age. We had Jack before Lil Lil. I always say he wished for her. They could not love each other more. Since the big kitties like lots of attention as well, I thought I would introduce them...in the order they came to bless our lives. This post is for those who follow my blog and have asked to see pictures of them.

From Bottom to Top

Cat 1: Rudy has been with me for 13 years. He first appeared outside my door when I was painting my bedroom. His eyes were shut tight and he was so skinny that I thought he was really sick. It turned out he just has terrible allergies!

Cat 2: We found Alley in a restaurant parking lot next to a busy, busy street. I thought she was running past us when we walked outside the restaurant, but she ended up landing at my feet. She is our Alpha cat and lets all 9 cats know it each day, so we nicknamed her "Stinky". She looked so much like Rudy when we found her that we got them mixed up for weeks. However, she ended up getting bigger than him and we soon discovered she was pregnant. She had 5 beautiful kittens and we found great homes for all of them.

Cat 3: Bonnie strolled over to us when we were walking at a track. She is declawed and has an extra digit like the Hemingway cats. Once home, we realized she was pregnant. Bonnie had 4 kittens and once again we found great homes for all of them.

Cat 4: Minnie was probably living on our farm before we were. Occasionally, we would see her outside and I would affectionately call her Minnie Mouse since she dashed by like a little gray mouse. After a few months, we were finally able to start feeding her. Then, one day she came over with 5 kittens. Oh no, not another one with kittens! Once again, we found homes for 4 of her 5 kittens. Minnie is the most grateful cat we have. She brings calm to the group and I now call her "Mother" Minnie.

Cat 5: Maggie is Minnie's daughter. She is a beautiful Calico cat. Maggie stayed with us since she has such a timid nature. After 4 years very little has changed. I am the only one who can get close to her. She is so loveable, but so scared of just about everything.

Cat 6: Alvin just appeared one day on the farm. He is a big tabby "Tom Cat", a true gentle giant. I nicknamed him "Fatty" because he looks so much like Miranda's cat on Sex and the City.

Cat 7: We went to an estate sale and ended up with Summer. Her owner had recently died from cancer and the family was trying to find her a home. We left the estate sale with Summer, a pet carrier and a rabbit painting. I will post a picture of the rabbit painting on my Easter post. Thanks to the internet, I was able to locate the artist who had been featured on HGTV. I have since become friends with her and her family. We also learned so much about Summer through them and have met so many wonderful friends.

Cat 8: It was a warm rainy Thanksgiving Day and I had the door open while I was cooking. The smell of Turkey must have been too much to pass up. Molly was outside the door crying to come in and eat. She was so skinny and completely soaking wet. After 3 pregnant female cats, I was not ready for another one. We were so blessed she was not pregnant! I love the way she can rest completely flat on her belly...just adorable!

Cat 9: One trip to the Lumber yard and we came home with a little orange kitten. We named him Jack for Lumber Jack. However, I am a huge fan of Jack Nicholson and our Jack just loves the ladies like him. Although, his true love is Lil.

Cat 10: Lil is Jack's wish for a soulmate. We found Lil just weeks after we found Jack. She was stranded in a parking lot and she climbed my pant leg begging for food. I thought she would never stop eating when we brought her home. She is the most playful cat we have and I know she loves Jack as much as he loves her!

Our one and only Dog: Our little white American Eskimo is Max and we found him in our barn. He is the watch dog for all our farm cats. He alerts them of anything new and scary. More importantly, he is my husband's best friend.

~PWGL Token of Love Gift Exhange Post~

2009-02-09T21:59:00.004-05:00

While reading the posts I follow, I was surprised with my Token of Love Gift which should be arriving in the mail this week. My swap partner, Bonnie Barrasso "BonnieSinger", made an incredible gift for me which she posted on her blog today. As you know, I love making decorated boxes and dolls. The gift she made me had both...one of her adorable dolls on the top of a painted box.

Bonnie received my gift last week which is the second picture of the decorated boxes with little stuffed hearts and a handmade card. She sent me a very appreciative thank you note saying how much she loved hearts. We had so much fun with this swap. I look forward to doing it again. Not only did I get a wonderful gift, I got a wonderful friend! Here is the link to Bonnie's blogspot: http://bonnesinger.blogspot.com

~A Vintage Valentine~

2009-02-03T20:50:00.008-05:00

Decorating for the holidays is so enjoyable and puts me in such a festive spirit. I was lucky to find many vintage Valentine Day cards in the attic of our old farmhouse. They are probably from the 50-60's era. Many of the names signed on the back are some of our neighbors and their relatives. I have decided to deliver them on Valentine's Day. I am anxious to see if they remember sending them!

One of my favorite cards is a cat playing the fiddle. I liked it so much, I decided to paint it. It is hanging above the jelly cupboard and looks nice next to my two dolls from The Cart Before the Horse. I feel so fortunate to own some of their wonderful creations.

