awww

teach your children well, originally uploaded by knitalatte11.

Im sure lots of you have seen this but it has to be the cutest thing i have ever seen I cant even take it. She blogged it here
www.resurrectionfern.typepad.com/
Hope everyone is doing fantastic and keeping warm! xoxo

Snowflake

Snowflake 8 - 100% crop, originally uploaded by kartoffel.

I was searching for snowflakes on flickr and came across this.The world has amazing sites to offer everyone if you stop and pay attention.I've been reminding myself that alot lately. It seems like everyone in my family is going through their own personal trial right now and I feel bad that we cant all be together this year.The one thing I liked about living somewher that had real seasons is that its like with every season you get a fresh start and a new chance at life. I haven quite figured out how to do that here. Well anyway,Isnt this photo great? I love and miss snowflakes. :) Hope you all are well xoxoxo anne

sneak peek

I cant wait!!

Hey everyone!!!!

jingly, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

If i havent answered your emails yet I will! Im overwhelmed with all of the wonderful mail. Thank you so much!

One more thing

tree doll, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

im putting this girl in the shop and she has the option of your own initials carved into and a pair of love birds of your color choice to go with the initials!! Coming soon...big bad wolf in grandmas nightie to go with little red!

just popping in!

little red, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

to say Hi and let everyone know I added some more to the shop.Thank you to everyone for the fantastic samples Ive been getting and if there is anyone who volunteered that hasnt received anything yet please let me know! toodles!!!!

New patterns :)

I've listed another pattern set today. The original turned out to be way to large to turn into a reasonable pdf so we broke it down into groups.Im really excited about them. These were stitched by the fabulous Kristi and put together by me.The set includes this eenie,a cute little bird in a dress and my acorn girl. The next set will be puppy,kitty,turtle, and pig. Thank you for all of the love with the Christmas patterns. There has been some wonderful samples made.How is everyone doing? Tonight just the girls and I are home.We planted fall bulbs and are cleaning up some construction mess from the bathrooms(yes that is still going on)I was informed that when I say "we" are cleaning something that means them so I decided to agree and let them have at it. lol someday they will understand how much work management is! It was really hot here today I really didnt think it was going to be hot again. Hopefully the whole weekend will be nice. Ok so Im off to supervise ;)have a great weekend!!!

Phew!

Wild-Acorns, originally uploaded by Chuck Harkins.

Ok we are getting there! Do you like the new look of the blog? My d.o.h. has spent the last two days working on my website so it made me want to work on the blog a little.Somewhere along the line in uploading this template I lost my links and everything. We have a page of links on the new site so if I had you or you have me on yours let me know so I can add it to the list. You would not believe the fantastic samples I have been getting from my test stitchers.. Great work everyone! and so fast. yay!
Its crazy around the Oakleaves household lately,tonight I got everything out that needs finishing touches before I put them in the shop. I cant wait to show you what Ive been up to lately,you will be so surprised. (at least I hope you will,I cant believe it myself) The new site is HERE there isnt alot there yet but you can check it out!! Night everyone!!!

Stitchers needed!!!

Hi! If you a regular follower of my stuff you know that I have a regular stitcher named Kristi who does absolutely fabulous work and sends it to me but I kinda put myself in a jam time wise AND need something a little differant.I need some volunteers to do some pattern testing/stitching for me.I will email you a pattern that will be coming up in one of several new sets and all I need in return is a good photo of your work.I have am in need of probably 10 people.Color choices are yours all I ask is that it be on a white or off white background and that it be done by the 25th of November. All you need to do is email me and let me know your interested and let me know if you'd like to do some little pieces or a full page piece. My email is annieoakleaves@yahoo.com
If you know anyone else who maybe interested please pass this on,I have ALOT of new pattern sets that I need to get done alot sooner than I expected (that part is a surprise) Oh and I almost forgot,I maybe using your photo for the cover of the printed patterns so let me know if you are interested in that.

