Thank you!

This years anniversary give-aways has come to the final week and we have the last of our winners drawn.
Ms.Mae Ward will be recieving my "Irish Lassie"

And the other lucky winners will be recieving their treasures from the following fabulous artisans!

Bonnie (Salt Fork Ridge)

Sally Case (Peanut)

April Harres (Magpienest)

Linda Cline (crabbygabby)

Liz Dickerson (Blondie)

Carolyn Jenks (momma's goodies)

Many thanks to all who participated by signing up, and everyone who visits and supports all dollmakers/Artisan, by buying our handcrafted creations,you all are the reason we love what we do, and why we always have to try to be better doll artists.
Thank You!
Blessings,Flora

Bears 1~2~3

I'm lost in the woods
and all a lone!
I'm hungry and thirsty
and far from home!
I've come upon an
empty house.
I enter it quietly
as a mouse.
My thirst I quench,
my belly now fed.
I need a place to
lay my head.
Roused from my slumber
I do see!
BEARS! 1~2~3!
All after me!!!
by Flora Thompson

It's that time once more to submit my April doll offering into "The Humble Arts",so I decided to make this sweet Goldilocks and These adorable 3 Bears. The poem is an original.

This is a pattern that I designed from a drawing I did last year.

Where are my arms?



Hung out to dry?




Does anybody know a good hair dresser? I actually gave her two different hair colors that's what gives it the subtle highlights.I'm very please with the outcome.


all together at last!
Please be sure to go see all the lovely creations starting monday.
Blessings,flora

The new winners are....

It's that time again, new Doorprize Winners for The Humble Arts were drawn today!
Ginny Soper receives from Annie of Chickadee Primitives and Janet Silloway receives from JoJo of JoJoCrow Primitives, CONGRATULATIONS LADIES !!!! We still have more prizes so keep checking back to see who the new winners are next week!
Blessings,Flora

TO EVERYONE...

Blessings,Flora

An old tradition...

I love to make baskets for my children and I do them for almost all the holidays. I've been doing them for over 30 yrs and counting. The three baskets pictured above are for my twin grandsons first Easter and for my 12 yr old, possibly his last.
The tradition started out of a desire to let my first child feel special on Easter morning , not that she wasn't feeling the love. I just wanted her to have that Christmas morning kinda excitement when you opened your stockings and allsorts of goodies come tumbling out.
As a child we never knew we were poor, everyone in our neighborhood was in the same boat, so it was the way it was and no one I knew ever got Easter baskets. I may not have been able to afford them then and being on a tight budget I still could not afford the beautiful, but way too expensive, ones in the boutiques. But it didn't stop me from making my own.
Oh how I loved to see them run to open the baskets before church and each one had to have their pic's taken with their new clothes and basket. Homemade Easter baskets, were always something they looked forward to and I did spoil them with very elaborate ones, so much so that even my oldest continued to get them from me way past the time that she should have...because I knew she loved them so.
With grandchildren here and another on the way, there really is no reason to stop, although my husband would dispute that...lol!
An so an old tradition continues.
blessings,Flora

Aphorism...

A brief saying embodying a moral, a concise statement of a principle or precept given in pointed words.
Ernest Hemingway was bet $10 that he couldn't sum up his life in six words. He won that bet when he wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn."
The wonderfully talented Cookie of Curds-and-Whey and "sister" at The Humble Arts has tagged me to do this very thing about my life.
I wasn't too sure if I wanted to do this six word memoir, how on earth could I do this ..in six words...how could anyone? but the more I thought about it, the more I just new I had to do it. Maybe : Always a bridesmaid never a bride? ...nah! But pretty darn close! Slowly it came to me, very simply I am a...

FEMALE OFFSPRING,SOMEONES BELOVED,BLESSED GRANDMOTHER

To the point and precise, enough said.

Now the rules are:
1. Write your own six word memoir
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like
3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4. Tag five more blogs with links
5.Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

These are the taggies:
1) Annie-Chickadee Primitives
2) Lone-dddfavoritter
3) Sandra-Babycakes Designs
4) Rebecca-MillerCampbellDesigns
5) Deb-The Laughing Doll
What, I wonder, will they choose for their Aphorism?

