Cordwood Cabin Primitives

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Best wishes to this grand old nation from all our friends red, white, and blue ...

... and all our summer seaside celebrators, too!

New Thaumatrope Designs

2011-06-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

The quaint paper thaumatrope of the 1800's seemed like magic to children who watched the two spinning pictures become a harmonious one. Like the bird-and-cage combination, our thaumatrope images draw on the tradition of two matching objects, but with a subject twist that modern kids (and kids at heart) will find appealing.

Our all-new Circus sheet depicts miniatures scenes from the Big Top, including a highwire act, trapeze artists, and a clown with a car. Our new Action sheet depicts a motorcyclist jumping barrels, King Kong atop a skyscraper, and a stunt skydiver doing tricks as a sopwith camel plane sails through the air.

Assembling thaumatropes is easy, with several online articles for making your own, including step-by-step articles with free designs HERE, as well as a traditional thaumatrope pattern and history HERE from Wikipedia.

The Ghost Cat Returns

2011-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Cordwood Cabin's favorite kitty returns ... only this time for all-year-round fun. The inquisitive white Ghost Cat reappears as a digitally-designed paper doll in our Etsy shop. His tailored costumes are included on the printed sheet, four items ranging from a sailor suit to a spooky costume.

Both doll and outfits are ready to be cut out and displayed, with directions for cutting the slots in the Cat's hats (use an x-acto knife for best results) and corresponding accessories (such as a sword and rubber ducky).

Visit the paper Ghost Cat HERE to see the original cutie kitty from our "Haunted Hollows" series.

Stars-and-Stripes Sam

2011-06-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Decked out for a summer picnic in a coat worthy of the barbershop quartet serenading the crowds, Uncle Sam is ready for the Fourth of July.

Red stars decorate the dark blue fabric; hand-drawn features peer from inside a frame of painted white whiskers. A bamboo skewer transforms him into a simple stick puppet ready for display in a Fourth of July centerpiece or propped in an old-fashioned crock or canister.

Sam is joining the summer crowd in our Etsy shop -- see them HERE in Cordwood Cabin's "Cabin Crafts" lineup.

The Old Sailor's Dreams

2011-06-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

His ship but a memory, his days of glory now golden stories, the Old Sailor scans the shore with his spyglass in search of long-ago pirate ships, epic battle scenes, and the occasional siting of lost treasure washing ashore.

The spyglass in his arms is made of rolled paper painted with golden trim. Loose, bendable wires in his arms help him pose majestically with the telescope cradled in his hold.

A wooden stand fashioned with a sand-and-shore motif is included; the Old Sailor's bamboo skewer pole is removable for an alternative means of display if desired.

See him HERE in our Etsy shop as part of our all-new summer lineup!

The Fiji Mermaid

2011-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

A prim and painted figure of old, the Fiji mermaid appears in bright colors and faded fabrics in honor of P.T. Barnum's celebrated sideshow humbug.

Her raggedy hair is made from strips of fabric, her face hand-drawn. Her primitive make-do knots and stitches close the back of her mertail and add scales to her fishy lower half.

The Fiji Mermaid emerges from the sea to appear in Cordwood Cabin's Etsy summer shop HERE.

Old Lady Liberty

2011-06-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Our most faded and primitive Lady Liberty yet! Cut from raggedy muslin and sewn together with extra knots and make-do patches, Lady Liberty's hand-drawn face is faded beneath the drawn black curls which frame it.

Simple stripes run jaggedly down her faded white blouse; white stars are faintly visible on the raggedy strips of blue that help form her skirts.

See her HERE in our Etsy shop summer lineup!

Making Paper Tags

2011-05-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Old paper dolls, vintage cards, and other forgotten ephemera make great options for decorative gift tags to adorn presents. Even cutouts from old paper doll book covers and coloring book images make great choices; playing cards and even samples of sewing patterns are perfect for thematic gift packages.

Some of Cordwood Cabin's artists and other online writers have published articles on creating unique gift tags for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. Clicke HERE and HERE for a wide array of ideas and HERE for unique patterns involving vintage paper and craft materials, as well as recommendations for paper doll gift tags, including the celebrated Dolly Dingle images so popular in paper doll reproductions.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Figureheads

2011-05-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

No, not the kind that head companies, corporations, or centralized government, but the kind fastened on the front of ships in the long-ago era of sailing the high seas for profit and adventure.

Perhaps the book-turned-film story The Eyes of the Amarylis explains it best, but the ship's figurehead holds a certain amount of fascination as a piece of art. From the rough trident-wielding figure dredged from the depths in a Nancy Drew novel to the weatherbeaten but lovely lady in Master and Commander, I can't help but envy the skill that creates these works of art -- and wish I possessed a little of it myself.

Sotheby's auctions and other high-end antique sales include figureheads, many in the form of busts or reduced to parts by age and retirement (often the figurehead was made with removable parts, to prevent storms and battles from breaking off limbs or decorations). View this recent bust, complete with large crack, fetching a sizeable price; for even the damage of weather and age cannot erase the elaborate detail in her gown and features, as well as the expressive nature of her face.

Modern carvers reproduce some of the most popular designs, including the ever-present mermaid, the "Jenny Lind" images which graced the fronts of ships, and a few unusual choices (soldiers, mythic figures, even gentlemen) which are seldom immortalized in romantic reminiscience on the art form. While their work is not inexpensive, the reason why is apparent when one surveys the obvious effort put into each block of wood. Some are elegant, some are comic, some are downright bawdy -- but the beauty of a handcarved image, the detail in the face of these antique figures, is unmistakeably charming.

While company-made reproductions are often available in resin or fiberglass, true romantics will always prefer the wood -- for the sheer knowledge that age, weather, and experience will leave their prints in the grain of the wood and the paint peeling from the surface -- or at least could, if they could bear to let it out of doors.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Jessie Wilcox Smith

2011-05-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, someone gave me a reprinted edition of Mother Goose rhymes featuring the brilliant illustrations of Jessie Wilcox Smith. A premiere children's artist and illustrator in the 1800's, Smith created scenes of charm, color, and simply brilliant detail for some of literature's most famous stories. From fairy tales to magazine covers, her career produced hundreds of extraordinary designs.

My first -- and favorite -- brush with her work was Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. The 1940's and 1920's edition are still hanging about in the house, complete with the unforgettable illustrations for "The Land of Counterpane" and "Bed by Day" among others. Smith's pen sketched out black and white illustrations and bold color images for The Water Babies, At the Back of the North Wind, Heidi, as well as classic fairy stories such as Cinderella and Red Riding Hood.

Like Parrish, Wyeth, and other celebrated illustrators, her work was varied in terms of design and publishing source -- some wonderful examples are included in the Little Big Book illustrated series today.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Kaleidoscopes

2011-05-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Shredded crayon, colored glass, elaborate lenses: any number of things form the charm and beauty of a kaleidoscope. The ever-changing images draw us to gaze into the depths, marveling as children -- transfixed as adults, even. From cheap plastic toys to expensive heirloom pieces, they survived the mainstream toy market while others models have faded away.

Some artists devise their own, using kaleidoscopes made with removable turning ends for color and pattern variety. Sizing cardboard end tubes to fit, equipped with plastic end caps and transparent tissue to allow the light to filger and the mirrors to distort the images. Color confetti, marbleized tissue, and other resources create the patterns and images for distortion.

