Another show...

The show went okay,
not as well as the first but that is okay because I learn something new every time:)
My booth for this show was considerably smaller and tested my display skills for sure.


I was thankful for the years I had spent working for a design boutique in Temperance, MI.
The store was small but my bosses purchasing habits were not!
Every Christmas was the same story how do we fit 400 yards of goods into a 20x40 space?
With a lot of imagination, coffee, humor and little sleep.

The booth still needs lots of tweaking and
I have started sketching out some new ideas for the next show.

So many people commented on my hand painted floor cloth, that I may add these to our
product line next year, in a much smaller version of course:)
The other comments that we found interesting were
how many people thought my ornaments were decorations for baby rooms.
I guess it must be my color pallet and whimsical
style?
Lots of folks also wanted baby's first Christmas and personalized ornaments.
I had a few pieces that accommodated their needs.

Like this fun little hat ornament.
I brought it back to the studio and I
added two little paper clay stars for the name and year of birth.

Of course this got the wheels spinning,
and I am already working on new designs for baby.

I have also received some special request via email for these custom pieces.

Two personalized Quilted Tree ornaments
and a new doggy garland with yellow Labradors.



Now with the shows behind me and the custom pieces completed
I can focus on hand made gifts and my holiday decorating.

As soon as I have some holly jolly set out I will share some photos
of our little nest:)
Hope all your holiday projects are coming along well and you are having a jolly good time.

Until next time my dears,
gingerbread kisses and eggnog wishes!

xoxo
Mary

Winter has arrived...

The snow has been falling steady since early this morning.

Turning the view out my studio window into a winter wonderland.



I wish the pups and I could go out and play in it but there is just to much work to be done.
The show went so well last weekend (thank you for the well wishes):) that I have decided to do another one this Saturday in Boyne City, MI.
I should have my head examined!
Oh well no time for that now maybe after the New Year. LoL!

Here are some photos from my booth,


and of me and my Mom Rita Roo!

We even made it on the front page of our local paper,

Big thanks to the owners of the paper, Kathy and Scott Swanson!
You guys are sweet but sneaky:) Tee hee!

Okay enough silly pictures of me here is the good stuff...
the latest yum, yums out of the elf factory.

Ta Da,
please meet the Elf Elders Gate Keepers to the Land of Glee.


If you are pure of heart and on a true quest for Glee,
access they will grant to thee.

A little FYI, legend has it they can be bribed with peppermint bark
from the Forest Of Fa La La.




I have also been working on a new collection called Christmas at the Cottage.

Images of holly berry, cardinals, snow capped roof tops and festive wreaths
are depicted in a vintage pallet of vanilla, antiqued red and cheery greens.

I wrote this little verse to compliment the collection:

Christmas At The Cottage.

Cardinals flit about with winter on their wings.
Then huddle in the holly when bells begin to ring.

Horses trot through the deep,
past frosted trees fast asleep.

Beyond the branches a dim light gleams,
while skaters dance on crystal streams.

Snow begins to fill the air,
now over the bridge you're almost there!

Past the pines through the gate,
Where your cottage faithfully waits.
Copyright 2009 Mary Wadsworth

This is my favorite piece so far.
This wall pocket is sooo "cottagie" with its scalloped edge and polka dot sash.

Hand made from paper pulp and paper clay.



A stocking hung with care...
And a cozy cottage for two,

I love this color palette and imagery so much
I know this collection is going to grow and grow.

Hope all of your holiday projects are coming along.
I will be checking in with all of you later.
So until then happy holiday creating my little elves.
Peppermint wishes,
Mary

Fall has arrived in the land of Glee

Fall has arrived in my imaginary land of Glee.

A while back I shared a sneak peek of some trees from the Land Of Glee.


And like some of my projects, they slipped to the back of the busy pile;
but have resurfaced in festive fall colors and decorations!

This tall fellow is made from paper pulp and paper clay.
Painted in bold colors of green, orange, purples, fuchsia and brown.
I also added speck of orange glitter here and there for whimsy.



The trunk is wood wrapped in green and brown polka dot fabric
with tattered edges.
Finished at the bottom with lime green glitter yarn.

The tree stands also contributed to the delay of the trees as well.
I wanted to create something unique and after several different ideas I like this base best.


In fact I like the bases so much I have been contemplating other uses.
Like chunky drawer pulls and decorative wall tiles with inspiring words, we'll see.

The tree stand is made of paper pulp and paper clay.
I painted it with complimentary greens that I antiqued with a Burnt Sienna wash.


Also made of paper clay is the plumpy little pumpkin that sits at the base of the tree.
A small polka dot heart and glitter yarn adorn the top of the pumpkin.

