Tuesday, December 30, 2008

For the New Year 2009 NEW Inspiration


Happy New Year to All
May this New Year 2009 be full of many blessings to you all!
To start this brand new year out How about some wonderful new inspiration
You must see these shoes! Think of new things you can create this year!
these shoes could be so many awsome things!!
http://www.cppiftheshoefits.org/2008shoes.htm

Friday, December 26, 2008

Night before Christmas

Oh this such a neat poem for all of us who sew with thread period!!I did NOT write this..Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

‘Twas the Night before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
The only one sleeping was Quilter's dear spouse.
The Log Cabin stockings were almost completed,
"Just a few stitches left, "our sweet quilter repeated,
"Then I can hang them and head off to finish
The pillows I'm making, fulfilling Mom's wish
For something "quilty" to put on her couch",
As she pricked her poor finger, our quilter yelled, "Ouch!"
When from out in the kitchen there arose such a crashing,
She sprang from her work , and she dropped all her sashing.
Away to the doorway she flew like a plane,
Wondering just what was happening and who she could blame.
When what to her wondering eyes should appear,
But Old Mrs Claus and her bag of quilt-gear....
With her elves bearing gifts, through the kitchen she came,
She directed and pointed and called them by name.
"Now Elna, now Pfaff, now Bernina and Viking,
The Hoffman and Mumm should be just to her liking.
To the sewing room - there, it's just back of the hall,
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

"My Dear," said The Claus (as she liked to be called),
There really is no need to worry at all.
Your projects will all be completed this night,
I'm terribly sorry we gave you a fright.
Sit down. Have some tea. It's relaxing, you'll see.
My friends and I've come a long way to help Thee.

She thought she was dreaming, our Dear Quilter did,

In fact she quite feared that she'd near' flipped her lid!

But the flash of the needles and twist of the thread

Soon gave her to know she had nothing to dread.
They spoke no more words, but went straight to their sewing.
How the work went so quickly she had no way of knowing.
The stitches, how tiny! The corners, how straight!
This Claus-woman's talent was awfully great.
They finished the pillows, then started a quilt.
Before they all knew it, the whole thing was built!...
Now old Mrs. Claus, she knew quilters real well,
And she knew they'd need help on this night most of all
So she said to our quilter, "Just move over, dear,
I've brought my own needle. We'll get done, never fear.
I told dear old Santa about what quilters do.
How they plan all these projects but have other work too.
So he taught me his magic for doing things fast.
There, that pillow's done. Now this is the last."
They tidied their thread snips, and picked up the scraps
And chased our dear quilters six cats from their laps.
They left behind gingerbread (just to be nice)
And the whole house smelled sweetly of Christmas and spice.
As they scurried away with their thimbles still gleaming
Dear Mrs. Claus paused, her cap ribbons streaming.
"Merry Christmas, my dear, now just have a ball!
Relax and enjoy. Happy Quilting to all!"

By: Brenda Groelz, Kathy Rockbugs,Marilyn Root, Cindy Swafford

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Sick Juice: By Cheryl Zehner

Sick Juice: By Cheryl Zehner
My family calls it "sick juice" and you take it
as soon as you feel a cold coming on or after you have it or before
any symptoms as a preventative. Works really great, tastes pretty
bad too.

This is from Herbal Medicine by Dian Dincin Buchman 1979

Antiflu Preparation

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or common salt
1 cup boiling water
chamomile tea bag
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Grind together the cayenne pepper & salt to form a paste. Steep
chamomile tea bag in the 1 cup boiling water (chamomile will help
soothe your stomach from the rest of the stuff), add to the cayenne &
salt. Cool. Add the vinegar. Most adults can take between a
teaspoon to a tablespoon every half hour. If it seems too strong,
dilute it.

I just use the ground cayenne pepper and sea salt & add a bit of
water & mush it together. Doesn't really form a paste but it doesn't
seem to matter. I also don't take it every 1/2 hour. I pretty much
take it when I think about it, but stir or shake it first cuz the
pepper & salt will settle on the bottom. This stuff kicks it in the
butt right quick.