The challenge of creating a new endpiece for a kaleidoscope is worth the trouble for artists fascinated by unique projects. For others, the charm of a simple plastic toy with a firmly-attached endpiece for turning will be more than enough to please.

Printable Doll Patterns: The Age of Digital Design

2011-04-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today, patterns for dolls and doll clothing are readily available online, with free and for-purchase designs delivered with the click of a mouse. Many are public domain reprints of vintage patterns from some of the top companies in the business, adding a touch of nostalgia to the modern industry.

But for many artists, the paper pattern is still the beloved choice. The feel of soft tissue designs, newspaper cutouts, and old-fashioned paper packets is as much a part of the sewing experience as scissors snipping through fabric layers. Even the option of digital doesn't tempt them away from the retail pattern racks or yard sale treasures from long-ago collections.

Many digital designers try to recreate the details of the paper pattern as much as possible: including original cover art, instructions, and other images from vintage packets. Transforming the paper medium into digital files and CD-ROM images helps keep the preserve the images and make the artwork available for an audience beyond collectors -- even if the traditional paper ensemble is less available.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Wooden Christmas Ornaments

2011-04-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

And not just any wooden Christmas ornaments, but an old-fashioned set turned into playthings long ago -- no doubt my grandmother having purchased them from a catalog or department store lot, then rethinking her Christmas tree in later years. We made up elaborate stories about those ornaments: the boy with the blue jacket and orange ball was a prince, the little girl in pink angel costume his younger sister. The green-painted woman with her fierce little stare and gold star was the witch; the funny upright cow the comic relief of the party.

Over the years, they wore out and disappeared, prompting me to look for a similar set online -- and discover just how wildly collectible these little guys had become. Inspired by wooden ornaments of German make, they ranged from sophisiticated, brightly-colored artisan pieces to dime-store miniatures like the ones I remembered best. Lot after lot on Ebay vanished for high prices; and even after I acquired a set, a few extras needed "made over" to resemble the originals from my childhood.

A little paint, a little glue, and a little TLC for long years in storage transformed them into an impressive collection of wee wooden folk for a vintage-style tree.

Sculpting Things

2011-04-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Among my new year's resolutions is an artist's resolve to keep practicing projects I took up the previous year -- this includes the art of sculpting with paper mache, something I made a habit of doing every few months last year. The first attempt (made two years ago now) was a rough and extra-large version of the Nativity for an outdoor manger scene. The second, a small version of a ship's figurehead, was too narrow. The third, a larger ship's figurehead in the form of a bust, was much more successful.

Last Christmas, a box full of paper mache birds with wings stretched in flight and rough-shaped bodies of tropical breeds, all for a future holiday tree display.

One of Izannah Walker's Sculpted Dolls

Since then, I've sculpted a doll's head and limbs in a sort of rough Izannah Walker style; and drawn up sketches for busts resembling classic marble and vintage ceramics. The key is patience and time -- especially since the hobby requires coating the living room in newspaper and vinyl tablecloths, mixing large portions of flour paste and newspaper (plus boiling for a smooth and elaborate project). For some reason I keep to the floor instead of sensibly sitting at the table for these things.

Jane Eyre-ness

2011-04-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

The internet is abuzz with word on the all-new film version of Jane Eyre in progress -- featuring Dame Judi Dench among its cast members. For a story already catching its breath from a stint on the stages of Broadway and a popular Masterpiece Theater adaptation, the hype surrounding the film's details almost rivals the most popular lady novelist of screen and volume as of late, the lively Jane Austen.

Catch up with the latest details HERE and celebrate the popularity of Charlotte Bronte's gothic romance alongside its oh-so-famous literary cousins.

Pastry Party

2011-04-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes the mouth water like fresh-baked pastries -- even the most simple draws longing from observers with a sweet tooth. Fans of Rosemary & Thyme remember the tantalizing raspberry pastries featured in "They Understood Me in Paris" -- but for me, the thought of a simple buttery crust with almond slices and a sweet glaze is more than enough at the moment.

A simple pastry dough will let you make all sorts of sweet treats, perfect for putting together a platter for a breakfast party. Martha Stewart features several tempting recipes, including a few for simple pastry doughs -- in comparison to the sometimes-complicated grand, buttery folds of delicate French recipes.

It's hard to choose a favorite, but in a word: cream cheese strawberry bear claws. Unbeatably good when you're craving the sweetest and semi-elaborate of the pastry world.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Canning Jars

2011-03-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Not just any jars, mind you: jars with character and potential, even if their years of use are long behind them. The traditional Mason jar, the Ball and Atlas brands are filled with personality. Colored glass and creative designs, such a delicate circle, a shamrock image, even a simple star create a charming package for making dry mixes for gifts or holding novelty handsoaps for display.

We keeps dozens on hand of any kind for jellymaking, preserves, and canning; but others, with a more special appearance, are confined to display purposes. A shelf in the kitchen is crowded with pale blue glass and clear glass with beautiful embellishments. Used for containing dried herbs or displaying wild flowers -- any means of showing off their beautiful form.

Taking a Little Break

2011-03-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since a new post appeared on this page, largely due to the number of "spring chores" to keep us
busy. First, the garden, second, the new orchard, third, the "maintenance" made necessary by property expansion (including a little clearing work to remove tangled dead branches to make room for a nut grove).

In between, not as many artistic endeavors have taken place, although a few new glass balloon ornaments were sketched out ... and a few new ideas for the 2011 Christmas line were discussed. Halloween, of course, is always a must, but the ideas for it are somewhat special, requiring a lot more thought than a traditional Uncle Sam for Fourth of July.

We've also made plans to develop a few recipes inspired by some of our favorite seasonal and holiday treats, as well as launch a few new surprises, so this year promises to be busy!

Top o' the World to Ye!

2011-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Showers of Valentines for You

2011-02-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

April showers bring May flowers ... but what does a shower of Love bring in February? Only fans of Valentine's Day know for sure. Best wishes from the Cabin for all the romantics at heart this special holiday!

It's Marley's Ghost!

2011-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Up next on the drawing board? A new depiction of A Christmas Carol, which has long needed a variation from our original (and somewhat spooky) designs.

These new dolls will be diminutive pocket prims, similar to the Wonderland set designed last year, with a slightly cuter appeal than the spooky image of our original infamous Jacob Marley and Co. Visit the slide show below for photos of the original Marley who inspired our sculpted "A Christmas Carol" series a few short years ago.

A Few of our Favorite Things: Peck-Gandre's Paper Dolls

2011-02-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

These I absolutely LOVE with a capital everything, and collect on any occasion I can. Both Peck-Gandre and Peck-Aubry's editions are worth seeking out and getting more expensive as they pass into the realms of collector's items.

The elegant Snow White and Cinderella are among my favorites, but I have yet to find one that isn't colorful, delicate, classical, and imaginative in its depiction of traditional fairy tales. Classic children's novels are also covered, including The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables. Be on the lookout for variations between the two partnerships -- for instance, two different Goldilocks editions, each a beautiful depiction of the story.

A Must-Try for Next Holiday Season

2011-01-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

The tradition of Christmas cake has long faded into the shadows with holiday ghost stories and Twelfth Night parties. The beauty and delicacy of an old-fashioned cake recipe, however, can't be beaten by even the most tempting of gingerbread men.

