Its just Frankly Kute

My Wonderful Christmas Present is I am Still Alive

2011-12-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hello to all!

My gift for Christmas is that I did not die, and I am so very thankful for that. I know in my heart my heavenly father must have been guiding, watching over me. As many of you might know I have been really ill off and on, battling my health. Well last week I got a call from my doctor telling me to get into the ER right now! my blood sugar was 720, yes 720!

Some how I was able to drive to the ER and not die on the way as it was put to me many times over this past week. Once in the hospital the doctors decided to send me to OHSU because some of my blood tests were stating damage was occurring to my heart and they felt it best to send me to Portland. I really feel OHSU saved my life!

My coronary angiography was okay and I had a doctor working on me that looked just like George Clooney.

I was amazed how many nurses and doctors let me know that with my sugar level, I broke the record which I would to say is not a record I want to break. Many of the doctors and nurses were amazed that I drove myself to the hospital, again lucky that I did not die on the way.

I am happy to say so far no damage to the heart but I have Hypertensive Urgency, DM type 2 uncontrolled, morbid obesity, Dyslipidemia, unstable Angina.

I have put my stores on vacation mode for a little while, as I just got back home and I have a very long road ahead of me, I will try to reopen them maybe next month and I am not sewing or doing any projects right now, I will try and blog next month but for now I need to try and get some things under control such as the sugar levels and the blood pressure, because I don't want to die, I want to see my son and daughter and see that grand baby that is coming. I will talk with you all next month!

What I am Working on for Decemember 8th 2011 Alseep and Awake Dolls

2011-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Good Thursday to everyone;

I have been busy with a special order I got in my Etsy store to create some dolls. Two of the dolls are for little girls and one is for a boy and I am having lots of fun creating them. The girl dolls are being made from craft robing and the boy doll is from some off brown muslin. I have painted their faces with acrylic paints and I am fill them with fiber fill.

These dolls are going to be 2 sided and look similar to the children, a kind of buddy doll for them. I have made them awake and asleep dolls, I plan on putting the blonde doll in a pink dress and brown haired doll in a white dress with black and red, the boy will have a cute grey blue dog shirt and grey overalls. I will take more pictures when they are finished and show how they turned out completely.

In my Etsy store you can now request special order dolls from some of the dolls listed in my store and I am happy to create some special for you http://www.etsy.com/shop/49pamela?ref=si_shop

You can go and look through the dolls that have special requests on them and right now too I am having free shipping in my store until Dec 22th.

I am again stirring my pot up with some new ideas to share with you all and I will have a free craft project for you in a week.

A Paper Craft, I did up a While back, this can be a Journal, or Keep your Favorite Recipes

2011-11-30T11:06:00.000-08:00

This was a fun project I did back some time ago working with ribbon, card stock, brown paper bags, a hole punch and some really cute stickers. This one is for recipes that are of the past and yet still yummy!

I found all kinds of old time recipes and left a few pages blank to add in more. I used small brown paper bags to create pockets for holding some of recipes and small tags with recipes on them. The book is about 7 inches and I have used all kind things to put into it. The idea is take some card stock and fold and cut 7x7 then fold in half small brown paper bags and align in the card stock that is going to be the front and back, then cut a smaller contrast card stock about 4 inches. Now take the paper bags and put them in the center of the cover, place the small strip on the outside as pictured above and begin using the hole punch , add string, ribbon raffia and tie good knots but not too tight as to bunch up the bags and card stock. Now have fun adding decor to this cute keepsake, or make them up as gifts for friends!

A Very Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!!

2011-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Come see me here this holiday season as this is a thanks for some loyal customers!! and a thank you!

Please be sure when shopping at my or any of these great stores listed to do the following so that you will be sure to get the discount, under payment area in your shopping cart it will say apply shop coupon code, just click on that and enter OFGthanksyou2011 and the discount will appear, this will apply for all items in your cart.

There is a wonderful gathering of team members for this token of thank you this holiday season, I hope you all will come join us! http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=OFG&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US and here is a wonderful list of shops to visit just click on each link to come and see wonderful hand made items:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes

http://www.etsy.com/shop/basketsbyrose

http://www.etsy.com/shop/catsdesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cavecreekprimitives

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ewenmeprintables

http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmersattic

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FirecrackerKid

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Handofbelapeck

http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebybette

http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyvalleyprimitive

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MapleStreetShoppe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/49pamela

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MotherlodeToad

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NancysWorkshop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NoJumbledDucks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintspotsnsplinters

http://www.etsy.com/shop/primchick

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Primgal

http://www.etsy.com/shop/printandsew

http://www.etsy.com/shop/publishedartist

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBarnHollow

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tinsandtreasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomorrowstreasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedlyCreative

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlwaysPrimitive

http://www.etsy.com/shop/primpennystitches

http://www.etsy.com/shop/yorkiesprimitives

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetbearcreekwhims

Most of all I am wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, may your homes be blessed and my loved ones surround you.

Heart and High Blood Pressure Troubles

2011-11-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone,

I have not been blogging much lately as I have been quite ill dealing with some serious heart issues but I have also found out that I have a very serious problem with high blood pressure. It took and ER visit and about a day and a half in the hospital to get the both of these problems under control.

I have not been crafting to say it honestly because even at home now I am still having problems. I am working on seeing a heart specialist and getting my blood pressure under control.

Its kind of strange that it was never mentioned to to me by my doctors that I was already being treated for high blood pressure, with some of the medications I was already on were for hypertension and blood pressure.

I am not sure what is causing the heart to misfire electrically and beat really fast but I will find out and I am hoping it will only take medication again, a while back it was mentioned that the doctors might have to go in the cauterize the misfires.

I am hoping to do some crafting this weekend and work on some cute holiday ideas.

In the picture above is my little dog Oreo who also has heart problems, and is on special medications, guess it kind of holds true that our pets are like us. Like her I am trying hard to take it easy and get things under control.

What I am working on for Thursday Oct 20th

2011-10-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

I am busy working on 2 items at the same time I started this Paper Mache’ doll a few weeks ago and soon I will have her finished. She is for Halloween and a devilish character and I have quite a bit more to do. I have used balloon's to create the body and head so far and I have done up my own sauce for the strips of news paper I used to cover the balloon's and then I let the dry and popped the balloons inside, now I am painting with acrylic paints and I will use yarn for hair create some legs and create a dress for her using Halloween fabric.

In the project pictured below is another Topsy Turvy doll, this one will be for fall time and she will be a happy and sad 2 way doll, I have painted the face with acrylic paints and added the hair which is a cotton yarn sewn into the head of the doll. I just need to finish the blouse, arms and skirt. I should be finished with both in another week and then I will get back to making some Christmas items and I am thinking about sharing a cute project idea with you all.

A Project I Started a Long Time Ago, Painting the Hallway

2011-10-18T10:42:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share something, after losing our home in Nov 2, 99 which was a total lost. The new house was built in 2001 and the walls were painted an off white and it looked so blah... I decided to do something which did not go over with most living in my home, yes talking about my children and husband. They just thought it wrong that mom was drawing on the walls! I really felt the walls needed something sot I began painting a long whirling, looping some what ivy down my hallway, I used acrylics and had a blast I want to do more... But I am going to do some fast furious talking to convince the others to let me continue.I also started at the front door next to some really large windows that I thought I was giving more personality. I did not draw any designs I just started painting and loved every second of it. If my hubby would set me free on this I just would go wild I have a whole up stairs with a vaulted ceiling and more walls, my imagination is boiling over with what I could do up there! My Aunt was a great influence for this, she did her house with murals and they were wonderful I wish I taken pictures of the murals she completed. It's just amazing what one can do with a paint brush a little paint and a plain off white wall! I hope this inspires you to get your imagination going in your home.

Working for Tuesday, Ginger Bread Rag Cloth Dolls

2011-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today I have been busy creating some Ginger Bread rag cloth dolls, there will be 3 of them I am planing on making up. I have finished one so far; this one is made from brown broad cloth and I have painted all the features using acrylic paints, accept for the cheeks which are an oil pastel.

I have added the hair using a red wool yarn and I have sewn it in using a heavy quilting thread. The doll is filled with fiber fill and the dress is a rayon/cotton blend with a rick wrack design on it.

The doll I did not use any pattern for I just sat down with the fabric and drew the doll onto the fabric and cut it all out. so the doll is quite original and I will be having fun cutting out the other 2 dolls because I just never know how they will come out when just cutting the fabric. I will be adding these dolls a little later on to the Etsy store.

French Toast Corn Bread, quick, easy Recipe

2011-10-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is just a really quick and easy way to make cornbread french toast. Buy regular cornbread mix, I just happen to like Krusteaz Natural Honey Cornbread.

Make up the cornbread as the directions state and bake according, when done cool and set in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.

That's correct keep the cornbread in the refrigerator uncovered and out of your baking dish on platter or large plate, you want the cornbread to become dried out and hard.

After 3 days you are ready for the cornbread french toast. Mix 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, 2 tsp. of cinnamon, and 1 table spoon of sugar all together; slice the corn bread into rectangle squares.

Heat a large skillet on stove at medium to medium high temp and add 1/2 of butter, dip the cornbread in the milk mixture and drain slightly add quickly to hot skillet, turn often as not to burn the corn bread. What you are doing is frying the cornbread so that it is nice and crunchy on the outside. You can warm strawberry preserves and top the corn bread or serve with maple syrup, add scrambled eggs as a side with this, oh yum! In the picture above I have just added the syrup, but there are a lot of ways to do this so I hope this gets you started on different ways to make cornbread french toast.

The Finished Grubby Reindeer and Some Halloween Fabric Bowls

2011-10-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Okay they are finished! and oh my gosh do they smell just yum! I drove my son and husband nuts with the smell of cinnamon in the house. These little Reindeer are grubby and scented and will be cute Christmas decor for someone. I will be adding them to the Etsy store shortly along some other new items.

Sunday I was able to to also get some Halloween Fabric bowls done up and here they are; I did them up with some really nice cotton Halloween fabrics and they too are headed for my store. I will be selling them as a set. Sunday was a fun day not only did I do crafting but I came with a way to get rid of that day old corn bread! I will share that with you in a few days. It's Corn bread french toast and its yummy!

What I am Working on for Saturday Oct 1, 2011 Some very Cute Aged Reindeer

2011-10-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am busy crafting away, and I just felt it was time for some reindeer so here is the first one.

I am making him out of some cute cotton Christmas fabric and staining him with cinnamon, coffee and vanilla. I am going to make a set of 3 this is a photo of the large and I will have 2 more smaller ones done later today.

I am filling them with some beans to help them stand and the rest is fiber fill. I have also gone outside and cute some smaller branches of my bamboo tree to make the antlers, a little cotton yarn for hair and so these guys smell great! I have made everyone in my home hungry with the smell.

I am also sponge brushing the stain onto the reindeer and and blow drying them, it just making the staining come out really looking.

how to make a pattern with lids; house items that can help make a pattern for sewing

2011-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

A Time to Reflect and Dream Big Dreams, another whacked out quilt

2011-09-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

This 22x18 quilt is one of kind in that I designed it entirely, no patterns were used just a bit of whacking. The quilt is all about fall time, with the ripe pumpkins, the clear cool sky, leaves are just about done falling off the trees and where is everyone? well they are all tucked away in the small house keeping warm. I used all kinds of cotton fabrics to create this whacked out quilt, some flannel for the roof of the house and white broad cloth for the clouds. In a couple of the lower pumpkins I have even added a little extra fiber fill to make them more dimensional. The quilt is backed with quilting batting and black denim. This quilt will also come with a dowel stick to help hang it and it is not in the photo. You can find it here to purchase http://www.etsy.com/listing/82584395/a-time-to-reflect-dream-big-dreams-life

Revamping a Doll to Look Grubby as can be

2011-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today I am having a little fun with one of my dolls I made up a while back. Originally this doll was not stained but rather plain I would have to say; so I am redoing her just a little I have have stained her to look grubby and I used one cup of coffee and and 2 table spoons of water, a real thick stain. I just dribbled the coffee onto the fake white fur and let it spread naturally the rest of the body I did use a sponge paint brush to get the stain on her legs, body, arms hair and face. I will take some light weight sand paper to her and some cinnamon for a more Grubby look. I find it so much fun to find things I have done up a while back and go and redo them over again, its kind of fun seeing what changes can take place when you redo over something!

