~Vermont Harvest Folk Art by Doreen Frost~

~Re-create from the past...or forge your own path??~

2012-01-27T13:00:00.016-07:00

Good afternoon. Gracious, what an unpleasant bit of weather we've been having. It started yesterday afternoon as a wonderful snowfall, falling fast and heavy, it turned our previously brown world white in no time. When Mark and I headed off to bed around 9:30, we had three beautiful inches on the ground and it was still falling. This morning at 5:30 I went to the window, turned on the outside light and all that was left was an inch of snow covered in slush and a thick coating of ice!!! I'm not sure what's going on with our weather this Winter..but it stinks. It's quite odd and I am not enjoying it in the least!!!! COME ON SNOW......

It's suppose to look like this!!! The photo above is from January 24th...LAST YEAR!!!)

stupid jet stream anyhow...
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Anyway...back to the topic at hand....Creating from history..or making your own.

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently took a pattern design class. At the start of the class, we had to design a traditional bear so that we could see and learn how they should look if we choose to re-create traditional bears
~Young Winter Wolcott...A Traditional Teddy Bear~

and then we were asked to think outside the box and create something different..still a bear..but not in the traditional way..we needed to tweak it and make it our own.

~Mr. W.T. Wells...A Non-traditional Bear~

I love both of these guys, but I especially love the little green fellow above..he isn't a traditionally shaped bear..but I LOVE his somewhat silly shape..his too big head and skinny limbs..chubby tummy :) It's funny, just when you think you are a completely traditional person, you find out, it's not such a huge part of who you are.

~Re-create from the past or forge your own path....I imagine it will always be a little bit of both~
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Since the design class I have been designing my little fingers off. I actually took the class because I wanted to branch out past bears and start creating other animals..

cats in particular, I was having a devil of a time trying to figure out the nose, head gusset and the correct paws...thankfully, because of this class..I now know how to figure all that stuff out!!!
~Cat & Mouse...:)...my new cat ...having a little visit with a mouse moppet~

That being said...it's still a challenge for me and I am sure it will be quite some time before I am able to design something without having to redo it fifteen times..which is what I've been doing all week...but until then, I am having a lot of fun learning as I go and sketching these nasty, icy, cold, rainy winter days away.

Now I must run as it's time to get dinner going. Baked ham, cheddar mashed potatoes, popovers and carrots are on the menu this evening.

ps..they say this rain is due to change back to snow this evening..IT BETTER!!!

Wishing you a great day ;~)
doreen

~Lesson's Learned~

2012-01-17T04:47:00.009-07:00

"I choose…to live by choice, not by chance. To make changes, not excuses. To be motivated, not manipulated. To be useful, not used. To excel, not compete. I choose self-esteem, not self pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice. Not the random opinion of others".....Author unknown.

Good morning. Tuesday has dawned stormy here in Vermont, with an inch of new snow having fallen overnight & yet another crazy winter storm on the way. It seems we can not have a storm this winter without the dreaded mixture of snow, sleet and freezing rain. It has certainly been a strange Winter... well, weather wise anyway...... home and business wise....it's been wonderful....

On the home front...

*Jenna & Ben are engaged!!!!! We are SO happy for them and I can not tell you how excited I am to fly out there for our first trip to look at wedding dresses!!!*
&
*Kurt headed back to Paul Smith's College on Sunday and yesterday he started his very last semester ..he will be graduating in May!!!* Yesterday he sent me a text, in the afternoon after classes were over, and he was headed up Whiteface Mtn on the gondola for his first skiing since last winter...he was in heaven.

And...business wise....

*On Sunday I finished my pattern design class. I am so happy and pleased with having taken this class....it was a LOT of work and quite challenging..(especially in the time frame which we were given..which seemed a bit short for the work involved)... but I am so thankful for the lesson's learned in this class. I feel empowered and very well equipped to move forward with my designs. Everything seems so clear and makes so much sense to me now.

Teddy bears (and other animal moppets) are challenging..there are gussets and paw pads involved..basting and seam allowances that matter. All these things need to be considered when designing them and you really need to have a good foundation of knowledge or they are just going to look wonky!!! Which sometimes is a good thing..but sometimes is isn't..if that's not the look you are going for :)

I also just received my first three grades for my "Writing Short Stories For Children" class...92%, 100% & 100% :)I can not tell you how GOOD that feels!!!

With my work schedule, class schedule and family life...things have been busy and keeping up with everything has, at times, been a bit challenging....

thankfully, Mark has taken over quite a bit of the cooking..he's mastered spaghetti and meatballs this week, which are simmering in the crock pot as we speak...they smell fantastic. It seems we are all learning here in the Frost's household :)

I'm off now to pack & ship three orders that must go out today and then it's back to moppet making for this weekends web show. Wishing you a joy filled day.

Doreen

~Welcome 2012...a Year of Exciting Things ~

2012-01-02T08:31:00.012-07:00

Good day to you. I hope this second day of the New Year finds you well and rested after a busy Holiday Season. Indeed, it does find me this way....happily sipping a cup of cocoa, house tidy, fire tended, bird feeders filled, pea soup simmering on the stove, bear pieces and parts scattered about on my work table.

I am feeling so inspired, recharged and happy after taking some much needed time off during the Christmas & New Years Holidays. Our holidays were just WONDERFUL... spent with those that are most important..our family and friends. Now..the house is quiet once again..Mark is back to work...Jenna flew back home to Oregon yesterday :( Kurt is visiting with friends..and I am back in the studio full time.

Truthfully....even though my website's "closed for vacation" sign was up...I was still working.....I sketched several new creations, wrote a 2012 business plan, started a couple of short stories and took care of all the "behind the scene's" stuff that I hadn't had a moment for over the past three months of crazy busy work.

One EXTREMELY exciting thing that took place while I was on "vacation"....I was interviewed by Romantic Prairie Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!
I was one of the artist interviewed for their "Modern Pioneer's" Story..I can not tell you how exciting and unbelievably honored I am...Imagine..me..a modern pioneer!!!!

Another exciting thing I took care of while on "vacation"..I registered for a pattern design class.
I am so excited about this class!! I obviously know the basics of pattern design.. ...but I want to really branch out, get more realistic with my bears as well as perhaps get a little "out there" with them and this class will teach me how to do that.

I've realized (and I may have said this before)..but I think I am one of those "forever students" I LOVE taking classes..currently I have this new class starting January 5th as well as three creative writing classes...lol...this could perhaps be the reason I fall into bed exhausted each night..but..I've never been so happy, content or excited in my life..so it must be the right thing.

These wee moppets...they're making my dreams come true!

I'm off now to get back to work on a sweet bear who refused to wait until I was back from Vacation....He insisted on me sneaking away when I had a free moment and working on him..another thing he's insisting upon...he wishes to be green..I'm not sure why yet..but he assured me he has a plan...

I think it has something to do with this wonderful brushed flannel fabric...this was a Christmas gift from my sweet girl..isn't it lovely. The bears and I have festive plans for it!

In closing...I wish for you in 2012...a year of wonder, good fortune, peace, harmony, laughter and joy.

Until next time, Doreen

~Merry Christmas~

2011-12-24T05:45:00.003-07:00

~Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart… filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever.

- Bess Streeter Aldrich ~

~WISHING you all A Merry Christmas. May the Joys of the season fill your heart with goodwill and cheer.

Much love and happiness to all of you.

Hugs, Doreen~

~Packages, Boxes, Bows & Baking~

2011-12-14T07:29:00.019-07:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale.

Good morning. It is rather dark and gloomy here in Vermont as a nasty wintry mix makes it way into our sleepy little town. I love these cloudy days, everything seems so cozy and lovely. These last couple of months have been a whirlwind for me but I have finally found my way to the bottom of my order pile. I am sooo happy to say....Yesterday, I took the last of my orders to the post office!!!! Gosh what a good feeling that is! Jackie, our postmaster commented, "my God, you've brought more packages in here in the last few weeks than the entire town has."...lol. It has been a busy season to be sure and I have enjoyed every single second of it..but I must say, I am, most definitely, looking forward to hanging up my "On Vacation" Sign. :) ~I do have a little something special I am working on....but more on that tomorrow.

To my utter shock and amazement...I have actually managed to finish all most all of my Christmas shopping (Mark and I will be completely finishing it on Sunday) AND..last weekend we trudged out into the snow and cut our Christmas tree and decorated the outside of the house.

I have ALWAYS...ALWAYS...ALWAYS wanted to have a wreath on all of our front windows and this year we finally did it. I absolutely LOVE the ribbon on these wreaths..I think my sister and I took a half hour pouring over all the ribbons they had (Browns in Castelton, VT) and then I found this one..it's flannel!!!! I LOVE it.

After hanging these wreaths last Saturday morning, Mark and I got to chatting and we have decided to paint the blue trim mossy green!!! How great will that look..especially at Christmas!

I have also been making holiday gifts for our family and friends.

:) This one I made for my sister's Birthday..which was yesterday..I just love that Santa image!

Okay...I must run but before I go..I promised my FB friends that I would share my Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread recipe....they are scrumptious..I am actually eating one at the moment as I just made a fresh batch yesterday.

Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread
(From Better Homes & Gardens Ultimate Cookie Book)

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Orange glaze (recipe follows)

*Preheat your oven to 325*

In medium mixing bowl, beat butter on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in sugar and orange peel, until completely combined. Beat in flour until crumbly.

Stir in chocolate chips, pressing the dough together until smooth. If the dough is just too crumbly to pat together, try putting it in the fridge for a few minutes. Pat dough into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 25 - 30 minute until bottom is just beginning to brown and the center of the cookie is set. Cool on wire rack.

Make your glaze;

Orange Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter, softened

1 tablespoon orange juice

Whisk together powdered sugar, butter, and orange juice. If necessary, stir in extra juice, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Spread glaze over cooled shortbread. Let the glaze stand for about 30 minutes, until set. Cut lengthwise, then crosswise, making 24 rectangles.

Enjoy!

Wishing you a wonderful day. :~)Doreen

~Brown Paper Packages Holiday Booklet & A Yuletide Merriment~

2011-12-05T04:06:00.022-07:00

Good day to you. Tis a cold December Monday here in Vermont as I sip my coffee, enjoy a cozy fire and a bit of blog writing..which I am so very far behind with.... I would report what is happening outside my window however, it is still dark, so I've no idea what might be taking place out there in the chilly darkness of the morning. I am hoping the birds are waking and preparing to visit the feeders and the deer are on their way to the apple tree which they have been visiting daily as of late.
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I wanted to share a few things with all of you......

