Jody...the name dropper

Trick-or-Treat...and a howdy-doo to all of you. "Oh-My-Pumpkin-Pie" and I would like to invite you to peek in my window and view some of my friend's spooky artwork. I am going to use this opportunity to boast of my worldly buddies. This may come across as boastful on my part...but...I do think you will enjoy them. I have cool friends. So grab your Loot Bag and follow us....

I keep these dancers on my wall all year long....hmmm...I bet that their little feet hurt by now...this mischief making pair were created by Leslie McCabe...a famous textile artist. She is a Master "Puncher"..."Rug Hooker" and jewelry artist. Plus, she is my good friend.

This little Squirrely fellow was needle felted by my good friend Pat Murphy of the internationally famous MurphyBear Company. She not only makes beautiful bears...but now she is having fun sculpting charming little characters, also. Take a peek at her birds...you will be glad that you did.

Paul Gordon, a very famous Folk Artist made this lovely Harvest Lady. My good friend Dana Wade gifted me with this heirloom treasure several years ago. Imagine my delight when I spied her the first time. She is a tree topper that is sculpted and painted by Paul and he has the very best of vintage trims. Aren't I lucky?

This mystical Fortune Teller was made by Jami Santos. My sparkly friend in California. This Madame has a faraway look...I wonder what she is thinking. Is it possibly a mysterious secret or is her crystal ball getting too heavy? Jami is a very special woman...she often has this same expression. Come to think of it...she may have a little crystal ball in her pocket.

Speaking of expressions...look at this mischief-maker. Scott Smith of Rucus Studio made this nodder. You may be familiar with his work as he is always featured in the best art magazines. I treasure all of the pieces I have accumulated from Scott over the years.

David Bruce of Acorn Cottage made this sparky little spooky lantern. He definitely has that grin that makes you wonder what he has been up to. I haven't seen David for years now and I miss him...luckily I have many of his Halloween pieces that make me smile.

We are busy making caramel apples, popcorn balls and treat bags for all of the tricksters that are going to ring our doorbell on Halloween night. So now that I have invited you to peek in my window...I would like to extend the invitation to my doorstep.

So...do not delay...Put on those dancing shoes and party hats and get ready to make some mischief.

Have silly loot bag fun,   Jody, the proud friend

P.S. I hope that you all get many tasty treats...especially the chocolate kind...

                                                                    BOO!

Off We Go to The Atlanta Country Living Show

Hello....Y'All...In am off to the Atlanta Country Living Show to play with my Earth Angel friends. My friend Leslie McCabe has arrived here at my home and we are packing up to go to Stone Mountain to join my friend Jen O'Connor's Earth Angels tent for our fun weekend. The above piece is "Oodles and Doodles" a one-of-kind that I made especially for Earth Angels.

This is ButterCup...an edition of 6. I really enjoyed making her...a real design challenge.

"Boom-Boom" a funny little fellow. Noisy but he loves to dance...

Chilly-Willy Wiggly...talk about dancers. He can do the Hula like no other...

May I introduce you to "Justine and Ducky"...

Another Angel for Earth Angels..."Goodness-Gracie"...

"Charley-Buttons" a one-of-a-kind...a fellow that is going places....

And to say good-night and farewell...here is "Wee-Winnie-Winky" an edition of 6...

Off I go to enjoy the weekend. If you are within shouting distance...I do hope that you will come and visit us at the Country Living Show in Stone Mountain, Georgia this weekend.

Have silly harvest moon fun,   Jody

A Jolly Farewell...

Cheerio...Yes, I am in a jolly mood today, as I have finally sent some of my special little friends on an international adventure to Teddy Bears of Witney...a magical store tucked away in a charming village in Jolly Olde England. I have been honored for many, many years to be included in his infamous catalogue....and I do mean honored. I do special editions for Ian Pout, the owner, every year...as he puts out an annual catalogue that those of us in the teddy bear collecting world look forward to each fall. It is chock-full of wonderful toys from all over the world. Above is the "Prince of Whales"...he is expecting a royal welcome once he returns to his ancestral home. I do hope that he is faring well on his journey...as he prefers traveling on his yacht...he is a white knuckle flyer.