On a lighter note,my youngest daughter asked me an interesting question the other day,she said "mom are we aristocrats or democrats?" I said if those are our options we are aristocrats! lol have a happy day all!

Fall

pumpkins, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

Fall is my favorite time of year. I really miss all of the color changes and it always seems like with the passing of each new season you get to start off with a clean slate. Now that I live in sunny southern California it's hard for me to get that feeling of renewal and being able to wipe the slate clean.Im thinking maybe every season we should take a drive north to experience it.
Anyway I thought Id leave you with my most favorite cookie recipe ever. Whenever I make them they are gone quickly and we never seem to have enough. I like to put them in the fridge after I make them and then have them with a huge glass of milk. Let me know if you try them!
CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN COOKIES

INGREDIENTS
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon milk
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

* add to recipe box Add to Recipe Box
My folders:
* add to shopping list Add to Shopping List
* add a personal note Add a Personal Note

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

yay!

S5030729, originally uploaded by illusioncrystals.

Theres a new dollmaker I have discovered on etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6354982
Sariah is just killing me with all of the cuteness. Im not gonig to tell you which one is my favorite because I want her to come live with me! If you get a chance stop by her flickr or etsy and say hi. She is new to everything and Iam sur she would appreciate it. xo

flickr

eenies, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

I feel like Ive been off of flickr for way longer than I have been. I leave and come back and its all new! I guess Iam an old fuddy duddy and hate change because I dont like it and cant figure it out.I plan on spending a good hour trying to catch up on all of my contacts photos!

How I grow a Eenie

How I grow a Eenie, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

I feel like I've been away from here forever! I thought I would show you what my softies start out like before I come up with the final pattern. I have to tell you that when I finished the first one I was so proud and amazed with myself I couldnt take it. I also couldnt understand why my family wasn't as excited as I was. Now that I look at him I feel quite sad for him as he is the ugly duckling compared to his brothers.Iam having a really good time making these,they whip up really fast. Iam thinking of maybe putting the pattern in the shop.I put lentils in their bottoms to keep them weighted and made backpacks so the could forage for food and wouldnt starve when I forget to feed them. LOL Ok enough rambling.

Can you believe this?

Cone_Gnome_06, originally uploaded by goldenrusset.

Too cute huh? I found him on flickr just now. Such inspiration,Ive been working on a gnome all day .hopefully he will be finished tomarrow and I can show you. I dont think he is this cute though!

Wren and friend

Wren and friend, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

Meet Wren! I have alot of new creations going on but I wanted to show you this one. I love her so much. she is made from a Edith Flack Ackley pattern,modified of course because I cant leave anything alone.She has a felted wool sweater for a sweater and had,a vintage fabric scarf,tibetan lambskin hair and a little vintage mushroom bird on top of her hat.I just love her to death and cant wait to make more.she was totally inspired by Mitty who makes the most beautiful dolls.Sorry I havent been blogging,Ive been really busy getting things ready for the shop and adding them to it.Im finally making a trip to the post office tomarrow,I ment to do it on the 1st and here it is the 7th already.(sorry) How is the weather for everyone? One day its cool here and the next day its really hot. I almost turned on the air today,in October!!! yikes! Ok Im going to go put her in the shop now before I decide I cant part with her! xoxoxoxo

mad for plaid

mad for plaid, originally uploaded by kunderwood.

Check out the plaid! Go Kristi!

YAY!

seeking shelter, originally uploaded by kunderwood.

Kristi is my pattern tester and she does amazing work. I probably mentioned that before but now that I have seen them in person I just cant get over it.

Ahhh,the weekend..

King Bolete, originally uploaded by Batram.

