Happiness in the Old Year

Hi,
This will be the last post for the old year 2008. I have truly enjoyed the last part of this year. I have a few treasures I want to share with you. I made a fabric portrait of a very special couple for the renewing of their vows on 10-12-08. All my love went into the gift. I treasure their life together and want to be with them as they set a new course.

I experimented with a new pattern and gave them out at my Bee's to see if they were what I had hoped. I have a hard time lugging my large pin cushion around and decided to try a much smaller pin cushion. The new design is based on a strawberry and is filled with sand. I find that they travel well so far. I have a new design in mind with a bit larger and safer leak proof method. I am still learning as I go.

I look forward to the new year and making new dolls in cloth, clay and new dimensions in forms (this is a teaser until I can find a name for what I am going to try next).

I've set up a permanent village in my dining room. As soon as I discover how to download the camera into the PC I will show the pictures.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year 2009. God Bless.
Thank you for stopping by,
Jan

Beatrix has a New Dress

Hi,
I've been busy with Christmas for my family (2 daughters, son-in-law, 6 grands) plus finishing the dolls. Beatrix was on my last post, but she was dressed in my cami. I need to wear my cami, so I had to actually make her a dress. She wanted to show off her matching boots and Cabaret stockings at the same time.

My daughter (Tambra), grandson (Andrew) and I went to Ft. Lauderdale yesterday to celebrate Stephanie's 12th birthday and exchange Christmas (we usually do this 6 months into the next year, I was determined not to let that happen again). Steph has grown into a beautiful young lady. Tom and Deb's children Chris, Kayla, Meaghan, Steph and Amanda are growing too fast for me to keep up.

We were all sorry that our northern family and friends are having a horrendous winter. The kind of winters we remember all too well all the years we lived in the north. It has been more than 20 years since I've lived in central IL, but I still remember them too vividly.

I am still sewing and creating, trying to keep up. I will put more pictures up as I go.

Thank you for stopping by.

God Bless and keep you all safe,
Jan

2 New Gals in Town

Hi,
I spent last weekend in St. Augustine. Just about the most beautiful place ever. Our quilt group chose the city for the Christmas light special. The ocean and the 'Charlies' (Pelican squadrons) are beautiful to see. The are mostly a part of northern FL.

The best quilt shop is there too - don't miss the slide tour of the shop. http://www.customquilting.net/site/quiltshop.htm She has the best batiks.

I am not finished with the 2 new gals, but they wanted to go out and party, much to my dismay. Dollies certainly don't have patience. Ballroom Gal has a Tattoo. I don't know, she must have gotten when she was out and about!

So many parties this weekend and too much food. I walk at least a mile and a half every other day. . .but it's not helping.

Every day is a new day. What a blessing. I am so happy to be retired with days so full of good people and happy work and volunteering. God's love is everywhere. May you have happy holidays (Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah).

Thank you for stopping to look in on my latest projects.

Blessings,
Jan

Grandma Tart Fairy - New Girl in Town

Hi,

What fun I am having with my dolls. I also made cat ornaments with faces to purr for and more anatomically correct tart dolls - will show both of these on another post. The newest Babe is Grandma -- no I don't look like her. . .but close!!!

After the 'dance' and earning the title of 'International Tart' I guess I want my dolls to have as much fun as I do.

Congratulations Jeanine on your new Granddaughter Madeline. She's a Scorpio born this morning. I cannot wait to see the pictures.

I went to a trunk showing of dolls Saturday and the different kinds of dolls that were shown were all different and unique. Linda's tips and tricks were such a treat. I know that I have a long way to go as I am just getting started, but the fun of it is tremendous.

My daughter took all my Christmas bags, so I had to make a new one for my IPod. Christmas Loralie went over really big. In fact someone mentioned I look like this particular Loralie. There are just certain things I do not want to put in my purse mess, so I make these small bags with pockets to carry the things I will not leave in the car.

