Apr 24, 2013

Show and Tell...


Hello...Today I took some snapshots of my "Loot" from Orange County. Actually, I didn't get the "Ducky Waddles" there but I had been watching this on Etsy and I ordered it upon my return. I have always wanted one and now I can sleep easy. Phew! The little bear is one of mine. He is delighted that he doesn't have to walk everywhere now as his little paws are sore.



I got this little spitfire at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet...There she lay in a Ziploc bag and her head was no longer attached. All it took was a little glue and she is now standing tall once again. Sadly, her arms are no longer strung together. This is sad because she now has to retire from the rodeo where she entertained the crowds with her sharp-shooting skills. Worse than that is...now while dancing the Hokey-Pokey...she can't put her left hand in...so she does high kicks when it comes to the "Shake it all About."



 This little bear has a squeaker...and it still works. He looks as if he suffers from indigestion. So he is hitching a ride on my new truck. I am going through a boy-toy phase. I think it is because the little boys got wheels to have adventures with and we got toy stoves and grocery carts. I think it is time for me to have adventures, also.


This is my treasure...I got this the first day at "Down Home" my favorite antique store in Orange. When my good buddy Pat Murphy passed on it...I scooped it up. I love everything about it. Look at those colors. The "new" bear...well, old bear, but new to me...I got from my good friend Lori Martin, an antique dealer. I named him "Little Pinny" as his legs are attached with safety pins. So, he needs to sit as he can't get around much anymore.



The little fellow on the left is a horn...Pat brought some fun old stuff to sell so this little egg came home with me. The fellow on the right is a generous gift from my good friend, Jami Santos. Oh my, they have a bad case of sunburn...a cautionary tale..."don't forget your sunscreen."



This well-dressed couple was on Pat's table. It is a wise thing to have good friends with good taste. She looks a tad bit surprised that she now lives in FunTown. Thank you Curly!


I love this little toy milk wagon...I purchased it from my good friend Dana...once again, it's the good taste thing. The bunny was from Pat's last web update so she delivered him to me personally. The tall and proud wooden soldier is a wonderful addition to my collection. He is the tallest...so he is now the Captain.


I am going to toot my own horn here. I will preface this paragraph with a little history. When I antique with my friends...all of whom have discerning taste...I know that they humor me with my small potatoes purchases. We never arm wrestle over my choices. Luckily for me, I like goofy well-loved and often broken toys. So, to the point...I got this roly-poly at the last store we went to in Pasadena. It was a tiny little store owned by an elder doll and toy dealer.  Suddenly, I heard this little squeaky voice whispering  "Look at me"...After she took him out his case I noticed that everyone was impressed. In fact, I do think that they were envious. A first!

Gosh, I spent so much money...I have to get back to my sewing room...Pronto!

Have silly "Stimulating the Economy" fun,   Jody, the consumer

Apr 21, 2013

Home Again...Home Again...


Hello...I am home after an exciting four chuckle-filled days in California. Our show was a big success, as you will note when you see our smiling faces.

                                                                                    photo courtesy of Pat Murphy

Speaking of smiling friends...left is me, then...Pat Murphy...Paul Gordon...Allen Cunningham...and Arbutus Hunter. This was the morning before our guests arrived. I hope it is obvious to you that we truly are friends. That is why the show is magical.


Pat's Murphies...they didn't sit there long. Thank goodness I took  photos before the show began.


This little charmer was just one of the diminutive artworks that Arbutus had on her trees. I was in awe at just how small her works are. It is not an easy task to bring so much personality and spark to a two inch piece. Bravo to you Arbutus and thank you for bringing Hawk and Scarlet O'Hara.



Paul Gordon once again impressed us all with his fine artwork. I must say that he impressed the crowd as he returned home empty-handed once again. 


Speaking of sold out...This is a small slice of Allen's table. How can you choose when one is more charming than the other?


Leslie McCabe is busy planning her daughter's wedding so, alas, she could not join us...But after much pleading on our part...she sent some wonderful bracelets. I have never had her jewelry on, when people haven't stopped me to admire her work. Next year Leslie...come, so we can giggle together. You were missed.

                                                                                          photo courtesy of Pat Murphy
                                                                                         
Well...As we are all good Americans...we stimulated the economy. Our good buddies Nancy Michler and Jami Santos hosted a fun day in Pasadena Flea Market. We all managed to find some good stuff...but we also found a bunch of fleas.

                                                                                           yet another photo from Pat

We did stop to enjoy some fine California cuisine. Our good friend Dana Wade joined us and showed us the town. 


So...now we all have to rest our sore overworked fingers...but, we are already California Dreaming for next Spring's "Gathering of Friends" Trunk Show. 

On my next post I will share some of the silly stuff I found there. I always do a lot of damage when I go to Orange County...it's like the "Gold Rush" to me. Plus, I am not very good at the art of self-restraint. 

I was so honored to be amongst such a talented group of artists...and so happy to have so many wonderful old friends to play with. Maybe I should say "Dear friends" rather than old.

Have silly "Laughing is Good" fun,    Jody

Apr 8, 2013

California Here We Come!


Hello...Well, this is a hectic week here in FunTown...as we are packing our suitcases for our trip to Orange County, California. Ooh, this reminds me...note to self...don't forget to bring the sunscreen!


My good buddy Pat Murphy is stitching up a storm right now. I am sure her fingers are ready to fall off.   She stays up late into the night perfecting her "Murphy's" and perfection they are. Pat is always finding new paths that take her work to new heights. I can't wait to see what she brings. We are gathering this weekend for our third annual "Gathering of Friends" Trunk Show. All of us are trying to make every minute count.


Paul Gordon sent me this photo this week...This is one of the masterpieces that he has made for our show. I responded to him that I do think he is having fun in his studio. Yet, he always does. I don't think that I have ever seen Paul unhappy, and his happy disposition is reflective in his art. He paints, he sculpts, he sews and he combines these talents with his amazing collections of antique textiles and accessories.


Our friend Allen Cunningham is making his magic in his studio in Ohio...and magic it is. Allen has a remarkable imagination and he is an expert in antique dolls...well, all things old and charming. All of these talents come through his fingers. His attention to detail is amazing. He will be bringing his originals this weekend, but he also has licensed designs with "Bethany Lowe"...I happen to know that The Smithsonian Institute" is showcasing these designs in their gift shop.


This diminutive little bunny is created by Arbutus Hunter. She brings such charm to her unique spun cotton ornaments. Charming they are. She represents all holidays and creatures that catch her fancy. These pieces of art are ones that you will want to display all year long as it would be so difficult to tuck them away. Isn't he darling? He will be there this weekend in all of his glory.



I do hope that I inspired you to join us on:
 Saturday April 13th, at the Ayres Hotel and Suites
 325 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa,CA
We will all be there at 10:00 AM until 2:00PM...with big smiles on our faces waiting to greet you and visit with old friends and make new ones. So...if you have any friends bring them along. Our show room is downstairs by the pool. We will have signs for you.

I am eager to see what all of my friends have made. It is my favorite part of displaying at a show...peeking into everyone's trunks...suitcases that is...not bathing trunks.

Have silly "Shows are Fun" fun,   Jody
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