It Saturday AM and lucky me,everyone is still asleep and it looks like the marine layer is really thick this morning so maybe it wont be too hot.I love it when the house is quiet and I can hear the birds.The flock of parrots go over every morning and I always think Im going to get up early and watch them but I never do. This morning I caught them.It seems like the flock is getting bigger. At the start of summer the flew over in groups of 3 or 4 all day. It seems now like they got their act together and made friends and a schedule. I cant wait to see if the same thing happens next summer.
I have alot of plans for the weekend,one of them being to photograph all of the things I have made recently and the other is to write a little something for a certain magazine Im really excited about.My plan is to try to have everything in the shop by the time the magazine comes out,although the idea of listing more than 100 things on etsy in one sitting is daunting. Is it even humanly possible?I may need to enlist the fam in this one.I can just imagine the brain fog I will have after that .
Did anyone else read about Travis Barker this morning. ugh. I read he is in the burn unit. Hopefully everything goes well.
How about you what are you up to this weekend? I really appreciated reading everyones 9-11 stories,it makes you realize what a big world it is.

Wanna hear something stupid?

Jay McCarroll with Spools, originally uploaded by k-ideas.

I just watched Project Jay for the first time and it left me bawling like a baby.Hearing him talk about passion and sewing 6-7 hours without going to the bathroom of even drinking water reminds me of me.And I thought it was really interesting how he talked about his line and being a sellout and if he wanted to do that or not and if he does does that mean hes not an artist anymore. I think about all this stuff and wonder about self sabotage because I know I do it often and I wonder if by the end of this show he will do that to himself or not.It practically tore me apart seeing him go thru the panic and stress and the last minute torture,thinking he wont get it done, over the Heidi dress only to have her not pick it in the end and I swear my heart broke right along with him.I think doing art of any kind and trying to make it with your art is such a personal hard thing. I sometimes get some guilt and guilt trips over working on my stuff the way I do,I think maybe sometimes people look at me like Iam just playing when I work on my things. I guess its because Iam passionate about it and its all I really want to do or talk about or spend money on.I think some people,maybe not my family but others dont really see any value in it if Im not able to make a fantastic living off of it but Im not really sure if I care if I ever do. I dunno,just a thought.

Feeling the connection

Feeling the connection, originally uploaded by Lauren Alane.

This photo reminds me of my oldest daughter.So cute! Lauren does an amazing job!

Ruby

witchy poo, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

This is Ruby, I have a new set coming soon featuring her and her friends.
So how is everyone? It seems like forever since Ive blogged.We caught a bad round of something around here,its kind of like a cold kind of like the flu,I cant decide. August was a big month for me,Ive been meaning to tell you about it but here it is almost halfway thru September and I still havent. Ok so heres a list
1) Two of my children started their first days in college,(yay)
2) We celebrated our 1 year anniversary in California
3)Iam now on my last year of my 30s and had a beautiful sunset dinner at the crab shak on the beach.The whole week was a great birthday actually.
4) I got accepted to something I was really really crossing my fingers on.
5)School started and my youngest daughter is captain of the football team!
6) Its been a year and I finally have a workspace set up in my little corner of the house.
So far September has been interesting,aside from everyone being sick. I accidently caught the pincushion bug and now have right around 100 under my belt (in the shop soon) Scary I know,I was trying to think of a way to use what I have because Iam very limited on space and have enough stuff to fit a large studio.Pincushions have been very satisfying because it doesnt take long and they end up so cute. Ive been making pins for them and adding everything I can find to them. Im trying to put together little sets of things to go with them. Im pretty excited about it,pictures soon. I keep thinking today is the day I will take pictures but then end up making more..I cant even imagine what its going to be like to list all of them on etsy...oh my.
Yesterday was Sept 11th and I woke up to my youngest singing The Star Spangled Banner in her room. It made me weepy thru out the day.When that happened I had just moved to Spokane Washington and was watching Good Morning America with my dad.It was so shocking. What were you doing that day?
xoxoxoxoxo Annie

Reminder to myself that I do live in paradise

I thought I would show you a little clip of the flock of parrots that go over our house twice a day.For some reason these decided to take a break in our backyard one morning.If you watch closely you can see that I veer off for a minute to catch a hummingbird in the bougainvilla.

oh my garsh.......

Melting ice-cream... van, originally uploaded by zoom_eric.