This is melt-in-your-mouth Marmalade Cake is a queen among elaborate home recipes and holiday desserts. Its preparation time and list of ingredients (not to mention minor expense) limits it to special occasions, but a slice from its chilled layers well repays the effort involved.

Three layers of orange cake sandwiched together with maramalade glaze, topped with whipped cream instead of icing. The recipe is taken from Jan Karon's Mitford cookbook (which includes other temptations as well). See a standard version of this Mitford delicacy HERE and add this sweet treat to your recipe books.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Martha Stewart's Cookbooks

2011-01-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

This is a MUST for kitchen lovers, culinary amateurs, and cooks everywhere (especially those who are kindred spirits with arts and crafts). Even if you never make a dish from its vast resources, simply reading about them will make your mouth water ...

The Christmas edition is a standard in our house, but the all-year-round edition is fast becoming a new favorite. Venture outside the generic menu with item-specific cookbooks from Martha Media, including the cupcakes volume and the classic pies and tarts (don't skimp -- order both the new and the old edition, which contains both rustic and elaborate desserts made from simple ingredients).

Rowdy

2011-01-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

This January, the cabin lost one of its most-familiar furry friends. Rowdy, whose picture graced the newsletter button and various posts, passed away shortly after the New Year from chronic feline asthma. Despite treatment, both age and underlying conditions made any recovery difficult.

An artist with a keen eye for paint and paper mache, Rowdy became an enthusiastic outdoorsman later in life. He preferred curling up in the garden and sunning himself, as well as hunting grasshoppers and moths. An avid critic of gardening, he freely participated in watching others weed flower beds and sow seeds. Despite less-than-perfect health, this spry Siamese mix still managed moments of kittenish play, bounding through the house and chasing his beloved ping-pong ball and feather toy ... not to mention his favorite cabin kitty and mother-figure Sabrina.

He will be much missed by family, his house companions George and Ginger, and his arch-enemy from the outdoors, Poppy the Cat -- with whom he spent many an hour on the lookout for unknown cats sneaking in by the back garden fence. Alas, his last goal of catching his own bird remained to the last.

Farewell, old friend.

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

We've got a short list of ideas on what the next year holds for the Cabin in terms of homestead improvements ... of course, the challenge is actually carrying them out (especially in these tough economic times). Drum roll, please ....

1) The Greenhouse: yes, we've wanted this in the past ... and got as far as revamping the potting shed. But now we're talking an actual structure of glass, capable of wintertime flowers, small exotic trees, and veggies for the off-season. We've got the glass, now all we need is time and willpower. We want at least a sketch and a piece of property selected, if not an actual frame in the works...

2) The Smokehouse: we've been talking about this one for years, too. The ability to cure hams, make bacon, and even experiment with beef or venison using the techniques of our ancestors (and some modern food safety measures made since the good ol' days). For the pride of doing it ourselves, as well as some tasty results.

3) The Drying House: The little stone building and wood-burning stove are just waiting for a few finishing steps to be a haven for drying flowers, fruit, and other small items. Right now, it just serves as a stone wall for propping up chicory stalks. But soon, maybe it will actually get a little tin roof and an actual drying space framed up.

4) The Orchard: Fruit and nut trees desperately need replanted after the harsh ice storm of a few years ago. Now that the ground has been cleared of stumps, we're ready for the new trees to be installed. From cherry and apple to pear and plum, we're weighing all the different kinds of fruit and nut trees that promise long-term harvests.

5) Tree Lots: We've been meaning to clear a little space for cultivating some trees, especially light, fast-growing woods meant for crafts, like basswood. Plus some ornamental favorites, like maples and Osage orange shrubs for landscaping and whimsy.

6) The Junk Pile: Everybody has one, but ours includes a small outdoor lot which houses leftover fencing and scrap metal. It was originally meant as a temporary storage site full of odds and ends with useful or creative appeal ... but it's time to weed out some of the less useful items and store the others for future use.

That's it for now -- although I'm sure we'll think of other things to add by the first of the year. Hopefully, we'll have some actual progress to report before the next round of New Year's Resolution are made.

A Merry, Merry Christmas from All of Us

2010-12-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Best Wishes from the Artists of Cordwood Cabin this Holiday Season!

2010-12-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

A festive table setting for the holiday (or post-holiday season) -- complete with pumpkins...

An eBook Giveaway Opportunity!

2010-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good news for people who love free books! A good friend of the Cabin is giving away a copy of her first published e-Book to celebrate the experience. Entitled Only in Novels, this lighthearted romantic novelette was released by White Rose Publishing on their website (see the all-new book trailer for the release below).

Check out the book at White Rose Publishing's website HERE (Kindle and other digital editions available).

And enter to win a free copy HERE at the author's chic writing blog The Paper Doll. This giveaway is hosted in conjunction with a fellow Cabin-er's scribbling journal Writing in a Cordwood Cabin on Blogger. Good luck and happy reading!

Pie Time

2010-12-05T08:22:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving, the cabin turns its fondest thoughts from crafting ...

... to baking. This classic pumpkin pie was the centerpiece:

This is the loaded pear and plum pie is based on a magazine piece on a pie baker from Mission Beach, California ...

...as does this classic cherry (although I folded in an additional serving of the pastry cream recipe included with another recipe for apple-cranberry pie).

Bon appetite!

Celebrating the Season

2010-12-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

The new Christmas wreath for the cabin ...

... and the old Thanksgiving window display.

A little bit of everything for the holiday season, no?

Happy Halloween from Cordwood Cabin

2010-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

A very merry Halloween, from all of us to you ...
we hope it will be filled with treats, and lighted pumpkins, too!

Attention ... Important Annoucement from Reggie!

2010-10-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Attention! Calling all Crow's Life Blog readers! The fantastic Halloween adventure of Reggie and Friends is now in progress and drawing to a close -- don't miss this opportunity!

Hurry over to catch up on past episodes and witness the stunning conclusion! Click the Crow Button on the right side of the blog to join the story in progress!

Turning to the Page Phantoms

2010-10-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Is it the unnamed fear of The Turn of the Screw?

Or the two-faced audacity of Dorian Gray?

Our favorite? The irresistably evil Madame Defarge.

Basket o' Heads, Ye Trick or Treaters?

The Ghost Girl

2010-10-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Even a ghost fancies a little masquerade for Halloween ...

This spooky sight (and her skeletal paper mask) are available on Etsy this week; click HERE to visit them up close.

A Tour of the Ghostly Gallows

2010-10-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

We didn't have to look hard to find a few old friends who made the gallows a less-than-welcoming place. From our most sinister Headless Horseman to Quantril's Bones ...

... to one of our all-time favorites, the Raven Poe.

Quite a grim figure, isn't he?

Revisiting the Haunted Hollows

2010-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

There were quite a few favorites in our first series, from Hob the Goblin King to Harry the Hooligan.

But our favorite was probably Irving the Undertaker: a grim sort of figure, whose sinister smile was innocent enough, I suppose...and whose business card was no doubt legit --

...but there's something about him that just isn't quite normal.

Happy Halloween from friends old and new.

Spooooky Recommendations!

2010-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this and THIS for tips on creating a splendid Halloween pumpkin (after all, it's never too early to start practicing, right?)

The Ghost Girl

2010-09-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Even a ghost fancies a little masquerade for Halloween ...

This spooky sight (and her skeletal paper mask) are available on Ebay this week; click the Cheshire Cat on the right to visit them up close.

