Christine LeFever

My New Blog About The Oregon Antique Mall

2012-01-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

I just created a blog about our wonderful Oregon Antique Mall here in beautiful Oregon City, Oregon. Please visit it often to see what's going on there!

New Dolls January 3, 8:00 AM

2012-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Polly is sitting prettily in anticipation of making her ultimate debut on Tuesday, January 3rd. at 8:00 AM.

I am now thoroughly devoted to my dolls looking old. I have aged many of my reproduction girls, and am engaging once again in the joy of creating cloth dolls that might have actually been made long, long ago. I used to crackle and antique my reproduction dolls, and somewhere along the line I was influenced to leaving that step out. I look at the doll who looks brand new and feel as though something is missing. For me, it has to be aged, and so, to you, my favorite world, that being the primitive one, I am home again.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year to All of You Dear Friends.

2011-12-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Parlor Tour Pictures ~ 12/10/11

2011-12-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Parlor Tour here in beautiful Oregon City, Oregon was a total success yesterday. I told the story of our historic home to many visitors, and it was a delightful day. Following are some pictures that I took just before the tour began. I had tremendous assistance from the splendid re-enactment of Marge Harding, a marvelous seamstress and actress who knows her history. I am so sorry that I never got a picture of lovely Marge in her 1880's garb. Thank you so much Marge.

"The c. 1888 Judge Harvey Cross House was constructed at another location and moved to this site sometime between 1911 and 1925. Cross was a prominent local and state politician and community leader. He was one of the founders of the Mount Hood and Barlow Road Company, which operated the Barlow Road after 1882, and with partners formed the Gladstone Real Estate Association which led to the establishment of the city of Gladstone. In 1890, Cross represented Clackamas and Marion Counties in the Oregon State Senate, and he also served as a county judge. In 1894, he co-founded the Willamette Valley Chautauqua Association and helped establish it as the third largest permanent Chautauqua camp in the United States. The house was moved to this site during the ownership of Edwin G. and Gertrude Roberts who purchased the property in 1910, but continued to live at 1003 9th Street until at least 1916. By the early 1930's, Gertrude Roberts occupied this house and continued to do so until the mid - 1950's. Roberts was joined in by Joseph F. Davis, a teacher at Oregon City High School, and his wife Mary in 1953. Five years later, the house was deeded to the couple, who remained in the house until 1972. This property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. "

Harvey Cross selected the name of Gladstone, for a nearby developing town, because he admired Prime Minister William E. Gladstone of England. Harvey Cross and his family moved to Gladstone after they sold this property in 1910.

When the Cross family resided in this Italianate home, it looked like the following picture which includes the Cross family. See the baby in the window. I'm guessing a maid, a neighbor or another relative is propping the little one up.

Because it was the teens to the twenties when it was moved, the new owners modernized it with a new big Craftsman era styled front porch. The National Historic Register says it will remain this way and is never to be turned back. I'm fine with it though, because I love my big porch!

I am using this older picture, because of the pretty snow, which we do not have at present.

The picture below in the parlor is of my early Oregon, hanging corner cupboard that is standing above a Nativity Scene.

From the parlor is a picture of the dining room, with the table set for a feast.

A close up of two of my dolls who dwell in the dining room.

A peek into the kitchen through the dining room. One day this kitchen will be restored to a true Victorian one. It was last toyed with in the 1960's. The pink countertop and one of the first Kitchen Aid dishwashers is the true indicator. It is still a very good dishwasher!

~ Dining room into the parlor ~

A little etagere decorated with a more primitive bent.

Front door and porch. Oops on that wayward garland to the right!

Shot of kitchen showing door to dining room.

Shot of kitchen stove area, and I do not see one Christmas decoration there! Oh well.

~ Kitchen windows and counter top ~

~ The Parlor ~

My Christmas tree is a Victorian Pencil Tree which I have had for many years. I live in the land o' Christmas trees, but I always choose my little faux one. I do have lots of fresh greenery here and there, but no tree thrills me like my slender, understated pencil tree.

Christmas Parlor Tour

2011-11-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

My home will be one of the homes on tour in our historic neighborhood. I never have a tree up as early as this, but this year I will! Hope some of you can make it!

Beautiful Rain

2011-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am one who loves fall and winter and spring and summer; in other words, all four seasons.

I have lived in snowy climes as well as my wonderful rain forest. I have to confess that I opt for the rain forest. I love the dark, blustery, rainy days and my umbrella and my kinsale raincoat. I do love wearing layers of clothing. I do not like to be scantily attired unless I'm sleeping.

Today I discovered an enormous mushroom! Or perhaps it's a toadstool. In any event, I had to take a photo of it with my iPhone. These babies are right outside our dining room bay window.

Cooler seasons afford a coziness inside the house with warmth and candle light. Rain affords mobility in traveling. Shopping is never stopped short here in the rain forest, but it often was in the big snow, so I am very content with my beautiful rain.

Editing My Home

2011-11-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

I have an old friend, who told me the best way to really see your home, is to photograph it. Well, moments ago, I did a few pix and then ended up cropping much out of each one, because they were way messy.

Below is a corner of my kitchen. In photographic form, it looks way too cluttered. And yet, I like everything in the room that is in that picture. I guess clutter is essential for me.

Wabi sabi is a term the Japanese use to embrace and accept flaws. It is pronounced wobby sobby. I'd say the beautiful Renaissance Revival chair below is quite wabi sabi, and I love it exactly as it is. So there. I spotted it at a local used furniture store this past summer. It was out on the sidewalk. I had Greg drop me off so I could run in and pay for it. Greg drove around the block just in time for me to load it into the car.

In the picture below the dress on this old, rag doll, is made from Victorian carpet that had been ripped up many years ago. My mom bought the old carpet at an antiques venue, and then gave it to me. I think it's really cool. This doll was one I made from a pattern from Marcie LaJoie of The Shack in the Back. Marcie has quit doing dolls. I made the doll many years ago. So it is old to me.

Currier & Ives and Victorian ladies all over my house! I love those beautiful old pictures and I also love that most of them are indeed a bit wabi sabi. I am very specific about what I love. I don't like people to give me presents, because I have to choose my own stuff. I've had to sell many an item that has been given to me. Oh gracious, sweet friends. I have a few things hidden away in dresser drawers, because somehow, even though they are gifts of love, I don't like them in my decor. I know. Very weird, I am.

I also love old, worn out, hence, wabi sabi frames. Here is one I picked up at an estate sale a couple weeks ago. I like it as it is. I bought the picture of the young woman at the same estate sale. I felt sorry for her, because it was the last day of the sale where everything under $100.00 was half priced, and still no one had bought her. She cost me $7.00. She resides in my guest bedroom with that gorgeous wabi sabi frame around her.

Due to my having two personalities; one being high Victorian and the other purely primitive in decor sensibility, the below cupboard was originally all white. But I used some milk paint, mixed it into this boring green, and painted the cupboard. I was hoping for more of a robin's egg blue, but ran out of the right stuff. I like the sage-ish green though, and so it remains. But the photograph points out the flaws. I had to "antique" my picture in iPhoto so as to diffuse the flaws a little. The doll is one that I made a couple years ago and then didn't want her to sell, so I have kept her. She has glass pupiless eyes!

You can see the Victorian in me with the tassel on the primitive chimney cupboard. (Chimney due to the height and narrowness.) I like to refer to my decorating style as Primitive Victorian. Some might regard that as an oxymoron, but there were plenty of primitives around during Victorian days, especially since Victorian days began in 1837 and ended in 1901. I'm afraid you won't find much European in my house. I am so in love with early American as well as later times in this fair country, all the way through to the end of the Edwardian days, which ran from 1901 to 1910. Because America is so young, naturally one will not find European aged kind of stuff. I appreciate European things, but they do not own my heart. Early America ended in 1850.

And here is something that was made in the twentieth century! I love this old, hooked rug that shows the country child waiting for the school bus. It hangs on a wall in my laundry room.

Below is a shelf in my laundry room, just above the washer and dryer. I had to antique this picture too, because it was way too bright for my taste. In real life it is not all that bright, and that is good for me, because I prefer dark decorating. The little hooked rug is one I did of a design by Kindred Spirits.

Of course I love the mirror below. I bought it from Brent Heeb of Stars Antiques Mall fame, years ago. It had been pictured in Country Living magazine when Brent's house was featured. I was thrilled to have a mirror that was in a magazine! Silly me, my entire house had been in the same magazine the year before!

Note the gorgeous, large, antique tin document box with early tole painting on it. See the wee one next to it. It too is very old. I've had the wee one for many, many years. It looks as though it's the baby!

Coming down the stairs is a tall expanse of wall and so I have put more pretty ladies there.

Well, so much for editing. I could do this all day every day. This is why I have two spaces at an antiques mall, and my Old & Good online antiques site. The hunt is what it's all about. One can only have so much stuff in one's home before one becomes eligible for "Hoarders"! Yuck!

Recycle, Go Green, Economize ~ Oregon Antique Mall

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Trish Williams and Scott Cunningham are the owners of the new Oregon Antique Mall here in Oregon City, Oregon. They are extremely aware of the need for recycling good, old stuff, as well as for re-purposing and economizing. They used complete sustainability when they restored the old building, and they applaud dealers who creatively bring merchandise that speaks for all of those points.

As a lover of antiques, I am amazed at some of the lovely items that are being brought into our mall.

Antiques, of course, were well made and stand the test of time.

Here are a few shots I took the other day. Our new mall has grown with leaps and bounds in just a little over a month. There are now 52 vendors that I know of, and it keeps on growing. There is so much fun and camaraderie there, and it is a great place for me to find treasures galore, as well as to sell some.