Brown Paper Packages

~A Collection Of Original Short Stories, Patterns, Recipes, Traditions & Thoughts For An Olde Fashioned Holiday~

I am so excited about this booklet.

Inside you will find three original short stories written expressly for the book, two new patterns, three of my favorite holiday recipes and two tutorials. You will also find quotes, musings & traditions as well as simple, heartfelt, homemade gift giving and decorating ideas.

(I was VERY excited about including Miss Winter in the booklet..I have received so MANY request for her pattern and for the finished doll and decided it was time to share her with all of you)

I had SO much fun creating this ..deciding what recipes to share, incorporating the stories with the recipes and patterns so everything blended and it had an overall theme to it. The response to this booklet has been amazing. I am so very grateful to all of you for being interested in my writing and work and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it for all of you.

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~A Yuletide Merriment~
~Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for another amazing web show~ All finished pieces have been sold :)~

~Young Winter Warren~

~Merry Morgan~

~Wondering Wilder~

I had originally set out to make more traditionally colored creations for this show (red, brown & deep green) the moppets however had other plans..It's my own fault...I should have never shown them the box of vintage mercury glass ornaments!!!Well, I've chatted so long that dawn has now arrived..pink skied and cold...oh I do so hope those pink skies mean snow is on the way..I'm growing impatient for it.

I'm off now to try out a new cinnamon bread recipe and then I've booklets and moppets to pack and ship. Wishing you a very lovely and cozy December day.

♥doreen

~Tis Thanksgiving~

2011-11-24T04:07:00.002-07:00

~For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Wishing You & Yours A Day Filled With Love, Laughter & Joy.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

Love Doreen

~A Smidge Of A Re-schedule~

2011-11-22T13:58:00.011-07:00

Good afternoon. Tis a cold one here in Vermont with a possible big snow storm on the way..I say possible because depending on which forecast you listen to...it may be a big snow maker or it may not..can you guess which one I am hoping for? Currently I have a cozy fire going, although Mr. Woodstove has been hassling me today..something that always happens when a storm is on the way...the drop in barometric pressure causes the stove to back-draft and puff rude bits of smoke now and again if you are not careful how you place the wood inside him! He is a temperamental little fellow though well worth his moody disposition. I've a small ham baking in the oven, glazed with maple syrup, clove and orange juice, which is lending itself to our delightful coziness.
Now, on to the reason for this post, I wanted to let you all know that due to a large volume of orders that has been filling my inbox these past three days, I find myself in need of rescheduling my next website offering.

~Brown Paper Packages~
Will now be available on Thursday, December 1st at 9:00 am.

These new orders alone would have made it extremely difficult, add to that mixture Thanksgiving and Kurt home on break and it becomes impossible. This project is very important to me, it is something close to my heart & I realized this morning that if things are rushed & I am unable to give it my full attention to make sure everything is perfect, it would not be what I want it to be. Therefore, I have decided to wait and offer it on December 1st. Which I probably should have done in the first place as, really..... isn't that the proper start to Christmas.

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I'm off now to work on this pile of orders and stuff a bear belly :) If you would be so kind....please keep your fingers crossed for us that we have all snow tonight and none of that pesky sleet and freezing rain!

Wishing you a delightful evening...Doreen

~Over The River & Through The Woods

2011-11-17T11:49:00.014-07:00

Good afternoon. Gracious, it is rather nippy outside...damp, windy and raw! I was outside taking some photo's for the Yuletide project I am working on and my fingers froze! I could not wait to get back inside, put on my new slippers (what it is about a new pair of slippers that is sooo wonderful)

and fix myself a nice, hot creamy cup of cocoa... I am enjoying both..the slippers and the cocoa right now.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next THURSDAY.... mmm...I can already taste those delectable delights!!! Goodness, how I love this time of year! The fire is now going 24 hours a day, my favorite pine candles are lit and you just never know when you will glance out the window & see snow gently falling from the sky. As usual, along with the hustle and bustle of filling orders and working on my yuletide project I have been gathering my recipes, scouring through my cook books for something new I might like to try, writing menu's and lists galore and preparing for the big day. It will be a bit different this year as Jenna will not be here :(..but we will be happy and thankful for those that are with us...

and be oh SO excited when she arrives for Christmas. We just purchased her plane ticket the other day!!! I can NOT wait to see her!!

Speaking of my Yuletide project..which will be available on my Website beginning November 26th (fingers crossed and prayers said that everything goes as planned)
I have been having SOOO much fun working on this. Besides the typical creating...It also involves a lot of writing, organizing and careful thinking to make sure everything comes together correctly and I am really loving everything it involves. I really hope it will be something that you will enjoy and not be a big fat flop...lol.

So anyway..back to wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving...will you be going over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house..or will you be staying home and cooking.

We do both actually...We have lunch at Mark's parents..dinner at my parents and then on Friday, I make a turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes so that we have a house full of leftovers to enjoy. Also on Friday I am having the girls over for an afternoon get together. I read a book recently (The Quilters Holiday by Jennifer Chiaverini) where a quilting group gathers on black Friday...skipping the frantic hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers... and spends the day stitching. Each guest has to bring a dish they have prepared using Thanksgiving leftovers.. it has to be a new dish..made from the leftovers..not something simply leftover from Thanksgiving...and a quilting project they are working on FOR Christmas. Doesn't that sound fun! Well, I am doing my own version of this. There will be six of us and we will all bring a hand made project we are working on for Christmas and a dish we've made from Thanksgiving leftovers (I have no idea what I am making yet). We will sit by the fire, perhaps while snow falls gently outside (fingers crossed) work on our projects and enjoy a delicious meal, each others company and a bit of mulled wine :) I am looking very forward to it.

Ok, I hate to run, but I must get back to work as there is much left to do before this day is done.

Wishing you a beautiful day. :)D

~As Winter Begins~

2011-11-06T13:16:00.010-07:00

Greetings. Tis sunny and cold here in Vermont today. I was hoping for a few snowflakes but Mother Nature did not cooperate. Oh well, no matter, snowflakes will be flying once again in no time. Today I have been busy uploading photo's, writing description, sending my newsletter and now writing this blog post......I have literally been sitting at this computer since 9:30 this morning..whew am I tired....but happy. I am so very pleased with the amount of creations I am offering at today's web show..which begins at 4pm on My Website.

Mrs. Orwell is finally finished....gosh I love how she came out..she was a stubborn gal, as you know, and refused to be anything but what she wanted to be!!
Young Bloomfield....with his wee rabbit friends.

~Wee Winhall with his vintage sleigh bell and wooden block~

Young Strafford also with a vintage sleigh bell and wooden block.....

And speaking of wooden blocks...

I created these wooden blocks as accompaniments to my moppets but I just love how they came out so I am offering them on their own :)

~Waxed paper cone tree ornaments~
(In Medium and small)
And..several of my hand made cards. :)

I actually had several other things to offer...more cards and some beeswax offerings but the server keep freezing on me and I was running out of time so I decided to hold those until November 26th...when I will be offering my very special Holiday Offerings......I'm so excited.

Wishing you all a very wonderful day and if you have time, wont' you pop on over to My Website for...."As Winter Begins"

:)Hugs, doreen

~Merry Halloween~

2011-10-31T12:04:00.003-06:00

Good afternoon....(she said spookily) ;~). Tis an odd sort of Halloween in Vermont this year..we've snow on the ground..and not just a mere dusting....we have several inches. I can not ever recall having snow on the ground on Halloween. Now, you all know how I LOVE snow..but I must admit..it's quite unhalloweenish...when I think of Halloween..I think of swirling leaves, gusty winds..dark skies with a golden glowing moon....corn stalks rustling, jack-o-lanterns glowing, cats howling in the distance...dark forms of ghost and witch bedecked trick-or-treaters, dogs barking in the distance.....and maybe..just maybe snowflakes swirling in the air...

No matter...we shall enjoy ourselves nonetheless. I've beef stew in the crock pot, rolls rising and apple crisp cooling, the candy bowl is full and awaiting treaters and I have a large lovely pumpkin resting on the old wooden chest in the dining room (it needed a warm up after spending the last few days being snowed upon) which I shall carve later this afternoon whilst enjoying a mug of hot cider and a cozy fire.

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May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future’s veil and show
What fate now holds for you.

May those that love us, love us;
and those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
and if He doesn't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles
so we'll know them by their limping. - Old Irish Toast

I bid you good afternoon and wish for you a lovely and spooktacular Halloween.

~Butternut Squash Soup & Other Lovely Tidbits~

2011-10-24T06:26:00.014-06:00

Good day to you. Tis cold this morning! I do believe we have some foul weather coming our way as our sky was quite pink at daybreak. It was oddly quiet as well as I stood on the porch, bundled up against the cold in my flannel pajamas and wool sweater, enjoying my coffee. There was not a sound to be heard except for the river. I love being outside as daybreak arrives..., I'm not out there for long, just long enough for a few sips of coffee and to take in the sights and sounds of the changing landscape as we go from dark to light....night to day. I especially love it when snow is falling and the world is so quiet you can actually hear those soft flakes hitting the ground. I was just looking at our weather forecast for this week and they said "snow likely" overnight on Thursday...yippee!!! I very much love this time of year..Fall is one of my favorite seasons but Winter...that is who I am...I can not wait for SNOW! I love the anticipation that the changing of seasons brings. I do believe, going from one thing to the next, is a big part of who I am. I love to watch the sun rise...I love to be outside when dusk arrives..I love the changing of season..I love the start of new things..taking classes, learning new things, trying something new..ordering new supplies sends me directly to heaven!!! I guess I am not one of those people who does not like change...apparently I embrace it and I never realized it until right now as I was writing this... See how great writing is..you learn new things about yourself all the time.

Anyway, goodness I seem to be rambling today, speaking of all these changes and such..have you begun your Yuletide creations yet? I have officially moved from pumpkins, witches and the like to Christmas and I could not be happier!

I have been watching Holiday movies as I create and even listening to a bit of Christmas music :). All of it has really helped to inspire my work as I busily create for my next web show~"As Winter Begins".

I am actually doing quite well, save for the pesky owl I spoke of in an earlier post and who's behind you see below....

