Fyrecreek's Bazaar

ATTENTION!!

2010-10-01T09:52:00.002-04:00

I regret to announce that my shop will be closing at the end of October. I've had a great time as a seller on Etsy and I will still be around as I do not intend to stop shopping there.

If you've been waiting, now is the time! Want a custom Gnome? I can still do it!

As always, if you want to chat, you can send me a convo on Etsy, find me in the Etsy forums, keep up with me at my main blog, or reach me on Twitter .

Thanks everyone for your support!

Getting to that Time

2010-08-30T07:38:00.001-04:00

Halloween designs are coming back soon! Get ready for some new designs and some old favorites!

A Trip to Maryland

2010-07-31T10:48:00.004-04:00

Heading to Maryland in the middle of a work week doesn't happen very often. It was necessary this time because I had to go to the dentist, and I'm still going to the same doctor I've been seeing for the past 18 years. But, I'm glad that Tzipi arrived when she did, so she could get two states out of her trip with me!

Since my family always went to the dentist together, my parents also had appointments this day. First, we went to their house, where Tzipi got to meet my mom's Pomeranian puppy, Buffy.

Buffy is a sweet little dog, but she is a puppy, and Tzipi would have been in mortal danger if I left them alone. I think you can tell she's a little concerned! But, don't worry! I never let Buffy get anywhere close and Tzipi was always safe with me.

Next it was off to the dentist. Tzipi read a neat article on wolves from an old National Geographic while we waited.

My regular hygienist was on vacation, so I got to see someone new. She was very kind to Tzipi and let her sit in the chair. It's ok, Tzipi, it's my cleaning, not yours!

Tzipi asked a lot of questions about what the girl was doing to me. We had to tell her that keeping your teeth clean is very important! Thankfully, I've never had a bad experience at my biannual cleaning, so I had nothing but good stories to tell.

This was the first time I had gone since I moved, so I had to make sure they had my new address. The new receptionist was having a hard time getting my address in the system. She couldn't understand why it was not automatically filling in the city and state when she entered the zip code. One of the more seasoned employees came in and told her she had to type it in manually because they don't have any other patients who live where I do, so the system doesn't recognize the zip code! She said I must be the only one who refuses to find a new dentist. Tzipi just stood by trying really hard not to laugh.

As is tradition, after getting our teeth scrubbed clean, we have to go dirty them up in some fantastic way. We decided to go to Sakura, a Japanese hibachi restaurant.

Tzipi is all ready with her iced tea and her chopsticks!

She just could not take her eyes off of the chef. He put on quite a show while preparing our meal.

After lunch, we all wanted to further compound our now-dirty teeth with some nice ice cream. But first, my mom decided she wanted a fancy new cell phone.

Tzipi liked this one the best and my mom agreed. She even let Tzipi play with it on the ride home!

But first, we needed ice cream! I got a coffee and mint to share with Tzipi. She said it was really good.

After out little Maryland adventure, I took her home and we both went to bed. It was a long day!

Tzipi was still sleeping when I had to leave for work on Thursday, so I let her spend the day with the Gnomes again. When I came home, she was on the couch with Miss Luna surrounded by Gnomes watching Jim Henson's The Storyteller. I think Tzipi has a fondness for Jim Henson!

Friday, Tzipi came to work with me again, and we had to stop by the post office to ship a Pirate Gnome to London. That Gnome got a great send-off!

Next is a day at home today, and then Sunday brunch with the Renaissance Festival crew tomorrow in Annapolis!

Just Hangin with the Gnomies

2010-07-30T23:23:00.000-04:00

Because we had an important prospective client visiting the office on Tuesday, Tzipi didn't really want to come to work with me. That was perfectly alright, as there are plenty of Gnomes in my home to keep her company, and Miss Luna is a very mellow kitty who doesn't seem to bother them. I told Tzipi not to get into any trouble as Noam and I headed to work (Noam always comes with me, that's part of his job).

You would not believe what I found when I got home! Tzipi was on the couch surrounded by Gnomes and Sylphs and piggies of every kind, listening to Nigel, the Gnome with Tome, read a story.

It was the cutest thing ever! And Tzipi seemed to really enjoy it, particularly since she had helped me make some of those books the day she arrived.

After that, Tzipi helped me make dinner. It was noodles with salmon and veggies.

This is when I noticed one of the origami spiders has followed us home from the office on Monday. And Minty, the Woolly Gnome has really taken a liking to Tzipi too.

After dinner, we all settled down with Miss Luna to watch Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Wednesday is a trip to Maryland!

Meet Tzipi the World-Traveling Flutterbutt

2010-07-26T21:23:00.004-04:00

A Flutterbutt is a soft, foamie creature born and bread in Israel and brought into the world by the very talented Sharona of raisinlike. One day Tzipi decided she wanted to see the world, so Sharona contacted her friends, helped Tzipi lace up her combat boots, and sent her on a world tour! Tzipi has seen many parts of England, Scotland, France, and New Zealand before making her way to the U.S. and finally to my little plot of land in Virginia. There was a bit of a mix-up with her flight, but here she is arriving safe and sound yesterday morning.

Tzipi had a long trip to get to me from Arizona. While she knows I just moved and was excited to help get me settled, I thought it would be a good idea to give her a chance to rest up.

First, she picked out a movie to watch. I had a lot of things in my collection that she'd never seen before. She chose the Muppet Movie. Good choice!

I did have to get some work done and Tzipi did a great job helping me make some books for Gnomes with Tomes™. She was amazed that they were just her size!

But, she did have a long day, so we both turned in early. She got to sleep in a special shell bed next to my Fairy House from Rachel with a bookcase nearby so she could read if she had trouble sleeping. Of course she had no trouble sleeping!

This morning meant I had to go to work. Tzipi got all dressed up and sat with Noam the Gnome while I worked. They chatted and told stories of their adventures (because Noam likes to travel too). The origami spiders liked to hear the stories too! Tzipi admitted to not being fond of spiders, but said the origami ones weren't bad.

Unfortunately, I had a dreadful migraine and had to leave work early. Tzipi said Noam showed her around my yard while I took a nap. I don't like them going outside alone, because there are many feral cats about, but Noam said they were safe.

Tomorrow, there is a big prospective client coming to the office and we've all been ordered to give a flawless first impression. Tzipi told me she was a little nervous because she doesn't have any real business attire with her. She's decided to hang at the house for the day. There are plenty of Gnomes to keep her company!

New Tomes

2010-07-26T08:10:00.000-04:00

New Tomes are available with Gnomes with Tomes™!

You can now choose a blank tome, a tome written in Gnomish (illegible scribbling), The King of the Waters - a complete fairy tale by Cael Jacobs, or Taya's Charms Part 1 - an epic in multiple volumes by Erin Bridges.

You pick the robe color, eye color, and the content of your tome! Order your Gnome with Tome today!

Winner Announced

2010-07-22T08:51:00.002-04:00

The wonderfully talented Anja from DoormouseDesigns won the giveaway Gnome from Faerie Moon Creations' blog! Congratulations, Anja!

Be sure to check out that blog every Thursday for more featured artists, often with giveaways! You might win next time!

New in the Shop

2010-07-21T14:23:00.003-04:00

Here it is! Get a custom Complete Gnome set! One Gnome, one Gnomish Travel Basket, and one Gnomish Cape of Warmth! You pick the colors. Get an instant friend and traveling companion!

Gnomes with Tomes Now Available

2010-07-21T09:01:00.000-04:00

Gnomes with Tomes™ are in the shop! Ok, so there's only one there, but still! You can get your collectible Gnome holding a little book!

Tell me what color you want his robe and eyes to be. While the listing says only blank books are available right now, contact me if you really want something else. I might be able to do it!

There are four Gnomes with Tomes™ already made, if you want a little less waiting time. They are: brown robe with pale blue eyes, brown robe with gold eyes, hunter green with gold eyes, and teal with bright blue eyes.

Take home a special Gnome today!

It's Christmas in July

2010-07-15T07:42:00.002-04:00

July is a notoriously slow month for shopping. A group of Etsy sellers got together, headed by the lovely DesignedByLucinda and organized the Third annual Christmas in July sale!

Check out my shop for FREE worldwide shipping on all items! See the special Christmas in July section for discounts on Holiday Gnomes and a couple select sets!

You can search Etsy for "christmasinjuly" and "cij" to find other great sales from artists across the site. Happy shopping!

Gnome Sightings!

2010-07-15T07:40:00.001-04:00

The very talented Theresa of Faerie Moon Creations has a wonderful blog. Every Thursday, she features two artists who make crazy fabulous items! You guessed it, this week, my Gnomes are making an appearance!

Check out her blog and enter to win a complete Gnome set (that is Garden Gnome, Cape of Warmth, and Gnomish Travel Basket) in the colors of your choice!

I'm also featured with the wonderful Visual Sentiments. You can enter that giveaway too!

Click here and good luck!

Pirates For the Gulf-Etsians Help Animals Caught In The Oil Spill (please re-blog and re-tweet thanks)

2010-07-07T08:36:00.001-04:00

The following was copied from PussDaddy Blogs. It was brought to my attention via Twitter. Since this event is relatively local to me and many of my dear readers, I am spreading the word- as asked!

[copied message follows]

I received this email about how some are helping animals effected by the Gulf oil spill, bless their hearts. If you love animals and would like to help please re-blog this or tweet about it. Thanks so much. I will just copy and paste the email here:

Pirates For the Gulf is the name of the charity organization (we're currently working on getting 501.c3 status) working to benefit the animals and ecological system affected by the gulf oil spill. The fundraiser event will be held at Holly Hills Country Club in Ijamsville, MD on July 17th. The proceeds benefit the National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Institute. The evening will be filled with food, drink, and entertainment. Local businesses have been kind enough to donate their time and items to a raffle being held that night. A local band, belly dance troupe, sword swallower, and tarot reader will be entertaining the attendees, too.

We've contacted many news venues locally but have found it difficult to get the word out nationwide. Our hope is that more people will come together to do similar fundraisers across the U.S.

The oil spill is a much bigger problem than most people seem to know or want to know, the repercussions of which will affect the Gulf of Mexico for many years to come. We feel that every little bit helps to those working to save the animals trapped in the area.

For folks in the MD, VA, or DC area, tickets can be purchased at www.piratesforthegulf.ticketleap.com and cost $60 each. More information can also be found on our Facebook group, Pirates For the Gulf.

Best Wishes,
The Alchemist's Star
www.thealchemistsstar.etsy.com

Sale Alert

2010-07-01T07:44:00.000-04:00

Etsy sellers got together and realized it was time for a Christmas in July sale!

The official dates are July 15th through July 25th. Some sellers are starting early, some are running later. Each participating shop will have their own terms of sale, but you can be sure there will be some great deals! And it's not all Christmas-themed items either!

My sale will start a little earlier than the official start date. Look for a return of my Holiday line of Gnomes at $10 off. The special sets in my shop will be marked down 20%. And, free worldwide shipping on everything! Custom orders are available. If you need a Gnome but don't see the right colors, just let me know and I'll make one for you. If you need a Gnomish Travel Basket or Cape of Warmth, I can do it. Do you want to put an early order in for one of my Gnomes with Tomes™? No problem! Also, you don't have to wait for my sale to officially start! If you see something you need right now, contact me and I'll be happy to adjust to whatever sale price may apply to that item and reserve the listing for you. Just let me know!