I am crafting a small tag to hang from the piece as well.
It will read "To live in the Land of Glee one must harvest joy"

I am quickly working on more trees and other surprises from the Land Of Glee.

Thanks for stopping by,
Mary

The Craft Cupboard Cronicles

Most of the boxes have been unpacked,
and our cottage is beginning to feel more like home.

I have even had some spare time to fluff my little nook of a finishing studio.
Due to the nature of the medium I work in (paper mache) which is so dusty when sanded
I need two separate work areas.
One for messy work and one for finish work.

So here are some pics of my little nook on the first floor
and the re-purposed old pine armoire.

(CLICK ON PHOTOS TO VIEW LARGER)

This is the view from the door way.
We built the window seat ages ago but I just added the skirt.
Great for storage and it adds a nice finishing touch.
Now truth be told I don't sew....the skirt is made from two store bought curtains
attached with a ribbon that is strung across the wood seat
under the cushion.

I just put the ribbon through the rod pocket on the curtains
and slid them back towards the back of the seat until it was the right length.
Works for me!





These little chairs are just the right size for this room,
but way out of proportion with the giant armoire/craft cupboard.

I don't care their just to cute!
I found them about a year ago at an antique mall in Ohio.
I had them in my old studio and just could not part with them.

I drafted a design and handed them over to my seamstress,
I think she did a beautiful job.

The fronts or face of the top portion of the slip covers
are made from two place mats I had in my stash.

They have a pattern stitched into them reminiscent of crewel work, so yummy.


I was going to paint them but I think I will wait and see how the rest of the room shapes up.
I still want to paint a small floor cloth and that will add color.

So now on to the craft cupboard....


Almost...

Lowering the work top....



ta da!
Here is what I have done so far;

I have added an upholstered board to the inside backboard using a quilted cream fabric.
I will also be attaching painted chicken wire over the fabric
to create a display/memo surface to this area.


I covered the work surface in a floral mini print in cream and white,
and then topped that with a piece of clear vinyl for easy clean up.


Organized all my stuff,


and added some fun string lights for twinkle.

I did not care for the green electrical cord the lights came on,
so I wrapped it in fabric strips.


I filled it with some of my favorite finds and keepsakes,
like this vintage bunny vase that holds my late Nana's paint brushes.
My Nana was such an amazing artist and person, she was so inspiring. I am so thankful
to have these brushes. I have many treasures from her estate but these will always be my prize
possession. My Nana brought her beautiful dreams to life with these simple tools.
They remind me to start simple and dream big.


And some friendly faces to cheer me along as I work,

Oh, and one more thing a sneak peak at my newest creation.
Twinkle Toes Tilly The Bunnarina.
She is hiding behind the garden gate because she does not have her tutu yet.
She said, "no respectable Bunnarina would have a picture taken of them in just a leotard."

Wow I just finished making her yesterday and she is already a Diva!

As soon as I finish Tilly's tutu I will share some pics,
that is, if it's ok with her. Tee hee:)

Ta ta my lovies!
Thanks for letting me share,
Mary

I Wish....

I wish I were here.....

But sadly I am here,

This was the view outside our studio yesterday.

Still pretty snowy here in northern Michigan,
and there is not a lot I can do about it.

Except create art that reminds me of warmer days.
In My last post which was oh so long ago... ( I have been sick in bed with acute bronchitis for two weeks for the second time this winter!!!!)

I said I would be tackling a mirror sculpture and so I have.
I am very pleased with the image and overall scene especially the beach chairs and umbrella.
I was very hesitant to try and sculpt Adirondack style chairs
but I think they turned out pretty good.

( This might make a really cute print or greeting card...hmmm.)


I had some difficulty
with the armature I chose to sculpt on.

Medium density fiberboard also known as (mdf).

As it tends to warp as the pulp shrinks and drys; I was concerned this might happen
so to try and prevent it I sealed the mdf with varnish first,
to repel the water that would leach from the pulp.
I must have missed a spot or two...oops live and learn, oh well it will look cute in my guest room.

Now that I am finally feeling better and have had a couple of days
back to work I have a few other new pieces to share.

Another Bodda Bloom...

in yummy shades of pink, vanilla and brown.
Makes me think of cake and ice cream!
But come to think of it lots of things make me think of cake and ice cream, hee hee.

Our signature Cocoa Cottage in Buttercup yellow,
mounted to a scalloped wood plaque that is painted in fun colors, so sweet.




And some spring Birdie Sugar Cookie ornaments just in time for Easter.









All this fun springy stuff will be headed to our Etsy shop in a couple of days,
I will keep you posted.

I hope it's getting springy in your world!

Cheers,
Mary