(doesn't he just have the cutest behind!!!) He is still not cooperating with his facial details..I really think I am going to have to make a separate head and attach it to him....I think that may be the problem..it's either that..or I'll skip his face and just have him shown from behind...;)

I also have three bears in the works..one is a large honey brown fello that is pictured above and the other two are smaller and were not quite ready for photo's yet.... I ordered supplies (♥♥♥) the other day to create handmade accompaniments for my bears..I can not wait until they arrive and I can start working on them!!!

I also picked up this wonderful creamy white, wool flannel blanket at a thrift shop the other day that I plan on finding a use for.

I have also been working on a few more greeting cards and will be offering them at my next Web Show..I've been hoping to do this for a while now and am finally getting around to it.
And...lastly on the studio front..I have a big project in the works..it's something that I have been hoping to do, literally, for years now and I am finally doing it. I am not going to say anything more about it other than, it is Yuletide themed, combines several of my passions and I think (and hope) will be very well received. :)

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And finally...(geesh, I did not expect this post be so long winded)....I wanted to share this wonderful soup recipe that I made the other day..OH MY GOODNESS..it was wonderful. I've actually never cared for root vegetables however, this year I am loving them. It's funny how our taste change over the years isn't it.

Butternut Squash Soup
(Adapted from The Italian Dish Blog)

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage (about 3 leaves)
2 to 2-1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes
1/8 cup vermouth
4 cups chicken broth
4 ounces bacon, chopped
1/3 cup cream
salt and pepper
Instructions:
Melt the butter and olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion & sauté until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic & sage and sauté another minute. Add squash cubes and sauté 5 minutes. Add the vermouth & broth, cover and simmer on low for about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, fry the bacon until nicely crisped. Drain on paper towel.
Puree soup ( using an immersion blender, food processor regular blender) Return to the cook pot & stir in the cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Dish into nice big bowls and sprinkle the bacon on top. Enjoy! :)
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Let me know how you like it :)

wishing you a most wonderful week, doreen

~A Harvest Haunting & S'mores Cups....deeeelightful!!!~

2011-10-16T13:14:00.005-06:00

Good afternoon. Just a quick note to all of you to let you know that A Harvest Haunting is now taking place on My Website. Won't you stop by if you have a moment. Young Hubbardton Harvest would love to meet you.

I do apologize for this post being so very short...however, before I go..I wanted to share this recipe with you..I found it last week and OH MY GOODNESS..they are delightful!!!

S'more Cups

7 whole graham crackers (1 cup finely crushed)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
4 bars (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate candy, divided

12 large marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place graham crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Finely crush into crumbs. Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter in a small bowl.
Place 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture in each cup of a mini muffin pan. Press crumbs to form shallow cups. Bake 4-5 minutes or until edges are bubbling. Meanwhile, break two of the candy bars into rectangles. Remove pan from oven; place one rectangle into each cup.
Cut marshmallows in half crosswise using shears dipped in cold water. Place one marshmallow half, cut-side down, into each cup. Return to oven 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are slightly softened. Remove pans from oven to cooling rack; cool 15 minutes. Carefully remove cups from pan. Cool completely.
Break remaining candy bars and place in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 20 seconds. Dip the top of each marshmallow in melted chocolate. Turn top-side up and let stand 40 to 60 minutes or until set. Makes 24 cups.

Wishing you a very lovely afternoon. Hugs, D

~Whooo Knew....~

2011-10-14T06:20:00.008-06:00

.....owls were so Persnickety.

Sir Hoot or (Percy for short) has absolutely refused to participate in "A Harvest Haunting" (Sunday's Web Show). He does not wish to engage in Halloween activities, he feels they are juvenile and far to rudimentary for someone of his stature. He wishes to pause briefly and await his true calling......

....the "As Winter Begins" Web Show. In the beginning when Sir Hoot attempted to make me aware of this situation, I was against it and did my very best to persuade him to change his mind...however, after much insistence on his part, I came round to his desires. After all, how can I blame him.....being the Winter lover that I am! :)

Hopefully between now and the first week of November. snow flakes while swirl and twirl about... and inspire him to FINALLY chose his attire and accompaniments!

I should have known something was up when he insisted on being made from white wool.....my original notes, etc...had him brown with dark "spooky" accents...he would have NOTHING to do with it.............

Wishing you a wonderful day, doreen

~The Moppet's & I Have VERY Exciting News~

2011-10-12T07:24:00.009-06:00

Good morning.

This is SO exciting and truly still SO hard for me to believe that it is actually happening.

You see...my sweet and humble little Moppets will be appearing in a book....This wonderful book......

~The Romantic Prairie Cookbook~
Field-fresh recipes and homespun settings
by Fifi O'Neill

The very lovely & talented Fifi O'Neill contacted me a while back and asked if she might invite a few moppets into her home and feature them in her upcoming book ....after pinching myself to be sure I was not dreaming...We said YES..yes...yes!!! I am sure, I do not have to tell you that after I hung up the phone, there was much jumping for joy among the moppets and I!!!

I truly can not believe that I am going to be holding a Book in my hand...a book that can be purchase anywhere by anyone..that will have something I created in it!!!!!!!!!

So....

Mrs. Fairfield..featured in the photo at the top of this post (which was taken on location) is an example of the type of photo's that will appear in the book...isn't it just beautiful. I have actually seen the other photo's, but of course, I am not able to share those until the book is released....(ohhhh, such a hard thing to do) But I CAN tell you that they are absolutely stunning AND.... along with Mrs. Fairfield Mouse...my other moppets that will be appearing on the pages of this gorgeous book are......

~ Pawlet ~

~ Killington~
...And these vintage wool hearts. :)

(The five photo's above were taken by me..they a not the one's that will appear in the book)

I think it is especially wonderful that my moppets are appearing in a cookbook...given my love for cooking ..it just seems so perfect!

If you would like to read more about the book "Romantic Prairie Cookbook" & Fifi O'Neill as well as her other wonderful book, Romantic Prairie Homes, visit her website at CHEZ FIFI.

If you would like to pre order the "Romantic Prairie Cookbook" visit HERE.

Fifi and I have developed a friendship, she is such a sweet and wonderful lady. I can not thank her enough for giving The Moppets and I this wonderful opportunity.

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday..the wind is gusting here...causing the leaves to rain down from the trees and then swirl and gust about..I LOVE it.

:)Doreen

~Holiday Web Show Schedule ~

2011-10-10T08:12:00.007-06:00

Good day to you. Monday has dawned sunny and warm here in Vermont with gorgeous leaves floating gently to the ground on a gentle breeze. Yesterday was spent resting, relaxing, making notes, planning and getting organized for the upcoming holiday season...my favorite time of year! After Saturdays wonderful Open house..I am feeling so inspired and excited and I can not wait for next years.

As I am sure you noticed, I have posted my Holiday Web Show Schedule. :) The first web show, on October 16th will include remaining offerings from A Harvest Gathering Open House as well as some offerings that I had hoped to finish for the Open House but ran out of time.

I have an owl in the works that I am very excited about as well as a new Catchpenny home and possibly a mixed media collage piece. AND..I am very pleased to announce that I will be having web shows in November and December.....Oh..and number 4 in my Winter Series will be available during the November Web Show.

I'm off now to shower and head into the studio for the day. Wishing you a most wonderful and joyous Columbus Day.

ps..I just looked at the Farmers almanac 2011/2012 Winter forecast.....they are saying another old fashioned snowy winter for us!!!!! Woohooo!!!!

~It's Finally Here ...A Harvest Gathering Open House Is Tomorrow~

2011-10-07T14:17:00.003-06:00

Fall has indeed arrived here in Vermont..the air is crisp, the sun is shining, geese are flying high overhead, honking a greeting as they pass by, leaves float gently to the ground & then swirl about on an errant gust of wind. Mums and cornstalks decorate front porches, bales of hay appear along walkways, pumpkins don faces and smile as you pass by, apples turn a brilliant red and give off their fantastic scent.

Come enjoy the wonder of Fall at........

~A Harvest Gathering Open House ~

Vermont Harvest Folk Art by Doreen Frost

West Pawlet, VT

Saturday, October 8th Noon to 4pm

Fine Folk Art, Fare & Merriment

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Should you have any questions, need directions, etc...please visit my website or contact me at Doreen@vermontharvestfolkart.com.

Thank you and hope to see you tomorrow. :)
Doreen

~Fall Is Upon Us ~

2011-09-23T15:11:00.012-06:00

Come, little leaves, Said the wind one day; Come to the meadows With me and play. Put on your dresses Of red and gold; For summer is past, And the days grow cold. Soon as the leaves Heard the wind's loud call, Down they came fluttering, One and all. Over the meadows They danced and flew, All singing the soft Little songs they knew. Dancing and flying, The leaves went along, Til Winter called them To end their sweet song. Soon, fast asleep In their earthy beds, The snow lay a coverlet O'er their heads. ~ George Cooper
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Joyous Fall to you. September has positively flown by hasn't it. I can not get over how often these days I lose track of the hour, the day, etc.....exhausted though I may be.....I am having such a good time preparing for this Open House...Goodness, I hope I have a good turn out...I'm not expecting a huge crowd as it is my first one and I'm sure there will be glitches..but I am very excited!!!

~Hand crafted note cards, postcards and greeting cards, decoratively packaged with aged twine and early drieds.~

~The little witch looking in from the side is Mother Midnight, a fabric, wool stuffed cupboard tuck holding a grapevine and flax broom.~

I had a particularly lovely day today. I spent the day finishing my new waxed paper cones...aged paper dipped in blackened beeswax & filled with Sweet Annie, dried Sage & Rose Hips, while I was sitting on the living room floor surrounded by dried flowers and paper cones.....

I had our homegrown pumpkin roasting in the oven...mmm, goodness did it ever smell delightful in here. I have actually never roasted pumpkin before but we have a garden full of crook neck pumpkins, and I could not let them go to waste so..I did a bit of research and found out that these particular pumpkins are perfect for cooking as they only have seeds in the very bottom of the pumpkin....it was very easy...I guess I know what I will be doing daily for the next week or so.... :)I also roasted the seeds...YUM!!! Tasty and very good for you.

I think tomorrow morning I will make pumpkin bread.....