Fun things are happening in July! Search for the terms "ChristmasinJuly" and "CIJ" to find sale items. Happy shopping!

Available and Coming Soon

2010-06-17T09:33:00.010-04:00

Back in April, I announced my line of Undead Gnomes. In the middle of moving, I must have forgotten to tell you that Zombie and Sparkly Vampire Gnomes are available in the shop! Bring home a brain-eating or blood-sucking Gnome today!

My dear friend Laurel noticed a Gnome in the below picture from this post that isn't yet in the shop. He was hinted at way back in November, brought up again in February, but I have not talked about this special kind of Gnome since. Since the observant Laurel pointed him out on the Civilization board, this is a good time to talk about it!

I'm talking about that little blue-robed guy to the right of the Pirate Gnome with the fat book in front of him!

Gnomes with Tomes™

These very special collectible Gnomes are actually quite complicated. As you can see, they wear hooded robes with big bell sleeves. These Gnomes have arms so as to carry their little Gnomish tomes and wear little wire glasses.

These are the scholars, the scribes and monks of the Gnomish world. They are the keepers of the sacred Gnomish Texts and record Gnomish history. The human eye can't see Gnomish writing unless the holder of the Tome wishes it so - even then, it may only appear to us as scribbles!

The Process

Gnomes with Tomes™ are different from their basic Garden Gnome counterparts. They wear slightly pointed hoods instead of the traditional pointy red hats. These Gnomes have arms with sleeves so they can hold their little tomes.

Each miniature book is painstakingly handmade by me. Some tomes are blank, some tomes are written in Gnomish, some tomes have an actual tiny story printed on its pages. Some have even been known to hold a sheet of music! Book covers are made with decorated scrapbooking paper, wall paper scraps, handmade card paper, or leather (sometimes genuine, sometimes synthetic).

Learning to make miniature books has been an incredibly involved but very fun process! Making little books with legible stories is a very long process that takes hours upon hours of re-typing the tale in the correct format page by tiny page. They must be proof-read, and a prototype made to insure the pages print correctly and the story reads as intended in the finished book. Formatting to book completion without revisions takes about ten total hours! Thankfully, the format process only has to be done once.

To show how very special these Gnomes are, they will come in a special collectors display box with a certificate of authenticity. The box is lined in awesome paper printed like a bookshelf. Gnomes may be removed and gently handled, of course, and their little books can be read if those little books have something to read within. The wire glasses, plastic safety eyes, and some book material make them not suitable for children. These Gnomes are designed to be collectible!

Gnomes with Tomes™ are not available in the shop yet. As soon as I locate the necessary materials from my move, I will make them available by custom order. You will be able to specify eye color and robe color and tell me if you want a blank book, a book written in Gnomish, or a tiny story of my choice (note that stories may be one chapter of a larger adventure, subsequent chapters will be available later). Some stories will be printed in limited editions!

I am also looking for writers! If you have a short story that would be Gnome-appropriate and you are willing to grant me a limited license to make it in miniature and include it in a Gnomes with Tomes™ series, I'd be happy to! Short stories are preferred, but I'd be willing to make a chaptered set if it's a longer story (I can't write short stories, you see, all of mine end up epic. That's why most written tomes will come in chapters). You will receive the final prototype miniature book(s) of your story (remember 10+ hours of work per volume to get it there!), get full credit for the story in every issue, retain full rights of future publishing of your work, and you may have me discontinue your series in miniature at any time. The first person to grant me permission to use one of his stories loved his little book so much he has commissioned me to make an entire collection of some of his works in miniature, to include tales I have permission to use with Gnomes and those I don't. I can't wait to get started on that!

Contact me if you just can't wait for me to be ready and want me to start on your special Gnomes with Tomes™ Gnome right away! I hope you can tell I'm very excited about this line of Gnomes. It has been more than nine months in development!

The Egg Team's June Featured Seller

2010-06-15T07:16:00.002-04:00

Everyone must check out the Egg Team's June Featured Seller, Zulamay!

Read the interview on the Egg Team's Blog and enter for a chance to win an awesome handmade pillow!

My favorite part: "A self-admitted obsessive reader, Laura has been known to get in an elevator and read the emergency instructions 'simply because I have twenty seconds of free time and there are words posted on the wall.'" I do that too!!

Go check out her feature and her shop and enter for a chance to win!

The Egg Team Presents The Diamond Hunt

2010-06-10T11:35:00.003-04:00

Have you heard about the Egg Team's newest contest? It's a Diamond Hunt! Remember how much fun the Egg Hunt in March was? Here's a new one!

See our blog post for details. Search participating shops for the pretty diamond pictured below. Send in your answers for a chance to win! The prize package is fabulous and you might find a new shop you just love too!

Happy hunting!

Open For Business

2010-06-10T11:07:00.003-04:00

The Gnomes, the Gnome Garden, the cat, and a lot of junk are all moved into my new home! My shop is officially re-opened! If you've been waiting for Gnomes, come by and have a look. Find a special Gnome, or buy a whole clan! They can join you for board games!

Vacation Alert

2010-05-14T07:18:00.001-04:00

Good morning, friends! If you read my main blog or follow me on Twitter, you will know that I'm moving at the end of the month.

It's kind of complicated, because my current lease will expire before my settlement date. The seller knows this, however, so is letting me move my possessions in a week before we settle. I just can't live there!

Because of my rather crazy timetable, I will be putting my shop in vacation mode some time this afternoon and it will remain until I get connected at my new home. This should be around June 2nd.

As always, you can have a look at my sold items for an idea of what I can do. I won't be without a computer and internet connection until the end of the month, so I can still be reached through a Conversation or e-mail. Depending on where I am in packing, I may be able to open the shop for you if there's a Gnome you have to have! Just ask me!

A Yummy Treasury

2010-05-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

Inspired by a Twitter conversation this evening, I made a treasury featuring my favorite dessert!

I hope you enjoy these tasty-looking cheesecake-inspired creations!

BNR Treasury

2010-04-16T19:07:00.002-04:00

This is what happens when you don't have to wait for the Treasury to open.

Join the Etsy Goodie Goodies street team in this fun Buy & Replace Treasury!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/b324b47b53c5c84b4e825400

How it works: you buy an item featured in the Treasury. An item of yours replaces that item in the Treasury. Then, someone buys your item from the Treasury, and an item of theirs replaces that item in the Treasury. You can buy another item from the Treasury to get back in. It's like a chain reaction, you get cool stuff and you make a sale. Easy peasy! Join us and have fun!

More Treasury Fun

2010-04-16T14:23:00.003-04:00

Have you seen Etsy's new Treasury East? They just opened up the beta version so we can all jump in and do our best to break it. There are a lot of functions that are much better than the original Treasuries, and some that still need improvement. Stop by Treasury East and try it!

And check out my Zombie themed Treasury while you're there!

Sneak Peek

2010-04-16T08:43:00.004-04:00

For the past few weeks, I've had a dreadful recurring nightmare. In it, the zombies have invaded. We're fighting back, but loosing ground. Truly, in this nightly horror, the zombies are winning.

I've tried all I can to change the vision. I've tried to arm my dream-self with lots of guns. I've tried to think of other things before going to sleep in hopes that some other dream will appear to me. I've even tried writing it down, thinking that once it's played out I'll be done with it. Nothing seems to be working.

So, in the spirit of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" I'm bringing back the Zombie Gnome! Do you remember the Zombie Gnome from the Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween collection? They are back! There are more of them! And they still want your brains!

There's another addition to my undead Gnomish horde. You may remember the blood-sucking Vampire Gnome* from my Halloween collection. That guy was done in Dracula style. Well, Stephenie Meyer reinvented the vampire and the Garden Gnomes couldn't help but try it out! Joining the Gnomish ranks are Sparkly Vampires, complete with kind gold eyes and dripping blood! My camera can't quite capture the sparkly thread that has been working into these Gnomish Vampires. Also new for Garden Gnomes: hair made out of hairpin lace! Since vampires are always a little different (and that can't be more true than in the Twilight mythos), these Gnomes have abandoned their hats!

You can't get either of these fun Gnomes yet, but look for them soon in both my Etsy and Zibbet** shops! Contact me if you want to order one now!!

* The Blood-Sucking Vampire Gnome is still available! Let me know if you'd rather have this 'traditional' Vampire Gnome!
** Zibbet shop is coming soon! Stay tuned!

Spirit Doll Sightings!

2010-04-14T07:46:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning to find my OOAK Spirit of the Guard Spirit Doll in this lovely green treasury! Beautiful!

An EggTeam Summery Treasury

2010-03-23T13:25:00.003-04:00

I built a treasury today, choosing items from Egg Team members that remind me of summer.

The first is an awesome hand sewn bag in a pretty coral color that reminds me of beach sand. The kitchen towels make me think of the cool air before a thunderstorm, sitting with my warm tea as I watch it approach. Speaking of tea, the coasters are perfect for setting a tall, sweating glass of iced tea upon, poured from the beautiful rose pitcher. Tell me, don't those pretzels look terribly yummy? The adorable scarf makes me think of summer festivals with henna artists and frozen oranges. The awesome bag is perfect for taking a book and a towel to the beach while wearing a beautiful choker in sea glass colors. Summer is a great time to hang with the girls or the significant other. Why not sent them an invitation? Did anyone else play kickball in the street with the other kids in the neighborhood? The rule was the game was over when the street lights came on! Oh, I'm back to some yummy tea while watching the black clouds roll in. And finally, a lovely clock that reminds me of picnics in the park on a hot afternoon.

I'm ready for the warmer days to be here!

Join The Hunt

2010-03-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's here! The Etsy Goodie Goodies Team invites you to join our EGG HUNT!! Egg Team members have hidden eggs somewhere in their shops. Your goal is to find the eggs! You have between now and April 3rd.

Go to http://etsygoodiegoodiesteam.blogspot.com/ for rules of the game and how to enter. The prize is fabulous!

Good luck!

Woolly Gnomes Are Here!

2010-03-12T08:34:00.004-05:00

♫♪♫ New! ♫♪♫

Tiny Woolly Gnomes! These guys are 100% wool and tiny at just over 2 inches tall!

Check them out! More are coming!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fyrecreek?section_id=6871612

COMING SOON

2010-03-10T09:27:00.001-05:00

There will be a fabulous prize!

Are you ready for the hunt?

Giveaway Alert!

2010-03-05T12:34:00.001-05:00

Check out this unbelievably cool Alice in Wonderland giveaway!

http://factorygirlashli.blogspot.com/2010/03/down-rabbit-hole-alice-in-wonderland.html

Good luck!

Piggy Sightings

2010-03-03T18:11:00.004-05:00

My Black Three-legged Good Luck Piggy was featured in the awesome blog of CatalunaDesigns!

See the post here!

And don't forget to check out their fabulous Etsy shop!

Thanks, lovelies!

The Recent Stuff

2010-02-19T08:34:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I never wrote here about the cardiologist visit, so I have several things to update.

The cardiologist: It started with shoving Miss Luna into the cage, which has always been a chore. She had a little panic attack in the car and soiled herself. She never did that before. I don't blame her, of course, for being nervous about getting in the cage now. If I've seen enough of veterinary doctors, I'm sure she really has.

