Primitive Dolls Update

Good morning all... 

I’m up before the birds this morning, after a dreadful night’s sleep. Too many things lately to keep me up at night.  Rain showers are starting our morning and for that I’m most thankful.  But for our gardens it’s too little and too late... I will be updating and adding several dolls to the website today.  I will send an email out to my subscribers prior to going live.  Did I tell you I’d rather be stitching than taking photos, writing descriptions, finding boxes and calculating postage? 😂 oh I’m sure I have!  

Have a nice weekend!  

#websiteupdatecomingsoon #handmadeinamerica #sassafrashillprimitives #primitivedolls #handmadecreations

Time for The Big Girl Panties

This year is too much!   The shows I do and the wonderful people who come out to them are my lifeblood.      

They give focus to my work and goals to achieve.  Every show I plan to the last detail so I can build a better display than the time before.   I find that level of stress works for me.  Also it’s just the right amount of distraction from things I need distracting from.  Ha! 

So... yesterday I happened across the posting from Old Deerfield and not only is the Autumn show cancelled, but also the Holiday Sampler.   I’m too sad for words.   And yes, I am relieved too, because it’s safer to stay home and not be surrounded by huge crowds.   

And then I checked Old Wethersfield and they had also just posted and canceled.   That was the last opportunity for  this year.   So... I will keep making, because it’s what I do.  It’s just harder creating and not having visions of awesome primitive displays swirling through my head!  I will miss my people and the hustle and bustle of the shows.... the hugs, the heartwarming response to my creations, and another job well done.   😢

Blessings Always

The first day of spring is always the sweetest!

 

There are so many things to celebrate including longer days and fresh air.  Yay.... winter brings out the doldrums in all of us, and now everyone is feeling cheerier.   My momma is certainly doing much better with the longer days, so that is one of the biggest blessings.   I am hoping I can get her into the gardens again this year. 

 

We still have a good snow pack but this week is forecast to be quite a bit warmer.  With a little luck the snow will be gone by week's end.   I started the week and my spring by hanging some dollies out to age on the clothesline.   This is the time of year I shift my creating into high gear, although it has been an extremely productive couple of weeks.  Will photo soon...

 

Not only do I have many many dolls in the works, but Matt has a production line of whirligigs almost finished.  It's always good if he can keep himself busy....   And spring cleaning is in full force, finally!  I am taking my house back, a little at a time! 

 

It will be an interesting week here, with grandboys staying for eight days.  We drove them back home to get ready for school early this am before the sunrise.  Ha.... I have to say I rather embrace the quietness of our lives, and the bliss of getting up and following my whims all day.  I do not miss the school schedule one bit.  Four more school mornings.......

 

So more dolls waiting to be stuffed but thinking how nice to greet spring again.   Have a blessed one my friends!

 

Deerfield Spring Sampler

What a wonderful show we had! 

 

It was a tremendous show for us again this year and I have so many people to thank.... I am extremely greatful for everyone who made it to the show and I do hope you all will cherish the things you purchased for many many years. 

 

It is always the best experience to create one of a kind items for our collectors, and we work hard to put on a first class showing for all of you.  This year's creations mean even more to me because I have done so many of them under the watchful eye of my mom..... It has made our nights so much more pleasant.   

 

And during the crunch time right before the show I find that is when the magic happens!  It is so nice when the marriage of unfinished objects turns into something really sweet, like my little bee girl...

 

or my other little bee girl.... she was fun!

 

 

the little yellow mohair chickies made everyone smile, and they flew the coop right away.

 

 

I've had this basket forever, and bunny was created for it.  He looks right at home.

 

a large bottle doll angel..  a newer item, and fun to make. 

 

I enjoy working with an assortment of materials.... keeps it interesting and fun.

 

One of my treasured baskets.... I do not usually part with my collection, but am comforted knowing it went home with a dear lady.

 

Some Spanish moss and greenery softened things up a bit...

 

 

a crowded table before the doors opened, but it was only that way for a few moments....

 

and so....

 

until we do it again......  hope that was fun for you! 

Deerfield Christmas Sampler

Our show was the very best show ever...  I have so much gratitude for my faithful followers who show up show after show and buy direct from the artist herself.  It is always heartwarming to see what you picked out this time and to hear how you have decorated with my previous creations.

This time we lost a week of creating, because the date was moved up a week and I worked on goods for it right until we pulled out of the driveway for setup!   My hand is still buzzing and my fingers are numb, but slowly subsiding.  This is the first time I've experienced that, so will be more watchful.... need that hand for stitching!  

It's so much harder than it used to be for us.  Caring for my mom takes it's toll on us in many ways, but I am glad she got to witness some of my creating and see the show photos..... It brought the show to life for her.

I do not have a moment of time for any special orders because I got wiped out at the show, more so than year's past, and have to take care of my shopkeepers first.   I am working on finishing up some cute one of a kinds for Hidden Treasures for her big event this weekend....  .... and then afterwards I am taking a break for a bit and enjoying the holiday. 