Wishing you a wonderful evening :) D

~Feeling SO Inspired...A Harvest Gathering Open House Preparations~

2011-09-12T14:18:00.012-06:00

(Paper pockets filled with wool...dried grass or dried herbs)

Good afternoon. It is an absolutely perfect pre-Fall day here in Vermont. A crisp breeze is blowing, the sun is shining, leaves are scattered about the lawn....dried and crisp...they crunch under your feet when you walk through them.. I have dough rising for sausage bread..and I am enjoying an afternoon cup of coffee. Goodness how I LOVE this time of year. We are having to close the windows at night now...on Saturday, Mark and his father spent the afternoon cleaning chimneys and preparing our wood stoves for their first fire of the season.........I was inside making beef stew and molasses cookies.....Yesterday, I bought apples for apple crisp.......I saw 22 turkeys on my walk this morning and their chatter can be heard coming from the woods throughout the day........

This time of year is so inspiring to me..I do enjoy Summer but it seems to zaps my creativity...BUT..when the smell of dried leaves starts floating through the air....(A wee brown bear)

a spark is lit inside me......it is as if when it's just about time to light a fire in the wood stove...a fire has been lit under my creativity and I can not create fast enough...papers float about with countless ideas...all anxiously awaiting to take shape...(Paper packets stacked and tied....)

Everything I see, hear or smell, sparks a new idea..I LOVE IT! I spring out of bed before the sun is even close to rising...something that never happens for me in the Summer, the house is tidy..a bit of baking has been done, the animals have been fed and I'm off for a walk by 7:30....it truly is a magical time of year for me. I think there is some sort of vitamin mixed in with(A sweet honey colored bear with his pumpkin)

the Fall breeze..perhaps it floats down with the dried leaves and upon breathing it in....it energizes.

(My favorite little one for the Open House thus far....a sweet little black bear cub)

I'm off now to continue working on my Open House inventory....I'm having so much fun and am so excited for it!!!

Wishing you a wonderful evening :)Doreen

Do It Anyway...............

2011-09-06T06:02:00.005-06:00

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. ~ "Mother Teresa"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning. Tis a rainy one here in Vermont which is the absolute last thing we need here.... Thankfully, the pump seems to be keeping things under control in the basement. I can see however, that the river across the road is, once again, ready to leave it's banks....I just can not imagine what this will do to our already extremely compromised ground......For everyone sake..please let this be a short lived hurricane season.

I've just finished picking up the house and am about to mix up a batch of pumpkin scones to pop in the oven to give the house a cozy warmth...but first, I thought I would pop in and share this quote with you. It's so simply put and so true...Mother Teresa....she was a wise and wonderful woman.

Wishing you a most wonderful day.
hugs, D

~Devastation in VT ..show preparations AND THEN...AN IDEA

2011-09-02T12:22:00.010-06:00

Good evening everyone. Thank you ALL so much for your emails, calls and messages!!! We are doing fine here in The Frost household...well, as fine as you can be when a hurricane ravages and devastates your state and causes it to look like a war zone. Our home fared unbelievably well (Our furnace is the only thing we think we've lost) compared to many that is as if we won the lottery. It's heartbreaking. Our county...Rutland County was one of the hardest hit and to drive around and look at your neighborhood this way is truly.....well..honestly...it's so hard to describe...there are no words. Friends and neighbors having lost so much..............argh...I ...well..I'm going to stop there....

Tomorrow I have a show and ...if it were not for the fact that I am on the committee that puts on this show..I would not be doing it. Honestly, it feels so unbelievably wrong to me..I feel like I should NOT be worried about doing something that will cause me to make money right now... I have really been struggling this week...I feel like we should not be worried about ourselves right now...that we should be out there, cleaning up, bringing supplies and helping our neighbors....BUT then..this morning an idea came into my head!

Each creation that I made for the show is now named after a Vermont town that was affected by Irene...each comes with it's own specially made tag..explaining it's name, details, etc and I will be donating a good portion of my proceeds to those affected by our flood. Now I feel at least a little bit better..and next week....I will be out there..helping those in need.

Have a good night and thank you all so very much for your concern and friendship.

~Bracing Ourselves~

2011-08-26T08:35:00.010-06:00

Things..they are a changing ..............Our storms grow more and more intense all the time.....this year we've had stronger thunder storms than ever with "tornado like" events happening more and more frequently. Just last Sunday we had a storm come through, it was a strong storm here, but on the other side of town it looks as if a bulldozer went through and ripped up anything in it's path. There is a flattened path through a field of corn that looks as if a tractor trailer drove right down the middle of it...tree's ripped out by the roots, tossed on houses, telephone poles ripped out of the ground..it's unbelievable and now comes Hurricane Irene!

A Hurricane has not targeted the Northeast in this manner in over a hundred years..they say this is going to be a catastrophic life changing event. I just looked on NOAA at our specific warnings and we are expect to have 4-7" of rain!!!!!! Truly..how does one process that....I was expecting hurricane force winds and heavy rain...but I see now...that was quite naive............

....I have spent the last two days and will continue to do so today, finishing all of my machine sewing so that when Hurricane Irene decides to force herself upon us on Sunday, I will still be able to work, albeit by candle light, and my moppet making will not fall behind..something I can not have happen with a show coming up next weekend. We've also purchased our food, water, batteries, candles, ice & generator gas for the upcoming storm as days long power outages are expected. After last weekends storm and 20 hour power outage...we will not be caught unprepared again! I have filled every pot, empty bottle and jug in this house with water....we have gas in the grill tank so that we may heat our water and do our cooking there and thank goodness...we have our generator to keep our basement from flooding. Tomorrow I am going to make doughnuts, coffee cake and zucchini bread as well as spaghetti and meatballs.

I truly thought this would be enough to get us through..but now....4-7" of rain..and possibly more in some areas.. I'm truly at a loss as to what more we should do....this is far, far worse than I imagined and we are not even in it's direct path!!!!

My heart goes out to those of you in it's direct path...you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Be safe & be prepared!!! This may all be for nothing & good Lord..let's hope it is.

Many blessings, Doreen

~Inspiration...My Wonderful Customers~

2011-08-21T08:35:00.010-06:00

Meditate.
Live purely. Be quiet.
Do your work with mastery.
Like the moon, come out
from behind the clouds!
Shine

Buddha

Good Sunday morning to you. It is an absolutely gorgeous morning here in Vermont..breezy, gosh I love the wind..it's truly one of my favorite things...the sun is shining, the temperature is a perfect 72*... I can hear the whir of the chainsaw coming from our woods as Mark trims and clears out smaller tree's to make way for the really big Maple's to grow and become strong, the birds are singing and the leaves are rustling....perfect! I'm getting ready to finish up my last few orders...grass stuffed pillows and beeswax.....they will be completed, packed and ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning and then I will be able to concentrate solely on show offerings.

Before I dive in to finishing orders..I wanted to pop in, say hello and share a wonderful email I received from a dear customer. She adopted sweet "Brunswick"

during my last web show and I just received the most wonderful email from her regarding him....

"OMG DOREEN- I LOVE HIM! I cannot even describe how much- tons! He is amazing as is the beautiful orange velvet pumpkin-OMGOSH a million times- honestly-over the moon! Charming the pants off me! Get the picture-lol? Thanks so much- feel honored to own him!-Karen."

Words can not express how wonderful and thankful a response like this makes me.....My desire is always that someone will fall in love with these little moppets as much as I do when I create them.....and this is proof..it does happen and I am SO very, VERY happy!!!!

It's a good feeling to know that you are truly doing what you are meant to do. Thank you Karen and thank all of you for always giving me such wonderful and amazing compliments and encouragement...I am truly honored!

Wishing all of you a very wonderful Sunday. Hugs, Doreen

~Frolicking Into Fall Web Show Is Now OPEN~

2011-08-14T13:25:00.014-06:00

Good Sunday afternoon to you. Gracious what an absolutely gorgeous day we have here in Vermont. It truly is Fall like..I LOVE IT!

I wonder if perhaps my Fall offerings for this month's web show brought about this change in weather...:)

Please meet Young Ferdinand The Mouse..I have been working on this new mouse design for quite a while now...he took me forever..I played around with different head and body sizes..different fabrics..different paws...oh goodness..I love his paws but it took me forever to figure out how to make him stand on his own without needing a base, being weighted or balance from his tail. It took many, many notes, sketches and practice runs....to which I used MUCH fabric and materials (muttering and cursing was also involved from time to time)but I finally figured it out..and of course, it was one of those things that once you got it..you couldn't figure out why it was so difficult to begin with. So anyway..here he is and I must say, I'm very happy with him..and quite proud of him.

Next we have Brunswick, what a little sweetheart this guy is!!!

At times, when I make a little sweetie like this I often wonder why I dabble in so many different things...and think I should really just stick to bear making....but anyway....back to the topic at hand...
~BRUNSWICK~
In person..he seems like a real little bear cub..he's VERY, VERY huggable!!!!

I love his little witches hat....I prefer it off him though, and over his shoulders like a hood...it looks so cute!! Brunswick also comes with this wonderful vintage velvet sawdust stuffed pumpkin pin keep..where he enjoy relaxing now and again...

Next we have Dover & Chester

Two sweet friends out for a lovely stroll in the crisp Fall weather. :) I love these two (I love all my things I know)..but I think this set is just adorable and I especially LOVE Dover's (the little Elly) sweater!! After I made it I was thinking..goodness, I wish I had one like this!!!

And..as promised, I also made a couple more pillow sets for this web show.

I'm running short on time so I need to finish up now...if you have a moment...stop by my website and visit Frolicking Into Fall. (I share a delicious recipe for Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake)

Wishing you a most wonderful evening. ♥Doreen

~Fall On My Mind....Pumpkin Pie Recipe..and sharing something~

2011-07-20T13:04:00.012-06:00

Pumpkin Pie

Recipe taken from

The American Frugal Housewife by Mrs Child ~1883

For common family pumpkin pies, three eggs do very well to a quart of milk. Stew your pumpkin, and strain it through a sieve or colander. Take out the seeds, and pare the pumpkin before you stew it; but do not scrape the inside; the part nearest the seed is the sweetest part of the squash. Stir in the stewed pumpkin, till it is as thick as you can stir it round rapidly and easily. If you want to make your pie richer, make it thinner and add another egg. One egg to a quart of milk makes very decent pies. Sweeten it to your taste, with molasses or sugar; some pumpkins require more sweetening than others. Two teas-spoonsful of salt; two great spoonful’s of sifted cinnamon; one great spoonful of ginger. Ginger will answer very well alone for spice, if you use enough of it. The outside of a lemon grated in is nice. The more eggs, the better the pie; some put an egg to a gill of milk. They should bake from forty to fifty minutes, and even ten minutes longer if very deep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isn't that recipe SO GREAT...I JUST LOVE HOW IT IS WRITTEN :) I've not actually tried this recipe..but, being a baker..I can tell you, there is absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work and make quite a tasty pie at that. I most definitely plan on making a pie using this recipe as soon as our pie pumpkins are ready. If you should happen to try it before I do...Please be sure and let me know how it comes out. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good afternoon. It would seem that on this 90 degree..hazy, hot and horribly humid day..that I have Fall on the mind. I just can not help it...I'm just so excited about my upcoming Open House that ....I'm constantly...planning and thinking and creating....all things Fall.