Today I will finish her up and the Topsy Turvy doll.

What I am Working on for Tuesday Sept 20, 2011

2011-09-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am having a bit of fun making this 12 inch Topsy turvy Halloween doll. I have cut out my pattern one will be a cat and the other a girl ghoul, I am using Osnaburg fabric and I have painted one with green acrylic paint and the other with black.

At this time I am adding facial features with oil pastels and acyclic paints. On the green ghoul girl I also did a bit of a black acrylic wash over the green and green on the black cat. I really enjoy using the oils on the fabric the eyes and coloring on the black cat is turning fairly well. Oh yes I found these new wonderful acrylic paints in pen form that I have been using, I found them at my local art store along with new oils.

I am blending two different shades of purple, with white acrylic paint, red acrylic paint and black. I am also using yellow oils for the eyes.

This is a close of the green girl ghoul, again I am using black acrylic paints, yellow oil pastels, red acrylic paint. I should have her done in a few more days, but I will give you a look at how I do my hair for my dolls on this little one and show how she is coming along later on this week. Not sure if I will use pink yarn or black yarn? for hair, you are welcome to leave comments on what color hair she should have give me your idea!

Astoria Oregon Coast Guard Air Show and Open House

2011-09-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

I just love attending the Coast guard Open house and this year I got some great pictures to share with you all! Plus a few great videos! I am very thankful for the service these men and women do here.

Caught some action in the air with a neat stunt plane

thought this was a great picture in the rain

I got to film one of the demo's of a rescue that the coast guard here often does and I was happy with how well it came out. Hope you enjoy watching this video.

Something new I just finished, Set of Three Oregon Black Bear Ornies

2011-09-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

These were just a ton of fun to create! I design a 10 inch pattern for these Oregon black bears and cut them out from Osnaburg. ( that's right I finally learned how to spell it lol!)

The fabric then was stained with instant coffee and black acrylic paint. I made sure the seam shows so that the edging part stands out with the fraying. The faces are painted with acrylic paints and I used some twine for bows. I tried to make each face just a little different I think these guys will make great bowl fillers! and you can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81650237/set-of-three-black-bear-primitive-ornies

Creating Ideas for my Whacked Out Quilts

2011-09-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Today is kind of a lazy day for me this Saturday, so I am sitting down and just drawing out ideas for up coming whacked out wall hanging quilts.

I thought this one just might make a cute Halloween quilt some kitty cats ruffled by a ghost.

I have to you all that a few weeks ago I found out I am going to be a grandma. My daughter of 20 years of age is 8 weeks pregnant the baby will come in April, it's thrilling news! The second quilt idea is going to be a bit more serious, a fall scene with a deer in it. This drawing idea is really in the rough I have only done it in pencil and not ink yet so I hope you all can see it. Sometimes I will sit down and start drawing out ideas for quilts and then start whacking and making patterns, most of the time I just start cutting on the fabric. It often depends on how complicated I want to get with a quilt idea. You can see that the top picture/drawing is going simple to whack out but the deer is going to be harder and I will need to put much more thought into how exactly I will whack out the quilt. I think I better come up with a Thanksgiving wall hanging quilt with some goofy turkeys! So it's time to head to the sketch pad and get busy!

Hunkered Down for Fall Time, The Finished Whacked Out Wall Hanging quilt

2011-09-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

This Whacked out appliqued wall hanging quilt is an original design, created by me with the use of no patterns. I created this quilt by just simply cutting the shapes I wanted, the quilt measures 15 inches across and 22 inches long. I have used all cotton quilting fabrics in the quilt accept for the sheep which are an off white/cream colored fake fur. I have added all kinds of great decorative stitching on the quilt with the use of my sewing machine with a a white rayon thread and reason I used a white rayon thread was to create the idea of frost on the ground and on the tree. You can see gray sky as one would see a cool crisp fall day and the leaves are long gone off the tree along with the grassy hills turning brown. The sheep are attempting to keep warm and so they all are laying down on the hills as the frost settles in for the day.
The quilt is backed with quilting batting and cotton fabrics, I did not take pictures of the bamboo but it will come with the quilt to help hang this whacked out wall hanging quilt. You can find it here http://www.etsy.com/listing/81400294/whacked-out-wall-hanging-quilt-all for purchasing.

What I am Working on for Thursday Sept 1, 2011

2011-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well I just could not stand it! I had to get spooky yesterday so I designed this little wall decor for the Halloween holidays. Plus it gives me a chance to keep up on my cartooning.

So the design is original, I thought it up of course and I used acrylic paints for the scene and on the wood I sanded it, drilled some holes for the twine then I used my oil pastels on the wood and did some rubbing the oils into the grain of wood. I have to mention it was a dream of someday getting syndicated with my cartooning but I have not been able to get local newspapers here on the coast interested in me, in Montana the owner of the paper there really liked my political cartoons on local government issues. So I came up with this idea, I am hoping people will like it.

Secondly I have another small whacked out quilt going, as you can see all the pieces are cut out and I am laying out the scene I want. The story is is a simple one with all the black, gray, and browns, it is fall time nearing winter and the sheep are laying about trying to keep warm from the cool fall weather. I am using cotton quilting fabrics, but for the sheep I am using an off white fake fur.

18x20 Whacked out Appliqued Wall Hanging Quilt, Oregon Black Bears on the Hunt for Blackberries

2011-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is the finished whacked out quilt I had so much fun creating it! The story is about two Oregon black bear clubs trying to find black berries and its looks as there is none! In the trees I have added a bald eagle and a squirrel just to give the quilt that added touch and yes they are watching the cubs search for black berries. I have backed the quilt with quilting batting and a dark brown cotton/rayon fabric. I did the blanket stitch on most of the quilt with a few more decorative stitches added. The quilt is here http://www.etsy.com/listing/80815571/18x20-whacked-out-appliqued-wall-hanging

Now for some more big news!

I have closed my Art fire store for It's Just Frankly Kute Productions and moved it to Etsy! so you will find it here http://www.etsy.com/shop/pamelastocker1?ref=si_shop

I have several reasons for leaving Art Fire but I would like to just keep that personal, I hope you all will find your way over to the new location. Right I am working on adding all the items so there may not seem much there right now but soon I will have everything uploaded and added, I will mention one reason; it was more convenient to have both stores in one place. So now It's Just Frankly Kute Productions will not get neglected anymore by me.

What I am Working on for Saturday, Black Berry Bear Wall hanging Quilt

2011-08-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well I am busy again! this time I wanted to get started on whacking out a new wall quilt.

This is what I have done so far...

I have cut a square of Onsburg and I am adding all my pieces, such as the light blue sky which is cotton quilting fabric and the trees, bears are all quilting fabrics accept for the foreground which is an upholstery fabric.

The plants and trees are made by me just cutting on the fabric and the desired shape and look I wanted, now the bears I did design a small pattern for and then transferred onto fabric for cutting.

I have added and placed everything where I want it to be and to keep it in place I have used a glue stick and rubbed it on the backs of each piece of whacked out fabric, later I will take some thread and run it through it placed piece to further keep in place while I am sewing this quilt out on my sewing machine. I will back the quilt with quilting batting and I am thinking about cutting up a pair of old jeans and making squares around the outside of the quilt and I will cut some of my bamboo and make a hanger for the quilt. So now I am headed back to the sewing machine to see what other kinds of crafting ideas I can come up with for later.

Sharing some Yummy Recipes for Dinner Tonight

2011-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today thought I would share some yummy recipes with you for a great dinner, cool drink and some delight cookies.

First is the Turkey Cabbage Rolls

you will need a large cabbage for this, 1 pound of ground turkey, instant cooked rice, white onion, egg, tomato sauce, garlic salt and parsley.

Peel the cabbage leafs off carefully to get one large leaf and you will need6-8 leafs, now boil these in large pot of water and about a 1 teaspoon of salt until leafs are just slightly tender.

While you are boiling the leafs you will want to make the instant rice, so in another pot boil and cook 1 cup of instant rice.

Once the rice is cooked. Remove and add chopped onion, egg, turkey meat, parsley, and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. Place one leaf into well greased baking dish and spoon the meat mixture in center and roll the leaf, repeat again until you have used all the mixture and leafs,now use the rest of your tomato sauce and pour over top of cabbages, be use to use a large can of tomato sauce so that you have plenty. Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. I did not have to use toothpicks because I stuffed them full and rolled them so that the opening was to the bottom of the baking dish.

This is a watermelon slushy and is it good on a hot day!

You will need a blender, ice, sugar, and watermelon.

First crush the ice in the blender, now scoop out seedless water melon chunks, about 1 cup of seedless water melon and 1 1/2 cups of ice. Add 1/2 of sugar or 2 tablespoons of honey and blend!

This is just so yummy and cooling!

Now onto the cookies, would you believe these lasted less than a day in my house!

you will need 2 bags of sugar cookie mix, 1 1/2 cups of chocolate rice cereal, 2 eggs, 1 cup of butter melted and 3 cookie and cream candy bars crushed.

What I did first was to melt my butter, and just take a butter knife and crush the candy bars in their packages made things easier. So add the sugar cookie mix to a large bowl, the egg and butter, then the cereal and candy mix well. The dough should stick together and form large balls, if not then melt a little more butter and add gradually. I made large cookies about 2 to 2 1/2 inch balls I placed onto a well greased cookie sheet and baked at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

These are all simple, easy prep recipes and lots of fun to make!

Oh My, Working with Oil Pastels and Acrylic Paints, on Different Kinds of Fabrics

2011-08-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

I have been having a blast with my oil pastels, I have created two new witches and used the oil pastels for the facial features. In the picture below I have used Onsburg in the photo above its muslin. In using the Onsburg; I have first stained the fabric with instant coffee and used a blow dyer then worked the oil pastels into the fabric. I also used some acrylic paints for the eye brows and lashes. The top picture is just oil pastels blend for a very soft look to this witch.

In this photo I have cut off the legs of some grey fabric and I am making a primitive mouse that will have a pumpkin and have stain the fabric with instant coffee but I also have used a walnut spay to make the mouse even more grubby and rubbed a tiny bit of cinnamon into the fabric, so this mouse is getting a workout!

I am also using oil pastels to create the eyes and nose and some black acrylic paint for the lashes. I have finished the dolls above and I am now working on the mouse. You can see the complete dolls here http://www.etsy.com/shop/49pamela?ref=si_shop I have also blogged about one of the dolls at It's Just Krazy Kute Productions

It has been fun working and designing my newest creations, and I love the effect oil pastels can create on fabric.

Part 2 The Making of a 10 Inch Grubby Rag Cloth Doll

2011-08-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Howdy! to everyone, I am back with the second half of making this 10 inch cloth doll.

In the the picture above you can see more how well the staining set in after I blew dried it the second time around. Now I am adding the hair and how you want to do this is cut a about a 3 inch wide piece of cardboard and wrap the yarn around about 6-8 times depending on how thick you want the hair to be, don't wrap tightly, you want the yarn somewhat loose so that you can pull it off the carboard. Once you have taken it off the cardboard cut a small piece of yarn and tie, knot the yarn in the center of you looped yarn. Next cut open the loops or just leave if you want the hair to have loops; In this doll I cut the loops open to give the doll more of a shaggy look.

Use heavy quilting thread to attach the yarn (hair) to the head of the doll. I usually knot my thread and begin on on side the head, working to the other side. I start the needle and thread first into the head then bring the needle and thread through my knot in the yarn and pull tight enough so that the yarn is firmly on the head of the doll and continue working through. I may just do a blog on sewing yarn or hair to doll and show more clearly on my technique of how I do it. I am looking at this seeing I don't have pictures showing what is going on.

Once you have sewn the hair (yarn) on then paint the facial features on with acrylic paints. I took a very small paint brush (for very fine detail) for the nose, eyes and cheeks. The cheeks are done by dry brushing the acrylic paint on, then I dipped a tooth pick in red to add some tiny freckles to her face.