Merry Christmas to all and I wish you all peace, joy, strength and
jobs in the coming year.

Now that the holidays are almost over I will be updating my blog and
will post when I have done that.

Hugs everyone

Cheryl Zehner
mrsz075@earthlink.net
http://www.PictureTrail.com/mrsz075
http://mrsz075.blogspot.com/
http://brandyclark.etsy.com

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Home made cough syrup

I read this on a doll list a home made cough syrup thought it sounded to be a good thing on hand...

After reading all the mails about being sick and having a bad cough, I'm sending you all this recipe for miracle cough syrup. It really works! I know, as I had a terrible, hacky cough that was driving me nuts. I had taken an antibiotic, too, but only this cough syrup got rid of the cough.

The recipe is from Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal, 3rd Edition, June 1982. It seems to work for all kinds of coughs but especially for that dry hacky cough that keeps you awake and hangs on long after the cold is over.
It soothes an irritated throat and relieves chest congestion and phlegm. The bad news: it tastes terrible -- it really does -- but if you have a persistant cough, it's worth a try.


a.. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
b.. 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
c.. 1 Tablespoon honey
d.. 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
e.. 2 Tablespoons water
Mix and take by the teaspoon.
The recipe doesn't indicate how much to take. I took 3 teaspoons the first time because I had a bad dry cough for over three weeks, and I was desparate for some relief. It worked and I got a good night's sleep. I have been recommending it to others ever since, and many have confirmed my positive results.

My whole family uses this now. It's great!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Merry Christmas To All

St. Luke 2: 1 – 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.

Christmas Prayer For my Friends...

I said a Christmas prayer for you all my friends,
Because this Christmas Season's near
I didn't ask for riches or materialistic things
But I did ask for gifts so much more and dear.

I asked for you all to have joyful gatherings
With your family all around
And for warm fuzzies to surround you

I asked for quiet moments for you to reflect upon
And In your hearts on Christmas morning
Be a special time to celebrate
The Savior who was born.

I asked for you my friends to send your best
To those you know to show you care
I asked for peace and love and hope
for you my friends and your families too
And I know God heard my prayer.

God Bless You All...See you all after Christmas!
Love Sherrie


Saturday, December 20, 2008

IMPORTANT Handmade Amendment

This is very IMPORTANT to us all!
Save Handmade Toys From the CPSIA
A doll maker emailed this very important legislation in process that CAN effect us all who create...

Follow the link for information regarding legislation that could affect selling our art,

I'm very sure it could impact how/what you sell in America?...maybe even what you are allowed to send over, so let's get the word out.

DOLL ARTISTS GET IN GEAR AND GET OVER TO THIS SITE AND WRITE YOUR GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES or YOU COULD BE OUT OF LUCK COME 2/10/09

Regardless of your political affiliations, this link might be a good place to start working towards getting the legislation on handmade's amended.

If Mr Obama DOES take notice of what appears here then each US member must sign, the numbers need to be in the thousands to make a difference.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Ultimate Party Meatballs

Saturday, Dec 20th... tomorrow night we have a huge family Christmas party to go to.There will be oodles of food..I thought I would make this new recipe Ultimate Party Meatballs ~ Heinz and Ocean Spray Tips and Recipes ~ I usally make Swedish meat balls ..but this one sounded easy and different!

Ingredients

* 1 16-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
* 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
* 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Directions

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

http://www.ultimatepartymeatballs.com/

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

MmMmm Talk about seeing Christmas

Just Look at Viv's Christmas!! Go by Viv Out On A Whim blog
http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/
and see how all this warmth, mMmm smell, love came all to being!!
You did a awesome job Viv!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Critique PLEASE

Alrighty Please help! I'd so appreciate if you would please critique
this dolls face..This is my first attempt at making a Antique inspired dolls face
Click on pictures to see a larger view..all do that except one...
I am working over gesso , then acrylic base for face..
I use white acrylic for eyes then used water color pencils, I'm trying to shade with out going heavy..which I always seem to do.I'm using the water color pencils and a damp brush

I'm at a total lost for shading for the nose..right now she looks like miss piggy.