Other than Winter...Fall is my absolute favorite time of year especially here in Vermont when we are at our most beautiful.

SO....I am ignoring the fact that it is absolutely horrid outside and I'm tucked away in my nice cool studio (sans Air Cond.....YUCK) and creating wee fall creatures.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wanted to share a little something with you..because I feel I need to....because I know that I've not been quite myself lately...and I wanted you to know why. Firstly, ....all is fine now..Thank you God..but.. The first week of June I found a lump in my left breast and let me tell you..this last month and a half has been absolute hell. I've done my very best too keep things normal and remain positive but my God..it was hard. I had numerous Doctors visits....a mammogram..then two ultra sounds..then a trip to the breast surgeon..who wanted to take a piece of it out for testing ... I asked for an MRI instead..and even though the MRI was awful (being claustrophobic)...it was the less invasive way to go...AND...thank God....all turned out fine with my left breast..the lump is a cyst that I do, in fact, need to have removed ..BUT..it's JUST a cyst!!! But then... while doing the MRI..they found a mass in my right breast that needed further testing....SO..back in for another ultra sound I went..which was today...and THANK YOU GOD...they feel it's a lymph node and most likely I will just have to have it checked in six months. WHEW....I cried with relief on the way home! God this has been terrifying.

SO...now you know why I've not been my usual perky....suzy homemaker self....have no fear....she'll be back after she's had a good nights rest!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful day and be careful if you are enduring this heat wave.
hugs, doreen

~A Harvest Gathering~

2011-07-11T14:43:00.005-06:00

Good afternoon :). I have some very exciting news to share with you. Vermont Harvest Folk Art will be holding it's first annual Open House!!!

~A Harvest Gathering~
~Saturday, October 8th~
~Noon To Four pm~

~Fine Folk Art, Fare & Merriment To Be Had~

We will be at the peak of foliage season here in Vermont so there will be more to see than just my work, as you wander through our humble little valley. It is sure to be a delight for the senses :)

So take a leisurely stroll through the glorious Vermont countryside, smell the crisp October air, as leaves fall slowly to the ground & geese fly high overhead and stop in for a visit to Vermont Harvest Folk Art.

Thank you and wishing you a wonderful evening.
Doreen

ps..click on the banner above for further details.

~Ahhhh.......~

2011-07-06T11:51:00.020-06:00

~That's all I can think of to say....Ahhh....it's the only way to describe the wonderful and relaxing weekend we had. I loved it and actually was not ready to come home, which is most unusual for me as I do not... really like to go away. I am, very much, a home body and could stay home for weeks at a time and literally not leave the house and be perfectly happy (especially in the Winter). But, take me to the Ocean or to a lake and I could stay forever...I LOVE IT..it is completely and totally rejuvenating. It is my dream to own a cottage by the water and let me tell you...one day..We are GOING TO! (we may be 90...but..some day)
I thought I would share a few photo's with you of our time in Skaneateles, NY :) These are random photo's .....when I'm really enjoying myself and having a good time..I tend to forget to take pictures.....

While there we attended the high school graduation of Mark's cousin's son...Connor.
This is Chris & Wendy's home (the proud parent's)...what a great PARTY..we had such a fantastic timeI don't have a photo of Chris & Wendy..but I have one of Mark & Wendy....:)....

The Celebration Tent all decorated......

And the food..OH MY GOODNESS!!! This was just a smidgen of what was there...YUM!

(Mave on the...well, I actually don't know what this bouncy thing was..but the kids loved it..the adults went on it and injured their necks and backs...lol..)

...Is there anything better at a summer bbq than children's smiling faces..and let me just say..I may be partial..but I think we have some adorable kids in our family!

(Sady Grace)

(Owen :)

(Finn)

(Georgia and mommy Kath)

One of the highlights for me of this trip was visiting Lockwood Farms (A Lavender Farm) and meeting one of my Facebook friends... the lovely Karen Lockwood. :)
SUCH a beautiful place and such a lovely lady.

My other favorite part of the trip...Sunday morning mark and I walked down into the village of Skeneateles, stopped into the bakery for coffee and doughnuts and meandered around the Lake...so simple and so relaxing.

Birthday gifts from my husband ~they're made from antique silver spoons..OH HOW I LOVE THEM!!!

Thanks for stopping by :)Hugs, Doreen

~Hibernation~

2011-06-30T14:39:00.013-06:00

~When wandering through the soft snowy stillness of the Wintry woods tread lightly, so as not to wake those slumbering quietly.~

I am SO pleased with this piece!

I try SO hard, as I'm sure you all do, to come up with something different, unique, special and all my own. It's hard..truly HARD! SO...when it happens....and we come up with something that's unique, special and all our own... ...it's exciting......VERY EXCITING..and....I think I just may have done it with this piece!!!

I have taken all the different mediums I've tried over the years and combined them. Finally my back and forth and dabbling in so many different mediums has formed a result! :) There is a little bit of everything in this piece....mohair, clay, fabric, paper, wood, moss......sewing, sculpting....painting...:) I had SO much fun creating her! Many...many (did I say MANY) hours went into this sweet gal. I was thinking today that I should of kept track..but, of course, I didn't! I will for the next time as I've already been jotting down ideas for my next one.

I have also been wanting to figure out a way to create a mixed media piece that would have enough detail to tell a story all on it's own..by just looking at it....with maybe just a title or a few words.

This gal is simply called "Hibernation"
I was hoping to make you see and feel the sense of Hibernation...by just looking at her.

To give the sense of bears & animals..deep in the woods, amongst the snow, mossy trees, rocks & caves...hidden deep in the warmth of the earth..slumbering until Spring.....

"Hibernation" is now available on My Website

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I'm off now to pack as Mark & I are going away for the weekend :). Sunday is my Birthday so we are taking a little break and getting away. I can NOT wait :)

Wishing you a most pleasant weekend and if I do not see you again ( We'll be home on Sunday..so I plan on posting then..but....just in case)...

....Wishing you a very WONDERFUL & SAFE...Fourth of July....

:)Doreen

~A Wintry Weekend in..... June~

2011-06-19T06:36:00.012-06:00

Glad tidings. We've a beautiful morning here in Vermont; the air has just a touch of coolness but the sun is shining brightly and warming the earth quickly. I'm sitting here at my desk in front of the window overlooking the gorgeous fields of freshly mown hay across the road ...gosh how I love the site of a freshly mown field...it's truly one of my very favorite things.

On this lovely summer weekend (okay..it's not "officially" Summer until Tuesday) I've been working on my third offering in my "Winter/Christmas" Series...I've even been watching Scrooge (several versions actually) to keep myself in a snowy frame of mind. I had hoped to be a bit farther along than I am at this point but, family life intervened. My niece Cristen, who's baby shower we just had this past weekend went into pre-term labor on Tuesday! Last week was a stressful, crazy busy week of running back and forth to the hospital each day (which is 2 hrs from here) with my sister. Cristen is home now (she came home Friday evening) and on bed rest and we are hoping baby Zekus holds off just a bit longer before he decides to make his appearance.

After a good night's sleep and a much needed tidying of the house...I got back into the studio yesterday afternoon. This "Winter" offering is going to be something different for me...something I came up with back in February but of course, am just now getting a chance to try. I am praying it comes together as I have envisioned or at least something fairly close. As usual, while I am making something new I always think of so many different ways I could of or should of done something! I'm sticking with my original idea on this one......and we shall see what happens :)

These photo's show the supplies that I plan on using .......aren't they just beautiful!

I'm off now to continue my snowy creating. Wishing you a most wonderful day.
Doreen

~Baby Showers, Handmade Quilts & Olde Bears~

2011-06-07T05:01:00.009-06:00

Good morning and oh, what a beautiful morning it is! Goodness how I love this time of year!

This week I am working on baby shower gifts! My lovely niece Cristen and her husband Steven..(the beautiful couple in the photo below) are expecting their first baby! OH SUCH AN EXCITING TIME!It's a boy and he's due August 3rd....

I call him Jeffery...that's not going to be his name...but it's what I've been calling him since we found out it's a boy and now we all call him that...:)

Anyway, My Sister and I are throwing Cristen a baby shower this Saturday..it's been a flurry of baby activity here the past few weeks getting everything ready...making little onesie banners and decorations, planning the menu, sending invitations and such and now this week, I need to finish the gifts that I am making for them.
These fabrics are for a quilt I'm making, it's a simple quilt; just two fabrics (one on each side) and then I'll hand tie it. The batting for it is mohair from a friends local goat farm. She and her husband do everything from start to finish.....raise the goats, sheer them and make the fleece into yarn, quilt batting etc. and make finished goods such as quilts, socks, mittens, scarfs and hats..everything is absolutely beautiful. I have a quilt that Lisa and her husband made and it's truly the most wonderful quilt I've every had! The fabrics I chose are a soft plaid flannel in colors of cream, browns, moss green and soft blue with a dark brown cotton back and moss green floss for tieing. Yesterday afternoon I did the sewing and it came out perfectly (thank goodness) and now I just have to slide the batting in and tie it.

I'm also repairing Cristen's childhood bear friend, Duffus, he's in pretty sad shape the poor fellow...leaking stuffing and such. Once I repair him I'm going to make him a shirt to match Jeffery's quilt. Won't that be cute!

Wish me luck!

Wishing you a beautiful day :)Doreen

~Summer Web Show~

2011-06-06T05:38:00.011-06:00

Good day to you. It is a gorgeous Monday morning here in Vermont. I was hoping to post this last evening but blogger was having fits again...and actually still is this morning..I'm having a devil of a time posting the photos! My Summer Web Show started yesterday afternoon and is still running if you wish to pop on over and take a peek. I've two little one's still looking for new homes. They are actually mama and baby..so they can certainly be sold as a set :)

Summer, isn't that such a lovely word....long days full of warm breezes and sunshine, picnics by the lake, bbq's with family and friends, birds chirping, fireworks banging, windows open through the night, lemonade, ice tea, sneaking off in the middle of the day to visit your favorite ice cold swimming hole, children's laughing, smiling faces covered with ice cream, town carnivals and yard sales, trips to the Ocean, evening rides with the top down, gardens bursting forth with vegetables and flowers, bumblebees...OH, I love it all.