The Skeleton Jangle

2010-09-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Mr. Bones plays a sinister tune. Hardly a need for those bones in hand with those long and knobby fingers, eh?

Click the Vanishing Cheshire Cat on the right to visit him on Ebay this week ... as he serenades visiters with his grim tune.

Chills and Thrills this Fall

2010-09-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

First, we visited the Haunted Hollows ... then the Ghostly Gallows ... and Page Phantoms

And now: the big unveiling of our new fall series of sculpted dolls is --

The first doll is ready to make his big debut both here and on Ebay, so stay tuned!

Dancing Down the Moon

2010-08-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Witch Hazel is ready for a jig 'round the Halloween bonfire ... she's quite flexible when it comes to dancing.

Cut from prim muslin and handpainted, Hazel's jointed limbs are poseable, her body ready to be propped up in a primitive chair or stand or perched on a shelf as a decoration...

She's quite a jolly soul, with her cheerful smile and funny little stripey stocking legs.

Her primitive skirts are cut from raggedy cheesecloth and sewn beneath her painted-on bodice and hood; a primitive broom and a stiffened muslin witch's hat accompanies her.

See Witch Hazel up close in our Etsy shop, Cabin Crafts!

Up in the Halloween Sky

2010-08-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane ... no wait, it's a giant Jack o' Lantern! Up in the Halloween sky, little Bobby pilots a grinning pumpkin through the silvery nighttime stars...

Handpainted with a metallic enamel sheen, this light-bulb-turned-ornament is trimmed with gold Christmas tinsel. A tiny paper mache baskets dangles below from gold threads, with a double-sided Bobby in pumpkin clown pajamas (he's cut from a reproduction vintage Halloween card).

Bobby and other holiday balloons are on display HERE in our Etsy Cabin Crafts store.

A Helpful Hand from Witch Heloise

2010-08-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

Need a floor swept sparkling clean? Tips on adding a shine to that cauldron's surface? Just ask Witch Heloise for her tips on working a little Halloween magic (she'll even bring her own broom).

Her green eyes and brown curls are accented by a faded, raggedy dress of muslin pieces and a painted-on bodice. One muslin hat, stiffened with paint, perches atop her head. Heloise has no legs, but a wooden skewer a la puppet-style dolls.

See Witch Heloise up close in our Etsy Cabin Crafts shop.

Of Ghoulies and Ghosties and Funny Wee Beasties...

2010-08-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Now that the patriotic season is behind us, what lies before us? For primitive artists, the answer is simple: Halloween.

We've just started on our Halloween lineup -- ideas are in the works, sketches are being made, and the all-new line of sculpted dolls is being discussed (with plans, of course, to top last year's "Page Phantoms" and the "Ghostly Gallows" of the year before).

Many of our newest creations will be appearing on Etsy, which is something new for us; traditionally, our Halloween merchandise is concentrated on Ebay. While the sculpted dolls may still appear on Ebay, as tradition dictates, their cute, whimsical, and sometimes macabre friends may be finding places in the shop as soon as we can make them.

From balloons to thaumatropes to shelf sitters and dolls, we never know what Halloween will bring -- short of surprises, that is. In the meantime, we'll be showing off a few of our favorites from the past as we try to inspire ourselves to surpass them!

As for the primitives world at large, we encourage you to visit the work of Old Farmhouse Gathering on Etsy. They'll be hosting their yearly Fall Celebration in the coming months, which features a variety of handmades, folk art, and primitive creations -- check out their current work by typing "ofg team" into the Etsy search blank.

And be prepared from some scary sights in the coming weeks.... mwah ha ha ha ha!

The Ghost of Halloween Yet to Come

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Boooooooo.... I'm here to haunt you, dear readers, with my spooky presence...the shape of things yet to come on All Hallows Eve --"

You're no Halloween Ghost -- we all know you, Reggie, under that sheet.

"All right, all right, you win. But can I still put it a word for my blog?"

Of course you can, Reg.

"Thanks much. Greetings and salutations, readers! The all-new Halloween story for 'A Crow's Life' is in progress for readers eager to catch up with my exciting adventures! Catch up with the latest installments and stay tuned for the exciting episodes in the coming months!"

An all-new Halloween story, Reggie? Isn't it a little early?

"Well, you're hardly one to talk. Besides, the sooner the better when unfolding a super-scary adventure for the masses, right?"

I suppose you're right, Reg. Folks, click the Crow Button on the right to visit Reggie-the-Crow's personal blog and see what chills and thrills unfold this fall...

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Thaumatropes

2010-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just love these little ornaments. Reminiscient of Victorian childhoods, of summer crafts and holiday creations meant to amuse small fingers and grown-up minds alike, the thaumatrope is far more creative than a simple circle or standard "bird and cage" design.

My first acquaintence with them was the "Addy" American Girl doll, which features the thaumatrope design as a popular toy for Addy and other girls her age. While the story features the most basic design, more complex creations were equally as common in post-Civil War and Victorian America. The opening monage to Masterpiece Theater's Little Dorrit features a series of creative thaumatrope designs, spinning to reveal their two pictures joined in harmony.

The steps for creating one are simple: two matching pieces of paper, glue, a small hole punch (optional) and a bit of thread or ribbon for the cord. Tips on making one are linked HERE and to the side under our Featured Article button, including free images for unique thaumatropes and holiday designs.

In our shop, you'll find sheets available with unique thaumatrope images, pre-printed and ready to cut with different size-and-shape templates included -- both all-season images and holiday designs. We'll be adding Halloween sheets soon, perfect for Halloween kids' projects, craft activities, and trick-or-treat designs (cords and glue not included).

Try drawing your own for something new or personalized -- with a sailor and boat, for instance, or a knight and dragon. You can "draw" them using Paintbrush or a computer graphics program or color them by hand with pencils or markers -- just make sure to cut out the images and position them so when the thaumatrope "spins" the two sides form a single picture.

To test any thaumatrope's size and alignment before gluing, fasten the sides together temporarily with a tiny daub of glue or nonpermanent adhesive and spin. Make any necessary trimming or adjustments afterwards before permanently assembling the thaumatrope.

Irish Eyes Smilin'

2010-07-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Brave and true with her flag of green, Erin sails above the Emerald Isle in a shamrock-embellished balloon.

Painted with green enamel paint, this modified lightbulb includes gold enamel shamrocks painted in a random pattern over the surface. Decoupaged to the front is a green and gold Irish harp cut from a reprinted vintage St. Paddy's Day card.

Below in her paper-mache basket, young Erin is fastened between the gold thread cords. Double-sided and cut from reprinted Irish clipart, Erin is glued sturdily in place.

Sail away to the Isle of Green on a holiday tree branch and share those endearing young charms!

True Red, White, and Blue

2010-07-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July may be only one day, but patriotism lives on in Sam's heart all year long.

Painted in bold, crackled colors of red, white, and blue, this mini lightbulb balloon is a glass ornament perfect for patriotic holidays or the branches of a Christmas tree. Its primitive stripes are accented with a band of gold enamel paint and a series of faded white stars stenciled across the blue field.

Below, in a basket of paper mache, is Uncle Sam himself among the gold cords and Christmas tinsel trim. Cut from a reprinted vintage holiday card, Sam is double-sided and glued securely to the basket's floor. There's a loop of gold thread fastened to the top for hanging the ornament from a holiday tree branch.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Maps

2010-07-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

All those who wander are not lost -- J.R.R. Tolkien

Who doesn't love the feel of adventure from looking at a map? There's something aesthetically pleasing about their bright colors and exotic locations, which is why we own so many tucked away in shelves or pinned to walls. From National Geographic inserts to handmade fabric replicas, travel maps scream adventure to the average passer-by.

