Happy New Year!!

I just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for all your support and encouragement and, most of all, friendship this year! I am looking forward to a great year in 2010. I wish you and your family a Blessed and Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2010!

Snow Angel

The Mercantile will update this evening with the final offerings of the year! I hope you will be able to swing by for a closer look at this sweet Angel!



Wishing you many blessings...Susan

Happy Holidays!

We've been having so much fun getting ready for the holidays around here. The house is all decorated and I'm preparing for guests to arrive the week of Christmas...I just love this time of year! Are you enjoying the holiday season?

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Bummer....

Well, I've really done it now. I was rearranging some furniture and slipped and fell on my ankle and broke the darn thing!!! Poor hubs, I called him (crying my eyes out, of course, cause it hurt like h-e-double hockey sticks!!) and told him I thought I broke my foot. So he raced home to take me to the emergency room. While I was whaling waiting for him to get home, my survival skills must have kicked in because I pulled myself upstairs to the main floor and somehow put some ice on it. By the way...note to self...GET TO THE GYM!! haha I have absolutely no upper body strength. to make a long story short...The ortho says its more of a chip from the ligaments tearing and that I should be able to hobble around on it in three weeks or so...six weeks for a full recovery. He adjusted the gel cast, patted me on the head and sent me home with some wonderful pain medication. Hubs says he likes those meds, because I laugh at all his jokes again! LOL

It looks like the studio is going to be on hold for at least a week or two...bummer! I have so many great dollies in my head that I would like to create for the holidays. If you get a chance, please keep me in your prayers for a speedy recovery....Wishing you all the best....Susan

New Holiday Offerings on the Mercantile

I always love to check out all the new offerings on the Mercantile on the 1st and 15th of each month. Well, tonight is the update for the artists that update on the 15th...we call ourselves moonies (don't ask..I'm not sure where that comes from..haha)! I've updated my offering slideshow over on the right side of the page so you can take a peek at the new Santas. Hope you get a chance to pop over and see all the new Holiday pieces being offered this month. Hugs...Susan

Sneak Peek

Shhhh....don't tell anyone....here's a sneak peek of one of the Santas I'll be offering on the

Poor Santa...he's already tuckered out just getting those presents ready for all the good little girls and boys...he's going to be ready for a trip to the bahamas after the holidays to rest up for next year! :-) Hugs--Susan

Rainy Nights in Georgia

Feels like it's raining all over the world....We're getting drenched again in Hotlanta. It's not as bad as a couple of months ago with all the flooding, but folks sure are concerned after the previous damage from all the rain. The good news?...well the rain is done in our area for now. Looks like sunshine and cool temps for the next few days. That should dry things up and lift everyon's spirits!





Can you believe how handsome this little guy is? Our sweet grandson, Sawyer, is growing way too fast!! He had his 6 week check up Monday and the chunkster weighs 13lbs 6oz!!! Pops and I are totally in love with the little fella! Patrick (my son) and Courtney are doing great...it's amazing to watch our son with his little family. Taking care of their baby boy seems to come so naturally for both of them...Sawyer is one very blessed little man!

Other than loving on our new grandson and counting raindrops (hee hee) I've been busy in the studio getting ready for a couple of upcoming events! TDIPT Mercantile will update on the 15th (you can get a sneak peek on the eve of the 14th!!) with our artists all participating in a them of White Christmas. It's going to be fun to see all the great holiday and winter pieces being offered.

On the 15th the Prim and Whimsy Girls will also be hosting a group themed listing on Ebay...Prim and Whimsy Holiday Enchantment! I can promise you there will be some fun and creative pieces offered on Ebay next week so be sure to stop by and take a peek!

Wishing you a very blessed week...Hugs..Susan

New Snowgal on Ebay

Hello there...I've been busy in the studio this week getting this sweet gal together to share with you. I just listed her on Ebay and hope you'll be able to stop by and take a peek!



Warmest wishes....Susan

TDIPT Birthday Bash!!!

