Buy Handmade- Support your local Artists!

Why buy handmade? As the giver of a handmade gift, you have supported an artist directly. Someone much like yourself, with bills to pay, family to feed and clothe. Artists and Craftsman that have spent many hours and their own resources to create pieces that you can share and be proud of. Pieces that no one else has...no mass made, imported, big business marketing! You can avoid the chain & department stores in favor of something of much more meaning and value. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind (OOAK), and made with love and care, attention that can not be matched by a machine. You and your gift recipient get the gratification of art and skill that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing. You may also find that buying handmade is environmentally a plus too. Many artists use recycled and green material to fashion wonderful fine art pieces.

From quilted to crocheted...painted or sculpted...felted or sewn...the possibilities are endless.

So here's a plug for Myself and my Fellow Artists & Friends...Buy Handmade This Christmas! Or Anytime!

Some of my favorite links are listed to the right....but there are soooo many more I need to list! On my list alone you can find art dolls & fairy folk, primitive cloth dolls, beautiful paintings, Halloween collectibles, folk art, Gothic girls...and more! There are links to artists groups I'm proud to be part of as well (BWBA, AHQU, ADSG, HA31). Check out ebay, etsy, or selling blogs! Click those links from our blogs...buy handmade!

Happy Holidays & Bright Wishes to All!
Karri

Christmas - Winter Art Doll Fairy - Angel

"Maeve"

My latest creation...OOAK (one of a kind) art doll winter fae. She stands 12 1/2 inches tall on her crackle painted base. She is hand sculpted from polymer clay. Dressed in burgandy satin, teal blue ribbon like yarn with matching tulle over skirt. She has soft dark blonde mohair locks that I fashioned into an updo and adorned with matching fabric, and beaded lace like embroidered fabric (like that on a wedding dress). Her sleeves are done in scrunched vintage blue velvet. She has a white rabbit fur muff on her hands that matches the fur on her head piece. Her wings are irridescent teal green with a touch of extra fine maroon glitter. Perfect for a winter, snow, or Christmas & Holiday display.

Thanks for Looking!

Primitive Snowman Ornament - OOAK

OK...so I'm shifting from Halloween to Christmas. I just listed this cute little snowman ornie on ebay. He's hand sculpted from paper clay, so is very light weight yet durable. He has been hand painted (HP) and stained to add that vintage antique look..kind of rustic don't ya think? He is wearing a red and green stocking cap, and of course the traditional carrot nose! He has inset eyes to add warmth and depth. He has lightly blushed cheeks, and I added a bit of snow white fine glitter for a touch of Christmas whimsy. He has a leather look fabric hanger. I just know he will look awesome hanging on a tree. Makes me wish I had one up already...LOL! Still a bit early for that though...maybe after Thanksgiving.

You can check him out with more pictures by clicking my ebay listings link on the side of the blog.

Hope you enjoy!

Karri

Eclectic Decor, Faux Painting & Art - It's Me & I Love It!

I work with what I have...

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE eclectic style. There are just certain elements of different decorating styles I just can't seem to get away from...so, why not combine them! I would have to say though, that French Country and Victorian are among my favorites. But I also can't part with some of my cozy Country stuff either.

My house is almost 100 years old, and as you can tell by the olive green carpet, was remodeled sometime in the 1960's-70's. So, working with what I have, I made it my own space. Of course, I don't plan on selling in the future, so my colors and decor choices are for me only. I'm sure one of those home stager people would come in, gasp...and faint! LOL! Kidding aside though...I've seen some pretty bad places on those TV shows!

Anywho...here are some pictures of my living room. The Green foux painted wall is much nicer in person. The color came out bright in the pictures. It is a nice lettuce/moss color in true life, and the faux finish does not look blotchy like in the pics. I really am good at the faux painting...you just might not be able to tell it here...LOL! And the lace sheers are a sagey green, but that doesn't show will either.

Guess this tells a little about my personality...you can tell I'm eclectic, not afraid of color, comfy cozy type...that loves to look at my own art! Oh, and not much of a photographer!

Yes...the paintings are my own. Some from recycled material...and some with a special purpose. The 2 large abstracts on the wall at the end of the sofa were created from ceiling tiles. The large branch painting above the TV/entertainment center is done on a huge old window. It doesn't show up well in the photos, and you can't see the detail. Oh, and I have to mention the art doll on the wall opposite it is from Pie Cake Primitives...I just love her creations! The horse painting by my hubby's recliner was a Christmas gift to him...It's also my personal favorite painting that I've done. All the paintings are large...at least 36" or greater.

I hope some of you get inspired by looking. I like my home...it fits me perfectly. And you don't have to have a designer or tons of money to make your space what you want it. Just imagine...and improvise if you have to!

Brightest Blessings!

Karri

Pumpkin Cake - Better than Pie!

I'm going to throw another recipe at you all...
I got this recipe from a friend and co-worker. She brought some in one night...and WOW...this is fantastic! I love a good old fashioned pumpkin pie...but this has it beat! And oh so easy to make!
It makes a big desert...so it's great for family gatherings, pot luck events and such too!

1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
salt to taste
1 3/4 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, blend pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, salt, sugar, eggs and milk. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle dry cake mix and nuts over the batter. Pour melted butter over the cake.
Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 60 minutes and let cool. The cake will be liquidy at first, but will firm up as it cools.

You gotta try this if you like pumpkin pie....great for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Holiday season. I'll warn you though...it is rich!