Enjoy the following pictures of many spaces in the mall.

Wishing You All a Happy Halloween ~

2011-10-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Estate Sale - The Viewpoint Inn

2011-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Gregory and I celebrated my birthday by going to the estate/liquidation sale of the beautiful Viewpoint Inn in Corbett, Oregon. I bought the little foot stool that you will see in one of the pictures. The movie Twilight was filmed here in Oregon as well as parts of Washington, and the beautiful prom scene was filmed at The Viewpoint Inn. Alas the building caught fire on July 10. The owners plan to remove the remains of it and to rebuild. The view is spectacular. We now have some really nice restaurant dishes, glassware and pots and pans!

Ride in the Country

2011-10-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today Gregory and I took a lovely ride into the countryside around us here at the end of the Oregon Trail. I took pictures (with my iPhone) of this wonderful old homestead from the 1800's.

We also did antique shops in the following Oregon towns, where we scored some wonderful "early Oregon" primitive treasures: Carver - The Wood Pile, Estacada - Wade Creek Antiques and Gresham, Vintage Station.

It was a lovely day!

Old Brown Fabrics Came From Old Lavender

2011-10-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you are already aware of this, but just in case, I must mention it yet again. (I already mentioned it on my Old & Good site). When you see the old brown gowns, quilts, and other brown textile items, they were usually originally lavender to purple.

Pictured here are some strips taken from a very old quilt. Note the lavender on the seams that never saw sunlight.

Just had to share.

My Space at Oregon Antique Mall one Month Later

2011-09-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

It will actually be one month on the 28th. My small space has been very active and I am having so much fun filling it up with treasure upon treasure. From a market research angle I've noticed that right here in beautiful Oregon City, Oregon, primitives and Victorian sell equally. My assemblage arts are doing very well and it is now time for me to put a few things onto my online shop Old & Good, as well as to get some new dolls onto my website. I'm even toying with adding another, larger space to Oregon Antique Mall. Busy hands are happy hands!

It is imperative that I offer only what I love. So if you do not see much mid-century (obviously, 20th), that is simply because I am not terribly enamored of it, yet.

Notice the cute pumpkin and the cloth cat. I bought Netty LaCroix's recent cat and pumpkin patterns and made them. I hope to make more, because I love all of Netty's designs!

Oregon Antique Mall in Historic Oregon City is Open as of August 28

2011-08-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our official greeter, for a few days, is Nadine Cunningham, sitting prettily and happily visiting with us. Her son is one of the owners. The mall is not ready yet, but it is coming along famously, and we're all so excited about it! Scroll and see a few spaces that are filling up with treasures.

Again, the mall is open now.

Below is our savvy IT man, Kaz, (sounds like coz),whose real name is Andrew and is also simply charming to have around.

Gretchen Nation makes these gorgeous cuff bracelets, among other things. Please visit her blog for an earlier post about the new beginnings of this mall. Click Here.

Below is my "space", and although I've just shown a closeup (sort of ) of it, I want to show here how it is a new concept in mall space in that it is more of a platform, or little stage. The show must go on!

Note how incredibly shiny are the concrete floors after a professional polishing that will leave them this way permanently. It looks like I have space beneath, but that's just the reflection of above stuff. And speaking of stuff, I must get more over there!

Again, dear Nadine, laughing as I shot a picture of the area where the elevator, still in progress for being completely finished after this year long remodel. The upstairs is not yet occupied, because there is more work to be done, but it is beautiful!

"Pretty Porch Sale" A WONDERFUL SUCCESS!

2011-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Granddaughter, 5 year old Grace Elizabeth, watering the lawn as we were about to begin the process of preparing for my "Pretty Porch Sale" which is done annually in Oregon City, Oregon. Thank you, Gracie, you do good work!

Our brand new balcony railings!

The front porch.

The lineup.

And the rest is almost completely gone now.

A local docent from the historic McLaughlin House, which is right around the block from our house.

Summer is Finally Here in Western, Oregon!

2011-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

As many Oregonians know, summertime doesn't really take place here until at least the very end of July. With temperatures in the 60's and 70's, we don't regard this as summer weather, and hello, who does? Well, it is a wonderful climate for flowers and greenery. Even the moss is still green. But just this week our temperatures have risen to the high 80's. It has been beautiful! There is no humidity here to speak of, so that's a good thing.

Just sharing a picture of some of the flowers back by our little, Victorian era pond, that is no longer a pond. I will, one day, restore it so that I may enjoy dragon flies!

New Dolls

2011-07-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my latest group of dolls and am in the process of sending out my newsletter to those of you who have signed up for the mailings. Click on the picture above and it will take you to the newsletter itself. Or click here too and from there you will be directed to my Dolls and Fancywork Shoppe. Thank you so much for viewing my creations.

Christine

Simply Beautiful

2011-07-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Every Christmas a few friends from grade school gather for a luncheon. ~ We like to bring a gift to the hostess. Two years ago, my friend Gay, gifted this lovely, white, African Violet to me, when I hosted the event. ~ I know very little about gardening, let alone the care for indoor plants, but I rose to the challenge, and now two years later, I am so very proud of this beautiful flower. I simply bought a small bottle of African Violet Food, and followed directions. I even had to repot it, as it has grown so well. Thank you again, Gay, for such a lovely gift!

I cannot get enough of the large, Victorian houses, many with balconies and third stories and turrets. We spotted this beauty yesterday perusing the older neighborhood of tiny, Woodburn, Oregon. This is the Settlemier House which is where the founder of Woodburn resided. There are a few other beauties in Woodburn. It was such a pleasure seeing them.

Yesterday morning, a friend in town gave to me her old twig table that was (and still is) rather rotting. ~ I placed it into our "rockery" and it is happy to be there. ~ I will place a small plant on it in hopes that it won't force the table to the ground. I do adore twig furniture and what have you, because it has a faerie-like quality to it. The faeries in my garden are already delighted!

Happy 5th Birthday, Adorable and Beautiful Gracie!

2011-07-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our dear little granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth's 5th birthday.

Brigitte, Grace's mom, our daughter, made all of these delightful dollies and decorated the party with them! I guess one could call them "Party Dolls".

Beautiful Gracie, eager to begin the opening of her gifts.

And the cake...

Fun in the sun on hold until after gifts and cake and ice cream.

Below, see Grace's handsome, brother, Alex, (who will be 20 next month!), and his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah. Such fun in that pool for all. And who is that little fish in the corner? Of course it is Emma, also 5 years old and Grace's best friend who did not want to come out of the water even for cake and ice cream. Emma calls us Mimi and Baba, for she loves us and we love her and so have stepped in to be more grandparents for her, since we also love her Auntie/Mom, Amanda. See above. I told Amanda to say "prune". She did it so nicely.

Bathing darlings having a blast.

She told me she would love to have a "pink" piano, and below is what I scored for her, along with that hot pink, velvet and diamond tufted toy box.

Looks as though friend, Layton, who will be 5 in September, is getting some water into that device.

You go, Layton, squirt your silly and wonderful father! Sorry I did not capture any pictures of the very saturated Eric.

All-in-all it was a delightful time, and there were many other people there, but I whip out my little iPhone camera only once in a while. This was all that I managed to snap.

Happy 4th., and make your own Freedom banner!

2011-07-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Teri Heinz of Artful Affirmations has instructions for how to make this lovely "Freedom" banner. Enjoy!

I Really Have Been Working on Dolls

2011-06-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

So much to do just living every day, and yet I'm still managing some dolls. The four seen here, soon to be added to the website are Jane, Hattie A., Hattie B. and AnnaBeth. I'm working on a Tess, a Tillie, three Amy's, 2 Maggie's, 1 Emma and some small dolls. Just wanted to give a sneak peek at what's happening in this art room!

Mouses Houses by Maggie Rudy

2011-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine from Ohio pointed this blog out to me the other day. Thank you Heather!

I am beyond thrilled to see this incredibly talented artist, Maggie Rudy's world of adorable mice, or as she prefers, "mouses".

Maggie lives in Portland, Oregon, which is my fair city but minutes away form my Oregon City home. I ordered her newest book The House that Mouse Built and am eager to peruse it joyfully and slowly.

Note the stove that mouse is warming himself by, for it is made of a poppy seed.

You must visit Mouses Houses and see what I am talking about! Enjoy!

Playing With My Blog Background

2011-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a wonderful blog called The Graphic Fairy. It is through her that I now have the pretty pink damask background. One simply must visit her to see the ease of changing backgrounds. She offers beautiful free backgrounds. I may not end up with this one. But for now I enjoy it very much!

A Magazine Clipping of Sally Weaver Art

2011-05-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed this clipping from a magazine for many years. Sally Weaver, a miniaturist, created this adorable vignette and I have to share it with everyone. Be sure to click on the picture to make it bigger.

From Grace, my 4 year Old Granddaughter

2011-05-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just had to share what little Grace made for me on Mother's Day. I didn't get around to getting it scanned until moments ago. I love art work by children and the things they say about it.

:-)

My Next Door Neighbor's Dogwood Tree

2011-05-09T21:40:00.001-07:00

I so love this beautiful dogwood tree. Of course, I love them all. This is in the yard of a next door neighbor. The house in the distance is mine with scores of bluebells. I love spring and fall the very best of all seasons. Happy continued spring to everyone!