Making a map by hand is relatively simple, as seen in these photos of Santa Claus's navigational map...

... with tiny landmarks painted by hand inside the rolled-up surface.

The muslin is painted, then tea-dyed and treated with "prim primer" and cinnamon. The painted surface is sanded in place to create worn spots, holes, and faded colors. The bit of gold glint is from metallic enamel paint, added for embellishment.

In the past, walls were covered with an array of maps, from South American civilizations to the Anarctic. Applied with sticky tack to the surface, the banners would sometimes fall without the support of thumbacks; any tears were re-patched on the back with tape and the map was doggedly re-applied to the surface.

Antique maps are often hard to come by (and expensive), but the effect is well worth it when beautifully framed and displayed -- especially the "tapestry" style cloth maps of old. Make your own using the tips offered here or make up a creative kid's version using crumpled brown paper and craft paints. From pirate treasure maps to lost civilizations, the possibilities are endless.

Those Endearing Young Charms ...

2010-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

This wee little lad's a bit late for St. Paddy's Day, but not for the all-year-round holiday shop. His balloon is handpainted with gold shamrocks against the crackled green surface; a vintage reproduction shamrock greeting card is decoupaged to the front, surrounded by gilt enamel paint.

The little lad with the wearin' of the green appearance is cut from a vintage reproduction St. Paddy's Day card. Secured in a gilded paper-mache basket, he dangles below the green balloon.

Ready for a ride above the Emerald Isle -- or perhaps just a trip around the Christmas or holiday tree.

We Interrupt this Regularly Scheduled Broadcast ...

2010-07-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

... with breaking news: an all-new episode of "A Crow's Life" is in progress! Yes, I repeat, the all-new adventures of the handsome and intelligent crow and his supporting cast are now appearing in a new fall story.

Click the Crow Button on the right to experience the horrors which lie in store for Reggie and his pals or use the link HERE to join the story in progress and catch up with the first episodes!

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Disney Fun Farm

2010-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

This came in the mail today. Freshly ordered from Ebay, it's a blast from the past ... and one increasingly hard to find, since one of the set's key components was recalled during the 1980's.

The original tractor I owned was yellow; the original farm dog was eaten by its real-life counterpart, a German Shepherd mix breed named Lady, who was devoted to children (but a sucker for soft, chewy plastic toys).

My sister absolutely loved this plastic orange chicken and named it "Scruffy". He appeared in several childhood games involving dogs, cats, intrigue, and a plastic orange racecar and helicopter I purchased specially for him one Christmas.

She still has the racecar and helicopter somewhere. Along with the original "Scruffy", now living up to his name after a childhood of complicated and daring adventures.

Daisy was my favorite. I eventually isolated her from the box and caried her around in my pockets, along with a plastic Playskool peg-style Minnie Mouse (another story for another time). Mickey and Minnie gradually disappeared into the Realm of Tiny Lost Plastic Things, where most miniature childhood toys eventually go.

I hope they met up with that Polly Pocket cat we lost. And the Barbies' Thanksgiving turkey, too.

Last time I saw the original pig from this set, he was a grimy little figure in a tin box with a series of plastic puppies, whom I think "adopted" him into their family.

I have no idea what happened to the original weathervane and silo top. In fact, I forgot it even had such feature until this one arrived. It now joins the remainder pieces in the game closet when not on display, next to the plastic fort, Barbie Christmas ornaments, and other treasures in storage between seasons.

First Couple

2010-07-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Don't they make a lovely pair?

Paper Doll Projects

2010-07-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Battered, worn, or pulled-apart paper dolls of all kinds still have a lot of life in them -- making them the perfect choice for paper crafters and mixed media artists.

From old Disney characters to old-fashioned magazine cut-outs long ago played with and discarded, a handful of creative, innovative projects listed online by artists (both ours and other crafters) may give them a new lease on entertainment.

Creative gift tags, anyone? Pre-cut dolls and dresses find a new home on holiday packages here.

Wooden paper dolls? Find decoupage tips here for making mixed media designs with paper dolls and wooden surfaces, from jewelry boxes and doll closets to the basic steps for crafting wooden dolls for display or fun.

Design your own paper doll? Find tips here on creating something one of a kind or adapting a familiar choice

Find printable and public domain paper dolls here, complete with dolls, dresses, and a glimpse into the paper arts of long-ago (all free for use in personal craft projects).

How about a unique "cupcake doll" design inspired by the eighties doll craze? Click here for tips on crafting them for parties or afternoon fun.

Or click here to learn about creative fabric "paper doll" designs made from felt and other materials.

Creating something unique with worn-out paper dolls recycles those paper figures in need of a little TLC into something new and loveable. Test out of a few of today's designs on printed magazine cutouts or an old-box of wrinkled but wonderful images.

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!

2010-07-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

From the Cabin to the Land of the Free ... may her flag always wave true.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Old Records

2010-06-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Many things are piled around the cabin ... including stacks of old LPs. Collected by family members and salvaged from junk sales, a little bit of everything spins beneath the needle.

The latest acquisitions ... Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.

Last year's favorite finds: Glen Miller's Orchestra and The Platters.

Classical records, operatic performances, Christmas choirs and Dowop bands -- from 33s to 78s, in vinyl sleeves to original covers. The sound of scratchy vinyl is unforgettable, magic in comparison to smooth cds and remastered classics.

Although a few do need to be rescued now and then from a "skipping" song. But I firmly believe that's part of the charm of classy vinyl collections.

Red, White, and Blue

2010-06-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Soaring above the clouds is Uncle Sam in a star-spangled tribute.

The glass balloon is hand-painted with a crackled enamel coat of patriotic colors; the white stars are stencil across the blue top.

Gold threads attach Sam and his gilded brown basket to the base of the stripey flag balloon. Sam himself is cut from a vintage reproduction patriotic card, then fastened sturdily inside. A bit of gold Christmas garland trims the base of the balloon.

Sail away with the Red, White, and Blue!

Little Liberty

2010-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

From her pointed crown ...

to her green sash and skirt ...

Little Liberty is quite the patriotic girl this Fourth of July.

Lady Liberty

2010-06-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Lady Liberty is dressed in liberty green, with a red, white, and blue banner wrapped around her shoulders.

Her features are hand-drawn with soft colored pencils, her raggedy skirt sewn around her painted bodice.

Uncle Sam

2010-06-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

In a barbershop quartet coat of red, white, and blue, Sam is dressed and ready for a Fourth of July celebration.

With needle sculpted nose and a faded white beard painted on, all he needs is a sparkler in hand or star-spangled flag to wave.

In the Garden

2010-06-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

The pretty flowers ...

... and the herbs ...

are all in bloom. While boxes of gourds and pumpkins spread, scarlet runner beans climb a pyramid of lattice. Grape and muscadine branches bend low with green berries awaiting a golden fall harvest, and bee balm springs high with spikey red petals and dreams of steeping for herbal winter teas ...

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Cheesy Cartoons

2010-06-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Late at night, early on a weekend morning, rainy afternoons: all are perfect times to watch classic cartoons. The cheesier the better in our book, which is why we stay stocked up on volumes of "Rocky and Bullwinkle" and "Garfield", among others.

