Organizing

Somewhere I read that artistic people are very disorganized. I believe it, because I am.  I also have not enough hours in the day.  With all of this in mind I am making an attempt to get organized so I can make the most of the time before the holidays. I have a daughter who is so organized she has a houseful of belongings neatly tucked away in a 3 room apartment and knows where everything is and can find it.  Not so for me.
This is going to sound like excuses but I just want to give you a little insight into my life.

1. I have a husband ( married over 40 years)
2. I have a 6 year old niece ( she lives with us)
3. 2 dogs
4. My Mother is undergoing chemo for a second time
5. I have 5 grown kids
6. 11 grandkids
7. 3 great grandsons
8. am learning about SPD and aspergers
9. have an etsy shop
10. working on a garden
11. love to paint
12. have a decorating wish list
13. have MG and a pace maker

Now if these things come at me a few at a time I am good. But some days it seems like all of it needs my attention right now and I get scattered and not very productive.

I have decided to schedule my day and set aside time for each of the days projects. Of course I have to be flexible in case I get that urgent call.

I have found a picture of my perfect work room, hubby was not impressed and I would have to build onto the house to get it , but a girl can dream, can't she?

I found this at http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/04/sewingcraft-room-ideas-and-updates.html

I would not have to leave this room much at all.  Right now I will have to settle for making a plan and sticking to it. I am adding about a dozen new items to my shop and enjoying the designing part of that. Can a person like me become organized , I will let you know!

BIG SUMMER Sale

Summer is here and time for our Big Summer Sale. The 6 car wooden train set is our first big sale item. This beautifully handcrafted set is made to be played with. Each car can be arranged in any order. Engine,12 inches, coal car, 9 inches, log hauler with logs,11 inches, open car with barrels,11 inches, a dumper car that really dumps , 11 inches, and a caboose, 10 inches. A must for the train lover in your family this season! Perfect toy to bring out imagination, no batteries required, runs on imagination!

Each set is on sale for $25.00 shipping is $22.50    total $47.50
http://www.pattibear.etsy.com/  to order
 

Personalized Gingerbread Family is a cute way to decorate for the holidays. A great gift idea for Grandma, the sitter or Yourself!  Add the family name and names of each member . The Big gingerbreadman measures about 16 inches high and is handpainted and ready to hang. Please specify how many small cookies up to 6.  More upon request. Special requests or wording available.  $15.00 and 9.80 shipping total $24.80 to order http://www.pattibear.etsy.com/

Think ahead to your holiday shopping and order early!!!

New Project

Today I decided to have a little fun while I worked on stocking the shop.

Rock Painting is a great form of therapy for me. A stress releiver and inexpensive way to let some of the creative juices flow.

First step is to FIND or buy a rock.....for a bunny I always tell students to find a baked potato shaped rock that is as smooth as possible. Wash it and let it dry.

Next step is to base coat the whole rock black. Let that dry completely. Right about here the students start to look a little skeptical.

Now using a piece of chalk, draw out the basic shapes of the bunny. Place the ears, eyes and back legs. Still not too sure of themselves we go on.

Thin white paint to an inky consistancy, out line the eyes, nose and ears. Then make short fur strokes up from the nose for the head and out to the sides. Always stoke in the direction hair grows or he could end up looking more like a porcupine. LOL

The back legs have hair in the direction of wheel spokes, hair runs down the back, just like his sides. Let these lines dry completely.

Now for some color, thin brown paint till in is but a tint and brush in the direction of your strokes covering all the fur lines. Add some white fur around the eye area, add a touch of flesh paint to the inner ears and the nose. Give the eyes a brown circle with black pupil and some black lashes. A touch of white paint for a reflection, then 4 white feet and that fluffy tail and you are done.

After your rock is all dry, coat it with a spray of clear acrylic and watch the colors pop. This rock can now sit on your porch or in the garden.

Memorial Day Weekend....was good

Montello saw alot of traffic and not just passing by. People were out enjoying the great weather and checking out all that's new in the shop. The logs are always a big hit and we did get a few special orders over the weekend. Now not only bears and raccoons, peoples pets from photos but I am working on an eagle for the latest order. They are always alot of fun to work on and everyone appreciates the handpainted work that goes into them. The fact that we are one of the only shops in the area that carries so many handcrafted items makes it a bonus when shoppers can find a little something for almost anyone on their gift giving list, or that just perfect addition to their home, garden or weekend retreat. With all the new visitors the summer is looking up and I am off to add to the handpainted items so those who visit next will find something right for them! With us being just a short rifde from the Madison are and the new word this season is day-cation and Montello is a great location for that. Fishing, biking, oh and shopping at Pattibears Place and the other great shops. For a list of upcoming events and what's happening in Montello visit http://montellohappenings.blogspot.com
http://www.Pattibears.com