Pink and The Kid's Room

2011-04-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have favored the color pink for all of my life, with my second favorite being pale, robin's egg blue. I grew weary of the pumpkin shade of woodwork in my "guest" bedroom and have whited out that color so that I could have as much pink as I want. Well, I told my four year old granddaughter, Grace, that said room is now "the kid's room". She loves to come to Mimi & Baba's house for a "Sweep over". Yes, that does translate to sleep over.

I found the lovely pink panels above and the sweet balloon curtain below at Target in the Simply Shabby line and I just love them. I tell you I drink pink in as if it were medicine.

I stenciled that pretty "fantasy vine" as it is called from my Jan Dressler stencils and I knew I only had to do one patch of it right where it is, otherwise it might have been too much were I to have surrounded the entire room in it.

The next step is to go to Toys R Us and buy new things for Gracie to play with rather than to subject my antique dolls to torture. I am having such fun with my "kid's room"! And indeed, I know it would be nicer to call it "The Children's' Room", but hey, this is 2011, not 1888. Tee hee.

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

It is so beautiful here today with the sun shining and the temperature 60 something. I even sat out on my balcony today and got a few minutes of fresh vitamin D. It was a pleasure to snap some shots of some of my spring flowers.

Bleeding Heart

Creeping Jenny

Just Ivy

Bluebells

More Bleeding Hearts and Lavender

Giant Evergreen Tree, so no not a flower.

Hot Pink Tulip

More tulips and some beginning Holly Hock and of course more Bleeding Heart

Something wild and beautiful. Most likely a weed, but I rather like it.

Dwarf Periwinkle

Forget-me-not

Trillium

More Bluebells

More of the weed or whatever, but so pretty and all over the yard!

Clematis

Happy Tax Day Everyone, From My Art Room!

2011-04-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I emptied most of this room in order to receive that smashing black and white checked linoleum that I found in a shop nearby. It was a remnant and I had to have it, because my floors have begun to yield an occasional sliver. Just the floors in that room.

I just finished putting everything back. It was so lovely while empty, but I need all of my supplies, and this isn't even all of them, since some are squished into that little closet and some are also in the basement.

I love that glitter WITCH sign that was gifted to me from my dear friend, Stacy French. We did a show in Pleasanton, CA that year and it was such fun! Recently I finished hooking the witches rug. I was inspired by the design from an old woodblock image from the 1600's.

Greg and I watch TV in this room, hence the two Queen Anne chairs (that I picked up at estate sales), and I even painted black his, because I didn't like the original upholstery of red, white and blue plaid.

Pictured below is this corner near where I sit and paint and do so much of my work. It shows my serger. I almost never use it. I don't know why I had to have one, but I cannot part with it, because one never knows.

That lamp was a gift Greg and I bought for each other many years ago, and then one day, our dear grandson, Alexander, accidentally broke it and it shattered into many pieces. I just glued it all back together and let it reside in this room for sentimental reasons. I did not get angry with Alex. Accidents simply do happen.

There is my next Hannah doll waiting for her attire.

Ah, there it is again, the witchy goblin hooked rug.

Below, do note the ironing board. It is draped in that silver type of fabric that most ironing board covers are made of. I had to buy some, because my ironing board by Rowenta, is now discontinued and there are no more covers being made to fit it. So I've kept the last one and will simply make a cover with this stuff from now on. Bummer about "planned obsolescence", but hey, one must use one's ingenuity. The name of my ironing board is "Precision". I mention this in case some of you have the same one. I even contacted Rowenta themselves, and they verified that it is no longer being made.

What a messy cupboard. No matter how hard I work at it, it gets messy. Fabrics! And the top shelf is my soldering supplies. See that closet through there. Some day I might redecorate it. It has the same red and white wallpaper that was there when we moved in. I think it was probably put there in the 1960's.

There it is, below, our home entertainment center. Yep, that's all we have and all we want on that order.

Greg is the kind of man who would send it back were I ever to grace him with a recliner. I am so grateful for that! He simply cannot stand them. Yay! See where I put myself on TV.

I love my table. It was created in southern, Ohio by the great Sally and Donnie Whims. I believe you can ONLY buy their wares from Olde Glory which is owned by Bea Sparrow in beautiful Waynesville, OH. Her name is so cute ~ like the birds and the bees! I bought that table when I wanted to be solely primitive in my decor. Since then, we bought a lovely Victorian house and I do not want to make it all primitive, so I just use that wonderful table for my art projects.

Note the teflon nonstick sheets that are taped to the table top. I have three brand new ones there. I LOVE THOSE THINGS! You can spill anything on it and it comes right off. They are indispensable to a crafter/artist. Of course, my trusty Costco box of rubber gloves is right there on the floor.

I had better fill those cubby holes up! It won't take long. You can see my crown adjacent to this little cupboard. I had to place my name right near it.

I hope you've enjoyed today's tour of my Art Room. It is my favorite place to be. And, I do have the TV on as long as there are some very entertaining programs to keep me company as I paint, solder, sew, cut paper, decoupage, dream and play dolls.

Tabitha Brown, "Mother Symbol of Oregon" by John Terry from The Oregonian, March 31, 2002

2011-04-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am using mostly the words of John Terry, but here and there I've used my own. This is to assure Mr. Terry that his writing is superior and respected; mine is not of much use, because I am NOT a writer. Because of his story I have for these past 9 years loved verbally sharing about Tabitha Brown. When my husband and I moved to Ohio from 2003-2005, I kept this story with me and folded the newspaper clipping so as to always have Tabitha's sweet face on my desk. For you see, Oregon is my beloved home.

Born Tabitha Moffatt on May 1, 1780 in Brimfield, Massachusetts.

Father was a doctor.

Educated as a teacher and married the Rev. Clark Brown on Dec. 1, 1799.

He died in 1817, so she taught school in order to raise her three children.

"Grandma" Brown was nearly 66 when she left Missouri for Oregon in 1846 with her son Orus, his wife, Lavina, and their eight children; her daughter Pherne Pringle, her husband, Virgil and their five children; and her 77 year old brother-in-law, John Brown, a former sea captain.

Tabitha and her brother-in-law and her daughter's family took up with a "rascally fellow who came out from the settlement in Oregon assuring us that he had found a new cut-off, that if we would follow him we would be in the settlement long before those who had gone down the Columbia River".

They were lead across the parched deserts of northern Utah and Nevada, and the frigid mountains of Southern Oregon, which culminated in disaster and destitution. The party had 98 men, 50 women and a number of children.

"I rode through (the Umpqua Mountains) in three days at the risk of my life, on horse-back, having lost my wagon and all that I had but the horse I was on," Tabitha reported. Mind you, she also had a bad hip and walked with a cane.

At one point, the captain "had a swimming in his head and a pain in his stomach" and "became delirious and fell from his horse." Tabitha made a makeshift camp and waited out the night, fearing he "would be a corpse before morning."

Eventually they were rescued by her son Orus.

She arrived in Salem and had little left in the way of possessions, but in the fingertip of a glove found a coin – "I supposed to be a button" – worth 6 &1/4 cents. She bought three needles, traded some old clothes to native women in return for buckskin and "worked them into gloves for the Oregon ladies and gentlemen, which cleared me upwards of $30."

Over the course of time, Tabitha Brown founded Pacific University in Forest Grove. She died May 4, 1858, in Salem and is buried in Pioneer Cemetery there. The legislature awarded its official recognition in 1987.

My Faery School House

2011-03-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I discovered Terri Heinz' beautiful blog, Artful Affirmations, with her wonderful free video tutorials. I was instantly enamored of her Faery School House and set to creating my very own via her thorough tutorial.

I am so happy that my yard this year is resplendent with rich, Oregon moss, for I did not have to buy any moss in which to adorn my faery school. I have discovered a whole new world in which to explore, and Terri has led the way.

Enjoy visiting her!

Christine

Old & Good, My New Online Antiques and Collectibles Venue

2011-03-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Happy spring, everyone, for it is now the time for me to announce that I have started an antiques and collectibles selling venture. My new venue is what I affectionately call Old & Good. This offers me the opportunity to continue enjoying "the hunt". I will be adding new items often. I will be sending out a newsletter to my faithful followers this week. If you are not on my list to be notified of new offerings, just click on my Mail List link and add yourself if you so desire.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Christine

More Signs of Spring

2011-03-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk this morning, first thing, just around the block. The pink blossoms are just beginning to pop through on the tree by the church that is on the block behind ours. Many of the pink trees throughout the valley are already in beautiful bloom. This one is so pretty when it is finally bloomed, and it is a late bloomer.

A closeup of a lovely camellia tree in a neighbor's yard. This camellia is in a shady spot and therefore it too is a late bloomer, because most of the camellias in the area area already losing their blooms.

As seen below, a camellia in another neighbor's yard is beginning to turn brown, but oh how splendid it was!

And below is the beginning of some candytuft.

My columbine in its planter is beginning to creep forth.

The neighbor with the candytuft also has a forsythia beginning to bloom.

Here sits my Mad Hatter amidst much ivy.

Something purple from another neighbor's yard.

The Queen of Hearts among ivy and soon to be blossoming bluebells.

The neighbor with the candytuft and the forsythia has some pretty white flowers beneath her rhododendrons. There are two of them there, and each is a different color! So beautiful, and soon to be in full bloom.

And in my own back yard is this lovely white daffodil!

Moss & Daffodils

2011-03-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here I go again, lauding the beauty of all of this rich, green, Oregon moss. Yes, I do love it. Of course, we do live in the only rain forest in the northern hemisphere, so it's best to actually make the best of what many do not care for; that being inclement, rainy weather, moss and lichens and gray skies throughout much of the winter. But this winter hasn't been so bad here this year.

I'm sorry for all of you in the snowy climes where it has been horrid from what many of you have said.