I have no picture or book to refer to for shading..

Shading water color pencils Prismacolor sienna Brown and Loew-Cornell Vandyke Brown
I have tried to take pictures of her up close and in different lighting
Since I tend to always go over board and end of with a heavy look..
I do not know when to stop
Do you think she needs more shading under her eyes??
I feel she needs more depth and I don't know how to achieve that look
oh gosh her poor nose *oink*:)
I really need help here!
Thanks from the bottom of my heart for any help!
((Hugs Sherrie))




Monday, December 15, 2008

How To Paint Portrait Faces On Cloth Dolls by Roberta Lee Small

wowzer..Look at this book I found!!! Does any one have this book??
I searched amazon.com but could not find it..
It is called "How To Paint Portrait Faces On Cloth Dolls... by Roberta Lee Small

http://www.lulu.com/content/490887
Description:
This book gives step by step instructions on how to paint faces using acrylic paint. Although it is for painting on cloth dolls, faces can be painted on canvas. a good book for a beginning artist.

as you can see I'm doing a search for Painting Portrait Faces On Cloth Dolls ..
let me know if you all can suggest and good cloth doll books on painting faces:)

Susan McMahon IW-inspired doll

Oh MY GOSH! Ya'll you must go by Susan McMahon Blog
and see her IW-inspired dolls. There just breath taking!!!Be sure to take a peek at all her magnificent dolls !!
ooo I SO badly want to learn how to create cloth dolls like these and the ones
Becky from Cloth N Clay
and Nancy Gerber from AtticBabys http://atticbabys.blogspot.com/
to name just a few of my hero's!!
I just have totally fallen in-Love with the Antique inspired dolls
Right after the holidays.I decided to clean my slate for 2009 and start my hand at making
Antique inspired dolls, I will always forever make my sweet Annies their just my girls to me, Along with my EFA dolls
How about you all?? Are you having a craving to start some thing new and exciting too for 2009 ?
I find it kinda scary and exciting all at the same time, I have so many questions like
did you use oils or acrylics or water colors..How about pattern for the clothes??
how about antiqueing or crackling? oh golly gosh then it's paper clay over cloth and on and on goes the questions..but I guess it is like many new adventures is to learn by trail and error but the main thing is to for me to stop wishing and jump in:)

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Polar Fleece Doll Hair Tutorial

OOOooooOOo I just have to tell you all about my sweet Friend and Apron lover
Nadine from Apron Valley Road
You must visit her blog and read her wonderful tutorial about using
"Polar Fleece Pull-Eeeeeez!"
Thanks SO much Nadine!!!

Link Keeper a must to see!!

We have all said to our selves I would love to make such N such , but do not know "How To" Oh my gosh you must see this gals Lisa of The Princess And The Monkey...Lisa has a amazing list of tutorials! "HOW TO"
This is a link keeper for sure
Thank you Lisa!!!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

work shop doll and pattern finished tada!

This is Annie 01..she is 10 inches,
Prim Folkart style, This is the pattern I have created for
my work shop, I thought small would be better for first time doll makers, Being they would be able to start and finish their little dolls in one class.I have kept it small and simple..using aged muslin, artists pencils for facial features, and cotton thread for her hair.I will already have the bodies sewn and ready for them to stuff. I was wondering does any one know where I can buy hemostats or suggest another stuffing tool?? I only own one pair of hemostats and guard them with my life. But was thinking what tools the girls could use for stuffing their dolls..
showing you her bloomers and striped legs. I took lots of step by step pictures for the E-pattern
Also have printed it out for each student, and have it on CD also:)
This will be my smallest dolls for the show also.I have ready to stuff, 5 dolls ranging from 18 inches to 28inches. and 4 more dolls ready to sew.Styles are Vintage YesterYear, Primitive, FolkArt, Whimsical..My goal is to be able to (introducing) show them different styles not all the same...whew the ole sewing machine is going full blast and I think JoAnns know me by my first name now! What fun!! I am so totally open to any suggestions, dislikes, any thing you have to say please! things always look better through some else's eyes!