I liked this place, though. They brought us into a room where she could get out of the cage, wander around, get cleaned up, look out the window, and kind of calm down a little. I was with her every moment. She was playing peek-a-boo with one of the technicians. The lady would peek in through the window, and Miss Luna would meow when she saw her. My kitty was on her best behavior. She was talking to me (which I love) and she came to me when I called for her. Everyone said that was impressive. Then the doctor came in and listened to her heart and all of that. I told her about typical behavior: how Miss Luna puts herself near me when I'm working and will come and get me if I get up and take too long. The doctor described that as "needy." That may be, but I love that she does it. So, if Miss Luna needs me, I need her just as much.

After a little bit more time to wander around the room while they were getting the machine ready, they brought us into the exam room. Poor baby had two techs and me holding her down on the table while the doctor covered her with slime. If you've ever had an echocardiogram, you know exactly what I mean. Frankly, it's not very fun. Miss Luna was very still for this, and even closed her eyes for a bit. We then turned her over and slimed the other side. She was less calm about this one.

At the end, the doctor showed me that she did have an enlarged heart, and the walls of the left ventricle are a little on the thick side. This does cause the heart to pump harder than it should, but right now, it's not a big issue. Her regular vet needs to check her heart every six months and we have to go to the cardiologist every year for another echo. This is because it is almost inevitable that her heart will be a problem but, as long as we stay on top of it, we should be able to catch any issues soon enough. The doctor thinks at some point she will be on daily medication, but it's not needed right now.

The following week, she went in to have more blood drawn for another toxoplasmosis screening. Again, she had a panic attack in the car and soiled herself. I hope she will calm down, or get used to her vet visits (as they will be many) to stop doing that. It really breaks my heart that she's so upset about it now. Anyway, this hospital has never ordered this test before, so I didn't get results until this week.

And the results were inconclusive.

This kind of toxo screening is an antibody titer - it looks for the concentration of toxo antibodies in her system. A high concentration would show an active infection. There were more antibodies than when she was first tested in the emergency hospital on January 10th, but not high enough to lead the doctor to believe she was fighting an active infection. This means Miss Luna's exposure to toxo was likely years ago, probably when she was a stray kitten. She has toxoplasmosis, that much is sure, but nothing says for sure that toxo was the cause of her sickness, or even that exposure to something else (like the bartonellosis that the other cat has) would cause it to manifest symptoms.

What does all this mean? Well, it means we don't really know what caused the fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and very obvious neural distress that landed her in the emergency hospital. We don't know if the antibiotic course she was given for toxo would take care of whatever the cause was if it was something else. It means we don't know if she could get sick again, and we'll have to go through this whole process again. That part of it really fills me with dread. I never want to see her moving like that again. Further more, since we don't really know, we don't know if she will expose Callie to anything if I were to bring her with me.

What we do know is that, exposure to bartonellosis or not (which we did not test for but it is highly likely she has it too), bartonelosis does not cause the neurological symptoms that I witnessed. There was something else going on, and it may or may not be the toxo. And I may never know for sure.

I'm going to visit some friends this weekend. right now, I really wish I wasn't. I really want to stay home with my kitty. I haven't gone away for more than one night (and that was only once) since she got sick and, remember, she got sick after I came back from being away for an extended weekend. I can't help but be a little worried. Physically, Miss Luna seems back to her old self, but I don't know what almost three whole days away from me will do. Remember, as the doctor said, Miss Luna needs me. Phoenix said she would be home all weekend and would keep an eye on Miss Luna for me and would call if she seems to be even slightly out of sorts. So, I just need to breathe and go about my plans, and trust that my roommate would let me know of any changes. I think she thought I was being just a little too anxious. I can't help it. I need Miss Luna too.

An Exhibition

2010-02-18T09:01:00.001-05:00

The ministry I work with holds a big outdoor festival in the woods every Beltane (that's in May, for those who don't know). This year will be the third year running. I taught a workshop the first year, and reprised my workshop and worked on their staff for the second year. I didn't have time to be part of the staff this year, and it seems I don't have time to write a new workshop either. However, the addition this year is an artist's gallery, and I've been asked to participate.

What they mean by "artist's gallery" is like a craft fair and exhibition, only no selling will be taking place (because it's illegal to exchange money for goods or services on Federal park property). So, it will be a showcase of my work, while working and talking to people about my process and techniques. People will also have the opportunity to order and pay for items from me in advance to be delivered at the festival, and to place orders for future payment and delivery during the festival.

For some reason, I feel like this is more within the time I can spare than writing another workshop is this year. (And, I can write the workshop as I have time so it will be ready for next year.) That being said, I'm at a loss as to how to prepare for this! I think I'm going to offer a festival discount, and I know I'll be putting my shop in vacation mode for the duration and taking my inventory with me. It's easy to crochet on the go (I do it all the time) and easy enough to bring needle felting and mala-making things with me, but I don't want to ignore my spirit dolls either - which would be extremely appropriate for this venue. I'm not sure how to make that part of my craft portable.

In addition, since no selling is taking place on the site, should I bother to build up my inventory like one would do for a craft fair? I do know that I want to get more spirit dolls made, since I only have two examples on hand right now. What else? Am I missing anything?

Oh, I'll need some kind of way to take orders. I guess a log for specs and addresses, and I can print up some cards with my Paypal information, maybe? Or take down their information and send them an invoice, I could do that. Of course, I could send everyone to Etsy, and give them a code for the festival discount, but I do need a non-Etsy alternative as well. I could take checks because these are local people (and the festival would know how to contact them if something goes wrong). Frankly, I hate the idea of future orders, because how many people really ever follow through with those? Pre-orders, though, might happen and would be grand. But just showing off my items and spending a couple days talking about my creative process would be great too! I need to find some promotional items somewhere!

Does anyone have any other ideas for me?

Sneak Peek

2010-02-18T07:25:00.006-05:00

I have been searching for something that I can make a little faster than my regular Gnomes, so that I can offer something at a lower price-point. Gnomes for Kids come close, as they do work up in about half the time of my collectible Gnomes, but still, I want something quicker.

I've been dabbling in needled felting. I've made sheep and mushrooms and baskets and grapes. I've made tiny tiny things to fit in tiny terrariums. So, the other day, I took note of the time, and set out to needle-felt a Gnome.

Success! These guys took just about an hour a piece, and I think I can cut that back more as I go. They work up quick and, if I do say so myself, incredibly cute!

Here they are, showing with another sneak peak that is about the size of my regular Gnomes. I'm not ready to tell you about this new line, yet!

And here they are again, in the picture with a US quarter dollar. They're somewhere in the ballpark of an inch and a half to two inches tall. I'm working on the pattern now, and hope to offer Gneedled Gnomes soon!

Sale Alert!

2010-02-15T13:50:00.002-05:00

Soap Addicts is having a sale!

Buy one mini 3 pack and get a large soap half off when you use the code "heart" in comments to seller.

Check out her shop!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapAddicts

Happy New Year

2010-02-14T05:17:00.000-05:00

Out with the old!

In with the new!

Happy Lunar New Year!
Welcome to the Year of the Tiger!

Dreams of Sakura

2010-02-05T10:28:00.003-05:00

A new treasury! This one features items that I found while searching "sakura."

I love cherry blossoms. I make it a point to go to the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year. With all the snow that we've been getting, and are getting at this very moment, I'm really dreaming for Spring.

Check out these wonderful artists!

Piggy Sightings

2010-02-05T06:09:00.003-05:00

My Hot Pink Three-Legged Good Luck Piggy is in this awesome treasury by the wonderfully talented StellasKnits. Check it out!

This is one of my favorite piggies. His little face came out so cute!

New to Twitter

2010-01-31T21:32:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm finally on Twitter. You can follow me at http://twitter.com/Fyrecreek or check out my feed on the right sidebar!

I've been meaning to sign up for a while, but only just did it tonight. We'll see if I can keep up with something else!

NEW Gnomes for Kids!

2010-01-30T21:42:00.004-05:00

I am so happy to announce the arrival of Garden Gnomes made especially for kids! These Gnomes are made just like my collectible Gnomes, but they don't have any beads (that give Gnomes some weight and help them stand up) or hard plastic safety eyes. They are made from kid-safe acrylic yarn and stuffed only with kid-safe polyester fiber. Even their eyes are yarn!

With this line come the redesigned female Gnomes! I've made female Gnomes before, but I've long felt they could be even better. These more youthful girl Gnomes are adorable with their little braids and bright red lips!

My two little godsons (14 and 18 months) have been testing Gnomes for Kids for durability. Their moms report that the youngest loves to carry his Gnome around, and sometimes throw it at the eldest. I will always recommend parents supervise their children while playing, but the moms do say the soft Gnomes don't appear to hurt when thrown. At this time, only spot cleaning is recommended. Sending it through the washing machine may destroy the doll. (We do plan to test this in the near future.)

I've been working hard on Gnomes for Kids. Check out the newest Garden Gnomes in the shop today! I hope you and your little ones love them as much as I do!

The awesome mushroom pitcher came from the very talented Vicki of StellasFinds! Check out her shop for other fabulous vintage discoveries!

Japa Malas Are Here

2010-01-29T11:08:00.004-05:00

Hand-knotted Prayer Beads are finally in the shop! There are currently one half length and two full length malas available. Check them out here!

The Ongoing Saga

2010-01-26T09:45:00.001-05:00

Miss Luna has her cardiologist appointment on Thursday. I'll be gone tomorrow because of a dentist appointment (my dentist is still near where my parents' live, I didn't bother to find a new one when I moved). I think she knew I would be away for the day as she was acting very down when I left this morning.

I did finally get a chance to explain to my roommate why I need to get Miss Luna tested for bartonellosis (or, rather, that I will ask a doctor about it) even when her doctor said it wasn't necessary to test the other cats. Simply stating, if I ever want the diabetic cat that I had to leave with my parents in my home again, I need to know exactly what she may be exposed to. My roommate seemed a bit more understanding about it.

They both got the impression that I was in a pissed-off mood when we talked last week. I kind of was, but not at them or the kitten who was the start of the whole mess - just the mess in general. Particularly since the ordeal cost me far more money for one cat than it cost them for three, and Miss Luna far more stress (to include a night in the ER) than their cats had to endure. How can I not be upset about it? But, it is out of my control, and that's why I'm not bitter or blaming.

Just paying my bills and scheduling follow-ups as needed.

Holiday Gnomes

2010-01-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

Attention! All Holiday Gnome designs will be in the shop until the current listings expire! The Halloween Gnomes are going first, starting in February, and then they'll be gone until next season. If you want one and can't wait, now is the time to get it!

Of course, you can always contact me if a Holiday Gnome expires before you get to it.

They're all currently $10 off! It's never too late for a Spider Gnome!

Follow This Logic

2010-01-21T08:18:00.002-05:00

All three of the adult cats in the household have experienced a fever above 105 and have gone to the doctor in the past 2 and a half months. Two of them did not have elevated white blood cells and were only experiencing fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. One of them, my cat, had impaired motor functions and labored breathing as well as an elevated white blood cell count. Her trip to the doctor was more expensive than the other cats combined (even including the kitten's trip to the vet when we first got her) by thousands of dollars, and she still has at least two more appointments to go.

Miss Luna's doctors found evidence of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. In a nutshell, it's incredibly common for a cat to be infected with this parasite yet rare for them to show symptoms. However, the symptoms of toxoplasmosis can account for everything that we've been seeing in all cats, including the kitten's blindness (which we thought was caused by feline herpesvirus).