Our Ebay artist group turned 3 years old on the 13th, and although the TDIPT gals enjoy traditional celebrations of cake, party hats and receiving gifts, we've decided such an exciting event warrants something more, something extra special, so we're having a giveaway!

We've got wonderful handmades gifts, just perfect for our upcoming holiday seasons, offered by some of our members, and you can be the lucky recipient!

You can click on our Birthday Bash graphic above to go directly to the TDIPT blog and enter to win!!

All you'll need to do to be entered in the drawing is:
1) Follow our blog
If you follow our blog, you're automatically entered in, so if you're not following already, be sure to sign up as a follower.

2)Leave us a nice comment
(please include email address and state that you reside in)

*** Our generous artists are happy to ship complimentary to anyone in the continental US.***
If outside of the US, we must ask that you absorb the cost of shipping.

We look forward to hearing from you!!! Blessings...Susan

Welcome to the world, Sawyer!!!

I just wanted to share a picture of our very first grandbaby! Sawyer was born September 28th at 4:15am (whew!!), 8lbs 4oz and 21 inches long! He's the sweetest, most content baby I've ever had the pleasure of holding. Mom and Dad are doing great and are looking forward to bringing their little man home tomorrow afternoon!!!

Did I mention that I'm totally in love!?!?!

Halloween Goodies on the Mercantile

I hope you'll swing by TDIPT Mercantile to check out all the fun and fabulous Halloween goodies being offered during our mid-month update! See you there....

New Paintings on Etsy

I just listed three of my mixed media pieces on Etsy tonight. You've already seen "Blessed with a friend", and I'm happy to share Flower Girl and Believe with you! I hope you'll be able to take a peek!!








More goodies on the way...Susan

Prim and Proper Folks Update

It has been a long, long, LONG summer, hasn't it? It feels so good to be able to spend time in the studio again. It feels like I've been away for a year. I've been busy dusting things off and getting everything back in working order here. I LOVE Halloween and all the Halloween handmades that become available this time of year, don't you? I will have a couple of Halloween cuties to introduce you to in the next few days....no peeking!!



Just some quick updates...I am currently updating my website, so don't worry when you see that "This Site is Coming Soon" page, ok? I am hoping to have everything in order shortly. In the meantime, you can find my patterns on PatternMart and my one of a kind dollies are available in my Etsy Shop.

Wishing you many blessings...Susan

Gosh, I've missed you!

Wow...what a summer! It's been hotter than you-know-what in Hotlanta this summer! Life has gotten the better of me these past few weeks, but I'm happy to say I'm actually sitting in the studio writing this little update. :-) I've had such a hard time focusing on new dollie ideas...do you ever feel like you're in a creative slump? I might just be ready for something new...I don't know.

I had the chance to go out with an old friend, Pam, to see the movie The Proposal last week! Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are so funny together. It is a 'typical' Sandra Bullock movie, so if you need a good belly-laugh, I highly recommend this one!

Pam and I go way back...we were pregnant together back in '88! Pam with her son, Dan and I was pregnant with the twins, Matthew and Patrick. We had a lot of laughs together going through our pregnancies during the heat of an Atlanta summer! We spent lots of time in the kiddie pool with our older children, that's for sure! Seeing my old friend inspired me to create this mixed media canvas....

Blessed with a friend....


I wanted to share some pictures from the Willow Workshop in Buffalo last month. (I know, I know...I am so far behind schedule these days...) Thank you so much to the ladies that participated! And a big THANK YOU to our Hostess-with-the Mostest, Jackie Hooper!!!!



Blessings to you, my friends...Susan

Beautiful Upstate New York

Hello from New York! I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you the Willow Workshop was a great success! We all had such a nice time and I made some wonderful new friends at the workshop. Thank you so much to my host, Jackie Hooper, for all of your hard work and warm welcome to the area! The ladies were great and so patient with me as I worked through my first workshop. I'll be sure to share some pics with you after I return home later this week. :-)

The Humble Arts Gallery updated last night with some wonderful new summertime offerings. I hope you'll be able to stop by and take a peek!! I finished up a sweet Goldilocks and the Three Bears to share with you and have added her pic to the column on the right. You can click her picture to visit her if you like!