I sent my Token of Love gift last week and I will be posting pictures of what I made on my next post.

~Lil Lil Has My Heart~

2009-01-22T22:02:00.011-05:00

It never fails when I finish any project, my cats want to make sure they put their stamp of approval on it. I made this little hooked heart as part of my Token of Love gift, but I ended up making something else instead. So, Lil Lil can have my heart...of course she already does.

As usual, I have several projects going at once. I finished my Token of Love gift which will be mailed tomorrow. When I received the name they sent me, I realized it was one of my blog followers which is such a nice surprise! Yesterday, I started Gritty Jane's doll class again (sounds like I failed the first time, but these workshops just keep me going). I am just amazed how fast some of my classmates can make a doll. I need to get busy...it is great motivation after you see some of their amazing work.

I just finished another hooked rug with row houses on one wintry night. I think this pattern is by Pris Butler (I hope that is correct). The rug seems to fit nicely next to the houses I painted for Christmas. I have enjoyed keeping the Christmas lights out a bit longer than usual. However, this weekend I am going to start decorating for Valentine's Day!

I was pleasantly and overly tagged this week. I am so appreciative of the thoughtfulness which I am planning to return. I will need the weekend to get caught up sending out blog awards and letting everyone know I received them.

~Two Great Loves~

2009-01-13T20:04:00.008-05:00

Since I am a huge fan of Hannah Davis bandboxes as well as Gritty Jane dolls, I decided to name my newest doll, Hannah Jane. I made her a small bandbox stuffed with a toile pin cushion to compliment her three Victorian nesting boxes. She looks so serious...not a hair out of place and certainly not anything like her creator!

Speaking of Jane, she is having another doll workshop which will start in January . I added a link to the workshop if you are interested in joining us. The workshop is being held on Ning, so you will need an account to take the class. Jane does a great job explaining all of this to make it very easy to participate. Here is the link: http://clothclaydolls.ning.com/

I am so excited about finding out this week who I get to send my "Little Token of Love" for the Valentine's Day swap. I will post a picture of what I made as well as what I receive after the swap. If you would like to be part of the swap, you still have time to sign up.

I love hearing from everyone. Please leave me a post, so I can visit your site and follow your blog.

Mr. Bright Eyes, My King of Hearts

2009-01-05T20:42:00.008-05:00

One of our cats, Alvin, always has such a bright-eyed expression. He is so lively and fun. I call him, Mr. Bright Eyes or Handsome! I decided to paint a primitive, folky picture of him for Valentine's Day. As usual, I made three nesting boxes to match. If we ever move, I will have plenty of storage boxes to use...at least for the small items!

Thank you to everyone who has visited and linked to my blog. I plan to visit each of your sites on a regular basis. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Sharon at PrimThyme for selecting my site for a blog award. Here is a link to her site: http://primthymesblog.blogspot.com/

I just posted another cat video to our Feline Films. It is amazing how much they can enjoy a little yellow & white mouse...I am calling it The Cat-and-Mouse Game!

The finishing touches are being added to my Gritty Jane doll, so I hope to post again this week with pictures of her.

Cheers to a New Year!

2008-12-30T18:28:00.019-05:00

Moving past my Santa doll posting is going to be tough. I love seeing Johanna Parker's Santa when I log on...however, he is still here...just scroll down a bit. With the New Year approaching, it was time to change the background from Reindeer to something more festive for 2009.

Well, I have been hookin' again (sounds like something I need to give up for the New Year!). If you have been following my blog, I am also finishing up one of my Gritty Jane dolls. I will never forget my art teachers always telling me to finish one project before I started another. Obviously, I am still not listening! Although, I did get my hooked rug finished and I am very pleased with it.

I started collecting yelloware bowls around the same time Martha Stewart made them popular...the ones I collect are called "Martha Bowls". I decided to hook three nesting yelloware bowls to match my collection. I seem to have a thing for "nesting" since most of my collage boxes are in a nesting set. I posted a picture of the nesting boxes I finished to match my Gritty Jane doll. Right now, my two-headed pumpkin man called "Double Trouble" is standing behind them, but not for long once I get my doll finished.

If you stop by, please leave me a post. I would love to hear what you collect.

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

~William Authur Ward

~A Santa Surprise by Johanna Parker~

2008-12-27T12:04:00.011-05:00

Wow...what a great Christmas! I woke up Christmas morning to a wonderful surprise from my husband, Jeff. He asked Johanna Parker to make a vintage Santa for me. Along with her signature on bottom, she included a message from him. I was so disappointed I missed her web sale on December 14th, but this gift completely made up for it. Johanna is one of my favorite artists and I will cherish this Santa for many years. Thanks Johanna!!!