The last cat to go to the vet was Roscoe a few days ago, and Roscoe does not have an exposure to toxoplasmosis. This doctor is certain that the problem is bartonellosis. This is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It does not account for the additional symptoms I saw in Miss Luna, nor Aura's blindness. This (different) doctor decided on bartonellosis because a household epidemic of toxoplasmosis is improbable because the parasite is so common and cats rarely show symptoms.

But, and here's the fun part, bartonellosis is just as common and showing symptoms of it is just as rare as toxoplasmosis. How does this doctor account for two cats getting bartonellosis and one getting toxoplasmosis and all three showing symptoms of their respective infections when both infections rarely produce symptoms at all? And everyone in the household trusts their own doctors about what is being found.

Needless to say, I'm unbelievably frustrated. Nothing is conclusive, no conclusions add up, and after all the costs, stress, antibiotics, tests, and hassles, we may never know what's really going on.

Truth be told, I just want Miss Luna to be well, to be herself again. And she is improving greatly. She's waking me up in the morning, begging for food, trying to get my roommate's steak, and has started jumping on the kitchen counter to lick the fish juice off the Lean Mean Fat Grilling Machine. But, the other side of that is that it's also a really good idea to know what was wrong. I need to know if it is contagious, not just for the other cats in the home, but if I ever need to cat-sit my parents' diabetic cat where I would normally bring Miss Luna with me, I can't. I can't risk Callie, the diabetic cat, getting sick. I need answers. And it looks like the whole thing is going to be nothing but speculation.

Miss Luna goes to the cardiologist next week and the following week she is to have another blood test to check the toxo levels. I'm going to talk with a doctor then. I'm going to have all my records and notes and a timeline. I need to know if there is further concern.

Some Results

2010-01-14T08:22:00.004-05:00

The ER doctor called last night to say one of the tests showed an exposure to Toxoplasma gondii (not a confirmed toxoplasmosis infection, just exposure, but the test is somewhat inconclusive in that regard).

Here is what I know of the parasite. It is common. Many humans are carriers. The risk of toxoplasmosis is the reason pregnant women should not change a cat's litter box, though people are far more likely to become infected from tainted meat than from their cats. Many cats already have it and may never show symptoms. However, once they have it, they develop antibodies and should never show symptoms after the initial infection. They also only shed eggs after the initial infection.

Toxoplasmosis can cause fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, pneumonia, blindness, loss of coordination, or seizures. Miss Luna had fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory issues, and loss of coordination. And, get this; it's possible that toxoplasmosis, not Feline Herpesvirus, caused Aura's blindness. Actually, with this news, it's highly likely.

That also means it's highly likely that Aura brought the parasite into an environment that should have been, for all intents and purposes, free from it. Symptoms, if they appear at all, are usually after initial infection, which means it wasn't dormant in Miss Luna and just choosing to come out now. It means exposure was recent. It also means that, once it runs through the cats of the house, they will all have the proper antibodies and any eggs still in the environment won't harm them. It further means that, once it has run through and the period of egg-shedding is over, there is no reason why I can't take Miss Luna with me when I visit my parents if I want. There's a bit of a bright side. This is assuming my information from the doctor and my research is correct.

Now, Dreá had the fever/loss of appetite/lethargy bit, but they didn't test for toxoplasmosis. Roscoe had a slight fever and some lethargy, but my roommate did not take him to a doctor. It is possible that Roscoe has a stronger immune system than the other two cats, so symptoms didn't hit him as hard. I wonder if the anemia or enlarged heart is what made the symptoms so awful for Miss Luna.

There are still mysteries, and it's still frustrating. But, if my conclusions are correct, that actually makes things a little easier because, once we get this under control, our animals shouldn't have any more problems and shouldn't be a danger to other animals. Miss Luna has a follow-up today to check her red blood cell count, and I'll be sure to bring my questions. And I'll be coming home with yet another antibiotic. They also want to re-test her levels in a few weeks and she still needs to see a cardiologist.

My poor baby. She had to spend a weekend with the evil (but helpful) doctors, and she has to go back at least thrice more (and, if we're both lucky, that's all she'll need). She has to take this awful antibiotic and another will be added (hopefully in a pill form). The good side is that she is doing worlds better. She's talking to me like she used to, begging for her food, and prodding me to wake up. She's all over the house, climbing on things, jumping on things. That little part of her arm where they had to shave her for the catheter looks funny, doesn't it? Poor girl!

A Cat's Tale

2010-01-11T09:49:00.005-05:00

While my intent was to get my newest line of Gnomes photographed and listed this weekend, that didn't happen all because of my love for a cat.

Let me tell you about this cat. Her name is Miss Luna. The year was 2004, and I was living in my parents' house in Maryland. This wasn't a particularly cold December but, as all Decembers seem to go in Maryland, it had its cold days and nights.

Early in the month, we had started to see a little black kitten around the house. It was short-haired and all black, except for a little white chin and tiny white paws. And it was a tiny kitten. I felt bad for it and so started to leave food on the porch for it. We already had a cat, a large calico named Callie, so leaving food wasn't too hard. They were forecasting snow on the second weekend, and I was concerned for the kitten. I opened the garage door a few inches and set it so I could hit the button and close the door. I moved the food into the garage, and gradually moved it farther and farther in. During the week, I saw the cat in there, but it ran out before I hit the button. Another time, I hit the button, but the door bounced back open and the cat escaped. It was the evening of Thursday, the 9th, when my mother called while I was driving home from work to say she had successfully caught the kitten! I went into the garage to check on her, and she climbed up the door and sat on the track to get away from me. This was not the same kitten I had seen! This one was long-haired, and had a white crescent shape on her nose.

We caught her and caged her and took her to the doctor on Saturday morning. She was so little; at a glance she appeared to be six weeks old. Judging by her teeth, the doctor announced that she was really at least six months old! My main concern was if she had any kind of disease that she would pass on to Callie if we kept her. The doctor gave her a clean bill of health.

Over the next months, I worked with her. She was feral through and through. She hissed and bit and scratched. While she did meow, the sound that came out of her throat was a kind of whispered "ack." I held her with thick leather gloves as mom cleaned her litter box. We kept her in an unused closet for a couple weeks. I held her and played with her several times a day. Next, we let her out into the unused bedroom for a few weeks, and I still held her and played with her every day. Many experts say there comes a point where you simply cannot tame a wild cat, and most of them say Miss Luna was past that point in age. But I worked with her daily, several times a day. I worked up to the point where I didn't need gloves. She found her meow and her purr. Eventually, we let her into the house, where she was perfectly content to stay, to play with Callie (much to Callie's annoyance) and to get into all sorts of mischief.

I could talk for quite some time about Miss Luna's life in the house and the unbelievably cute things she did. She grew into a very sweet cat. She was still very small, the most petite cat I've ever owned, and her tail had a little crook in it, probably from a break in her youth, the doctor said. As for the black cat with the white chin that I had first seen? He lived as a neighborhood stray for a couple years, but met his untimely end in a battle with a car on the main neighborhood road. I must remind myself that I can't save them all.

Fast forward to 2008. That March, our regular veterinarian retired shortly after diagnosing Callie with diabetes. Callie was in a dreadful state; she had lost much of her energy and was no longer using the litter box. For that reason, I couldn't take her with me when I moved into a condo at the end of May. I could, however, make her life a little easier by taking Miss Luna with me. I needed one of my girls, after all. It was a couple weeks after moving in that I brought Miss Luna over. My roommate had two cats already and I wanted all of us to get settled before putting Miss Luna in a new environment. She adjusted fairly well, but the other cats (who are much bigger than my little gal) tormented her frequently.

After a time, she started sleeping on the bed with me at night. This was something she never did at the house, mostly because Callie claimed my bed. Miss Luna spends her time near me. If I'm working at my desk, she's snoozing on the bed behind me. If I'm in the living room, she's on one of the chairs nearby. If I get up to get some water or hunt for a certain color of yarn and take too long, she'll come looking for me. I've gotten rather used to this.

This past November, my roommates brought a kitten into our home. She was eight weeks old, mostly blind, and had fleas. There is a story about this kitten all its own, but the short of it is that the cause of her blindness is Feline Herpesvirus, which is incurable and, while there is a vaccine, it will not prevent the other cats from getting it if they are exposed. I did not know of this kitten's condition when I agreed to my roommates taking her in. I told them to be sure she didn't have anything that she could pass to the other cats, they assured me she didn't. They were wrong, but by the time we all realized that, the damage had been done. My roommate now thinks taking Aura in was a mistake, not Aura's fault of course, nor mine.

Three weeks ago or so, Dréa (one of my roommate's cats) developed a fever. Blood tests did not show she was fighting an infection. The doctor could not explain the fever at all. Dréa got some antibiotics and the fever cleared up in 24 hours.

On January 3rd, I came home from an extended weekend with my parents (I had also spent the previous weekend with them). Miss Luna was not begging for food as she normally did. I put it down for her anyway, and she ate maybe half of it. I asked my roommates if they noticed anything wrong, and they said they had not. That told me she was mad at me for being away. If you've ever owned cats, you'd know this was highly likely. In truth, I wanted to take her with me for the weekend but, since we don't know what adopting Aura may have exposed her too, I couldn't risk spreading that further by exposing Callie (who has enough problems with her diabetes).

As the week progressed, Miss Luna was still not quite acting herself, but she seemed to be improving. And then she seemed to not be improving. I'm used to her begging for every meal and waking me up if I sleep too late (I feed her at the same time every morning, even on weekends when I don't have to go to work). On Saturday, I slept right through my 5:30 alarm and didn't wake up until 10 or so. Miss Luna did not attempt to wake me, which she usually does around 6:30 or 7 if I oversleep. I put food in her bowl and she ate about half of it, which she normally inhales every last kibble, and climbed back on my bed for more sleep. I went about my day. I didn't feed her lunch, because she still had half of breakfast in the bowl. When I came home around 7 in the evening, about half of that was gone. But, there was still food from breakfast!

It's hard to describe what I noticed here. She had flopped onto the floor and was breathing loudly. Her right hind leg seemed to have been causing her pain, as she didn't put any weight on it after I picked her up and set her down. I carried her into the living room so she would be nearby as I worked on something. She rolled onto her side and covered her eyes with her paw, like the light was hurting her, and it was shaking. She then stood up, arched her back like she was stretching, jumped off the chair, and sprawled onto the floor. She picked herself up and, still with the arched back with her back feet turned inward, walked gingerly across the floor to the carpet. That was enough for me. I called the emergency clinic and they told me to bring her in.

My roommate came with me, after giving her completely non-professional assessment that she didn't think my cat needed a doctor. They admitted Miss Luna right away. They found she was moving fine, but took some x-rays and discovered she had an enlarged heart. This makes giving antibiotics and fluids via IV difficult. They drew some blood and started some tests to try to find out what was wrong. They reported that she had a fever of 105.1 and started an antibiotic. We went home around 10:30. Without my cat, who needed to stay for treatment and tests.

They ordered tests for bacteria and parasites, and found through blood work that she was anemic and needed a different antibiotic. Some time in the night, she was showing difficulty breathing and they stopped the IV. It was a very very hard night spent without her.