I also finished up a very sweet Red Riding Hood dollie that I will be offering later this week. I'll be sure to let you know when she's available.

I brought both gals with me to the Workshop and they were a big hit!!! They almost didn't make it back into the car to ride home to Atlanta!! hee hee

I hope you are having a great week. I'll be sure and write again real soon....

Blessings...Susan

Headed to New York!!

I am so excited to be on my way today to New York!!! I will have very limited internet access while I am there, so I probably won't be posting again until I return. I will be sure to share some pics with you of all the fun at the Willow Workshop in Buffalo this weekend!!

I have finished two very sweet dollies this week...Goldilocks and the Three Bears (which will be available on the 1st at the Humble Arts Gallery and L'il Red Riding Hood will be available on my Website June 4th. I'm taking both with me to my class in Buffalo to share with my new friends.

Here is a sneak peek at Goldilocks



Wishing you a blessed week this week....Susan

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!

My family and I want to thank and honor those that gave their lives for the sake of our freedom! We will forever be in your debt for your sacrifice!!



I've been on a sort of 'hiatus' these past few weeks due to some health issues and it feels so good to be back creating again. I am getting back to my old self slowly but surely! I have missed chatting with everyone out here in blogland and hope to be able to get back into the swing of things on a regular basis now. Thank you so much for the kind and uplifting emails...you have helped me more than you know!

I am so excited to be going to New York to teach my first dollmaking class! I will be sharing the weekend with about 22 other ladies that also love to sew and create! We will be working from my Willow pattern below to create dollies and have some laughs together!! My parents live in the area also, so I am planning on spending some time with them while I'm up north and my dear sweet Mom will be going to the class with me. I'm really looking forward to this....I'll be sure to share some pics with you after I return to Atlanta!!



Have a blessed day today...Susan

Happy Easter

Wishing you the beautiful blessings of Easter!

The Easter Egg Parade and Golden Egg Hunt is ON!!

Morning all!!! The Prim and Whimsy Easter Egg Parade is well underway! Several of the PWGL artists have created beautiful Easter Eggs...some to sell, some just to share with you. Be sure to stop by the Prim and Whimsy Girls Blog to get the full instructions, but I'll give you a little hint...there are three SUPER FANTASTIC Easter Baskets filled to the brim with art supplies and crafting goodies that will be given away. Stop by and leave a comment telling us which egg is your favorite and you'll be entered for a chance to win one of the baskets. What a second chance to win? Well...there's a Golden Egg hidden on one of the PWGL blog/website that you will have to find. Find the Golden Egg and leave a comment on that blog/website and you'll be entered again!

Happy Thursday!

Morning! I'm playing around in the studio today, on this rainy day in Atlanta. Everything is really starting to 'green up' here in the South. I think our azaleas might be popping open this weekend if we get a little sunshine. I took these photos a couple of years ago when they were in full bloom. I love the look of the mix of light and dark pink against that bright green leaf, don't you? When we first bought our home, my husband and I moved a dozen leland cypress trees from this location and planted a dozen $1.00 azaleas bushes in their place. They couldn't have been more than 6" tall at the time and we wondered if they would even make it! They have filled in so nicely and really seem to like their sunny spot.Can you find the little honey bee in this one? See that little black hiney in the center of the photo? He's getting busy with his pollinating chores, isn't he? haha I look forward to seeing these pop every spring.

I've been having a lot of fun in the studio these days..I finished a sweet Peter Cottontail for The Humble Arts gallery update on the 1st AND I made a set of three Easter Eggs that I am offering on my websitefor the Prim and Whimsy Girls Easter Egg Hunt April 4-10th. There are some wonderful pieces being offered...I hope you'll be able to stop by and check it out!