In this photo which would not fall into order; I have sewn the two small squares together,making the pantaloons and now I am adding and gathering them on the doll. I will have to also blog a more detailed blog on how I make pantaloons. But I think you will have an idea of what I am doing here. (hope this made sense)

(This part should have been before gathering the pantaloons, but my blog but for some reason it would not let the me put the photos in the correct order.)You now want to cut a 12 inch long and 6 inch wide strip of Homespun fabric, cut on the fold; cut two 8 inch long and 4 inch wide strips of Homespun fabric on the fold. The 12 inch strip will be the dress and the 8 inches pieces will be the pantaloons. In the photo I have been rubbing in the cinnamon into each of the pieces. In the picture below I have gather the strip of fabric and placed over the top of the doll and cut two slits to slide the arms of the doll through. You can see the end result in the very top photo, I ended up cutting one more small strip of fabric and adding it to the hair as a little tie up and gave her more personality. This is a fun doll that one can come up with many different ways to create her, this is only one example that I have done. Later on I will have a blog on an easy way to make pantaloons and how I make the hair for my dolls, I have enjoyed sharing this and I hope you all have fun reading and getting creative with me.

The First Step in Making a 10 inch Grubby Rag Cloth doll

2011-08-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday August 14, 2011 I was busy creating a little 10 inch Grubby rag cloth doll and thought I would share how I created it.

So first I began with one of my cloth doll patterns, a 10 inch doll and then I cut the doll out of muslin.

I then sewed up the doll on my sewing machine and created some stain. The fabric soaked about 30 minutes, then was put onto a cookie sheet and baked at 200 degrees. After baking and the fabric was completely dry I filled the doll with fiber fill and added the legs. I began to re-stain the doll by using a small sponge brush and applying more staining on the doll; this second time I did not bake the doll but instead used a blow dryer to get darker and a more grubby stain.

You can see in the photo how the staining and the use of the blow dryer is making this little doll very grubby. Below is another photo of the doll dry.

I think she is turning out well and this point I will be adding the facial features and her hair and clothing that will be simple. In the second part of The First Step in Making a 10 inch Grubby Rag Cloth Doll; I will show the hair, facial features and the outfit I create for this doll and how or what I do to stain the outfit. I just wanted to share the first steps and next Monday August 22 I will let see that part so I hope you all will come back and see how this cute grubby doll turns out.

Fun Crafting idea, Piggy Plant Pokes and Magnets Salt Dough

2011-08-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

What You will need for this project:

4 cups of flour

2 cups of salt

water

acrylic paints

instant coffee

pop sticks or sticks of some form

hot glue gun

scraps of fabric

magnets

light weight sand paper

varnish

pig cookie cutter/or any animal cookie cutter

Mix the flour and salt and begin adding water to the mixture until it all forms together like making bread dough. If it gets too most just add a little flour. You want the dough to roll out on a lightly floured surface as if making cookies. Take a small amount now and roll it out onto the floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 thickness, you want them sturdy, or a just little more than 1/2.

Now take your animal (pig) cookie cutter and cut out the pig. I would take just a small amount of dough and cut out one at a time just to make sure I was consistent with the thickness of each one. Once you have them cut out and placed on the lightly greased cookie sheet take your pop stick or stick and slightly press in the center between the legs, making this dent will make it easier to hot glue the stick into place.

Now lightly grease large cookie sheet and add the animals (pigs) bake in your oven at 150/ 200 degrees, which mine baked slowly the entire day, drying the dough out. The drying will/should take most of the day, you can also just let them air dry, this will take a few days.

When the pigs are quite dry; take some light weight sand paper and lightly sand them a bit as to rough them up just a little.

Paint the pig with acrylic paints, I mixed up a bit of red and white for this one and then let it dry. I then added some dabs of yellow kind of forming small butterflies. Once that was dry I mixed up a table spoon of instant coffee and added a little water and brushed on the stain, to the pig, stick and scrap of fabric I had torn for the bow. Once that was completely dry I brushed on the varnish to seal everything, put a couple of dabs of hot glue in the dent and added the stick. I also hot glued the bow on. On the back of the pig you can add you magnet of choice, a heavy magnet is what I suggest with hot glue. This project takes a bit of time but it is fun to do. These pig pokes will look cute as an addition to any potted plant and help add to giving a plant as a gift or use them as magnets! I hope you have fun with this project!

Just Finished a Special Order Primitive 2 Sided Rag Cloth Doll

2011-08-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today I am close to finishing up one of my favorite dolls I created, this is a 2 sided doll that I have stained to look old. The body part of the doll is of course Onsburg and it is stained with instant coffee and the facial features have been painted on with acrylic paints.

In my first 2 sided doll I had legs but I kind feel she is better without the legs and just left to imagination? but I will have to think about it a little more.

This is such fun doll that I created, ideas are just burning in my head on what do with her next. I may make her into a Topsy turvy doll, a 2 sided witch and more. She is my second 2 sided doll the first is here http://www.etsy.com/transaction/48666379

She is 21 inches long and just as fun as fun can be!

The Continued Work on the New 20 inch rag Doll and the Finishing Touches

2011-08-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Back again! showing how a work in progress comes together; the doll has been all sewn together and and filled with fiber fill at this point and I decided to use small black buttons for eyes and they have been hand sewn in and in this photo I have painted the mouth and cheeks in acrylic paints and I am adding the pink hair. The hair is a pink wool yarn and I am using a heavy quilting thread to sew it to the head of the doll.

There is a close up of the facial features and she is not turning too bad, I have decided not to stain this doll maybe the next one; I just love having her colorful.

I also painted the feet of the doll using acrylic paints to match the skirt of the dress and she has some striping on the legs that has been added with acrylic paints, which are not seen in the pictures. She is done and I think I will call her Pinkie Dots, I will be adding her to the Etsy store is a few days.

I have started a fun project that I will be sharing with you in a few days hope to see you all soon with my new project pig on stick plant pokes!

Working on Some New Rag Cloth Dolls that will be Colorful

2011-08-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

It's time to get busy again making my favorite thing....

rag cloth dolls.

As you can see I have just finished the body of the doll using Onsburg and I will be filling her with fiber fill, attaching the arms and legs. I plan on painting the facial features using the acrylic paints I love, I am using bright summer light weight cottons for the blouse and skirt. You can see that the blouse is somewhat done and that I am working on the skirt that is on the sewing machine. I have already decided her hair color which is going to be a bright pink heavy wool yarn. I can't quite get into working on fall just yet, I still have a lot of summer on my mind and I think I will do up a few colorful dolls, not sure if I will stain any of them but I might just to make a few look old.

I am also working on two/two sided dolls for someone and one to put in my Etsy store, I will have pictures of those later this week and pictures of this doll when it has been completed. At the end of August I will do up some scarecrows that I have been meaning to get busy with, well I think I will take a break and go step out into the Monday morning sunshine on the Oregon coast.

A Good Bye to my Baby Dog Polar Bear

2011-07-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I had to say good bye to my best friend and family member, my polar bear whom I have had for 14 years. The bone cancer just was making him suffer so much, this is one of the reasons I have not been blogging as much as I did, I wanted time with him, and I wanted to hand feed him to help keep him strong for as long as I could. I love and miss him so much! I write with tears....

He was so very special, patient, loving and I miss hearing his bark, him walking on the tile floor, laying his head in my lap, or checking on me in the bathroom, catching food, stealing food off the table, letting the little girl dogs boss him around, allowing Ruffles our cat to love you and rub on you anytime she wanted, for watching over and protecting us, I miss long walks with you peeing on every piece of grass and peeing like a girl dog when you were a boy, I will miss your excitement when daddy came home, your howls at the door when we would leave and come home, that you loved all kinds of dog toys and would tease Oreocookies by taking them and hiding them outside from her. Even while he was sick he would try to play never showing us how sick he really was. He made my life wonderful for 14 years, I hope he knows how much I love and miss him! He was my family, friend and I know the pain is gone and he lays at rest next to my other dog Buddy, but still miss you... the house is lost without in it....

I will never forget you I will never stop loving you; were one of kind.

What I am Working on Sunday July 17th 2011

2011-07-17T13:00:00.001-07:00

I have been working on painting rocks, my favorite famous rock cottages. I found the most interesting rocks and made one of my little rock cottages and I am working on another one right next to it that is not quite completed. Once again in the photo above, I washed the rock in some hot soapy water and let it dry for a few days before I begin painting. I love using acrylic paints best and a good sealer so that the paint will last a very long time. This rock is quite large so it will make a really good door stop the second one that is not finished will be smaller and will be better for setting on a shelf or holding a stack of papers in place. In the photo below is a little cardboard heart box and I had a blast working on it also; using acrylic paints and coffee to make the heart box look really old and aged, I also used a bit of light weight sand paper and lightly, carefully sanded the box for some finishing touches, then sealed it. I did not use and patterns but just the painting by free hand designs both projects and if I goofed a little I think it just added more to both projects by doing free hand with really no intention or pre-plan pattern. Sometimes I find it fun just to sit down and start creating because you just never know what you will come up with and that is the fun of a project the never knowing...

Once Long Ago, a Warm Day on the Oregon Coast, and a Ride

2011-07-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

A few days back we were having such nice warm days! it seemed as if summer were here finally so I just had to take some pictures of the ride down the beach. In the top picture I think everyone one else from Portland Oregon had the same idea to head to the beach. We also stopped off at a store for some cool drinks, a bit of fire wood and some burgers to cook on the beach for the day.

Tillamook Head and just watching the waves come in, there was also a warm breezing blowing that day.

I just wanted to share a little of the beach with you all this week!

Time to Blog Again, Crochet purse and Table Cover

2011-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Time to blog again; seems life throws something at me every time but with prayers and realizing that it will be alright, trials seem not to be as they appear. Some of the trials have been health issues again with a bout of pneumonia, RA reacting to the stress of a serious family issue.

I have returned again; it has taken a while but thought I better get busy. I have not been able to craft as much lately because the the issues with my daughter who is slightly disabled. There is also the fact that I have been very sad with one of my dogs, my oldest and best sweet heart. I have had polar for 14 years and now I am losing him to cancer that can't be operated on, so I have been spending my time and minutes with him to help him for as long as I can.

I was doing a bit of crocheting and finished a another little purse and table cover.

In the purse pictured above I used a cotton yarn and a small crochet hook to create it. I did not use any patterns but just an idea to what I thought would be a cute purse and I used just the basic stitch making sure the stitches were tight and small so that nothing will fall through. I finished this table cover a while ago and thought I would share it again, I used a wool yarn on it and the edging is a cotton yarn for a final touch. The table cover and purse were fun just to create using just a simple thought and some very basic double stitches. I also added a few pretty buttons to the little purse and it buttons shut using the one button that is somewhat in the center. Later I will add them to the Art fire store, where they can be purchased.

New Hand Crafted Items for the Month of May; The Milk Maiden, crochet hand bag, crochet rag rug

2011-05-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

I have just finished crocheting this purple little hand bag with some really nice heavy wool yarn. I did just a very basic double stitch to create the body of the purse and the strap is just a simple chain stitch. Next I took some strands of the yarn and frayed or pulled the yarn apart for the fringe and put it onto the little purse; and I hand sewed some pretty buttons on for added decor.

Then I have also finished a new rag cloth doll, the milk Maiden, she is 22 inches long and made from Onsburg. The doll has been stained and I once again have created and painted on the facial features using acrylic paints. The Milk Maiden's hair is a red wool yard and is not stained either is the hat and dress, this time around I just stained the body of the doll and painted shoes and stockings onto the doll. The hat, dress and bloomers are cotton fabrics that I found in the baby section of a fabric store.

I am also working on a crochet rag rug that is made from cotton and yarn and wool yarn, that is the photo down below, I am almost done with it I just have to add the lighter colored yarn to the rug. It has been a while since my last blog post, I have been as usual battling some health issues, mostly the lungs and the RA have been giving me some serious problems but I am still crafting away!

The Sea Story, a large wall hanging quilt, whacked out by freehand

2011-04-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

This is a quilt a did a while back, it is all my design, no patterns were used I just cut all the pieces out by free hand. I used all kinds of fabrics for this quilt there are cottons, rayon's, corduroy, flannel, polyester, muslin, quilt batting, buttons, and yarn used to create this one of kind quilt not to mention all the different stitches used by my sewing machine. This quilt is no longer for sale I have decided to just to kept as a reminder of my Uncle Bill who was in the navy and once told me that untrue stories, wild stories were often called Sea Stories, so thus is the name of this quilt, as it is nothing but a wild tale.