I've been thinking a lot lately about good old fashioned summers, the summers of our childhoods when times were simpler and the days passed by so slowly it was as if they were crawling. We live in such a fast paced world now that if we do not consciously slow down and take the time to enjoy the little things in life..we will surely forget they exist.

I've been consciously working on slowing down and enjoying this wonderful life of ours and balancing work, family and home. At first it may seem like slowly down means getting less done, but I'm finding that the more relaxed and balanced I am...the more I am actually able to accomplish. In keeping with this more relaxed and slower pace, I've changed something with the web shows... rather than offer my "Winter~Christmas" Offering during web shows, as I have been doing, I've decided to offer them on the alternate months, therefore giving me more time to really make them something special AND to allow me to offer something each month on my website. This will begin with my 3rd offering in The Winter Series on July 1st and will proceed every other month from then on. I've been sketching some new ideas and have some new and unusual thoughts swirling around in my head so...you just never know what may turn up in this series :) You will just have to check back to find out :)
Another small change I've made...In an effort to do my part during this tough economy (a trip to the grocery store for food will confirm; "things are indeed...tough") I've lowered my prices a bit! It is not a huge difference but I've done what I can and hope it makes a difference for you. I can not tell you how very much I appreciate your support of my work and want to let you know that your budgets matter to me. This is a tough business to be in and especially so during tough times, but I hope by sticking together we can all pull through. :)

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I'm off now to take my morning walk and start my day. Wishing you a very lovely day and thank you all for stopping by to say hello :) Doreen

~We All Have Our Humble Beginnings~

2011-05-24T09:19:00.017-06:00

Oh...the things you find when you are Spring Cleaning. I'm actually a bit embarrassed to show this humble little creation to you. It is the very first mouse I ever drew. Well, as an adult with the intent of creating something. It was/is a humble little drawing, but it was a start and the beginning for me, when I first set out to draw my own designs and when my mice were born.

This little paper mouse eventually went on to become the mouse below......

"Ariel"

and then Ariel went on to lot's of other mice.....

Of all the things I've made through the years, when it comes to making mice, I've stuck with this one design. I've altered it a bit here and there and, of course, experimented with different fabrics .....

AND, my arms and legs have certainly evolved. They started out as wire wrapped with yarn!!! I remember the first time I bit the bullet and actually made four matching paws from the same fabric....OH MY! I thought I would lose my mind turning those tiny little blankety blanks!!!

It has definitely gotten easier over the years, but turning those tiny little paws is never simple. I'm not sure I've ever turned four paws and haven't had to struggle at least once.

It's odd, in a way, for me to look back over my work. I remember each time I would make something I would be so proud of myself and be SO excited and happy with what I had made, but now, when I look back at those "beginnings" I think, "Gosh, I've come a long way" AND, quite often I think "goodness, I can't believe I thought that was good!!" But I guess that's what keeps us going, and growing, as an artist. If we were not happy with what we created, we wouldn't keep doing it, but along the way, we learn new techniques, try new things and new work is born and our art evolves.....
I'm proud and happy with my line of mice. They are special to me and truly are an important part of Vermont Harvest Folk Art. Their darling little faces capture my heart each time I bring one to life...SO....when I came across that sweet, albeit humble little collage, I felt bad for having stored it away in the back of my supply closet..because it represents something for me..something I feel proud of. SO now, it hangs in a prominent spot here in my studio right above my work table and I look at it each morning, while sipping my coffee and smile at my simple little beginnings.

Wishing you a very lovely day :)
♥D

~Off To See My Girl~

2011-05-18T04:35:00.006-06:00

~Jenna & her sweetie Ben ~

Good morning everyone...just a quick note to let you know that I will be away for a few days. My sweet girl, Jenna is in New Hampshire on a business trip and Mom & I are buzzing on over to spend a few days with her :) She will be busy during the day of course, but her evenings will be free and she will be completely free after Thursday!!! OH I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE HER!!! I've not seen my girl since Christmas and it's .....well..truthfully...it's awful..I absolutely hate it..but.........I've known since she was a little girl that she was going to be a traveler...she's just so independent and adventurous (I blame myself for this)

~Jenna & I~

....I tried my best to prepare myself for her inevitable departure over the years..but really..can we ever prepare ourselves for such a thing...I will admit though that I am having a much harder time with it than I thought I would......~Kurt & Jenna...my amazing children~

Okay..if I do not get going...I'm going to be late picking Mom up....Wishing you all a lovely week and I'll see you next week. :) Hugs, Doreen

And the rain..rain..rain..came down...down..down....

2011-05-16T09:42:00.010-06:00

Good afternoon. We've a crazy Spring day here in Vermont. Sunny one moment and absolutely pouring the next. It is a much calmer day than yesterday however...which definitely put me in mind of Winnie The Pooh & The Blustery Day....with high winds, pouring rain and rising flood waters..gracious!! It was the perfect day to stay in, watch a movie and relax and that's pretty much what we did. I did fill my window box on the front porch ...I was safe from the wind & rain and it gave me a feeling of having actually done something with myself for the day :) Today is quite the opposite..i've been busy...busy..busy..since before the sun came up..I cleaned the house... did laundry..took a ham out to defrost for dinner and then headed into the studio bright and early. I am working away trying to finish up a sweet little bear who's new owner is anxiously awaiting his arrival. After he's finished I am moving on to Web Show offerings (Sunday, June 5th at 4pm) and I also need to have a small gathering of moppets made and shipped the first week of June as they will be traveling with Felicia to a show IN PHOENIX on June 11th!

Now...Little Miss Enosburgh..who you see pictured here..may or may not be traveling to the Phoenix show....She is currently listed on The Primitive Gathering, where she hopes to find a new home...however, If she does not...she will be joining her peers and heading to Arizona :). If you click on her photo above you can visit her on The Primitive Gathering and read all about her trip to the Circus with her family.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today and say hello...I truly appreciate it.

Wishing you a fantastic day, Doreen

~Some VeRy Exciting News...my moppets now have an agent~

2011-05-11T15:18:00.000-06:00

I am so pleased...and SO HONORED! Felicia Hymer aka...The Bear Scout has asked to represent myself & my sweet little moppets!!!! This is SO very exciting as the possibilities with this new venture are endless and very great.....

My Moppets will be traveling the globe...seeing sights and meeting lots of new people...the little mousers are particularly excited....(you may not be aware of this.....but mice loveee to travel).

We shall be busy...busy...busy in the studio over the next few weeks...getting ourselves together and packing "our" bags for our first trip with Felicia.....

....OH..THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!!

~Please Meet Miss Cordelia~

2011-05-06T13:29:00.011-06:00

~It's a sunny Spring day & Miss Cordelia is preparing to attend her first neighborhood party here in The Hollow. She's been looking forward to going all week however, now that the time has finally arrived, she's nervous. You see....Cordelia is a smidge self-conscious about her tail. Most pig's have short squiggly tails, but Cordelia's is long and squiggly...it just never seemed to stop growing when it was suppose to! In fact, it's so very long that she has taken to holding it for fear of it being stepped on.....~Sweet Little Miss Cordelia is a special order and is finally (thank you Marilyn for your patience) making her way to her new home in Massachusetts. :)I had a lot of fun making this sweet gal. When I was aging her, I turned her face toward me at one point to see if her "spots" were even and there she was....staring up at me with the sweetest little face!!! You know..I do not think I've ever created one of these sweet little moppets that I haven't stopped at some point and looked at them..and they've looked back!!!! I always take a moment and realize how lucky I am to be doing this for a living and how thankful I am for this gift of creating with my hands. (The little moppets always...ALWAYS..receive a hug at this time).
Do any of you do that???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So..good afternoon to you. It truly is a lovely Spring day here in Vermont. Due to the over abundance of rain we've had over the past couple of weeks everything is so vibrant and lush and growing like crazy. The sun is shining and it's the perfect comfortable temperature.

My flowers seem to be coming up perfectly this year..due, in large part, to the fact that I really got myself out there last year and kept up with my flower beds so that they were not crazy, over grown & out of control and I'm being rewarded now with lovely and neat flowers & herbs growing well and looking wonderful.

By the way..let me apologize for it having been so very long since my last post...these last two weeks seem like they have been absolutely crazy. It was Easter, then I was sick for a few days, my dad had surgery.. my pregnant niece had to have a medical procedure ( a scary and difficult thing due to the fact that she was pregnant and unable to have anesthesia) Thank God..both went well and everything is fine now :) AND..with all of this going on...I decided that I needed to change things a bit here in the house to prepare for Kurt coming home from college, for the summer, on May 10th....so rooms were switched around and Mark and I are now in the biggest bedroom (i have no idea why we were not there all along) and Kurt's room is at the back of the house where he will have his own entrance and can come and go as he pleases, at any hour, without disturbing us (as any 22 year old, home from college should be able to to)..in all of that..I decided I needed to clean closets, wash walls...curtains..rugs... and GET RID OF JUNK..oh my goodness..I must say..it was an overwhelming task once I got into it..(I actually didn't think I was going to make it out alive) but I went through and got rid of everything we had not worn or made use of in the last year..I kept three HUGE totes filled with special memorabilia and they are safely tucked in the basement and this house is clean..organized and clutter free. SUCH A GREAT FEELING..and let me tell you..it's going to stay that way!!!!

My studio has even found a new home. It's funny...I've had my studio in two other rooms of the house and I've never worked in there..I would always end up bringing my things out to the living room or dining room and only go into the studio if I had to use the sewing machine..for some reason I just never felt comfortable in the other rooms....this one is totally different..I just love it..(it's in the front of the house..so perhaps that's part of it) I have it completely to myself...my computer is in here and I come in here at 8:30 or so..shut the door..turn on Pandora and work like crazy....I can not believe all that I've gotten done in the past few days in here..I'm amazed!!! It makes me so happy :)
Cordelia like's it in here too..she's the first moppet to be born in the new space and she gave her approval with a happy little "oink" :)

Wishing you a wonderful evening :)Doreen

~Time Marches On~

2011-04-22T08:54:00.013-06:00

One minute you're coloring (and hiding) Easter Eggs, wrapping handmade Easter baskets with bright colored cellophane and leaving powdered bunny tracks around the house after they've gone to bed and the next minute one of them is grown & moved so far away you're spending your first Easter without them :( I speak of that beautiful girl of mine...Jenna...

