Etsy Treasury

My linen bag of was picked for Soov's Etsy Treasury list.  It really makes my day when someone adds me to their fav's!

I just got back from walking and liked this quote.  No- it's not literature or poetry- just Counting Crows.  The words stuck in my head because it describes me :)

"She has trouble acting normal when she'd NERVOUS"

Happy Thursday!

Owl Bag- Work in Progress

I made this little owl last night which I'm making into a bag today.  I have about 8-9 new bags to list in my shop, I just have to photograph them ( NOT my favorite thing to do)  Check in the next fews days to see what's new.  I'm trying to stock up the bags for spring.  Once summer arrives and school is out I won't have a lot of time to sew.

Happy Wednesday : )

Antique Porcelain Bird Ladies

Here's the new group of bird ladies.  Made from antique German bisque doll parts that I wired together.  The bird heads are quite rare (I have a secret stash in my studio).  I was told they were made for bottle stoppers, but I'm not sure I believe it.  The clothes are made from an antique quilt top.

This might be the last of these ladies for awhile.  I've indulged myself long enough- time to get back to sewing purses.  Or making more birdhouses :)

Antique German "Frozen Charlotte" Dolls

I've seen a lot of these lately in the mixed media world.  These are wonderful antique porcelain dolls that were dug out of the remains of a German doll factory in Thuringia.  The factory produced these dolls, called Frozen Charlottes between 1890 and 1920.  My package arrived this morning from Germany- purchased from an elderly woman who is one of the "seekers". 

These vary in size, between 4" to a wee 1".  I love the dolls that still have earth on them- little artifacts from a different time.  I have another package on the way with many, many of the 1" size.  I always buy in bulk- so will have some to sell.  (send me a note if interested)  I don't know quite yet what I'll do with them......

More Vintage Birds in Progres

These are the latest in the bird series.  I was hoping to finish them last nite but someone had a high fever- he's better today thankfully.  Sister Birdie sold already- so here's a peak at her sisters......

Where Women Create

Last night after finishing Sister Birdie (see last post) I stayed up late reading the latest issue of  Where Women Create.  I'm totally addicted to this Stampington & Co. publication!  2 issues have been published, with another on the way.  I love peaking in other people's studios- here's a peak of my shelves above my big table.  Just a collection of treasures and projects just completed.

I got my vintage ventriloquist doll last year- FINALLY!  Those who know me know that I wanted one all my life, asked for one every Christmas as a child.  Mom says she doesn't remember.  And no,  he's NOT creepy!

Sister Birdie

I was inspired yesterday after one of my birds made Etsy's front page to finish a few I had in progress (I have so many things "in progress" that this was quite rewarding!)  I don't know why she became a nun- it just happened......

Call me old school- but I liked when nuns wore habits.  I don't know why, maybe because they're easier to spot?  Must be my parochial school upbringing.

Sister Birdie is made from antique German porcelain bisque doll parts that I wired together.  Her bird head is also antique bisque- (part of my secret collection of clay bird heads stashed away in my studio- but that's another post!)

Happy Friday!

Etsy Front Page

These little things totally make my day!  My little Bird Lady made Etsy's front page this afternoon.  I absolutely love making these- some people thought they were a little "freaky".  I sold 3 so far and will make a few more tonight.  The clothes are a little labor intensive- sewing clothes for a 4" figure is tricky!  Tomorrow's post (or maybe Sat) will be my new birds.  Aren't the little cloth houses amazing in this picture?

Inspiration- Ann Wood Birds

I have been a huge fan of NY artist Ann Wood so I was very excited to finally purchase one of her birds.  This is Ellie, one-of-a-kind, made from vintage fabric.  She perches in my studio and inspires me every day to make something.  I hope to get another bird soon- but they go quick!  I really want one of her big owls- they are incredible!

Happy Wednesday!

March Birdhouses

March in Cleveland is always full of anticipation for me.  We can either spend the Ides of March under 2 feet of snow, or like this weekend- in 60 degree weather.  I was fortunate to spend a relaxing weekend with great friends!  

I also spent time on my birdhouses- always a labor of love.  This new series combines antique watch parts, antique quilt fabrics, Japanese clay birds........

......here's a left-over Anthropologie drawer pull paired with a really great millinery thingy- it reminds me of the dust spec in Horton Hears a Who.  We are here! We are Here!.....

Woodland forest birdhouse with copper oak leaf and vintage mushroom....

...my favorite- El Santuario- with a mushroom hanging from a brass chain, and a little glass vial that holds water....These are all available in my Etsy shop.

Happy Spring :)