In the morning, I discussed with the doctor the possibility of taking her home. He wanted to consult with the day-time doctor and give her a chance to further stabilize. At 5:00 in the evening, they let me come and get her. She has a suspension antibiotic (that really must taste awful to a cat), as she still had a slight fever. I have to follow-up with the regular vet to check her red blood cell level and the progress of the anemia. I have to follow-up with a cardiologist to check for heart disease. I am still waiting to hear about the tests that were sent out to the lab.

After all of this, they don't know what caused the problem, and it seems like everything that they found may have contributed in some way to the symptoms she was experiencing, all independent of each other. Was it exposure to Feline Herpesvirus? Something that Aura may have had that was transmitted through fleas? A fluke that an indoor-only cat would catch something infectious at all? A virus that has to work its way through all our cats before we're rid of it? Hopefully the tests will yield some answers.

Now, I am faced with a high vet bill that I have no idea how I'm going to pay off, and it's not over yet. I still have two follow-ups of more tests at least. My dreams of moving out of this rented condo into a purchased house when our lease is up in May are gone. My boyfriend and I were planning a trip to Miami in the spring, which I had to cancel.

On the bright side, Miss Luna is doing better. She was begging for her meals again. She was a little jumpy, and I'm still trying to keep her quiet and calm. It has only been one night since I brought her home, but she is doing better.

Now and for the foreseeable future, all purchases in my Etsy shop will go towards paying for Miss Luna's hospital care. We would be so grateful if you could please find it in your heart to help a cat by buying a Gnome. Thank you.

Incoming

2010-01-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

Watch for new Gnomes, coming very very soon! We're very excited about what is on the way!

Changes

2009-12-23T12:49:00.002-05:00

I spend a good deal of my day in the Etsy forums. I admit that it is generally when I should be focusing on my day-job, but it is a nice way to break up the monotony of the entry-level work that I have to do because we're so short staffed.

Etsy announced yesterday that the current CEO is leaving and a previous one is coming back to the position. In all honesty, it doesn't mean much to me, insofar as I've had an account for about two years and have been selling for even less time than that. I know that any change this company makes will affect me, as I am a customer, maybe even saying a client is more accurate, of said company. But I didn't think too much about it since it was announced. I've only known Etsy under one CEO, and I didn't even know who that was until the announcement that she was leaving (this should say something, actually).

Maybe in a bit of coincidence, the day-job also recently announced a change in CEO. This affects me greatly, as this man is also the company founder, my father has worked for him since I was twelve years old, and I know for a fact that his "retirement" was not a choice move. What this means is that, when he bounces back, and he will, I will be there to support him. My loyalty is not blindly with the company, it is with the former CEO, because I know that he cares about his people and I know that the interim CEO cares about money.

The financial recession hit this company hard. Federal interest rates have a direct relation to our bottom line. We laid off people. When that wasn't enough, all remaining employees took a percentage pay cut. We know that it was either that, or more lay-offs, and the CEO told us directly that he was not willing to do that. I know that he cares about his people.

What does this have to do with Etsy changes?

Well, the new CEO, Rob, announced that he wanted to bring Etsy out of the retail focus and back towards the people. It makes sense: sellers on Etsy are not one big retail corporation; we are all individual, independent artists, designers, crafters, and people with an eye for quality in things that have passed their initial popularity. Etsy should be about people. It is a wonder that it can be anything but.

Today, Rob posted a thread for all the Etsy Admins to come in and say a few words. The forums exploded, but not like they did when Etsy forced the orange gift guide button upon us, but with calm smiles and heartfelt joy. Here, here, and here, and there may be more I missed. Everyone is happy, giddy, smiling. There was a connection to people in the forums today, beyond what happens in the day-to-day.

Even though I don't have memories of a younger Etsy to go on, there was something different about today. I love seeing Admin in the forums, even when they just come in to close a thread. It's like seeing my boss do actual work instead of just dictating. But today, they descended on the forums, gave us quotes to think about, made jokes, and responded to the threads we started talking about their presence.

Today was a good day to be in the forums. If this is the new direction that Etsy is going in, I'm happy to be along for this ride.

A Magical World

2009-12-22T12:00:00.003-05:00

I couldn't resist making another treasury! I filled this one with elvin and fairy-type things for a touch of magic. Enjoy!

Gnome Sighting!

2009-12-21T20:51:00.002-05:00

I don't search for these things nearly frequently enough. (I suppose part of my brain assumes a blogger or shop keeper will tell me when they mention something of mine.) In any event, this fabulous blog by merigreenleaf mentioned my Red and Green Jingle Gnome a few weeks ago. Yonder: http://merigreenleaf.blogspot.com/2009/12/trove-thursday-fantastical-holiday.html

My Gnomes are well traveled!

I'm in a Treasury

2009-12-21T08:32:00.003-05:00

Check out these awesome trees!

What a lovely thing to wake up to!

Sylphs Have Landed

2009-12-07T14:51:00.003-05:00

Sylphs, airy cousins to the earthy Garden Gnomes, are here! There are two in the shop right now, and I have a few more to put up.

Sylphs are air elementals. The breeze that rustles your hair is a Sylph who wants to play! They love hide and seek and they have the very special task of carrying raindrops to thirsty plants everywhere!

These lovely little sprites could also be called fairies or angels, if you like. Have a look!

Writer's Block

2009-12-04T21:56:00.003-05:00

Some of you may be able to relate to this. I am a writer. It is a hobby, but still true. My preferred genre is fantasy, though I go into sci-fi on occasion (I've currently got a steampunk-ish story growing too). I am always coming up with new ideas, new places and creatures and tales jump into my head all the time. I think I have three stories that I'm mainly working on right now. I am always writing something. And, if I'm not writing, the stories - what has gone on before and what will happen in the parts I haven't reached yet - are constantly playing in my head. Each tale has gobs and gobs of support info: details that make the world of the story what it is, but may never actually come out in the story itself.

If you're like me at all, you probably need something to write all those notes on. I tend to type the narrative, but I take notes on everything. It sounds like I need a good story journal, doesn't it? The only problem that I have with nice journals is that I somehow have it in my head that they need to be filled with something special, that my random notes and story thoughts aren't good enough. I'm working to get this mindset out of my head, because a beautiful blank journal is a sad thing, just like a doll who spends her life in a box and is never played with (and I should know about that, being a doll collector).

It was a post on the Etsy forums that led me to the wonderful work of Awaken Journaling. She was talking about clever item descriptions, and mentioned something that she used in one of her lines of journals. I had to check it out, and both of the items she had in this line were awesome.

I am talking about the Apocalypse Journals. These wonderful books of possibilities featured stained pages and rugged leather covers, meant to look like they've been through the Zombie Apocalypse. The part that the forum post was referring to is worth quoting, "They're also an essential in a post-apocalyptic world! Use it to draw maps of safe routes, keep track of food rations, or just to relax and doodle after a long day of zombie fighting." Don't you think you need one?

She had two books of this style posted and I wanted them both! I didn't have the funds for both, though, and I debated with myself over which one I liked more. When funds to buy one became available and I still couldn't decide, I sent probably the oddest question that anyone has ever asked a crafter: "I love them both, but I can only get one, which do you think I should get?" Indeed, if someone posed such a question to me about my Gnomes, I'd have a hard time answering! To make it worse, she compounded my dilemma by listing two more!

In the end, I went with my first choice, the Apocalypse II. Simply put, the cover of this journal is the most awesome piece of beat-up leather I have ever seen. The pages were stained with tea to look old and worn. I've stained pages with coffee before, I think tea works much better! Even with my new journal in hand, I still couldn't write just anything in it.

A couple weeks later, she posted another Apocalypse Journal, held a Black Friday sale, and I got paid. Before I really knew it, Apocalypse I and V were on their way to me. These two looked even more rugged, each with a piece of black on the brown that creates a kind of pocket.

Now, the issue here is that I claim a journal, and a good friend of mine is going to get one for Yule, and the third is unclaimed (so, technically mine) but I don't know which I want to keep the most and which I think my friend would like the most.

At the heart of this decision are the totally awesome journals at Awaken Journaling. If her journals were not so awesome, I would not have this problem! If you are in need of a fine place to write your thoughts, stories, notes, or tally your total number of zombies slain to compare with your buds, you will not be disappointed by checking her out! She has a new line of Pamphlet Journals, and I know I need an assortment of those!

Forum Madness

2009-11-30T19:36:00.004-05:00

I love the Etsy forums. Maybe too much, really. They keep me occupied when I should be working. But, they can be fun.

This evening, someone asked about what we think the trends will be in 2010 (we've seen a ton of owls and cowls this year). Of course, I had something to say about it:

Gnomes, of course! Seriously, the Underground Gnome Revolution will surface very, very soon. I can tell. They talk to me. The Gnomes. They're telling me to get back to work.

I hope everyone had a grand holiday weekend! Viva la Gnome Revolution!

In other news, some new Gnomes were listed in the shop today, as well as a new Piggy, and the Holiday Gnomes are coming. I'll get several up over the next couple days. Want a preview? You got it!

This next one, while not a holiday Gnome, is a much anticipated release here. We at the Gnome Garden have been toiling so hard on this line. I hope all of you will like it as much as we (that is the we that is I) do!

Gnomes and Piggies for less

2009-11-27T09:19:00.002-05:00

It's not really a sale, but I'm here to tell you that now is the time to buy that Gnome or Piggy that you've been wanting! Prices are going up at the end of the holiday shopping season. They won't be at these prices for much longer!

Treasuries Are Addicting

2009-11-12T13:04:00.004-05:00

They must be because here is another one!

This treasury reflects my passion as a doll maker and collector. I could say something about each of these wonderful dolls, or I can let you have a look so they can tell you their stories themselves.

I hope you enjoy it! Etsy crashed just as I was creating it, very dramatic. Thankfully, I got in just in time!

Story Time

2009-11-07T09:08:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm sorry to say that I can't get this screenshot of my treasury any bigger without it getting fuzzy.

I wanted to tell you about this treasury, and why I chose the items I chose.

Some of you may already know, I am a sailor. I started sailing in 1995. My father crewed on a beautiful 36 Catalina called Gone with the Wind that was owned by one of his coworkers, Paul. When he invited me to go on a short weekend sail, I jumped at it.

I became a part of the regular crew for the sailing association's Wednesday night races. I even stopped taking violin lessons, which were on the same night, because I wanted to sail. I crewed for Paul, who became a very dear friend to my father and I, until his death in 2005. In addition to the races (which we only won once, Gone with the Wind was not a racing vessel!), Paul took his crew out for a weekend cruise once a year at the end of the season.

For two seasons after Paul's passing, I crewed on another boat, Tzatsky Too, that was owned by a long friend of Paul's and a member of the sailing association. His boat was smaller by eight feet, and a different make, though I don't remember it now. It took some getting used to after 10 years on Gone with the Wind.

The reasons I stopped sailing aren't important here. Circumstances make it not possible now, and I think my father still sails on Tzatsky Too. My father was also once a member of the US Coast Guard, so ships, the sea, and all things nautical are of great interest to us.

Some of the items in my Treasury are cool ships and fun pirate things and really creative jewelry. I particularly love the paintings, and the photograph in the bottom center that reminds me of some of the images I captured of sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay from the deck of a sailboat. Like this one:

The journal in the left of the first row is another favorite. I love the "map" cover. The lighthouse plaque was included because, while it's not a ship, lighthouses are also one of my passions and very important structures in the days of sail. Benjamin Franklin says "lighthouses are more helpful than churches."