Our "yard" is not a garden, as many like to call their yards. And it is a weird one, but we're happy here. We have an over abundance of bamboo, not much of which is pictured here, and of course the ubiquitous ivy that has become a problem in this state. Laurel and evergreen trees abound. You cannot grow a flower garden or a vegetable garden in this yard either, because the property was built on mass basalt. So we make the best of it in admiring the rich, green moss during the winter and spring.
When I spot a flower in this yard, I am elated. And we do have many lovely bulbs that keep multiplying. Here are some daffodils. I took these pictures a couple days ago. Today the daffodils are more resplendent as well as abundant, but it is very rainy today, so I'm not going out there to photograph any more.

Soon there will be bluebells that virtually carpet this entire property. I love that.

I planted these pansies just the other day. I'm glad the extreme rain and wind have not caused them harm.
Just wanted to share the pretty moss. I do harvest some of it, dry it and keep it in bags for artistic use. I will show you one-of-these-days what I'm doing with it.

Sammy, Our Cat

2011-03-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

Sammy used to belong to my son and his late wife. It was a little helter-skelter watching her as a kitten, for she got lost in the fray most of the time. Our son was off working hard at Intel, while our then DIL was in the process of dying, although no one suspected it. She was on pain pills that eventually destroyed her liver and kidneys, and so a month after her 30th birthday, she went into a coma, and two days later, died.

Sarah is who named Sammy. I would never name a pet Sammy, because so many people use that name. I would have given her a more exotic name. But she answers to Sammy, and so she remains.

Meanwhile, Sarah had two babies to care for. Gregory was two years old on the same day as his mother's birthday. Lily was all of three months old. There was also the dog. And the two parakeets. When we would visit, we marveled at how disgusting and filthy the house always was, and why Sarah always wanted to be asleep on the couch with the tv area walled off so that little Gregory couldn't wander out of her reach. Had we only known, perhaps her life could have been spared. She was a very loving young woman. Nonetheless, we were the ones who saw to it that Sammy was spayed. We always loved that dear little tabby kitten and many times I would see to it that she was fed and supplied with fresh water.

Our son was very eager to find a mother for his half orphaned babies. It wasn't even a year when DIL # 2 entered the scene. She did not want Sammy to live inside, because she and our son brought into the world a new baby.

Cats love warmth and companionship. Poor Sammy had to live outside now. Well, my husband and I chose to ask for Sammy a few months after she'd lived solely outdoors, because our area had a serious stretch of extremely cold and icy weather. It was so treacherous outside the day we drove to get Sammy, that it actually took us two hours to get to what normally takes a half hour, and then with Sammy, back two more hours. And by the request of the law, we were among the very few who had ventured out that stormy night.

It was so worth that journey. Sammy is happy and content and very loving. Although she suffers still, just a wee bit, from the memories of two small children banging on "Kitty", and of course ultimately being stuck outside, alone. Occasionally the dog would be out with her, and she and he did get along, so at least she took comfort in his company.

We spoil her, because we love her. She has, in just over two years, eradicated any trace of the mice that enjoyed creeping about our home. Of course, she did that almost immediately, and she makes sure nary a one creeps back!

We bought her a lovely, old yellow ware Kitty dish at a very fine antiques venue. I serve her fresh water daily in a pretty, very pale blue, Fire King dish. And we keep dry food available to her at all times. You can sort of see her catnip mouse next to it.

Sammy says Meow, prrrrrr....

Pretty Pictures from Victorian Days

2011-03-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

This beauty is an embroidered and appliqué piece from the early 1800's. I found it at The Oregon City Antique Mall a couple years ago. That mall closed down, but in a couple months the same building will become The Oregon Mall right here in Oregon City, just one block from my home. Mind you, we are the virtual end of The Oregon Trail.

Below is an amazingly gorgeous French picture where the clothing is beautifully sewn onto the picture. I happily found this one at an incredible estate sale in Portland's beautiful Laurelhurst neighborhood, many years ago.

Another found treasure at The Oregon City Antique Mall. This piece is a beautiful photograph right on the glass.

Below is a wonderful piece of petit point embroidery. I found this one at an estate sale.

And now on to my criss cross frames; that is, some of them. I love, love, love criss cross frames, and cannot resist buying them. I once said I do not really collect anything per se, but alas, it appears that I do, in fact, seem to collect criss cross frames. These are a mere handful of them.

My Dear Writer Gregory

2011-02-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

My husband, Gregory, was recently interviewed by the distinguished website, Colonial Sense, which is known as "The Web Site for All Things Colonial."

Please click here if you wish to read his charming interview.

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was delighted when this lovely creation of Cathy Jackson of Hazelruthe's fame, arrived in my mailbox the other day. This is a Valentine's Gift from her to me, and I love it! Thank you so much Cathy, for this wonderful paper shoe that is so beautifully embellished in ribbon and glitter and a beautiful pearl. And yum to all of those delicious chocolates that filled the shoe! The sweet paper heart Valentine just tops it!

You may want to observe the innovative way in which she shipped it. See the red and white plastic box. She mailed it in that! It is one of those plastic containers that come in a bunch at the grocery store. They are throw aways, but each has a fairly long lifetime. This one certainly has traveled well.

Another friend of mine by name of Barbara Meisner, is a dear artist and see the wonderful bookmark she created for me! What a darling Valentine Day gift. I treasure Barbara's artwork because it is all original and perfectly from the heart. Thank you again, dear Barbara!

I so hope that all of you are having a great Valentine's Day too!

February Signs of Spring

2011-02-09T17:02:00.001-08:00

Today I went out and snapped a few pictures of some budding greens of spring. The sun shone beautifully against the blue sky and the air was 53 degrees comfortable. I love the Creeping Jenny that covers our stone wall through summer. My neighbor actually used to rip it off! Our first year here I told her that I was horrified that some culprit had done this. She said she did it, because previous neighbors and she do not care for the stone walls being covered in growth out of fear that the greenery will eventually destroy the wall. I told her that I can handle it, and so she respects my love of my Creeping Jenny.

Creeping Jenny

Budding Daffodils

Tiny Iris

Candy Tuft

Rosemary that belongs to a Neighbor's Yard

Same Huge Rosemary Plant

Again, Same Rosemary Plant

Hens

More Hens

Tiny Laurel Blossoms, or so I think they are, but I don't really know.

More Blossoms of Laurel? Just don't know. Judging by the leaves only.

Narcissus? Daffodils?

White bells?

Budding Daffodils

Beatrix Potter's World via a Wonderful Book

2011-01-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

I bought this book years ago. I have never stopped enjoying it. Like Tasha Tudor, who admired Beatrix Potter immensely, I too am inspired by this great soul. I hope you will enjoy some of the tidbits I've scanned to share with you on this beautiful day in January.

Her little doll house is so sweet. I wonder if Tasha's doll house wasn't inspired because of Beatrix's doll house. My scanner could not get the entire picture.

What a lovely staircase landing. I enjoy how she incorporated it into her stories.

There it is with the Mother cat standing regally in this lovely spot.

And again, with that old mouse striving to get the rolling pin to his destination.

The three little kittens and mother cat are certainly enjoying this lovely garden.

This is a picture of the actual garden depicted in the above scene.

Moss and Ivy

2011-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

I just took these pictures from my balcony that is off of my "art room". It's the moss that intrigues me. Living in a rain forested area certainly is richly green all winter, unless we get a sprinkling of snow, of which we have had precious little this year. I've seen one small spray of snowflakes that didn't even stick.

I feed birds and squirrels in my basalt based yard. There is one little squirrel in a feeder right now. Normally there are at least a half dozen of them out and about.

The hummingbirds get fed close to the kitchen window. There is a family with a baby wherein I saw the mother coaxing it along as it cried. Have you ever heard a hummer cry? So cute! It makes a popping sound rather like when you do that thing with your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and then the little darling hummingbird winces a sad little cry. The mother was hovering about 10 feet into the sky. Baby is so happy in this yard, and it has its own feeder, because it alone uses the one in the middle.

The ivy takes over the yard, and now in the state of Oregon we're being implored to remove it as it is dangerous to our forests, but as my yard is not part of the forest, I allow for some of it to remain.

Incidentally, all of those bird houses were made long ago by the wonderful Ludmil Marcov of Willow Nest Farm.

A Poem About The Law of Attraction

2011-01-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

I hold it true that thoughts are things;

They’re endowed with bodies and breath and wings;

And that we send them forth to fill

The world with good results or ill.

That which we call our secret thought

Speeds forth to earth’s remotest spot,

Leaving its blessings or its woes,

Like tracks behind it as it goes.

We build our future, thought by thought,

For good or ill, yet know it not,

Yet so the universe was wrought..

Thought is another name for fate;

Choose, then, the destiny and wait,

For love brings love and hate brings hate.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

1850-1919

Imagination is Key

2011-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

The following is something I just read in my copy of Law of Success by Napolean Hill, the 21^stcentury edition, revised and updated.

“The most inspiring poem in all literature was written by Leigh Hunt (1784-1859 while he was a poverty-stricken inmate in an English prison, where he had been unjustly confined because of his advanced views on politics. This poem is entitled “Abou Ben Adhem,“ and it is here reprinted as a reminder that one of the great things each of us may do, in our own imaginations, is to forgive those who have dealt unjustly with us:”

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace

And saw within the moonlight of his room,

Making it rich and like a lily in bloom,

An angel writing in a book of gold,

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the presence in the room he said:

“What writest thou?” –the vision raised its head,

And, with a look made of all sweet accord,

Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”

“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerily still; and said, “I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

It came again, with a great wakening light,

And showed the names whom love of God had blessed.

And, lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest!

"Civilization itself owes its existence to such poets as Leigh Hunt, in whose fertile Imaginations have been pictured the higher and nobler standards of human relationship. “Abou Ben Adhem” is a poem that will never die, thanks to this poet who pictured in his Imagination the hope of an ideal that is constructive.”

I quite agree with Mr. Hill.

Had to share.

Christine

MAIDA TODAY and Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

I am a member of MAIDA TODAY and enjoy it so very much. This is a remarkable group of doll makers who primarily engage in Making Antique Inspired Dolls and Accessories.

I am honored to be among seven of us who has been interviewed. To see the interview, click to MAIDA and scroll down to see me!

I wish you all a very happy New Year! 2011, I'm ready!

I'm through with my Sabbatical, and am introducing Elizabeth, and sharing Christmas 2010 with you.

2010-12-27T15:26:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth 1, 2010, my newest reproduction doll has just appeared on my website for the first time, today, without any real fanfare other than this blog post. Visit her here.

Otherwise, having taken a small sabbatical from posting, I am eager to get back with sharing my world with all of you dear and wonderful people who visit me.

Our Christmas Day was lovely, spent with some of our family members. We had a delicious prime rib dinner, and we enjoyed much Christmas cheer.

I have already taken down all of my Christmas decorations, but I do have pictures of what I had out this year.

Above is my wonderful milliner's model (1820''s - 30's) where she always sits in the entry hall on my Danish end table, ca 1840's. I made the little paper tree on a stand replete with paper quilled ornaments.
Above is a shot of our living room and my darling, Victorian, "pencil tree" that I've taken out of storage for years on end. Yes, I do love real trees, but it is so much easier for me to set up this slender beauty, and so, I allow the rest of you real tree aficionados to have your fresh scented pine, which I can enjoy when I visit you!

What would Christmas be without a Nativity Scene?

My mantel made room for my Santa's and angels and my darling little feather tree that I made many years ago. I so enjoy it.

There sits one of my very favorite dolls, created by the great Pam Haber of Ghost Island Primitives. This raggedy beauty is Beth Ann, and she enjoys sitting next to a very old bottle brush tree and an old bank Santa.

Another little Nativity Scene that is missing a few pieces.

And another, also missing a piece or two.

In my entry hall, the old-fashioned Christmas Carolers always welcome my guests at Christmas.

There sits the head of the household, my dear, Gregory, and next to him is 4 year old granddaughter, Grace, and our daughter Brigitte and her husband, father to Grace, James.

On the other side of Gregory is Brigitte's dear and wonderful friend, Amanda.

There sit James' parents, Jack and Diane!

The young man on the very end is our wonderful grandson, Alexander, sitting next to his close friend, Collin, and whom do you suppose took the picture? I, of course, hence, no picture of me this year. I'm terribly camera shy anyway.

I'm so happy that it was all so lovely and that it is now a memory. There is much to be done.

I'm wishing you all a very happy New Year!

Christine

Sabbatical

2010-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

I'm going on a sabbatical from posting on this blog. I almost closed it down, but decided just to retire from it for a while. If enough time goes by, and I'm still no longer interested in posting on it, I will very likely close it down.

Perhaps I will be back, and perhaps not, but in any event, I wish everyone pure joy, always.

Christine

Sylvia Browne to Peterson's Magazine ~ 1857

2010-12-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted on my blog, for I've been so very busy, and we also just returned from a few days in Lincoln City, Oregon at the coast where the ocean was hauntingly beautiful. Beautiful this time for me is inclement and stormy! This morning I saw many seals frolicking in the water. Our room was way up high, and it looked as though the surf were almost touching the bottom of the cliff from where we viewed it.

Our primary purpose for going to Lincoln City was to see Sylvia Browne at the Chinook Winds Casino. Sylvia is totally fabulous and I have admired her for years. It was a levitating experience being in the same room as that incredible psychic.

We went antiquing throughout the town and found many wonderful treasures, but my favorite was the big book of Peterson's Magazine from 1857. Here is just one beautiful picture from my new book. Look at the picture on the wall. Could it be of a sketch of a woman, or is it supposed to be a lady in a mirror? I think probably a sketch, yes?

Kathy Patterson of Babes From the Woods

2010-11-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

Kathy Patterson of Babes From the Woods is not only a dear friend, but a magical talent and I am sharing with all of you an article about her in the brand new issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine. Of course, this is not a PDF, on purpose, because one really must purchase a copy of the magazine to be able to truly read and enjoy the article. This is to tantalize you with the desire to go get a copy, and to visit Kathy's wonderful blog.

I am so happy for her success for her work is incomparable. I'm also jealous of the snow she is enjoying! Oh how I love snow!

Christine

Thanksgiving 2010 at My House

2010-11-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

I love to clean and cook. I love the house to sparkle and glitter with cleanliness, beautiful objets d' art, and lots of candle light! Music is essential too. Well it did sparkle yesterday, along with plenty of music and yummy delights. I had a marvelous time on both Wednesday and yesterday preparing and presenting what is to me a good old-fashioned Thanksgiving.

My daughter and her family were there and so was a dear and beautiful friend of hers. Of course, not pictured is my 19 year old grandson who had gone from the table briefly, nor a picture of my dear husband nor of me. Of course, when I snapped the picture the others were wandering about elsewhere. And because there is always so much to do, I only had time to snap a picture! So remiss am I in the photography department. I shoved the camera way up high on the refrigerator and forgot about it. Nonetheless we had a fabulous time and I am so rested and happy today.

I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving too.

Christine

Primitive Stump Dolls

2010-11-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Please go to my website and click on the "Dolls" link to see all about my latest stump dolls. I have at last completed using up all of my fabric scraps for they are the stuffing for my little stump dolls.

My studio feels so clean, and it is now time for me to begin creating a new scrap collection.

Dolls beckon...

This Just In: Designer Craftsmen and Historic Home Show in Valley Forge

2010-11-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Designer Craftsmen and Historic Home Show in Valley Forge is ON for 2011!

February 4-6, 2011, Valley Forge Convention Center

Isn't it nice to hear good news these days? Well, if you haven't heard any lately, we've got some for you! Old House Media Group, publishers of New Old House, Old-House Journal, Old-House Interiors, Arts & Crafts Homes, Early Homes, and The Design Center Sourcebook proudly announces the acquisition of The Historic Home Shows and The Designer Craftsmen Shows, the beloved and highly-respected events produced by Bob Goodrich of Goodrich Promotions.

Although I, Christine, have never had the pleasure of attending this show, I am happy to report that it will be on after all! The show was bought from Goodrich by Old House Media Group. We just received the announcement and needed to share.

My "Dear Old Santas" Have Come to Life

2010-10-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

These little, old fashioned Santas are my latest design. Please go to the following link to see about them:

Christine LeFever's Dolls and Fancywork Shoppe.

Hope to hear from you! Thank you for looking.

Christine

Goodrich Shows No More

2010-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

I just learned this information yesterday. Gone is an era, yes? Thoughts anyone?

Goodrich and Company Promotions has made the decision to step back from the promotions industry. We would like to thank all that have participated or attended over the years. We are honored to have played a part in the craft, antique and restoration industries. The following shows are canceled:  The York Folk Art & Craft Show on November 19, 20, &21, 2010 at the York Fairgrounds...York, PA.  The Antiques Show at York on November 19, 20, & 21, 2010 at the York Fairgrounds...York, PA.  The Carlisle Folk Art & Craft Show on December 3, 4, & 5, 2010 at the Carlisle Expo Center...Carlisle, PA  The Greater Philadelphia Historic Home Show on February 4, 5, & 6, 2011 at the Valley Forge Convention Center...King of Prussia, PA.  The Designer Craftsmen Show of Philadelphia on February 4, 5, & 6, 2011 at the Valley Forge Convention Center...King of Prussia, PA

For the time being, you may email us at marketinfo@goodrichpromotions.com. Thank you.

marketinfo@goodrichpromotions.com

My Art Room in October

2010-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have a television in this room so that I may watch Lifetime movies as I paint, sew, stuff and do so many other crafty artsy things here in my favorite spot in the world. Sometimes I just listen to music and other times it is totally silent. I do not watch excellent films as I work. They require that I sit and watch. But the lightweight TV entertainment suffices to keep me entertained while I work.

I love my sewing machine. I don't need to use it often, but it is trustily there for me, just to the right of my TV!

This sweet Eastlake desk is certainly a handy aid in the corner to the right of the sewing machine.

These are the windows as one turns the corner from the desk, and there they are right behind me as I sit at my art table.

A view of my art table if you were standing in the doorway into the room.

To the right of the windows is the corner where my ironing board resides. A very well used tool that and the iron.

Had to get a shot of my computer, so you can imagine me sitting in my little antique chair typing or reading here.

Now off across the hall to the spare room, and there are two Hannah's huddled beneath a Victorian parasol as they await their new homes.

Still in the spare room and there are packages of dolls ready to ship to their new homes.

And finally, hiding behind the door to the spare room and sitting atop a small armoire, are my packing paraphernalia, that normally resides in the basement, but 'tis the season, and so I must keep it up here for a while.

Now back to that romantic thriller!

Slip-Ins

2010-10-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Today I finally got around to working on a slew of my "slip-ins" as I have named these wee cards that I slip into one's package. My customers will recognize them.

First I paint a picture of a doll. Next I scan the painting. I then manipulate it so as to produce tiny cards of my dolls. I print them off, cut them out, and put them onto card stock stands. I enjoy embellishing them with a little glitter.