Things are moving very slowly the last couple weeks in the acorn house. But especially the last few days. It is sooooo hot. We really need to get an a.c. but I keep thinking "oh hold out it will be over" but it never seems to end.(somethings about trying to keep an old house like an old house should be outlawed) lol Its hot at the beach but at least theres water and a breeze. I need a battery operated sewing machine to take to the beach. Wouldnt that be grand.

Crammed Organisms 2008 Book

Crammed Organisms 2008 Book, originally uploaded by Cranky Yellow.

sneek peek at the Crammed Organism book that Iam in!

C.O. Opening at Cranky Yellow

C.O. Opening at Cranky Yellow, originally uploaded by Cranky Yellow.

Crammed Organisms Shows

C.O. Opening at Subterranean Books, originally uploaded by Cranky Yellow.

Cranky yellow put some pictures up from the shows I sent girlies for so I thought I would share.

look what I found on my flickr contacts!

うにきのこ, originally uploaded by sakura*aya.

Arent they sweet? I just cant take it!

EENIE Circus

EENIE Circus, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

Going in the shop tonight.Theres siamese twins,a bearded lady,strongman,giant and little person,a clown,ringmaster and snails performing as elephants. Oh and a big top mushroom too!! (and popcorn,peanuts,cotton candy and a corndog) Hopefully the halloweenie eenies will be up tonight too!

New eenie set !

New eenie set !, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

I finally have one set in the shop! The person I thought was doing my pdfs wasnt able to do it so its taken a little longer than we thought but we are on a roll now. I have 8 more sets that are all ready to be made into pdfs and then they will go in the shop too. The next ones are going to be HALLOWEENIE EENIES,CIRCUS EENIES and then another haloween set that I havent named yet.I figure if I get those up now then there will be time to get some things made for halloween.Ive decided to do what Ive noticed alot of prim doll pattern makers do and let people sell items made with my patterns within reason and a shout out. Im pretty excited.I hope people like them and like them enough to start a flickr group and actually have pictures in it. Thats always my big fear ,starting a flickr group and then having no one want to put pictures in. lol ok Im off to stare at my listing some more and then make supper.!

Sticking my head out of the hole.... :)

gnomeygirl, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

With all of the family stuff,order stuff,swap stuff and pattern stuff it seems like there maybe a light at the end of the tunnel.I have a huge batch of stuff to send out tomarrow and I sent out a huge batch yesterday.Unfortunately Iam not organized enough to take pictures of the packages before the head to the post office like some people are. Iam always amazed at those pictures.I see lots of things I would like to take pictures of but never feel like I have the time to stop and do it.I think the running theme thru out my blog haas been trying to keep up. I decided that after I get this stuff caught up and the patterns in the shop Iam going to take some time and sew for my house and spend alot of time in front of the fan reading.I have so many embroidery patterns backed up to get ready for the shop that Iam almost afraid to sit down with pencil and paper because they just keep coming. someday i will hope for that to happen but not now. Iam sure the never enough time is common among crafters,bloggers,flickr 'ers but I've realized that I spend alot of time feeling bad for not getting things done and out and I hate that feeling of letting people down. I will be doing something and look up and the post office is closed. holy heck it feels like I just had breakfast.i have decided after this last batch of mushrooms that I absolutely cannot make another one.I have too many new things I want to try.But I do have a pattern that Iam trying to write the instructions for. I have such a hard time with that. I dont read instructions,I eyeball it and then try it on my own.Sometimes it works sometimes it doesnt.So anyhooo I am going back to the hole,too bad its not the rabbit hole! lol

yay Ludmila!!!

Ficou pronto!, originally uploaded by Ludmila ^-^v.

Look who is holding an eenie!!

Look what Ludmila made!

Fazia tempo que não bordava...., originally uploaded by Ludmila ^-^v.