Personal favorite? I'd have to say "Rocky and Bullwinkle". But a soft spot remains for original "Pink Panther" cartoons and the lesser-known classic "Inspector" series. Charlie Brown cartoons are a must when chanel-surfing on cable television, as are "George of the Jungle" and the hard-to-find "Grimmy" cartoons occasionally found online.

Disney's classic cartoons are among the greatest -- what could be funnier than Donald Duck and the hapless bear "rug" trapped in a hunting cabin? Or Pluto and the much-hated sweater knitted by Minnie Mouse? Mickey Mouse cartoons (especially those featuring Donald Duck) are unforgettably funny regardless of age.

The best comes last, however -- Looney Tunes. When Bugs Bunny substitutes for the Road Runner, a genius moment in humor is born; as is the bittersweet humor that gives birth to the bulldog and homeless kitten cartoon, the "singing frog" episode that celebrates Warner Bros. classic symbol.

Red Green is great comedy; Fawlty Towers is unrivalled. But no humorous endeavor holds a candle to the cheesy cartoon show when one is feeling blue.

The Little House on the Big Porch

2010-06-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hullo, hullo! What's this is the corner of the Cabin's porch? Why, I believe it's a little house ...

... with little logs and little windows ...

... and a wee little green door with a tiny knob.

And who do you suppose lives inside? It's the Cordwood Cabin kitties, of course!
Well, actually, right now it's a cranky hen...

with a nestful of eggs. But as soon as her maternity leave is up, the kitties will be staking a claim on this prime piece of cabin real estate again. The warm and cozy cabin was insulated last winter to keep their wee little furry tails warm during the cold ice storms. But this summer, it received an all-new coat of paint and a crooked tin roof a la the big cabin's design.

Coming soon, the kitty's shingle sign. Asserting their property rights, of course.

Ginger Pie

2010-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Our little Ginger kitten is all grown up now...and a busy baby who spends her time searching for moles and mice among the tall field grass or catching grasshoppers in the brush. Our striped tiger is curled up on the porch swing most afternoons, all worn out from her morning activities.

We love to have our belly rubbed.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Classic Mysteries

2010-05-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Summertime is meant for lounge chairs on the lawn, for neatly landscaped garden beds that require as little effort as possible, for cold lemonade or cherry coke ... and a classic mystery book for reading pleasure.

By "classic mystery", we don't mean Agatha Christie or Mary Roberts Rinehart, but the truly worthy and well-battered paperbacks from childhood. The Three Investigators, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys are a good start, but so are The Spotlight Club, Brillstone, or even Tom Stetson.

My own collection includes exciting titles like Mystery of the Screaming Clock and Terror Castle, both part of the Three Investigator's stunning portfolio of mysteries. Some are original hardbacks, circa 1960's, others yard sale softcovers from the 70's and 80's (the 60's and 70's ones are best, since the series was still allowed to use Alfred Hitchcock's name and image during those years).

Nancy Drew's volumes span a series of decades, with old covers from the 1930's with blue backs and orange silhouttes, yellow 60's-era volumes with Nancy's flip hairstyle, blue and black speckled editions from the 1950's. The Clue in the Old Album was one of my favorites as a child, but great chills and thrills came from reading The Secret of the Old Clock and The Password to Larkspur Lane.

I plan to spend the summer curled up with a few of these and a cherry Ginger Ale (made with marachino cherries and little juice from the bottle). Happy reading, everybody!!

"Oz" Returneth?

2010-05-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Heads up, for all you Wizard of Oz fans ... a new trip down the Yellow Brick Road is in order, according to Hollywood insiders. Warner Bros. is proposing a new, darker, more "modern" version of the classic Baum tale immortalized in MGM's 1930's production.

So what do we think? Will it be a textually accurate version (complete with silver slippers?) Or a dark and dangerous version a la "Tin Man"? Until more details emerge, fans are left to anticipation regarding the future of Dorothy and friends...

2010-05-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Little George is growing into a big kitty ... not quite our baby anymore!

A Recipe for Twice-Told Tales

2010-04-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Lady Margaret thinks great bedtime stories all have the same elements.

There should be at least one cat. Color and size does not matter.

There should be a Wicked Witch ...

There should be a Damsel in Distress (who should be pretty and appealing) ...

and a Nefarious Villain (or IS he? That's part of the story's charm).

A Hero who sweeps in at the last minute to rescue her.

He can have a sidekick, if he likes...

... perhaps a comic relief choice.

All together, they form a bedtime story to be told again and again.

At least until one falls asleep.

'Tis the Season

2010-04-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

No, not Christmas already -- the 4th of July. A season celebrated best perhaps in the world of Primitives,
where Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and all our Americana friends feel at home 365 days of the year.

A few of our all-time favorite pieces hail from Independence Day:

Uncle Sam ...

... Teddy Crowsevelt ...

... and, of course, the little Lady Liberties.

Break out the firecrackers, the Roman candles and pinwheels. It's countdown time to the big red, white, and blue birthday.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Playlists

2010-04-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Cheesy, we know, but we can't seem to get enough of these babies. Compiling a list of songs beneath a mood-appropriate title like "Thoughts on Blowing Bubble Gum", only to toss them out a week later for a whole-new lineup.

Not that there was anything wrong with the first one, understand; there are just so many more titles to choose from, it's impossible not to create more...and more... and more lists. Oldies, rock, bluegrass, Celtic, pop, gospel -- it's all available. Including soundtrack favorites from "Napoleon Dynamite" if you should feel so inclined.

Our Favorites include:

Playlist.com. You'll see this one scrolling at the bottom of the blog now and then. Mood-appropriate music is practically the purpose of this site, since silly playlist titles abound and the selection is virtually limitless. This is where I build my best Christmas playlists and silliest song combos.

Pandora. The "build a radio station" theory is really appealing if you're seeking new artists instead of favorite songs. Feed them a name -- say, Audra McDonald -- and see how quickly it links you to similar artists whose music you may want to add to your electronic shopping list.

Live365. Similar to Pandora, this site streams using a thematic format, not a song-specific playlist. The variety, however, is mind-boggling; featuring radio stations and playlists from around the world for almost any genre. Find stations devoted to "White Christmas" renditions or oldies from the Drifters or Del Vikings.

Try a few of these when in the mood for music -- if you can settle on just one, that is. Good luck and happy listening!

2010-03-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Special Alert!" An all-new story is in progress on "A Crow's Life", featuring pirates, buried treasure, and really nice tanning weather! Hurry over to catch the latest edition and review the previous episodes before this series slips away! This is Reggie Crow with a Bird's Eye Action News! bulletin.

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Board Games

2010-03-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love board games? Maybe they're a little old-fashioned, but even technology can't rub out the creative energy in a 1980's copy of "Candyland" or an obscure copy or "Murder, She Wrote", for instance.

"Operation", "Shark Attack", "Monster Mash" -- all still hiding on closet shelves or huddled together in flea market booths, waiting for someone to track them down. That someone is often ME, who can't resist a good bargain or a beloved title (for Christmas, I received a secondhand copy of "Scattergories" for instance).

This vintage gem was one of the Christmas presents given here at the Cabin. Don't you love the cute colored plastic mice? This edition dates from my father's childhood; he and his siblings and cousins grew up with a similar version.