In the first panel there are some mermaids sun bathing and watching over their treasure, and a school of happy fish swimming on a nice warm day. Suddenly the day is spoiled by a silly fisherman who is wanting to catch a grand fish! But this fisherman finds himself in a heap of trouble with mean old octopus, lucky for this fisherman the maids decide to help him out and hand over the treasure to this poor unlucky fisherman!

Later on I may do another sea story quilt, I love whacking it's working with imagination to me, and of cartooning helps me lots in designing these one of kind quilts.

Winner of the Contest is....

2011-04-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Howdy to everyone; well the contest is over and I have picked a winner. The winner is...

"Hi please sign me up for your giveaway.Congrads. on your 200th post" I just picked the last person to comment I was going to just do a drawing but then changed my mind and decided to stick somewhat to the rules so I picked the last comment instead; It just did not seem quite fair to do a drawing with only 3; I will be contacting the winner today and sending out the prizes when I hear from the winner, I will ship both items priority mail with tracking to the winner. I want to say thank you! to those that commented and got the contest ball rolling! I plan on having more contests and hopes are more will play along and be winners!

The 200th Post and the Give Away Contest!

2011-04-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

The 200th Blog post and Give Away Contest!

I was amazed that I have made 200 posts, so thought it would be nice to have a give away celebrating the fact I have made that many posts. So are you ready!

Okay then...

Be the 27th person to comment on these 2 photos

The 27th person will be the winner of these 2 items pictured!

You can say something silly, funny, sweet, serious, goofy but just be that 27th person within the United States to make a comment

I will check back often to see how the contest is running

Once I have the 27th comment I will post the winner! on my blog and give my email address, the winner will then have to contact me about shipping and handling arrangements, etc.

So come along and have some fun and help me celebrate my 200th blog post!

Aretha is a 18 inch Rag Cloth doll, an Original Design

2011-04-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Aretha is a 18 inch rag cloth doll that is designed entirely by me, I created the pattern and the looks for this sweet doll. I finally finished her Sunday evening. She is made from muslin and filled with fiber fill.

This time I only lightly stained the doll and reduced the staining solution. A new thing that I am doing with the rag dolls that I design is to paint a heart with a arrow through it and sign with PS so that it gives them that special little extra something.

I filled the doll and hand sewed the arms on, the legs are sewn on with the sewing machine for this larger doll. It makes the legs more secure. I then brushed the stain on using a sponge brush and did only one coat and dried her well with a large blow drier. Some features are painted on using acrylic paints, and the eyes are black buttons that I have hand sewn into the doll. The hair is a heavy red wool yarn and I have also hand sewn the hair into the head of the doll using heavy quilting thread. I also sanded the black painted shoes to make them look older on this doll. The dress and bloomers are my own design and are cotton fabrics. I had fun creating her and I will be adding her to my art fire store in a few days.

More on The frenzy of making Rag Cloth dolls

2011-04-02T11:32:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share with you all the frenzy I have been in about making rag cloth dolls, these five are what I have finished this week, and this morning I just finished the larger rag cloth doll. I just have been in the mood to really get busy and create dolls and more dolls! The doll below is one I created a while back and today decided to stain her up just a little, I created the facial features and stained her with some instant coffee, the hair has been sewn into the head of the doll and it was a white/sliver yarn that I used just to give the doll a different look. She is 14 inches and filled with fiber fill. I have just been having a blast this week creating all kinds of rag cloth dolls and I am not done yet!

Doll Making Frenzy in My Home, Primitive, Old looking Rag Cloth Dolls

2011-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well the little flower doll started me off into a real doll making frenzy! I started on some smaller dolls that are 10 inches the pattern is from a very favorite place I love to visit http://www.chestnutjunction.com/ The pattern is called Lill' Anne and Fran and it is an e pattern. There are lots of wonderful patterns at Chestnut Junction.

In the picture above I have already sewn the doll and I am about to stain it with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and some warm water, about a tablespoon and half;I began brushing the stain on using a sponge paint brush. I wanted the doll really dark and as you can see in the picture below the stain is quite dark. Then I took a blow dyer to the doll and dried her. After she was quite dry and began painting on the facial features with acrylic paints. Then I took some light weight sand paper and sanded on the doll just slightly to help get the real old feel to the doll. The hair for the doll was also stained and it a bright red/orange thick wool yarn that I sewed into the head of the doll using a very heavy quilting thread. In case you might be wondering how I stained the hair; what I did was to cut the the yarn into the pieces I wanted then I just placed them into the staining solution and let them soak a minute or two, next I squeezed out the excess and just let them air dry. The picture below is the finished doll and did she come out quite sweet looking, also quite aged and primitive.

What I Finished for Monday, a 18 inch Flower rag cloth doll

2011-03-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today I have been busy crafting away! I just finished this rag cloth doll and wanted to share it which is kind of funny because yesterday and today I have just been as sick as can be but yet I felt like crafting a little later today. In fact I think its the flu bug coming back around on me, had once now seems like I am getting again dang it.

The doll pattern is from an old Butter wick pattern of different flower dolls this one is a rose flower doll but I decided to do her a tiny bit different, instead of using a solid color for the petals I went with a dark plaid rose instead; the facial features are designed by me instead of using beads or buttons for eyes. I painted the facial features using acrylic paints and adding powdered blush to the cheeks. The doll is made from muslin and filled with fiber fill, the dress is cotton fabrics. I have also added some gold colored yarn for a bit of hair, which is sewn into the head of the doll using a very heavy quilting thread. I have also sewn the flower hat into the doll so her little hat does not come off she was lots of fun to create. I kind thought it was time to start doing some spring time crafting and what better way than to create some flower rag cloth dolls, I will add her to the Art fire store in a few days.

Talking about What I Love to Crochet; Rag Rugs

2011-03-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I would talk about one of my second favorite things I love to do, which is to crochet. Many years ago I wanted to crochet and I had a friend who could really crochet up a storm and really win big for her crocheting. Well to say the least this really inspired me to learn how to crochet. I was left handed and she was right handed and so teaching me was hard; if you are left handed you will know what I am talking about everything was the opposite.

So my good friend learned how to crochet left handed in order to teach me, basically I just learned some easy stitches and that was that. So for a really long long time I never crochet until my aunt came along and taught me that fancy crocheting was not that big of a deal! God bless her!

She taught me that by just using a simple basic stitch one can make crochet rag rugs with yarns, recycle sheets, or other fabrics.

Most of all she taught me no fancy patterns were needed just go until you like what your getting, and if you don't you can undo and start over.

Let me tell you I have had lots of fun creating this way; one of my favorite rugs is the one pictured up above. I found some really thick green wool yarn and dark orange yarn and began creating this rag rug just using a basic stitch and I think it came out really nice looking, I did not use a pattern guide but just a thought or idea of how I wanted it to turn out, when I was finished I thought it needed some tassels and so I added those on a little later on. Since then I crochet with a fever using all kinds of fabrics, I will say sheets are the funnest for me, easy to tear into strips and knot together, and second cotton fabrics too. I guess my whole point is crocheting never has to be hard it can be lots of fun even when you only know a few basic steps.

Doing up Another of My Favorite chicken Pie Recipes

2011-03-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Once again I made up my favorite chicken pot pie but I did a little different this time around; I used 3 cans of canned chicken, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, spinach, packaged American cheese, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk and Bisquick baking mix also add salt, pepper and some celery salt for taste.

In a large bowl add the the chicken un-drained, soup, and package of instant potatoes, in this case I used extra buttery and creamy. Mix it all well together, you may have add a little water to thin it just a tiny bit, now add the fresh spinach that you can buy in a bag this is and works the best I think and mix well again this mixture should be thick enough just to spoon in and spread. I love using my large cast iron skillet for this but any baking dish will work; once you have those items mixed thoroughly then spread into a well greased skillet or baking dish. Then add the American cheese on top. You last step is to add 2 cups of Bisquick making mix to a small bowl, the egg and milk, about one cup or a little more than one cup, you want the batter to be thin enough to cover all the items and make a crust on top, so start with a cup of milk and add a little more if its not just pouring over all the ingredients. Bake this until the crust is done on top and turns a light golden brown color about 35 min at 350.

Sharing just some Pictures taken of the new toy and a few scences

2011-03-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

My son on the new bike, right now hubby and son will be sharing it but if my son gets good grades the rest of this year and his senior year the bike will be his.

I was able to finally get a fairly good picture of my little blue jay that comes around to eat ever so often.

Just a picture of the woods and a small creek one tree had fallen over and I thought it was a pretty creek.

These ducks were just right across my street in the neighbors yard, can you tell we have gotten lots of rain on the Oregon coast?

I just thought this little shed was colorful and so I took some pictures of it, playing around with the camera and down before is a very neat hillside that I just felt needed a picture taken of it. I have been doing a bit of photography around the area of Oregon and just thought I would share a bit of it this week for everyone and do a little something different this weeks.

Fabric Bowl and some Tiny rag cloth doll Rabbits

2011-03-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

I just finished these guys and the bowl a few days back. The fabric bowl is a green cotton fabric that I created using a brown thread for contrast on the bowl and added a plaid ribbon around the bowl and for the handle of the bowl.

The tiny rabbits are made from muslin that I painted with acrylic paints and sealed. I filled each tiny rabbit with fiber fill and added ribbon to their necks.

I did not use any patterns, the bowl and rabbits were just an idea I had in mind and actually the rabbits are a cartoon I had drawn a long time ago and just sat down and re-drew them and cut out the image and traced it onto fabric.

On the fabric bowl no patterns were used I just got on my sewing machine and began sewing until I got the shape and size of the fabric bowl I wanted; as usual I torn 1 inch strips of fabric and wrapped it around cotton cording to sew the bowl. In a few days I will be adding them to the art fire store.

Cooking up Homemade Black Eyed Pea Stew with Elk Meat

2011-03-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

I love Black eyed peas! and this is one of my favorite ways to make it. First I throw a bag of uncooked black eyed peas into a crock pot and add cut up onion; my guys like the onion sliced this way, but you can slice anyway you would like. I add a bit of salt and pepper into the pot also.

Second I begin browning the elk meat in a small frying pan with about a tablespoon of real butter and I add celery salt to this for more favoring to the meat and stew later on.

Once the meat is browned I just toss it all into the crock pot and add 3 cans of veggie broth or stock and 2 cups of water and I set the crock pot on high for half the day and low for the rest of the day, so start this in the morning and by evening time it will be ready. The done stew should be thick and the peas nice and tender, then I serve it with hot corn on the cob and corn bread muffins with cheese baked into the muffins.

The Finshed rag cloth doll rabbit 18 inch Miss Surefooted

2011-02-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68736269/18-inch-rag-cloth-doll-animal-rabbit

This is Miss Surefooted as she is now completed and in the Etsy store for sale. I think she came out pretty cute, I love her big feet and that is why I named her Miss Surefooted.

I plan on making another one but he will be male and I may make him an entire different way. There is lots I can do with this simple pattern.

What I am working on for Tuesday, rabbits

2011-02-22T06:34:00.000-08:00

I actually started this Monday evening but I am continuing and will finish the the rabbit later today. I am using a wonderful old pattern from my collection called "floppy friends". The pattern was created in 1995. I am only using the body design of the pattern and making the rabbits my own way.

I designed my own facial features for the dolls and I am making my own clothes for the dolls. I am using Onsburg once again; I am also dry brush painting the fabric around the face in browns and a bit of light gray and pinks for the ears. The paints are acrylics, yes I just love my acrylic paints! I am making a dress with a applique flower on and green pantaloons you can see the dress in the photo it was some second hand fabric my aunt gave to me, a dress she was going to make( fabric was already cut out in a dress form). When I am finished the doll with be about 18 inches long.

New Recipe! What to do with left over Cabbage

2011-02-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I had some left over cabbage and I was trying to figure out what to do with it because in my family cabbage is not a favorite food.

So I had some stewing meat about 2 1/2 pounds, some spinach, onion, instant rice, and cream of mushroom soup.

I began by tossing in about a table spoon of butter and letting it melt and coat the frying pan; then I added the cubed meat and browned it.