Etsy has some truly awesome maritime-themed items. I was wishing that the Treasury was not limited to the 12 items I've shown, because I would have showcased many more. They all take me back to that wonderful time in my life when I was surrounded by friends, with wind in the sails and land far in the distance.

Where the ocean meets the sky, I'll be sailing.

I Don't Believe It

2009-11-06T16:27:00.001-05:00

If you've ever wanted to make a Treasury, it's not as hard as it seems!

Here it is, my first Treasury! Filled with things that remind me why I love sailing.

I'm so excited because I got it on the first try. None of this coming back days later to try again stuff. Nothing frustrating about it, really. It's all about timing. (And, shhh! don't tell my boss, I did this at work!)

Enjoy, and have fun!

Gnome Sightings!

2009-11-05T17:37:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered why I make Gnomes? If you missed the story here, or in my shop profile, you can find it at the wonderful blog of Shade Tree Studio! And the super-cool things at their Etsy store!

Unfortunately, I can't seem to comment on that blog, so I'll have to try again on a different browser. Be sure to check out all the other awesome shops they've featured!

Gnomish Research

2009-10-22T09:18:00.001-04:00

Gnomes inhabit the realm of folklore for most people. Indeed, I couldn't tell you where I learned what I know of Gnomes: their red hats and fluffy beards, the affinity for gardens and mushrooms. How do we know these things? There is no how, we just know. Heard it somewhere, saw it somewhere, just knew.

For my birthday that just passed, my dear friends presented me with a book. This book is large, it has that musty, old book smell. The dust jacket is secured with tape. There is writing on some of the pages. It was a fine book in its day. Now, it's mine. My book of Gnomes.

In reading this book, I'm finding many things that I already knew, from somewhere. I'm also learning things about Gnomes that I didn't know. They are wonderful beings. I have told the story of how they came into my life, but I can't explain how thoroughly they've settled in and taken over. I love every minute of it.

"To my amazement, I have heard that there are people who have never seen a gnome. I can't help pitying these people. I am certain there must be something wrong with their eyesight."
~ Axel Munthe

An Announcement about CPSIA and Garden Gnomes

2009-10-08T11:22:00.001-04:00

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is a great big law that puts a world of restrictions on children's toys. These restrictions are on materials, decorations, all the components that make up a thing, to reduce the exposure children have to dangerous substances like lead and phthalates. The legislation requires exhaustive and expensive testing of children’s products and specific labeling rules. What it really boils down to is that a plethora of small businesses will go out of business. The law was not designed with the handcrafter in mind. But, that's not why I'm here.

I'm here today to tell you that there is a reason why I say on every listing that my Gnomes are not intended for children under 12 years old. My items are not made for children. This should be obvious in Spirit Dolls and japa mala, but Garden Gnomes are cute, and they're the right size for little hands. Even so, they are not made for children.

My Gnomes are made for the adult collector. They are made sturdy, but I cannot promise they would hold up to rigorous play. They are meant as decorations, not toys. I have never crocheted something intended for children, and I still don't.

I am using materials that are currently exempt from CPSIA testing. If a Gnome gets in the hands of a child, you can be assured that the dangerous materials that CPSIA is trying to guard against are not a part of my Gnomes. However, they do contain small parts, as in the polybeads I use for weight. This product is intended to be used for decorative items only (as stated on the bag by the manufacturer), and that is what I use them for.

Garden Gnomes may be cute and fun, but they are not toys, and were never intended to be toys. My Gnomes are not tested for lead and phthalates, are not labeled as toys, and do contain small parts not suitable for children. Please treat your Gnomes as decorative soft sculpture items. This is how I intend them, this is what I am thinking when I make them. Please keep this in mind when ordering.

Thank you.

Complete Gnomish Goodness

2009-10-01T09:05:00.003-04:00

Among the many large special orders I've been working on, I fit in one very special Gnome. I can honestly say I've never fretted so much about a Gnome before!

A friend wanted a whole set: that is Gnome and Cape of Warmth and Gnomish Travel Basket. I told her she has three colors to pick: for Gnome clothes, cape, and basket. She simply answered with "I like jewel tones, surprise me!" Her husband added that she liked teal. Gah!

First, I had to look up exactly what a jewel tone is. It seems simple enough, but when you have to find yarn in such colors, it's much less simple. Then, I hit my stash. I had a lovely teal, and a brilliant purple, and a bright blue. While they each looked good with one other, all three of them were just too brilliant.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew there was a variegated yarn in colors such as teal and blue and purple and magenta. I knew, because I had learned to crochet with it so many years ago. To my great relief, the brand of yarn that I primarily use still makes it. And, it's called "gemstone." How perfect! And the teal looks fabulous with it.

Check out this perfect little jewel toned Gnome.

Since I had found the perfect color for the Gnome clothes (and, I must say, I love working with variegated yarn. I love the coordinating colors), and another color, I still needed a third. I needed something to break up the rich saturation of the colors I had already chosen, something that wouldn't overwhelm the eye with brilliance, but also wouldn't be so bland that it looked dull in comparison. I was coming up short.

I polled the Etsy forums for suggestions. Most of my responses came from jewelers, who work with jewel tones all the time! The resounding suggestion was gold. It's still a bright color, but some how it doesn't overpower jewel tones, nor is it overpowered by them. And, to my great happiness, my preferred brand of yarn also makes a color (somewhere between yellow and mustard, with maybe a bit of orange thrown in) that they call gold. And it was the perfect shade in the yellow family to match with my variegated jewel colors and teal.

The last question was: which colors go where? I was really set on having the Gnome clothes in the variegated yarn, and it worked well with the maroon/burgundy hat. I thought the gold might be too bright to be a basket. So, that was that.

A gold Cape of Warmth works really great against those bright jewel colors of the Gnomes clothes, doesn't it?

And, here is the little bejeweled Gnome in his rich, teal basket, with coordinating yellow buttons!

I think I fretted so much about this really because I didn't want to pick something that she wouldn't like. One friend commented that she'd really like anything, but that didn't help me quell my worry! Thanks to all the wonderful Etsians (both from the forums and elsewhere) who helped me with that third, elusive color! I love how they turned out. I think that's a smartly-dressed Gnome with a smart cape and a cozy basket!

Contact me to order a 3 piece Gnome set of your very own! I hope you can see how much thought goes into my process and how I strive to make a Gnome you will love!

Gnome Sighting!

2009-09-21T07:11:00.000-04:00

Pirate Gnome has been off on an adventure of his own! You can find him and other piratey goodness at Cuteable!

Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day

2009-09-19T09:38:00.004-04:00

Being a pirate is all fun and games till somebody loses an eye.
It stings like the blazes, it makes you make faces, but you can't let your mates see you cry.
A dashing black patch will cover the hatch and make sure your socket stays dry!
Being a pirate is all fun and games till somebody loses an eye!

Avast! It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Celebrate with a Pirate Gnome of your very own to help you plunder that buried treasure! Check him out in the shop. I can make a Pirate Gnome with a different colored eye and sash if you want one, just contact me!

Trading Gnomes

2009-09-15T20:45:00.004-04:00

The wonderful artist and creator of RhagDolls has been a guest vendor at the Maryland Renaissance Festival for the past three years, including this year. She gets to spend a weekend or two selling her wonderful dolls. I have bought one every year. The first year, my doll was dressed in blue, and matched the outfit I wore that day. The second year, my doll was dressed in purple and green, my two favorite colors. This year, I bought a Wizard of Air.

She also made little Gnome dolls. They all had fluffy white beards, red or black pants, red or blue shirts, and a red hat. For my very first trade experience, we traded Gnomes! I made one to match her Gnome colors just for her.

Here they are together before my Gnome was delivered. Aren't they cute little brother Gnomes?!

I adore this doll maker and her beautiful and fun dolls. I'm so happy that my first trading experience was with this fantastic artist. I can't wait to see her back at the festival next year.

One More Special Set for Halloween

2009-09-14T07:13:00.000-04:00

In celebration of my Garden Gnomes' first Halloween, they decided to raise some pumpkins! These pumpkins have been decorated with felt faces and have felt stems and leaves. This set of three jack-o-lantern pumpkins is available in the shop!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Thirteen

2009-09-13T08:08:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

This is the pride of my Halloween collection! This Ghostly Gnome glows in the dark. She sparkles with ectoplasm in her clothes and hair. This is a one of a kind Gnome. I may make other ghosts, but I will never exactly duplicate this Gnome. She took the longest any Gnome has ever taken to complete. Visit the shop to take this special Gnome home!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Twelve

2009-09-12T08:41:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

This little red Devil Gnome has come to play Halloween games with you. He may have horns and a devilish tail, but he's just a fun-loving demon at heart. Go check him out in the shop.

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Eleven

2009-09-11T08:38:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

Everyone runs from poor Grim Reaper Gnome. He's scary, to be sure. But he's also crazy cute! This cuddly guy wants to keep you company. Have a look at him in the shop.

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Ten

2009-09-10T08:46:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

I can't make a Witch Gnome and not make the counterpart! Bedecked in nice blue clothes and cape with yellow trim and decorations, who can say no to this magical guy? Have a look at the shop for some more!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Nine

2009-09-09T08:43:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

I can't have a celebration of Halloween without celebrating Halloween candy! Even though both of my roommates are not fond of the stuff, I like it. I couldn't resist making a candy corn hat for this little guy. I swear, it almost looks good enough to eat. Go check it out in the shop!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Eight

2009-09-08T08:18:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

This Little Gnome is wearing the best costume ever! He's dressed like a Halloween pumpkin. He has four eyes and two smiles. It's the greatest fun. Come join the party at the shop!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Seven

2009-09-07T07:31:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

The forlorn Warewolf Gnome just wants to be your friend. He doesn't understand why the other Gnomes are afraid of him. He is fuzzy and cuddly like a puppy! Warewolf Gnome is one of a kind, I will never make another like it! Check out the shop to adopt this Gnome.

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Six

2009-09-06T08:26:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

Run for your lives! Zombie Gnome is on the loose! He looks a little crazy in a sickly state of decay. He wants your brain! Check out the shop if you dare!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Five

2009-09-05T08:05:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

Introducing Bat Gnome! Is he a winged mammal or a super hero? If you ask Bat Gnome, I bet he'd tell you he's both! Check out the shop for a look at him.

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Four

2009-09-04T11:32:00.001-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

The fourth Gnome in my Halloween collection is the blood-sucking Vampire Gnome! He has a felt cape, felt fangs, and red fabric paint blood. Check out the shop for more details!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Three

2009-09-03T08:01:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

Today's Halloween Gnome is dressed as a little black cat, even though she's wearing her favorite purple dress. She has a cat tail, and some cat ears (no Gnome hat, it would get in the way!) and even a nose and whiskers! Check her out at the shop!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number Two

2009-09-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

Today's Gnome is dressed as a spider! He crawls around on eight fuzzy legs! My roommates say he reminds them of one of the toys in Sid's room (from Toy Story). I think they're right! Check out the shop for more details!

The Thirteen Gnomes of Halloween - Number One

2009-09-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

Garden Gnomes come together to bring you 13 Elementals in fun and creepy costumes!