I could swear it was yesterday she was still this little....

...Time goes by so DARN fast.......

Just look at her now...living it up in Florida..basking in the glorious sun....

She looks so happy doesn't she....THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!

I WOULD like to know though..just exactly who gave her and her brother permission to grow up so fast! It certainly was not me!!!

Speaking of Kurt...my baby....this sweet little innocent fellow right here....will be 22 on the 29th!!!
TWENTY TWO!!!Gosh he's handsome....
.
Time goes by so darn fast.....(did I say that already).

So anyway..as I mentioned above before I headed down memory lane..Jenna & and her sweetie Ben will not be here for Easter this year....they will be snorkeling off the Coast of Florida and camping on the beach..definitely not a bad way to spend Easter...I would have preferred her to be here though :)Gosh I MISS HER SO MUCH....it's okay..she'll be home in June for a visit..and then we will be going there to visit in the fall.....................

Thankfully Kurt will be here for Easter diner.. We are also celebrating his birthday tomorrow night with the family..... cake and ice cream and such..I'm pretending he's still little ;)

Kurt will be home for at least a little while longer as he has another year of college left.....my goodness I do not know if I could have handled both of them leaving at once...let me tell you though....his sister is trying her very best to talk him into joining her and Ben!!!!

So Easter will be different for us this year but we will get through it...time marches on.....

Published...... ♥

2011-04-14T10:46:00.004-06:00

Young W.P. Pawlet has been honored with a "Most Wanted" Feature in Teddy Bear & Friends Magazine. He will appear in the upcoming Summer 2011 Antique's Issue.

This is truly such an honor. I have wanted to be a part of this beautiful magazine since I began my bear making journey almost eleven years ago and I am thrilled beyond measure :)

I have a long way to go with my bear making, having not really worked at it full time until just this past year, I have much to learn before I feel I have truly mastered it....so many techniques I want to try & learn and SO many more bears to make before everything looks exactly how I want it to look. But this......this is a step along the way...a wonderful validation & one that I didn't expect to find happening for quite some time and I am so absolutely delighted.

~Thank you Teddy Bear & Friends Magazine~
Fondly, Doreen & Young W.P. :)

~And The Winner Is...................~

2011-04-10T12:24:00.002-06:00

Sandra P from Texas. CONGRATULATIONS Sandra & thank you all so very much for participating.

I apologize for the quick post but we are headed out to a Pig Roast, Chicken BBQ & Silent Auction that is being held here in town, to raise funds to rebuild our local (and only) general store which was lost recently to fire. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day..it is sunny, in the 60's and absolutely GORGEOUS!

Thank you all again for participating in my Spring Giveaway. Many blessings & have a wonderful day :) Hugs, Doreen

~A Spring Frolic & Spring Giveaway~

2011-04-03T13:14:00.005-06:00

Good afternoon. Tis a beautiful sunny afternoon here in Vermont. Mark is busy at the Sugar House boiling and I've been busy preparing my website for "A Spring Frolic" which is now OPEN & taking place on My Website. I hope that you will take a few moments & stop by.

A Spring Frolic is not the only thing taking place today...I am having A Spring Giveaway!!!

I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for being such wonderful customers, friends & associates over the past few years. Your patronage, encouragement & friendship truly means the world to me and is what keeps this small business of mine going. As a small way of saying thank you I thought I would hold a Spring Giveaway

The lucky winner will receive two small bottles of our pure Vermont Maple Syrup...fresh from the evaporator and made just yesterday, a package of 10 Vermont Maple Beeswax Tarts, A large Blackened Beeswax Hare & four of my handmade postcards.

Simply leave me a message here saying you would like to be entered and I shall add your name into the hat. You may sign up for the Spring Giveaway until April 9th & a winner will be chosen & announced on April 10th.

~Again, Thank you all so very, very much for your continued support & friendship. Many blessings to each & every one of you. :)Doreen~

~Frolicing In The Midst Of Mud Season~

2011-03-29T08:43:00.011-06:00

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered. ~Nelson Mandela

It's mud season in Vermont..that time of year when the temperatures rise......the temperatures fall... IT SNOWS......the temperatures rise again..said snow melts.....and our lovely rolling hills and valleys turn to MUD!

Whilst Mud season takes over, outside our door, I am inside preparing for "A Spring Frolic" Web Show which takes place this Sunday, April 3rd at 4pm on My Website.(Don't you just love my spiral stamp? It has the "F' in the center & says; Handcrafted in Vermont by Doreen Frost www.vermontharvestfolkart.com)...I LOVE IT!)

These last couple of weeks have been crazy and are literally flying by.... I have so many different deadlines..projects and creations going at once that I'm amazed I'm keeping it all straight......writing class, cards for the Gallery, moppets awaiting life...and OUR regular day to day life..which, of course, for me...always comes first...it's busy, busy, busy..but I LOVE it. Admittedly..sometimes I just have to stop working, step away from the studio....take a few minutes and head into the kitchen to bake..it's the equivalent of a walk for me ....it slows me down..relaxes me and allows my head to re-organize itself.

I'm quite happy with how things are progressing and as long as I keep myself on schedule...I should finish all that I have planned ..and then I will be quite pleased with myself!

In the photo's above you will find little sneak peek's of what will be available during "A Spring Frolic" AND a couple shot's of the cards I'm making. It's all so very exciting :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*On the home front..the kids are back from their trip to China to see their Dad..they had an amazing time...I hope to find a bit of time to share photo's with you soon.

Sugaring Season is still going strong & the guys have already made more than double what they made all of last year..they are so happy...exhausted..but happy. :)*

Wishing you a lovely day and thank you all for stopping by.
Doreen

~Inspiration~

2011-03-23T11:55:00.007-06:00

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing.

The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown~

Tis cold here in Vermont with a bitter north wind blustering about....ahhhh, March you are so very fickle! I've a nice cozy fire going, chicken catetori simmering in the crock pot and a pot of coffee freshly brewed as I stitch away on a new set for my upcoming web show "A Spring Frolic." The weather suits what I am working on this afternoon as it is Winter in theme. When I was making notes and sketches.....trying to decide what to make for April's Web Show & in particular my Bear for the "Winter" Series ...I was starting to regret committing myself to such a thing every other month. Thankfully, as I was relaxing in bed later that evening, enjoying a good book, an idea started to form.... I jumped out of bed, ran to my desk and jotted down the idea, lest I forget it by morning :)

Finally today..I am finding the time to work on it...It will be a set & I've got one of the pieces stitched, turned, dyed & currently drying while I write this post. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will come together as I envision it..or at least somewhere in the vicinity..these moppets of mine tend to develop a mind of their own at a certain point and I just have to follow along and hope the two of us are somewhere close with our thoughts. :)

SO...ANYWAY...(good gracious I tend to veer off track a lot lately)..the reason for this post...

I wanted to share with you a little bit of what inspires me..If I were asked..I really think most of what inspires me is color..of course...the seasons, holidays and certain animals always inspire me..but all in all..I really feel the bottom line for me is color. I will see a color..or have a certain color on my mind continually until I go in search of a piece of fabric, a bit of ribbon, etc to match that color & then I build upon it. The ribbons in the above picture are an example of my recent color "loves" AND..I have found the most perfect shop to indulge my love of antique & vintage ribbons, lace and fabric! Vintage Tidbits..Oh how I love Patsy's wonderful items and a bonus..she's a bear maker and such a lovely lady! :) If you click on the photo above it will take you to Patsy's wonderful shop..you will not be disappointed..just please..leave something for me!

Okay I must be getting back to work...I just heard the dryer go off....but first before I go...tell me...what inspires you?

Enjoy the day
Hugs & smiles, Doreen

~Of Spring....and growth~

2011-03-20T13:29:00.018-06:00

Happy Spring :)

It is a delightfully sunny, somewhat Spring like day ....a bit chilly but with a brilliant warm sun shining down upon us...SO LOVELY! The house is quiet, (Mark is at the Sugar House) I've a pot of baked beans baking in the oven which is filling the house with it's scrumptious aroma and I've actually been relaxing in my favorite chair & reading a book, very much enjoying, doing....... nothing! Something I rarely do but after a week of going in ten different directions, I need a bit of down time to recharge & organize the week ahead.

Even though last week was extremely busy, it was a wonderful week! I had a most delightful request. I had posted a picture on Face Book (the photo below actually) of some thank you cards I had made..................

You may recall, I had mentioned a little while ago that I had decided to make my own thank you cards as I had not been unable to find any, to purchase, that I felt were "me"...well...a Vermont Art House saw the photo and wrote and asked if they could carry them in their shop!!! I was so shocked...truly..I never...EVER imagined having this happen with these simple little stamped cards..it's rather flattering and delightful. At first I did not think I was going to do it as ...well, I really didn't think they were worthy and....my schedule is crazy now...and I could not imagine adding something else to it...BUT..after careful consideration and knowing, without a doubt. that everything happens for a reason..I've decided to go for it and..it's actually turned into more of an opportunity as once they visited my website..they were interested in carrying my other creations as well as having a showing of my work in the Fall!!!! They also asked if I would think about giving a lecture (this last part.....the lecture....I shall have to think about for a while..a public speaker..I am not... :)

Now that I've actually said yes..I've a hundred different ideas flowing forth of different designs and such to make...I've put in an order for supplies and when everything arrives I'll get to work. I'm even going to do a few sketches & see about having my own stamps made!!! How fun would that be!!!....OH & perhaps I could even write simple little short (very short) stories to accompany the sketch.....now I'm just thinking out loud (sort of ;).......can you tell I'm excited???

.....who knows where this small and simple thing may lead!!!
AFTER ALL.......

"If you only do what you know you can do....you never do very much" ~ Tom Krause
A time for new beginnings....new growth and a small seedling turning into a beautiful flower.

Wishing you a wonderful first day of Spring :)
Doreen

~TWW Blooming Bear Show~

2011-03-12T08:22:00.015-07:00

Good morning. We've a beautiful & typical March morning here in Vermont. The temperature is in the low 30's....snow is gently falling & the sap is running, like wildfire!!! The boys said "it's let loose now....look out..we'll be in deep for another month" Let's hope that is the case..after last years poor sugaring season..Vermonters need a good one!

Okay..so on to a bit of business...The Teddies Worldwide Blooming Bear show has officially begun.