I hope you have a wonderful day today...Susan

Here I go again!

Okay...I am not sure what happened to my well made plans of writing at least on a weekly basis, but here it is three weeks later and I am just now posting! Hmmmph...that just won't do, will it!?

My workspace is just a wreck and I believe that is why I am having such a hard time sitting down and writing here (okay...at least that's my excuse for today :-)). So...I have decided to give my computer workspace a makeover. I have a beautiful workspace pictured in my mind that would be more inviting and therefore (at least I hope) feel inspired to work here.

Here is my BEFORE picture:



Okay...it's not TERRIBLE, but it's no very inspiring either. If I could create my dream workspace I would have:

1. room for all my filing - no more crates and no more paper sorters on my desktop.

2. printer space - right now my big old ugly printer sits on a folding table - maybe an attractive filing cabinet (that rolls) would fit the bill and provide storage for my files at the same time! I like that - two birds with one stone - multifunctional is good, right?

3. attractive storage - okay...this goes along with the #2 - it has to look good and be functional. But also I would like some storage bins for the cubbies above the monitor. I could store lots of the little things on my desk without having to look at the clutter.

4. clean workspace - I have a glass top on my desktop, but with all the clutter, it's hard to keep it clean, so I think this might be part deaux of #3. Also, I'm thinking it might be nice to put a pretty fabric under the glass...maybe something to match the memory board? hmmmm...

5. comfortable chair - I would LOVE to have a functional, armless office chair. My old dining room chair needs to be retired or put to better use. Maybe I could even recover and paint it to use as chairs in hubby's office?

6. memory/memo board - I'm thinking about making a memory board for the back of the armoire/workspace. It would definitely be nicer to look at, but functional. I could post my daily to do list and maybe a picture or two of the fam?

7. Daily to do list - I've heard it takes 21 days to create a habit...I'm going to have to get into the habit of making a to do list, but I think there is a daily list of things that I would like to accomplish that never changes. This would be a good addition to the memory board, don't you think?

I'll take an after pic to share with you, ok? BUT, I would love to see pics of your computer space (if you would like to share with me)! email them to me at primandproper@bellsouth.net. I welcome any suggestions as I am feeling organizationally-challenged these days! haha

I wanted to share some great news with you...I have been accepted as a member of a wonderful group of artists...Prim and Whimsy Girls! Prim and Whimsy Girls can be found on Ebay by typing PWGL in your Ebay search bar, as well as on their website Prim and Whimsy Girls. There is always something fun happening with this group! I hope you'll be able to visit and I'll be sure to give you updates as I move forward with this talented group of artists!

Okay...I'm going to close for now, but I PROMISE to share more with you later this week!!! Wishing you many blessings today....Susan

New Offerings!

What a great week! I've had so much fun in the studio this week. It's time to unveil my latest offerings for the TDIPT Mercantile.

I hinted last post about some new dollies I have been working on this week...well, here they are: Sister Angels! Creating them really challenged me in new ways, first and foremost because of their size...they are only 12" tall. Those of you familiar with my work know that I work on a MUCH larger scale! haha Adding all the details to their dresses and wings and even their serene 'mask' faces was exciting and very rewarding in the end. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! :-)



I thought it might be fun to mix and match fabrics from different collections, but with the same colors to tie them together and I got this explosion of Spring colors and Spring Queen was born! This sweet girl makes me smile and has been very good company this week in the studio. Being a Queen, well, don't you know she's very well behaved! :-)



I hope you'll get a chance to pop over to the Mercantile to take a peek at all the wonderful Spring offerings available. In celebration of our 2nd Anniversary, we are having a Birthday Bash complete with door prizes so be sure to enter to win, ok?

Have a wonderful evening...Susan

Ain't She Sweet

Well, I just finished up this little cutie patootie and listed her on Ebay last night. I just love the way she finished up and boy, oh boy, those are my colors! I love that deep dark chocolate brown and robin's egg blue combination, don't you? It's one of those color combinations that works spring, fall, summer and winter.