Its the first embroidery I've seen out of my patterns,it makes me so excited and anxious to get the patterns all in the shop. I appreciate all of the kind words and blog mentions and favorites Ive been getting on the free patterns(and even an ode to annie oakleaves at meet me at mikes :)yippee!!).Im hoping to put free ones up oftens to go with each set of patterns Im doing.I should be getting the pdfs back anyday now so I can put them in the shop.I will keep you posted! (p.s.everything is shipped if your waiting for queen of slowness here) Have a great day all! xoxo

Thought I'd pop in for a sec..

We've been back from Vegas for a few days. It was a beautiful wedding and I had a pretty good time hobbling around.I love people watching in Vegas.I think thats the best part.Like this guy,I guess if you are going to repent Vegas would be the perfect place to do it lol

Back at home, its been slow moving,the heat has made impossible to go anywhere or do anything.Yesterday it was 106 and having no a.c. its about all you can do just to move. I spent the afternoon trying to get orders ready to go out,sorry ladies,I didnt get them out yesterday as planned. I wish I had one of these in my yard..

On the bright side my patterns are almost ready to go into the shop. Thank you for all of the embroidery love,it is very appreciated and took me completely by surprise xoxo

yay!!!!

Annie Oakleaves, originally uploaded by robyn3811.

So this is a photo that Robyn took of one of my mushrooms girls at the crammed show.I cannot tell you how excited Iam.It just blows me away when I see all of the amazing artists in the show and the idea that Im included in that group.My best friend of over 20 years lives in St Louis and I was all excited to think that she would be able to go to that show for me but she is out of town for the entire thing of course. lolJust to let everyone know Im gonig to be out of town for the week,There are wedding bells ringing and I need to be there! xoxo

Its here!

Gails Wilsons Izannah Walker kit, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

My first Gail Wilson kit came today! Its Izannah Walker!I really do have to tell you how shocked I was.The instructions are a dream. Iam always disapointed with instructions,they are always too vague for me.These instructions are fantastic and I really believe by the time Iam done with this doll I will have learned something valuable.The kit came with way more than I expected. I really dont think the description on Gails website does it justice.I joined the custom kit club and i got to choose which kits I wanted.It just blows my mind I have a year of this to look forward to.I really love reading what Gail has to say and her no nonsense way off saying things.She is definately someone who knows what shes talking about and I admire her greatly.

Yuuummmy!

A neighbor gave us a bag of huge apples from their tree tonight. I dont understand why they have ripe apples and my trees just finished blooming and have teeny apples on them... oh well! heres the recipe Iam using xo
APPLE CARAMEL BARS
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups butter - cold
- 1 1/2 cups apple - peeled, chopped
- 3/4 cup caramel topping
Directions

* Preheat oven to 350° F.
* Grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
* In large bowl, combine flour, quick oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and egg. Cut in the butter and mix well until ingredients are crumbly.
* Remove 1 1/2 cups of the mixture and set aside. Press the crumb mixture into the baking pan, bake for 15 minutes in the oven.
* While crust is baking, combine caramel topping and 1/4 cup flour in small bowl; mix well.
* Sprinkle the apples over the baked crust. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the top of the apples. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel.
* Place back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
* Let cool completely before serving; approximately 2 hours.
* Cut into 2" squares and serve.

Hey there

Today was one of those sweet California days that you cant really beat.Since I cant be on my feet for very long at a time I spent a good part of the day in the back yard watching hummingbirds and drooling over the Cath Kidston catalog and the new Romantic Homes.Its now ice tea weather and I absolutely adore ice tea with milk and sugar in it. Everytime I drink it I cant help but sigh.How about you? How was your day? xo

buzzzzzzz

I dont have anyone here who is all that interested or excited but I have to tell you what I seen today.I looked out the back door and it looked stormy outside or like there was a high wind and stuff flying thru the air.I got up to look closer and realized it was bugs.So I went outside to look and it was bees! It was so neat,I was standing in a giant cloud of bees and the hummingbirds were just going crazy plucking them out of the sky.I had no idea a hummingbird could eat a bee with that skinny little beak.
But anyway I was standing there and they just went around me and down into the neighbors yards.They were traveling pretty fast,it was over before I could get anyone to look.
Im always happy when I see bees.