Blessing and Have a Beautiful Easter,Flora

My Story

My son Walker at about 7 and his new puppy.

I have been tagged by the lovely Lorraine of PieCaKe PRiMiTives,
I'm supposed to tell you how my blog name came to be then tag 4 other people to do the same. I've blogged it before but for those who don't know....
I love to decorate for halloween, I say it's for my kids but I really do it just as much for myself. My son Walker, started realizing what the holidays were when he was around 3 or 4. As I put up the finishing touches for halloween, a skull with flashing red eyes,that was both sound and motion activated, and my newest favorite decoration. Once activated it was a never ending cycle of demonic laughter with clacking jaws, while it bobbed up and down as it pierced you with it's blinking red eyes!I asked him what he thought.
In a small voice he said " I like ebbyting but dat bonehead ober dare!" How adorable is that?,so when it came time to finding a name it was a nobrainer...hmmm bonehead/nobrainer?....And that's how Bone*Head*Studios came to be, well that's my story.
These are the new "taggies"
Cookie~ Curds and Whey
Courtney~ Momma's Goodies
Karin~ CountryFolkKeepsakes
Pam~ Soft In The Head

blessings,Flora

We will never pass this way again

My sweet munchkins are already 5 mo.old,I can't believe it! They are so very handsome in their new Easter outfits and they look like such little gentlemen in this pic.
They got a taste of their first real food a couple of days ago, cereal...so many "firsts" already reached and crossed . In the blink of an eye it'll be old hat, along with every other milestone they will soon cross.
Time...it used to go so achingly slow...now gone in an instant and most of the time I can't remember what day it is anymore. I wake up and it's Friday again!!!...
Which is good I guess, but sometimes it's scarey, maybe because there is no turning back.
It's like the line in the old Seals & Crofts song " We may never pass this way again ".....
Blessings,Flora

Whoa Nellie

I made this sad little dolly " Nellie " quite a while ago, she was my first "prim" doll and my last!...sigh! I'm not sure how to do the prim thing. I was going for that look when I made "Bettina", she was made for a " Friends Swap" in one of my groups, she has a new home in Australia,with my friend Shagsy.

Isn't Shagsy just beautiful? and she hates having her pic's taken!..go figure!!!
(she's gonna kill me..hehehe!)
My Nellie sat on a shelf so forlorn and sad,so I decided to give her some "new" clothes,(You know how we women love new clothes!) I think she has some new self confidence too...unfortunately she still looks sad as she offers her only possesion, an "old" and stained flower, on which a ladybug has landed.
We were both excited and thought she would be going to a nice new home too but looks like I'll have to say...Whoa Nellie...for just a little while longer.
Blessings,Flora

So sorry

I've been remiss,a friend of mine Terri Aden of Primcreek tagged me and I didn't see it on her blog, I'm sorry Terri,I was to list 6 non-important things about me.
I think I'm too late but I'm gonna do it anyway, after all they are non-important.
Ok let me think...uh-oh send for the fire trucks!...
1)I HATE Texas heat!!! with a passion, I always say I'm gonna move to a state with a cooler climate..I still want too.
2)I learned how to drive fairly late, everybody was learning around 16 yrs of age
and I didn't learn until I was in my early 20's
3)I'm VERY scared of creepy crawlers..especially those big nasty ugly tree roaches,
I almost overturned a canoe I was in when we got too close to a tree with huge tree spiders!!!..UGH...Shivers!!!
4)I love the smell of fresh mowed grass, such a clean clean scent!
5)I can't hold my liquor, 1/2 a glass of any mixed drink (I can't stand the taste of it, so it has to be mixed) and I'm three sheets to the wind!!!
6)I LOVE comfort food, especially casseroles with some kinda cheese in it....YUM!!!!
How'd I do Terri? I'm so sorry for not catching it sooner!
Blessings,Flora

And the winners are ...

