Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Lake House


Just around this time of the year....when the flowers start to poke their heads above the ground and the weather is warming up a bit......we begin to think of our house at the lake in the Adirondacks......

This has been a special place for generations of my family as we have been coming here each summer for many years.... long before I was born. (Yes, that is me in my tube floating in the lake)....


My great grandparents, Sidney and Laura, who I am fortunate to remember well......built their camp in the 1930's.....It was called "The Dollhouse" and they had beautiful gardens all around it.


Their son, my grandmother's brother, Webster built our camp right next door. (In these mountains....every house, cottage or cabin is called a camp!)



These pictures are all from past seasons....of the inside corners and nooks of our camp.



Most everything in our camp is either a hand me down, cast off or has come from yard sales, church sales and flea markets.....




The focus of our time spent here is on the outside.....the lake, swimming, skiing, fishing, hiking...
It is a very unpretentious, comfortable space....



There is lots of cooking and baking and serving of meals to large numbers of family and friends....



On rainy days some of us read, put puzzles together or play games .....others work on crafts....quilt, paint or cook. Still others play or listen to music. A favorite pastime is the afternoon nap.



I will do a future post on the outside....my little garden, the mountains and the lake.....but for now I thought you would like a peek at some of the found treasures that compose a few vignettes on the inside.



My family is fortunate to have a place like this to come back to each summer....



It is where we relax, re-connect.....feel grounded. It has been a constant in our lives.....






Our children bring their friends and it becomes special and home to them as well.



They put up with my collections...........in exchange for a pillow and a meal and maybe a ski around the lake....





I'll be itching to get up there in another month or so.....open the windows, sweep away the cobwebs and get things ready for another summer of family fun....

Monday, March 30, 2009

More Make-Do's



Last evening I posted about my friend Evi as she was exhibiting her dolls and creations at a show not far from my home .



Besides her dolls and rabbits Evi also brought along three wonderful Make-Do's..........



I was weak..... I simply could not resist...... This one came home with me...... Let me tell you the reasons......



1. I love Evi.


2. the exquisite craftmanship
3. the attention to detail


4. the antique fabrics, notions and scissors
5. the tarnished metal base


This is Evi's card and there is an old photo attached of a young child named Issy.....
See what I mean about the details? Now, seriously, can you blame me?

Sunday, March 29, 2009

The Dollmaker's Labor of Love


Evi's dolls were on display today.....an amazing collection of handmade creations with the most exquisite details.....each pattern developed, every fabric carefully chosen, each stitch precisely taken and every notion selected by Evi herself. Well known in the doll making world with many devoted followers, Evi incorporates antique fabrics, buttons and accessories in her work.







Please click on the photos to enlarge for a better view of the details....


She even made a doll for this doll!
























Look at all those strawberries she made by hand....





What a sweet face!


Her rabbits are my personal favorites......

























A happy customer.....she came today looking specifically for one of Evi's rabbits....










Two little Scotties accompany this doll....


Child size Big Bold and Beautiful Bertha!










Ah....This one will keep me up tonight......She comes with the little steamer trunk and leather satchel. I had to leave her behind but may be dreaming of her.....


The blue and brown silk fabric of her skirt is wonderfully rich....








If you are interested in purchasing any of Evi's dolls or want more information please email me and I will put you in touch with her! Evi has sold her dolls exclusively at shows in the area for years. Her dolls have been purchased by collectors everywhere and travel to homes all over the world. Evi wants to create a website of her own to sell her treasures.....If you know of anyone or have suggestions that can help us with that....please let me know!

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