Now it's off to the store for a few more supplies.

:-)

Prims Magazine, October Issue ~ My Queen Anne Pansy Poppet!

2010-10-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to have my Queen Anne Pansy Poppet featured in the October, 2010 issue of Prims magazine. Right on the cover on the very top of the page, it says "Free Pattern by Christine LeFever."

Yep, if anyone wants to make my Queen Anne Pansy Poppet, the pattern and instructions are there.

Enjoy!

Newsletter for Fall

2010-09-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Above is the picture on my latest newsletter. It went out this morning. It is not something that can be forwarded, due to the nature of the software. If anyone cares to read it, please click HERE. Thank you!

Christine

Happy 42nd. Anniversary to Gregory and Me!

2010-09-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Gregory and I celebrated our 42nd. anniversary yesterday at the Oregon Coast. It was a wonderful day! We left early in the morning and were home by 10:00 PM. The date of our wedding (elopement ahem) was September 14, 1968.

Below is my Prince Charming way back when, and following are three pictures of yours truly, and there is no wedding attire in sight, because we eloped, and have never regretted it.

Below is an eerie scene from Ecola State Park's Indian Beach.

There I am on the beach at Gearhart.

That is the path to the beach.

Of course the weather was sunny one moment and dark and foggy the next as one can see in the two shots of trees.

But my favorite part of the excursion was in touring the incredibly beautiful, Queen Anne, Flavel House Mansion in Astoria. This gorgeous home was slated to be torn down for a parking lot way, way back long ago, but the angelic historic society members saved it! I am so happy to have seen it. There are 11,600 square feet to this beauty.

That is not a ghost. It is I walking up the stairs to the second floor.

Again, not a ghost, but I, taking my very own picture in that mirror.

Hello! What's this? Yes, it is again I, taking a picture of myself in another mirror!

Yesterday Was Such Fun!

2010-09-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I shot this picture (above) yesterday.

I took this picture from their website. (Above)

Below is the family living room.

This is a gorgeous dining room.

Below is the fabulous kitchen of which one can only see a wee corner. It is a very large and charming, old world kitchen.

Above is me at the age of 15 in the family living room at the Bush House. There was a bit of catnip in my hand.

I shot the picture below yesterday.

Yesterday Greg and I had a fabulous day. First we went to a wonderful estate sale in Portland, and scored some wonderful treasures from a three story house in an old and beautiful neighborhood (My old one, Laurelhurst).

Then we went to Duck Pond winery where we are members, and there we sampled some delicious cheeses with wine, picked up our order, and then, best of all for me, toured one of my favorite houses, the Bush House in Salem.

When I was a teen, I was a fitter's model for Jantzen. I would walk to Jantzen after school and usually I just stood there while my darling boss, Elsa Albright, would pins garments to me and study how they looked. Periodically I got to swim in the indoor pool there to see how swimsuits would hold up, and then there was an occasional fashion show. But the ONLY time I ever was involved in a photographic shoot, for a brochure, was at the Bush house. That was where I fell in love with high Victorian homes. Up until that time, via my Mother's influence, I was fully ensconced in the wonders of early America. I simply love both, and am so happy that my home is also, like the Bush House, an Italianate. Something about those high ceilings!

The Asahel Bush House (pronounced A-sell) is a small mansion with 12 foot ceilings. Ours is a cottage with 11 foot ceilings.

Entry Hall or Foyer

2010-09-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

An entry hall or foyer has always been an absolute necessity to me. Once, when we lived in an apartment, I devised an entry hall with cupboards as walls. This house was built in 1888. It is an Italianate in style, and we bought it in December of 2005. It was the entry hall that lured me the most.
Although the wallpaper may seem a bit garish to some, I still love it. It is very old, and does not stand out so much in person. The companion wallpaper in the front parlor works perfectly with it.

Little Clothilda sits in her 1880's, French settee. She is an 18th century styled doll that I made from a Gail Wilson kit. I named the doll. Gail's kit was simply called 18th Century Doll, and she is no longer making this one.
My beautiful antique doll, Faith, sits in her wee Windsor in front of my favorite mirror of all. Some believe it is an Eastlake, but I see a tad of Renaissance Revival in it. Faith is holding a Schneeman doggie. I bought both Faith and the doggie at Olde Glory in Waynesville, Ohio.

Below is the front parlor showing the front door through a one sliding pocket door entrance to and from the entry hall and parlor. The companion wallpaper is often referred to as Patrician, for it is so tiny and delicate, yet rich.

Below is more of the front parlor. I have a juxtaposition of primitive with Victorian and formal things. I love what I love, and do not strive for a "stage setting" per se. The table in the center of the room is an 18th century tavern table from Pennsylvania. I love the large buttocks basket under the table. I am not responsible for the fancy swag drapery. I am not eager however to remove it, yet, if ever.

Back to making the dolls!

Primitive Portrait

2010-08-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Edward Pierrepont Lacey and His Dog Gun by Noah North in 1835-36, size 42 x 30 is what this painting was based on. I took lessons from Julie Stapleton of The Tole Barn in Estacada, Oregon and this was my first primitive portrait. I could never part with it. I gifted it to my husband. It resides in his study.

Noah North, like me, was the third born of eight children. He was from Alexander, NY.

I am getting into the mood for painting some primitives again. Stay tuned...

A Facelift on a Cupboard

2010-08-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I painted this little cupboard. It was all white before, and just one of those shabby/cottage little numbers that seem to ubiquitously crop up all over the world these days. Well my little cupboard, which is holding fabrics, has now become more of an early, early American styled little number. It was easy to paint and was inspired by a very early one that I have admired from a book. I coated it with shellac and in minutes it was ready to go. I am so happy.

Sweltering Peg Woodens

2010-08-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have stripped the girls and stood them all together (save for two who remain clothed in a cooler area), and it is because of the HUMIDITY, yes, you heard me correctly, humidity in western, Oregon. I tell you, it has NEVER done this before. I've know humidity in other states. I never knew any existed here. I once saw a humidity map of the United States, way back in the 1960's wherein it fully claimed that humidity that makes you feel the mugginess does not exist in the west. Well, since Mother Nature is going to town changing stuff, we're now getting that heinous kind of weather. The past three days have been dripping with it. Oh well. At least the vegetation does even better. Now for some exciting thunderstorms, fingers crossed, because I LOVE thunder storms, but we never get them here. And maybe next June we'll finally get some fireflies, for we don't have them here either, and I do love them. I have strung some flickering, solar powered sparkling lights in my garden to be my faux fireflies, and they are truly enchanting.

And oh yes, my stint at Thea's was intoxicatingly wonderful. (See previous post) And no, I did not take any pictures, because I always forget.

So that is the latest on this front.

I trust all is well and wonderful with all of you. It surely is with me!

For Thursday, August 5th., Thea's Interiors

2010-08-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the day. From 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM I will be at Thea's in the Pearl, as her First Thursday artist. I have prepared a bevy of dolls and fancywork items and look forward to visiting the guests and to leaving my creations there after I leave.

Thea's Interiors

1204 NW Glisan Street

Portland, Oregon

503-274-0275

I hope to see you there!

Update on Gregory's Early American Life Stories

2010-08-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who enjoy reading my husband's wonderful articles for Early American Life magazine, he has finally updated all of them. Please visit Early American Writings for much excellent information pertaining to our American roots.

Silhouette by Suzanne Davis

2010-07-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Suzanne Davis of Pear Tree Primitives and her charming husband and delightful sons dropped by on their way home to beautiful Boise, Idaho. They had been up in Washington, and as they passed through Oregon, of course they had to pass the end of the Oregon Trail and therefore me! I was beyond thrilled when she presented this beautiful silhouette to me. Even her business card is a work of art. Thank you again, from the very bottom of my heart, Suzanne. I am absolutely spellbound by your work.

The Velvet Strawberry ~ A Little Book

2010-07-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here is my second little book with a pattern for making something from the story. This story involves my doll Amy who is planning a tea party.

If you wish to procure one of my books, click here. Each book costs $16 and that includes the shipping - (Unless it's not on this continent). I'm working on more and will continue to post on this blog when new ones are ready.

I also have it covered on the sidebar. Each book is made from the same paper. The difference here is the first was photographed while the second was scanned. Details you know...

Thank you for visiting!

Christine ~

Editing

2010-07-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have a very dear and valued friend who once gave me some excellent advice on displaying my home. Thank you, Jamie! She suggested that I photograph and from there edit. Of course, this is evolution itself at this house. And so, I have removed the petticoats and pantalets from the windows, because it seemed a bit too fussy for me. There they all are now, adjacent to the bed, with plenty of walking space. I do believe, Julie, that some of the dolls did try them on while I was asleep, and even one petticoat was removed and replaced by an even older one. Those girls do have fun!

Petticoats and Pantalets

2010-07-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

Aren't they cute? All but one of these were recently gifted to me by a dear friend from the Midwest who is moving to another state. I am so delighted that she no longer wanted them and was happy to bless me with the little darlings. These are doll clothes from the Victorian era and I love them so very, very much just hanging in my guest bedroom window for all to see. The guest bedroom, incidentally, is the place where dolls awaiting adoptions reside. I have strung the little garments on string across a lovely herb drying rack that I simply de-ribboned in order to place them each in a window.

Dolls and Fancywork Shoppe

2010-07-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

I have just loaded up the above dolls onto my newest blog Dolls and Fancywork Shoppe. I will be sending out my newsletter tomorrow, but in the mean time for those of you who visit this blog, you are being offered a sneak peek at my latest offerings.

I thank you for visiting and hope you will enjoy meeting my new girls.