The lucky 2 winners of this weeks doorprizes for "The Humble Arts " are Angela Prince-Bex, she will be recieving her lovely prize from Doreen of Vermont Harvest

And Judith Fox will be recieving my sweet Irish gourd " Kiss Me I'm Irish "
Thank you Ms. Judith!
!!!!Congratulations Winners!!!!! Many thanks for all those that signed up, there are still more lovely prizes waiting, including another one of my "Irish gourds"!
Blessings,Flora

Tickle your fancy

I have to tell ya these little peat pots are so sweet and fun to make, if you are interested in purchasing anyone of them it's not too late for Easter, email me and I'll send you an invoice for paypal, I also take postal money orders.
They're sure to tickle your fancy.
Blessings,Flora

Inspiring Artisans

My sweet friend Annette of Huckleberryarts has given me the "You Make My Day Award". Thank you Annette, so I have the opportunity to give it out once more too!
I chose:
1) Shagsy - Prims Downunder
2) Kim - Calamity Kim
3) Katie - Punkindoodleboo
4) Wendy - Whendi's Bears
5) Mithua - Craftswithcare
6) Jackie - Plain-n-Simple
7) Doreen - Vermont Harvest Primitives
8) Pam - Soft in the head
9) April - Folky Art
10) Dawn - Odd Fae and Autumnthings

These very talented people get me motivated to better myself as an artist, all I have to do is take one look at their beautiful creations and the creative juices start flowing, that's why they are my choice for this "You Make My Day" award and as "Inspiring Artisans".
Blessings,Flora

Easter Confections

Isn't it amazing how something so plain as the peatpot, with a little work and imagination, can be transformed into something so totally different and unique?



With only a coat of gesso and paint they begin their transformation.



Little trims and whatnots can add so much to the process.



A little bit of glitter and oh how they sparkle!



Some bits of flowers and ribbons and bows, don't forget to add something extra



Handmade of course!



And the transformation is complete....



"Easter confections" will be sold at "The Humble Arts" in a few days, for more photos and information please click on the link.
Blessings,Flora
( Thank you Steph for the idea )

Dreary Monday and Halloween dollies

Woke up late this morning to a dreary Monday with drizzling cold rain...a signal of change in the air...the weather changes everytime it rains here anymore.
The saying "wait a few minutes and it will change" in reference to the weather here is usually true.
I really don't mind it, of course I get to stay home, so I can say that..lol! But I've always loved the rain, everything about it, especially the scent just before a down pour and right afterwards while it's still fresh.
I've had my share of scarey moments when driving in it though. I remember driving on a cloudy ominous day that suddenly turned pitch black with hail dropping hard and fast. And me in the middle of the freeway with all the other cars, nobody drives with a lick of sense when it rains, me included...we are all accidents waiting to happen!
"There but for the grace of God", so you say a little prayer for yourself and the other drivers,then cautiously drive on.
The one bright spot of the day is that I recieved a package from Australia YAY!!!
It was my swap doll from my friend Shagsy/Sharon and they are "gorgeous" as she likes to say, Truly!( And she's TOTALLY in love with "George Micheal", Yes she knows he's gay, but hope springs eternal,!)
I do so love Halloween and all things Halloween, so take a look at what she made for me.







Aren't they wonderful,the last pic is of all my doll swap dolls together, love them all, This way they won't be so lonely.
I guess it's not such a dreary Monday afterall not with my new Halloween dollies!
Blessings,Flora

The Lucky Winner

We have a winner!!!..er two...the first lucky winner ( I feel kinda like Bob Barker from "The Price is Right", except I don't get to say COME ON DOWN...)
Susan Saint-Leaves, you will recieve your gift from the wonderfully talented Cookie of Curds and Whey!
The second lucky winner is : Mandie Lancaster, you will be recieving your gift from the equally talented Stacey of Tattered 'n Torn Prims!
Congratulations ladies! More to come next sunday, so keep an eye out, cause next time you might be the lucky winner!
blessings,Flora

DUH

Ok I know I'm "Challenged", in many things, but it really is starting to be a GREAT pain in my behind!!!! Just when I think I got it I go and have a DUH! moment..too many actually!...I tried to add all my new friends blogs and wound up deleting them all!!!!.... Migraine coming.....!
So now I have been frantically adding all my old friends back and...old age again...
I'm adding them double and forgetting others, what if they came to visit right now and their blogs aren't here, I don't want to offend them in anyway!!!!! Take a deep breath and slow down Flora!!!!
Well I'm sure I'll be here for a "little" while longer than I expected...hahaha, just a little while?...Not!...DUH!!!