After it was browned I added the onion, cabbage and spinach and let it cook a little (stirring it often). Next I added 2 cups of water and the instant rice or you could just cook the rice separate in a sauce pan, I used 2 to 2 1/2 cups of rice. Then when the rice is done add it to the meat, cabbage,onion, spinach. In a separate bowl add the can of mushroom soup and 1 cup of water or add enough water to thin the soup out and mix with all the items in the skillet and let simmer about 15 minutes. This comes out tasting really good more so if you are a person not too keen on cabbage, I can get my husband and son to eat cabbage and spinach this way.

Recycled Denim into a 20 inch Rabbit

2011-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

I had some old denim jeans that belonged to my hubby that I used to create this goofy rabbit. The Jeans had bleach stains on them, making them old and worn out so I decided to recycle the jeans.
I began by sitting down and doodling out some ideas of rabbits and came with this pattern for a rabbit; finally I came up with a 20 inch rabbit.
I decided to make the jeans look even more grubby by using an brown acrylic paint to stain the denim even more and sew the rabbit with the seams on the outside so that the fabric would fray and look old.
I used pink embroidery floss for his nose and mouth and white buttons for eyes and the final touch is some floral cotton fabric torn to make a loose fitting bow around his neck.
This is a simple idea to help recycle those old denim jeans that be headed for the trash, it was fun and simple.

A Second Crafty Idea on Making a Unfinished Wooden Jewelry Box Aged

2011-02-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Another howdy to everyone; this is the second half on what to do with those cute wooden unfinished boxes or jewelry boxes you can find in craft stores.

I have done this one a bit different, in that I used acrylic paints; I took some dark yellows and browns for coloring the unfinished box, some scrapbook paper, twine, cotton fabric and some little wooden decor to stick on the box.

Once again I suggest sanding the unfinished box with a light weight sand paper just so that you can get the paint to set better and stick in certain areas of the grain.

What I did was to first paint on browns and yellows then quickly wipe them blending the paints into one another and staining the wood. In this project you need to work quickly with the paint and at times let it dry and then add another coat until you get the desired look you would like. Now with this project it is not about being perfect, be messy and having fun. As you might see in the pictures I let the paint set in certain areas and did not wipe off because I wanted an ugly, old aged looking box to some degree. I decoupaged the paper on the front back then the fabric got put on top, once again let dry over night. I added a little more paint over the paper using the yellow and wiped off again.

The fabric on top of the box is cotton fabric with a bunch of chickens and once I let the fabric dry, I began to stain the fabric with strong instant coffee.

Some of the final touches were a bit of glitter paint that was applied then wiped; twine, and the little wooden decor pieces were added using hot glue.

This project took a little time and work but was lots of fun and interesting to play with the paints and get a different look.

A Crafty Idea; making a wooden jewelry box look old and primitive

2011-02-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Super Bowl weekend to everyone; this weekend I thought I would share a project I just finished. I love hunting for these little unfinished wooden jewelry boxes in craft stores. I like to get them and aged them and I thought I share how I do them up.

What I did was measured some scrape book paper out and decoupage it onto the front the jewelry box and I tore a bit off on the sides to make the paper look old and used ; second I cut an old birthday card I had laying around that had this cute kitten on it and decoupage it on the front over the scrap book paper. But lets step back for a second before decoupaging I sanded the jewelry box down a bit with a light weight sand paper and roughed it up a bit to get some of the natural design of the box to stand out. When I added the scrap paper I let it dry real good for a day, then added the kitty and let it dry for another day. When it was completely dry I beg to stain with instant coffee, making the coffee quite strong with very little water. I then did a wash over the entire jewelry box and let it dry quite well once again ( using a larger paint brush)

Then I used a much smaller brush and dipped it into the stain but also dipping it into some dry instant coffee that I poured into a small dish causing an even darker stain and adding where I really wanted to age the box even more. Sometimes I would just leave the stain sitting in place letting it dry that way.

I have a ton of fun creating these aged jewelry boxes, because there is so many different ways to create them and a little later on I will share another that while back I posted about but will talk about again because that one is done an entirely different way and it is one of kind.

A Spice Sauce to Spice up Chicken for Dinner

2011-02-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite recipes because in is all in just the sauce you make to pour over the chicken to bake in the oven.
Here is what you will need:

A whole chicken cut up
large baking pan
15 oz. can of tomato sauce
fresh pineapple slices or canned pineapple
1 1/2 cup of vinegar
large onion cut up
2 cups of brown sugar
Optional Chili pepper

Place the cut up chicken in a well greased baking pan and set aside. In a bowl add the tomato sauce, pineapple vinegar, onion and brown sugar. If you like it hot then add a dash of the chili pepper. Mix well using a large spoon or whisk. Then pour it over the chicken and bake at 400 degrees until the chicken is done.

Serve this with a green salad and hot corn on the cob and you will have a spicy but good dinner for all

The Finished 18 inch aged HeirLoom rag cloth doll

2011-01-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is how the larger 18 inch aged Heirloom rag cloth doll has come out; as I have stated I stained the body several times first staining the fabric and baking in my over along with the clothing also at 200 degrees. Then I kept some of the staining separate and a paint brush which I used later to drop the stain on the clothing and the doll it's self and just let it air dry. I love how she came out in the end and now I am working on the smaller doll which will measure 12 inches long and will go along with this doll as a complete set. When I have finished her I will post the entire set together and add them to my Esty store.

Step Two on what I am working on, a Set of rag cloth dolls

2011-01-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is the second step to making my rag cloth dolls; I have baked the first stage of the staining in and have darkened the fabric.

Now I took what stain I had left over and used a small paint brush to drip the stain onto the rag cloth doll and and let it dry naturally so that I get the more aged look to the doll, you can see the staining by looking at where the botches are located on the doll.
Now the third step will to begin sewing each of the dolls up and filling them with fiber fill. I want to mention when I drop the extra stain onto the dolls I just let them dry over night really well.

In the next picture I have cute the dresses and bonnets; the clothing as also been stained using the coffee and brown acyclic paint. Once I have the clothing sewn up I will sand it lightly with a light weight sand paper and then rub the cinnamon into the clothing and I will show this in the next stage.

What I am working for Jan 21, 2011 Rag cloth dolls

2011-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

I got busy this afternoon, I found an old rag doll pattern and decided to use it but I will be making some serious changes to to the dolls as I create them. The pattern is an old McCall's pattern that I am altering somewhat; I just love using a pattern piece from all different patterns just to see how dolls will come out.

I am using a heavy duty fabric for the dolls, and right now I am in the process of staining the fabric, the body fabric is Onsburg but it is heavier and lighter. I will let this set for an hour and then bake the body pieces in my oven at 200 degrees. The stain is a mixture of brown acrylic paint and a some instant coffee about a table spoonful. Once the dolls are dry I will rub cinnamon into the fabric for more aging. I will be taking more photos and posting showing how the dolls are coming along and what/how they will turn out. So I hope you tag along and see how the dolls and cloths come out all this coming week.

Talking about a Wall Hanging Quilt Called Colors of Winter

2011-01-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

A big hello to all! I am back at working on my blogs once again. Christmas and the new year were very busy for me this year and so my blogs did not get the attention they needed but here I am again and off to a new year and a new start on the blog.

I call this wall hanging quilt colors of winter because I was thinking of a winter that one might spend in a log cabin looking out their bedroom window and guess what; this is what this quilt is about.

The backing is quilting batting and a plaid flannel that was used, all the other fabrics are just cotton fabrics with lots of color. I thought the tie dye cotton just fitted the mood of winter so it became the back round or the skyline for the setting of this quilt.

The idea of the story is you are looking out a big picture window in a log cabin bedroom there is the bed with a warm plaid flannel blanket and by the bed is a small chest with a lit candle flickering away. As you look out the window you see horses racing away from some black bears and a bunch of trees that have grown tired of the cold winter that has befallen them. It also would not be winter with lots of snow on the ground, of various shades.

I began first by using some muslin and then whacking out each portion of the winter scene and just using some un-knotted embroidery floss, I just did a few stitches to hold the scene in place before the final sewing was done. Another thing I did while sewing this quilt was to use some wild stitches with my sewing machine around the trees most using a bright mixed colored embroidery floss around the trees to give the effect that moss is growing on them.

The quilt took about 2 weeks to make and is original in that I used not a single pattern but just my imagination to make the winter scene.

What I am Working on for Tuesday Dec 7

2010-12-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Well I just finished up this primitive winter scene on a chalk board all I have to do now is add the cording for hanging. I have a ton of fun painting with acrylic paints on the chalkboards you can find in any craft store. I start by sanding down the wooden framing on the chalkboard so that it will hold the paints and stains. In this case I just started painting free hand what I wanted and things that came to mind for a cute winter scene. I also used some glitter paints in the picture and when the scene was completely dried I added an oil base stain and took a cloth and did some wiping off the stain. I just really like the affect I got with the stain and paints in which I also did a bit of wiping off on the wooden frame to give it aged withered look just a tiny bit.

A New Cookie Recipe; Snow Melted Mud puddles

2010-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hey to all!

I have an unusual cookie recipe for you, I just happened one day to make these by mistake and they are quite ugly looking but, oh yum!

Most of all they are easy to make... here is what you will need:

One box of chocolate cake mix
1 cup of small marsh mellows
2 cups of chocolate Rice Crispies

about one to 2 cups of butter softened

Add your cake mix and rice crispies; add the butter,add one cup first and mix with spoon, until crumbly, and if holds it together pretty well; such as you can roll a ball then don't add the second cup, sometimes it just depends on the type of cake mix you are using, if its too crumbly then begin a bit the the second cup of softened butter and add until you can form a round ball and it all holds together is the best way I can explain this...

Now add your marsh mellows and mix again by spoon until it's all well mixed up; now to form the round balls again, they don't have to be perfectly rounded balls kind of throw together making sure the marsh mellows stay in the mix. These balls are about the size of an ice cream scoop or just a tiny bit smaller. Add the balls to a well greased cookie sheet and bake 12-14 minutes at 350; actually check on them about 10 minutes and see how they are looking they should come out like the pictures above, looking like a pile of mud with a little bit of snow in them! You want the marsh mellows to melt! so that it looks like mud and snow mixed together. You will get 24 cookies because they are so large

Let them cool good and be careful about removing them, take a spatula all the way around the outside edge to loosen as to keep them from falling apart.

The uglier they are the better! I have found they make a great gift idea for your neighbors, friends, family, they look ugly but taste good.

Sharing just bit of Winter in the Coast Range

2010-11-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well last Monday I went for a ride in the my Hubby's log truck to get a peek at the beauitful winter weather we got in the coast range and thought I would share some of those photos with you . In this photo we are crossing over Mist Mountain; I just love the way the snow is on the trees, and would you believe this is a 2 lane road that is fairly busy at times.

The second picture is at the top of Mist Mountain and I just had to get a picture!

It was just a beauitful drive seeing the snow and peace and quiet that a winter storm can bring to the Oregon coastal range.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and share one of my most favoritive videos.
I have so much to be thankful, yes even those adverse times, good times, but also thankful for little things, such as sunshine, rain or snow even and the beauty it brings.
I am thankful for my parents, husband, son, daughter and her boyfriend and the light they bring into my life.
I am thankful to be here to go through my mortal life and someday return home to my Lord and Heavenly father.
I am thankful for the gift of kindness and graditude for others and other living things, I feel so blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving, may Thanksgiving in in your heart all the year around.

What I am working on for Friday, a stuffed plush polar bear

2010-11-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Good Friday to all!

Today I have been busy sewing up my own idea of a polar bear, I designed the pattern this morning and cut it out and began sewing and I am almost done but not quite.

I am using some white fake fur to make the bear and filling him with fiber fill.

I have used black buttons for eyes and nose and have hand sewn them into the head.

On the one arm in front of him I have sewn part of the arm backwards as to take glitter glue and write love onto the the arm of the bear and some x's.

He is going to be about 14 inches tall and I just he was perfect for the Christmas season, I think make 2 or 1 more of him, oh yes I also added a little powdered blush to those cheeks. I should have him done tomorrow.