I've been working hard getting Gnomes all ready for Halloween. Starting today, I will be listing one Halloween Gnome a day. There are thirteen Gnomes in this collection, each one cute, cuddly, and maybe a little creepy. While all are one of a kind right now, some will never be duplicated.

The first Gnome is the Witch and her Black Cat. She holds a little broom, ready to take to the sky! Check out my shop for more details.

One Quick Outing and New Friend Part 2

2009-08-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

We're back! And we took Noam and Squirt with us to the dentist! They were both very scared and stayed well away as my dentist was working. I expected both of them to think the dentist was torturing me, but I guess they must have seen that I was perfectly fine and asked questions instead (questions that I could only answer with an unladylike grunt!).

Does it hurt? What's that thing for? Does it taste good?

Noam spent time talking to the receptionist while Squirt took a nap as we were waiting for my parents to get done. I let them both to their thing, since I had projects to work on.

This is my friend!

After getting nice clean teeth, it's tradition that we go and dirty them up again. We went to Red Robin because we needed the fast service we have come to expect from them in order to make our movie in time. The nice people gave Noam and Squirt some crayons and a place mat with games so they could play while we waited for food. They were joined by the origami bunnies too!

Squirt likes to color.

We all had fun finding words!

After lunch was the movie. This is what Noam was really looking forward to. It was his first movie! Even Squirt, who had only joined us that morning, was excited to be seeing it.

Shh, it's starting!

. . . .

I know Noam and our new friend Squirt had a great day out and about. Noam tells me that Squirt, being such a little piggy, doesn't like going out much. He's afraid he will get lost in the big world. I can understand that. Since this trip, Squirt stays home most of the time. He likes it there. There is room in Noam's Gnomish Travel Basket for Squirt when he does decide to come with us.

Noam's next adventure will be the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I've been waiting to bring Noam to this for months. It should be great fun!

One Quick Outing and New Friend Part 1

2009-08-28T07:41:00.000-04:00

Poor Noam! I forgot to put up this adventure. He's mad at me. This turned out to be a very important day for him. Not only was it his first trip to the dentist, and his first movie, he met a new friend!

The day started like any other day. Noam and I were going to join my parents on the back patio for breakfast before we went to our appointment. Noam noticed something on the fountain that I didn't notice.

What's that?

When he went over to look, he found something wonderful! A tiny three-legged piggy! He was just like the bigger piggies that Noam plays with every day while they're waiting for new homes, only much much smaller. Noam said his name was Squirt, because he is definitely the runt of the three-legged piggy family. Squirt's voice is too soft for me to hear.

Hi, Squirt!

Noam, being the wonderfully friendly Gnome that he is, invited Squirt to say with us. They both shared my breakfast.

We like the fruit!

Since this day was a day for going to the dentist. I had to show Noam and Squirt how to brush their teeth. I'm so happy that I had a little Noam-sized toothbrush! Squirt needed some extra help.

Am I supposed to eat that?

And, we must not forget to floss!

That's not how you do it, guys!

Tomorrow, we'll see what happened at the dentist, and after! Stay tuned!

Look Out Behind You

2009-08-19T08:11:00.000-04:00

Halloween Gnomes and other Elementals are coming soon.

Stay tuned!

They're Here!

2009-08-11T15:57:00.000-04:00

Gnomish Travel Baskets have arrived!

They're nice and big so there's plenty of room for a Gnome and all the things he finds on his travels. A seat belt is secured by a single button in the back. This strap can be twisted to make a tighter, more secure fit. A button on the right secures the hanging strap.

Your Gnome can travel in his basket . . .

. . . on your purse . . .

. . . on your belt . . .

. . . or from the mirror in your car!

I bet you can think of many more places to secure your Gnome in his Gnomish Travel Basket! Noam and I tested it thoroughly. He was tipped this way and that in his basket over the past week, and even fell out of a bag and rolled to the floor of my car (that's what I get for not securing him to the bag!). The whole time, he stayed secure and safe in his basket. We're certain your Gnome will love his Gnomish Travel Basket!

Gnomes fit snugly inside and are secured with a seat belt. There's plenty of room if your Gnome should be wearing his Gnomish Cape of Warmth, too!

The Gnomish Cape of Warmth is ready also. It's a simple cape that fastens around a Gnome's neck with a small loop and button. Keep your Gnome cozy and warm in the coming cold seasons!

Here is the Gnomish Travel Basket with a Gnomish Cape of Warmth. Both are available by special request. You're seeing a Gnomish Travel Basket in forest browns and greens and a Gnomish Cape of Warmth in camouflage browns. (You may have noticed that Noam's Gnomish Travel Basket is a nice, sage green.) Almost any color is available.

New Gnomes

2009-08-10T18:20:00.000-04:00

A new set of Gnomes is up in the shop. A few more are coming over the next few days. I'm particularly fond of this pair. I hope you like them too! Check out the shop for details!

The Result

2009-08-05T21:13:00.001-04:00

Thanks, everyone for your support with the fan art contest. I'm here to report that I won!! It makes me happy, because I worked very hard on that project.

My prize was a signed copy of the graphic novel. I think my comic-gurumis approve!

Testing in Progress!

2009-08-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Noam is hard at work testing new Gnomish Travel Baskets. His friend who now lives far away (and is having great adventures with his new human, I'm told) requested one. Noam and I have been working hard to make sure it is gnice and comfy and Gnomes will feel safe and secure riding in one. It's also roomy so Noam and all his friends can carry all the little gnick-gnacks they may find on their travels!

Coming soon!

Also, I expect the Garden Gnome's nearest neighbor, Sylphs, will be arriving soon. Stay tuned!

Noam's Family Weekend Part 2

2009-07-28T21:00:00.000-04:00

Before heading off to my brother's place, we hung out at the hotel to give people a chance to get home from work. And, take a much needed nap!

I get my own bed. And it's huge!

My brother's awesome home is actually a little farm. He's still working on getting it going, but he had a nice little vegetable garden.

Maybe I can help!

My brother couldn't do much as he was recovering from surgery, but my sister-in-law took us to an awesome book fair. It's two big warehouses full of cheap books! Heaven!

I like the cookbooks best!

After we bought our hearts out with books, we hung out and watched a couple movies. Noam played with the cats.

Ichus wasn't all that scary.

Winston kinda scared me.

Then it was one more night in the hotel and a long drive home. Thankfully, my parents took Noam and I straight home and we didn't have to ride the Metro back.

It was a fun little weekend!

Noam's Family Weekend Part 1

2009-07-27T20:24:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago, Noam came with my parents and I to visit my brother.

First, we had to take a Metro train to my parents' home. I'm pretty sure this was the first time I rode the Metro without another person. I'm glad I had my Gnome with me!

Moving right along, HEY!

After our evening train ride, we hung out with my mother then got a good night's sleep for the three hour drive ahead of us.

A good road trip starts with a good breakfast. Today, it was coffee and muffins.

And Noam-sized china!

Sometime through our ride, we had to stop for lunch, too. Noam had more of my milkshake than anything else.

It was yummy!

We started in Maryland and were headed all the way to the Shenandoah valley. Soon to be a thing of the past, we had to make use of the little break area.

That's a lot of miles!

Just up the road from my brother's place is a nice little hotel. We've stayed there before. This time, Noam and I had our own room.

I like it better than camping!

Next, a day of visiting!

The Dreamer FanArtPolooza 2009

2009-07-13T11:59:00.001-04:00

I'm not usually one for entering contests. I often feel that my effort goes unappreciated, and I often put forth a ton of effort. Costume contests are my biggest example of this. For example, I once spent 19 hours gluing sequins to a pair of shoes because I wanted Ruby Slippers. Every time I've entered something with those shoes (sometimes Dorothy, sometimes the Wicked Witch of the East) I did not win to someone who bought a costume and put little or no thought into it. One time, I painted my skin blue and my hair white to be a Dark Elf from EverQuest. I lost in the scariest category to a man who bought a nun get-up. Once, I even painted a friend up to look like Darth Maul (and she looked good, if I do say so myself) but she didn't win to some guy who bought an Obi-Wan costume. I could go on, but the point is I'm very picky about putting my art out there to be judged. It hurts to feel effort go unnoticed, especially when next to no effort at all.

I read webcomics. There are several in my list of things I hit every few days. One of them is called The Dreamer, and if you like historical fiction and the American Revolution, you need to be reading this comic.

Last year, she had a fan art contest. I submitted a Barbie Doll done up like her main character. It was great fun, I had never worked so long on a doll before. I didn't win the contest, but I didn't feel that my effort went unappreciated either. See, there is no bitterness if something is deservingly better (it's a shame the cake was not eligible to win. That would have been more of a worthy defeat than the entries that did win, but I digress).

The artist is nearing the end of another fan art contest, in celebration of the release of the graphic novel (my friend who manages a Borders says it won't be available for order until the 29th. You should get one!). In honor of my amigurumi doll making passion, I made a couple for this time around and recreated one of my favorite scenes from her comic. As far as effort, if anyone wants to know, you're looking at about 15 hours of work, to include the making of the dolls and accessories, and the photo shoot and editing. Can you find the page?

This is the second time I've put my art under this kind of scrutiny. But, this is the kind of contest that I love. It's the kind that encourages; actually, demands, effort and time, thought, and talent shine through in every entry. That's what I like. I don't feel like I'm the only one trying and I'm happy to be among so many creative people who put their passion for this story into their art so beautifully. This kind of contest isn't about winning, it's about creating. That's the best kind, I think. Check out all the other awesome entries when you're done checking out the comic (I say read first, so you know what people are talking about!).

By the way, for those of you who want to know, Noam still has some pictures from the end of my vacation and another kayaking trip that he wants me to put up. I just haven't yet had the time! I'll try to get them up for him before the week is out!

More Piggies

2009-07-12T23:38:00.000-04:00

More Three-Legged Good Luck Piggies have been listed. Go have a look!

Noam's Paddling Expedition Part 3

2009-06-27T00:59:00.001-04:00

The second to last day of our trip had us stopping at a park I knew well for lunch. Before we ate, we toured the rural life museum, which was a collection of buildings from the just post-Civil War era and many objects that one might find in an old, off the beaten path, kind of town like those in Southern Prince George's County at the time.

The first building was a chestnut log cabin built buy a former slave, Charles Duckett. Many of the beams were the original chestnut that Duckett hewed himself.

Stew is ready!

Just outside the Duckett Cabin was a quaint little garden. A lovely museum actor told us a lot about what it must have been like to live in such a cabin, sustained by such a garden.

The potatoes look good.

One of the highlights of this town-like museum is the Sears Modern Home, a home-building kit sold in the catalog of Sears Roebuck and Company in the early 1900's. It seems I was quite lax in getting pictures of the outside of this house, but Noam had some fun inside.

The bed is soft.

Re-cord. Neat!

The Duvall Tool Museum was really neat too. It had many items in common use in the early 1900's. There was a dentist's chair, an apple cider machine, and even an old cash register. Noam was very interested in the cobbler's and cordwainer's tools.

If it's not mushrooms, it's shoes!

There was also a child's school desk and related items.

And musty old books!

An area was set aside to look like a general store. I liked the old cash register. Noam stopped to have a chat with an old rag doll.

You would not believe the stories she had to tell.

After this stop, we camped along my favorite creek. I paddle ths creek often, and even had the chance to go at night. The night paddle along my favorite part of this river was beyond amazing. The look of things usually familiar in the starlight, the sound of night creatures in the wetlands. And we even encountered a family of six Barred Owls. Just unbelievably beautiful.