I would love to hear what you are doing so I can visit your blogs too.

Thanks for the visit,
Jan

New Pin Doll

Hi,

I'm back from IL. Daddy is in better spirits now. He has a ways to go before he can move back into residential care, but a positive attitude always helps.

I completed 3 pin/ornament fairy dolls with mostly anatomical correct peeks and crevices. Everyone is laughing and having a good time with them.

I am so blessed to have so many great loving and encouraging friends. I look forward to sharing my new designs with all of you.

Two weeks and it's Nascar at Homestead. We, as a family, are all looking forward to celebrating our drivers. However, since this is the last race, it is also a sad time. I know 2 1/2 months is not long to wait -- we look forward to mid-February and the big race at Daytona Beach.

Thank you for visiting,
Jan

New Doll

Hi,

Before I leave for IL to see my 92 year old daddy, I wanted to show you my new doll. She is as yet a bit unfinished. She requested her head be put back on and her hands attached. I wrapped her, put hair and a hat on her and she's ready, at least to dance, while I'm gone.

Retirement is work (lots of bags, pillows and crocheting to get ready for the Christmas sales tables at the condos), volunteering is rewarding, and the continued wonderful quilt friends I am meeting along the way is as much a blessing as I thought it would be.

I attended my first doll group. What a great group of ladies and what a push in the right direction for me. They will certainly keep me on my toes. Again, work, fun and lots of dancing.

I will sign off and let you enjoy the doll.

Thank you for the visit,
Jan

Retirement

Hi,

I finally did it. I am officially retired as of September 2008. Amazing and incredible. I retired into craft projects and volunteer work that keep me so very busy. You can follow along on my website to see my progress. My neighbor and I are getting a table at two of the local condo associations (ours and another) Christmas craft shows (Nov. 1 and Nov. 15). Lots to do including a doll here and there.

There was a scare with my daughter's health which is not over, but it is not as bad as we thought it was going to be.

Daddy lost his place at the residential care place but there will probably be a place for him as soon as he completes rehab in the nursing home. It does take a 92 year old man a bit longer to heal (broken ribs) and be back on his feet. I will be visiting him over my birthday the end of this month.

I am also looking forward to catching up with my sister and friends in IL. Next month (Nov) is Nascar at Homestead.

I appreciate your patience waiting for me to write at my Blog.

Thank you,
Jan

HI,

Daddy fell and broke 3 ribs. He's still a healthy 92 year old, but he has to heal before he goes back to the residential care place he lives. I know he misses all his friends and looks forward to healing, his rehab and finally coming back home.

I have been busy making small cat pins, two different dolls, and experimenting with color, materials, paints, hot glue crystals, and angelina. It is such fun to see how everything turns out then to rush around thinking up how to fix it.

My SBCWI group leader and published children's book writer told me that I should find different avenues to publish my works. I did publish with an on line E-zine (Themestream) and enjoyed every minute of my writing because of the instant feedback. Without the feedback, I am not as interested in writing. It always amazes me when someone professional tells me how good they think I am. At my age a compliment is a compliment, but to tell me to do something about it, is like winning the Golden Goose. . . the best prize in the house. Maybe I'm a little bit good.

I sure am having fun now. I've decided it's time to hang it up and have some fun, so the count down is on.

Thank you for reading and I will keep writing so you can see where I'm going next.
Jan

Christopher Nejman Seminar

The most fun I have had at a seminar - Ever. We sang, we danced, and we learned. What an unbeatable combination. I danced and won first prize - 'Christopher Nejman Pillows.' He is an artist, a designer, and so very talented. We left him knowing West Palm Beach knows how to throw a party.

I have been designing my own doll from the beginning and taking apart a Bendi and making her my own.

Daddy will be 92 this July 31. He is doing fine and enjoying life. He walks, does puzzles, reads and loves to go for waffles. My sister Bonnie takes very good care of him and makes sure he gets his waffling. I tell him he's going to turn into a waffle. I have a feeling he thinks he already has. His picture is in a previous post (91 year old Daddy).

