Computer Issues

Recently my hard drive suffered a life altering (mine) setback.
I'm currently having my dear machine examined and repaired to
improve my quality of online living.

Meanwhile, I am actually getting things done, around the
house and yard! But I am sure getting itchy fingers....

Amazing how that happens.

See you soon!

Alycia's Art

photo courtesy of Alycia

Recently I received an e-mail update from
American Holiday Artists
abbreviated: (AHA)
All customs, all faiths, all holidays
represented by juried artists.

Occassionally, I will browse to see what is new,
and find inspiration from their incredible creations,
often listed for sale on eBay and Etsy.

One artist in particular caught my eye,
as I realized she was from a local area.
I noted that she would be one of the
participating artisans on the lawn
at the Market on Dragonfly Hill
in Byfield MA

The market is held once a month,
with focus on a set theme,
for 3 days selling antiques, collectibles,
refurbished and repurposed items, fine
handcrafts and original art.
This month's theme was
"Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days".

It happend to be a hazy day as I headed to Byfield.
Signs pointed to a hidden driveway, and as I
drove in, there were a few tents set up on
the lawn with lovely landscaped gardens.

One gal was spinning wool with offerings
of her woolens,

another table with beautiful photos,

a friendly gal with a bubbly personality had
a table covered with sparkly
glass creations in a rainbow of colors,
representing cups, saucers, wine glasses, etc
assembled in groupings with a candle on the
top layer. (Being a gardener, I envisioned
those sparkly eye-catchers in my garden
as totems instead of on my table).

Then I spotted Alycia's Art.
Beautiful "heirloom quality" papier mache creations,
representing snowmen, pumpkins and bunnies,
with whimsical personalities,
all created with incredible detail.
Seeing her work up close and personal
was fascinating, and meeting her was worth
the trip in itself.

I will return to Dragonfly Hill, and look
forward to the upcoming themes of
"White Linen" - August 19-21
"Autumn upon us" - September 16 - 18
"BOOtiful Time of Year" October 14 - 16 and
"Season to Season" November 11 -13.

I hope to see you there!

Having fun making these little angel dolls.
I used a pattern by my friend Brenda, of
The Vintage Polka Dot
with a gollywobbles twist.
(check out her updated blog....yummy design!)

Once I start creating, I may have a pattern
to spring board from...but I'm easily
distracted or swayed to try something different
to fit the mood of the project.

I was aiming for pint size, and trying to
think of a creative way to use up favorite scraps.
Hopefully later this weekend, I'll list these
ornie gals in my Etsy shop.

I'm thinking of picking up the paint brushes
again, or making some journals.
I've been studying up on the book making process
and hope to come up with my own style soon.

Summer time means the calendar fills up fast.
Today I'm going to check out market day
at Dragonfly Hill.
This month's theme is Lazy Hazy days of Summer....
well today is more like one of those
cloudy "iffy" kind of days,
and not so sunny hazy...
oh well, you can't have it all.

I'm curious to see the artists that will be vending there.
A great way to get some inspiration, and see if I
get the "craft fair" bug for the fall.
After Byfield, I'm off to celebrate my nephews birthday.

Tomorrow predicts a rainy type of day,
and I'm thinking it's going to be a great creating day!
Love it!
Enjoy your weekend!

My Art Journal - Giveaway!

Celebrating her 100th blog post,
Diane Salter is having a giveaway
on her blog called
My Art Journal


I love to visit Diane's blog to read
about her craft fair experiences,
and learn about her mixed media style.
She is descriptive, and amusing
with her frequent posts.

She is also very generous in sharing
her tutorials, and I find her work to be
truly one-of-a-kind.

Please pay her a visit,
and tell her
Gollywobbles sent you!
(wink - wink)
I'm hoping to win one of her fabulous pieces!)

* * * *
I have to take a moment to mention
I feel very guilty about being chosen
for an award on her site.
I'm so bad when it comes to that kind of
thing. It sort of reminds me of those
chain letters, where I was always guilty
of breaking the chain.

I realize it's great exposure to
spotlighting other sites, which I support
immensely, but I find myself leaning towards being
on the shy side, when it comes to passing the
torch award to other sites...
I guess I just haven't figured
out the best etiquette in dealing with this.