Our plans this coming year are to do the same shows as this past year.  Nothing more, nothing less.... that keeps it about as exciting as these two creators can handle.  

We Have Our Prims On, and Are Waiting Patiently!

Next up on our show agenda.... WALKER HOMESTEAD! 

  Yay! 

  Thursday and Friday will be spent setting up, with great attention to every last detail, then Saturday morning, June 18th, it's showtime!

  We have worked really hard to bring you the finest of our work, and once again will have a double space! We will have a mix of antiques and handmade goods, and I think you will be pleased!  

This is truly one of our favorite shows, and we are blessed to be part of it.  The setting is serene, even while jam packed with prim enthusiasts.  The vendor lineup is spectacular, with some of the best from New England and beyond.  The owners of Walker Homestead are about as salt of the earth as you could hope to meet.  We look forward to being a part of it all, twice a year!

 Show details can be found on the show page, check the tabs above....


a snap of one of our booth corners from last year... 

 

Also, we have a great selection of handmades both at Hidden Treasures, and at Cozy Cat Primitives!

  As always thanks for your friendship and support! oxo, Denise and Matt

   

Happy May Day

I'm not sure why, but I always feel more like a spring chicken on May 1st!  I love springtime and the warmer days, and our gardens.  Tag sales have started, and Matt has brought home a few treasures to surprise me.  The first Brimfield Flea Market of the year begins May 10th and I am looking forward to it!

 

 

 April was a rough month for us.  I can't believe all that happened in a month's time, but we made it to the other side!  I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer take on any special orders while caring for my mom.  My stress level is just too high already.   What you find at the shows and shops I'm in will be my only offerings, except for a little bit on my etsy page and my website.  I am so sorry for that, but I have to do what's best for my family and keep the focus on them. 

 

After a month of almost no creating, this past week was a very productive one and I took a trip to Hidden Treasures to replenish the prim room.  Lots of my cute little raggedies, a mercantile piggy, some woolen kitties, patriotic ornies, and signs and blocks to fill it up.   It looks very nice, and I am hoping to make another trip this week.  I am so proud of Laura!   The love she has for her shop really shows! 

 

 

 

Blessed Spring Dear Ones

After a remarkable winter, we have had a few chilly days again.    A bit of snow is forecast for today, but I am rather looking forward to it this time.   It will be nice to admire the flakes knowing it's probably the last time and that they won't be sticking around all winter. 

 

We have a warmup coming next week with days in the 70s.  Kitties are enjoying the fresh new catnip, which is always the best of the year,  and I am making some kitty doll toys for the shops with it.

 

This is always such a fun time for me, because I can get down and create to my heart's content...   Yesterday was a truly creative day... old coverlet garlands, six new clothespin bags, a huge number of blocks, and more old wool kitties.   Plus I cut out a bunch of kitty dolls to stitch up today. 

 

I have already received some really fun orders because of  Vintage Market, so yay!   I love it when someone has a dream they are wishing for and I can make it come true for them! 

 

And the shops with my handmade creations are doing very very well, so I am pleased for them, and happy to have the opportunity to do some more creating.   If you haven't had the pleasure of stopping in at Hidden Treasures and Cozy Cat Primitives, you should put them on your Bucket List!  

 

a sweet greeting as you begin your Sunday and your Springtime!   Hope it is everything you wish for!  

 

 

 

A Morning Song (For the First Day of Spring) by Eleanor Farjeon 1922 - recorded by Cat Stevens

 

 

with best wishes ~ Denise & Matt

 

 

First New Handmades for 2016

Usually I do very little creating for Valentine's Day, but this year I was compelled to do a nice display for the two shops where my goods can be found.  I think the milder winter has played a big part to improve my winter doldrums.  These are just a few of the handmades I delivered yesterday.  You can find links to both shops in the sidebar of this blog...   I've already started on St Pat's and Easter handmades, and just finished dying some of the most beautiful robin's egg colored wool to use for Easter.  We love looking through the thrift shops for materials to use.  I was very surprised to find a beautiful long camel hair men's coat last week at the Salvation Army.  It was also a huge shock to see the 149.99 price on it.... Umm, really?   I'm not sure how many of their shoppers can afford that.   I can't even do the half price on family day!   Well anyway, so it was saved from my scissors.....       Today I will finish a few of my granny wool coat bears and Ellies for Saint Pats.  

Enjoy your week wherever you are!     oxo Denise  

Hidden Treasures in Agawam MA

A peek at our current offerings in Hidden Treasures. 

 

 

bee things are always ones of my favorite things to work on!

 

I have an expanded selection of signs and blocks available, scattered throughout the shop and we are always willing to do custom work.

 

We have a collection of some of my best dolls and prim bears available.   Plenty of choices for mother's day!

 

 

We have an expanded collection of room sprays, including all the new spring florals!

 

 

 

 

Be sure to visit the shop if you can.... the shopkeeper is a gem, and her shop as well.  You will not be disappointed.  

You can find it at 143 Main Street, Agawam, MA, behind the Main Street Deli

 

Additionally, please show her some lovin' on  her facebook page.... Hidden Treasures