The Grungy Tom Turkey and His Large Pumpkin a Thanksgiving decor

2010-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is Little Tom Turkey and is Large Pumpkin; I had lots of fun creating this Thanksgiving decor for a center on a table or sitting in a warm place.

The pumpkin and Tom are made from all cotton fall time fabrics and they are my own designs or patterns for both.

Tom looks quite pleased with himself and the pumpkin he has discovered for the holidays. Both Tom and the Pumpkin are filled with beans and fiber fill and I have attached tom with quilting thread to the pumpkin. Tom is 12 inches long the pumpkin is 24 inches around and 18 inches tall.

I have stained Tom with a special oil based stain to get look I wanted and I only did a bit of the pumpkin and I think it turned pretty well; but then that's what I like about using different stains you just never know what you can come up with when working with a pumpkin and a turkey.

I rubbed the stain onto both items and used a warm rag to help blend just touch. Tom has button eyes and there is raffia tied around his neck. I filled them with beans a bit to gift some weight and so that they will stay put and not run on you. It took me a few days to complete them both but I wanted to take a jump back into Thanksgiving being that it is just right around the bend and I will be adding these two to the Art fire store tomorrow.

What I am Working on for Monday, box Christmas Tree Ornaments

2010-11-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

For this Monday I am still working on Ornaments for the tree but a bit different; when I was a young girl Santa Claus would bring jewelry for us girls and stick on the tree in small decorative boxes and so I thought I would shard this idea with you.

What you will need are some cute paper boxes that can be bought a any craft store; I just happened to find a couple of stars and an oval box so it can be whatever you would like to do up for the tree.

I am decoupaging the boxes with some neat looking scrap book paper and choose a type of news print but you can use old wrapping paper or some other scrap book paper that you prefer. So I am tearing the paper and dipping it into the Hodge Podge that I have thinned just a little; about a teaspoon of water was added and I have formed the strips of paper over the boxes letting them dry quite well over night.

Then I got out my wood stain and rubbed it on the boxes so that they will look old and of course aged. I don't have the pictures of me using a hole punch for the tops so the I can pull the ribbon I will be using through to tie onto the Christmas tree when it comes time.

In each box add either some cotton for foam and place ear rings, rings or other trinkets into the box and add a small tag with the person's name so that they can find their gift on the tree at Christmas time. I forgot to mention I also added a bit of glue glitter to the boxes let that dry then add the stain and wipe of with an old rag.

What I am Working on for Thrus, Wooden Christmas Ornament's

2010-11-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's day to all, and Thank you to all those who serve and have served !

I am once again busy creating some holiday items; I have been working on some Christmas ornament's. These are quite simple and fun to make, and any craft store will carry the pre-made wooden pieces. I had some holiday craft paper to use for the little round bulb; what I did was trace around the bulb first and cut it out and decoupage to the wooden bulb. Next I sanded the little bear and added a oil based stain and painted the facial features with acrylic paints. I also stained the bulb first let it dry for a day then painted a few trees and some snow for a cute simple scene.

I need to note; that the bear and bulb are separate pieces that I have hot glued together. The finishing touches are some gold ribbon for the the bear and some jute so that the ornament can be hung on the tree. Yes I am trying to give the ornament's a bit of that old look by using stain. In this next one I used wrapping paper and I used a gray acrylic paint for staining. So far it is coming out just the way I want it ; I sanded the bulb down just a bit to get the paint to give it an old look and I will do the same for the bear which I will stain a black being that black bears are found lots around Oregon. I will be adding these to one of my two stores Esty or Artfire, but I also wanted to share how to make them so that you all can get a bit crafty for the holidays with me.

What I am working for Monday After Nov 8th

2010-11-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

Howdy to everyone! well Halloween just seemed to fly right by without a second thought, hard to believe its November and Thanksgiving is in just a few weeks; so I have decided to have free shipping in my art fire store here http://www.artfire.com/users/49stocker
This will go on the entire month of November, in the mean while I am working on this cute gingerbread doll that I will have completed in a few more days and I will add to the art fire store. I am also going to be doing some shows starting November 27Th and I will give more details about that a little later on. I am making the gingerbread doll from some great off brown felt, I have also designed a rick-wrack stitch around the arms and legs using my great sewing machine. The outfit will be a cute dark red Christmas dress with pantaloons and a bow for this doll.
Once again I went to the talking tombstones and had a wonderful time learning about those who traveled to Astoria Oregon and learned what life was like way back when here are a few photos of that adventure.

I love when the local people dress in costume and tell about a certain person, here in this photo I learned about a young woman in love and having some riches but falling ill to a disease. The gentleman below is the first car dealership that came to Astoria Oregon, and amazing enough the whole town of Astoria burned long ago. While he was trying to save the building where he had cars the fire depart was attempting to stop the burning of Astoria by using dynamite and so when the fire department attempted to blow up his building he got up on the roof and began shooting at the fire department with a shot gun, what an interesting story! He chased the firemen away but the fire left the dynamite and so he blew up the house that was next to him!

I love this event because its a bit of history in my own community that I learn about.

A New Fall Time Rag Cloth doll, Amber the Sweets

2010-11-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well its storming this morning like crazy here on the Oregon coast, so I am sitting and drinking some hot blueberry tea and talking about the latest doll I just finished.
This is Amber the Sweets, and she is from a pattern that I designed, she is 16 inches long and I have made the body from drill fabric and stained it with my special stain and baked her in the oven at 200 degrees.
I then painted the facial features with acrylic paints and the design of the facial features are my own.
Now the dress is not stained and is a cute Fall time cotton fabric with sun flowers, crows, cats, and a house on it. I also did a fancy stitch on the dress to make a rick rack design around the bottom and sleeves of the dress using a off white cotton thread. The hair of the doll is an orange yarn and I have made loops and sewn them to the head of the doll using a heavy quilting thread. I will be adding to the art fire store Wend morning bright and early. This morning I have to get those Halloween decorations down before this wind blows everything away, I hope you all are staying nice and warm on this start of November 1st.

A Halloween pudding pie to share on the ghoulish Holiday

2010-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

I came up with a ghoulish pudding pie to share with all of you this Halloween Holiday; the pie is very easy to make and be done in a few hours.
What you will need:
2 boxes of vanilla pudding not instant but stove top pudding
2 boxes of chocolate pudding again not instant but the kind you make on the stove
1 gram cracker pie crust
1 can of whip cream
1 cup of crushed Oreo cookies
1 jar of orange jell ice cream topping
1 bag of Halloween candy your choice but it should be candy corn or similar
Begin with the chocolate pudding cook it according to the box directions, then as it has cooled a little add to the crust, but only about half because you can get 2 small pies from this recipe; Let it set up a little before starting the vanilla, then cook the vanilla up also following the instructions on the box, now let cool just a little and add about 2 tablespoons of the orange topping and mix until the pudding turns a bit orange. Now put the pie in the refrigerator, let the pies set up and cool down.
Once the pies or pie is cool top with the Oreo cookies, and the orange topping making any design you like; on the outer edge add the caned whip cream and add to the center, finally add your candy and place back in the fridge.

Free Halloween craft idea how to dress up a chalk board

2010-10-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

This is a simple project and easy to create; What I am using is a 12x9 craft chalk board that you can find just about in any craft store. Then take some sand paper and sand down the wooden top and bottom until you can see some wood grain showing up and the chalk board looking older and used. Before I sanded I took a black marker and wrote a short saying onto the wood then sanded making the ink also disappear in to the grain. Now you can stain the chalkboard with a wood stain and use some crackle, or use an acrylic paint as I did.

Next look for some cardboard, such as poster board, a left over pizza box is what I used for creating the little mummy. The head is 4 inches long and 3 inches wide; but you can design the head the way you want I just went drawing freehand and idea I wanted for the head and make your hand simple! because you will be using hot glue for the quilting batting and fabric, and cheese cloth. Lay the head onto some quilting batting and cut the batting out larger than the head, you will also want to be sure do this for the fabric also so that you can glue the fabric down tightly and have no loose ends.

Before I started to finish, I took the cut out pieces of cardboard shapes and just laid them onto the chalkboard to get an idea of how I wanted it to look.

As you can see with the one hand I am doing and how I am adding the batting to the head. One more note; when you cut out the face(head) go ahead and paint it with acrylic paints and let it dry over night before adding the batting and fabric to the cardboard or you will have a mess with the facial features being marred up with trying to glue.

After your head is dry, begin to hot glue the back of the cardboard and pulling tight sightly. Begin cutting strips of cloth cheese to wrap around the head and hands also using dabs of hot glue to hold in place.

This is how it show appear, but use your imagination to it fullest, also you can drill 2 small holes at the top chalkboard and add wire, rope, twine, or jute, even Halloween fabric, add jute or fabric and tack with a tack and tie chalk into the jute, wire, fabric and you will have a very spooky message board for Halloween there is lots you can do with this project to make it your own just experiment as much with it as you like. The project takes about 2 days to complete.

19 inch Fall Time Primitive Rag Cloth Doll

2010-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished new pattern and rag cloth doll for the Fall Season; this is Miss Primitive Fall Time. I sat down a few days back and designed a new cloth doll pattern this one is 19 inches in long and the body is designed from cotton Osnaburg. I have stained the body and all the clothing in my special staining sauce and baked it all in my oven at 200 degrees then I hand painted the face and legs, shoes using acrylic paints took some light weight sand paper and and sanded the entire doll, the last step was to roll everything in cinnamon. So the entire doll looks quite aged. Her hair was a purple bumble yarn that I also stained and dried in my oven; her clothing is fall cotton fabrics. I have hand sewn the hair, arms and legs on using a very heavy quilting thread. The nose of the doll is done with a black embroidery thread using just a single strand. I will be adding her to the art fire store Monday but for now I just wanted to talk about the new pattern and design of doll that I came up with; a quick note I did exaggerate her hands just to give the doll a different look. I plan on making more of these cute fall time dolls and I am working on a design for some Christmas dolls. Later next week I will have another free fun craft project to share with everyone and I will show how I made one of my witch dolls the week after so I have lots planed for the rest of October along with decorating my yard and getting for for Halloween I may have a free giveaway thinking about it for now.

Fall Time Sweet Treat Carmel Apple Bake Recipe

2010-10-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this sweet treat for fall time, there in the picture I have just about completed this treat. This is simple and hardly takes any time. So here are the items you will need:
9x12 baking pan greased
2-3 apples, these can be red or granny smith, etc. You can peel the apples and slice them, personally I like to slice the red apples thinly and leave the peel.
2 cups of flour
2 cups of oat meal
1 jar of Carmel sauce
1 1/4 cups of butter softened
1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of crushed peanuts (optional)
First step mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, peanuts and butter all together and then press a little over half of the mixture into the the pan. Do this when the mixture is kind of crumbly and sticks together. Now bake about 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove and begin the second part of the recipe.
Place your sliced apples in on top of the baked portion now begin making the Carmel part of this recipe.

You can go 2 different ways buy the Carmel candies and melt them and pour over the apples or you can buy a jar of Carmel sauce and add 3 tablespoons of flour and mix well then pour over the apples in the the pan.
Finally sprinkle over the remaining flour mixture and bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

What I love about this recipe is how you can change it but the use of different apples, nuts, you could add raisins you can use your own Carmel sauce recipe or make it simple by just adding flour to thicken the sauce. So have fun doing up this sweet treat.

Halloween Craft foam pin project, free easy craft project

2010-10-01T11:31:00.001-07:00

Well it's October! and I did up an idea for an easy Halloween pin to share with all of you. This one is so easy it's scary.
What you will need:
green craft foam
small (2) detail paint brushes
red acrylic paint
green acrylic paint
black acrylic paint
brown acrylic paint
gray acrylic paint
Yellow acrylic paint
water
paper towels
scissors
small amount of black yarn
a small torn piece of Halloween cotton fabric
pencil
hot glue gun
empty craft pin ( I found these by the package at Joann's in the jewelry making section)

the first step is designing the shape; I did free hand but you may want to first take a pencil and piece of paper and sit down and draw out a 2 inch head that looks like Frankenstein in then transfer it to the craft foam to cut out. Your Jewelry pin should be about 2 inches or a little less and I found these in Joann's in the area for Jewelry making.
Also on the piece of paper decide how you want the facial features, now once again I just did mine free hand but you may desire to use more thought and be more creative than I did. You will want a couple of small detail brushes and towels and water to clean the brushes off as you change from one paint to another. What I did was to take the end of the paint brush dip in into the the yellow and apply it to the foam to get a nice round eye shape and I used a large paint end to do this; then I added some scares, a nose in green, freckles, mouth using black and red, gray for the little plugs on the side of his head. Next you will want to take some black yard about 5-8 strands; knot them together and hot glue the yard to the head then trim with scissors . There are lots of different kinds of yard so its up to you in my case I had some fancy decorative yarn that I used. Now take that strip of cotton Halloween fabric and tie it into a bow and hot glue it the the chin of the foam then trim off the access. Now your last step will be glue to the pin with a high temp glue and I also want to mention when you are done painting the face let it sit and dry for a few hours before adding the hair and these last steps otherwise you will have a mess on your hands with the facial features marring as you try to finish.