Here is a link to her website: http://www.johannaparkerdesign.com/

A Christmas Greeting!

2008-12-17T21:21:00.011-05:00

Only 7 more days until Christmas! I love this time of year with friends & family. The Christmas parties this year and been so festive and full of cheer. I finished decorating the tree last night and wanted to share it with everyone. Also, I am posting "A Christmas Greeting" for one of my good friends, Amy. Walt Whitman is her favorite poet, so this one is for her. Enjoy the holidays!

A Christmas Greeting by Walt Whitman (1819 - 1892)

Welcome, Brazilian brother--thy ample place is ready;

A loving hand--a smile from the north--a sunny instant hall!

(Let the future care for itself, where it reveals its troubles,impedimentas,

Ours, ours the present throe, the democratic aim, the acceptance andthe faith;)

To thee to-day our reaching arm, our turning neck--to thee from usthe expectant eye,

Thou cluster free! thou brilliant lustrous one! thou, learning well,

The true lesson of a nation's light in the sky,

(More shining than the Cross, more than the Crown,)

The height to be superb humanity.

Madama Butterfly

2008-11-30T21:08:00.005-05:00

I just finished one of my dolls from the Cloth & Clay Workshop by Jane DesRosier. I have decided to name her Madama Butterfly. The collage papers I used for the boxes were my inspiration.

I am anxious to finish my second doll. She has more of an Izannah Walker doll resemblance and I love the nesting boxes I made to match her. The collage papers are extremely Victorian and the boxes are bandbox shaped.

Happy Holidays!

November Morning!

2008-11-08T21:27:00.007-05:00

I started the Cloth & Clay Doll Workshop taught by Jane DesRosier last weekend. I am posting a few pictures of my progress. These pictures show the muslin body, arms and legs painted with Gesso. My next step will be to sculpt the face. I will post more pictures as I progess.

We have enjoyed one of the most beautiful Falls in Tennessee. I posted a few pictures of the leaves at their peak on our farm at the bottom of the blog.

November Morning
by Evaleen Stein
A tingling, misty marvel Blew hither in the night, And now the little peach-trees Are clasped in frozen light.
Upon the apple-branches An icy film is caught, With trailing threads of gossamer In pearly patterns wrought.
The autumn sun, in wonder, Is gayly peering through This silver-tissued network Across the frosty blue.
The weather-vane is fire-tipped, The honeysuckle shows A dazzling icy splendor, And crystal is the rose.
Around the eaves are fringes Of icicles that seem To mock the summer rainbows With many-colored gleam.
Along the walk, the pebbles Are each a precious stone; The grass is tasseled hoarfrost, The clover jewel-sown.
Such sparkle, sparkle, sparkle Fills all the frosty air, Oh, can it be that darkness Is ever anywhere!

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T16:31:00.011-04:00

Trick or Treat! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I thought I would share a fun Halloween poem...Three black cats, three black cats, in black hats, in black hats. They all jumped into the Halloween brew, they teased the ghosts and the goblins too. Did you ever hear such a hullabaloo on Halloween!

I signed up for the Gritty Art (Jane's) Cloth & Clay Doll Workshop which starts tomorrow, November 1st. This is Jane's second class...check out the great dolls made in her first class. http://grittyartsstudio.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/november-doll-workshop-sign-ups-start-now/

I have made several dolls with just paperclay or cloth, but I have not spent much time combining the two mediums. So, I am looking forward to her class. I will post my dolls as soon as they are finished!

Miss Buttercup

2008-10-21T18:22:00.014-04:00

I just finished my latest folk art painting which I titled "Miss Buttercup." It is created with acrylic paints, collage papers and aged with a crackle and gloss finish! The painting is listed on Etsy. Here is the link:

http://www.theoldoakenbucket.etsy.com/

We spent the weekend in Asheville, NC at the 61st Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. We found some wonderfully unique Christmas gifts for friends and family. In addition to great shopping in Asheville, we enjoyed some incredible meals at Mayfel's and Tupelo Honey. I would highly recommend Tupelo Honey when you visit Asheville.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-04T21:31:00.002-04:00

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween."

I just finished decorating for Halloween! I was in the decorating spirit with such beautiful fall weather this weekend. Decorating for the holidays puts me in such a festive mood and I get a chance to enjoy some great pieces from my favorite artists.

The black cat painting was completed by Kim Skeen and the pumpkin gourd was made by Janet McCarter. I love all their Halloween creations.

Janet McCarter's annual Halloween Craft Fair is just around the corner and I am anxiously awaiting more goodies!

Greetings!

2008-09-18T21:34:00.001-04:00

This is my very first blog entry. I have always wanted to blog, but I never found time to get it set-up. It is a wonderful way to share information and keep in touch with so many people at once! I will be posting thoughts and artistic creations, so please check back soon...