This is "Hoot" and "Annie"...a jolly pair. Once again...England is the place for them. So many British children have grown up with Gollies. They will have many friends to get acquainted with upon their arrival. I sent them with their whistles in case they need to hail a taxi.

"Tiny Cupcake" is a tad nervous herself...as she has repeatedly heard that in England they enjoy "tea and crumpets"...she hopes that they enjoy her sweet disposition. I reassured her that everyone loves cupcakes.

I was sad to send them on their way but I am having lots of silly fun making new funnies for the Atlanta Country Living Show on October 21st, 22nd and 23rd. I will be under the Earth Angels Tent with all of my fellow artist friends. You really should attend as it is a phenomenal show. I will let you know more about it this week.

Have "I love apple cider" fun,    Jody

Yippee...it's October...

Hello...Last evening at dusk I heard the rumble of some engines rolling down Silly Street (this is the main thoroughfare in FunTown.) Since the harvest moon is waxing...this could mean only one thing. The silly goblin fellows are parading into town to remind  us that it is time to decorate for Halloween. Yippee!

They honk their horns and sing spooky songs to get our attention.

We are all a bit edgy...because planning your Trick-or-Treat costume is so very important. There is a costume contest at the Harvest Moon Fall Festival. The pressure starts to mount with each day...

The employees at the  Pumpkin Patch and the Cider Mill are working overtime to keep up with the demand.

Here is a charming witch made by the famous artist Jack Roads. She brought up the rear of our little Spooky Parade. Now the season has officially begun here.

We will all study up on our Halloween stories to tell the young folks...

Practice our dance moves...

And...most importantly...we will stock up tasty trick-or-treat snacks. It is wise to have plenty on hand...just in case you sneak into the bags beforehand.

Have " making your home spooky" fun,    Jody, the one carrying boxes up and down the stairs
          
                                                                  BOO!

Shake, Rattle and Roll...

Hello...With Autumn at our doorstep...allow me to introduce you to a charming couple who reside here in Funtown. Meet Hambone and Boney Maroney...they compete in Ballroom Dancing Contests and they have many trophies. He prefers the Tango as he has a dramatic flair...Miss Boney likes the Fox Trot as she is developing creaky joints.

They pack their dancing shoes and travel up and down the East Coast. We are so proud of our famous couple. No, they are not married...not yet, anyway...but, there are rumors.

During the evening hours, Boney Maroney relaxes by knitting and watching old black and white movies...the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers' films are her favorite. She secretly believes that she is much more graceful than "that Ginger Rodgers!" She is knitting yet another scarf for Hambone as he has poor circulation and is always chilly. He has confided in me that he longs for a colorful argyle scarf...but alas...Boney Maroney is color blind and has trouble following directions.

Here is Hambone practicing bobbing for apples for our Harvest Moon Fall Festival. He has been the Apple-Bobbing Champion for three years running. He is very competitive and enjoys posing for the snapshooter during the trophy presentation ceremony. Fortunately he doesn't boast too much...as a dose of humility is a good thing here in FunTown.

We can hear the music daily as we stroll by Boney Maroney's home...we smile knowing that the duo is inside twirling, kicking and dipping. This is why they are Champions.

This is their 8x10 glossy that they had made for the contests...but Boney is hoping that it will be their engagement photo for the newspaper. She dreams of this moment while knitting.

Have "shake-rattle-and-roll" fun today,   Jody,

Snapshots from The Creative Connection

Hello...I am back in FunTown after my sparky trip to St. Paul to attend The Creative Connection . My hat is off to Jo Packham and the marvelous staff from Stampington & Company for putting together an amazing event that was enjoyed by all...at least every smiling person that I spoke with. I started off at the Artist Market...aisles of talented businesses with colorful  and artful displays. This snapshot is of this little fellow that enchanted me...but alas...I did not have the funds and I am afraid that he will haunt me in the future. At least I  have the image and I can share him with all of you. Isn't he charming?

