WISHING ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As today is the last day in December, and the last day for 2008, I would like to WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY, CREATIVE, SAFE NEW YEAR! I'm looking forward to 2009 and all of the CREATIVE ENERGY THAT WILL BE FLOWING THROUGHOUT BLOG LAND! I can't wait to see what all of you have planned for 2009!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! Whooooooooo H000000000

CHEERS EVERYONE!

Christmas Spirit Award-What Does It Mean?

The Christmas Spirit Award...What Does It Mean? This is a very special award that was given to me by a very special lady, Mrs. Christmas herself...Sharon over at www.manamoon-studios.blogspot.com. If you have not come across her blog, you must visit this special woman. Sharon speaks from the heart, and what I try to strive for everyday in my life. I thank you my little friend for bestowing this this beautiful award to me...it's means a lot!

This award is just not about Christmas. Christmas should be in our hearts everyday of our lives, in everything we do, say and feel. Christmas isn't about how many presents are under the tree, what gift should I get this person, how much should I spend, going crazy at the stores, waiting in lines, stress of buying, wrapping, what to cook, what to wear to this party and that party, etc...The Spirit of Christmas is about LOVE! Love this world desperately needs from each and everyone of us! The Spirit of Christmas is about GIVING. Not gifts...Giving of ourselves, helping one another get through the bad and good times! The Spirit of Christmas is about Truth. Truth in ourselves, our beliefs, whatever they are! The Spirit of Christmas is about LIVING! Living a life that encompasses Compassion. Compassion for every human being, animal, nature and our earth.

Just think how this world would be if we had the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES!

May we all strive to live everyday of our lives with the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts!

As the King himself said "Oh Why Can't Everyday Be Like Christmas."

Cheers!

PLUGGERS UNITED - BLOCK RADIO SUPPORTING ETSY ARTISTS

I know I am a little behind on my BlockRadio Pluggers United Team...Please forgive me for my tardiness! I belong to a team called "Pluggers United" in Association with BlockRadio which is a dedicated Radio Station for Artists. Fantastic Group! All of the members are also associated with ETSY. Here are a few of the members that I would like to send out Cheers to because of their inspiration and great ETSY Shops!

Drum roll please.......
http://www.huckleberryarts.etsy.com/

http://www.agoodwitchtoo.etsy.com/

http://www.pigatopia.etsy.com/

http://www.alteredevents.etsy.com/



http://www.themagicsleigh.etsy.com/

IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THESE SHOPS OVER AT ETSY...PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT!

FOR 2009...LET's MAKE A PLEDGE TO BUY HAND-MADE!!! WhOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO.

ETSY Purchases & New Sculptures & ADO 3rd Stage Photos

I can't say enough about ETSY...even though I have my own shop on ETSY...I SHOP ON ETSY and I just love getting my little packages in the mail! The Shop Owners are absolutely wonder, speedy delivery, great customer service, and just talented, amazing artists and suppliers.

Here are a few of my recent ETSY FINDS!

http://www.caramelos.etsy.com/

A wonderful place to get your glitter and other fantastic items.

http://www.theflyingewe.etsy.com/

Carolyn, from TheFlyingEwe has beautiful wool for spinning, felting, and to use for your Art Doll Hair...I just love this wool and the colors are extremely bright and rich!

http://www.theflyingewe.etsy.com/

http://www.trolltracks.etsy.com/

The Artist that hand-sculpts these absolutely adorable little guys and gals is Dolores over at Troll Tracks. I can't tell you how much my husband and I have giggled since "Wisp" came to live with us. I FREAKING LOVE THIS THIS LITTLE GUY! THANK YOU DOLORES for making us giggle! LOL

I can't wait to start playing with all that GLITTER... I'm sure I will be covered with it and the house...it might even follow me to my day gig on Monday! Let's hope!

I was working on my ADO Challenge today, along with some other sculpts that I'm working out...it's so fun to play...I just can' stand it sometimes...especially when you get a block of time at your disposal...it's amazing what you can accomplish! Let's take a peek at the 3rd Stage of the ADO Challenge...

Now some of you have asked what this ADO Challenge is...well, it's part of a group entitled "ART DOLLS ONLY" and it is amazing. The girls there are truly precious souls and I can't thank them enough for inviting me to be part of their group! That was the best Christmas Gift I could have asked for ... SO A BIG THANK YOU TO ADO! We will be doing these Challenges every 3 months and will be posting our finished Art Dolls in our Etsy Shops for purchasing. I will let you know when the posts will be.

Ok, now here are a few other items that I am working on... as for what, who, and their purpose will be...I DO NOT KNOW... but some how...I think they will each inform me of WHO, WHAT, and their PURPOSE Will BE! LOL

Check it out... and let me know what, who and their purpose will be? hmmmmm curious......questions.... Let's see what type of responses we get!

Check out the HUGE COFFEE MUG! Yes, I'm a COFFEE HOUND!