updates

mushy, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

I put a few things in the shop tonight. I still have so much more to go.I need to get the rest of the pyrex out of the garage which may take me awhile in this condition. Iam developing a love hate relationship with the couch. Yesterday I watched Waiting to Exhale ( i love that movie) and embroidered.Im anxious to get my appt with the ortho surg over with.My foot is mostly useless and the longer I stay off of it the more useless it becomes and I dont know if you knew this or not but crutches are not kind to big girls,I keep pinching my fat between the crutch and my underwire! lol The happy note of all this is Iam finally getting together a years worth or embroidery patterns I have made.Iam making samples and having pdfs made.I will be so glad to finally have that done.I will give you a little preview soon. :) xoxo

wip

wip, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

So what have I been doing? Not finishing this poor girl thats for sure.I went to the DR. for my foot the other day. I have a partially ruptured achilles tendon.Now Iam just waiting for an appt with the ortho surg to see if I need surgery or not.They told me at the very least I need to stay off of it for 4 weeks.arrrggghhh!Im thinking at least that way there probably wont be any more disasters to hit this house (knock on wood) haha. If you know of any good handsewing patterns online please send them my way.I used to think it would be great fun to stay at home on the couch all day and have people wait on me. The fun lasted about an hour. :) Anyway I will let you know when I do a shop update. Sorry Iam so behind. xoxoxo

whoa sweet nellie

whoa sweet nellie, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

Arent they so very sweet? I wonder how many I need to have before Iam an official Sweet Nellie collector.Im getting so behind on this,I have some fantastic things from Heidi I want to show you too but Im waiting for a certain birthday to be over before I do.
Those of you know how many near disasters I have been thru in the last few months will not be surprised to find out that I fell in a hole a few days ago.I heard something snap 3 times as I was falling.I think it was tendons or ligaments or something (?) Can you believe it? Carol says my house is cursed. lol I think maybe we need to build a rubber room and hide in it so nothing else happens.On the brighter side Iam getting lots of embroidery done :)

quick little thought about how old Iam getting

This weekend I went to a bridal shower and I had made the bride a cute little red with white polka dot fabric apron.I embroidered Mrs.(her new last name) on the pocket. It was really cute and a big hit.The interesting part about it was when she tied it on she tied it low slung on her hips,like girls wear their pants now days.(which was very cute and funny) I had to show her where it really goes,which was a good 6 inches higher than where she had it tied.It never occured to me that current styles would effect how ones apron would be worn. Just an interesting thing I never thought of and it definately makes me realize my age.


Another reason why Im feeling old is the swiffer. I loved my old swiffer. Having a little bulldog that sheds enough to make another dog daily,I swiffer several times a day.I loved the old swiffer with the retro green color and how well it picked up the hair.Unfortnately one day it just snapped. I went and bought a "new and improved" swiffer.Can I just say it makes me miserable.It has bumps on the bottom so its not getting all the hair. I find myself sweeping with the broom before I swiffer and its still not getting it.so youre wondering what this has to do with me being old? I wrote a letter and complained.I remember my grandma and her poison pen writing the newspaper and everywhere else she could think of when ever she wasnt happy with something. Even the neighbors,or better yet she would even write the newspaper about her neighbors and they would publish it. I dont remember it ever getting her anywhere.
Well it didnt really get me anywhere either. I got a letter back saying thats the way it is and if I sent them my address they would send me some coupons. yay
Ok enough griping. I need to go take pictures of some fabulous things I got in the mail this past week. Its been like Christmas. Oh and guess what,finally,another shop update in the morning. I finally have good pyrex pics. :) toodles

A day late.....