Working on a new Project, Halloween Wall Hanging Quilt

2010-09-25T13:53:00.001-07:00

Well I thought it was time to start a new wall hanging quilt for Halloween. So I have been busy creating a cute Halloween scene that can be hung out for the up coming season. I will have it done I am hoping next Friday and it in my art fire store.
The scene is about being in a haunted cemetery, the first point the the old fence and gate door and into the cemetery one goes to find some ghost floating about. I am using cotton quilting fabrics, broad cloth muslin, cheese cloth to create this quilt. I am not using any patterns but just an idea in my head. I am whacking out the pieces by hand and using some really cute fabric that I bought just a few days ago.
In the scene there is a dog dressed as a mummy, Dracula, flying little witch, and some owls and pumpkins; I better mention the tombstones and ghosts once more.
What will be interesting about this quilt is that I plan on making or placing some buttons onto the quilt and adding floss to the ghosts so that they will be removable from the quilt. I plan on doing the sewing on my machine using the blanket stitch around each item I have put in place on the quilt. I will back the quilt with some warm and natural and flannel, maybe cut some bamboo and wire to make it a nice wall hanging.

Almost forgot the Recipe for the Strawberry Mango bread

2010-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to share the recipe for the strawberry mango quick bread that I talked about so here it is:

2 cups flour
1/2 of mango juice
frozen or fresh strawberries
1 table spoon of baking powder
1/3 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of melted butter
1/3 cup of milk or cream
1 egg slightly beaten

In a bowl add the mango juice, sugar and strawberries and with a fork mash the strawberries in the mixture; add the the milk and slightly beaten egg, also the melted butter. In another bowl add the flour and baking powder, I did not add the salt but you should add 1/2 tsp. of salt, I don't because I am not allowed the salt. Now add the moist mixture to the dry and mix up using a large spoon. Add the mixture to well greased bread pans and bake at 400 degrees until the tooth pick comes out clean. You can add other items such as walnuts, or try with blue berries, coconut.

I was also busy making a couple of small fall time baskets yesterday these are small ones big enough to throw some holiday candy into them for friends or for company. I used just cotton fabrics and some special cording and of course thread! I will be adding to the art fire store in a few days

A Pair of Proud Parents, our son the football player

2010-09-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today I am wandering away from crafting just for a bit; I just had to talk about this weekend and my son's football game and him. My was it an exciting game! Those boys won 36-0 and did they deserve it! They all played so well and so hard, they all are turning out to be a good team.
My son plays outside line backer and it seems to be a good spot for him. Friday he got 3 sacks and 5 big stops but the best was yet to come. Near the end of the game he intercepted the quarterback of the other team and ran for 80 yards and the final touch down! So today I just wanted to share with you all how proud we are of him way to go! my wonderful son!

The Little Old chicken Maiden, a 15 inch primitive rag cloth doll

2010-09-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well did I have fun creating this primitive rag cloth doll; this is Little Old Chicken Maiden. She is 15 inches long and has been stained with my own personal stain, but I have also rubbed some cinnamon into her. I made her from muslin and filled her with fiber fill, and oh yes the pattern is my own design from which I can create all kinds of different dolls from this single pattern. I have also taken some light weigh sand paper to her to help with that aging process.

Her clothing is cotton fabrics, I have also stained them, did notice the shirt? I had this cute fabric left over and it just made a very cute shirt for her and the design, helped me name her. The chicken she is holding is also muslin and stained and its legs are from my very own bamboo tree in my back yard. I am still busy creating and making items for my art fire store; I hope you will come and visit and see all the new things I have been making, some things will be familiar and there are items in my store that I have not talked about so come on in and see what all is new ( I have not added the doll above as of yet but in a few days I will be)
http://www.artfire.com/users/49stocker

15 inch Halloween rag cloth doll witch, Maggie the Ugly Maiden

2010-09-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Maggie the Ugly Maiden; she is one of my many witches I can create with a very simple pattern that I have designed.
Maggie is basic and in October I will show you all how to make her for Halloween.
I had some great cotton blend summer fabric to use for making her body, I love this green and I think I bought it a few years back in Joann's fabric store.
As usual I have filled the body with fiber fill and painted the facial expression with acrylic paints, I added a powder blush to the cheeks. The dress and bloomers are cotton Halloween fabrics and her hat and shoes are a black felt. The hair is a heavy duty polyester thread that I have sewn through the head and knotted tightly.

Crafting and Baking go together on these up coming Fall days

2010-09-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

When I am in one of my crafting frenzies I also get into a baking frenzy!
I baked up about 6 loaves of strawberry mango quick bread and just as fast as I could bake it; poof it was gone, eaten up by my husband and son. So the only next thing to do was bake more...
So I baked up a bunch of homemade chocolate chip cookies using 2 boxes of yellow cake mix one egg, chocolate chips, and 1/3 cup of water I always get these yummy cookies and its a simple way of making homemade.

I also made up a bunch of brownie cookies just using any brownie mix, an egg and a bit of water; just add water a little at a time until the dough is slightly stiff and all mixed together. Later on in a bit I will share the strawberry mango recipe.

Bell 18 Inch Rag Cloth Doll, from 1990

2010-09-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

If you love rag cloth dolls then I think you will like Bell lots. Bell is taken from a vintage pattern from 1990 and I sometimes think saying vintage for 1990 is hard to say being I was married in 1990 but that is 20 years ago.
The body of the doll is made from muslin and filled with fiber fill, the hair is a orange yarn that I have looped tied and sewn into the head of the doll with a heavy thread. I have also added some ribbon to the ponytails that were created for the doll.
The eyes are black buttons and I have painted on the freckles and mouth using acrylics, and applied a blush to Bell.

The jumper is scraps of fabrics sewn together for quilts,and the fabrics are cotton fabrics of various designs for holidays. Her under shirt, panties, soles of shoes, jumper ties are a dark red broadcloth; but the upper shoe is black broad cloth.
On the jumper tie straps there are little lady bug buttons, the jumper is is gathered and the under shirt is also gathered and I have added bright red ribbon to the shoes for a final touch to the doll. You can find her to purchase at It's Just Krazy Kute Productions
She is $16.00 and she would make a great gift idea for kids over the age of 7 years or those who love rag cloth dolls, I say over 7 years because of the button eyes.

Fall time Creating frenzy, designing new ideas for this fall season

2010-09-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend kind of marks the end of summer being that school starts on Tuesday for all us here in Oregon. I have been hard at it coming up with some new ideas.
The first new idea is the little pumpkins I have created; they are made from dark orange broadcloth and filled with fiber fill, the stems are cotton fabrics; two pumpkins have green dotted fabric while the center pumpkin has a green plaid stem. I also added colored separated rope and rolled these pumpkins in cinnamon for an aged look and a nice scent. I created my own pattern for these pumpkins and they can be purchased at It's Just Krazy Kute Productions

This is Herman the Scarecrow he is also created from the letter b but in a bigger pattern and I have separated the b to be able to make the head. I have used muslin, fall cotton fabrics, fiber fill, buttons and separated rope for him. He is my own original design, I liked how the rope looked like straw as I pulled it apart and I had a pumpkin button to use for the nose and a bit of dark blush for the cheeks. He is also in my store It's Just Krazy Kute Productions for purchasing. I am still busy creating and will have more for you a bit later.

Making a Bear, made out of the Letter B; Bear making made easy

2010-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have created just a very simple bear pattern by using the letter B; I drew out an example of the idea of what I do to make this bear. In the example I am using I have made the letter B larger to get a bigger bear and drew some arms and legs. The photo below is the bear pieces coming together,as one can see the body of the bear looks just like the letter B I drew out.

This is the final picture of the bear when he has been completed, I have lots of fun creating these 12 inch bears. They also don't have to be just bears, instead I can make cats, dogs or what ever I can see in the letter B.

Working on an a small project; the Itty Bitty Felt Bear

2010-08-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working a few things; one was my tiny little bears and a bit later on I will share this project idea with you all on how to make these little guys.
These little bears can be made on a sewing machine or by just sewing by hand; I just hand sewed this one and the stitching is a bit strange looking but that is because I wanted that way. I did the stitching a bit loose and jagged to get this effect but one not do this way I was just playing around with an idea when I did up this little bear.
I used a bit of brown felt for the bear and cotton fabrics for the little dress, buttons for the eyes and bead for the nose. I used bigger buttons just because I wanted a different look to the bear, what I am trying there is a lots of ways to make these little guys and they don't have to be just bears with a few simple changes you can make dogs, rabbits cats or what ever else one can think up. I will share the project idea sometime next week so be on the look out for how to make these little guys.

Blue Berry Bread Recipe

2010-08-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

this recipe makes 2 large loafs of blue berry bread, and tastes wonderful with the heavy cream. The batter will mix up really quite thick but you can spread in bread pans easily. The 2 loafs lasted about a day in home!
5 cups of flour
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 big table spoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cups of real melted butter/or softened
1 1/2 cups of your choice of nuts, such as walnuts chopped slightly or chopped up fine depending on what you like.
4 eggs
2 cups of heavy cream
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3-4 cups of fresh blue berries or you can use the frozen blue berries
Heat the oven to 350 degrees, grease and flour your large loaf pans or I made this in a bundt cake pan then you will just get one large loaf
Mix up the the dry ingredients first then add the butter and nuts, cream, eggs vanilla, gently add the blues berries, the dough gets a bit thick and stiff but it will work, then after it is mixed and thick spoon into the loafs even though its thick you can work it and spread in the loaf pans. It bakes for about an hour and 20 minutes.
Let cool about 10-12 minutes for cutting with a bread knife.

Finally Writing and doing Things Again

2010-07-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally writing again it has been quite a long time but things have gotten better for my heart.
I have been really busy trying to find a job full time since I have finished my online schooling but there still is way too many people out of work.
So I decided to do what is call the Saturday Market in Washington and start selling some of those crafts of mine. My wonderful husband made me some pretty nice displays for all my crafts. This Saturday I was at the market and had a few sales and I happy folks like my cloth dolls there it was fun even though it was quite windy.

We got to be in a parade for the 4Th of July and it was lots of fun! We got to take the fast little Chevy Mondza Spider. Yes Oreocookies my little baby girl even got to be in the parade and did she ever get all the attention more than the car! I just had to take a picture of her waiting to go.

Talking about the latest issue; My Heart

2010-05-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Big hello to all;
as you may have noticed I have not been posting my blogs lately or not as often as I used to do in the past couple of years. Well I have had some serious battles with my health and the most recent was I was in the hospital for a few days as I thought I was having a heart attack.
Thank heavens it was not but I do have some serious problems one is the heart is misfiring electrically quite often and the other is the old heart will not slow down even when I am just sitting it goes 90-100 beats and that is not good for me. I am now on a beta block twice daily to get the heart under control and later in a month I will find out what the next steps are to help this heart of mine.

I am thinking of changing the name a bit on both blogs, I had a wonderful talk with someone who explained that maybe one of the reasons I don't have any sales lately is because of the names of the blogs, they do not really tell people what I do make and I think that might be correct so I am thinking and would also like to hear from you all what might be added to or names that might be interesting.
No I have not been crafting much these past weeks more trying to get that heart to slow down for me but I will be and I will be going head strong into it again. If you have ideas for me on what to do change or make the blog names better just add your comments and I will look I may even have a contest for the best name and a free give away.