I'm planning on spending the day in the studio today, putting the finishing touches on my offerings for the TDIPT Mercantile update on the 15th. (psssttt...don't tell anyone, but we really update on the evening before so if you want to be the first one to take a sneak peek at the new goodies being offered be sure to pop in around 9pm on the 14th!!)

I'm working on something a little bit different for me that I hope you will enjoy...it's a sweet little gathering entitled "Sisters" and that's all I'm going to say about that. :-)

Okay..well I'm off to start my day. I'm wishing you a day full of happiness today...Blessings to you...Susan

Is it Spring yet?

What happened to our warm weather? I guess that serves me right getting all excited about daffodils popping up and the tips of my day lillies peeking from the ground...haha I know, I know...I've got it easy here in Atlanta compared to all my friends up North. I'm starting to think that old 'wives tale' is true about a person's blood thinning once they have been in the South for any length of time. I used to make it through those Upstate NY winters pretty hardily, but now.....pfsshhh...forget about it!

I've been busy in the studio these days...it's been lots of fun finishing up this sweet special order dollie for my friend, Kitty! She will be heading home soon, so I thought I better get some pics of her before she leaves the studio...



I've also been busy with my little Spring Thyme gal...Violet!



She just made it out to Ebay tonight! I hope you'll take a peek and tell me what you think of her, ok?

My TDIPT sisters are participating in a Spring/Easter Swap this month. I feel like one lucky ducky since my sweet swap partner Nancy Malay shipped early so I have my wonderful goodies. Everything is so precious....take a peek...



Look at these precious handmades from Nancy....



Pssst...those Ghiradelli Peanut Butter Squares are SCRUMPTIOUS!!! I am going to try the Ghiradelli Coffee tomorrow so I'll let you know how that is...can it be anything other than DELICIOUS with Ghiradelli on the package? hee hee

Okay...I'm signing off for the night...I hope you have a blessed evening...Hugs--Susan

March 1, 2009

Wow...I cannot believe it's been two weeks since I wrote in my blog journal! I feel like such a slacker...haha It's been an interesting two weeks around the Walker home though. My sister, Mary, came to visit for a long weekend getaway from the snow and ice of Pennsylvania and it was WONDERFUL to spend time together. We did all the girly things...manicure/pedicure, shopping, movies, eating out and talking...talking...talking! It was FANTASTIC to have her here with me for three whole days. I'm looking forward to our next visit already.

It's been a busy couple of weeks in the studio too. I've been having so much fun taking Jane DesRosier and Maureen White's Creative Textures online class! I have all these wonderful ideas in my head that I just can't seem to get on canvas and I'm hoping some of these techniques will get me started in the right direction. I'm enjoying learning from these two very talented ladies and can hardly wait to get started on my own creation!!!

I have been honored with the pleasure of being the featured artist on Wymzee Art and Friends blog! I am so tickled to be chosen...Thank you Sandra and Lisa!!




Be sure to check out the Spring offerings on the Humble Arts website. The site is full of some new and exciting Spring Thyme offerings for you.



It's time to crank up the fireplace around here...we are getting SNOW in Atlanta today. haha Such strange weather we are having...Until next time...Wishing you many blessings...Susan

Happy Valentine's Day

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Just a quick reminder...tonight is the update for the Mercantile gallery. I hope you get a chance to take a peek at all the wonderful new offerings tonight. I have been having so much fun designing some new Springtime offerings for you.

I wish you and your family a Happy Valentine's Day full of love and friendship!
---Susan

Groundhog Day

Okay..I'm a day behind, but the outcome is the same...six more weeks of winter! That Phil...doesn't he know we are all ready for spring already?!?! :-) Well, there's one great benefit to having all this chilly weather...I want to stay in and play around in my nice warm studio!!