The next and final day of our paddle had another mishap. We managed to miss the creek where we were supposed to land and have lunch. We realized where it was later: at a part of the river where the water was very shallow and there were ten or more Great Blue Herons wading in it. We paddled silently by them. By the time we realized we had gone up the wrong creek, it was closer to just keep going to the end than it was to go back up the river to the planned stop.

It's hot out here and I want lunch!

We finally made it to the final landing, and so did lunch. So, all's well that ends well! We have one more adventure planned for the end of my two week long vacation: a quick weekend visit more than two hundred miles away from this river to see my brother. More to come, stay tuned!

Note: Garden Gnomes are not waterproof and should be protected from excess moisture. This Gnome is being carefully guarded by a trained Gnome-handler and experienced kayaker. Please be sure you and your Gnomes know the risk before attempting this or any stunt. Gnome doctors may not be able to save your Gnomes in the event of a mishap. No Gnomes were harmed in the photographing of this adventure.

Noam's Paddling Expedition Part 2

2009-06-27T00:28:00.000-04:00

Our first day of kayaking ended up being more adventure than anyone wanted. To make a long story short, recent rains and the opening of a dam made the river too swift for many of the paddlers to handle. I was instructed to secure my boat to an old gazebo on the side of the river, in the rising water, and walk through private land to get to a road where someone could pick me up and take me back to camp. Noam was terrified, even though we were never in any danger, so he stayed snug in my dry bag.

The incident of fifty kayakers abandoning their plans for an eight-mile paddle caused an unbelievable media frenzy. They're like vultures! The media ended up being the real problem, we were in more danger in being covered in that filthy water than we were for any other reason, but they kept trying to make a story out of it. (Many of them ended up reporting wrong information, but that's irrelevant to Noam's adventure.)

I think the cameras scared Noam quite a bit. The EMTs had taped off a section for us so we could get some peace as we regrouped, had lunch, and made a plan to recover boats and make it to the next camp site. I found Noam hiding in a tree!

Keep them back!

They're scary!

I didn't like talking to them much either, Noam.

I sent Noam to the campsite with one of the other paddlers. He was done with the water for the day, but I had to go back for my boat. After many hours, I arrived at the campsite. We were to have a fun party with music and contra dancing into the wee hours of the night. Noam may not have liked the cameras, but I think he likes being on stage.

I need to learn an instrument.

He had some fun with the second group of players, the ones leading the dancing, as well.

And, turn to the left, turn to the right, bow to your partner!

I didn't have much energy to be dancing all night, after that very eventful day. I went to bed early. I didn't even hear Noam crawl into his sleeping bag.

The next day, we actually got to hit the water! There was a big black cloud that caused some worry, though. The group I was with beached the boats while it passed. It didn't send more than a few raindrops on us, but it is still better to be safe. I sure don't want to be on the water with nothing around, holding a big metal pole in my hand when lightening has potential!

It was a little boring waiting for the cloud to pass. Noam was busy chatting with some of the other paddlers.

And then he said....

We also worked on some river restoration and education projects. I chose to work on the nature play area, and Noam and I spent two hours making a sign for it. I burnt my hand on the hot bit when it flew out of the drill, so the wetlands sanctuary had better appreciate what I went through!

I worked hard, too!

This day ended with a fantastic sing along. Noam didn't know these songs that I learned some twenty five years ago. It was really fun to teach him.

The fox is on the town-o!

The gent who normally plays the fiddle in this group had a fiddle mishap (it was in two pieces!) so he played the mandolyn instead. I play fiddle as well, but always struggled with the mandolyn. Here he is, showing Noam a chord.

Was that C or G?

And so ended our third night. We've got two more days on the water and one more night camping to go.

Noam's Paddling Expedition Part 1

2009-06-26T00:16:00.000-04:00

This year, I was very excited to go on the annual Patuxent River Sojourn. Noam was thrilled to be coming with me. It was a new experience for both of us!

The first day was Thursday, and not much was going on. Noam waited in my little camping chair.

When does the fun start?

After the tent was all set up and the kayaks unloaded, I left Noam to go park the car at our final destination. I took a bus with other paddlers back to our camp ground. Just as we got back, everyone was getting ready for dinner.

Time for chow!

Dinner was a barbecue beef thing and some yummy veggie salads. It was also a great time to chat with and get to know other paddlers.

Are you going to finish that?

After a brief meeting about the trip and what to expect, we had drumming around the campfire. I was told these were some kind of Navajo drums, Noam just liked to jump up and down on them.

Boom! Boom!

After a long night of drumming, it was time to hit the sack! We had to rest up to get an early start for one of the two longest paddles of the trip.

Goodnight, Gnome.

Back From the Trip

2009-06-23T18:54:00.000-04:00

I'm back!

Noam came with me on an extended kayaking weekend. He has many stories to tell you about his adventure. I'll load pictures for him a little later.

Vacation Alert!

2009-06-17T11:54:00.000-04:00

Hello, lovely blog readers! I'm here to tell you that Fyrecreek's Bazaar is going on a little vacation! The shop is still up and you may purchase anything you like, but I will not be able to process your order until next Tuesday, the 23rd. I'm sorry if this causes any inconvenience for you.

See you next week!

The VARF, Part 3

2009-06-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

Noam's VARF adventure continues!

After the alpacas, we ran across Mad Maggie. She was juggling. Noam had never seen such a thing before and wanted a closer look. Mad Maggie obliged. I don't think that's quite what Noam had in mind.

Wee!

Noam found some pirate ducks on a board. He decided to follow them. They did not mind, but said he needed an eye patch and warned him that he might get wet. Noam did not want to board any further.

We're boarding!

Next, it was back to the militia encampment to visit with my dad again. Noam did not understand the stocks. He wanted to go in so he could see for himself.

I'm innocent!

One of my favorite features of this festival is the stone labyrinth set in a field. It is a meditative process to walk the spiral-like paths in to the center and back out. Noam really enjoyed it.

There's peace here.

As is tradition after any day at a Renaissance festival, we were starving! We fought some traffic and finally found a nice restaurant to take a break, replenish some fluids, and fill our bellies. At the end of the meal, Noam played with the origami bunnies.

Two, three, and hop!

It was another long car ride to my parents' house were Noam and I were staying for the night. He settled in before I was even ready for bed!

Turn off the light, please!

Noam and I had so much fun at the VARF with our friends. I hope we can do it again soon!

Noam's next adventure is this weekend's kayak and camping trip. He's got his gnome bag all ready. I know we'll have a great time. Stay tuned!

The VARF, Part 2

2009-06-16T11:24:00.000-04:00

Noam's VARF adventure continues!

After the great fun with the trumpet fairy (and maybe still a little too much wine in his little Gnome system), Noam found an empty stage and did his best rendition of Puck.

If we spirits have offended....

An audience gathered! They looked to be having fun!

They love me!

After his performance, Noam decided to take a break with some of the ladies of court. I hope he didn't say anything embarrassing!

I'm a lady's Gnome.

I was very happy to learn that the creator of fine soaps, GreenDeva, was back again this year. We spent a little bit of time here, my friend telling the nice lady of Noam's adventures. She asked Noam to pick his favorite soap. It was Cranberry, of course.

Just like my hat!

GreenDeva also had a little Buddha that Noam took some time to meet and speak with.

What is the sound of Gnome hands clapping?

There are alpacas at the faire! I love these critters and the worried sound they make. Noam wouldn't go near. He thought the alpacas might eat him!

It's behind me, isn't it?

That's all for today. Tune in tomorrow for the final part of Noam's VARF adventure!

The VARF, Part I

2009-06-15T22:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, Noam accompanied me to the Virginia Renaissance Festival. I made a special Gnome Bag for him that he can sleep in and ride around in. In this way, he rode around with me to see the faire.

The adventure started with the long, more-than-an-hour car ride to the site of the festival. Noam got a little bored because he wasn't tall enough to sit securely in his seat and look out. He needed to be buckled in, though. Safety first!

Safe and Secure!

One of our first stops was the wonderful kettle corn makers. I'm not a big fan of kettle corn, really. I can take it in small handfuls only. Thankfully, they were giving out free samples that were just handfuls! Unbeknownst to me, Noam got his little gnomey mitts on a nice, warm kernel of corn.

Yum!

After our snack, we went to visit my dad, who works at the faire. We followed him to a little show then wandered around some more.

On our way about, we found a shop that had a ton of Gnomes! They were all so cute, Noam just had to spend some time with them. It was like a Gnome reunion.

Hi, everyone!

Noam's new friends even invited him inside their mushroom house. It looks so cozy in there! And I bet it was nice to get out of the sun!

I'll make some tea!

The VARF is on the grounds of the Lake Anna Winery. They had a little booth at the faire were we could sample and purchase some of their tasty wines. Noam had to be careful about how much he drank. He's just a little Gnome!

I liked the cider best!

Noam might have had a little too much to drink, because I found him having a grand time with this fellow. He was a trumpet fairy, come to the faire for Midsummer week eve. Noam told many Gnomish stories, and the trumpet fairy had a lot to trumpet back to him.

My friend!

That's all for now. There were just too many pictures for one little Gnome to put in one little blog post! The adventure continues tomorrow!

Meet My Gnome

2009-06-12T23:29:00.001-04:00

My world is a gnomish place. It is full of Gnomes. I have a colony of Gnomes, eagerly awaiting new homes.

One Gnome decided he did not want to go away to some other home. I told him he could stay with me, and he told me his name was Noam. Noam, the Gnome.

Noam says hello!

I am going to be on vacation for the next two weeks, and Noam wants to come with me. He promised to take lots of pictures so you, dear readers, can follow him on his vacation.

Noam's journey started with getting to know my home.

Noam loves Miss Luna!

Noam liked cuddling up to my cat, Miss Luna. She was warm and fluffy!

Look out, Noam!

I think Miss Luna thought Noam got too close. Poor Noam!

Goodnight, little Gnome!

After an ordeal like that, Noam was exhausted! He cuddles up with the bucky creature, Vímn. She's full of comfy buckwheat hulls. What a great bed!

Next, Noam experiences the Virginia Renaissance Festival. Stay tuned!

Something Fun

2009-05-22T07:40:00.000-04:00

My logoist has been working hard to create fun images for my shop.

Here's the first Garden Gnome comic! She's the best ever!

Open for Business

2009-05-19T22:52:00.000-04:00

I've been working so hard for months to get everything right. I've never done this before. It's like swimming into the deep end of the pool for the first time. Everything had to be right.

This is as right as I can possibly get it and I'm so happy to tell you

MY ETSY STORE IS OPEN!!

Check it out at http://fyrecreek.etsy.com or the links to the right.

I've only got a handful of things up right now. More will come. This is just a place to begin.

Thanks for looking!

Super Mondo Product Photo Shoot

2009-05-13T13:56:00.000-04:00

Today, I pulled out my handy photo tent and set my current inventory of finished gnomes, piggies and Spirit Dolls into it one by one, and took pictures to my heart's content. It was exhausting! But, after some cropping, it means I'll have the wonderful thing known as "product photos." Ooo with me now: "Oooooo!"

I'm aiming to have my shop up and running by the end of the week. No promises though, there are a lot of last-minute things I need to do, but I'm working on it!