Unfortunately ignoring the situation isn't the
best approach...but time did slip away.....

Diane, if you read this, I sure hope you understand...

Miss Mustard Seed

Photo from
Miss Mustard Seed
I don't know why or how I found this site,
but her story hit home for me.
How many times have I gone to my "day" job wishing
and praying I could stay home and work for "Gollywobbles"?
I often wondered how my life would have turned out,
if I had had a mentor, or someone to push me
into the direction of working my "passion" for a living,
instead of choosing a practical skill
in accounting and administration.

Don't get me wrong,
I do enjoy my work,
but it includes working for someone else,
and abiding by rules in the workplace.

My best energy and time is
"gobbled" up at my day job.
I'm most fresh in the morning,
and by the time I arrive home at night,
many times have little left for my creating passion.

But it's that passion that keeps me on course.
Maybe I only have evenings and weekends to devote
to creating and learning new artistic skills;
I know it is THE VERY THING that keeps me grounded.

So when I hear a young person say
they don't know what they want to go to college for,
or do when they "grow up".

My answer is FOLLOW YOUR PASSION.
Live your life doing what you love,
and LOVE what you do!

Everything else will fall into place.

Weekend Wrap-up

Snowmen in July?
I won't bore you with pictures,
but I finally finished my snow angels.
I'll be listing these guys on Etsy this week.
It was a slow process working on 6 at once!
Actually I just realized this photo is missing one,
but I did finish 6.


It was an awesome day at the beach.
The water was flat and calm.
Tim caught this 32" stiped bass,


and only one lobster from his traps.


This little guy got stuck in the trap,
he was the right color, but wrong fish!


It sure was a hot one today,
and nice seeing the crowds from a distance.
We got to the boat ramp at 7:30 this morning
and left around 2:00 in the afternoon.
Great timing for missing the crowds.
Have a great week!

Fiddlesticks, Hampton Falls, NH

Fiddlesticks has moved!
Years ago I used to frequent this very location,
except it was a fabric store called Silver Thimble.
The store moved down the street to a barn, which
eventually changed ownership, and became Fiddlesticks.
The "full-circle" connection about this story is Fiddlesticks
is now located in the original location of the fabric shop.

Diane and I met taking painting lessons
at the Abby-Rose. I am a regular customer to her shop,
and over the years we have become better acquainted.


The old barn had a warm and cozy feel about it.
But the new shop is not only inviting, it's Stunning!
Diane wasted no time painting the walls to fit
her color palette in soothing taupes, white and sage green.


The shop is known for it's mix of antiques
and repurposed furniture.


Over the years I have learned Diane has a natural ability
to decorate a room with such good taste.


Diane also enjoys creating beautiful silk flower arrangements.
Her partner Maureen, contributes her expertise
and knowledge of antiques.
They truly compliment one another,
combining their strengths to make a great team.


A local artist paints lovely landscapes of old
New England style homes on stools, luggage, tin
and wooden banners.


You can expect to find a selection of scented candles
and sprays, which I personally endorse as the best around.
This little nook leads up to the second story.


The charming layout is spacious, and
arranged in such a way, you can easily
imagine it in your own home.


Another wide angle view of the second floor.



The old faithful "Fiddlesticks" sign holds
a place of honor
on the back wall.


Swatches of fabric are available to
customize furniture to fit your decor.





Bolts of homespun, and special cuts of wool are available.
Rughooking classes have been offered in the past,
and similar classes are being considered
in the future as well.



This view shows the open door on the back wall,
allowing fresh air to circulate through the shop.
If you are familiar with this area, there are
days you can smell the ocean air.



Leading from the main shop, is a room reserved for garden
themed decorating, as well as an outside cubby area,
unique to the shop.



A combination of granite ware, wicker,
wooden signs, and garden tools.



Notice the repurposed door with mirror
and shelving? You can expect to find this
type of furniture on a regular basis.



I hope you enjoyed the tour.
If you ever make it to Fiddlesticks,
please tell them Sam sent you!


May your holiday be safe,
and filled with making happy memories.

Special thanks, thoughts and prayers,
go out to our troops, and their families,
with hopes they will all be home
and together with their loved ones soon.