I've had fun getting back into the swing of things and have picked up my embroidery needle again! It's been a while since I've sat still long enough to be able to do any stitchin' so this has been fun. I created some very sweet redwork Valentine hearts for the Humble Arts Gallery update on the 1st. Then I stitched some sentiments on my flying hearts...I just love the way they turned out...you can peek at them over there --------------------------------------------------> to the right of this chit chat.



I also just finished and listed this sweet little gal on Ebay tonight. I haven't made a round head dollie in a while, so she was a lot of fun!

I'm working on a sweet bunny that I hope to have ready to offer to you by the end of the week this week. She is looking so darned cute...I can hardly wait to share her with you.

Until next time...I hope you are staying safe and warm...I'll chat with you again soon...Susan

Peaceful Weekend

I've had such a good weekend...my son and his sweetie were home this weekend. We watched movies and chatted most of the weekend away! It's always so good to see them. Our neighbor's son celebrated his 15th birthday this weekend too. He asked permission to use our back yard for a bonfire party...how could we resist? He was in the backyard bright and early Saturday gathering downed limbs and branches to build up the fire...it was great. Not only did we get to play host for his party, but we also have a nice clean back yard! hee hee :-)

I've been playing around with a sweet little angel this week...I just finished her today.



I have had fun using my artist pencils lately. I love to try new things and I just love the soft look I get from the pencils. Her Heart is all embroidered in colored floss that coordinates so well with her outfit. I'm going to have a hard time letting this little angel fly away to her forever home! :-)

Wishing you sweet dreams....Susan

My Easter Dollie

I promised my little Easter dollie and here she is...Bonnie!






I worked on her outfit most of the day yesterday and put the finishing touches on her Easter bonnet this morning. I love the Debbie Mumm Easter fabric in her jumper, don't you? I bought this fabric a couple of years ago, but I must have put it in the stash bin with all the other blue fabric and forgot about it! What a great find for little Bonnie here!

Well, Bonnie is exhausted from sitting in the studio for her photo shoot all morning so she is taking a little kitty cat nap this afternoon. BUT she'll be up and ready for her debut on Ebay this evening! I hope you'll be able to stop by...Hugs--Susan

Ahhhh...studio time!!

Boy, oh boy, does it ever feel good to be busy in the studio again! I'm putting the finishing touches on some sweet Springtime dollies and I just finished up this sweet little Angel - Irish Blessings Angel! She's listed on Ebay this week - ending Sunday January 25th.






Stay tuned for my Easter sweetie ...I think she might be making her debut on the blog tomorrow afternoon! :-) Have a blessed evening...Susan

Whew...what a week!

Has this week been as busy for you as it has for me so far? (giggle) I have been working diligently on my dollies and finished three to offer on the Mercantile tonight! I'm so pleased with the way these three gals turned out...I hope you'll be able to take a peek.







I really wanted to finish up one of my more whimsical angels for Ebay this week, but it's taking a little longer than I had hoped to get back into the swing of things after the holidays. They are coming right along though and I will surely be ready for at least one to be offered on Ebay by Sunday.

Well, it's been a long day..I hope you are well and wish you a blessed evening...Hugs-Susan

Happy 2009!

WOW...I can't believe how long it's been since I posted here! Our family had such a nice long holiday together. It was great to spend so much time with the kiddos during their break. By the end of a three week vacation though, they were ready to get back into their routines and start classes again!

My in-laws weren't able to come down for the holidays because of that crazy ice storm that hit the Midwest. It was weird not to have them with us on Christmas morning...I think this is the first year in almost 10 years that we haven't spent Christmas with them. They were able to come down for a quick 3 day visit this weekend and it was great to visit with them. For them, it was a nice break from all that winter weather too!!

Well, I'm back in the studio today and looking forward to working on my dollies. I have 8 or 9 dolls in various stages of completion that I have been tinkering with over the past few weeks. I'm hoping to have someone finished in time for the Mercantile update on the 15th and possibly one for Ebay too! I'll keep you posted...

Okay...I'm off to be creative! I wish you a blessed day and hope you are safe and warm today...hugs--Susan