Christine

Lady Liberty

2010-07-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is Lady Liberty. She resides on one of my kitchen doors, and is certainly a beloved doll in this household. Lady Liberty and I wish you all a fabulous Fourth of July!
Here she is in all of her splendor as she is accompanied by two very pretty, cloth stars, both of which were made by yours truly. Lady Liberty, however, is the delightful creation of the great and talented, Tish Bachleda of The Tweed Weasel in beautiful Schaefferstown, PA.

Happy First Day of Summer!

2010-06-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Multnomah Falls

Central Oregon

Portland

Mt. Hood

The Oregon Coast

Bandon Dunes Golf Course

Today is the longest day of the year, and it is the official first day of summer. June 21st is the summer solstice.

Here in our Willamette Valley, Oregon, of course, the rain forest is still having a go at it, and of course, we almost never have true summer weather until after the 4th of July, but once it gets going it is the most beautiful weather anywhere, for we do not know humidity here, as I have felt it in the Midwest and in New England, and of course, I shan't even mention the south. Nope, in the entire West humidity is something reported on paper, but not felt in comparison to those other places. I glory in my Pacific air. Our summer weather goes almost to Halloween.

Today is 70 and sunny. Perfection. Well was sunny and is slated to be later in the day. It usually burns off by noon. We shall see. Nonetheless, it is perfection for me for it is my home and I love it.

Just had to share.

Historic McLoughlin House and My Doll Hattie

2010-06-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

My reproduction of a pre-Greiner doll, Hattie, now resides in the children's room in the beautiful, historic McLoughlin House in Oregon City, Oregon. The above picture is the same doll, but not seen in the museum, since we are not allowed to take pictures inside of the museum.

The pictures I have shown were procured via Google images. The house was built in 1845, and it is a half a block away from my house.

Just had to share!

Early Work Mercantile Update

2010-06-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

This very Queen Anne Pansy Poppet will be featured in the upcoming, October issue of Prims magazine.

SOLD

Saturday, June 12 ~ Noon-4:00

2010-06-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is where I'll be today from noon to 4:00, showing some of my early dolls, both old as well as some that I have made. I will be answering questions about how I make my dolls. Hope to see you there.

Historic Barclay House,

719 Center Street

Oregon City, OR 97045

503-656-5146

Art Room Re-Do and Asphaltum Varnish

2010-05-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

The picture above is from our old house which is across the river from this town. We raised our children in that dear, 1898, Queen Anne Vernacular house. I was fortunate enough to have been in a magazine article, and therefore have scanned this picture so as to show you my woodwork.

I've not yet scraped or washed the windows on my balcony doors. I still have so very much to do before I can call this room finished.

These are my windows, and one can easily see the necessary indoor storm windows that keep the weather at bay. My photographic skills are indeed limited. For one barely notices the storm windows in reality. But the topic here is about asphaltum varnish as a woodwork treatment.

Again, something the photograph brings out that is not evident to the naked eye is the orangish color. It simply is not noticed except in this photograph.

What is asphaltum varnish? I Googled it and the answer to that question is too scientific. It is something that was used on woodwork in the late Victorian times. Although it dries very quickly, virtually in minutes, it will remain a bit tacky and therefore, one must coat it with clear shellac, and only then is it dry to the bone. It's easy to paint onto wood, as long as you mix in a little turpentine. You can successfully paint it over any color of paint. It leaves an elegant, rich dark and shiny woodwork which was very popular at the turn of the previous century. I have loved it for years, and used it in my other Victorian house that we sold in the year 2002. That first picture is from the magazine article from Country Collectibles, Spring/Summer, 2003, and there you can see my old dining room with the asphaltum varnish woodwork.

Incidentally, if anyone of you has ever read that article, it was not true that I coveted English collectibles. That was a slant the writer needed to put into the article in order to sell it. I did them a favor in letting them get away with this. My heart is primarily stolen by early American antiques of all kinds. I like the English things, but again, totally not a true sentiment of mine.

To finish my art room decorating I will next have to strip the paint off of the floors using my trusty old heat gun. That will take this week. Then I simply brush on a couple coats of the good old clear shellac. It dries in an hour. It is rock hard and voila, the fun will begin in returning my furnishings to the room.

I love my beautiful wall and ceiling paint by Devine from Miller paints. They are Spruce on the ceiling and Almond on the walls. I was totally blown away when it turned out to have just a hint of muted robin's egg blue in two different shades. I totally adore it.

Until this room is completely finished, no other kind of art work will be executed in it. Ah the joy of redecorating.

No More Facebook

2010-04-25T10:01:00.001-07:00

The beautiful brick Federal Farmhouse, pictured above, circa 1820's, is the home of my mother, who turned 88 on Monday. Pictured at the fence is yours truly from a few years ago. One of my four brothers, who mows her lawn these days is standing nearby. One other dear brother, Tom, died two years ago. He used to live with mother. He maintained the yard and did all of her cooking. Although she had eight children (four boys and four girls), she never really enjoyed cooking.

This picture of serenity is what I gravitate toward, rather than the people filled, albeit friends, mechanisms of Facebook. As I was approaching 1,800 friends on "FB", it occurred to me that I never have time for it and yet daily I receive countless people coming to be my friends. I don't like to turn anyone away, but at last, I simply closed down my Facebook Account yesterday, so that I may strive more towards a serene existence where maintaining my home and enjoying my art prevails.

Mother seems to do just fine in the countryside of southern, Ohio, where she moved to in the 1990's, from here in Oregon. After my dear father's death, that which called her was that same love of olden days and beautiful old things and especially her beautiful house. She still hops into her car daily and heads to the antiquing realms. Her love of beauty rules her, and I am precisely the same way. Now to my dolls...

Dolls Getting Dressed

2010-04-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the dolls that I am in the process of dressing. Thus far they are wearing pantalets, petticoats, painted on shoes and stockings, and the Queen Anne has her panniers under her petticoat.

Since I tend toward "early" dolls, and as early is regarded as pre-1850, I use the maché because it preceded porcelain dolls. Otherwise I love to make cloth dolls, and am working toward woodens, one-of-these-days!

I enjoy making their stands. As our 1888 home has a lot of old wood in the basement, I use that. This batch was made from a piece of the original siding. We still have the same style siding, but from time-to-time, a piece or two has been replaced, and they frugally did not throw them away. I am so delighted to have this attractive and old wood available for some of my doll stands.

My blonde is my latest doll in history, because she was created in about 1870. This makes her not early. I do fudge occasionally, don't I? I call this model, Amy.

This smaller brunette doll is one that I call Claire. Claire is an M&S Superior from the middle 1800's. I regard her as early enough.

Here is my beautiful Emma, an 1820's "milliner's model", a term that I recently learned is not a correct one for any dolls. She was simply a lovely toy. The original has wooden limbs. My doll's limbs are made from maché.

Maggie is truly my very favorite of all of my maché head dolls. This doll originated in the early 1800's and had the beautiful, pupiless glass eyes. She is known as a doll's doll. She is a "pre-Greiner" and was the doll to one of the larger Greiners. Some purists do not believe that all dolls called "pre-Greiner" were that early, but I just don't know. I am not a purist. I simulate with paint the glass eyes.

My new Queen Anne with actual glass eyes, is a one-of-a-kind. She isn't named yet. I learned that pantalets and bloomers were not even considered for ladies until the 1850's, and so, the early styles really offered nothing of this sort. The ladies wore shifts and many petticoats under their dresses. My Queen Anne does not have pantalets or bloomers. I've given her some panniers under her skirt.

These are only a small handful of the dolls I have in progress.

I hope to have a few more uploaded soon.

Estate Sale Treasures

2010-03-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday a dear friend called to ask if I had been to the fabulous estate sale that was just 4 blocks from my home. I am so grateful that she did this. I had totally failed to look at estatefinder.com and therefore knew nothing of one of Portland's best estate dealers being so close by. Well, I went in on Sunday, and typical of the last day of an estate sale in this area, anything under $50.00 is now half priced.

See the four beauties I scored! I am in heaven. And, I don't even collect china heads or porcelains, but when one finds them at very low prices, they do become members of my household.

The only thing I need now is either a better camera or a lesson in photography. I just couldn't get these new ladies photographed as I would have liked.

Ruthey, my Izannah Workshop Doll

2010-03-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have been involved in the Dixie Redmond, Izannah Walker, workshop and this is my doll created in the process. I have named her Ruthey. Sitting with Ruthey is my wonderful new acquistion, a Schneeman dog called Patches. I found him at The 1800 House.

Dolls to Make and Dolls to Finish

2010-03-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is Hattie. She is one of my pre-Greiner styled dolls, and she is not yet born. They're not born until the bodies are finished. There is yet much to do with her body, and so, there she sits in the time before birth...hence, no spirit occupies this body, yet.

Oh look at the shelf with the heads and the limbs. Much to do, and much joy to partake of.

My very large, beautiful Dolly, the Voit, whom I've named Abigail. Abigail is the size of an actual toddler. She sits so prettily wherever she goes.
My precious Hannah, another Greiner, is waiting for me to put her onto my website. She must be there for the others until 'tis time.
Another Abigail, waiting...And who is that on her lap? It's Claire, my little M&S Superior.

There sit two of my little wooden armed/legged poetry poppets.

And finally, who is this? She is a brand new addition to my line of reproduction, olden days dolls. She isn't even named yet. She will let me know in time.

Meanwhile, there are dolls to be designed dancing about in my mind. I do have fun!