He has a slight BELLY!

Surrounded by canvas...hmmmm ...another project!

I sure hope everyone has a wonderful night ...I'm off to get some spiked EGG NOG!

CHEERS!

A Day of Rest & A Day to Play With New Clay

After all the packages get torn apart, the food on the table, the music is playing and everyone has their egg nog (if you're lucky...it's got a little kick to it) it's time to take a breather and just relax and appreciate the gifts of life. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and you and your loved ones are all home safe and sound!

We were hoping for a "White Christmas" this year, but unfortunetely we had a warm spell float this way which gave us temps in the 60's! May be next year, Frosty will visit the East Coast!

With getting over a horrible cold, I had a chance to play with some clay today that Santa left me. Here are some things that I started working on:

These are going to be fun when they are done... "Surprise...Magnets" Can't wait to see how these turn out! I never made my own eyes before out of clay, so these will be interesting especially after I get a paintbrush in my hand...whooo hooo...could be fun...I could just slip and color my hair! Oh boy...wouldn't the boss love that when I go back to work on Monday? LOL

Have a great night and see you in the morning...for more clay fun!

Cheers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ...AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

The Studio at Crow Haven wishes you and your family a Very Happy Holiday Season and looking forward to what 2009 brings us!

More friends, inspiration, art, creative thoughts, laughter, smiles, giving, hope and peace!

CHEERS!

ETSY SHOP UPDATE-NEW WHIMSICAL ORNAMENTS

I have updated my Etsy Shop www.crowhavenfarm.etsy.com with 3 new Whimsical Ornaments. This will be my last shop update until after the New Year. I'm in the process of completing some new items that are very different pieces for the Shop, so make sure you check back in January. I will give you a heads-up as to the date. So, if you have any comments on these new Whimsical Ornaments, drop me a Blog Post!

Cheers Everyone!

Vintage Photos...What Stories They Tell

As I got up this morning, runny nose and all, pouring my first cup of coffee, I was in a vintage mood. Remember that old T.V. commercial that was on back in the day where the coffee is brewing and everyone wakes up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee (Folgers)...well, I was thinking about vintage photographs. I decided while everyone is still sleeping, I would pop over to the net o explore people's vintage photographs. There is this wonderful site I found located at
www. oldchristmaslights.com and here are some the photographs from that website. I don't know about the rest of you, but vintage photographs tells such stories. You can see it in their eyes, how they pose for the picture and wish that you could jump in the photograph to ask them what they are thinking about!

As I was looking at these photographs, I realized that most of the people back in the early 1900's would put their Christmas Trees on tables. I wonder if there was a significant reason for this? Any one know?

The little one on the floor looks like he just saw a ghost!

Christmas Day, I wonder you they were and what they grew up to be? Do they still believe?

I remember waking up and seeing dolls under the tree like this picture...even now as an adult, I still want my dolls under the Christmas tree...You are never to old to play with dolls!






What is she thinking about?
This is just a charming photograph. The family bringing home their Christmas Tree! Even the dog is involved!

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and may you always BELIEVE, not just one day a year, but 365 days a year! Always remember to share, love, and create every day! And don't forget to GIGGLE!

CHEERS TO ALL!

FIRST SNOW & ADO CHALLENGE

Yes, I got out of work early because it's SNOWING! Wanted to get home before the big rush out of the office and the traffic started...Well...Let's just say...I did make it home, but a few hours later! LOL

The First Snow Hits The Studio...

I love smelling the snow. It's like you can always know, because of that smell in air! Like when it rains, it has a distinct smell!

The snow turned to freezing rain, so the trees all have natural icicles on them! It's just so beautiful and I love sitting outside on the porch and listening to the branches crackling against the wind. We are getting another storm tonight, but this storm is going to be ALL SNOW! I will have to wake up early and get my snow angels in before anyone gets up and starts making their snowman!

In between watching the storm and having a very hot tottie, I started working on my ADO Challenge. These pictures are in the beginning stages and I'm sure this little guy will change many times over...that is why I love art... you just never know what you are going to end up with! Enjoy and I hope where ever you live, you are smelling the SNOW!

Cheers!

You can vist us at www.artdollsonly.ning.com

IT'S OUT...WENDY FROUD's NEW DVD

Now, I have to tell you if you haven't gotten this DVD yet, get it! It's wonderful. I have her first DVD "Creating Fairies" and I was lucky enough to take her 3 Day Intensive Workshop in New York City earlier this year. What an unbelievable experience. Toby, Wendy's son, was involved with the Workshop too! I had a great time and learned so much with these fabulous artists. Wendy techniques and instructions on the DVD are really clear and easy to follow, so if you haven't already, order this DVD. Give this to yourself for Christmas! LOL You can visit the Froud's website at www.goblinmarket.net

CHEERS!