Happy days and God Bless.

Jan

New Little Wild Child Doll

Little Wild Child Doll is trying to be like Wild Child Doll. She decided to try and dress just like her. She isn't finished, I have to make her boots and crochet her purse, but she is about ready. I will put up another picture as soon as she is finished. Her dress is cut on the bias, her hat is crocheted and her ringlets are doll hair. I sculpted her face and used pencils for color and pens for outline. She has yarn on her arms and legs. Her boots will be felt and her purse will be like her leggings. Enjoy!
Thank you,
Jan

Daddy Illinois Visit

Hi,
It was time I stepped up my visiting my daddy since he will be 92 July 31, 2008. I just came back from IL. The weather was horrendous for 3 of the 6 days I was visiting. We managed to go out twice for a waffle (his favorite) during the good weather days. He has a great sense of humor. I can see the slowing down of his pace and his demeanor though. I will go back in October (my usual visit time).

My girlfriend, since 3rd grade, Jeanine, timed her visit to IL at the same time (as she had last October). This is such a treat. Before last October we had not seen each other for years. As we both plan to visit every six months, we will continue to enjoy some of the good things about our hometown (Steak & Shake) that we loved and most importantly each other.

My girlfriend and her husband (Dixie & Ben), I have known since the early 1980s when my husband was still alive and we got together as couples. Ben, Dixie and I have a good time and enjoy each other. Since I rent a car when I go up for the visit, there is no time line imposition and it is a more comfortable atmosphere. These are two of the most understanding and loving people.

My sister Bonnie. What fun we have. We run around together, shop, show each other great things from our experiences and share our thoughts on life. Because we are sisters, we understand each other and can enjoy each other in different ways than any one can. I am so blessed with this endearing relationship.

I have pictures and want to tell you about the doll class -- which was a wonderful and fulfilling experience in many ways with Patti Culea.

Till next time,
Jan

New Doll Classes

Hi,
Since I have been able to read, I have been inspired to begin writing again. The words and characters pour out of me. I have no choice but to write all of it down. My grandson is anxious for each new installment.

This does not take the place of my dolls. I am anxiously looking forward to Patti Medaris Culea's class the first weekend in April. Also each Thursday in April I am taking a beginner's quilt class (table runner) so that I know what my quilt friends are talking about.

Daddy is doing great. He still goes out for 'waffles,' his favorite food group. He walks 2-3 miles a day, down a bit, but he will be 92 the end of July. I need to be doing that good at my age.

Next week is Barrett-Jackson auction. I will be going with my friend and her family. One great show, the antique cars bring back memories and the auction is exciting.

April will be busy and I look forward to making more dolls and writing my new book.

Be well and thank you,

Jan

A New Year

Hi,
I began my New Year with cataract surgery. After I got home I thought someone had painted my living room. No way had I lived with this horrible color all these years (the living room is in the center of the condo and very dark . . . a 60w bulb does not light it, by the time I had a 100w bulb my vision was dim and I naturally thought it was beige). Go figure, surgery took the shadows out of my eye.

I have finished all 5 'cat' dolls. I have a family of them now and a new boy and a girl in town ready to pounce -- which will give Frankie and Jazzy's mom and dad grief. They will be up on the website soon.

I am unable to read as of yet, so my next project will have to be something I am familiar with enough that I don't need to study it. I was so anxious to get back to dolls, I took up knitting those easy dish cloths after the 3rd day. . .those are pretty simple. I made 4 in two days. My eye was not ready for it, but whatever.

It appears that if the vision doesn't improve the doctor will have to 'snip' the stitch. . .that sounds gruesome. The operation didn't hurt, so I guess. . . . .

Have a great new year in 2008 and may all your projects be completed and your dreams become reality.

Thank you,
Jan