Early American Life, April 2010

2010-03-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Above is what it looks like on the news stand. This issue of EAL is resplendent, and I especially love the article written by my dear and brilliant (if I may say so myself) husband about milliner model dolls. Below is a snippet, just to tempt you...

A Piece of Primitive, Early Oregon

2010-02-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Greg and I went for a country drive, and discovered but minutes from our home, this amazingly well preserved log cabin.

I love this primitive number of a little bench. I could make one of these!

This house was the Stauffer log house that was built in 1867. I realize that is not a genuinely "early" time for our country, but this is the West! And, it is amazingly well preserved by the Aurora Colony preservationists.

I love this view of the out buildings.

Just a nice shot at those fabulous logs. (I much prefer this style of log to the rounded ones.)

Enter the front door.

This is the smoke house.

Here is a shot of the window in the smoke house.

This is the hog house. See the two doors.

The closed hog door.

The opened hog door.

And finally, right in the front door, the pet door!

To learn more about the Stauffer log house, visit this link:

Kind Hearts and a Pinkeep

2010-02-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Worthy Hands

Be worthy, love thy neighbor

Kind hearts are the gardens

Kind thoughts are the seeds

Kind words are blossoms

The fruits are kind deeds.

Kindred Spirits

I made this little bag with their beautiful design that of Alice and Sally long ago, and now Alice is the sole proprietor of our beloved Kindred Spirits. I treasure their kind simplicity.

This little necessary of a box with a drawer latches onto a table. The primitive linen pinkeep is so very endearing with it's wee mended spot just for a favorite needle. Thimbles in the drawer, and everything is ready for a quiet sewing session in the front parlor.

I procured this little wonder from Curry's Antiques in beautiful Lancaster, Ohio.

My New Floor Cloth

2010-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Last night Gregory and I were privileged to have been invited to a showing of the beautiful, floor-cloths by Gracewood Design at the exquisite Architectural Heritage Center of Portland. And look what I came home with! Oh I love this beautiful design from the Edward Durant house of Newton Center, MA which was built in the year 1780. The exhibit will continue through February 28th, and it is opened Wed. through Sat. from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

We in the Portland area are honored to have Gracewood Designs right here with us, always, for Kenneth and Gwenith moved here from the Bay area, a few years ago, and are here to stay. They originated in New England where Ken's famous mother, Polly Forcier, of MB Historic Decor still lives in beautiful Quechee, Vermont.

Their work is the finest I've seen in floor cloths, for I have seen many and have even made several myself. Pictured in the above photo is my reproduction Voit doll, Abigail, who resides in this our guest bedroom, and atop the old trunk (which is filled with fabrics) is Abigail Adams, a lovely doll made by the incredible historical doll maker, Nina Mason. Hence this room is indeed the Abigail room, and is all the more wonderful for me with my beautiful, historic floor cloth.

To read more about floor cloths, please visit the following link and enjoy a wonderful story written by my husband, Gregory LeFever. ~ Floor Cloths

Introducing My Queen Anne Penny Poppets

2010-01-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

Penny woodens were the inspiration behind my newest addition to my line of dolls. Of course, my little 13 inch Queen Anne Penny Poppets are certainly not all wood, for they have cloth head and torso. The little Penny Woodens were very popular during the mid Victorian era, and were called penny wooden because of their low price. Queen Victoria herself enjoyed best of all her toys, her penny woodens. My little Penny Poppets certainly represent a little mix of those Victorian dolls as well as the Georgian era dolls know as Queen Anne's. Hybridization seems always to be my modus operandi, as I love both "early" (pre-1850) and Victorian which literally ended in 1901.

I will be sending out my newsletter once all the dolls are ready and waiting to be viewed. Meanwhile, it's back to dressing the girls...

My Burl Treen Sugar Bowl by Michael Coombs

2010-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Isn't it wonderful? This is my special Christmas gift for 2009. I have to share it with you. This is a little sugar bowl, hand carved by the incredibly talented Michael Coombs of the great state of Indiana.

To read about Michael and his work, do go to the Early American Life website and find where you may purchase a copy of the current issue. My husband, Gregory LeFever, wrote this article.

Handleless Cups

2009-12-19T12:48:00.001-08:00

It wasn't until the late 1700's that cups with handles were even thought of. I love these dear, little, handleless cups that take me way back to the 1700's, or so I suspect. Of course, handless cups are still being made. Nonetheless, the ones pictured here lift my spirits for their exquisite beauty and age.

I do realize that one tiny pink lusterware cup with a handle did sneak into a picture.

My Best Christmas Gift as a Child

2009-12-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

Robin is my doll sitting there with her blonde braids. I received her from Santa when I was seven years old. We lived in Yakima, Washington back then. The year was 1954. I am the third born of 8 children. At that juncture there were only six of us. My grandparents and aunts, uncles and cousins visited us. They were all from Spokane. My Robin was the very last gift under the tree and no one knew the box was there, because it wasn't wrapped in gift wrap. It was simply in a pale green shoe box of some sort. But ever vigilant I, saw that box, took it to Mother and asked about it. She was most amazed and said it was something for me from Santa, and evidently he failed to wrap it! Well, I have played and played with that doll.

When I was a teenager my father was transferred to Battle Creek, Michigan, home of Kellogg's cereals for whom he worked. By now we lived in Portland, Oregon, and there were now the full 8 of us. The eldest was 20 and the youngest, 1 and a half. My eldest sister was already married and on her own. She was so devastated when we all left Portland. I am sad when I think of it.

Daddy was elated that now he was moving to "headquarters", so one day while Mother was at work, as an RN at St. Vincent's Hospital, he took loads of stuff to the dump. Yep, that was what it was called then. And guess what he took? ALL of the toys any of us kids ever had managed to save down through the years, except for my Robin, because I always kept her in her pale green shoe box in a dresser drawer.

The old toys had been stored in the garage and so he assumed none of this stuff was worth keeping. My Teddy bear was thrown out that day. My bride doll was too. The high chair that all 8 children had used was thrown out. Mother was beyond livid.

And yet, Daddy was a sweet person. He just did not want to take so very much stuff to headquarters. Tee hee.

It was in beautiful, Marshall, Michigan where we settled and where I eventually met and married my true love, Gregory LeFever. The Teddy bear sitting next to my Robin is his Cuddles and was his from the time he was six weeks old.

So there you have it!

Jill Peterson's New Magazine A Simple Life

2009-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Recently I inadvertently fell upon the book The Settlement by Jill Peterson. Then I discovered her book Homestead, and finally, she is coming out with a wonderful new magazine called A Simple Life. Click above on Jill's name to get to that link.

I have totally become immersed in the look that she celebrates, and am in the process of taking a high Victorian, 1888, Italianate house with tall ceilings upstairs and downstairs, into a hybrid of its natural look and the earlier, beloved one of the earliest days of America. It is such a joyful journey for me to mix the earlier, totally primitive look in with a house that tends more toward high Victorian. But, in defense of my journey, this house seems mansion like whereas it is merely a cottage. The tall ceilings make it seem grander than it is. And believe me, it all fits so sweetly. I will share with you some before and afters, all-in-due-course, but in the meantime, I hope you will visit Jill's websites and savor what she is offering for us to escape into via the homes of some pretty fabulous antiques lovers.

Stencil House, Shelburne Museum

2009-11-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Heavenly perfection this beautiful 1804 house that can be seen in person at the wonderful Shelburne Museum just south of Burlington, Vermont. The house originated in NY and was moved to the museum in 1953. Little tears in the wallpaper revealed the exquisite stenciling.

Yours Truly

2009-10-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

This picture of me was taken last spring. It can be found in the current issue of Country Victorian magazine. I have to say that we moved into this house almost 4 years ago and I never did ANY redecorating. Now that the magazine with aspects of the house is out, I am redoing madly, because this very, very, frou-frou Victorian look is really not me. I have removed wallpaper and have been painting and having a blast. Some day I will show what I've done and I'll include the before and after. At least the picture shows me in my art room working on one of my dolls.

Introducing My Daughter, an Artist, Brigitte Christine

2009-10-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

My beautiful, sweet, wonderful and very talented daughter, Brigitte, has finally returned to her artistic endeavors. Please enjoy visiting Brigitte Christine at her Etsy Store! Click on her name here or in this page's right-hand column.

New Dolls & Fancywork Items

2009-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE to see my latest newsletter on my new dolls, and other items.

Stump Doll & My Attic Crawl Space

2009-09-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, she does look 150 years old, but she's new. Her attire however was made from pieces of wonderful old fabrics that we recently found in our attic crawl space! We do not go up there because the only opening which is from my art room closet up into it is small. There is crumbly old insulation up there too. But, there are boxes and boxes of stuff! And most of it is old clothing and fabrics. Periodically some young man, my grandson or the son of a friend, will go up and bring down what he can. But it is not good air to breathe up there, so we get the stuff piecemeal. Since our house was built in 1888, I feel certain that much of the fabric is indeed very old. Some of the styles of the clothes are Victorian and all hand stitched.

The stump doll was created for little girls to have some facsimile of a dolly to play with. I made the above one fairly large for you see, the beauty of a stump doll for me is that they are invariably stuffed with fabric scraps. I think a child might enjoy this one, but usually they were a trifle smaller. Waste not want not.

Ghostie Lady

2009-09-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

There is much talk now of Halloween art, and of course I have nothing ready for the spooky time.

This Ghostie Lady of mine is pictured here to remind me to get going in production! Of course, I do not have a Ghostie Lady for this year, and doubt if I will, but I still love my lady ghosts as they float about old fashioned houses.

So as people harvest their labors of summer, and look forward to October 31st, I will be busily creating someone(s) scary and haunting to show soon.