To everyone who visited and didn't see their blog here I'm so sorry ,Please forgive me!
Blessings,Flora

Once more!

Looky, looky what I got! The fabulously talented Deb Wilkinson of The Laughing Doll, has given me another " You Make My Day " award!!! She's one of the ones I should have given the award to in the first place because man o man do I drool whenever I see her creations!!! Just one day to pick her brains is all I ask, well I'll have to be satisfied with looking and drooling!!!There are soooooo many inspiring people that I love to visit, but I think I'll bestow this award to these few;

1)Sharon: Greeneyez2 dolls and Folk art

2)Joann: Jojo Crow Primitives

3)Nina: Nina Mason Dolls

4)Nancy: Atticbaby's

5)Karin: Curds and Whey

6)Susan: Prim and Proper

7)Stephanie: Sunshine and Ravioli

8)Blondie: Vintage Prims

9) Heidi: Crabby Gabby Dolls

10)Sue: Rabbit Hollow Prims

My cup runneth over with joy! Thank you Deb for giving me this award once more.
Blessings,Flora

" Make My Day Award "

Ok I think I got it, my friend Lone Pierette gave me an award last night,now I'm suppose to give it to 10 other people who "Make My Day". That's easy, this is the hard part..hehehe! So I've chosen these artisans to give this "Make My Day" award to:

1) Rebecca : Miller Cambell Designs

2) Melisa: : Coppermouse

3) April : Aprils Folk Art

4) Annette : Huckleberry Arts

5) Lorraine : PieCake Primitives

6) Lily : French & Country Chic Gallery

7) Sherrie : Symple Tymes

8) Sharon : Mustard Seed Originals

9) Teresa : The Treadler

10) Dawn : Oddfae

I love to go take a "look see" at these wonderful artisans and their blogs, if you decide to go look see too then you will know why!
Blessings,Flora

Award

I've been given an award, by my sweet friend Lone Pierette! To have such sweet friends and to recieve an award from them, now how great is that? Thank you Lone!
I've been priviledged to know her from the "Vintage Cloth Dollmaking group" and the dolls she creates are simply gorgeous! Y'all need to go to her site and see the "Little Red Riding Hood" she has made, it's so lovely!
I think it's only a matter of time till I try my hand at making something like that!
Now I better go find out what I'm supposed to do with this award!
blessings,Flora

Proper Prim lady

There's nothing like getting new clothes to make a person...er doll,feel special!
We tried on another dress but blue checks looked down right hokey and tired on Miss Bettina. So we settled on this cute little brown number of vintage eyelet fabric and the fit was just perfect or so she says, mica on the wings and hearts added the extra touch that made it all go from drab to " Oh So Sparkly "!
Alas, we have no shoes to fit her " delicate" feeties, ( frankly I'm a bit relieved, can you imagine how hard it would have been to make a pair that would actually fit those clodhoppers?)
She especially loves the lightly scented "eau de toilet of coffee and cinnamon" cologne and promptly applied it " all parts " of her body!
She even put on a tiny bit of lip coloring and mica blush, cause we can't have a washed out looking face now can we?









I think I see a smile creeping in, and why not, she has the proper attire for a " Proper Prim lady " well at least she thinks so!
Blessings,

Bye Bailey

I sold my Bailey bear tonight and I'm sure she will be going to a great new home, Thank you very much Ms.Elizabeth T.
It's always hard to say goodbye even if the goodbyes are only to a doll.... I do need to get a life.



Bye Bailey

Hello Bettina

Trying to finish this doll, that should have been done long ago, but " the faster I go the behinder I get " she's a bit of an "odd duck" can that be possible for me ?..lol...I think she has possiblities, with a few minor changes that is, I do like the big nose and feet. Still her look is not so easy on the eyes as my "Bailey" is, she does have "character" though, kinda grumpy as if to say "Now what ?" I suppose once I add the extras she will be a bit more appealing, I used some minwax on her to give her a different look, but the odor sure is taking it's sweet time to dissipate, I'll have to place her outside for a while so it'll clear it up. In the mean time let's just say... Hello Bettina. Bettina, you can turn around now....she's just a little shy.....









Okay, now let's get working on some clothes! Anyway a proper lady should never be EXPOSED!
Blessings,Flora