The favorite on the game board shelf is hard to choose ... the time-worn Disney "Yahtzee" edition, the clever "Thirteen Dead End Drive", or maybe the colored stones of "Pente"? Too hard to single one out, I'm afraid.

Mercy Brown of Exeter

2010-03-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

This little maid of Old Rhode Island has a sinister story ...

Buried in the Exeter Cemetery in 1892, Mercy's mother and sister both died, her brother growing ill until he left home. Mercy herself died; her brother returned, only to grow ill again ...

The story says her father exumed the graves of his family, deeply suspicious that something sinister was at work.

His wife and first daughter were both decomposed ...

... but Mercy's body was suppposedly unchanged: except it lay on its side with blood dripping from its mouth.

The ghost tale behind Mercy's "vampire activities" remains a legend in Exeter Cemetery, with blue lights sometimes spotted around the grave of the Exeter Vampire. Cemetery Stories, Katherine Ramsland, HarperCollins 2001.

Mercy of Exeter is the Latest "Ghost Girl" will be haunting Ebay this week ... click the Chessy Cat on the right to see her.

St. Paddy's Day Kitties

2010-03-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Top o' the mornin' to ye! The St. Paddy's Day Kitties have arrived, party hats on in the "wearing of the green" tradition...

Of course, with green eyes, they might not need these snazzy top hats with their shamrock trim (and as for that big Pot o' Gold, well, that's just a little extra, of course).

These fun-loving kitties appear on Etsy right here to see them celebrating in style.

Reggie Does a Commercial

2010-03-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hello, All! Not to give you all pause in your daily activities and what-not, but I'm here to alert you to the all-new story unfolding on my personal, unique, and (dare I say it?) exciting blog on

A Crow's Life.

The latest installment for Spring features an all-new adventure, starring (of course) me and my friends, along with our latest acquaintenances and enemies...

(cue adventure music):

Steal away to a mysterious island ....

... under seige by dark forces ...

... in a search for unspeakable riches ...

It's ...

THE SAND PIRATES ADVENTURE! With breathtaking scenery and stunning action, starring none other than Reggie the Crow as Our Hero, and a cast of thousands!!! Er, well, half a dozen, anyway. Now showing on a Blog Post near you!

Reggie the Crow advises you. Be there.

Humpty Dumpty -- The TRUE Story

2010-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Fans of Alice, Wonderland and Nursery lore of all kinds, check out this clever little story that resembles one recently featured on Yahoo! News front page ... the question: why is Humpty Dumpty an Egg, when the poem never specifies?

The poem we all know and love says of Humpty:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

and all the King's Horses and all the King's Men

couldn't put Humpty Together again.

An original published in 1803:

Humpty Dumpty sate [sic] on a wall,

Humpti Dumpti [sic] had a great fall;

Threescore men and threescore more,

Cannot place Humpty dumpty as he was before

Neither emphasizes Humpty as an Egg (and the article and linked Humpty bio explain), making Tenniel's illustrations of Humpty for Alice in Wonderland one of the first depictions of the implied meaning behind Humpty Dumpty.

In honor of Humpty Dumpty's unique story, our own Reggie the Crow has composed an original poem in its honor ...

"Indeed I have -- not only that, but in a unique early English style for all you Chaucer fans. Here below is my own unique take on Humpty Dumpty a la Canterbury Tales."

Chaucer-style?

"Of course. Shakespeare, eat your heart out."

(clears throat) ...

Humpte Dumpte sate on a walle

Humpte Dumpte hade a greate falle

and All the kings Horsese and All the kings Mene

Coule not make Humtpe a whol Egge againe.

"So what do you think? Not bad for a bird versed on Wodehouse, aye?"

Alice

2010-03-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

'Nuff said about the White Rabbit stuff. Alice is a pro by now at leaping without looking...

Little Alice is all grown up in this version --

-- and sporting something of a heroine's poise.

But as we can see, her taste in friends hasn't changed a bit.

Alice and Company will appear on Ebay this weekend.

Cheshire Cat

2010-03-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Enough with Mad Hatters -- this one is clearly a Mad Catter.

Coming this weekend to an Ebay near you ... the Return of the Cheshire Cat!

And friends, of course.

With Fond Thoughts of Spring Ahead

2010-02-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

Coming soon ... the imfamous "wearing of the green" (and the mischevious Cordwood Cabin Kitties return!)

Doll Bodies Everywhere ...

2010-02-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

So, to distract ourselves from our work, we thought we'd show you some lovely pictures of something else instead:

Awwww. Now isn't that much better than some photos of doll bodies lying around?

A Few of Our Favorite Things: The Victorian Trading Company

2010-02-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

It's always exciting when one of these catalogs arrives in the mail ...

... a sentiment shared by Victorian and vintage arts fans everywhere. Not only are the pages loaded with eye candy for antique lovers and romantics at heart, but the Victorian Trading Company seems to have something for everyone.

Candy molds, books, dresses and scarves, ornaments and decorations, even home furnishings, all inspired by the elegant styles of long ago.

The products offered are from a variety of vendors, from clothing and jewelry designers to unique mainstream products (such as the Little Big Book series). Mercury glass reproduction ornaments, tantalizing peppermint bark, knit flower scarves -- that's just a handful from the Christmas catalog (shamefully, I keep the back issues of these catalogs to re-read sometimes).

Getting swept away in visions of Victoriana is a good way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy the catalog with a cup of tea (and maybe a bite of peppermint bark for good measure). The company's offerings will have you drooling with envy in no time.

The Mad Hatter

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

Even with a million watches, I suspect the Hatter would still have trouble telling time from ravens and writing desks ...

Cut from prim muslin fabric and handpainted with soft and bold colors, the Mad Hatter has poseable arms and legs. Forgive his hat hair -- the top hat fits snugly with a lowered brim from underneath which peer a pair of blue-brown eyes...

A bit eccentric perhaps, with that choice of tie. But he seems quite satisfied with himself for all that.

The Mad Hatter is the first of our new Wonderland dolls made available on Ebay this week, starting Tuesday night. Click the Chessy Cat to the right to see the Hatter starting on Wednesday.

Up, Up, and Away ...

2010-02-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

The "beautiful balloon" project of delicate glass ornaments wasn't inspired solely by recycling efforts or the irresistable shape of the classic incandescant bulb (although a little Wizard of Oz was probably lurking somewhere in the idea) ...

... nor was it based on the lyrics of the melodious "My Beautiful Balloon" which is no doubt playing right this minute on a classic oldies station somewhere ...

Instead, the concept is largely inspired by Victorian blown-glass ornaments, turn-of-the-century treasures that still inspire modern collectors. These pieces were elegant, delicate, featuring diminutives baskets bearing a miniature paper Victorian Santa aloft in many cases, like the one picture belowed.

We've duplicated that design in part, with miniature paper-mache baskets and two-sided vintage reproduction paper figures straight from Victorian cards, letting them dangle below painted glass surfaces.

This particular design was inspired by vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, the soft colors and starry night design that decorates some of their most popular ornaments. The pink is a popular Shiny Brite color.

The "shiny brite" version, like the striped balloon below, is trimmed with Christmas tinsel, including the silver star motif that forms the top loop and winds its way around the balloon ...

... although the figure inside the one below is hardly as conventional as the cozy snowman couple joyriding above. What mischief could this wee witch be up to? Possibly a future appearance in the "Little Holiday Shop" for the Halloween line.