French Award - MERCI

I have been bestowed the Marie Antoinette Award from two very special people that I have meet through cyberspace. Blogging is such a wonderful tool to meet people and share our art, lives and everyday concerns. The two special people that have bestowed this prestigious award are Sue, from Barton Originals. Sue is a very talented Art Doll Artist. Please visit her at http://www.bartonoriginals.blogspot.com/ and the second special person is Berry Blue Creations. Now, if you have not been to her blog, you must! http://www.berrybluecreations.blogspot.com/. This talented artist not only creates art for us to admire, Berry Blue writes doll stories, which are called "The Art Doll Chronicles." I can't wait until a big movie director picks these stories and turns them into an unbelievable HIT! Merci Sue and Berry Blue Creations! I can't wait to see what you guys are up to next!

Now for keeping this award alive and well, I have nominated the following wonderful, creative artists, who keep inspiring me each and everyday! These fellow artists will knock your socks off...well, if you don't wear socks, they'll knock your toes off!

http://www.manamoon-studios.blogspot.com

http://www.plain-n-simpleblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.clothnclay.blogspot.com/

http://www.followingtrolltracks.blogspot.com/

http://www.pumpkinhaus.blogspot.com/

http://www.woodedwoods.blogspot.com/

http://www.kyeliza.typepad.com/

http://www.chatnoirstudios2.blogspot.com/

Here are the RULES of the GAME:

1 Please ad the logo on your blog

2 Place a link to the person from whom you received the award

3 Nominate at least 7 or more blogs

4 Put the links to those blogs on your blog

5 Leave a message on their blogs to tell them they are the chosen ones

Custom Orders, Call To Artists Close To Being Done

Good Evening All! I've been busy trying to get some Custom Orders done for the holidays, and I have I finished the "The Call to Artist Shines"...Christmas is just right around the corner and I'm still feverishly in the studio until the wee hours of the morning getting them completed. One last weekend to get them completed. (Wish me Luck!) Needless to say, I will have to have my unbeliveable husband feeding me through the slit in the studio door! LOL Well...maybe some coffee and shredded wheat! Love the COFFEE and the Wheat! hehehehehe

So here are some pictures of a completed Collage that I have finished for a Bass Player's Sister for a very special Christmas gift! Like I've said before, I love working on Custom Orders! The only thing is, I wish I was a fly on the wall when they open them up!

This mixed-media collage was finished using Bees Wax. I just love using Bees Wax for a finishing touch and varnish. It also makes the piece smell good!

Now these two Shrines were made for the "CALL TO ARTISTS" located at www.corazon.typad.com The "Call To Artists" were made in loving memory of Josseline Jamileth Hernadez Quinteros. This event is to raise awareness and support for a brighter future for children EVERYWHERE! THANK YOU REBECA!!!! I loved participating in this WONDERFUL CAUSE!

Second Shrine done for the "THE CALL TO ARTISTS." This picture shows the front of the cigar box. I couldn't just send one, I had to send two! Rebeca I hope you love them as much as I have loved making them! Thank you for the cause that you are working on! God Bless YOU!

Inside the Shrine!

Well, I must get back to the Studio! Enjoy and have a wonderful Monday!

Cheers!

A Fanciful Twist Strikes Again...My Christmas Came Early!

I know we are suppose to wait until the big guy comes in the middle of the night and at the crack of dawn, we stand at the top of the stairs waiting for the green light...then all of sudden, pictures are falling off the wall, vases are broken, things go flying...but you don't care, you just want to start ripping paper off your packages! Well, I'm not 5 years old, but when my package came from Vanessa over at http://www.afancifultwist.etsy.com/ ...I felt like I was 5 years old! Believe me, there isn't anything wrong with THAT! LOL

Here are the new additions to my family....eeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk I JUST LOVE THEM! Vanessa.....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You made this forty something year old feel like a 5 year old! Whooooo Hooooooooo

They have their little home all ready for them.... Now, If I just keep them from stomping around ...because they have to wait their turn in the magical house, I'll be ok! LOL

She is patiently waiting for her turn in the magical house!

This one is just not giving it up!

Look at them...Ok, Vanessa, I think we need some more magical houses! LOL

I guess, I better be on the look out for another shop update over at a fanciful twist!

Cheers!

GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON...ARE YOU?

Short Post tonight...had a sinus infection, thought it was over, WRONG! Hope you all have a great night! Enjoy some of our holiday decorating photographs! If it was up to me, I would leave Christmas up all year long!

The Husband straightening out the tree!

Our First Ornament together! "I Love Us"

There was this unbelievable store in Emmaus, PA called "Patches." It's no longer there, but we have Maximilien to remind us of that charming store that once was.

Meg Yoke...waiting for more egg-nog!

Papier Mache Snowman finding their new home with the plants confusing...where is the snow? Looks like I better get the can of snow out!

My curl-up zone!

Even the library gets a little Holiday Cheer!

Until next time... CHEERS TO ALL!