But better late than never I guess.I just did a shop update,it hasnt even begun to put a dent and what I need to get up there but its a start. today we are donig pictures of pyrex and knick knacks......aahhh pyrex if only you were the right color I would keep you all. :)
I thought i would give you a couple dollmaking links since thats all I think about anymore.Has anyone checked out Claire Pruitts online penny doll making class? I really truly think its worth it.The online support and info is great.i have learned alot more than just making the actually penny doll. Im really excited about it. Iam also expecting a small package from Gail Wilson Gail has this marvelous club where you pick out 12 of her kits and then you get a kit a month for the same reasonable price every month.She has really made me think alot about my supplies and he quality of them. Also Iam thinking it would be much more satisfying to spend alot more time on one quality doll instead of trying to make multitudes of the same thing.
speaking of dolls (haha is there anything else) I finished 1 yesterday and have 3 more almost done. They are totally not like anything Ive done before. Maybe I can get my photographer to take some shots of them too today.We will see,its record heat here once again and with no ac things move sloooow. But no near tragic incidents yesterday or so far today (at 6:30 am) lol thanks for everyones kind words and concerns!

fire and Iam listing vintage items in the morning.

Don't Try This At Home / Fire Breather Flames / Panther / Dallas, originally uploaded by David Kozlowski.

Ok,obviously this is not me or my photo but I thought it is much more pleasant than any photo I could take for this post. Last night while I was listing mushrooms on etsy the gasline broke on our stove (while supper was cooking) and started a fire in our kitchen.we handled it very well but if you have ever seen anyone engulfed in a ball of fire then you know,its scary.We love this house because of all of its original things from the 50s but it really is neverending. Today my beautiful 50s stove is a mess and the knobs melted :( Many of you know its been one thing after another around here and besides all of that we had a pretty serious cooking accident last week AND some lady hit my cart with her truck as I was coming out of the grocery store.she was going very fast for a parking lot and was looking down the rows for a spot. Luckily she heard me screaming and I got out of the way in time. We both ended up crying in the parking lot over that one..lol phew....
but on a lighter note tomarrow morning Iam listing vintage items in the shop. I have quite a few pieces of pyrex,my owl collection,some knick knacks,possiby some fabric. i cant decide if I can really give it up or not. I know i cant cut it! lol
Ok I should go now,everyone BE SAFE!!!! xo

just listed!!

annie5, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

just a quick note to tell you what Iam doing. I just listed mushrooms on etsy but what I decided to do instead of list them all was to offer a random mushroom at a lesser price and to put in a surprise piece of something vintage to go along with the shroomy girl surprise. I also have prints listed at 50% off. Thank you Heidi for for the nice blog blurb :) :)!!!!!!!!

hello! thought I would stop in before the next storm hits.

watch out for my attack deer, originally uploaded by annieoakleaves.

There have been waay too many things going on to talk about too much but I thought I would share some photos with you and talk about dolls instead of my personal drama :0 dont we all have enough of our own?
Iam participating in the Crammed Organism show so I went mushroom crazy. There will be more in the shop and a huge amount of vintage sewing stuff later this week.check it out and reap the benefits of my shopping addiction! lol
Ive been thinking alot lately about my sewing and where I want to go with it and my doll addiction.Recently I discovered prim dolls and thru that the fabulous Gail Wilson.Gail's dolls make me want to learn more about the construction and history of dolls so Ive decided to spend the next year taking classes and trying to absorb as much as I can.Im going to be putting up links and information as I find it if youre interested. Ok I guess I better go I miss you guys!
heres Gail www.gailwilsondesigns.com
check out her tips and stories.Ive learned about more than dolls and sewing from her!

And the winners are......

I want to apologize to everyone for not doing this yesterday like I had planned. i was so tired when I got home I never even made it past the couch. I was out cold.
Today I had my youngest put the names in a bowl and pick. If this is you please email me at annieoakleaves@yahoo.com with your mailing address, if I dont hear from you I will contact you. I have been having a problem with my email lately and all of my personal emails going into spam.Its driving me crazy!
Ok so here they are!
EVA
DOLLS FOR FRIENDS
SCHMANCY
J.
Please send me your address and if you do make anything with my parts please send pics!!! I will mail these out at the end of the week. Thanks for your interest everyone,I feel relieved they are going somewhere.I cant wait to see who gets what,I already have the boxes sealed. xoxoxoxo