Crafting Up more Ideas, a doll from a Paper mache plant pot, aged and sealed Moth wall hanging, another Rock Cottage

2010-04-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

I was once again busy crafting away again last weekend and I was working on a couple of things; this is one of them. A doll created out of another paper mache plant pot.
The base is the dress again accept this time I used scrapbook paper and I wadded it up and stained it so that her dress looks all tattered and wrinkled, that old worn out look. I decoupaged the head out of a small ball and some muslin which I stained with my own staining recipe. The arms and hands are cotton fabrics, along with her scarf hat and collar. Mrs. Wiggles is holding a small clay pot for adding a start of a plant. The little clay pot has been stain and sealed with a good sealer. I guess one could also add a little soil and seed and start a plant either way she turned out pretty cute for just a idea running loose in my head.

This is another rock cottage I am also working on and I am close to having it completed by this weekend. I am using acrylic paints and I will seal when I am finished. I no patterns as I am painting just ideas how I want to look or how a little might look, I am going to add some birds and maybe some clothes on the line in the back and on the sides. The last little project is a small decoupaged wooden wall hanging. I found this wonderful vintage graphic at the Graphics Fairy and just had to use it on a small wall hanging or maybe for placing by a stove and using to put those spoons and etc on. I sanded down the wooden wall hanging first and use a bit of crackle on it before adding the moth and stain and I sealed it with a flat sealer.
This weekend I plan to finish up and add these items to my store its just krazy kute productions so be on the lookout I will be adding them next week some time.

Just doing a bit of Drawing with pen and ink and Oil Pastles

2010-04-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I was just sitting watching a good movie and decided to do some drawing and this is what I drew in pen and ink using just some ideas that were running around in the old head.
I was getting back to a bit of my roots, my first love drawing, and the drawings did not come out too awful bad just using a blue ink pen. It was then I decided to go and try some oil pastels and so the last item here is what I am working on now a oil pastel of a small dog. I should have it done shortly.
It was lots of fun going back to my roots of how I first got started in crafting, I once long ago showed art work in Montana and had lots of fun attending all kinds of shows.

A New Rock Cottage Door Stop

2010-04-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well I had lots of fun finishing up this newest rock cottage;I love using the acrylic paints and designing these rock cottage door stops. I think the make a room more lively as I try to create them with imagination alone. Each cottage has those famous cobwebs and spider webs; with either a person or animal peeking out of a window or if I let my thinking get a little wild who knows what else might be peeking out a window!
I try to make each one different, no patterns just what might first come to mind to create them. Each rock is washed and cleaned quite well before painting with acrylic paints and I use various sizes of brushes for the details of each cottage and a very good sealer.
A nice thing about these rock cottage door stops is they are heavy to keep a door ajar; but I also make sure to pick out those rocks that are unusual and shaped like a small cottage would be each one is never the same and I feel that is the fun of making these cute cottages.

I will be adding this new rock cottage to my store its just krazy kute Productions in a few days so that it can be purchased.

Simple Recipe for Blonde Brownies

2010-03-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

These are homemade blonde brownies, and they came out yummy and cake like; they also did not last long in my house.
So this is what you will need:
4 large eggs
2 1/2 brown sugar
2 1/2 cups of flour
2 Teaspoons of baking soda
1 Teaspoon of salt
1 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla
1 cup of real butter

In a sauce pan melt the the butter and the brown sugar; the add all the other ingredients adding the melted butter and sugar lastly. Pour into a well grease 13x9 baking dish and bake at 325 degrees or until took pick comes out clean serve with whip cream or ice cream. These came just nice and fluffy I think its the four large eggs and the baking soda that make these so cake like.

One Finished Project the Paper Mache Potted Doll and her Little dog

2010-03-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

She came out looking pretty cute, I have finished both the little dog and the doll in this picture. I did the staining will a walnut stain and the little is not stained but just painted with acrylic paints. Miss Totty is not for small children as there are many small parts to her but I made her for us older kids! The little dog is a small clay pot that I just thought would make this more complete and he is sealed I think this set was so much fun! I will be adding them to the store its just next week, there I also will talk a little more on the things I did to make this project. This will be in my store call It's Just Krazy Kute Productions

A Busy Crafting away Weekend!

2010-03-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend I decided to get busy with some ideas I have been playing around with and I ended working on 3 projects at one time. The good thing about it, was that they were small projects. The first project is working with a paper mache' planting pot which is going to become a doll. Second in a little wall hanging painting I am doing using a small chalk board.
First I will talk about what I making with the pot, as I mentioned it will be a doll. What I am doing is decoupaging a cotton fabric onto the pot and adding staining to make it all looking aged. Right now I am the first stage; which is cutting the fabric and applying it to the pot. I did put the fabric on upside down just because I wanted to be different; in case everyone is thinking "well she has the fabric on wrong".

Second I began working on a chalkboard wall hanging that I will also paint and stain for an aged look this will be called the Gardener. I am using acrylic paints and a small chalk board to create and then I will sand, and use crackle to age the wood and stain the entire item. This is just the starting stage and as you can see I have good start on it.

The last thing I worked on was one of my many rock cottages and I have finished this one...
I will be adding it to my online blog/store to be purchased. What I like to do is go out and find odd shaped rocks and turn them into little cottages that help keep those doors in a home open..
I use acrylic paints and seal the cottages up with a very nice sealer. In all three of these projects I am doing there are no patterns just ideas from the old noodle! I will add the Rock cottage later this week and I will show the progress of the other 2 projects going on this week later or earlier next week. I hope you all will stop in and see how each project came out in the end.

The 1927 Peanut Butter Bread Idea for the Store

2010-03-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I just love this old recipe for Peanut Butter Bread it comes from 1927.
I am messing around with the idea of packing it like this and selling in the store to all of you and possibly at the market but I am still mulling the idea around. I need find out some things before I even attempt it!
Thinking about shipping costs and how people would order it etc. I am pretty sure I would take an order then do it up and ship it out; but I am still looking into the idea, it nice that my neighbors who I did up some of bread for thought it would be a good idea. I will have to get back to everyone in little bit and let you know what I have decided!

A Nice Day for Walking

2010-02-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

You are looking at some pictures of the Lewis and Clark river and the Fort is just a few miles down the river...

There has been some really nice weather on the Oregon coast the last few days; so I decided it was time do do some walking... and take the camera along.

Long ago this is where logs were floated down the Lewis and Clark river and loaded onto trains, and down the road is the Lewis and Clark fort.

A famous landing for Lewis and Clark

Just one of many fallen trees during the big storm a few years back...

Part II of the Paper Mache Journal

2010-02-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is the finished project back at the top.....

Okay I hope you are ready because here is the second part to putting this cute journal together and decorating for that someone special.....

Start measuring out the paper and deciding how you would like it to look

When you begin this project; you will need to measure out the paper correctly by placing the journal onto the paper and measuring about an inch larger than the journal so that you can cut stilts into the paper that will fold and cover the inside slightly. Begin decoupaging each area. In this case I am covering the back but I have cut a smaller piece of paper because I will be adding the rose colored paper.
I have used the sponge paint brush to spread the glue onto the journal and I will also over the top the paper with the glue to help seal it more

In this case I measure the rose paper larger so that it will cover the front the journal on the bottom top and side. What I am doing here also is seeing where I would like to add my ribbon and little decorations do the arranging first before doing the final gluing with a hot glue gun. I have also added a scrap piece of paper to the inside just to keep the wet covering off the journal pages and this is a good idea so that the pages do not end up sticking to the inside cover.

You can wait a 2 hours and let the journal dry before adding more touches and it is a good idea to stop each time and let the journal dry before adding more to the journal. After a while come back begin adding all your trimming's with your hot glue gun as I am showing in the next picture below...

This is the Journal after I have decided where I want the cute decor to go and have glued for that final touch....

This is the back of the journal where I have glued both half's of the decorative paper on and now I am adding the trim. I will add any little cute decorations because I want the journal to lay flat for the person who will be someday adding things to this cute journal.

Back at the top is the finished project photo of this cute gift idea...

A Craft project; Decorating a paper mache journnal

2010-02-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

This is a fun idea to do up for someone you care/love and you can find these Paper Mache Journals in craft stores, this one I found in Michael's.
What you will need:

Pre-made Journal ( this is a 6 inch journal)
Scissors
glue
sponge paint brush
glue gun
ribbon
maker
decoration's of your choice
two types of color paper

This week I will just show the start of the project and the items that are needed next time we will go step by step in creating this cute project for those we love. This is the paper I picked roses and a good contrasting paper, you can choose whatever you like just be sure there is a contrast. I found this paper while shopping in Joann's fabric store in my town. One can find scrap booking paper I think just about anywhere.

While I was in the Fabric store I found this wonderful decorative rick rack for the journal and this was in the crafting section in the Joann's store.

I like working with Mod podge best for decoupaging things and this also can be found in any craft store in your local area if not regular glue will work.

These are some items I will use to embellish the little journal, but ribbon, buttons, small flowers are some other ideas and as we go along I will show you more...

One last look at all that you will need to create this project.....
Feb 11, 2010 I will start taking you through this project so that it can be completed for those loved ones or as an gift to give any time the feelings arise.

Stepping up and Making Changes in Blogs

2010-01-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share that I am making some changes in my blog It's Just Krazy Kute Productions.
This will be my store officially where you all can purchase my hand made items. In that blog I will just have a short introduction to an item I am adding and I have given the blog a bit of new look and I think it came out pretty interesting so I hope you will check it out.
I am planning on keeping It's Just Frankly Kute pretty much the same with and intro to a new product into the store blog, hope this is making some sense. I still plan on sharing ideas, crafting, recipes and what ever else that comes along I just wanted to share the great news about the fresh new changes for a new beginning.
I have added a new product to It's Just Krazy Kute Productions
The new product is called "The Strangest Puffy Cat. I created this animal from an old pattern but the pattern was for a very small animal and so I enlarged it and made it my own with various characters. I will be adding some of these that will be designed for smaller children, this one is not for small kids. I used fiber fill, a cotton quilting fabric for the body. I also did some staining to make the animal appeared aged slightly and there is a bit of hand stitching done with the nose and missing eye. Yes he is just like the little bear I have talked about, I just happened to love this fabric and the look one get with it that I had to design another animal out of it.

Just a Wild and Crazy Pillow for any Room in the House

2010-01-12T11:56:00.001-08:00

Once again my brain was feverishly working to come up with a different looking pillow maybe for young girl or an adult who loves cute things.
One of the first things I did was to use no patterns for this idea everything is just cut out by hand, well accept for the cat and I did draw that out and placed the pattern piece over the fabric to cut out but the cat is my own design.
I used an old wood coat for the main body of the pillow and I liked the look and idea of leaving some of the seams in so it was planed that way.
Next came the cat which is a wild leopard print the fringe and some color buttons were all added to complete the pillow. I filled the pillow simply by using a little fiber fill.
Yes I also meant for the shape of the pillow to be totally off the wall as one might say, it just a very simple fun idea to create this applique pillow and it is one of my favorites.

Wacky Critters, a cloth doll animal that is is 18 inches long

2010-01-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Well these are the critters I am working on and they are called wacky critters from a great pattern a bought a while back, the idea to create one's very own critters and so this is what I came up with, Dangles a 18 inch; what seems to be a dog.
I used some wonderful children's cotton fabric cameo fabric to be exact.
I then painted on the facial features using acrylic paints, using no patterns just a single thought of how I wanted the face to look. Then I filled him with fiber fill but just enough to make him floppy and very soft to touch and then I used a bit of twine to make a cute little bow around his neck.
I made this one for kids around the age of 4-7 this one can be for either a girl or boy and can you guess what animal is might be? Oh yes I will be adding him to the art fire store to purchase in a few days.

This is a picture of the process of painting his eyes which took several coats to build up the look I wanted.

Off and Running with the New Year

2010-01-03T12:25:00.001-08:00

Hey to all! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a wonderful start to the New Year.
Ours started off first with some usual extreme high tides and high surf. The surf was between 25-30 feet and my photo does not quite show that because I was a chicken to venture to far out there to take pictures.
This New Year also meant reorganizing the fabric stash

The more organized fabric stash

I am also working on some new critters and ides for you and my store and this is just a tiny peek of what is coming up...