Let me introduce you to Jo Packham, the attractive executive with the fun spectacles...the Master-Mind behind the "Where Women Create" and "Where Women Cook" magazine fame. If this was an orchestra...she would be the "Maestro". She had an adoring public that patiently waited in line to get her autograph in her new beautiful book "Celebrate Where Women Cook". It is yet another best seller. Hip-Hip Hooray for Jo...

Look at these pretty, successful and youthful executives...Christen Olivarez, the Editor-in-Chief & Director of Publishing and Elizabeth Komatsu, Advertising Account Executive...both of Stampington & Company. I was so impressed by their sparky personalities and friendliness to me and all of the participants.

This is a peek into Tinsel Trading's bountiful booth. I love Tinsel Trading...a must-see if you are in New York City. It was a treat to be able to see a small sampling of their intriguing wares. Especially since they accepted credit cards. Hooray for them, also...

Oh...this display piece stopped me in my tracks...of course it wasn't for sale...but wouldn't we all want this? As I was drooling over it, the kind owner plugged it in...imagine that... it was electrified. So, we can all stand back and admire it at least. It pleases me to know that this exists.

Tim picked me up at the airport and we stopped at the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta for dinner...yes, I know...that was nice of him. Back to the point...as we strolled to the restaurant we passed by this impressive window display at a children's store. I popped in to inquire if it was for sale...sadly, this also was beyond my reach...but I ran back to our car to retrieve my camera and now we can all enjoy this sparky picture. So I hope that you enjoy this also.

Upon my return Pip-Squeak, my faithful companion was over the moon to have me home again...as I give him many tasty dog treats. Here he is this afternoon watching my every move...as he doesn't want to see my suitcase ever again. Sorry Pip, the Atlanta Country Living Show is coming up next month. So, I should get back to my sewing room once again. It was a great adventure in St.Paul and I had an inspiring experience...but it is nice to be home also.

Have "Wish you were there" fun,   Jody, the weary traveller...I forgot to mention that on my departure I  had a five hour mechanical delay...oh my!

P.S. I showed you all of the things I gawked at...but...look at what I did bring home. Not the soldiers, but my lucky duck. Next time I might hop in his little cart and forget the airplane. I wonder if he serves peanuts?

Silly Stitches...and a Fashion Update

Hello...I have been a tad under the weather this past week. I am sharing this, as I feel the need to confess that I have been playing with my FunTown book backdrops...houses, shops and other necessities of FunTown life... instead of sewing...which I should be doing. I get easily distracted...similar to a sparky four-year-old. But alas, the time has come to resume my life. Making silly toys. Before I do...would you like to peek at my distraction?

Let's get back to the theme of this post...

 It is difficult to see all of the treasures in this snapshot. Trust me...it is delightful. While in Tokyo, there was this little shop within the department store, Seibu, where I conducted my classes. Strangely enough, it was a Parisian store. LaDroguerie. It was like a day at the circus for me. Fabric, buttons, ribbons, trims and fanciful beads. I had myself quite a time there. It wasn't until I was safely tucked away in my hotel room...when I looked at my receipt. According to my calculations...It appeared as though I had spent $17,000...I am exaggerating, of course, but let's just say that the Yen was stronger than the dollar that week.. Oh well... I will make some very special toys with all of my Frenchy Finds.

Now, if that wasn't bad enough...I went to a charming quilt fabric store in Naperville, Illinois while visiting my Mother. the store is  A Pieceful Heart. As you can once again see...I enjoyed myself. Thank goodness I don't take drugs as I would be in the gutter by now. The point of my lurid tale is...I am eager to jump back into my sewing room and play with my new "stuff."

It is time to change the subject for a fashion update...Today is Labor Day. Many of you think...a beach day, hot dogs, back-to-school supplies and no mail delivery. Do not fail to remember this important task. It is a time to place those white shoes in the back of the closet. Don't despair as I am sure that you have other footwear.

There are a few exceptions to the rule...Health Care Providers, Restaurant Servers and Roller Derby Contestants. Oh, I almost forgot about the tennis players...anyway...follow the rules and the world will be a better place, fashion-wise that is.

Have silly two-steppin' fun,   Jody, the girl that has a Visa Bill with a French accent