Monday, December 08, 2008

Primgrl1


Have to show and tell you all about this gal's Raggedys..The above picture are her dolls
I was just surfing blogland and came across Primgrl1 blog
and for me it was *Love at first site* All her dolls just speak to my heart and sure make me smile..Go by Primgrl1 blog and see all her adorable Raggedys.Such sweet faces and adorable expressions..She has wonderful Chrismas Raggedys too!!

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

WhOoO New New!

WhOooO I just pre-ordered Cloth Doll Artistry: Design and Costuming Techniques for Flat and Fully Sculpted Figures by Barbara Willis
It should be mailed June 2009
http://www.amazon.com/Cloth-Doll-Artistry-Costuming-Techniques/dp/1592535135/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227974173&sr=8-3

I have some great news to share..
I'm still in shock!
Yesterday I get a phone call from a lady stating she was calling on behalf of The city of Oldsmar..(this is where we live)
asking me to come and display my dolls in Oldsmar City Hall Jan 8Th
along with any thing I'd like to sell pertaining to dolls

als0 she asked me if I would do a work shop !!!! That is happening Feb 18Th
She also is doing a write up about me in our big newspaper along with communities news letters!!! Their even having registration sign up from Jan 8Th through Feb 12Th..I am in shock!!! Their hoping this will be a continuing work shop of different goll classes., I also had said how I have been wanting to start a doll club in our area..This seemed to really excite them too!!

So I'm burning the night oil creating new patterns to sell and creating fresh new dolls for display..gosh right at the busy holiday season,but I'm so honored I just can't turn this down

also coming up with and creating a beginners class, I 'm making a small Raggedy Annie 01
but making 4 finished dolls in (1) in Primitive (1) in Folk Art (1) in Whimsy (1) in vintage styles
showing what all you can doing using one pattern..

I have a neck problem and when I spend hours with my head bent down I guess this is what causes it, this really flairs of my neck and back , Then both arms start to go numb and burning..
It wakes me up out of a deep sleep at night with both arms numb and burning..
Last two days I have been really working hard..trying to get this display thing and work shop drawing patterns, then making templates,sewing,stuffing...Really want to have a nice display of different type and sizes of dolls..
well today after a miserable night,My arms just tingle and keep going numb
I decided to just lay straight flat on the couch..This seemed to relive some of the tingling
but I do not want to be just laying with so much to do, which I'm totally loving!!!
I'm hoping to find a answer to this problem,BUT the bottom line is I 'm not going to let this stop me!
Anyways I just had to share this opportunity that has come my way !!!It is such a blessing to me! a Huge Huge blessing:)
I will be taking lots of pictures as I go along on this journey to share with you all!!
If things get a bit quiet you know why!!
Hugs Sherrie

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

FREE PATTERN by Clothmatters

Adorable Free Pin Doll Pattern by

FREE PATTERN by Clothmatters

Judy Bee

http://clothmatters2.blogspot.com/
Couldn't you just see this adorable Judy Bee created into Christmas ornies for our trees or placed on top of our wrapped Christmas gifts!!! Stop by Connie's Blog and receive
your free Judy Bee pattern!

Monday, December 01, 2008

Prim Crafters Conference


SympleTymes is going to this awesome Prim Crafters Conference!!!
Hope to see you there too!!!

The May 2009 conference will have workshops on needle sculpting prim/folk art doll faces, painting doll faces, stitchery ornaments, woolfelt penny rugs, photographing our creations for the web, and decorative (lasting) painting on soaps. In addition to the workshops, we'll have fun times for evening campfires and shopping in town. The gathering will be held in Burnsville, NC which is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina at a gorgeous wooded retreat center. Prices start at $150 and include your lodging, meals and all workshops.
More info go to

Olde Prairie Register


November/ December issue is available. http://www.oldeprairieregister.com/