You may click on the banner to pop on over & visit the show..there are so many wonderful bears & other animals created from mohair ~ it's simply amazing.

I made three pieces specifically for this show...

~Young W.P. Pawlet~
~Sold...Thank you :)~

(I am soooo proud of this set....more on him and how he came about later)

&

~Young Warren~
~Sold, Thank you~
(I think he is just SO precious....and actually resembles my sweet son's Kitten ...Larry..most likely due to the fact that he is my shadow, day & night since he came to live with us :)

& lastly..but certainly not least....

~Young Wilder~
~Sold, Thank you~

There's a funny story behind Young Wilder here as well...suffice it to say..He IS a mouse..however..in some of the photo's..he looks a piglet.......more on that later :)

Thank you all so very much for taking the time to stop by today.
Wishing you a wonderful day.

:)Doreen

~Negativity, Nastiness & Mean People~

2011-03-09T10:14:00.010-07:00

People come & go throughout our lives, most leave soft delicate imprints which we remember fondly and others stomp on us leaving ruts. What you do with the "ruts" is up to you...you can leave them ...letting them get deeper and darker as time goes by or you can get out your tools and smooth out the surface.

We've all had experiences in our lives that leave us dismayed, sad, disillusioned & angry... bad situations, hardships and mean people we later wished we had never met......One of the very, very wonderful things I've learned in writing class is we can let ourselves be disappointed, disillusioned and defeated by these bad experiences or we can see them as fantastic writing material...a lump of raw clay to which you shape into one of your many characters.

In my own personal experience, I've dealt with one particular situation for several years now...A nasty & clearly "off balance" person that (in a nut shell) refused to accept the fact that I did not wish to associate with her. It turned into a very odd situation ~ Kinda like when you are set up on a blind date...you go out... realize this person is not for you and politely refuse a second date...AND.....they decide to stalk you!!! That's what this turned into! NOW..I'm a firm believer in "Everything Happens For A Reason" and this situation really threw me for quite a while and I've questioned myself and asked over and over...WHY? What possible reason could there be for this happening .... I wondered what I could have done to deserve such Karma coming back on me. What did I do to deserve this mean nasty person ....and on occasion person's (now & then she would find a partner in crime) in my life. I'm able to joke about it now...but in truth, for the first year, it bothered me greatly and it hurt..but as time passed and it went on and on...AND ON...the same old nonsense again and again...AND AGAIN..I finally realized...it's not me...it's her(and on occasion them) and the hurt and anger finally went away...

.....but I still questioned why...why does it continue...why is this still part of my life...

Until yesterday..when it finally hit me.......it was like a light bulb being turned on...I swear, it was as if someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "Um, excuse me doreen...this is why.... Now use it!!!!...USE IT!!! Build from it...create characters from it!!!

........after the excitement of finally realizing WHY this has been given to me...(notice I didn't' say "happened" to me)...I hesitated..thinking "there is NO way I'm going to give them this much credit as to include them in my precious story"...but through class, I've realized that's the wrong way to look at it...it's not giving them credit...it's taking back my power..to no longer let it get to me....to welcome it..because it's something I can us!!!

Now I see it with all new eyes with a whole new perspective..it's a good thing..a really good thing...kinda like a constant free delivery of beautiful soft clay just waiting for me to mold into something wonderful!

Thanks for listening :)
Doreen

~The Coziness Of Home, Solitude & A Creative Routine~

2011-03-07T06:38:00.012-07:00

These words go hand in hand for me......A cozy & tidy home... with something baking in the oven or simmering on the stove.. the quiet solitude that comes from working at home ...a bit of classical music playing softly ..candles lit....a nice hot shower....something cozy to wear ...and then..... my creativity comes alive.

Do you have a creative routine? Something or things....that you usually do..or perhaps MUST do each day, in a particular way..at a particular time.......... that set's your creativity in motion? In college we were taught to do just this to enable our brains to kick into "homework" mode and I guess it just stuck with me. I have a routine that I follow every day. Some days life steps in and changes the schedule a bit but for the most part it runs rather smoothly.

Solitude & the coziness of our home have much to do with this creative routine of mine....I have certain "needs" that must come together in order for my creativity to kick in. I won't go into my whole routine but needless to say... keeping a cozy and tidy home, caring for my family, baking and cooking are all part of who I am as a creative person. I can not create in the midst of a mess..chaos is not my friend. I not only believe that your home should be something you are proud of....something you take pride in by keeping it clean and cozy.... but I also need to have it this way in order for my mind to relax & settle down so that I can be creative.

I'm sure there are people out there who can create in the midst of disorder, mess and clutter ..some folks may even need it to be that way..for their creativity to kick in.. the creative process is different for everyone.....to each his own I say...

*So I ask you...do you have a creative routine....what works best for you....order..or disorder?*

....whatever it may be....recognize what works for you & go with it...as it is what will bring you the most joy.

I'm off now to mix up a batch of homemade bread..the house is tidy, my candles are lit & today rather than music, I am opting to listen to one of my favorite movies as I work; "You've Got Mail"... my creativity is ready to get to work. :)

"True Happiness & Joy Come From Recognizing Who You Truly Are And Embracing It With Everything You Have." ~ doreen frost

Wishing you a wonderful day. :)Doreen

~Monday's Meanderings~

2011-02-21T07:57:00.019-07:00

Snow is softly falling, swirling & twirling about on an errant gust of wind, a snow plow trudges by now & again, the fire roars, candles glow & music softly plays on this Monday morning in February, this President's Day in Vermont. Good morning. I thought I would start attempting to pop in on Monday's and say hello...that way if I find myself buried the rest of the week..at least I will feel better knowing I took the time to say hello, let you know of my plans for the week ahead and what's happening here in Vermont.

On the home front....we've begun taping our trees for sugaring season....well..the guys have (Mark, Mike & Gary)
the ladies and I...(Myself, Mandi & Janet) do more of the behind the scenes stuff...cooking...baking....delivering meals...cleaning up from said meals.......and taking care of everything at home..while our men are all consumed with the making of that golden liquid...Maple Syrup! It's a LOT of fun and a LOT of work but we love it ...the boys (Mark & Michael) have been sugaring together since high school..long before the rest of us came along... and they plan on doing it for many, many years to come. I must admit, I do not spend as much time in The Sugarhouse as I use to... with my work schedule being what it is...and the plain and simple fact that I enjoy the occasional quiet evening alone, I find myself there less and less each year ...perhaps this year will be different....we shall see.......

The kids are doing wonderfully.................As you can see....Jenna is LOVING Florida.....she & Ben have settled into a beautiful apartment with their dear friend Julie and they are all having a fantastic time ..living, working, playing and soaking up the sun.....I am thinking it is going to be quite some time before they make their way back to snowy Vermont!

Kurt is back from his trip to Belize & Guatemala
and is back to school and busy with classes. The trip was an amazing experience, he absolutely loved it. The picture above is my FAVORITE picture from the trip..I LOVE IT! That's MY boy!!! I'm so proud of him!!

Kurt will be home for a visit this weekend....thank goodness he's still close enough to pop home often....If Jenna has her way...she will get him down to Florida for the summer.... She is doing her very best to get him down there..that brat..she's always trying to steal my boy!! ;)
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In the studio..................
I've a busy week ahead, as I'm sure we all do....beeswax orders are coming in daily, so I am doing my best to keep up with them along with filling orders for finished creations. I have two mouse moppets that I absolutely must finish in the next two days ...they are late making the journey to their new homes and that is something I do not like to happen!

Also in the studio I am fast at work on my Teddies World Wide
offerings. I am so absolutely thrilled with my first creation and am just itching to share it with you...but alas... I can not..you will however, be able to see a preview on March 1st, on the Teddies World Wide site. If you click on the banner above it will take you there.

Let's see..what else is happening...Oh yes...I've started making my own thank you cards. Nothing fancy, just simple little cards ..

You can see one of them in the photo above. They are coming out quite nicely if I do say so myself. I have been looking for thank you cards for literally months now...trying to find something that was to my liking and was "me" and I just couldn't find anything that I was happy with so I finally decided to make them myself and I LIKE THEM :).

AND....along with the rest of my day to day studio work and crazy busy life....I am happily and oh so excitedly working on my creative writing class course work...the more I get into it..the more I love it!!!! Going back to school is SO much fun..I HIGHLY recommend it!
Okay..I must get going now..I've a pot of potato ham soup to put together and then mouse moppets to finish. Wishing you a wonderful week. Doreen

~Perseverance~

2011-02-17T13:27:00.006-07:00

“One of the most common mistakes and one of the costliest is thinking that success is due to some genius, some magic – something or other which we do not possess. Success is generally due to holding on, and failure to letting go. You decide to learn a language, study music, take a course of reading, train yourself physically. Will it be success or failure? It depends upon how much pluck and perseverance that word “decide” contains. The decision that nothing can overrule, the grip that nothing can detach will bring success. Remember the Chinese proverb, “With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes satin.”

~ Maltbie Davenport Babcock

Good afternoon. :) Isn't that such a wonderful quote. I just now found it and it just spoke to me.

Because...WELL....as it happens, I'm sitting here at my desk, cup of coffee in hand, pencil and paper in front of me thoroughly engrossed in the material in front of me and LOVING IT! I have finally done it..I'm going back to school...and Creative writing is my major.

I'm starting small...just one class, but it's a start and an EXCITING one at that. And..most conveniently...If I want to study and take class in my pj's....I can..(well, for much of the time anyway).

I actually hadn't planned on sharing this, at least not for quite some time, however I thought perhaps that I should mention it as I may find myself rather busy and strapped for time...well.......more than I already am.... SO....you may see less of me...or..you may see more of me....you just never know....creative writing does after all require...well...writing..so you may find me rambling more often :) in the very least...I wanted to be able to say.."I'm writing"or "I'm off to class" and NOT have all of you think I had lost my mind..lol..........In any case.. this is and has been a dream of mine for a long time (my family's too actually) and I'm going for it!!!

Please know.......this does NOT in ANY WAY mean I will not be creating my folk art ...quite the contrary..The bears and moppets are here to stay....I'm busier than ever and I am loving it....AND this new adventure will add to it and enhance my creations in a way that I am very excited about!

Okay..well, I need to go restart my fire....I let it go out earlier as it was an absolutely gorgeous 54 degrees & sunny ..I actually had some windows open letting in the wonderful fresh smelling air but now it has clouded up and looks like it may rain and it's starting to get a bit chilly in here! Wishing you a wonderful evening :) D