The Truth Behind the Photo Lies

2010-02-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Although well is meant,

there's nothing content,

in two cats forced to share

the same bed.

They share a complaint

(no cat is a saint)

'Of this other one --

why can't we be rid?'

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Little Big Books of Everything

2010-02-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I received one of my all-time weaknesses (and another missing piece for my collection): The Little Big Book of Halloween.

I'm not just a sucker for all things Halloween, but a sucker for Little Big Books in general. The Tabori series of whimsical thick volumes, rife with amazing vintage illustrations and clever stories from the who's who of literature ... plus recipes, advice, how-tos, and other extras ... are irresistable from cover to contents.

As if it's not clever enough, these grown-up volumes packaged like children's books (for the child at heart, of course), the series covers anything and everything, making it impossible to own just one.

There's the Little Big Book for Dads ...

... for Moms ...

... of Christmas, for tidings of comfort and joy all year round.

And many, many more, including the Little Big Book of Dogs, of Weddings, of Pregnancy, of Girls .... well, I could go on and on here, but it's time to stop. And maybe read another chapter of "Chills and Thrills".

For curious readers, the vintage illustrations are gleaned from the cream of the children's crop and marvelous vintage cards and ads of old. A few names? Try Jessie Wilcox Smith and Kate Greenaway, for starters.

Advice from Mouse

2010-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Of course those people tell you you're a pretty kitty ... that's where they want you to think your power lies.

Remember, you controll them with your charm, wits, and forceful personality. Make sure there are no ifs or buts when it comes to serving milk at ten p.m.

OFG Spring Giveaway

2010-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate Spring with the lively and talented crafters from Etsy's one and only Old Farmhouse Gathering. The oh-so talented artists of the OFG are putting together a special giveaway filled with one-of-a-kind crafted items!

Please sign up to win these special surprises, tucked in spring Easter Basket. Click the photo above to visit the OFG Blog, then sign up to win -- the deadline is March 1st (giveaway open to the U.S. and Canada only).

See more fantastic prims and hand-made items on Etsy by typing "OFG Team" and "OFG Celebration" into the search bar.

Ta Da!

2010-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Sound the trumpets! Cordwood Cabin has finished renovating the "Cabin Crafts" line on Etsy, with all-new items ranging from miniature to magnifique!

Our new look is holiday-themed (complete with a new banner), featuring a series of affordable hand-made ornaments intermixed with our traditional OOAK pieces.

Such as the all-new "American Cracker Company" line -- our own take on the old-fashioned British tradition of the Christmas cracker ...

Sheets of printable, original graphics for Victorian-inspired Thaumatropes ...

... and hand-painted Christmas ornaments, including delicate wooden figures inspired by vintage handmades ...

and these blown-glass and crackled paint Balloon Ornaments representing a range of holidays.

In addition to these items, we'll continue to create OOAK series similar to our past Ebay ones, including an all-new line of Wonderland dolls and our mini-macabre Ghost Girls line.

Visit us HERE to see the all-new Cabin Crafts online ... and stay tuned for the debut of the first Wonderland doll of 2010.

The Ghost Girls

2010-01-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

So here is one February mystery solved ... the mysterious floating figure shrouded in white is none other than ....

... our latest series, inspired by the likes of "Haunted Hollows" and "Ghostly Gallows", only with a more child-like macabre twist. Below is the first of (hopefully) a dozen dolls:

Our own little Woman in White

Inspired by the traditional ghost haunting public roadways (with a bit of Wilkie Collins thrown in for good measure), this wee ghostie is clad in raggedy cheesecloth and bits of vintage lace.

Ghosts, of course, don't need legs. Just flowing skirts that taper a bit at the bottom.

Happy Early Halloween from Cordwood Cabin -- this wee lady will be hitting the shelves soon in our shop or on Ebay...

But there's more surprises to come yet.

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

2010-01-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Tiger. George's companion kitten.

Yes, we know, it wasn't all that long ago that we introduced George on the blog, the cute Bengal-Tabby mix. George, one of the cutest kittens in the world (as proven undeniably in the photo above), has grown since then ...

... and had begun to look a little lonely. All right, maybe not in that particular photo --

-- but the rest of the time. So we dropped by the animal shelter (Jackie's old home) and selected a kitten from a long list of adorable babies in need of good homes.

And thus, the Tiger Baby: the kitten Ginger Pye. She'll be awake for her next photo, with any luck.

There will be more photos to come of Ginger Pye's adventures (she's quite the artist's companion, to begin with) and love attention. But not cameras, apparently.

February's Projects

2010-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

Well, what have we here ...

... and here, I wonder?

The mystery continues ... stay tuned to see the finished projects.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a quiet Christmas at the Cordwood Cabin ... but not an un-busy one as you see from the picture below, with a weird little sculpted piece that will be showing up again in future posts (along with a few of its friends and the story behind them).

Along with a few personal art projects, we've begun our New Year's Resolution -- to "make over" the Cabin Crafts shop with new themes, new ideas, and most importantly, new merchandise. So, over the break, we tried out a few new mystery ideas.

Here's one of them ...

... a little something that will look familiar to paper artists, I'm sure (but we promise these will have something extra-special).

And, of course, the surprise visit from some of our Silver Screen friends found in a clip art hodgepodge. Mickey seems to be quite handy at steering ... well, whatever that is --

Obviously this one doesn't run off helium. Just a little tinsel and Christmas cheer.

Obviously, the shop version won't be featuring copyrighted characters ... but there might be a familiar face on board.

Now what are these strange little pictures for?

The answer to that question and much, much more will appear over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for the all-new Cabin Crafts!

P.S. Check out our Yard Sale week on Ebay -- starting on Tuesday, we'll be listing a variety of hodge-podge, flea market finds, old collectibles, and items "donated" by various friends and family for the sale, all at low starting prices. From craft books to hodgepodge dvd's and movies donated to the pile ...

Merry Christmas from the Cabin!

2009-12-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

As Collie Dogs march to a Scottie's auld tune ...
... we wish Happy Christmas to Yours and to You!

Christmas for the Birds

2009-12-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Our feathered friends have gathered together to wish you a Merry Christmas ... to the tune of the appropriate holiday classic "White Christmas" by The Ravens for some tongue-in-cheek fun. Enjoy!

2009-12-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, he's at it again ... Willy just can't sleep until he's seen Santa for himself (and handed over his list in person.

Jared's all curled up in a ball seemingly snoozing -- but somehow I suspect he's just playing possum.

View Jared and Willy (and a few extra surprises) on Ebay this week by clicking the Cheshire Cat link that blinks to the right of the posts!

2009-12-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Silent Night, Holy Night ... all bright with lights and Christmas cheer (and a few furry friends visible, too).

Little Drummer Bunnies

2009-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Forget that kid with his drum ...

... these three bunnies are willing to give him a run for his money.

Happy Holidays for all you music lovers... see these three bunnies in action on Ebay by clicking the Chessy Cat link on the right.

Scrooge

2009-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

Bah!

Humbug!

See this big Humbug on Ebay this week (along with a few ornie friends) by clicking the Chessy Cat link on the right!

Bumble-licious

2009-12-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

We're very good at topping trees with stars ...

... and we promise, we've given up reindeer steak for good.

See our Bumble Snow Monster Ornament in our Etsy shop this holiday season -- just click the dolls & toys button on the right.